About The Ithaca Alumnae Chapter of DST
Chapter History
On February 2, 1980, in St. James AME Zion Church, Ithaca Alumnae Chapter was chartered by the National Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Rev. W. Pender III, St. James’ pastor gave the Welcome, Soror C. Armstead, Delta’s Eastern Regional Director, was guest speaker and the late Mr. James Gibbs gave the Community’s Response. The sixteen charter members began Ithaca Alumnae Chapter with a solemn pledge to foster high ideals in the moral, social and intellectual like of the community. The chapter began its commitment to service at St. James AME Zion Church, and we remain dedicated to serving Ithaca, NY; Tri-County- Elmira, Corning, & Horeseheads.
ITHACA ALUMNAE CHAPTER CHARTER MEMBERS
Myrtle Bell, N. Yolanda Burwell, Earlene Carr, Eloise Curry, Otelia Duboise, Ida Futch, Dorothy Garner, Shirley Harrell, Joycelyn Hart, Mary Knox, Shiriki Kumanyika, Violet McGirth, Vashti Peagler, Marjorie Penalver, Eleanor Rice, Ernestine Walker
President's Welcome
As President of the Ithaca Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, I am humbled and honored to welcome you to our official website. It is with immense gratitude and a spirit of sisterhood that I invite you to learn more about our chapter, our work, and our commitment to the Ithaca community.
For more than 45 years, the Ithaca Alumnae Chapter has remained committed to Love, Care, and Concern—love for our organization, care for one another, and concern for the communities we serve. These principles guide our work, strengthen our sisterhood, and inspire us to continue advancing the mission and values of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Our chapter is comprised of dedicated women from diverse backgrounds and professions who are united by our Sorority’s core values of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. Through community service and educational initiatives, sisterhood gatherings, partnerships with local organizations, and meaningful connections with our local collegiate chapter, we strive to make a lasting and positive impact throughout the Ithaca community.
I believe our greatest work happens when we show up for one another and for our community, each bringing the very best of ourselves. As President, I am committed to fostering a chapter grounded in love, care, and concern while continuing to strengthen our sisterhood and our service to others.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Ithaca Alumnae Chapter. I invite you to explore our website, discover our programs and initiatives, and learn more about the ways we serve. If you are interested in partnering with us or have questions about our work, we welcome the opportunity to connect with you at dstiac1913@gmail.com.
With love, care, and concern,
Debbie Beausejour
President, Ithaca Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Chapter Officers
1st Vice President
Recording Secretary
1st Vice President
Sharifa A. Wip
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
1st Vice President
Jada Okaikoi
Recording Secretary
Recording Secretary
Financial & Corresponding Secretary
Misha Ailsworth, Ph.D.
Financial & Corresponding Secretary
Financial & Corresponding Secretary
Financial & Corresponding Secretary
Michell Chresfield, Ph.D.
Audit Chair
Financial & Corresponding Secretary
Audit Chair
Kerri Lee Alexander, Ph.D.
2026-2027 Executive Committee
