About Ithaca Alumnae 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 chapter founders 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 the Ithaca, NY; Tri-County- Elmira, Corning, & Horeseheads; and Cortland, NY areas.
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
Presidents Address
Welcome to All!
On behalf of the members of the Ithaca Alumnae Chapter (IAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I warmly welcome you to our website. We are pleased that you’ve taken the time to visit and hope you’ll gain valuable insights into our chapter and the service we provide to our community.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 at Howard University by twenty-two visionary women who committed themselves to sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Since our chapter’s chartering in 1980, we have proudly engaged in community outreach, social action, youth programming, and signature events.
Our programs and public service initiatives are rooted in Delta Sigma Theta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which focuses on Economic Development, Educational Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement. It is our mission to enhance, elevate, and empower the communities we serve.
As we look toward the future, I am excited to announce I-C.O.R.T. as our theme for this biennium. I-C.O.R.T. defines our purpose as a sisterhood intentionally caring with optimism, respect, and trust—as we lead with purpose, uplift one another, and create a lasting, transformative impact in our community and beyond.
We invite you to visit our website regularly and follow us on social media (Facebook & Instagram) to stay updated on upcoming events and opportunities to support our mission. If you are a new soror moving to the area, welcome home—don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to connecting with you!
Thank you again for visiting our site. Together, we will continue to build a strong, united, and impactful sisterhood.
In Sisterhood and Service,
Dr. Tracy Hudson
President, Ithaca Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Chapter Officers
1st Vice President
Recording Secretary
1st Vice President
Debbie Beausejour
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
1st Vice President
Kelly Kirby
Recording Secretary
Recording Secretary
Recording Secretary
Zenobia Lee-Nelson
Financial Secretary
Financial Secretary
Recording Secretary
Malinda B. Smith
Audit Chair
Financial Secretary
Audit Chair
Gwen Bain
