The History of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa

It was on Palm Sunday, April 1923, that Miss Gladys Merritt discussed the possibilities of a sorority Chapter in Jersey City. Of the eight teachers who attended, only one declined. Friday came and they voted in favor of a permanent organization which was incorporated by a Newark attorney, J. Mercer Burrell. Dr. G. E. Cannon, Mr. J. L. Merritt, Mrs. Lottie Cooper, and Mrs. Estelle Morris became their trustees. The date of incorporation was May 23, 1923 which has become our Founders´ Day. The Sorority spread from the East to the South, Midwest, Southwest, Far West, to Liberia in West Africa, and Barbados, West Indies.

The Purpose of Our Sorority is:

• To stimulate professional growth among teachers.


• To foster a true spirit of sisterhood.


• To promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession.


• To encourage the development of the potential of our youth.

The current Board Of Officers for the Theta Chapter:

Cathleen Snyder, Executive Advisor

The History
of the
Theta Chapter
of
Phi Delta Kappa

Theta Chapter, chartered on November 5, 1927, became the 8th chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Sorors from the Alpha, Beta and Delta Chapters conducted the initiation at the home of Gertrude Robinson. Founder Gladys Cannon Nunery conducted the induction service and presented the charter to the nine ladies who were known as charter members.

Theta Chapter recommended Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm to become a National Honorary Member of our Sorority. The Honorable Shirley Chisolm was inducted into our Sorority during the Fiftieth Anniversary Conclave at the New York Hilton Hotel in July 1973.

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Dr. Gladys Merritt Ross *
Julia Asbury Barnes *
Dr. Florence Steele Hunt *
Dr. Gladys Cannon Nunery *
Ella Wells Butler *
Mildred Morris Williams *
Edna McConnell *
Marguerite Gross *

* Deceased

The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc., was founded by eight educators desiring to establish a sisterhood amongst teachers and promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession. May 23, 1923, the date of incorporation, is recognized as the official Founders Day.