Our Chapter History

As the world felt the impact of World World II, nine young women had a desire to have an impact on their small town in Virginia. These nine visionaries understood how they could make Lynchburg, Virginia, a special place to raise their children and bring culture and knowledge to the community. 

The sorority was first conceived as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life. The idea of organizing a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Lynchburg, Virginia, came from a group of educators and professional women in 1941. This enthusiastic group of nine charter members were quite visible in the community ad well known for their motivation and individual talents. 

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On February, 15, 1941, Gamma Iota Omega was the 18th chapter chartered in what was the South Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha and was under the leadership of Clara Seay as Chapter President. In 1954, a new region was developed in order to serve the growing number of members in the Virginia and North Carolina area. The Mid Atlantic Region was the home of Gamma Iota Omega as the newly developed region.