Sorority celebrates 40 years with reunion, service project at ECU Community School
A sorority first chartered 40 years ago at East Carolina University celebrated its founding by giving back to the ECU Community School.
Charter members of East Carolina University’s Lambda Mu chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority — including, from left, Deborah Lofton of Durham, Martha Johnson, of Jacksonville, La Tanya Gilliam of Richmond, Virginia, and Deborah Carroll of Roxobel — helped celebrate the sorority’s 40th anniversary last month. (Contributed photos)
The Lambda Mu chapter of Zeta Phi Beta organized a food and supply drive that collected 860 items for the school during the sorority’s charter weekend celebration June 2-3. The items were donated and presented to the school on June 7.
“This act of kindness exemplifies our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the boundaries of our sorority,” said Portia Harris ’11 of Warner Robins, Georgia. Harris, originally from Clearwater, Florida, is alumni relations chair and former president of the chapter.
Six undergraduate students organized the ECU chapter of the sorority, which was chartered on June 4, 1983. Four of the founding members were in attendance: Deborah Lofton ’84 of Durham, Martha Johnson, ’85 of Jacksonville, La Tanya Gilliam ’84 of Richmond, Virginia, and Deborah Carroll ’85 of Roxobel.
The organization has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of sisterhood, scholarship and service among ECU students throughout the years, Harris said.
In addition, the city of Greenville issued a proclamation recognizing the chapter’s dedication and influence. “Our organization stands as a testament to the power of unity, academic success and service to others,” Harris said.
The 40th anniversary weekend was filled with camaraderie and joy. “It was a truly special occasion as alumni members gathered on campus to commemorate this significant achievement,” Harris said.
The sorority plans to return to the ECU community in the upcoming academic year and recruit new members.
Members celebrate the legacy of four decades of service by ECU’s Lambda Mu chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
Zeta Phi Beta sorority members Linda McDaniel of Merry Hill and Stephanie Tripp of La Grange, at far left, along with Shakera Robbins of Riegelwood and Deniece Gray of Simpson, far right, present food drive items to ECU Community School counselor Nedra Bruner-Jones and social worker Kristian Backman, in center.
Sorority members unload and organize donated food items at the ECU Community School.