Jun 7, 2021
Gamma Epsilon's Beginnings, Thanks to Ruth Waldrep
Thank you to Ruth Waldrep, one of our charter members, and Gamma Epsilon Chapter's very first President, for taking the time to talk with us! It is safe to say, Gamma Epsilon is still strong and a part of Oklahoma State thanks to Ruth's hard work and dedication to our chapter. Here is what Ruth had to say:
What was Alpha Chi like, and what was your time at school like?
AX was colonized in 1946. Two AX members from University of Minnesota and University of Texas were on campus to pledge girls they decided would be good charter members. They would take each girl on a Coke (Coca-Cola) date to get acquainted with them and introduce girls they deemed interesting to AXO. It was an exciting time on campus!!!! Many Veterans were returning to school after the end of WW2. Fraternities were reopening. Our campus was a fun and friendly campus. It was a new beginning!!!!
What was your experience like being a charter member?
I pledged AX because I liked the two colonizers & all they told me about AX. It was a real challenge to begin a new chapter for a strong, national sorority.
What do you remember about being the first President of Gamma Epsilon?
I was honored & excited to be the first president of our new pledge class ...After our initiation & installation, my pledge class voted me President of Gamma Epsilon chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. I was so honored & challenged for us (charter members) to make our chapter strong from the very beginning!!!! We began strong & were quickly making a great name for our sorority!!! We wanted to be a strong foundation for all the girls who would pledge AXO in the future! We had great help from many alumnae from several different chapters, it made us realize we had truly pledged the greatest sorority!!!
What an amazing story to learn about the beginning of Gamma Epsilon of Alpha Chi Omega at Oklahoma State. Thank you, Ruth, for taking the time to let us in on this time of your life!