Alpha Delta Kappa Texas Beta
Texas Beta chapter came into reality on the evening of April 18, 1953, in the Baker Hotel with Agnes Shipman (later Agnes S. Robertson) in charge of the installation of the chapter and the initiation of the 21 members.Agnes Shipman Robertson organized a group of teachers in Dallas and then traveled to Ft. Worth where she organized and then initiated the chapter. Beta claims Texas Alpha as its twin, Alpha having been organized and installed the same day, just a few hours prior to the Baker Hotel ceremonies. Beta was the first organized chapter in Texas but the second to be installed.
Texas Beta chapter is proud of its Firsts: Vera Neel McCauley, its First President, also became the First Texas State President in 1954, the First elected Grand President in 1955 at the First National convention of the sorority in Chicago. She was the Fiirst Area Council President, now the Dallas district. She also served as State Expansion Chairman from the late 1950's to the 1960's. In her position as Grand President, Vera Neel McCauley, was a noted speaker as she installed new chapters and spoke at State conventions. She attended every International and state convention until her death in 1970.
At the Texas State Convention in Ft. Worth on June 16, 1978 Leoda Evans attained another First for our Texas Beta Chapter when she was chosen as the First Alpha Delta Kappa of Distinction from among nine nominees for the state of Texas.
Texas Beta provided the First employed editor of the Kappan, Leoda Evans, who served in that capacity from December, 1957 through 1970. She was also International Publications Chairman from 1959-1969. Leoda conducted publicity and public relations workshops at the Regional Conferences.Leoda attended all International conventions from 1959-1969.
Texs Beta Chapter under the leadership of Vera Neel McCauley organized and installed several chapters of the Dallas area, beginning in 1953. They are Kappa, Phi, Chi of Garland, and Beta Mu of Richardson. Vera and the initiating team also assisted in initiations and installations of other chapters in the area and the one at Sulpher Springs.
Mrs. Olive Neel, mother of Vera Neel McCauley, has been the only honorary member of Beta Chapter.
The following are Texas Beta's Charter members: Lillian Blum, Marianna Brady, Sarah K. Childress, Mildred Dickenson, Jewell Douthit, Annie Gem Fielder, Geraldine Hill, Margaret Horne, Mary e. Jordan, Ethel Keahey, Nadine Lain, Grace Lockey, Vera Neel McCauley, Perna McQuade, Mary Jo Martin, Marguerite Milke, Mary Ruth Pace, Laura Mae Railey, Zula Thayer Randall, Trixie Smith, and Dorothy Weeks.
