Columbus Delta Sigma Theta chapters to mark 113 years with joint Founders Day luncheon
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s Columbus-area chapters will join forces Saturday, Jan. 10, for a joint Founders Day luncheon celebrating 113 years of service and honoring local community partners.
The event is expected to draw a full house as the Columbus Alumnae Chapter, Columbus Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter and Theta Phi Chapter at Columbus State University collaborate for the annual observance.
Cheryl W. Turner, international president and chair of the sorority’s board of directors, will deliver the keynote address. Turner was elected at the organization’s 57th National Convention in July 2025 and leads a global membership of more than 350,000 women.
“It is my honor to join more than 500 sorors and friends today,” Turner said. “Our beloved sorority was founded nearly 113 years ago on the campus of Howard University by 22 young women. I am proud of the impact these chapters continue to have within the Columbus community and beyond. Their commitment to service, scholarship and social action are the principles on which our beloved sorority was founded.”
Following the luncheon, members and community guests will gather at a historical marker honoring founder Winona Cargile Alexander, a Columbus native. Turner said she is “deeply honored” to be in Alexander’s birthplace for the anniversary observance. With the visit, Turner will become the first sitting international president of Delta Sigma Theta to visit the marker site.
Founded Jan. 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is one of the nation’s largest predominantly Black women’s organizations. The sorority promotes academic excellence, provides scholarships, supports underserved communities, advances public policy engagement and develops solutions to community challenges. Delta Sigma Theta operates more than 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters across the United States and internationally, including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its programs are guided by a Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development; educational development; international awareness and involvement; physical and mental health; and political awareness and involvement. More information is available at deltasigmatheta.org.
