The Beginning

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On March 6, 1945, we were the first predominantly African American Sorority chartered and dedicated to serving the needs of the El Paso Community. A nucleus of four El Paso women traveled to San Antonio, Texas, where they were initiated into the Sorority at Psi Sigma Chapter. Following their initiation, El Paso’s own Beta Omega Chapter was newly formed. During those early years, the Chapter accepted both graduate and collegiate members.

Early milestones included hosting a recital by Soror Phillipa Schuller, an international concert pianist, and a lecture by Soror Barbara Jordan, then a memberof the Texas State Legislature. Beta Omega Chapter also collected and donated books to Mississippi schools (when libraries were not open to Black students); awarded scholarships to deserving El Paso high school graduates; and supported other Black organizations, such as the NAACP (El Paso is home to the first chapter in Texas) and the Urban League.

On September 30, 1972, with the establishment of the Iota Gamma Chapter at the University of Texas at El Paso, the El Paso Alumnae Chapter was chartered as a graduate chapter. Just two years later, El Paso Alumnae hosted the Southwest Regional Conference of Delta Sigma Theta in 1974.

From its early years – annually held Koffee Klatches, Salute Luncheons, and Career Days - EPAC has worked to promote the rich, diverse history and legacy of our border city. EPAC has been cited at the regional level for numerous outstanding projects and contributions to the Sun City. Additionally, EPAC served as the advisor for Iota Gamma until its retirement from the UTEP campus in 2013. 

 
Numerous members of EPAC have been awarded, recognized, and heralded by the city, the University of Texas at El Paso, Fort Bliss, and other social and fraternal organizations. 

El Paso Alumnae Chapter is a member of the National Council of Negro Women and a Life Member of the NAACP.