M iss Nola Hylton attended Stanford University as a graduate student from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she was a member of Lambda Upsilon chapter. She arrived with hopes of finding a sisterhood like the one she cherished at MIT. Unfortunately, at the time, there was no undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on Stanford’s campus. To resolve this problem, she set out to start a chapter. Her first step was the creation of “Women of Nia” in 1981, the first AKA interest group on campus. Interested women met multiple times during the year, quickly cultivating the bonds of sisterhood and fulfilling the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. It was their goal to provide service to the community and to aid in the betterment of their surroundings, while hoping that their service would someday manifest itself as activities of an AKA chapter. On June 25, 1981, their dreams became a reality and “Women of Nia” became members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the first members of Xi Beta Chapter, Stanford University.
Throughout the years, members of Xi Beta have continued to hold themselves to high standards and fulfill the legacy set before them by their predecessors. The members of Xi Beta have passed down traditions of sisterhood, service and scholarship, while remaining a unique presence in the Far Western Region.
History of Service
Tutoring with BUILD
During the 2009-2010 school year, members of Xi Beta volunteered at the BUILD (Business United n Investing, Lending, and Development) homework center in East Palo Alto . BUILD is a non-profit organization designed to equip high school students with entrepreneurial experience. Xi Beta’s energy included assisting these students in various academic subjects and serving as positive role models for the students.
Sister-2-Sister
In 2006, Xi Beta invited high school girls from Eastside College Preparatory to participate in a mentorship program with the chapter. The program was designed to foster bonds between high school and college young women, while promoting achievement and enlightenment. Each girl was paired with one member of Xi Beta to establish a bond in which the girls felt comfortable to confide in us as if we were their older sisters.
A House is Not a Home: Habitat for Humanity Renovation Project
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps low-income families build and own their own homes. At least once a year, the ladies of Xi Beta assist in the renovation of homes in the Bay Area and other nearby neighborhoods to provide housing for families in underserved communities.
AIDS Memorial Grove
This program initiative was taken on in 1999 by the members of Xi Beta as a living work. From inception to finish, Xi Beta has volunteered annually to help build and landscape what is now the largest memorial to those who have died from, as well as those living with, AIDS. The memorial in San Francisco has been an ongoing community service activity and visiting site.
Chapter Awards
Xi Beta Chapter received the Best Community Service Award for Stanford University’s Order of Omega in 2011. The chapter also received Highest GPA Award in the Far Western Region in 2005 and 2010 as well as first place in the scrapbook contest at the 2006 Far West Regional Conference.