National Founders ’ Day
114th Anniversary Commemoration
Founder Ethel Hedgemon Lyle
She was born Ethel Octavia Hedgemon on February 10 , 1887 in St . Louis , Missouri , the eldest of five children .
In 1904 , Ethel Hedgemon graduated with honors from Sumner High School . She was awarded a scholarship to Howard University where she majored in arts and sciences . During her junior year , Ethel Hedgemon enthusiastically planned the formation of a sorority . On January 15 , 1908 , she and an initial group of eight young women founded Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority .
After graduating from Howard University in 1909 , Ethel Hedgemon began a teaching career in Eufaula , Oklahoma and Centralia , Illinois .
On June 21 , 1911 , Ethel Hedgemon married George Lyle , her high school and college sweetheart . They established residence in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania where Ethel resumed her teaching career . She was a charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority ’ s Mu and Omega Omega Chapters . She served as Supreme Tamiouchos from 1923 to 1946 . In 1926 , she was named Honorary Supreme Basileus , an honor she held for the remainder of her life . She was active in church and civic affairs . A member of the Mt . Pisgah AME Church , she founded the Mothers Club of Philadelphia and was a charter member of the West Philadelphia League of Women Voters . In 1937 , the mayor of Philadelphia named her chairman of a committee of 100 women who helped to plan the sesquicentennial celebration of the United States Constitution .
On November 28 , 1950 , Ethel Hedgemon Lyle became an Ivy Beyond the Wall and is buried in the Mt . Lawn Cemetery in Sharon Hill , Pennsylvania .
An Enduring Legacy of Excellence 9