Gamma Lambda

University of Houston

The long-awaited dream of Tau Sigma Sorority of the University of Houston was climaxed by their installation as Gamma Lambda chapter, February 11 and 12. Members of the Alpha Phi executive board and numerous collegiates and alumnae from throughout Texas were on hand for the week and activities. 

The chapel of Saint John the Divine Episcopal Church was the scene of initiation for Tau Sigma collegiates and alumnae. Houston area alumnae members in charge of the service were Jane Pace Swanson (Omega-Texas), and Mary Elizabeth Mills Harle (Omega-Texas). Members of Texas (Omega), North Texas (Gamma Eta), and Texas Tech (Gamma Iota) chapters, and Marian Wiley Keys (Alpha-Syracuse), Alpha Phi International President, officiated.

That evening the installation banquet was held at the luxurious Lakeside Country Club ballroom with Dennie Parker Cralle (Omega-Texas), serving as toastmistress. University of Houston vice-president C. F. McElhinney welcomed the new chapter to the campus. Greetings were received from members of Texas (Omega), North Texas (Gamma Eta) and Texas Tech (Gamma Iota) chapters. An inspirational message was given by Margaret Whitlock Barton (Beta-Northwestern), national director of extension. Houston alumnae greetings were extended by Agnes Bearman Harrell (Omega-Texas). Margaret Jackman, president of Gamma Lambda, and Carolynne Bond, former Tau Sigma alumnae chapter, graciously responded. Included at the head table with other visiting dignitaries was Jesse Mary Hill, a founder of Omega chapter. The banquet was planned by Cynthia Sheffield Ming, and Reba Mae Masterson Sheppard, Omega of Houston. 

Following the banquet Texas (Omega), North Texas (Gamma Eta), and Texas Tech (Gamma Iota) members enacted a model meeting for the new initiates.

Gamma Lambda gathered for breakfast preceding the Sunday morning activities at St. Paul Methodist Church. 

The last event of the weekend was the gala reception held at the lovely new Houston Club on February 12. Invitations were issued to members of the faculty, representatives of all University of Houston fraternal groups, local alumnae, and the families and friends of the new initiates. Houston alumnae in charge of the reception were Mariel Ballard Baldwin (Phi-Oklahoma), and Hazel McPike Lewis (Lambda-UC Berkeley).