Alma Manigo - Basileus

Welcome to Sigma Phi Chapter!

On behalf of the Sigma Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. and myself, we Welcome and Thank you for taking time to visit our website. Our professional organization of Registered Nurses (RNs) with various educational levels and medical specialty backgrounds live by our motto “Service for Humanity” throughout our daily lives in caring for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our vision is to be a recognized leader in the provision of health education and leadership development in the Waco-McLennan County area.

Again, Thanks for visiting our website! Feel free to browse or contact us at sigmaphi_wacotexas@inbox.com if you have any questions.

Sigma Phi Chapter Charter Members Picture from September 4, 1998 From Left to Right:  Sorors Jessie Haley, Helen Mathews, Lisa Ware, Reba Givens, Phyllis Ward, Doris Tucker, Frankie Lewis (Basileus), Sadie Jefferson, Brenda Johnson, Breggette Preston & Jackie Edwards. Not pictured: Soror Callie Watkins

Sigma Phi Chapter History

In February 1998, Frankie M. Lewis received an introduction letter regarding the Chi Eta Phi Sorority, She and Doris Tucker we intrigued, so they arranged a meeting with Alice Rogers, Regional Director of the Middlesouth Region, Vera Harris, Regional Expansion Committee Chairman and Alma Tate, Basileus of the Lambda Eta Chapter for March.

Over 100 letters were mailed to area nurses inviting them to attend this meeting but very few responded. The meeting did, however, take place and a subsequent meeting was arranged as a “get acquainted” affair at Luby’s Restaurant for May 2, 1998. So May 2nd became the first official Chi Club meeting in Waco, Texas. Meetings were held every two weeks during the first few months. The main focus of these meetings was membership recruitment.

Alice Rogers delivered the news from the Supreme Basileus that Waco’s chapter charter request had been accepted on July 21, 1998. Now that the charter request was accepted, immediate work had to be done learning the charter process. August 8, 1998 began three weeks of classes on chartering policies. Brenda Johnson was elected as first Dean of Pledges.

A health fair at the Lake Air Mall in was the group’s first community project. The public was provided free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Cholesterol and medication education was also offered during the fair. A total of 110 clients were seen that day.

The group gained its official chapter status on September 4, 1998 after completing the charter process and became known as the Sigma Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. A gala Inaugural Dinner took place that evening at the Bellmead Civic Center. Twelve women were sworn in as the first chapter members.