GAMMA ALPHA OMICRON ZETA CHAPTER
Our Story
About Gamma Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter
The Groundbreaking Gamma Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on March 9, 2020, in State College, Pennsylvania. The chapter was established to expand Zeta Phi Beta’s presence in the State College community and provide a graduate chapter that could support both the surrounding community and the local undergraduate chapter.
Although the chapter received its charter in March 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its formal chartering ceremony until June 14, 2020. That celebration became historic as the chapter’s first chartering ceremony was conducted virtually and was presided over by International Grand Basileus Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker.
Before receiving its official Greek-letter chapter name, the group operated as the “Nittany Zetas.” The name quickly became part of the chapter’s identity and continues to be used affectionately as its nickname today.
Our Mission
Gamma Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter was founded with a mission to embody the ideals of service, charity, scholarship, civic and cultural engagement, sisterhood, and finer womanhood throughout the State College community. From its beginning, the chapter has sought to build meaningful relationships, provide impactful community service, support education and youth, and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be recognized throughout State College and beyond as a chapter whose members positively impact the lives of individuals, families, students, and the broader community through outreach, service, and education.
From its earliest days, the chapter identified several areas of focus, including community partnerships,social action,youth engagement, and chapter growth and retention., community partnerships, social action, and youth engagement. These priorities reflected the chapter’s commitment to establishing a strong and sustainable presence while responding to the needs of the community it serves.
Our Founding Members
Gamma Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter was chartered by nine women whose Zeta journeys began at undergraduate chapters across several universities:
Jermonica Earls — Beta Alpha Chapter, Southern University
Kelly Griffith — Chi Omicron Chapter, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Qiana Jackson — Mu Eta Chapter, The Pennsylvania State University
Harlena Munnings — Zeta Upsilon Chapter, Johnson & Wales University
Eshia Perez — Mu Eta Chapter, The Pennsylvania State University
Briana Titus — Mu Eta Chapter, The Pennsylvania State University
Britney Nicole Williams — Lambda Beta Chapter, Jackson State University
Tierra Williams — Lambda Beta Chapter, Jackson State University
Janae Yellock — Mu Eta Chapter, The Pennsylvania State University
Their collective experiences, talents, and commitment to Zeta laid the foundation for a chapter centered on service, community involvement, social action, youth development, and sisterhood.
Groundbreaking From the Beginning
Gamma Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter entered Zeta history during an extraordinary moment. Chartered just as the COVID-19 pandemic changed how organizations gathered and served, the chapter adapted immediately—celebrating its formal beginning virtually while remaining focused on establishing a meaningful presence in State College. The Atlantic Region publication announcing the chapter described Gamma Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter as the region’s newest graduate chapter and recognized its establishment as part of the region’s effort to expand Zeta’s service footprint into additional communities.
Today, the Nittany Zetas continue the legacy established by their charter members—advancing the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood while creating meaningful connections and opportunities to serve the State College community.
March 9, 2020
Chartered
June 14, 2020
Formal Virtual Charting Ceremony