The Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., located in St. Petersburg, was chartered on December 15, 1955. Charter members of the chapter who have respectfully become known as the “Fifteen Pearls of ZUO” were Annie Barton, Ruth Batson, Pauline Besselli, Lena Brown, Mary O. Brown, Claronell Griffin, Bertha James, Rubye Wysinger, Dorothy Johnson, Elizabeth Jones, Annie McLin, Willie M. McMurray, Eloise E. Perkins, Verdya Robinson, and Florence Williams. All now, *Ivies Beyond the Wall.* The first president was Lena Brown. Shortly after the chartering, nine other members transferred their membership from Gamma Theta Omega in Tampa to Zeta Upsilon Omega.
The chapter quickly became an active organization within the community, including the Junior Artist Program (est. 1950), Ebony Fashion Fair (est. 1958), Calendar Girl (est. 1971), and AKAdemy (est. 1998). Through years of dedication on behalf of its members, the chapter has grown and expanded its services and programs. The Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter has donated over half a million dollars to the community through charitable donations, service projects, and educational scholarships. Strong leadership and an active membership historically have continued to foster the success of the chapter’s programs and activities.
Past ZUO Presidents: Ann McLin (1959-1962), Lois Howard (1962-63), Bertha James (1963-65), Florence Jones (1966-68), Lena Brown (1969-71), Vivian Henry (1972-73), Olive B. McLin (1974-76), Vivian Rouson (1977-78), Florence Jones (1978), Keturah Pittman (1979-82), Tamara Jackson (1983-84), Florence Jones (1985-87), Gwen Anderson (1988), Lounell Britt (1988-90), LeAnn Elliott (1991-94), Manitia Moultrie (1995-96), Mrytle Williams (1997-98), Betty Jo Gaston (1999-2000), Lena Wilfalk (2001-06), Deborah Figgs-Sanders (2007-10), Crystal Pruitt (2011-14), Cassandra Williams (2015-18), Lisa Brody (2019-2022) and Jenee Skipper (2023-current).
