Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
undefined
undefined

For those who visit this page and don't know what an Iota Sweetheart is, an Iota Sweetheart works in conjunction with the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. toward community service, fundraising, and educational and social activities.

Iota Sweethearts

Iota Phi Theta Sweethearts are a recognized, respected and honored tradition of the Fraternity and have a long history of affiliation with Iota. This history harkens back to the days of our Founding and the circumstances of the day.

In the early 1960's at Morgan State University, Iota Phi Theta was blessed to have an invaluable ally in the person of Ms. Audrey Brooks. Ms. Brooks was a member of the Morgan State University staff and in this capacity, she played a crucial "behind the scenes" role for the Fraternity. In many instances, her actions and influence prevented the fledgling organization from being victimized by those who would have seen Iota fail.

It is interesting to note that Ms. Brooks also had a vested interest in Iota Phi Theta's success because her son, Bro. Wesley Jennings (4 Alpha 64), was a member of Iota Phi Theta's first Pledge line!

In recognition of her efforts, Ms. Brooks was granted the title of "Eternal Sweetheart", an honor she wears proudly to this day. A feisty, yet gracious lady in her 80's (she will never tell us her exact age - when asked, she tells us she is "99 years old!"), Ms. Brooks continues to support Iota Phi Theta and is a frequent guest at Iota Conclaves and workshops. More importantly, she serves as a "Surrogate Mom" to Iota Phi Theta. She considers all Iota Men to be her sons and all Iota Sweethearts to be her daughters!

The spirit and dedication of Ms. Brooks lives today through the Iota Phi Theta Sweetheart Organization and with good reason. As Iota Phi Theta navigated the rocky waters of our early years, the Brotherhood could always count on the support of our Sweetheart organization. Be it serving as hostesses for a national meeting or as a support team at a stepshow, our Hearts have always been there - on the front lines - providing vocal and moral support for the Brothers of Iota. Today, Iota Sweethearts (many of whom are wives of Iota Men) continue to support the organization in a major way.

Like many things about Iota Phi Theta, our Sweetheart organization represents a departure from the norm as practiced by other groups. Most notably, Iota Phi Theta Sweethearts do not "pledge." They are selected through a specific set of criteria as defined in our Official Sweetheart Directive.

Additionally, the Iota Sweetheart organization is not to be seen or construed as a substitute for a Sorority. In fact, thousands of Iota Sweethearts have gone on to join NPHC sororities. Iota Phi Theta is an avid supporter of the sororities of the NPHC and their activities. To this end, we frown upon any activities undertaken by our Sweetheart Organization that might be seen as competitive to, or disrespectful of, these organizations.

In a Sweetheart Workshop held during the 1999 Iota Phi Theta Conclave, Ms. Brooks stated, "The Purpose of Iota Sweethearts is to smile and be gracious on behalf of Iota. Anything else is inappropriate." As in all things, we endorse Ms. Brooks' view on this subject wholeheartedly.

Iota Sweethearts hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the Brotherhood and we are dedicated to their uplift, support, and respect!


BACK TO MAIN PAGE