Partnerships

Alpha Iota

Alpha Iota Sorority is an international organization for women and students of business with 36 chapters and more than 65,000 members have been initiated in the United States and Canada since it was founded. The purpose of Alpha Iota is to make each member a better businesswoman through development of self-confidence, leadership and awareness of responsibility to herself and her community.

The sorority was founded in 1925 by Mrs. Elsie M. Fenton at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. Alpha Iota was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1930 and continues to grow as an International Honorary Business Sorority. The sorority’s International “Women of the West” Convention in Denver, Colorado is July 11-15, 2007.

Heartspring was adopted by Alpha Iota as its International Service Project in 1949. Alpha Iota was one of several donor organizations honored at the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Heartspring in 1994. In total, Alpha Iota has contributed over $100,000 through the organization’s Adopt-A-Home program, helping to provide needed furniture, toys, games and meals to the residential homes on the Heartspring campus.

“Heartspring has always had a special place in the hearts of all Alpha Iota members. When you visit Heartspring for the first time, you are forever changed. It's an experience you will never forget,” said Connie Mekus, Alpha Iota International President. “We are happy to provide whatever assistance we can to the children and staff of Heartspring. It is truly an amazing place and we are very proud of our 58 year affiliation.”

Sorority members in Wichita and the surrounding area volunteer numerous hours each year at Heartspring special events such as Lights on the Lake and Heartspring Hearing Center Open Houses. Alpha Iota members across the country also support organizations in their communities such as Meals on Wheels, Easter Seals, The Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, scholarship funds, food banks and transition houses.