History

Minnesota Alpha Delta Kappa History

Minnesota Alpha Delta Kappa began in 1952. The first five chapters were Alpha in St. Paul, Beta in Minneapolis, Gamma in Minneapolis, Delta in Rochester and Epsilon in Duluth. Minnesota chartered 51 chapters. The last chapter, Alpha Phi, was chartered in 1992. Currently there are 21 chapters plus Sustaining.

Many of the sisters of Minnesota Alpha Delta Kappa are named here for their accomplishments – be it promoting the growth of Alpha Delta Kappa, working on altruistic endeavors or being the best educator possible.

• Evelyn Casey, from Beta, was our first state president.

• MN Alpha Delta Kappa published authors:

  • Dorothy Bichler, Theta, St. Paul, wrote "Jeff and Janet of St. Paul."

  • Ivy Hanson, Phi, Hibbing, wrote "They Used to Call Us Game Wardens," Volumes I and II

  • Hazel Brink, Eta, Grand Rapids, wrote "The Runaway Little Red Lawnmower."

  • Carolyn Held, Alpha Lambda, Little Falls, wrote "Pedal Pushing Passion."

Margaret Orlich, Epsilon, Duluth (1917-1997) was a Duluth Civics teacher and also a professor at both the University of Minnesota – Duluth and the University of Wisconsin – Superior. As a high school teacher she took her students on bus tours, known as “Know your Government Towns.” Margaret wrote a book, "Agnes, Her Life and Times." The book tells about her meeting Agnes Shipman Robertson. After listening to Agnes’ enthusiastic philosophy and description of Alpha Delta Kappa, Margaret Orlich joined and became very involved with Alpha Delta Kappa. Maybelle Peterson and Margaret were very close friends and joined Alpha Delta Kappa at the same time. They were known as the Minnesota Twins (or the M and M twins) of Alpha Delta Kappa. They were always together promoting Alpha Delta Kappa. In 1967 Margaret Orlich became International (Grand)Vice President, North Central Region. In 1969, she was elected International (Grand) President-Elect. In 1971-1973 she served as International (Grand) President. Margaret was instrumental in organizing chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Agnes named her “Field Representative of Alpha Delta Kappa,” a position she held for 40 years. While holding that position she traveled with her husband to Finland, Russia, all over the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand and Sweden. Her travels were all in the name of Alpha Delta Kappa to start new chapters. She organized 50 chapters throughout her travels. Margaret founded the international group called Jetaneers. She was instrumental in organizing Silver Sisters and she promoted Alpha Delta Kappa Week which has now been changed to Alpha Delta Kappa Month.

• Minnesota has twice been represented by MN Alpha Delta Kappa members at the White House in Washington DC for the School of Excellence recognition:

  • Elaine Hanson, Pi Chapter, Mounds View, Pike Lake School, 1986

  • Tracy Hein, Alpha Theta, Detroit Lakes, Heart of the Lakes School, 2006

• Maureen Sanger, Alpha Alpha, Roseville, was the 1988 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

• Page Butler Stevens, Alpha Alpha, Roseville, was honored in 2004 when an endowment was established in her name at Hamline University in St. Paul. A Music Scholarship will be given to a Music Education Major each year in her name.

Minnesota Alpha Delta Kappa is honored with the talents of the people listed above and is very proud of each and every sister in our Minnesota Alpha Delta Kappa organization.

Submitted by Donna Nelson, former Minnesota Historian, February 2005 and edited in 2014.