Harriet Josephine Terry

        Harriet Josephine Terry was born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York.  
After her graduation from Cornwall-on-Hudson High School, she entered Howard 
University in 1906.  She was a member of the first group of sophomores added 
to the founding group to ensure the continuity of the organization, She was 
remembered by her classmates for her quiet charm and ever-present smile.  
        On October 30, 1908, Ms. Terry was elected treasurer.  On February 11, 
1909, the first initiation ceremony took place in the attic of a wing of 
Miner Hall, The initiation hymn, "Hail Alpha Kappa Alpha Dear," was written 
by Ms. Terry.
        In addition to her activities with Alpha Kappa Alpha, in 1908 Ms. 
Terry was elected secretary of the Howard University Class of 1910.  Ms. 
Terry graduated in May 1910, with a B.A. degree in liberal arts.  Her major 
subject was English, although she also studied Latin, French, German, 
political science, pedagogy, history, and chemistry.
        After graduation, she was appointed head of the department of English 
and history at Gloucester High School, Capahoasic, Virginia.  During World 
War 1, she accepted a job at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in 
Washington, D.C,, making and inspecting money But her love of people and joy 
in teaching led her to Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College in Normal,
Alabama, where for 37 years she taught English.
        Ms. Terry's students knew her as an avid reader, and a lover of 
literature, people and movies.  She was a competent and conscientious teacher
who - it is said - often interrupted students' oral presentations with a firm
"That will do." She taught extension courses for teachers in Athens and 
Limestone County Georgia with much success.
        Ms. Terry was a charter member of the Chapel of the Holy Cross 
Episcopal Church in Normal and an active member of the National Federation of
Women's Clubs and of various professional organizations.
        In 1949, she helped establish Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter in Normal, 
and served as chapter basileus.  Ms. Terry retired from teaching in 1959 and 
returned to Washington, D.C. to live.  In Washington, she affiliated with Xi 
Omega Chapter where she endeared herself to all because of her friendliness, 
charm and seemingly endless energy.
        Harriet Josephine Terry died on August 15, 1967 in Washington.  Terry
Hall at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University commemorates her 
service to the hundreds of students whom she taught.