Lavinia Norman

Lavinia Norman (December 14, 1882 - January 22, 1983) was one of the sixteen original founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Early life and founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Born as eighth of sixteen children, Lavinia grew up in Montgomery, West Virginia. Her elementary years were spent in West Virginia. When her father was accepted into a job at the post office, Norman's family moved to Washington, D.C. In 1901, she attended Howard University's Prepatory School. She graduated in 1905 from the school with a diploma.

Norman helped to plan the formation of Alpha Kappa Alpha by assisting to draft the constitution with Margaret Flagg and Ethel Hedgeman. After the sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, Norman expanded the activities of Alpha chapter at Howard University. In 1909, she succeeded Ethel Hedgeman and helped to plan the second Ivy Day ceremonies. Norman graduated cum laude with degrees in French and English during the same year.

Teaching
After graduating from Howard, Norman taught Latin, French, dramatic arts, and English at Douglass High School in Huntington, West Virginia. She accomplished a second Bachelor of Arts degree at West Virginia State College in 1934. Norman retired in 1950 after forty years of teaching. During her tenure as teacher, she was a coach for the high school's drama team and the school's newspaper advisory. She was also active in Alpha Kappa Alpha by participating in the Beta Tau Omega chapter in Huntington.

Death
After retiring from teaching, Norman moved to Washington, D.C., where she affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha's Xi Omega chapter. Her efforts of founding the sorority was honored at the 70th celebration of the sorority's founding in 1978, where a window honoring her and other 19 founders was unveiled at Rankin Chapel at Howard University. The sorority also helped to celebrate her 100th anniversary. Serving Alpha Kappa Alpha for over 75 years, Norman died on January 22, 1983.