Our History

Founded by educators in 1910, Pi Lambda Theta is the oldest national educational honor society in the field of education and has the most stringent academic requirements. The significance of membership in Pi Lambda Theta is recognized in local school systems, in colleges, and universities, and in every other educational venue where success by the highest standards is valued. The mission is to "to honor outstanding educators and inspire them to be effective leaders who address critical issues in education."

Members can draw from a widespread network of colleagues for professional support and friendship - before graduation, throughout a career, and after retirement. There are more than 100 chapters throughout the United States and the Philippines. More than 148,000 men and women have been initiated into Pi Lambda Theta.

Pi Lambda Theta began with a focus on women leaders in education. By the 1950's the focus turned to membership recruitment of teachers. By the late 1960's the organization began focusing on scholarly research and teacher education.

Pi Lambda Theta Fort Wayne Area Chapter was founded in 1948. Our chapter consists of a diverse group of educators, professionals, students, and retirees. 52% of all past presidents are still active in the organization. The strength of our chapter rests on the foundation of strong leadership, past, present, and future, and an aggressive outreach strategy.

PLT Fort Wayne Area Past Presidents

1948-1950 Mrs. Freeman Chausse

1951-1953 Emma Kiefer

1953-1955 Welcome Warner

1955-1957 Leah Ruth Miller

1957-1959 Maria Ehle

1959-1961 Elsie Nicholson

1961-1963 Adeline (Brumbaugh) Coe

1963-1965 Dorothy Ridgeway

1965-1967 Jean Johnson

1967-1969 Thelma Brown

1969-1971 Barbara Hawley

1971-1973 Eleanor (Stieglitz) Strahm

1973-1975 Marjorie Souers, Ph.D.

1975-1977 Marlene Rutz

1977-1979 Thelma Brown

1979-1981 Karen Wakley

1981-1983 Judy Notestine

1983-1985 Gloria Shamanoff, Ed.D.

1985-1987 Kay Schneider, Ed.D.

1987-1989 Betsy Gemmer

1989-1991 Ken Keller, Ph.D.

1991-1993 Jan Comp

1993-1995 Julie Guitard

1995-1997 Pat Kohart

1997-1999 Ruth Niewyk

1999-2001 Marty Burns

2001-2002 Nancy Grote, Ph.D.

2002-2007 Ruby Cain, Ed.D. (c)