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Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc. goes by the motto of “Service to Humanity.” We may be a little bit partial, but we think our local hero, Orpah West, is one of the best exemplifications of this motto in the entire organization.

Chi Eta Phi Sorority is an organization of professional nurses and nursing students founded in October 1932. West is a charter member of the Omega Chapter, and she was recognized as the biennial National Conference held in July.

During her career, West worked as a family planning consultant at the health department, organized the first nursing class at the Pruden Center, and helped numerous nurses get into the field of nursing who are still working in it today.

Through Chi Eta Phi, she also has been involved in programs that focus on health promotion, disease prevention, leadership development, mentoring, recruitment and retention. The group raises money each year for scholarships for new nurses.

On the mission field both locally and abroad, West last year received an award for 50 years of membership at East End Baptist Church, initiated a Christian sex education class, and has been on mission trips to Jamaica and Antigua with her husband. She also served as deaconess, Sunday school teacher and other positions within the church.

West was appropriately recognized by Chi Eta Phi for her many years of commitment to the field of nursing, to her church and to her community. Her impact is immeasurable, but it surely will continue for many years to come through her actions as well as the actions of those she has inspired.