The 2012 Award Recipient: Doris Kay Kraushaar ~ and Her Biography
Who was Orah Ashley Lamke? Orah Ashley Lamke was an enthusiastic member of Mu Phi Epsilon for sixty-eight years. In the very earliest days, Mu Phi Epsilon was a sorority for female musicians. We were a long way from becoming an international fraternity for both men and women in the field of music.
Orah Ashley was initiated as one of ten charter members of Delta Chapter (Detroit Conservatory of Music) on March 3, 1905. This was the fourth chapter of an organization not yet two years old. Orah Ashley served as president of Delta Chapter and wrote the pledge ceremony that was introduced at the 1907 convention in Ann Arbor.
Orah Ashley Lamke was the installing officer for the Ann Arbor Alumni chapter on September 22, 1913.
Orah Ashley Lamke held five national offices: National Alumnae Officer (two different times), National Editor, National Secretary, National Vice President, and 
National President 1928-1930.
In recognition of her devoted service to the then-sorority and dedication to its alumni, the 1964 national convention in Lincoln, Nebraska initiated a new honor, the Orah Ashley Lamke Distinguished Alumna Award, and she was the first to receive it.
Since then, her namesake award is given each year to a long-time alumni member who has shown dedication and loyalty at the local level.
Orah Ashley Lamke was a pivotal contributor to our fraternity’s history and an unexcelled model of Mu Phi for Life.
~ Adapted from Frances Irwin, Ed.D.
International President’s letter, page 2
of THE TRIANGLE, Spring 2009 issue
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