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INthisISSUE Message from the Regional Director and Regional Representative

Elected Officers

Position Name Chapter

Regional Director Sandra Phillips Johnson Las Vegas Alumnae

Regional Representative Ashley Miller Tau Delta

Member, National Nominating Committee Mary C. Jones, Ed.D. Atwater Merced Alumnae

Member, National Scholarship & Standards Tracy Aikens Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae

Chair, Regional Nominating Committee Tami V. Bass Las Vegas Alumnae

Collegiate Member, Regional Nominating

Committee

Brittany Allen Upsilon Chapter

Member, Regional Nominating Committee Jadrien Allen Long Beach Alumnae

Member, Regional Nominating Committee Cynthia G. Hunter Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae

Member, Regional Nominating Committee Kimberly M. Usher Rolling Hills Palos Verdes

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INthisISSUE Message from the Regional Director and Regional Representative

The Farwest Focus is the publication of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

For submission guidelines please email farwestregionjounalist@gmail.com

Features

Farwest Focus Staff

Editor

Shanté Morgan-Durisseau (Farwest Regional

Journalist)

Assistant Editor

LaConnie Taylor-Jones (Northern CA Journalist)

Graphic Designer

Sabrina Barnes

Contributing Photographer

Diana Wallace Hom

Tamie Triplett

Regional Director

Sandra Phillips Johnson

Regional Representative

Ashley Miller

Cover Design by Kelcey Newman ATTAIN Design and Marketing Communications

MessageFROMtheFARWEST 4

FARWESTnews 6

newsFROMtheREGION 9

COLLEGIATEnews 17

SororSPOTLIGHT 20

OMEGAomega 22

SubmissionGUIDELINES 23

FARWESTjournalist 23

Farwest Region History

Since inception, the Farwest Region has

meaningfully contributed to the growth, leadership

and vitality of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The

first Farwest chapter was chartered at the University

of California at Berkeley in 1921. Today, the Faithful,

Fierce, Focused and Fabulous Farwest Region is com-

prised of 82 active chapters located in Alaska, Arizo-

na, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah

and Washington, as well as international chapters in

Japan (Okinawa and Tokyo) and the Republic of Ko-

rea (Seoul).

The Farwest Region is extremely proud to

have had Founders Bertha Pitts Campbell, Zephyr

Chisom Carter and Wertie Blackwell Weaver as mem-

bers of our region. Three National Presidents: sorors

Vivian Osborne Marsh, 7th National President; Ger-

aldine P. Woods, 13th National President; and Mona

Humphries Bailey, 17th National President called the

Farwest home.

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WELCOME

Dear Sorors of the Faithful, Fierce, Focused and therefore Fabulous Farwest Region:

Calling all sorors to the floor! Are you ready for the 49th Farwest Regional Conference? Are you ready to come together with your sisters in beautiful Long Beach, Calif, the City on the Beach for training, national up-dates, entertainment, sisterly communion, recharging, spiritual uplifting and Dr. Paulette C. Walker’s inspira-tional message? Are you ready for the exciting Public Meeting and the fun-filled Welcome Event hosted by the determined and devoted sorors of the Long Beach Alumnae Chapter? We are ready for you, and cannot wait to share in this grand event with more than 1,000 sorors in the Farwest Family!

Soror Ashley Miller, Regional Representative, has an exciting Collegiate Day planned with dynamic speakers and recognition of collegiate chapters and advisers who have performed with excellence. The collegiate vari-ety show on Friday night, “Beats of Eclectic Expression,” will offer a wide range of talented performers for sorors of any age…hope you’re there with us! We’re also looking for you the next morning as we participate in the DREF 5K run/walk along scenic Long Beach.

We’re ready to celebrate with you at the Sisterhood Luncheon and applaud award-winning chapters. Mem-bership Services and Heritage and Archives are ready for you to “get happy” and view the excellent exhibits on chapter histories across the region. The Social Action Commission is ready to acknowledge exceptional chapter advocacy initiatives and treat you with a dynamic message from the Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr. at the Social Action Luncheon. And, the Rev. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, 22nd National President, is ready to close out the conference with an uplifting spiritual message.

This issue of the Farwest Focus is also a celebration of the achievements of the faithful, fierce, focused and fabulous women and chapters across the region that have performed extraordinary service and produced exceptional events over the past six months. We salute you for the incredible Delta women you are!

Yours in the sweet spirit of sisterhood and service,

Sandra Phillips Johnson Ashley Christina Miller

Sandra Phillips Johnson Ashley Christina Miller

Regional Director Regional Representative

MessageFROMtheFARWEST

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WELCOME

Welcome to the ‘Beach’ During the 48th Farwest Regional Conference in Las Vegas the site for the 49th Farwest Regional Conference

was announced —Long Beach. We cheered with excitement knowing that this would be the first Farwest Re-

gional Conference in Long Beach.

Sorors of Long Beach Alumnae Chapter (LBAC) knew this would not be an easy task. But sorors stepped up

and volunteered for the Steering Committee and the first task at hand was to raise money. Fundraising leads,

Sorors Denise K. Dowdy and Shirley Denise Bowman planned many fundraising activities. LBAC sorors also

donated $20.14 for 18 months to help with conference funding.

On behalf of our LBAC President Clairessa Spencer; conference co-coordinators Adriene L. Gray and Gwen

Coley; and our fabulous Regional Director Sandra Phillips Johnson and our Regional Representative Ashley

Miller we’d like to say thank you to sorors of the Farwest Region for all your support.

Welcome to the BEACH!

Adriene L. Gray, Co-coordinator

49th Farwest Regional Conference

Member, Long Beach Alumnae Chapter

MessageFROMtheFARWEST

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FARWESTnews

The Arizona Statewide Founders Day Celebration was held

Feb. 15 at the J.W. Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort. The

event, which included sorors from Tempe, Phoenix Metropoli-

tan Alumnae Chapter, Mu Eta and Iota Kappa collegiate chap-

ters, was hosted by Tucson Alumnae Chapter. Honorary mem-

ber Paula Madison who was inducted during the Centennial cel-

ebration in Washington, D.C. served as the keynote speaker.

Soror Madison addressed the theme, “The Past is Prologue, the

Future is Limitless – Celebrating the Next 100 Years.” Soror

Madison retired from NBCUniversal as an executive vice presi-

dent. She is a member of the city of Los Angeles Police Com-

mission and chair of the Nell Williams Family Foundation.

Submitted by Soror Shanté Morgan-Durisseau, Farwest Regional Journalist

Arizona Celebrates Founders Day

The Las Vegas Alumnae and Eta Chi chapters celebrated 101 years of

scholarship, sisterhood and service at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las

Vegas, Nev. The Founders Day luncheon was held on Saturday, Jan. 25

and was well attended by sorors of the chapters, community leaders,

family and friends. Soror Beverly E. Smith, National First Vice President

was the speaker for the luncheon. She delivered an eloquent message that

captured the essence of the vision shared by our 22 bold, ambitious and

illustrious Founders focused around the chapter’s theme for this

biennium, “Greater Service, Greater Success, Greater Sisterhood.”

Submitted by Soror Chelsea Gibson, Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter

Nevada Celebrates Founders Day

The Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter’s Founders Day

celebration was held on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Rev. Denise

Elbert, the Farwest Regional Chaplain brought a message of

commitment and dedication to our sisterhood. She also

challenged chapter members to reach out to all sorors for

reclamation and deeper fellowship. Soror Patricia Washington

was the recipient of the “A Sister Called to Serve” chapter

award. This award recognizes a chapter member who had

demonstrated a tireless commitment to community service and

embodies the qualities of our Founders. Soror Washington

serves as the chapter’s chair of Social Action and Economic Development and Utah’s Social Action Chair.

Submitted by Soror Rodnica “Shae” Eason, Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter

Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter Celebrates Founders Day

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FARWESTnews Arizona Celebrates Founders Day

Hundreds of members of Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority, Inc. attended the Northern California

Coordinating Council’s Founders Celebration at

the Oakland Marriott City Center Jan. 21 and

Feb. 1. The Rev. Gwendolyn Boyd, 22nd

National President, served as the keynote

speaker the event hosted by the Oakland East

Bay Alumnae Chapter. Soror Sandra Phillips

Johnson, Farwest Regional Director. Chapters

donated educational supplies for the service

project, Allen Temple Baptist Church AIDS

ministry, which travels to Zimbabwe where they

work with a school for orphaned children with

AIDS.

Submitted by Soror Dian J. Harrison, Oakland

East Bay Alumnae Chapter

NCCC Celebrates Founders Day

SCCC Celebrates Founders Day

More than 800 sorors attended the Southern California Coordinating Council’s Founders Day Celebration at

the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego. The event was hosted by the San Diego Alumnae Chapter. Soror

Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, the 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and immediate

past president, was the keynote speaker. She addressed the theme, “The Next 100 Years Reaching New

Heights and Taking on New

Adventures,” to an all Delta

audience. Soror Mona Humphries

Bailey, 17th National President, was

also in attendance. Committed to

public service, San Diego Alumnae

also collected items for the

Salvation Army’s Door of Hope

program. The Door of Hope

provides housing and treatment for

homeless teen mothers and mothers

-to-be.

Submitted by Soror Christina

Smith, San Diego Alumnae

Chapter

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NEWSaroundTHEregion

Sorors from throughout the Farwest attended the International Sisterhood Retreat in Seoul, South Korea from

Jan. 17 to 20. It was held at the Dragon Hill Lodge on Yongsan Army Base in Seoul. Soror Cynthia Butler-

McIntyre, 24th National President was the guest speaker for the Sisterhood Luncheon and the Martin Luther

King Jr. Observance and Farwest Regional Director Sandra Phillips Johnson offered inspiration. In addition,

sorors donated more than 100 children’s books to the Yongsan City Library where members of the Republic of

Korea Alumnae Chapter read to Korean children.

Submitted by Soror June Wilkins, Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter

Republic of Korea Hosts International Sisterhood Retreat

Fairbanks Alumnae Chapter Chartering

A true expression of sisterhood was exhibited when

Chapter President Wanda Wilson, Vice-President

Cessilye Williams, and 10 other sorors from the

Alaska Alumnae Chapter traveled 360 miles from

Anchorage to Fairbanks, to participate in the

chartering of the Fairbanks Alumnae Chapter on

March 8. Soror Sandra Phillips Johnson, Farwest

Regional Director and Soror Tracy R. Aikens,

member, National Scholarship and Standards

Committee, presided.

Submitted by Soror Pam Brown-McMillan, Alaska

Journalist

Bakersfield Honored by NAACP

Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Impact Youth The Inglewood Alumnae Chapter seizes every opportunity that

presents itself to educate and mobilize the community around

social action. This year, in an effort to get out the vote for the

June 3 election, the chapter collaborated and co-sponsored

two successful candidates’ forums. On May 7, the Inglewood

Alumnae Chapter along with the Century City, Compton, Los

Angeles and the Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae chapters

hosted a Los Angeles County Sheriff Candidates’ Forum.

Then on May 17, the Inglewood Alumnae Chapter and the

above chapters of DST partnered with Holman United

Methodist Church and others to co-host a candidate’s forum for individuals running for the Los Angeles

Unified School District, District 1 seat. The event included a video observance commemorating the 60th

anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in the Brown vs. The Board of Education.

Submitted by Soror Karen Smith-Wilson, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

Inglewood Mobilizes the Community with Social Action

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NEWSaroundTHEregion Republic of Korea Hosts International Sisterhood Retreat

Fairbanks Alumnae Chapter Chartering

Alaska Alumnae Chapter Delta

Dears Luncheon

Members of the Alaska Alumnae Chapter honored Del-

ta Dears on May 17. The chapter honored their Delta

Dears with an elegant luncheon at the Muse

Restaurant located in the Anchorage Museum.

Submitted by Soror Pam Brown-McMillan, Alaska

Journalist

Bakersfield Honored by NAACP

The Bakersfield Alumnae Chapter and two

chapter members were honored at the

NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner and Awards

on March 15. Soror Alma Nealy, a Delta for

more than 50 years and charter member of

Bakersfield Alumnae, was honored with the

Lifetime Achievement Award. Soror Essie

Davis was honored with the Woman of the

Year Award for her educational contributions

in the community. The Bakersfield Alumnae

Chapter was honored with the Health Award

for their annual Health & Wellness Fair.

Submitted by Soror Tamie Triplett,

Bakersfield Alumnae Chapter

Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Impact Youth

The Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter’s “Weekend of

Hope” sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund and

Casey Family Program provided an opportunity for

BBAAC sorors to expand social action efforts while

engaging with the community. The two day event, which

took place April 12-13, included the “Expression Session”

youth talent showcase and the Beacon of Hope youth

awards ceremony. BBAAC sorors also presented the

Children's Defense Fund with a framed copy of the

chapter's Voluntary Resolution Against Gun-Violence.

Submitted by Soror Michelle Connley, Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter

Inglewood Mobilizes the Community with Social Action

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NEWSaroundTHEregion

Thirty-three years ago, the dynamic Century City Alumnae Chapter was chartered. Two of CCAC original

projects, Live Theater for Children and McAlister School for Girls have been mainstays for the chapter since

inception. The Live Theatre for Children Committee provides cultural experiences with the arts through live

music, song, dance, theatre

and books to elementary

school youth. Since the

launching of the McAlister

School project, chapter

members have volunteered at

the Southwest campus twice a

month to provide personal

development services to more

than 750 pregnant and

parenting teenage girls, and to

present workshops on career

and family planning, health

and grooming, tutoring and

parenting skills. College tours

are also provided.

Submitted by Sorors Neelura Bell and Charlene Smith, Century City Alumnae Chapter

Century City Alumnae: Sustains Commitment to Children’s Theater and Pregnant Teens

Contra Costa Alumnae Supports Students in Dominican Republic

Seven sorors from Contra Costa Alumnae

Chapter had work on their minds when they

ventured to a small school in Puna Canta,

Dominican Republic in May.

In 2013, CCAC adopted The Nazaret School

after Soror Cherene Sandidge visited the

Dominican Republic on vacation, met the

school’s owners and spent time volunteering at

the small school. Sandidge returned to the

school with chapter members. The school

educates 417 students, mostly young girls, age

5-16. The chapter donated seven suitcases

filled with Spanish-speaking books, hand

sanitizers, school supplies, back packs, teacher

packs and snacks. When sorors noticed that

many of the children’s uniforms were tattered

and falling apart, they bought the children new pants and skirts.

Submitted by Soror Tuseda Graggs-Borden, Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter

(Above) CAC McAlister School

(Right) CCAC Live Theatre for Children

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NEWSaroundTHEregion Century City Alumnae: Sustains Commitment to Children’s Theater and Pregnant Teens

Contra Costa Alumnae Supports Students in Dominican Republic

GSLA Hosts Delta Academy/GEM STEM Event

The Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter’s Delta Academy/GEMS S.T.E.M event was held on March 15 at

Weber State University, Davis Campus. The event included multiple S.T.E.M experiments including

exploding fizzy bags, soap soufflé, elephant toothpaste, earthquake stimulation and mouse trap cars. The girls

also showed off their math skills by solving problems using dominos.

Submitted by Soror Rodnica “Shae” Eason, Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter

High Desert Hosts 2nd

Annual Awards Luncheon

On May 3, the High Desert Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted its 2nd Annual Community GEMS

and Scholarship Awards Luncheon at the Green Tree Grill in

Victorville.

Six local high school seniors received scholarships. Four

received $500 scholarship awards and two received $250

awards. Four community leaders and organizations also

received recognition. The audience was also mesmerized by

the guest speaker, Soror Krystle Evans, past Farwest Regional

Representative.

Submitted by Soror Evelyn Glasper, High Desert Alumnae

Chapter

With obesity in the African-American community starting at an earlier age, “Fit for Life” was the theme for

Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter’s IMPACT Day on May 22, 2014.

More than 200 children, parents and teachers

enjoyed a full day of information and fun

focused on healthy living and exercise. Creative

exercises like Zumba, line dancing, sports

booths and a mini-obstacle course kicked off

the event and an upbeat DJ kept the adrenaline

flowing throughout the day. Congressman Eric

Swalwell and HUSD Superintendent Stan

Dobbs addressed the participants and expressed

their gratitude to Hayward-Tri-City for its

community involvement.

Submitted by Soror Shirley Sexton,

Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter

Hayward-Tri-City’s ‘Fit For Life’ Program a Success

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NEWSaroundTHEregion

The Inglewood Alumnae Chapter hosted “The Faces of Do-

mestic Violence Across the African Diaspora,” a domestic

violence awareness symposium on Feb. 22. The event was

organized to increase understanding and awareness of do-

mestic violence victimization. The day included a multi-

cultural panel of experts who discussed what is and what is

not domestic violence from both a legal and psychological

perspective, examined common threads and differences

among various cultural groups, as well as discussed ways to

help “break the cycle.” The common message shared by all

of the panelists was that if you or someone you know is in

an abusive relationship: Leave.

Submitted by Soror Sabrina Barnes, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

Inglewood Explores Domestic Violence

LBAC Academy/GEMS Explore International Art and Culture

The International Awareness and Involvement Committee of the Long

Beach Alumnae Chapter hosted the Academy/GEMS on May 17. The

objective of this special collaboration was to expose the young ladies

to art, music and literature of a different culture. To achieve this

objective LBAC sorors accompanied the participants to the Museum

of Latin American Art where they participated in a workshop and tour.

The afternoon concluded with lunch at Cafe Viva that specialized in

Latin American cuisine. It was a great time for sorors and the girls to

learn, create and fellowship.

Submitted by Soror Asabi Mayers, Long Beach Alumnae Chapter

Pasadena Deltas Present a ‘Celebration of Excellence’

On Saturday, May 17, the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter hosted its

annual reception in honor of the 2014 Academic Award

Recipients. The chapter awards of $1,000 to 12 deserving

graduating seniors. A motivating keynote address was delivered

by Tyron Hampton, Pasadena Unified School District Board of

Trustees. Certificates of commendation were received by each

award winner from the office of Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard,

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich,

Assemblyman Chris Holden, Senator Carol Liu and

Congresswoman Judy Chu.

Submitted by Soror Denise Jones, Pasadena Alumnae Chapter

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NEWSaroundTHEregion Inglewood Explores Domestic Violence

Pasadena Deltas Present a ‘Celebration of Excellence’

Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter’s

‘22 Powerful Women in Red’ The Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter hosted a three-event

Scholarship Fundraiser entitled “22 Powerful Women

in Red.” The fundraiser paid tribute to the Sorority’s

22 Founders by honoring outstanding “Sheroes” from

the Los Angeles community. All of the events

exemplified true Sisterhood.

A special pre-event at Macy’s titled, “On the Red

Carpet,” paid homage to the Los Angeles Alumnae

Chapter’s Past Presidents. The first official event, “An

Afternoon of Jazz,” held at the Museum of African

American Art featured phenomenal young jazz artists

and Wave Radio Personality, Soror Pat Prescott. The

next well attended event, “Go Red Gospel Fest” at New

Testament Church of Christ, received rave reviews. The

sold out, culminating event, “22 Powerful Women in

Red Fashion Show and Scholarship Luncheon,” held at

the Taglyan complex in Los Angeles was an

unparalleled success.

Submitted by Sorors Sherry Y. Smith and Cherie

Forsha, Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter

Jump at the Sun Project Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc. and Well Arts, partnered

to create an intergenerational African-

American women’s oral history theater

performance from May 2 to May 10 at

Portland Actors Conservatory.

Well Arts Artistic Director Katy Liljeholm

facilitated oral history workshops that

combined visual art, music and storytelling. In

the workshops, young African-American

women volunteers, including members of

PAC, interviewed and collected stories from

women of a mature age, which also included

members of PAC. Professional African-American actors auditioned for the roles and local director Sarah

Peters worked with the actors to depict the stories on stage. Jump at the Sun weaves together the tales of five

modern African-American women living in Portland. The stories reveal examples of what it is like to move

from youth to maturity, gathering strength and wisdom along the journey.

Submitted by Soror Darcell Dance, Portland Alumnae Chapter

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NEWSaroundTHEregion Seattle Students Connect with Science at STEM Event

San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter Makes History

The San Fernando Valley Alumnae

Chapter spearheaded a historical

partnership with the Los Angeles Public

Library and the San Fernando Valley

chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.,

The Links, Inc. and the NAACP as they

hosted documentary film producer, Gary

Ford, as part of his tour to promote the

Congressional Tribute to Constance

Baker Motley Act of 2013 and his film,

“Justice is a Black Woman: The Life

and Work of Constance Baker Motley.”

The award-winning documentary

chronicles the inspirational life of

Constance Baker Motley who tried

many important civil rights cases and

was the first African-American woman appointed to federal judgeship. The Congressional Tribute to

Constance Baker Motley Act of 2013 called for a posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress.

Submitted by Soror Monica Groves, Southern California Journalist

San Francisco Alumnae Celebrates Delta Days at City Hall On April 21, members of San

Francisco Alumnae Chapter convened

in San Francisco at City Hall for their

3rd Annual Delta Day at City Hall,

which was themed: “Advocacy in

Action.” Deltas met with the San

Francisco Board of Supervisors,

representatives from the Police

Department and the Mayor’s Office.

The chapter has called on city leaders

to take action to provide solutions for

community improvements on issues

facing African Americans including

affordable housing, public safety,

work force development and

utilization of city block grants for

housing.

Submitted by Soror Elicia Phillips, San Francisco Alumnae Chapter

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NEWSaroundTHEregion

From exploring the stars in deep space to touching local Puget Sound

marine life in a simulated tidal pool, 100 third grade students enjoyed a

complete immersion in the world of science at the Seattle Alumnae

Chapter’s 2nd Annual Mona H. Bailey STEM Day.

“I hope they were inspired,” said Soror Mona H. Bailey, 17th National

President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and longtime science

educator. “I hope they saw how cool and how much fun science can be.

And, I hope they realized that science is all around us and it is a part of our

everyday living.”

Submitted by Soror Nourisha Wells, Seattle Alumnae Chapter

Seattle Students Connect with Science at STEM Event

Spokane Alumnae Encourages the Exploration of STEM Careers

The Spokane Alumnae Chapter collaborated with The Links, Inc.,

and The University of Idaho’s Black Engineers on March 8 to

support the Delta Academy/GEMS program.

The chapter reviewed the importance of accessing opportunities

in the STEM areas and shared a list of professions and the

salaries. The chapter worked with the students to conduct a

variety of experiments including the fruit battery and hand

sanitizer.

Submitted by Soror Jeanne Aston Baynes, Spokane Alumnae

Chapter

VCAC 2nd

Annual ‘Run for Your Health’

The Ventura County Alumnae Chapter hosted the

2nd Annual Run For Your Health in Camarillo on

May 3. The race was held in affiliation with the

Delta Foundation Research and Educational

Foundation and in partnership with As1 Fitness.

The event aligns with the Sorority’s national Five

-Point Programmatic Thrust: Physical and Mental

Health. The 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids’ Fun

Run further emphasizes VCAC’s commitment to

promoting healthy lifestyles in the community.

Submitted by Soror Shanté Morgan-Durisseau,

Farwest Regional Journalist

16

Collegiatecorner

The 2014 Farwest Collegiate Retreat was held in

Las Vegas, Nev. from April 16 to 18. The

electrifying Eta Chi Chapter hosted more than 70

sorors from across the region. The collegiates

were honored to have Brittani N. Blackwell,

National Second Vice President, as the keynote

speaker, and Krystle Evans, past Regional

Representative give the collegiate address. The

retreat started off on Friday with a bang, featuring

performances from the Eta Chi Chapter

(University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and the Tau

Delta Chapter (Loyola

Marymount University).

Saturday was full of

amazing workshops such as

Collaborating Through

Social Action, Denying the

Double Negative: African

American Women in

Leadership, Choosing Your

Be-HAT-itude, Translating

Your Delta Experience:

Making It Work for You, and Fit for a Queen. The weekend came

to a close on Sunday with a church visit. The retreat was a great

opportunity for collegiates to bond with each other and learn about opportunities to help their chapters.

Submitted by Soror Emily Cooper, Regional Collegiate Journalist

Farwest Collegiate Retreat

On May 23, the Isla Vista community near UC Santa Barbara was struck with

a tragedy killing six and injuring 13 others including two members of

Delta Delta Delta Sorority. In support of their community, members of Kappa

Omega Chapter participated in a series of events including making paper

cranes, showing gaucho pride and offering condolences to not only fellow

students but the counselors and staff who work hard concerning themselves

with the well-being of students. The entire community moves forward with

the phrase: #NotOneMore.

Submitted by Soror Jasmine Moses, Kappa Omega Chapter

Kappa Omega Stands Strong

17

Collegiatecorner The Farwest Salutes Its Graduates

Epsilon Nu Chapter: Chelsey Barnes, Attalah Dillard, Chantel Gammach, Adenike Hamilton,

Mabel Kimble, and Daisha Mskaka

Eta Omega Chapter: Shaniquia Shannon and Alicia Simpson

Iota Kappa Chapter: Aysia Pennell and India Purnell

Kappa Chapter: Dominique Collins

Mu Eta Chapter: Alli Gloyd, Rebekah Jackson, Candice

Kennedy, and Diamon Woods

Nu Lambda Chapter: Brianna Cunningham

Nu Upsilon Chapter: Esther Are, Danielle Garvey, Dajanae

Palmer, Janae Parsons and Shannon Polee

Nu Xi Chapter: Deb'Viyone Fisher, Alyse Harris, Porsche Johnson, and Bryanna Sparks

Pi Chapter: Sha'Vonna Amey and Alise Murray

Tau Delta Chapter: Emily Cooper, Imani Hayes, Ashley Miller, and Shellee Samuels

Tau Tau Chapter: Chanice Umboldi

Upsilon Gamma: Tiya Johnson and JeLisa Rucker

Submitted by Soror Emily Cooper, Farwest Regional Collegiate Journalist

18

NEWinitiates

On April 13, 2014, Sorors LaToya Gates, Michelle Parker and

Philecia Wade were welcomed to our illustrious sisterhood.

They were initiated into the Alaska Alumnae Chapter.

Submitted by Soror Pam Brown-McMillan, Alaska Journalist

On April 25, the Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter celebrated the

initiation of four phenomenal women, “4 Eras of Enlightenment” into our

sisterhood.

Submitted by Soror Rodnica “Shae” Eason,

Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter

Kappa Omega Chapter’s Spring 2014 line received a festive welcome into our

beloved sisterhood from chapters across the Farwest Region and beyond. Sorors

Madison Mayho and Jasmine Moses were initiated April 27, 2014 on the campus of

UC Santa Barbara in the presence of more than 40 sorors. Soror Madison is a

sophomore majoring in ecological and environmental biological sciences. She is a

legacy whose Delta mother and grandmother were also initiated in the Farwest

Region. Soror Moses is a senior majoring in economics and math.

Submitted by Soror Jasmine Moses, Kappa Omega Chapter

The Beta Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the

only collegiate chapter in the state of Oregon and primarily

serves on the campuses of: University of Oregon, Oregon State

University, Portland State University and Warner Pacific

College. The chapter welcomed sorors Sandrina Powell, Alexis

Lawrence, Wienta Mebrahtu, Ericka Thompson, Ruby Offord-

Reid, Marlene Sails and Mariam Admasu on April 27.

Submitted by Soror Lesley Unthank, Oregon Journalist

Alaska’s New Initiates

Beta Psi Welcomes New Sorors

Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Initiates

Kappa Omega’s New Initiates

19

NEWinitiates

After a six year hiatus, the Nu Upsilon Chapter, San Diego’s

Citywide chapter has officially been reactivated with the initiation

of 17 intelligent, beautiful and fierce sorors. With four ladies from

the campus of University of California, San Diego and 13 ladies

from the campus of San Diego State University, these newly

initiated sorors are preparing to take San Diego by storm and

stand on the shoulders of Nu Upsilon’s long standing legacy of serving the San Diego community. The new

members are: Rena Gowdy, Alyssa Bolden, Keajauhn`e Polk, Shannon Polee, Nicole Williams, Janae

Parsons, Jasmine Woods, Kipprecia Singleton, Alexandria Sharpe, Samantha Denson, Dajanae Palmer,

Danielle Garvey, Dalanna King, Mariah Kelly, Ezinne Ofoegbu, Adrienne Baskin and Esther Are.

Submitted by Soror Mariah Kelly, Nu Upsilon Chapter

The Portland Alumnae Chapter welcomed 11 new sorors into Delta

Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on April 27. The new sorors are: Shasha

Pritchett, Adiana Wilmot, Rachel Gilmer, Alanna Conley-Oyofo,

Crystal Roberts, Kimberlin Butler, Nichole Martin, Desiree

Williams-Rejee, Sommer Martin, Aasha Benton and Beverly Gay.

Submitted by Soror Lesley Unthank, Oregon Journalist

On April 25, the Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter reactivated the Sigma

Omicron Citywide Chapter. Two energetic ladies called “The Resurgence” are the

newest members.

Submitted by Soror Rodnica “Shae” Eason, Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter

The Xi Omega collegiate chapter at the University of California, Irvine welcomed

three new members to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jazmyne McNeese, a dance

major with a minor in sociology and African American studies; Faye Hayes, a

political science major; and Cheryl Flores, a literary journalism and African

American studies double major are the chapter’s new sorors.

Submitted by Soror Kaleen Cole, Xi Omega Chapter

Nu Upsilon: A Fierce Come Back

Portland Alumnae New Initiates

Sigma Omicron New Initiates

Xi Omega Welcomes New Sorors

20

Honoring the late Soror Bettie McDonald

Members of the

Alaska Alumnae

Chapter were present

when the theater at

the Bartlett High

School in Anchorage,

Alaska was named in

honor of the late

Soror Bettie

McDonald who

served as the school’s

Choral Director for

many years. In addition, she was also a voice coach

and professional opera singer whose talents reached

deep into the community. With several Anchorage

School District and Community dignitaries, community

members and friends on hand, Sorors Laurie King and

Lila MacDonald proudly accepted the prestigious

honor on behalf of their mother from Anchorage

School District Superintendent, Ed Graf.

Submitted by Soror Pam Brown-McMillan, Alaska

Journalist

Celebrating Our Delta Dear

Soror Maybelle Broussard of

the Berkeley Bay Area

Alumnae Chapter was

recently featured in a local

newspaper for turning 100

years old on March 31. She

was initiated through Kappa

Chapter in 1932 at the

University of California,

Berkeley after receiving a $25

scholarship, which covered her entire tuition for one

year. When asked why she chose to pledge Delta,

her response was, “my mother strongly suggested

that I choose Delta.” She remembers during her

pledging period making sandwiches for parties and

other functions and interacting with Soror Vivian

Osborne Marsh, 7th National President. She

graduated from Berkeley with a degree in Spanish

and worked in several clerical positions. She enjoys

attending chapter meetings, fellowshipping with her

chapter sorors and wearing her Delta paraphernalia.

Submitted by Soror Michelle Connley, Berkeley

Bay Area Alumnae Chapter

NAACP Honors Sorors Alma Nealy

and Essie Davis The Bakersfield

Alumnae Chapter and

two of their members

were honored at the

NAACP Freedom Fund

Dinner & Awards

Banquet on Saturday,

March 15, 2014.

Soror Alma Nealy, a

Delta for over 50 years

and charter member of Alma Nealy

Bakersfield Alumnae, was honored with the Lifetime

Achievement Award. Soror Essie Davis was honored

with the Woman of the Year Award for her educational

contributions in the community. The Bakersfield

Alumnae Chapter was honored with the Health Award

for their annual Health & Wellness Fair.

Submitted by Soror Tamie Triplett, Bakersfield

Alumnae

Soror Sandra

Hollins

On Saturday, April 12,

2014, Soror Sandra Hollins

scored a huge victory at the

Salt Lake Democratic

Convention by winning a

three-way race for the

Democratic Party

Nomination to represent the

23rd Legislative District of

the Utah House of

Representatives. Because of

Soror Hollins’ diligence and courage in accepting

this challenge, she has a shot at becoming Utah’s

first black woman legislator.

Submitted by Soror Rodnica “Shae” Eason,

Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

21

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Soror Helen LaMar

Soror Helen LaMar, executive director of

Providence Foundation of San Francisco and

member of the San Francisco Alumnae Chapter,

recently received

the Real Estate

Deal of the Year

Award from the

San Francisco

Business Times

for the 73 Unit

Affordable

Residential

Development at

1075 Le Conte St.,

San Francisco.

Submitted by Soror Candace Hill-Lewis, San

Francisco Alumnae Chapter

Soror Shanté Morgan-Durisseau

Soror Shanté Morgan-

Durisseau was

appointed to Ventura

County’s Women’s

Economic Roundtable.

She was selected

because of her

leadership as president

of the Ventura County

Alumnae Chapter of

Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority and past chair

of the Ventura County

Commission for

Women. The 10-member group will address

issues relevant to women including pay equity

issues, educational opportunities and career

advancement.

Submitted by Soror Kellie Duncan, Ventura

County Alumnae Chapter

Soror Amani Gabrielle Odom

Born and raised in sunny

Southern California,

Soror Amani Gabrielle

Odom is a proud Delta

legacy. As the co-chair

of the National

Membership Services

Committee and a 2014

graduate from the

University of California,

Berkeley, Soror Odom

sees her future with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as

limitless. Since her initiation into Kappa Chapter on

April 24, 2012, Soror Odom has been dedicated. She

served as the vice-president, corresponding secretary,

recording secretary and represented the chapter at the

Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital, engaged in the

reenactment of the 1913 Suffrage March and participated

in the Centennial Kick-off Celebration at the Nokia

Theatre. She has also been able to maintain in good

academic standing and garnered the Farwest Region

Academic Excellence Award/Overall College GPA during

the 51st National Convention. She plans to continue her

post graduate education in the field of social welfare – a

profession where she can develop programs to assist those

in need along with serving her African-American

community.

Submitted by Soror Emily Cooper, Regional Collegiate

Journalist

Top Teacher of the Year

Soror Roietta Fulgham

received the NBEA

Postsecondary Teacher of the

Year Award at the National

Business Education

Association Annual

Convention held in Los

Angeles in April. This award is

given for outstanding

contributions to Business

Education by a Postsecondary

Business Teacher.

Submitted by Soror Roietta

Fulgham, Sacramento Alumnae Chapter

22

OMEGAomega

Soror Wilhelmina Anthony

Soror Christine Poole-Jones, a member of the Portland

Alumnae Chapter entered into Omega Omega April 10,

2014. She was passionate about making a difference in

her community. She was dedicated to arts, and the

principles of sustainability living.

Submitted by Soror Lesley Unthank, Oregon Journalist

Soror Christine Poole-Jones

Sorors in Southern California will miss Soror Wilhelmina

Anthony who passed away Feb. 16, 2014. Soror Anthony was

initiated into our beloved sisterhood through the Los Angeles

Alumnae Chapter more than 25 years ago. She relocated and

spent nearly a decade in the Bakersfield Alumnae Chapter and

more recently the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter. Members

of all three chapters along with other sorors, family and friends

spoke highly of Soror Anthony as an educator, counselor,

friend, mother and mentor.

Submitted by Kellie Duncan, Ventura County Alumnae

Chapter

23

Farwest Region Journalists

Appointed Officers

Shanté Morgan-Durisseau, Farwest Regional

Journalist

(Ventura County Alumnae)

Emily Cooper, Regional Collegiate Journalist

(Tau Delta Chapter)

State Journalists

Alaska Journalist, Pam Brown-McMillan

(Alaska Alumnae)

Arizona Journalist, Jay Dianne Johnson

(Tempe Alumnae)

No. California Journalist, LaConnie Taylor-Jones

(Contra Costa Alumnae)

So. California Journalist, Monica Groves

(San Fernando Valley Alumnae)

Hawaii/Japan/Korea Journalist, Libra Forde

(Hawaii Alumnae)

Nevada Journalist, Tya R. Mathis

(Las Vegas Alumnae)

Oregon Journalist, Lesley Unthank

(Portland Alumnae)

Washington Journalist, Alyce McNeil

(Tacoma Alumnae)

Journalist-at-Large, Shatanda Johnson

(No. San Diego Alumnae)

We strive to ensure that the message of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is

clear and accurate and that our stories are shared internally and externally.

Thanks to all the chapters who submitted articles to this issue, the

Technology Task Force for their assistance, the journalists and

photographers who contributed. We look forward to sharing the news

about all the good work you’re doing in your communities.

The Submission Guidelines are:

Email articles to: Farwestregionjournalist@gmail.com.

Articles should be attached as a Microsoft Word Document,

using Time Roman font, 12-point.

Please include information such as the results/outcome of

your event, impact on the community, as well as the “who,

what, when, where, why and how.”

Submit pictures as separate attachments with the chapter’s

name and title of the article. Photos should be at least 300 dpi,

jpeg or higher resolution.

Photos should identify the name and title of individuals

included (left to right). Group photos should identify the

group. For example, Delta Alumnae Chapter members.

Please include the name of the Soror who submitted the

article inside the document.

Articles should be no more than 300 words.

All articles should be approved by your chapter president

before submitting.

The journalists listed on the adjoining page are available to assist should you

have any questions about the guidelines.

Sisterly,

Shanté Morgan Durisseau Emily Cooper

Farwest Regional Journalist Farwest Regional Collegiate Journalist

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.49 Farwest Regional Conferenceth

Sisterhood Luncheon

“ Reflections on Violet: Characteristics of Sisterhood”Friday, July 18, 2014

** **Processional

Mistress of Ceremonies……………………………………..……………..……Gwendolyn ColeyConference Co-Coordinator & Southern California State Coordinator

Welcome…………………………………….……..……Sandra Phillips Johnson & Ashley MillerFarwest Regional Director & Regional Representative

Introduction of the Dais……………………………………..……………..……Gwendolyn ColeyConference Co-Coordinator & Southern California State Coordinator

Greetings………………………………………………………………..……Brittani N. BlackwellNational Second Vice President

Beverly E. SmithNational First Vice President

** Musical Selection **State Coordinators' Welcome…………………….……………………………...Stephanie Cooper

Northern California State Coordinator

Invocation…………………………………………………………………Reverend Denise ElbertChair, Chaplains Council

** Lunch & Farwest Slideshow Presentation **

Awards and Recognition:* Exemplary Chapter Programs ………………………Donna L. Smith & Rosalyn Earl Clark

Program Planning & Development Coordinator & Co-Coordinator

* Membership Services………………….……………………….………Lorraine W. DabneyCo-Chair, National Membership Services

Kendra L. Taylor & LaShawn Denise MooreCo-Chairs, Regional Membership Services

* Regional Director's Award………………………….………………Sandra Phillips JohnsonFarwest Regional Director

Announcements………………………………………………………..………..Mary Alyce SmithRegional Secretary

** **Recessional