Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 1
In This Issue:
Zeta Chi Omega Chapter
®
ZCO 2016 Leadership Training
January Health Tips
MLK Day of Service
Scholarships
Metropolitan Founders’ Day
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter
Greetings From The Basileus
Soror Rhonda Luss
continued on the next page >>
4 CALENDAR
5 SPIRIT
7 PROGRAMS
12 OFFICER REPORTS
15 STANDING
COMMITTEE
REPORTS
16 SCHOLARSHIPS
18 EAF
19 FOUNDERS’ DAY
26 PHOTO GALLERY
31 INTERNATIONAL
FALL MAILINGS
Sorors, thank you for electing me your Basileus. It is an honor to serve in this esteem position. I will strive to fulfill the duties of my office with integrity, high moral and ethical standards, and to uphold the sacred trust you have bestowed upon me. For I know, “to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).
January will be a busy month for the Chapter. So get ready to conduct the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® and Zeta Chi Omega Chapter.
January Meeting DateAs a friendly reminder, the January General Body Meeting will be held on the second Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM, Nannie J. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Join us for a festive celebration as we officially kickoff the second year of Launching New Dimensions of Servicesm.
January Meeting AttireAll sorors are asked to wear a white top to the Chapter meeting, along with their Launching New Dimensions of Servicesm pin and scarf or kerchief.
Worship ServicePlease join me on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Antioch Baptist Church, 6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 at the 11:30 a.m. worship service. Let’s start 2016 off with the word, prayer, and fellowship. The service will include a prayer for the Chapter and the new administration. Sorors are asked to wear something pink or green.
Happy New Year & Happy Founders’ Day
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 1
3
Leadership TrainingThe Chapter is fortunate to have our very own Chapter member and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Joyce Henderson, to conduct our Chapter’s leadership training. Leadership Training: Part 1 - So Now You’re Elected will be held at the Nannie Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 on January 11th at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive at 6:30 p.m. so that you are in place when the Regional Director arrives.
Leadership Training: Part 2 – Chapter Operations will take place at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201 on January 16th at 10:30 a.m. Come and learn about the interworking of the Chapter. Do you want to understand the Chapter voucher process or how to get your flyer approved for your event? Then this is the training for you. The Standards Committee is asked to arrive at 10:00 a.m.
Chairmen and Co-Chairmen RecommendationsSoror, if you have a desire to serve your Chapter in a leadership role as a chairman or co-chairman of a committee, submit your name and the committee name to the Basileus at [email protected], no later than January 9, 2016.
Committee Sign Up!Before and after the January General Body meeting, you will be given the opportunity to sign up for the committees that best align with your interests and/or talents. All sorors are invited to volunteer to serve on at least one program committee, one standing committee, and one ad hoc committee. In addition, online sign-up is available through February 28, 2016. Please look for online committee sign-up options in the PEARL DROP Broadcast communications. Sorors will be notified of confirmed committee member appointments by mid-February. Thank you, in advance for your willingness to serve!
Date Time Activity LocationJanuary 3, 2016 11:30 a.m. Worship Service Antioch Baptist Church
January 7, 2016 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee
Meeting
Nannie Lee Center
January 9, 2016 10:00 a.m. General Body Meeting Nannie Lee Center
January 9, 2016 9:00 a.m. *Cotillion Rehearsal Nannie Lee Center
January 11, 2016 7:00 p.m. Leadership Training – Part 1 Nannie Lee Center
January 12, 2016 4:00 p.m. Project Stepout Charles Houston Center
January 14, 2016 7:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Shiloh Baptist Church
January 15, 2016 7:00 p.m. International Sisterly
Relations Day Social
Champs Pentagon Rowe
January 16, 2016 10:30 a.m. Leadership Training – Part 2 Arlington Central Library
January 18, 2016 10:00 a.m. MLK Day of Service Charles Houston Center
January 23, 2016 10:00 a.m. ASCEND / Model UN Nannie Lee Center
January 24, 2016 11:30 a.m. Bi-Monthly Meal Service Carpenter Shelter
January 26, 2016 4:00 p.m. Project Stepout Charles Houston Center
January 26, 2016 7:00 p.m. *IFNV Board Meeting Nannie Lee Center
January 31, 2016 12:00 p.m. Metropolitan Founders Day McLean Hilton Tysons Corner
*IFNV activity for information only.Sisterly,
Soror Rhonda Luss
~ January 2016 ~
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1 2
3
WorshipService
Antioch Baptist Church
Pearl Drop submissions due
every Sunday
4 5 6
Sisterly Relations
Committee Meeting
7
Executive Committee
Meeting
Ivy Leafsubmissions due
8 9
General Membership
Meeting
*Cotillion Rehearsal
10 11
Leadership Training Part I
12
Project Step Out
Protocol Committee
Meeting
14
Dr. Cynthia Hale
Shiloh Baptist Church
Alexandria
15FOUNDERS’
DAY
InternationalSisterly
Relations Day Social
16
Leadership Training Part II
17 18
MLKDay of Service
19 20 21 22 23
ASCEND/Model UN
24Monthly Meal Service
25 26
ProjectStep Out
*IFNV Board Mtg
27 28 29 30
*IFNV event - for informational purposes only
CALENDER OF EVENTS
4
31
MetropolitanFounders Day
Program
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 1
SPIRIT
5
submitted by Soror Beverly Anderson, Co-Chairman, Spirit and Inspiration Committee
As we look at 2015 in a rear view mirror, think about what
happened last year. Did you make any resolutions; did you
accomplish all of them? Did everything go just as you had
planned the whole year? The year in review had joy and pain; it
had sweetness and sorrow. Yes, there were tragedies; but there
were also many acts of kindness and many victories.
As we enter into 2016, you probably have already made your
New Year’s resolutions. Or perhaps, like me, you will be trying to
complete some of your resolutions from 2015. We make many
plans about what we want to accomplish this year or improve
from the previous year – losing weight; being more organized;
being more active in the chapter; being on time; being more
loving, and the list goes on and on. While we may make plans
and resolutions, Proverbs 16:9 says: “In their hearts humans
plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
We don’t know what 2016 holds for us, but we do know who
holds the year and who cares for us. We know who is right there
with us no matter what we are going through or what we are
trying to accomplish.
So as you make your plans and your resolutions for 2016,
consider this resolution: LOVE – not only to love God but to love
others as well (Matthew 22: 36-40) and meditate on these
verses:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the
greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
“Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one
another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
So my sisters, let’s make a resolution to keep love on board in
2016 and make it a great year!
submitted by Soror Toni Carter Pearson, Spirit and Inspiration Committee
INSPIRATION
THE VICTORY OF THE WOMAN WHO DARES
This is the era of the woman who dares.
Her opportunity has blossomed out of conditions unparalleled in history.
Too many women plod along in a furrow, afraid to come out of the rut.
They live, it is true, but they have not grasped the success that awaits them.
The woman has higher motives than mere existence,
and an unbending promise from God.
Business, commerce, government, politics demand a woman who dares.
The eyes of the world turn toward the inscription,
“I will,” on the banner of the woman who dares,
as she hurdles across obstacles and brings virtue back to its pedestal.
Hers is the initiative; to her belong the rewards of efficiency.
The power that drives her is dynamic.
She has no hand held out behind for bribes, nor before for offerings.
She builds her castle with hope and cements its walls with
enduring faith in her God-given powers, and anchors it with good works.
When life’s fitful fever is over, and she has accomplished all she can,
according to her gifts, talents, and ability, she lets a feeling of peace
steal over her, and trusts in God for the rest.
Be a woman who dares.
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 1 6
Tea roses, pearls, and more are what you deserve for the outstanding execution of the
December programs. The Family Strengthening Committee held two gift-wrapping parties
to wrap 25 kids’ coats for the children at Community Lodgings Brent Place Learning Center.
In addition, the committee wrapped 150 pashmina scarves and 50 cashmere wool scarves
for senior citizens attending the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon.
The Bent Place children were full of smiles seeing their new coats, and the senior citizens
could not stop talking about how much fun they had at the Senior Citizens Holiday
Luncheon and how much they loved their seasonal wrap gifts. Thanks to everyone who
participated and an extra special “thank you” to Sorors Patty Edwards and Melonie
Barrington, from the Seasonal Wrap Committee; Sorors Darlena Ricks and Katrina Moss
from the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon Committee; and Sorors Rochelle Brown and
Robin McCoy, from the Gift-Wrapping Committee.
DECEMBER PROGRAMS EXECUTED TO PEARL-FECTION!
Project StepOut and ASCENDsm ended the year with holiday parties. Project
StepOut hosted its holiday party at the Charles Houston Center, and ASCENDsm at
the Gaylord after viewing the Gaylord Nationals’ Christmas on the Potomac ICE!®
show. Fun was had by all! Tea roses to Sorors VaShawn Guice Veal, Veronica
Jackson, and LaVonne Shingler for ending the year with such a creative and fun
activity.
Lastly, Zeta Chi Omega sorors (Sorors Crystal Lander, Lula Hicks, Kim Conner,
Amirah Salaam and Rhonda Luss) joined the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Soror
Joyce Henderson, and the 1st Supreme Anti-Basileus, Soror Glenda Glover, at
Africare’s annual Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner Gala held Saturday,
December 5, 2015, at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. The
First Supreme Anti-Basileus accepted the Life Member Award for the sorority’s
long-term partnership with Africare, which has provided more than $1 million in
support of Africare programs.7
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
PROGRAM LAUNCH: After an exceptional year of programming activities, our Supreme
Basileus, Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson has requested all chapters build on the
momentum embarking into the 2016 program year. Zeta Chi Omega will use our
January meeting as an opportunity to celebrate a successful 2015 and build momentum
for 2016. At our January Chapter meeting, we will kick off year two of Launching New
Dimensions of Servicesm with another New Year’s Eve style celebration. All sorors are
asked to wear a white top to the Chapter meeting, along with the Launching New
Dimensions of Servicesm pin and scarf or kerchief. Come and toast in the New Year
because there "Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now!"
Soror Gwen Williams, ChairmanSoror Andrea Sparks-Brown, Co-Chairman (ASCEND Program Chairman)Soror Sarah Bowers, Co-Chairman (One Million Backpacks Lead)Soror Angela Turner, Co-Chairman (Think HBCU Lead)Contact us at: [email protected]
Target I: Educational Enrichment
The ASCENDsm scholars will be participating in Model UN Simulations on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the multi-purpose room at the Nannie Lee Recreation Center.
Target II: Health PromotionSoror Carol Gibson, ChairmanSoror Jacqueline Guillory, Co-ChairmanContact us at: [email protected]
Pink Goes Red: In partnership with the American Heart Association, Zeta Chi
Omega Chapter will be hosting a Heart Health Fair on February 5, 2016 at the
Pentagon City Mall from 5-8 p.m. We will be providing free blood pressure
screenings, along with literature on heart disease and stroke
awareness/prevention.
This is the time of year when there is an increase in the number of respiratory infections in our community, including influenza, throat infections (pharyngitis), and other common illnesses. While these respiratory infections are not unusual for this time of year, there are a number of things that you can do to protect yourself.
To help control the spread of respiratory illnesses:
Talk to your medical provider about the flu vaccination: Vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine is readily available in the community.
Adhere to standard disease prevention recommendations: Use tissues and dispose of them properly. Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into the
upper sleeve. Do not cough or sneeze into the hands. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs. Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 15-20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used with supervision, when soap and
water are not available. Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils.
At home, routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that are high contact areas: Use regular household cleaning products or mix ¼ cup chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of cool water to wipe down high contact areas. Always follow label instructions for any disinfectant.
Monitor the signs of illness: Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.
• Symptoms of throat infections commonly include fever and sore throat without the stuffy nose and cough. The common cold usually does not present with fever.
Contact a doctor if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness: Fever (100°F. orally, or 102°F. rectally) AND chills, cough, sore throat, headache, or muscle aches.
HEALTH TIPSsubmitted by the Health Committee
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 19
Target III: Family StrengtheningSoror Sherry Billingsley, ChairmanSoror Barbara Bouldin, Co-ChairmanSoror Sonya Stephens, Co-ChairmanContact us at: [email protected]
Project StepOut: The Project Stepout Committee will meet with the girls attending the Charles
Houston Recreation Center on Tuesday, January 12 & 26 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. A snack
will be provided to each student in attendance. The Charles Houston Center is located at 901
Wythe St, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please come out and support the Chapter’s signature program.
MLK Day of Service: The Martin Luther King
(MLK) Day of Service will be observed on Monday,
January 18, 2016. The Chapter will execute Target
III: Family Strengthening, Childhood Hunger
Initiatives by feeding lunch to the children of the
Charles Houston Center and by collecting child-
friendly food items such as: cereal, pop tarts,
graham crackers, applesauce, fruit cups, granola
bars, pop-top tuna, raisins, and 100% fruit juice
boxes to donate to the Arlington Food Assistance
Center, 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, VA
22206. Sorors are asked to arrive at 10:00 a.m. to
setup and prepare the lunch for the children.
Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Soror Yvette Darnaby will serve as the MLK Day of
Service Chairman, and Soror VaShawn Guice Veal
will serve as Co-Chairman.
continued on the next page >>
Bi-Monthly Meal Service: The Carpenter Shelter located at 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314,is the largest homeless shelter in Northern Virginia, serving over 300 homeless men, women and children each year. The shelter continues to provide shelter for those in times of crisis. As residents continue to grapple with the disparity between being without jobs, low wages, and the escalating costs of living, hunger and food insecurity, we are supporting the Carpenter Shelter with six (6) lunch meal services during the calendar year 2016 under our Target III: Family Strengthening.
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 1
This year we will provide the bi-monthly meals on 4th Sundays. Please mark your
calendars for the following dates to serve: January 24th, March 27th, May 22nd, July
24th, September 25th, and November 27th. Don’t miss a rewarding opportunity to be of
service, as well as an opportunity to work and fellowship with your lovely sorors. If you
are interested in volunteering for the January meal service, please contact Soror
Saundra McCullough-Cobey, at [email protected].
Please wear comfortable clothing. Sorority paraphernalia is encouraged. Sorors, we do
make a difference in the lives of others.
Sorors, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” – John Holmes
Bi-Monthly Meal Service Information Continued
Sorors Serving at Carpenter Shelter in November
Target V: Global Impact
Model UN Simulations: The Global Impact Committee, along with our
undergraduate chapter, Sigma Alpha, will be instructing the Model UN Simulations
for the ASCENDsm scholars.
Soror DeChane Dorsey, ChairmanSoror Shandra Herrod, Co-ChairmanSoror Shenka Thurman, Co-Chairman Contact us at: [email protected]
February 2016Volume 16 | Issue 111
Soror Gayle JordanContact us at: [email protected]
OFFICER REPORTS
Hodegos ReportJANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Hazel M. Cameron January 1Courtney Lea Walker January 1Jennifer Wallace January 1Sarah Bowers January 4Caroline Howard January 4Sandra L. Poindexter January 4
Mathelle Lee* January 5Tamiko Francis January 5Joyce Parrish January 7Vanessa Russell January 8Geraldine Lewis* January 11Nadia Ryder January 11Cora L. King January 12
Tawanda Thomas January 12Beverly H. Anderson January 14Martha W. Conner January 15Zuwana Johnson January 16Lisa Wilson January 20Altonia Crenshaw January 22Aisha Jefferson January 23Susie Smith January 26Melodie Barefield January 28Yolanda Barbier Gibson January 30Monique Glover January 30Geraldine Howell January 30DeTisha Joy Page January 30Clarice Crudup* January 31Kellee Edmonds January 31
Calling all January birthday celebrants!Please join us for our monthly birthdayluncheon. Immediately following ourJanuary Chapter meeting, the luncheonwill take place at Red Lobster, 555 VanDorn St, Alexandria, VA 22304. All sororsare welcome to join the celebration!
Birthday Celebration
CorrectionsPlease note: Soror Nicole Hayes birthday was omitted last month. Her birthday is December 17.
Announcement:On Thursday, January 14, 2016, 7:00 p.m. Alpha Kappa Alpha member, Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, from the Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, GA, will be the guest preacher at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1401 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA.
Come out and support Soror Hale as she ministers to the congregation in honor of the installation of Shiloh’s new Pastor, Rev. Taft Quincey Heatley. Sorors are asked to arrive on Thursday, January 14, 2016, not later than 6:45 p.m. to be seated together.
If you have any announcements that need to be communicated to the Chapter, please send them to [email protected].
*denotes Golden Soror
Pecunious Grammateus Soror Crystal LanderContact us at: [email protected]
13
REMINDER: Please make all checks out to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. Mail checks to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, P.O. Box 25763, Alexandria, VA 22313
If you invite a guest to chapter meeting please make sure they bring proof of membership. Please send sorors to the Membership table to discuss membership questions to avoid a back up at the financial table.
Soror Yvette DarnabyContact us at: [email protected]
It is my honor to serve as your Philacter. To help us set the tone for the work to be done
during our Chapter meetings, below are a few reminders and updates.
Chapter Meeting Sign-In
To enable our Golden Sorors to enjoy a more expedient sign-in process, effective
January 2016 there will be a separate sign in roster and line for Golden Sorors.
To update your contact information (i.e., name, address, telephone numbers, and
email), you must do so via the “Members Only” section of the membership database.
Sorors without internet capability may annotate the sign-in roster and arrangements
will be made to update the membership database.
Chapter Meeting Attire
Business attire (not business casual) is the appropriate for all Chapter meetings
unless noted otherwise.
Wear comfortable shoes to all business meetings. Flip-flops, house shoes, and
sneakers are not appropriate unless designated by a physician for medical reasons.
For specific information regarding attire, please see Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon,
Protocol Chairman.
Chapter Meeting Visitors
In order to attend a Chapter meeting, a guest soror MUST show proper credentials;
otherwise she will not be admitted.
All guest sorors must bring one of the following to gain entrance to the Chapter
meeting:
1. Financial Card (old or New)
2. Copy of her Certificate of Initiation
3. Faxed Verification Letter or Email Confirmation from the Corporate Office
Children
Please make arrangements for child care when attending Chapter meetings,
as these meetings are for sorors only.
Graduate Advisor Soror VaShawn Guice VealContact us at: [email protected]
As the new Graduate Advisor for Sigma Alpha Chapter, I am delighted to report the following
accomplishments for the month of January:
Meetings have been scheduled with the leadership of both Marymount University and
Strayer University.
The sorors of Sigma Alpha Chapter will host an open house for interested young ladies.
Jan 18: Sigma Alpha Chapter will partner with our Chapter and serve as student
ambassadors during the MLK Community Fitness & Childhood Hunger Awareness Day.
Jan 23: Sigma Alpha will partner with ZXΩ Global Impact Committee to present the
Model UN simulations to the ASCENDsm. scholars.
I am honored to serve in this capacity and look forward to a successful year with Sigma
Alpha.
Ivy Leaf Reporter Soror Gloria BellContact us at: [email protected]
Thank you for your support as I assume the role as your Ivy Leaf Reporter and Chairman of the Public Relations Committee. I am honored to join the ranks of previous Zeta Chi Omega Ivy Leaf Reporters and will be continuing their legacy in 2016 and 2017.
Please submit Ivy Leaf articles to the Public Relations Committee at: [email protected].
Your submissions should be newsworthy. The Ivy Leaf editors will not publish a soror’s attainment of ordinary academic degrees, or retirements, etc. The content of each article should be to-the-point and timely.
The deadlines are: o December 15th for the Spring Issueo March 15th for the Summer Issue o June 15th for the Fall Issueo September 15th for the Winter Issue
Each article should be typed double-spaced. Include a heading and photo caption. Articles for “The Social Scene,” “Undergraduate Spotlight,” “Chapter News”
and “Chartering report” should not exceed 250 words. Articles for “Accomplishments and Awards” should not exceed 175 words.
(These word counts do not include headings and captions.)
There is no charge when submitting an article without a photo. The rate for an article accompanied by a photo include: $75 to include a headshot photograph for “Accomplishments and Awards.“ Your photo should be sent to [email protected] or mailed to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, P.O. Box 25763, Alexandria, Virginia 22313. Photos will not be returned.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Happy New Year sorors! The 2016 Awards Committee is excited to serve and enthusiastically
supports and encourages ALL members to submit awards for recognition at the regional level.
The 63rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, scheduled for April 20-24, 2016, in Virginia Beach, VA
is awaiting your arrival. You worked hard and have what it takes. So, let’s ensure you gain that
well-deserved recognition!!!
As a reminder, Saturday, January 9, 2016, is the deadline for Chapter-endorsed Award Nominee
Selections. The final due date for all submissions is Saturday, February 6, 2016, with drop-off at
the Lee Center. Please review the Awards Handbook (located on the MAR “Members Only” site)
for information on the criteria and appropriate report format. Awards submissions will be
returned if the requirements and documentation are not complete.
Remember, we ARE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. We are
WINNERS!
Soror Barbara Bellamy Warren, ChairmanContact us at: [email protected] Committee
Directory Committee Soror Aja Charity, ChairmanContact us at: [email protected]
On Saturday, January 9, 2016, in preparation for the 2016
Directory, the Directory Committee will take photos (head
shots) of newly transferred/ reactivating sorors, as well as
sorors who do not have an existing photo in our database.
The attire is black suit or dress. Picture taking will occur
from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM and will resume after the
General Body meeting.
To ensure that the contents of the directory are accurate,
please log on to the “Members Only” section of our
chapter website, click “Edit ZXΩ Member Information,”
and update your member profile. You may also see me
prior to the January General Body meeting to confirm
accuracy, as well. The Directory Committee will distribute
the 2016 Chapter Directory at the March General Body
meeting. Sorors who are financially active by February 7,
2016 will be listed in the directory.
16
CommitteeSoror Diann Burns, ChairmanSoror Marcy Jessup, Co- ChairmanSoror Patricia Edwards, Co- ChairmanContact us at: [email protected]
Under the direction of Soror Joyce Henderson, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, the Mid-
Atlantic Region Scholarship Committee announces the 2016 Regional Scholarship
information. The Region’s Scholarships have been established to support the education of
undergraduate and graduate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® members of the
Mid-Atlantic Region. Listed below are each scholarship’s general criteria for eligibility.
Application forms for the scholarships will be posted on the region's website.
EAF
Ruby Batts Archie
o Applicant criteria is forthcoming.
Doris R. Asbury:
o Applicants must be a financial member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the
Mid-Atlantic Region
o Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading
scale
o Applicants must be classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year
Barbara W. Davis:
o Graduate and undergraduate students with at least a sophomore standing or
beyond
Clara M. Hines:
o A financial member of AKA enrolled as a full-time student in a accredited
institution of higher education in the Mid-Atlantic region
o 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
o Classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year
o Applicants must demonstrate that they have rendered service in the
community/college
Linda Henry Gilliam
o A financial member of AKA enrolled as a full-time student in a accredited
institution of higher education in the Mid-Atlantic region
o 2.5 -3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
o Applicant must be an Education Major
o Classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year
continued on the next page >>
NON-EAF
Rosa’s Greek Boutique (Soror Rosa Smith & Family)
o A financial member of AKA enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited institution of
higher education in the Mid-Atlantic Region
o 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
o Classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year
o Applicants must major in the field of Business with a focus on entrepreneurship (having or
establishing her own business)
o Applicants must submit a one (1) page Business statement outlining their existing or
potential business idea/concept.
o The Awardee must maintain full-time enrollment for a complete academic year after award
distribution, and failing to do so, will require repayment of Award to Rosa’s Greek Boutique
Please keep in mind the following:
You are encouraged to apply for ALL available scholarships, but may receive only one
award during the academic year.
The Awards are for one (1) year, and the amounts awarded will vary each year.
All Applications must contain:
a) Three letters of recommendation
b) Sealed official transcripts
c) An Essay
d) Documented Financial Need Analysis
Madam Regional Director Henderson strongly encourages your applications for these
Scholarships. Remember sorors, apply for as many Scholarships as appropriate for
maximum consideration. The Scholarship Committee will review, analyze, and
recommend approval to the Regional Director and EAF for final determinations and
awards.
Applications and supporting documentation must be mailed to:
Soror Jinx S. Kenan
Post Office 908
Burlington, NC 27216
(336) 512-6512
Scholarship awards will be announced at the 63rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference
in Virginia Beach, Virginia, April 20-24, 2016.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
FEBRUARY 15, 2015
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 1
17
The Original Nine: Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg
Holmes, Ethel Hedgeman (Lyle), Lavinia Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe and Marie Woolfolk (Taylor)
With the exception of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the original group of nine women was comprised of
college seniors. To ensure the continuity of the organization, seven Class of 1910 honor students
who had expressed interest were invited to join without initiation.
The Sophomores: Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones (Mowbray), Alice Murray, Sarah Meriweather
(Nutter), Joanna Berry (Shields), Carrie Snowden and Harriet Terry
INCORPORATORS
After attending a sorority meeting in 1912 where she heard proposals from then-current
members to change the group’s name, colors, symbols and motto, Nellie May Quander (inducted
in 1910; president of Alpha Chapter from 1911-1912), realized that the need for an intervention
to preserve the original premise of the sorority that she and its founders held dear was urgent.
Quander quickly formed a committee comprised of a trio including herself and members Norma
E. Boyd and Minnie Beatrice Smith—and later expanded to include sorority officers Julia
Evangeline Brooks, Ethel Jones (Mowbray) and Nellie Pratt (Russell)—whose mission was to seek
and acquire incorporation.
These women committed to Alpha Kappa Alpha fanned out to solicit the support of other like-
minded undergraduate and graduate members who held true to the vows they had taken upon
their initiation. The effort culminated in the successful protection and subsequent perpetuity of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® through its incorporation on January 29, 1913, with Quander,
Boyd and Smith as signers of the petition. It was the first Black Greek-letter organization to
attempt and complete such a measure. The incorporation of the sorority positioned it to broaden
its service concept offerings while ensuring the preservation of its founding principles and brands.
FOUNDERS
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded on January 15, 1908 on
the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC. Its founders
were among the fewer than 1,000 Negroes enrolled in higher
education institutions in 1908 and the 25 women who received
Bachelor of Arts degrees from Howard University between 1908
and 1911. Nine juniors and seniors who constituted the initial core
group of founding members and seven sophomores who were
extended an invitation for membership without initiation
comprised what are acknowledged as Alpha Kappa Alpha’s original
16 founders. Led by Ethel Hedgeman (Lyle), the nine Howard
University students who came together to form Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority were the scholastic leaders of their classes. Each also had
a special talent or gift that further enhanced the potential of this
dynamic group.
IN CELEBRATON OF OUR FOUNDERS’ DAY: REFLECTING ON OUR HISTORY
HAPPY FOUNDERS’ DAY!
Soror Mathelle Lee, Historian
Sisterly Relations CommitteeSoror Stephanie Woodland Kelley, Chairman
Soror Nekia Freeman, Co-Chairman
Contact us at: [email protected]
JANUARY 15 SISTERLY RELATIONS KICKOFF!!
In celebration of Founders’ Day on January 15, 2016, the Sisterly Relations Committee will
kick off, International Sisterly Relations Day by hosting an informal gathering at Champps
restaurant, 1201 S Joyce Street, Arlington, VA 22202 in Pentagon Rowe. Join us from 7:00
p.m. – 9:00 p.m. How fitting it is to come together in sisterly love on the day that our beloved
founders birthed Alpha Kappa Alpha—a sisterhood “with a fellowship sincere and rare!”
Sorors may bring others sorors, active and inactive to help us celebrate. So that we can get an
accurate count, please RSVP to [email protected] by January 10, 2016.
As we journey through this new year together as sorors and as a chapter, let’s make a
conscious effort to “nurture our ivy” by showing love, care, kindness, and mutual respect to
one another at ALL times. After all, sisterhood is one of our founding principles. We look
forward to serving as your Sisterly Relations Chairmen. If you have any questions or
suggestions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Tea roses and special thanks to Soror Kendra Gillespie, Soror Rhonda Luss, Soror
Hazel Cameron, the Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon Committee members, Seasonal
Wraps Committee, sorors, perspective debutantes, mothers of the debs, the high
school males earning community service hours, the caterer, and the Drew
Community staff for all of the support that helped to make the event a success. This
was definitely a team effort, and we are most thankful and grateful for everyone
who contributed to the program. The guests enjoyed the food, games, open-mic,
dancing, and the gifts. One of the centers sent us a 'thank you' email (see below)
regarding their enjoyment, the very next day.
Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon 2015 Soror Darlena Ricks, Chair
Soror Katrina Moss, Co-Chair
Over 135 Seniors in Attendance
54 Soror Participants/Volunteers
20 Non-soror Volunteers (perspective debutantes, parents, Two male high
school students)
24 In-Kind Contributions for Bingo Game Prizes (socks, puzzle, eye glass cases,
calendars, mugs, toiletries, handkerchiefs, etc.)
Gift Pashminas and Scarves were given to all of the Senior guests
We would not have been able to do this without you.
Thanks again!!!!!!!
Congratulations New Officers and Committee Chairmen
Congratulations to the newly elected officers and appointed committee chairmen. Your
willingness to serve this Chapter exemplifies your dedication to the ideals and programs
of our beloved sorority. Again, congratulations!
Basileus Rhonda Luss
Anti-Basileus TBD
Grammateus Patricia Edwards
Anti-Grammateus Aja Charity
Tamiouchos Robin McCoy
Anti-Tamiouchos TBD
Pecunious Grammateus Crystal Lander
Anti-Pecunios Grammateus Ingrid Alexander
Epistoleus Steronica Mattocks
Graduate Advisor VaShawn Guice Veal
Ivy Leaf Reporter Gloria Bell
Hodegos Gayle Jordan
Philacter Yvette G. Darnaby
Parliamentarian Kendra Riley
Archivist Monique Robinson
Archives Monique Robinson Chairman
Archives Martha Coleman Co-Chairman
Awards Barbara Bellamy Warren Chairman
Bylaws Kendra Riley Chairman
Connection LaFrances Williams Chairman
Connection Amirah Salaam Co-Chairman
Contracts Irma Bogan Chairman
Contracts Geraldine Lewis Co-Chairman
Courtesy Gayle Jordan Chairman
Courtesy Breanna Gray Co-Chairman
Directory Aja Charity Chairman
Finance Robin McCoy Chairman
Graduate Advisor's Council VaShawn Guice Veal Chairman
Membership Christina Thomas Chairman
Membership Erika Barksdale Co-Chairman
Newsletter Steronica Mattocks Chairman
Newsletter Joyce Parrish Co-Chairman
Newsletter Starr Garrett Production
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
OFFICERS
23
Nominating Bonnie Jones-Moon Chairman
Program TBD Chairman
Protocol Bonnie Jones-Moon Chairman
Protocol Taylor Moon Co-Chairman
Protocol Blanche Maness Co-Chairman
Public Relations Gloria Bell Chairman
Scholarship Diann Burns Chairman
Scholarship Marcy Jessup Co-Chairman
Scholarship Patricia Edwards Co-Chairman
Standards Jennifer Hansborough Chairman
Standards Katrina Moss Co-Chairman
Technology Leslie Dey Chairman
Technology Gloria Bell Co-Chairman
Technology Vanessa Russell Co-Chairman
Telephone Communications Yvette G. Darnaby Chairman
Audit Belinda Shaw Chairman
Bi-Monthly Meal Service Saundra McCullough-Cobey Chairman
Diamond Golden Silver Starr Garrett Co-Chairman
Diamond Golden Silver Joyce Brooks Co-Chairman
EAF Chapter Captain Nelfred “Tilly” Blanding Captain
Founders’ Day Saundra McCullough-Cobey Chairman
Founders’ Day Aretha Cunningham Co-Chairman
Founders’ Day Barbara Anderson Co-Chairman
History/Historian Mathelle Lee Chairman
History Carolyn Rowe Co-Chairman
Leadership Development Cora King Chairman
Music TBD Chairman
Music Jamelle Berry Co-Chairman
Music Essie Matthews Pianist
National Panhellenic Liaison Chiquita King Chairman
Project StepOut Louise Gordon Co-Chairman
Project StepOut Doris Shannon Co-Chairman
Project StepOut Regina Crawley Co-Chairman
Property TBD Chairman
Sisterly Relations Stephanie Woodland Kelly Chairman
Sisterly Relations Nekia Freeman Co-Chairman
ADHOC COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 1
24
Spirit/Inspiration Tujuanna Williams Chairman
Spirit/Inspiration Regina Hawkins Co-Chairman
Spirit/Inspiration Beverly Anderson Co-Chairman
Strategic Planning Carol Turner Chairman
Strategic Planning Toni Gant Co-Chairman
Strategic Planning Melonie Barrington Co-Chairman
Tellers Angelique Close Chairman
Tellers Darhyl Jasper Co-Chairman
Tellers Louise Gordon Co-Chairman
ZXΩ Kids Kim Speed Chairman
ZXΩ Kids Adria Tippins-Owens Co-Chairman
Target I: Educational Enrichment Gwen Williams Chairman
Target I: ASCEND Andrea Sparks-Brown ASCEND Chairman
Target I: ASCEND Veronica Jackson ASCEND Co-Chairman
Target I: ASCEND LaVonne Shingler ASCEND Co-Chairman
Target I: One Million Backpacks Sarah Bowers One Million Backpacks Chairman
Target I: One Million Backpacks Kimberly Bowers One Million Backpacks Co-Chairman
Target I: Think HBCU Angela Turner Chairman
Target I: Think HBCU Courtney Williams Co-Chairman
Target II: Health Promotion Carol Gibson Chairman
Target II: Health Promotion Jacqueline Guillory Co-Chairman
Target III: Family Strengthening Sherry Billingsley Chairman
Target III: Family Strengthening Sonya Stephens Co-Chairman
Target III: Family Strengthening Barbara Bouldin Co-Chairman
Target IV: Environmental Ownership Yolanda Barbier Gibson Chairman
Target IV: Environmental Ownership De'Tisha "Joy" Page Co-Chairman
Target IV: Environmental Ownership Aja Charity Co-Chairman
Target V: Global Impact DeChane Dorsey Chairman
Target V: Global Impact Shandra Herrod Co-Chairman
Target V: Global Impact Shaneka Thurman Co-Chairman
PROGRAM COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
All sorors attending the 2016 Metropolitan Founders Day should be financially active for 2016 to participate.
The attire for this event is uninterrupted white.
OFFICERS
Basileus Rhonda Luss
Anti-Basileus TBD
Grammateus Patricia Edwards
Anti-Grammateus Aja Charity
Tamiouchos Robin McCoy
Pecunious Grammateus
Crystal Lander
Anti-Pecunious Grammateus
Ingrid Alexander
Epistoleus Steronica Mattocks
Parliamentarian Kendra Riley
Ivy Leaf Reporter Gloria Bell
Hodegos Gayle Jordan
Graduate Advisor VaShaun Guice Veal
Philacter Yvette G. Darnaby
Archivist Monique Robinson
Immed. Past Basileus Kendra Gillespie
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Connection LaFrances Williams
Scholarship Diann Burns
Membership Christina Thomas
Technology Leslie Dey
Protocol Bonnie Jones- Moon
Awards Barbara Bellamy Warren
Standards Katrina Moss
Contracts Irma Bogan
Nominating Bonnie Jones- Moon
Members: Linda HallBrittney Montgomery Inez “Chris” Pierce-GrayJudy VaughnSherry BillingsleyDarlena RicksPatrice LongshawCarol Gibson
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
EDITOR Steronica Mattocks
PRODUCTION STAFF C. Starr GarrettPatricia WallaceStephanie Woodland KellyEloise Hudgins
January 2016Volume 16 | Issue 1
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®Zeta Chi Omega Chapter
P.O. Box 25763Alexandria, Virginia 22313
http://www.aka-zco.org