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 president@aka-zco.org, 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: education@aka-zco.org

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: health@aka-zco.org

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: family@aka-zco.org

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 saundra.mcculloughcobey@verizon.net.

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: global@aka-zco.org

February 2016Volume 16 | Issue 111

Soror Gayle JordanContact us at: hostess@aka-zco.org

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 hostess@aka-zco.org.

*denotes Golden Soror

Pecunious Grammateus Soror Crystal LanderContact us at: payments@aka-zco.org

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: keeper@aka-zco.orgPhilacter

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: gradadvisor@aka-zco.org

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: ivyleaf@aka-zco.org

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: media@aka-zco.org.

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 media@aka-zco.org 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: awards@aka-zco.orgAwards Committee

Directory Committee Soror Aja Charity, ChairmanContact us at: directory@aka-zco.org

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: scholarship@aka-zco.org

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

hijinx369@gmail.com

(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

19

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: sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org

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 sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org 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 sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org.

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!!!!!!!

Senior Citizens

Holiday Luncheon 2015

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

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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.

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2016

Holiday LuncheonSenior Citizen

31

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