Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Denver Alumnae Chapter 75 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
A Legacy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service
Founders Day
Saturday, February 22, 2014
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2014 Excutive Board& Founders Day Committee
2014 Executive Board Members Front row left to right: Bobby Holleman-Benson, Djuana Harvell, BJ Barnes Back row: Janine Hopkins, Stephanie LaFitte, Tiffany Gardner, and Debra Cooper-Clark (Not pictured, Michelle Bruton Brown)
Founders Day Committee Front row left to right: Djuana Harvell, Jacquelyn Sample, Linda Bates Leali, Catherine Wright, Jaketa Rowe Back row: Loretta Tipton-Perry, Bertha Jones, Shirley Little, Arnetta Koger, Mary Matthews, and Bobby Holleman-Benson (Not pictured, Anika Phason) 8 | Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. | Denver Alumnae Chapter | 75 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Denver Delta, Inc.Officers
Front row left to right: Catherine Wright, Gloria Tanner, Djuana Harvell Back row: Michelle Simmons, Linda Bates Leali, Mary Matthews, Dorothy King-Stockton, Frances Owens, and Marqus Walker-Wilbon
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Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Soroity,Incorporated
*Osceola Macarthy Adams *Marguerite Young Alexander *Winona Cargile Alexander *Ethel Cuff Black *Bertha Pitts Campbell *Zephyr Chisom Carter *Edna Brown Coleman *Jessie McGuire Dent
*Frederica Chase Dodd *Myra Davis Hemmings *Olive Jones *Jimmie Bugg Middleton *Pauline Oberdorfer Minor *Vashti Turley Murphy *Naomi Sewell Richardson *Mamie Reddy Rose
*Eliza Pearl Shippen *Florence Letcher Toms *Ethel Carr Watson *Wertie Blackwell Weaver *Madree Penn White *Edith Motte Young *Deceased
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Delta Sigma Theta Soroity,Inc. Charter Members
Standing left to right: Ruby Cohron Wright, Eleanor Critz, Claudine McCloud Sitting left to right: Jessie Whaley Maxwell, Mae T. Adams, Kathryn Cohron, Elaine Brown Jenkins, Edna Kinchion (Grand Chapter), and Marian Morrison Bailey Robinson
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Our History 1939-2014
Our Roots We are members of a sisterhood founded on Christian principles on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University in Washington, D. C.: Osceola McCarthy Adams, Marguerite Young Alexander, Winona Cargile Alexander, Ethel Cuff Black, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Zephyr Chisom Carter, Edna Brown Coleman, Jessie McGuire Dent, Frederica Chase Dodd, Myra Davis Hemmings, Olive Jones, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Vashti Turley Murphy, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Mamie Reddy Rose, Eliza Pearl Shippen, Florence Letcher Toms, Ethel Carr Watson, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Madree Penn White and Edith Motte Young (all deceased). These collegiate women, destined to make a difference, used their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. In March of 1913, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated performed their first public act. They participated in the Women’s Suffrage March down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D. C. In this 21st Century, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. remains an organization of predominantly Black, college educated women with over 200,000 members in 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters in seven regions located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust focusing on educational development, economic development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. Imagine a crisp fall day in the Mile High City of Denver during the year 1938. Three visionary Delta women: Mae Thomas Adams, a graduate of West Virginia State; Elaine Brown Jenkins, a graduate of Ohio State University, and Jessie Whaley Maxwell, a graduate of Bishop College, meeting over coffee discussing the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter in Denver and strategizing steps to move forward to start a Delta chapter in Denver. The strategy resulted in their contacting the Grand Chapter. The Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. sent Edna Kinchion, the Grand Chapter Secretary, to Denver to organize the Chapter on Saturday, February 18, 1939. In addition to the original three, new initiates Kathryn Cohron, Eleanor Critz, Ruby Cohron Wright, Claudine McCloud and Marian Morrison Robinson became the Charter Members. The Delta Chapter in Denver was chartered as Beta Phi, a citywide graduate and undergraduate chapter. Immediately following the initiation and chartering, the first officers were elected: Elaine Brown Jenkins, President; Mae Adams, Vice-President; Marian Morrison Robinson, Recording Secretary; Kathryn Cohron, Correspondence Secretary; Jessie Maxwell, Treasurer, Claudine McCloud, Journalist; Ruby Cohron, Parliamentarian and Sergeant-at-Arms; and Eleanor Critz, Custodian.
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Our History 1939-2014
With the foundation solid, Our-Story begins: • The first Delta Day at Church was February 19, 1939 at Shorter AME Church • Grand Chapter Secretary Kinchion presented the new Beta Phi Chapter to the church • The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity presented the Chapter their first Delta emblem • May 5, 1939 the first Jabberwock was held to raise scholarship funds • The Delta Mothers and Patrons Club presented the Chapter their first financial support for scholarship WAR TORN 40’s - Membership increased to approximately 30 • Young Adult Forum was held at New Hope Baptist Church • Hosted Sopranos Lou Ena McEnroe Savage and Dorothy Manor • Hosted 1949 Regional Meeting under National President Dr. Dorothy I. Height CONSERVATIVE 50’s - Membership increased to approximately 40 • Secretary of HUD Patricia Roberts Harris conducted Internal Development Workshop • Delta-Rettes organized as a singing group performing locally and at regional conferences • Chapter’s first public production, “A Night in Fairyland”, was a success • Soprano Leontyne Price presented at the former downtown Tabor Theater • Massive voter registration drive registered more than 1000 Northeast Denver residents • The first Regional Conference at a hotel in Denver was held at the Olin Hotel REVOLUTIONARY 60’s - Membership increased to approximately 56 • Participated in boycotts and marches to aid in the fight for civil rights • Raised money and sent funds to Montgomery, Alabama for civil rights • Implemented projects to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities • Annual Tours of Homes were conducted to showcase neighborhood integration and raise scholarship funds via the Mothers and Patrons Club • Crimson and Cream Ball was established to thank the community for their support • June 1969 Denver Alumnae Chapter chartered as a graduate chapter • June 1969 Zeta Pi organized as a city wide collegiate chapter • Lorene McConnell Peters served two terms as Colorado’s first Central Regional Director ENDURING 70’s - Membership increased to approximately 103 • Supported the Friends of the Denver Public Library membership drive • Tutoring Sessions held for youth through the Northeast Denver Public Library branches • Supported Denver Girls mentoring program of the with Denver Public Schools • Established a Delta Clothing Bank, an Adopt a Child project and Senior citizen projects • Scholarship Programs included assistantships for Delta’s children, financial aid for college entrance exams, and scholarships for female graduating seniors, and Teen Lift • Cooperative activities with Denver Pan-Hellenic, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Mile High Medical Society for Sickle Cell Anemia, National Council of Negro Women, United Negro College Fund • Thanksgiving dinners were provided to residents at Cenikor, a drug rehabilitation program • Tutoring provided through Northeast Denver Library 16 | Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. | Denver Alumnae Chapter | 75 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Our History 1939-2014
• Instituted an annual Woman of the Year Award • Hosted 6,000 Deltas and their families at the 34th National Convention in 1977 All About Me! Me! Me! 80’s - Membership increased to approximately 150 • Membership meetings were moved to the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work In 1981 Zion Senior Center was opened and beginning the 1982-83 Sorority year, chapter meetings were held every first Saturday. • Voter Registration • Collaborated with NAACP, NCNW, American Cancer Society, Metro Denver Sickle Cell Foundation, Urban League and UNCF • ACT/SAT Testing program • Del-Teens program started to address youth issues • Education Explosion became known as Shule` (Saturday School) • Deltas volunteered for the KRMA Public TV fund raising drives • Mile High Steppers competed and won at Regional Conference • The Showcase of Youth was initiated to encourage and recognize youth in the community • Lena Horne invited Deltas attending her concert backstage for pictures • The annual scholarship award increased from $2,000 per recipient to $4,000 • Delta co-sponsored and hosted a reception for the Dance Theater of Harlem • Recommended and received our first Honorary Delta, Wilma J. Webb • The Denver, Colorado Springs and Zeta Pi Chapters hosted the Central Regional Conference • Founders Day hosted Founder Bertha Pitts Campbell • Founders Day hosted Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, National Chaplain ELECTRONIC 90’s - Membership increased to approximately 180 • Two major conferences held addressing Race Relations that resulted in continuing multiracial dialogue throughout the city • Participated in the annual Race for the Cure and AIDS Walk fundraisers • Received grants totaling $40,000 to promote breast cancer awareness and treatment • Received the 1998 First Lady of Colorado Bea Romer Women’s Health Award • Fostered social action and community involvement with Delta Days at the State Capitol • Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy was established for girls ages 8 to 14 • Shule` continued to thrive and was the recipient of a Safe Cities Grant • Denver Delta, Inc. (DDI) was established as the 501(c) 3 arm of the Chapter • Denver Alumnae partnered with Warren Village and Habitat for Humanity • In May-September 1999, helped build home for Warren Village resident • Celebrated seniors at Zion Center monthly providing lunch and programs • In the nineties more than $40,000 in scholarships were awarded • In 1995, Charter Member Jessie Whaley Maxwell established an Educational Book Scholarship • Community partnerships expanded to the Coalition of Women’s Organization, President’s Roundtable and Colorado Women’s Leadership Council • Hosted the 1997 Regional Conference in Denver • Received the “Torch of Excellence Award” for the best Chapter in the Central Region Founders Day | A Legacy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service | 17
Our History 1939-2014
• Co-hosted reception for U. S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexis Herman • Advocated for building and naming Library branch for Chapter member Pauline Robinson • Advocated for naming an elementary school after Charter Member Jessie Whaley Maxwell • International Day of Service focused on HIV/AIDS • Founders Day celebration hosted first comedian, Sister Cantaloupe • Founders Day celebration hosted Jazz Singer Rosalyn Burroughs Social Media Millennium - 2014 Membership increased to approximately 208 • Census 2000 grant received to promote Census participation with Delta brochure • Membership Intake Millennium Line • Advocated to name a middle school after school board member and Delta Rachel B. Noel • Awarded Irma Hudson Image Award • Founders Day hosted past National President Mona Bailey • Founders Day hosted National President Gwendolyn Boyd • Founders Day hosted National Artist Vickie Winans • Jabberwock was reactivated • Delta GEMS and EMBODI were implemented to address the National Presidents` focus • ACT Workshops expanded to an intense preparation focus for high school students • “Step it Up in the Mile High City” was started as a scholarship fundraising Step Show • “Home for the Holidays” encouraged everyone to move toward Home Ownership/Investing • Partnered with Water for People and premiered “Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa” • Partnered with Macy’s and Denver Delta, Inc. for a Fashion Show fundraiser • Both Delta Academy and GEMS joined Denver Alumnae in working with the 2010 Census • Marcia L. Williams elected as 2nd Central Regional Director from Colorado • Awarded $1,000 Economic Development grant from Shorter AME “Cutting through the Crisis” • Received Rachel B. Noel Community Service Award • Service projects: 9 Cares, Urban Peak, Denver Health Newborns, and Sertoma Club’s book and toy drive • The first “Soulful Sunday Jazz Brunch” was held featuring Gerald Albright and Mary Louise Lee • Awarded $1,000 “Cuting thr;ough the Crisis” from Shorter A,M.E. for second year • Hosted Past National President Gwendolyn E. Boyd for Brunch • Held “Strawberries and Cream” planning mini-retreat in 2010 and 2011 • ACT Prep received $1,000 from the Delta Research and Education Foundation • Held workshops on “Obesity is a Family Affair” and HIV/AIDS Awareness • EMBODI/IMPACT inaugural community forum “Fellas Bring Your ‘A’ Game” • A second “Soulful Sunday Jazz Brunch” was held • Summer Swagger I and II and Pancake Breakfast fundraisers for ACT Prep Program • Founders Day celebrated in Colorado Springs with CSAC • MOMS (Mothers of Many) Fashion Show scholarship fundraiser • IMPACT Day addressed teaching how to “Cope with Life’s Transitions” • Raised $25,000 for scholarships awarded in 2013 • Volunteered for Shape magazine’s Diva Dash for fundraising • Hosted annual “Step it Up in the Mile High City Step Show” fundraiser • Awarded 12 Scholarships ranging from $500-$3500 to deserving high school seniors 18 | Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. | Denver Alumnae Chapter | 75 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Our History 1939-2014
• Hosted Annual ACT Prep Workshop and a college tour at the University of Denver • Adopted the Sims-Fayola International Academy, Denver’s first all male charter school; via the EMBODI program, donated $3,000 to the school; Delta’s name and quote now on one of the classrooms • In collaboration with the Urban League, hosted an Economic Development Breakfast and Seminar on “Estate Planning” • Fitness Fair for IMPACT Day in collaboration with the Center for African American Health • Participated in Race for the Cure 5K walk, Center for African American Health Walk, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Walk (Raised $650 for St. Jude - Regional Initiative) and American Heart Association Walk • Participated in “Stomp Out Breast Cancer” - a shoe display sponsored by Shorter AME Church to raise awareness about breast cancer • Hosted voter registration at metro churches • Joined the“2013 Year of the Student” 100+ Coalition in support of school finance reform • Hosted a World AIDS Day program in partnership with the United Church of Montbello and raised $300 for Mary Help for the Sick Mission Hospital in Kenya by having a coin drive • Hosted sisterhood activities: First DAC Family Reunion: “Get Your Line Straight” • Denver was selected one of 22 cities to be included on the DST Centennial Torch Tour. DAC was selected in honor of Founder Bertha Pitts Campbell who grew up in Montrose, Colorado • Hosted a Centennial Torch Birthday Celebration and Gala with all Colorado Delta Chapters • Collaborated with the Mountain Region Black Economic Summit annual program • December 2013 “Divas on Broadway - A Holiday Centennial Cabaret” • Pledged and successfully served 100 Days of Service in the year 2013 • In honor of our Centennial made donations of $100 each to nine local Greek organizations • Chapter display at Blair Caldwell African-American Research Library in honor of our Centennial • Received the “Women that Get it Done” Award from the Colorado Black Round Table and the Colorado Black Women for Political Action • Received sponsorships from: CH2MHill ($5,000), Verizon ($11,000), 101.5 Jammin Radio Station (in-kind), University of Denver ($5,500), Frito-Lay (in kind), MOMS, Booth-Myers State Farm Insurance Agency ($7,000), Kohl’s ($2,000), and several individual donors • Established partnerships with University of Denver (DU) - Step Show (2 years in a row), hosted DU versus Southern University basketball game for scholarships (raised $3,000) • Established strong partnership with 101.5 Jammin Radio Station • Raised $10,000 for 2014 scholarship awards in 2013 • Cosponsored an “Arts & Race” Reception at Red Line Gallery with Denver African-American Philanthropists • During the 51st DST Centennial National Convention, Washington, DC in 2013 received the following awards • “Large Chapter of the Year” for the Central Region • “Delta of the Century” for the Central Region awarded to DAC member Margaret King • Awarded $1013 for being top finalist in the “2013 by 2013” walking campaign • Medal for being among the Top 3 award-winning Central Region chapters for participation in Project 13 • Recognized for answering the “Financial Fortitude” Challenge • Economic Development Committee – “Planting the Seed Conference” January 2014 Founders Day | A Legacy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service | 19
Beta Phi & Denver Alumnae Chapter Presidents
Our History 1939-2014
• Founders Day February 2014 hosted Dr. Paulette C. Walker, 25th National President • 75th Anniversary theme - “A Legacy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood & Service” • Supported the American Heart Association in recognition of Heart Health month • Selected to host the 46th Central Region Conference, June 5 – 8, 2014 From a Sneak Peek at our roots, the war-torn Forties, conservative Fifties, revolutionary Sixties, enduring Seventies, all about Me! Me! Me! Eighties, electronic Nineties and the social media Millennium, we bow in humble submission to thank God for the motivation and vision of our noble, visionary and beloved 22 Founders. The members of the Denver Alumnae Chapter express an attitude of gratitude to our Charter Members for being encouraged to pick up the mantle making it possible for Delta to make a difference in Denver, in Colorado and in the Charismatic and Courageous Central Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for seventy-five years. Our-Story continues its 2nd century legacy of uncompromising commitment to communities through service, leadership and empowerment because “DAC (Denver Alumnae Chapter) ROCKS.”
Beta Phi Chapter Presidents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
1939-1940 1940-1941 1941-1943 1943-1944 1944-1945 1945-1947 1947-1949 1949-1950 1950-1951 1951-1952 1952-1953 1953-1954 1954-1955 1955-1957 1957-1959 1959-1961 1961-1963 1963-1965 1965-1966 1966-1968 1968-1969
Elaine Brown Jenkins * Mae Thomas Adams * Mary Lou Blanchard * Bernita Buckner * Carrie Wright * Marian Morrison (Bailey) Robinson* Pauline Robinson * Esther Nelson * Jennie V. Woodson * Rachel Bassett Noel * Cecilia Jenkins Bryant * Louella Flanigan * Lela Shanks Erma L. Bowie Ford Rachel Beasley Walters* Beverly L. Biffle Ann Goodrum Wright Lorene (McConnell) Lewis Peters Conway Moore * Betty J. (Brown) Germany Jeneva McQueary
Denver AlumnaeChapter Presidents 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
1969-1971 1971-1975 1975-1979 1979-1981 1981-1983 1983-1986 1986-1988 1988-1990 1990-1992 1992-1994 1994-1995 1995-1998 1998-2002 2002-2004 2004-2008 2008-2012 2012-2014
Margaret L. (King) Shearron Cloteal E. Jernigan * Linda Bates (Transou) Leali Rosalie M. Martin Joyce Brown (Pleasants) Harris Jacquelyn (Nixon-Love) Sample Olivia L. Hudson-Smith Valencia Fate Tate Patricia Brown-Paytee Marcia L. Williams Lisa Neal Graves Yvonne B. Parker Frances E. Jefferson Joyce B. Walker Janell I. Lindsey Michelle Bruton Brown Djuana Harvell, Ph.D.
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History Makers Oleta L . Crain* During the early months of World War II, Oleta L. Crain joined the U.S. Army so she could play in a military band. She was the first woman of color in the six Rocky Mountain States Region to enlist in the WAAC. She soon found out that because of her skin color she would not be allowed to play in the band. She did not let this stop her and went on to help desegregate the armed forces before retiring as an Air Force Major in 1963. Oleta L. Crain believed that women should work to overcome the obstacles that may prevent them from using their talents, and she encouraged others to believe in themselves by becoming the best that they could become. The Oleta Crain Education Academy has been established to honor her accomplishments.
Jessie Whaley Maxwell* She was the first African-American Administrator in the Denver Public Schools and the state of Colorado. The Jessie Whaley Maxwell Elementary School opened in Denver in 1998 to honor Mrs. Maxwell. She believed that every child deserved an opportunity to learn and she encouraged all students to strive for excellence. At the dedication of the school, Mrs. Maxwell said, “It is humbling to think of this school dedication. But this is more than mine. It is a symbol of the progress that has been made.” She was one of the eight Charter members of Beta Phi Chapter, the 1st chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in the state of Colorado.
Rachel Bassett Noel* In 1965 Rachel Noel became the first African American elected to the Denver Public School Board and the first African American elected to a statewide office in Colorado. On April 25, 1968, she presented the DPS board with the Noel Resolution, which asked the Superintendent to develop a plan to integrate Denver’s public schools. Under a cloud of threats to Noel and her family, the resolution passed in 1970. The U.S. Supreme Court would eventually echo Mrs. Noel’s position in its landmark decision of 1973, Keyes v. Denver School District No.1, making Denver the first city outside the American South to receive instructions by the country’s highest court to address segregation and school busing. In 1969, Mrs. Noel began teaching sociology and African American Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, eventually serving as Chair of the African American Studies Department from 1971 to 1980. The University created a Distinguished Professorship to honor her when she retired. A middle school in DPS is named in her honor. *deceased Founders Day | A Legacy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service | 21
History Makers Pauline Short Robinson* She became the first African American librarian in Denver in 1943. Because the library system had so few books for African-American children, she sold home baked pies and cakes to earn the money to buy a core collection. She organized the first Negro History Week at New Hope Baptist Church, which evolved into Denver’s Black History Month. A branch of the Denver Public Library, the Pauline Robinson Library, is named in her honor.
Gloria Travis Tanner Gloria Tanner was elected as a member of the Colorado State House of Representatives District in 1985. She was the first African American woman to serve as a Colorado State Senator. A founding member of the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA), she is also past Executive Director of NOBEL Women, and she also founded a Leadership and Training Institute for Future Black Women Leaders of Colorado. During her seventeen years in public office, she initiated and sponsored legislation on key issues such as marital discrimination in the workplace, parental responsibility, worker’s compensation cost savings, civil rights for women and minorities, and parental rights for adoptive parents. In 2002, she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.
Wilma J. Webb Wilma Webb was a member of the Colorado State Legislature from 1980 to 1993. She sponsored dozens of bills including school reform and equality initiatives. She is best known for sponsoring legislation that honored the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a Colorado state holiday prior to it becoming a national holiday and for her efforts to educate youth about King’s legacy. She worked hand in hand with her husband, Wellington Webb, in an historic grassroots mayoral campaign which resulted in him becoming the first African American Mayor of Denver in 1991. He served from 1991 to 2003. Wilma Webb was the first “First Lady of Denver” to have held political office herself. She is the proud Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta for the Central Region. *Deceased 22 | Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. | Denver Alumnae Chapter | 75 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Program Processional Introduction of Dais Welcome Mrs. Linda Bates Leali, Co-Chair, Founders Day Occasion Ms. Catherine Wright, Co-Chair, Founders Day American Heart Association Video Presentation Introduction of Ms. Lori Pace Mrs. Jacquelyn S. Sample, Member, Founders Day Committee Invocation Rev. Monica Badgett, Chair, Central Region Board of Chaplains
Lunch Introduction of Guest Speaker Dr. Djuana Harvell, President, Denver Alumnae Chapter Founders Day Address Dr. Paulette C. Walker, National President & Chief Executive Officer, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Entertainment The Mary Louise Lee Band Presentations - The Honorable Wilma J. Webb, Honorary Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Mrs. Billie Coachman, Director, Central Region, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Mrs. Glynis Thompson-Williams, President, Denver Pan-Hellenic Council - The Honorable Gloria Travis Tanner, President, Denver Delta, Inc. - Ms. Christina Hadera, President, Tau Lambda Chapter - Ms. Simone Richardson, President, Zeta Pi Chapter - Mrs. Rhonda Arrington, President, Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter - Dr. Djuana Harvell, President, Denver Alumnae Chapter Acknowledgement of Guests Raffle Ms. Michelle Simmons and Ms. Anisa Jones Remarks Ms. Catherine Wright and Mrs. Linda Bates Leali
Recessional
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Dr. Paulette C. Walker
National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Paulette C. Walker is the 25th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Initiated into the Sorority through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Michigan State University in October 1966, Dr. Walker has shown an uncompromising commitment to service for more than 45 years. She has served the Sorority on the local, regional, and national levels, gaining the respect and admiration of the membership. She is known as a visionary and a dedicated leader.
Walker is an educator in every sense of the word. In July 2011, she retired as the director of undergraduate programs and internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida. Her research agenda focused on curriculum and instruction as well as administration and supervision issues in urban schools. She has shared her research and expertise during presentations at local, regional and national conferences, university and college campuses, and school districts. She is the co-author of the book, “We Can Have Better Urban Schools.” Additionally, she has served as a classroom teacher, middle school and high school counselor, director of counseling, assistant principal and district-wide supervisor of state/federal projects. Walker received her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics education from Michigan State University, Master of Arts in guidance and counseling from The University of Michigan, and her Doctor of Education in administration and supervision from The University of Michigan. Walker’s noteworthy accomplishments have earned her recognition from several professional, civic and religious organizations. She is the recipient of the Ronald McNair Scholars Research Mentor Award; Ronald McNair Scholars Role Model Mentor Award; Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award from the University of South Florida; Certificate of Merit, Institutional Award, American College Testing Program and National Academic Advising Association; President’s Affirmative Action Award, University of South Florida; Honorary Citizen of the State of Georgia; keys to cities; city and state proclamations; certificates of commendation; outstanding service awards and other special honors. She is an active member of Mt. Olive AME Church in Tampa, Fla., where she serves on the Trustee Board. Her professional and community affiliations include: PACE Center for Girls Advisory Board, Moffitt Cancer Center Advisory Board, Mt. Olive Tampa Community Development Center, Mt. Pleasant Charter School Advisory Board, State of Florida - Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs, American Cancer Society - Hank Warren Advisory Board, Hillsborough County - Literacy Volunteers of America Board of Directors, American Diabetes Association Board of Directors, Bible-Based Christian Fellowship Academy Board of Directors and Moffitt Cancer Center Community Council Research Board. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” is Dr. Walker’s motto. She believes every person has a special gift that should be shared with the world. As a result, she strives to inspire everyone to find their inner gift by uplifting and empowering each life she touches. A Detroit native, Dr. Walker has called the Tampa area home since February 1990. She is a widow and the proud mother of two adult sons and eight grandchildren. She is the only child of Helen and the late Otis Felton. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and sewing. 24 | Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. | Denver Alumnae Chapter | 75 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Mary Louise Lee
One of the few natives of Denver, Mary Louise began performing at an early age. She has toured Korea, Japan, Johnston Island, Honduras, and Panama singing for the troops of the U. S. Department of Defense. Mary Louise has performed at high profile events including the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Conventions, Colorado Governor’s Inaugural Gala, Opening Ceremonies for Colorado State Senate and Colorado House of Representatives, Denver Mayor’s City Address, 911 Remembrance Ceremony, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Winter Park Jazz Festival, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and opening of the Red Rocks Visitor Center, just to name a few. Her self-titled band has opened for many national recording artists. Mary Louise is also a highly sought-after vocal coach, mentor and director including choirs at her church, New Hope Baptist. Her extensive stage credits include: “Grace”/Annie, “Glinda”/The Wiz – AfterThought Theatre; “Power woman”/Menopause the Musical - Denver Civic Theatre; “Charlene”/Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Top of the Rockies 2005, “Best Actress/Musical”), “Narrator”/Beehive - Country Dinner Playhouse; “Smokey Joe’s Café” - Theatre Aspen; “Geneva”/1940’s Radio Hour - Arvada Center; “Billie Holiday”/Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Westword 2003, “Best Actress/Musical”) - Shadow Theatre, nominated by the Denver Post 2005, Ovation Award for Best Year/Actress. National credits include: A Brief History of White Music, Beehive and Up On the Roof, (Denver Drama Critics Circle 89-90 “Best Performance by Actress/Musical). Mary Louise is the wife of Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the mother of Jordan and Janaé. As Denver’s First Lady, she proudly promotes her platform, “Bringing Back the Arts” which supports Arts Education in Denver Public Schools. facebook.com/bringingbackthearts
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Members
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Members
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Members
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Members
Honorary Member ~ Not Pictured ~
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Thank you for your support... Acknowledgements
Patrons
American Heart Association Norvell Ballard, Ballard Family Mortuary BlackTie-Colorado brother jeff, 5 POINTS NEWS Deb Hoover & The Renaissance Hotel Denver Pan-Hellenic Council Forza Sound & Production Rosalind “Bee� Harris, Denver Urban Spectrum The Mary Louise Lee Band Pipkin-Braswell Mortuary
BJ Barnes Martelle Chapital-Smith
Dr. Terri Richardson, African American Center of Excellence Pia Dennis Smith, Bougie Chic Boutique James Rowe, Snapshots Photography Studio, LLC Attorney Carolyn House Stewart, International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. & Yvette Keesee, Epsilon Nu Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Booklet Bobby Holleman-Benson & Cynthia Martin Designs Donors Cheryl Hargrow, Anisa Jones, Eddie Koen, LeNitra Oliver, Dr. Tony Young, Dr. Brenda Wilson Vendors Gwen Biddix, Boopsie Bows, Bougie Chic Boutique, C & C Cards, Designs Unlimited, Hopie & Co, Urban Jungle National Headquarters Staff, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Central Region, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Denver Delta, Inc. Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Rhonda Arrington, Dr. Djuana Harvell, Bobby Holleman-Benson, Frances E. Jefferson, Anisa Jones, Charlotte Jones, Frances Owens, DeLois Porter, Jacquelyn Sample, Michelle Simmons Hostesses Zeta Pi Chapter & Tau Lambda Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Escorts Christina Hadera, Simone Richardson, Dorothy C. White, Rev. Marcia L. Williams
Congratulations on your 75th Anniversary Laverne Bowman, Elks Mountain Temple #174 Congratulations Denver Alumnae Chapter on your 75th Al and Arnetta Koger Consolation Christian Church Sadie Dawson Dr Evie Garrett Dennis Create wealth! Protect wealth! Leave a legacy! Myra Donovan, CFP Robert & Margaret Fomer Bobby Holleman-Benson Djuana Harvell, Ph.D Stephanie L. Hughes Daphne & Robert Hunter Best Wishes Charlotte Marie Ingram Beverley Reddick-Jenkins Charles and Linda Bates Leali Janice Y. Martin Donald R. Rice, DDS, DC (303) 399-4444 7701 E First Pl. Unit B Denver, CO. 80230 Anika D. Phason Janice M. Satchell Gloria Travis Tanner AlRuth Toney Rev. Marcia L. Williams Past Central Region Director Dorothy C. White Past South Atlantic Region Director Mrs. Carrie Carter Young, MSW
34 | Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. | Denver Alumnae Chapter | 75 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
75
Denver Alumnae Chapter
Founders Day | A Legacy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service | 35