Fall 2008 Edition A Publication for the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. www.dstfarwestregion.org
When the west coast beats boomed through the speakers, everyone jumped to their dancing feet to welcome in the processional during the luncheon for the Fabulous Farwest Region at the 49th National Convention in Orlando, Fl. With the theme of ―Healthy, Wealthy, Wise – Delta Style!‖ the table centerpieces featured gift baskets full of healthy treats, financial tips and wise quotes. The dais included 17th National President Mona H. Bailey and Honorary Member Sheryl Lee Ralph. Attendees enjoyed a slide show throughout the event with before and after photos of sorors who took on the Healthy Lifestyle challenge, as well as photos of
―Healthy, Wealthy & Wise‖ related chapter events held during the 2007-2008 sorority year. Attendees also enjoyed a presentation about the upcoming Regional Conference, scheduled for July 2-5, 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska. The Regional Award winners announced during the luncheon are listed on page three.
In This Issue: Recap of the 49th National Convention Left: National Convention Photos. Bottom: Soror Williams and Burns with 3.0 GPA & above medalists.
From The Regional Director Sorors, As your Farwest Regional Director, I take pride in the outstanding work that each of your chapters are doing in your individual communities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Japan, Nevada, Oregon, Republic of Korea, Utah and Washington.
Tressa Williams Farwest Regional Director
As we gather in Reno, NV, for our Fall Cluster Meeting, I know we will continue to gain knowledge, showcase our leadership and the enjoy the networking experience. Let’s come together in sisterly love as we make plans to take action for a very productive 2008-2009 sorority year. Sisterly Love & Blessings, Tressa L. Williams, Director Farwest Region
From The Regional Representative Greeting Sorors of the Fabulous and Fearless Farwest Region. This past year has truly been amazing serving you as Regional Representative. I will remain committed to my platform when I was elected to keep collegiates informed, increase sisterhood, increase collegiate involvement regional and nationally, and bridging the gap between alumnae and collegiates.
Monica Burns Farwest Regional Representative
I am proud say this next collegiate retreat in San Francisco will be a retreat you will not want to miss. So mark your calendars! During the weekend of February 6-8, 2009, collegiates will gather from across the region to participate in a retreat that not only will be a learning experience, but we will also be giving back to the community with our service project. I look forward to making this sorority year even more memorable than the last, as we “Continue to Reclaim our Purpose through Knowledge, Networking, and Leadership.” Sisterly Love, Monica Burns, Representative Farwest Region
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Century City Alumnae — RD Chapter of the Year Award and Membership Services (Reclamation) Award
2008 Farwest Region Awards Regional Director’s Chapter of the Year Century City Alumnae Collegiate Chapter of the Year Lambda Xi Collegiate Member of the Year Soror Dominique Miller, Lambda Xi
Dominique Miller Collegiate of the Year
Erika Walker Advisor of the Year
Petrina Ferguson Above & Beyond
Advisor of the Year Soror Erika Walker, Kappa Chapter Advisor Social Action Award Okinawa Alumnae, Republic of Korea Alumnae and Tokyo Alumnae for collaboration on Project DST (Delta Support for Troops) Sisterhood Award Tokyo Alumnae Exemplary GEMS & Academy Program San Diego Alumnae Minerva Award (Highest GPA) Upsilon
Tokyo Alumnae — Sisterhood Award and (part of) Social Action Award
Project ACE Award Pi Psi and Monterey Peninsula Alumnae Newsletter Award San Francisco Peninsula Alumnae Membership Services (Reclamation) Century City Alumnae Above and Beyond Awards Soror Petrina Ferguson, Regional Secretary Soror Libra White, Regional Journalist
Lambda Xi (& Advisor Roz Earl) — Collegiate Chapter of the Year 3
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Photo Credits: Tamie Triplett (ttripin@msn.com); Nyema Vernon Photography (nyemavernonphotography@yahoo.com)
24th National President Cynthia Butler Butler--McIntyre Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre was Honorary Doctorate of Divinity elected by a unanimous vote of degree from the over 800 voting delegates as the Christian Bible College of Lounational president of Delta isiana. Presently she is emSigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the ployed as a personnel adminorganization’s 49th National istrator for all classified emConvention in Orlando, Fla. But- ployment for the Jefferson Parler-McIntyre has been a member ish Public School System. of the Sorority for 35 years, and Other officers elected during has held several local, regional the weeklong convention were and national offices. Dr. Paulette Walker of Tampa, A native of New Orleans, Butler- Fla., as McIntyre was greatly impacted by national first vice president; Hurricane Katrina, but never Mia Smith of Miami, Fla., as stopped serving the Sorority. But- national second vice presiler-McIntyre is a self- proclaimed dent; Beverly Smith of Mariservant leader and says she etta, Ga., as national secretary; During her acceptance speech, Soserves her sisterhood, ―because and Carolyn Lewis of New Or- ror Butler-McIntyre expressed the it is in my heart.‖ leans, La., was re-elected as na- joy of her journey from #24 on her line to the 24th National President. Butler-McIntyre was installed into tional treasurer. office by civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height. During her acceptance speech she gave credit to Jesus Christ, the leader of her life, and was unapologetic about the role God has played and will continue to play in her life. Butler-McIntyre received her Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education and is a 1976 graduate from Dillard University in New Orleans. She earned a Master of Education degree from the University of New Orleans at the age of 20. ButlerMcIntyre also holds an Soror Butler-McIntyre was installed into office by civil rights legend and 10th National President Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.
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Farwest sorors at the September 2008 National Committee and Commission Member meeting in Washington, DC.
2008 2008--2010 Farwest National Officers & Committee Members FARWEST OFFICERS/NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
Director — Tressa L. Williams Representative — Monica Burns 17th National President — Mona H. Bailey Co-Chair, Membership Services — Lorraine Dabney Co-Chair, Program Planning and Development — Dr. Thelma J. Day
Co-Chair, Protocol & Traditions — Regina Pridgeon Co-Chair, Collegiate Transition Task Force — Geneva Denay Dowdy Co-Chair, Negotiating Task Force — Doris Jackson Britt Honorary Co-Chair, Arts & Letters Commission — Sheryl Lee Ralph
FARWEST NATIONAL COMMITTEE & COMMISSION MEMBERS
Arts & Letters Commission — Evelyn Marie Burton, Jacqueline B. Hairston, Essie M. Jefferies
Leadership Academy — Stephanie Marie Cooper, Dr. Sandra Mack, Gwendolyn Mosley
Collegiate Transition Task Force — Barbara Bagneris, Talesha Shavonne Triplett
Membership Services Committee — Linda Cumby, Shirley Davis
Constitution & Bylaws Committee — Dr. Gwendolyn Sherard Bishop, Athena R. Thomas-Black
Negotiating Task Force — Linda Watts Evans
Nominating Committee — Lydia Cincore-Templeton
Corporate Partnership Task Force — Marvelene Hughes
Personnel Committee — Petrina Ferguson, Sheila Reid Tatum
Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair — Dr. Carolyn Bush Stuckey, Eva Delois Grant
Program Planning & Development Committee — Dr. LaVerne Davis, Brandi Jones
Document Review Task Force — Jeri Durham, Candace Hill Lewis
Protocol & Traditions Committee — Jennifer Lorraine Francis, Cynthia Carolyn Jones
Heritage & Archives Committee — Lula J. Morehouse, Floraline I. Stevens
Ritual & Ceremonies Commission — Mona H. Bailey, Betty Allen McGill, Marion White
Housing & Properties Committee — Robin Smith Green, Dannette Y. Mitchell
Scholarship & Standards Committee — Desdra Butler
Social Action Commission — Leona Marie Bridges, Ja’Nia Cannon, Danielle Moore
Technology Task Force — Diana L. Bell
Information & Communications Committee — Libra White, Amber Celeste Wilton
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Book Now for Alaska The 2009 Farwest Regional Conference will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, July 2-5, 2009. Sorors are encouraged to visit www.anchorage.net to receive a free visitors guide.
Average Temperature: 65ºF Average Daylight Hours: 20
See you in Alaska!
Theme: Diary of a Black Woman February 6 - 8, 2009 University of San Francisco For more information please contact: Δ Regional Representative Monica M. Burns @ 702-292-9296 or fwregionalrep@hotmail.com Δ Northern California State Facilitator Jessica Johnson @ 323-369-1785 or jessicajsp07@gmail.com Δ Tau Tau Chapter President Aalishah Abdallah-Richardson @ 714-6154551 or aalishahabdallah@gmail.com Registration deadline is January 10, 2008. The registration form is available on the Farwest website.
Farwest Focus
Winter/Spring Issue Deadline: December 12, 2008 (Distributed at Founders Day events)
Conference Issue Deadline: June 1, 2009 (Distributed at Regional Conference) Please visit the regional calendar on the Farwest website for the latest deadlines and information, including chapter advertisement forms and article submission guidelines. Feel free to contact Farwest Regional Journalist Libra White with any questions or comments at: farwestfocus@gmail.com
The Farwest Focus is a publication for the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Farwest Regional Director Tressa L. Williams Farwest Regional Representative Monica Burns Regional Journalist/Farwest Focus Editor Libra White Constant Contact Editor Nadirah Stills Regional Web Mistress Joyce Williams National Information & Communications Committee (Farwest Members) Libra White, Amber Wilton
www.dstfarwestregion.com