On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, I extend congratulations to the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary as a civic organization in The Bahamas.

In the last 50 years your chapter, only the second to be established outside of the continental USA, has done much to improve the lives of women in The Bahamas. In particular your focus on education, with over $90,000 donated in scholarships, has helped many young women go on to study at the tertiary level.

Your chapter has served the country through many hours of community service, including work at the AIDS Camp, a staple presence at the Red Cross fair, mentorship through the GEMS programme, free legal clinics and many other initiatives. For this so many are grateful and I thank you for your commitment and dedication to make a difference in our country on a consistent basis.

This year, headed by the international organization, your focus is on the mentorship and education of children with incarcerated parents. This is a noble undertaking, requiring compassion, empathy and caring; qualities which I know many of your members to possess. I hope that the work you do with these children buoy their spirits and encourage them to give back in their future lives.

As you celebrate your 50th anniversary, the country continues to celebrate its 40th Anniversary of Independence. This is a time for us all to pause and reflect on the journey that brought us here and pledge to return to the community-mindedness that helped to build our great country. As a civic group, the AKAs have always worked towards fostering healthy communities and have thereby enriched many lives. I am confident that in the next 50 years you will continue to build this great legacy.

Again I extend my best wishes as you celebrate your 50th anniversary.

Perry G. Christie Prime Minister

Message From The Prime MinisterCommonwealth Of The Bahamas

Greetings Sorors,Our commitment to serving the local community continues to grow as our sisterly bonds are

strengthened via service programs. Eta Psi Omega has a strong presence in New Providence with a growing membership and a partnership with Tau Nu, the College of the Bahamas under-graduate chapter.

We are proud to celebrate 50 years of “service to all mankind” in New Providence and since our founding 50 years ago we have created, expanded and participated in numerous programs that have contributed positively to our community. It is no coincidence that as we commemorate 50 years of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in The Bahamas it is also the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his speech now commonly called “I Have A Dream”. The women who came to the Bahamas and founded Eta Psi Omega chapter were influenced by the Civil Rights movement in the United States and they brought the sense of sisterhood and community service that was part of that movement with them. The founders and some women who they inducted par-ticipated in the Bahamian women’s suffrage movement and helped establish the chapter as an institution that became a source for encouraging women to pursue college degrees.

Eta Psi Omega’s representation and influence on the International Committees started in the 1970s when Soror Marilyn Granger was appointed to the National Program Committee and further chaired the National Resolutions Committee. Our relationships with other chapters expanded within the region when in 1978 she assisted with chartering of Mu Gamma Omega chapter, U.S. Virgin Islands. Our contributions within the community extended to politics when Soror Veronica Owens was elected to the House of Parliament in 2002. Our chapter has earned numerous awards for outstanding programs, President of the Year, and Chapter of the Year. It was at the International Regional Conference in Indiana in 1994, where we earned every available award for the International Region.

Members of Eta Psi Omega Chapter participated in chartering of the local Panhellenic Council in 1995. In later years Past Presidents Mavis Johnson Collie and Presleith McPhee served as president and parliamentarian of the National Pan-hellenic Council, respectively, in the 2006-2007 term. Additionally, every year our chapter consistently donates funds for a scholarship to the Primary School Student of the Year Scholarship Foundation, a flagship program of the National Pan-hellenic Council.

We are proud to have sorors who have been and are actively involved in nation-building through their involvement within the local community. We have sponsored the induction of two exceptional members of our community, the late Dr. Keva Bethel, who was a renowned educator in The Bahamas and former Justice of the Supreme Court Cheryl Albury.

We have provided and continue to provide as a mandate hundreds of thousands of hours of community service through our local programs. We have also provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in Scholarship funding to the top female high school student through our Honours Day Program. We continue to build partnerships locally with other community service organizations as well as in the United States through International involvement in programs.

Over the last 50 years Eta Psi Omega chapter has set the standard for service within our community through our local sig-nature programs as well as through the implementation of our international programs. One may venture to suggest that many of the programs launched by other organizations have been influenced by programs of Eta Psi Omega Chapter. As the first Greek lettered organization in The Bahamas, we must continue to set examples of strength through our sisterhood and continue to promote our programs through channels of partnerships which have been established. It is incumbent upon all of us to continue to improve our lives and the lives of others within our community. My vision for the chapter is that we will continue to move from strength to strength buoyed upon the shoulders of our founders and the women who have come after them.

Yours in service,JoyAnne K. ArcherPresident, Eta Psi Omega Chapter2010 - 2013

5656 S. Stony Island Avenue • Chicago, Illinois 60637-1997 Phone 773.684.1282 • Fax 773.684.3397 • www.AKA1908.com

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

OFFICE OF:

Evelyn Sample-Oates International Regional Director

September 21, 2013

Dear Sorors and Guests:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this Golden Celebration for Eta Psi Omega Chapter in Nassau, Bahamas. The second graduate chapter chartered in the International Region has truly been a shining example of sisterhood and service.

For fifty years this chapter has provided thousands of volunteer hours to the communities, given hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and played an integral role in the development of the island. The Emerging Young Leaders program has instilled in young girls hope to do better, live better and learn better. This chapter has given back through health initiatives, tutorial programs and partnerships with like-minded organizations in the community. Eta Psi Omega has proudly served as mentors to the members of Tau Nu chapter at the College of the Bahamas, while supporting their projects and academic ac-complishments.

I thank the current and former leadership for bringing this chapter to the solid place it holds in our organization and for believing in and supporting all members of this extraordinary chapter. As Alpha Kappa Alpha looks forward toward its 106th year of supreme service and sisterhood, we continue to envision impossibilities and make them impressive realities for all mankind. Our goal is to make our world better each and every year and perfect Global Leadership through Timeless Service.

Congratulations Eta Psi Omega! I am proud of you and all that you do to improve the qual-ity of life for all humankind.

Sincerely,

Evelyn Sample -OatesEvelyn Sample-OatesInternational Regional Director

September 19, 2013

Eta Psi Omega ChapterJoyanne K. Archer, PresidentP.O. Box CB-11097Nassau, Bahamas

Greetings:

It gives me great pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Eta Psi Omega Chapter in honor of its Golden Anniversary. With fortitude, dedication, and commitment to the community for 50 years, this milestone is well-deserved and applauded. Since September 21, 1963, Eta Psi Omega Chapter has dedicated its efforts to strengthen the Nassau community and contribute to the success of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As the “Ingenious” International Region’s second established chapter, the glow of sparkling service, dedication, and empowerment of others remains paramount and invaluable. We look forward to celebrating many more successful years to come.

Thank you for your commitment to our sisterhood as we continue “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.” Sisterly Regards,

Carolyn House Stewart

5656 S. Stony Island Avenue • Chicago, Illinois 60637-1997 Phone 773.684.1282 • Fax 773.684.3397 • www.AKA1908.com

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Carolyn House Stewart, Esq.International President

Greetings,The 1960’s brought many changes to the Bahamas. The Secretary of State for the Colonies had just granted Bahamian women the right to vote and they voted for the first time November 26th 1962. This was an exciting time for women in The Bahamas. Since then the women of The Bahamas have had a major impact on our society and that is no more strongly evident than in the work that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has done through Eta Psi Omega chapter’s prominent, historical and influen-tial presence in Nassau.

We have had an awesome task of planning the celebration of the chartering of our chapter fifty years ago and celebrating the achievements of our past presidents. These have been fifty years of helping, informing, implementing and supporting our community and country through quality and consis-tent programs.

The journey that we as Chairpersons have had has been amazing. It has been informative, reflective and eye opening both for ourselves and for the community of Alpha Kappa Alpha members that we serve, as we gathered information, listened to stories, negotiated prices and mobilized persons to take on various tasks to accomplish the activities that are part of the 50th anniversary celebration.

We have had several exciting activities commencing with a church service at charter member Soror Dolores Smith’s church, Phirst Family Fun Day with the men Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sorors Steppin in the Square, an Exhibit at the College of the Bahamas depicting our 50 years in the Baha-mas, a reception and culminating in the Gala Ball.

50 years, wow! What a rich history Eta Psi Omega has added to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Soror Joyanne Archer, President, we thank you for your confidence in our ability to get the job done. Sorors, thank you for your dedication and commitment to chairing and working on the various committees. Charter members and presidents we thank you for your leadership over the years.

Sorors, enjoy your evening and our journey down memory lane.On behalf of the 50th Anniversary committee, of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., it is our honour and privilege to thank you for being a part of this historical moment: celebrating fifty years of service to the Bahamian community; Under the theme “50 Years of Timeless Service to The Bahamian Community”. Tonight is just an exciting glimpse into what we do in the Bahamian Community.

Special thanks to International President Carolyn House Stuart, other members of the Directorate Past and Present and the Educational Advancement Foundation Board who are here joining in the excitement, fun, and festivities. We deeply appreciate your presence tonight and we continue to be amazed and excited by the impact you continue to have on the Sorority.

Our 50th Ball Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that you have a wonderful time, so please relax and enjoy yourselves.

See you next year at the start of our next amazing fifty years.

Warmest RegardsPresleith Y, McPhee Janice StubbsPresleith Y, McPhee Janice Stubbs50th Anniversary Chairman 50th Anniversary Co-Chairman

On a beautiful Saturday, September 21st, 1963, in the living room of Soror Muriel Eneas, the 16th International President, Julia B. Purnell chartered the Eta Psi Omega Chapter. Eta Psi Omega made history by becoming the second chapter to be chartered outside of the continental United States of America (U.S.A.), following the chapter in Liberia which was chartered in 1957. Due to the inactivity of the chapter in Liberia, the Eta Psi Omega became and still is today the longest active chapter outside of the continental U.S.A. that serves Alpha Kappa Al-pha, Sorority Incorporated.

Having been chartered in 1963, Eta Psi Omega became the very first Black Greek lettered organization established here in The Bahamas. It was not until the late 70’s early 80’s that other Black Greek letter organizations made their way into the Bahamian community.

During the early years many persons pursued degrees at schools in England; therefore, many Bahamians were not familiar with the American concept of sororities and fraternities. With this influx of British degrees there was also the stigma that the American educational system was not as prestigious as the Brit-ish counterpart. Nevertheless, the fearless foursome was not de-terred and focused on the growth and development of the local chapter and making that their priority.

EXPANSION / MEMBERSHIP

The efforts of these four (4) phenomenal women were realized in 1965 when the first group of women were invited into mem-bership. They were Mrs. Thelma McMillan, Dr. Gloria Sands (deceased) and Lillian Walker Parker, the first Bahamian to join the chapter. In 1966, Mrs. Gwen Godet (deceased) was also in-vited to become a member. With a small but strong member-ship of eight by 1966, the women worked aggressively to make the chapter’s presence felt.

Although few in number these women were an inspiration and were mighty in impact. The eight chapter members worked dil-igently with various civic organizations throughout the island such as the Bahamas Red Cross, at its annual fair, a relation-ship which still exists today, and the Stapledon School which benefited from their hard work both from hours of hands on volunteer work as well as proceeds donated from the chapter’s fundraisers.

As the years progressed and more Bahamian women attended universities in the U.S.A., the familiarity with and exposure to sororities grew, resulting in tremendous membership growth. After a short period of inactivity, a new generation of young

women Americans and Bahamians emerged as leaders of a re-vived Eta Psi Omega chapter in the 1970’s. Work with the char-itable organizations continued, with an emphasis on helping children with special needs. There was also a focus on the pro-motion of music and the arts and more fundraisers to support the programmes and community service projects.

It was during the 1972 national convention, that Eta Psi Omega through president Marilyn Granger initiated the call for more attention to the chapter outside the continental United States. Her efforts resulted in an appointment by the National Presi-dent Mattelia Grays to the National Programme committee and as Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee. This was also the first time there was official representation at the sorority’s national bi-annual meeting since chartering Eta Psi Omega in 1963. Soror Marilyn was very aggressive in establishing ties and assisting in establishing chapters in the region. She was instru-mental in assisting with the successful chartering of Mu Gam-ma Omega chapter in the U.S. Virgins Islands in 1978. In the late 70’s during the presidency of Melanie Zonicle, Thelma Mc-Millan founded what has become the chapter’s signature pro-gramme, The Honours Day Scholarship Programme. Through this programme, the chapter has given more than $100,000 in scholarship monies to the top graduating female senior from throughout the country.

During the 1980’s, Eta Psi Omega continued to increase its ser-vice projects with key programs such as the Calendar Girls and the Aspiring Woman’s Program which focused on young wom-en. There was also increasing involvement with the Children’s Emergency Hostel, the Girls Industrial School as it was called at that time, the Red Cross and the Stapledon School for the Mentally Retarded. The chapter became an integral part of the work of the Bahamas Women’s Desk now known as the Wom-en’s Bureau. As a result, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has been instrumental in the development of legislation for the protec-tion of women’s rights and to improve the wellbeing of women and children in general. During this period the chapter’s hon-ours day programme saw significant expansion, family island students were invited and accommodated for the first time and the scholarship offerings increased

Further in the 90’s under the Presidency of Alamanda Symon-ette-Galanis, the chapter’s work with civic organizations in-creased as the chapter focused heavily on the sorority’s motto of ‘Service to all Mankind.” Many hours and resources were given to various senior citizens homes, the AIDS camp, the handicapped, and of course the Bahamas Red Cross’ Annual Fair. Service to all mankind also extended to serving the mem-bers of our sister chapter in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Historyof Eta Psi Omega

who were affected by a major hurricane. Clothes and food items were collected and shipped to Freeport to assist them through these challenging times.

ESTABLISHING THE INTERNATIONAL REGION

In 1982-83 some ten years after the initial work by president Marilyn for more inclusion and access, under the Presidency of Linda Higgs Swan (deceased), there was again the need to petition the National office. Concerns were many, the need for more timely communications from national office, more inclusion and recognition of the work of the chapters in the region and more attention from national officers. In 1984, under the presidency of Mavis Johnson-Collie, members of the chapter traveled to Washington, DC to attend Boule (the sorority’s national bi-annual meeting), as official delegates for the first time in about six years.

Johnson-Collie took advantage of the opportunity to speak on behalf of the chapter. She petitioned the national body from convention floors and informally from 1984 to 1986 to the extent that National President Faye B. Bryant knew the soror from The Bahamas personally. Johnson-Collie was appointed to The Structures and Operations Committee (SOC) by then national President, Janet Jones Ballad, mak-ing her the first Bahamian, and the second from the chapter to be so appointed. As a SOC member, she continued to agitate for many of the changes the region embraces today. These include the establishment of the 10th region, as the “International Region”, the now engrained recognition that the sorority is an international organization and not just a national organization and the inclusion of members from the region on all standing committees of the organization.

The 1990’s, represented a hallmark era for the region. Under the leadership of the 23rd International President, Mary Shy Scott, the region officially became the International Region with the appointment of its very own Regional Director in the person of Bella Parker, whereas. Prior to 1990, the region was included in the portfolio of the International President. As the 1990’s progressed, Eta Psi Omega became well known for its hard work at the International level as the members’ attendance at Boules increased. During the mid 1990’s, Pres-ident Lisa Major accomplished the feat of leading the chapter in hosting the largest International Regional Conference at that time.

HONOURING OUR OWN

In 1984, the chapter had the privilege of recommending and experiencing the induction of the region’s first honourary member, Dr. Keva Bethel (deceased), the then President of The College of The Bahamas.

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

One of the crowning achievements for Eta Psi Omega was the establishment of the chapter’s signature program, Hon-ours Day. Honours Day was the vision of Thelma McMillan and honours high school ladies for their scholastic achieve-ment. The program proudly provides scholarships for these young ladies in an act of encouragement toward their future endeavours.

EDUCATION

Education has always been a major focus for the sorority, and as the chapter moved into the 21st century, some of the pro-grams began to focus on primary school aged children. The chapter implemented programs following the International aministration’s mandate, such as ON TRAC, Ivy AKAdemy and the Young Authors program. In 2005, under the Pres-idency of Presleith McPhee, Ms. Kristen Pratt, a student of Sadie Curtis Primary school won the local Young Authors Essay Competition and went on to win the International Re-gional competition. Eta Psi Omega was exceptionally proud as Ms. Pratt was recognized at the sorority’s 2006 Interna-tional Conference held in Detroit, Michigan. LEGACY

The chapter is proud to have hosted several regional confer-ences in New Providence and to have assisted in the hosting of the 1991 and 2005 Leadership Conferences in Freeport and Nassau respectively. Today, the membership, led by President Joyanne Archer continues to uphold the ideals of the sorority’s founders and the chapter charter members. During her presidency, president Archer had the distinct honour of presiding over the chartering of the first under-graduate chapter in The Bahamas at The College of The Ba-hamas, Tau Nu.

The chapter is committed to the sorority’s motto ‘Service to All Mankind,’ and to the current administration’s theme “Global Leadership through Timeless Service”. The organi-zation’s contributions will affect positive change in the local community of the Bahamas, in the region and globally leav-ing a permanent legacy of selfless service behind.

HONOUREEPROFILE

Soror Muriel Frazier was born to Dr. and Mrs. Simon Frazier in 1920 in Savannah Georgia. She attended Fisk University in Nashville Tennessee at age of 16 where she was intiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha So-rority, Incorporated.

She is a retired educator and wife of late Dr. Cleveland Eneas. She was an active member of the Suffrage movement in The Bahamas and as such she was dedicated to ensuring that she brought a positive dynamic

to the community through the establishment of The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror-ity, Incorporated. It was on September 21, 1963 in the living room of Soror Muriels home that President

Julia Purnell Chartered the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

In 1963 Soror Muriel was employed at St. John’s College Anglican High School where she taught French, Music, Latin and Health science. In later years she moved to the sister School of St. Annes High School where she served

as Principal and taught Latin and French.

One of her favourite quotes, a paraphase of Robert Green Ingersoll are words which resonate with most persons who were taught or mentored by her “In life there are neither rewards nor punishments; only consequences. And we either suffer or enjoy the consequences of your actions”

Since its charter the founding sorors have been keen supporters of the ongoing activities and programmes of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter and as such the chapter over the years has enjoyed the consequences of their actions.

Soror Muriel is member of St. Andrews Kirk Presbyterian Church. She shares her greek legacy with her husband the late Dr. Cleveland Eneas, and her two sons Dr. Cleveland Eneas Jr. and Dr. Judson Eneas members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorpo-rated and her daughter Dr. Agreta Eneas-Carey member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

CHARTER MEMBERSoror Muriel Eneas

Soror Dolores SmithSoror Dolores Smith initiated into the Beta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Wayne

State University in Detroit Michinghan in 1953. She relocated to The Bahamas in 1959, one year after her hus-band Holland Smith returned there for work.

Moving to The Bahamas was a cultural change for her having been raised and educated in the United States of America. Soror Dolores is a college trained elementary school teacher who at various schools in The Bahamas. She was mentored by the late educator Naomi Blatch who became some what of a mentor to her during her time here.

In forming Eta Psi Omega it was her belief that the chapter would grow and be developed by Bahamian women returning home from University. The main thrust for the Chapter at that time was to increase membership and they chapter grew from four (4) to eight (8) with the addition of the first initiates who were all foreign women married to Bahamian men; namely Dr. Gloria Sands, Lillian Walker, Thelma McMillian,

Gwen Godet. The initial chapter activities at the time included assisting the Stapledon School for the men-tally retarded and the Bahamas Red Cross fair.

In 1964, Soror Dolores left for England and studied a child development course and upon her returne she studied for three years at The Bahamas teachers college for 3 years

Shortly thereafter she left the teaching profession to assist her husband who worked as a structural engineer in his office. The Following quote describes how she felt about Eta Psi Omega; “proof of what the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve”

CHARTER MEMBER

HONOUREEPROFILE

Soror Donna Towns was born in Chicago Illinois. She attended Fisk University (BA), North-western (MA) obtained law qualifications as a clerk in the office of Isaacs, Johnson and Thompson in Nassau, PHD in Anthropology from American University. It was at Fisk where she was initiated in the Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1954.

She moved to The Bahamas in 1961 to accompany her Bahamian husband T.B. Donaldson who was ap-pointed as Principal of the Prince William High School. She taught Spanish and Literature initially at

Prince William High School. She occupied a lot of her time with the International Women’s Club.

She worked at the Ministry of Education as an Education Officer and was instrumental in starting the Guid-ance and Counselling programme in the public schools. She later worked as an attorney and served as president

of the Bar association and was very involved in the plans leading up to the independence of the Bahamas in 1973.

Her impetus in involving herself in the chartering of Eta Psi Omega was the thought that the Bahamian women were in need of the sorority as women were now moving toward further education and that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporate would encourage women in that way. The chapter was chartered for camaraderie and service and one of the first services offered was to volunteer at the Red Cross Fair. The first (1st) intake of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter had women from the Bahamas, Jamaica and Bermuda.

She was very proud at the chartering of the Tau Nu Chapter at the College of The Bahamas Campus and it was a joy for her to return to The Bahamas to witness the same.

She currently resides in the United States of America.

Soror Donna Donaldson Towns

Soror Shirley Vanderpool Soror Shirley Vanderpool was born in Chicago Illinois, but grew up in Jasckson Mississippi near Jackson State

University. She was initiated in 1955 at Fisk University along with a line of 52 initiates. She went on to receive her Masters from the Iowa State University School of Art.

Soror Shirley moved to the Bahamas 6 weeks after she got married to her Bahamian husband who was a surgeon of dentistry. She lived in the Bahamas for 15 years from 1960 – 1975. The Chapter’s charter was her idea as she and the other charter members were all married Americans who were “Fiskites” and whose husbands were either Bahamian or sent to the Bahamas to work. The initial purpose of the chapter was to have ‘family’ in the Bahamas and sisters who would stay together.

Her initial thoughts of the Bahamas was one of excitement for coming to the West Indies as she had never been near this part of the world except for a three (3) week visit to Cuba before the presidency of Fidel Castro.

Socially she thought the people of the Bahamas to be friendly and she was happy to see that the leadership and the government of the country was black. She worked with the committee that organized the celebrations of

the Independence of the Bahamas in 1973 and remembers the celebrations which included Prince Charles’ visit.

She currently resides in Ohio.

CHARTER MEMBER

CHARTER MEMBER

Soror Marilyn Granger was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1971 by Beta Alpha Omega, the Graduate Chapter of MontClair Jersey, she knew that pride and a strong sense of duty would always be an integral part of her life. It was then as it is now. Soror Marilyn Granger came to The Bahamas in 1971 after having married a Bahamian and sought membership within the local chapter.

Soror Marilyn states that her greatest achievement was that of having Eta Psi Omega Chapter reactivated and expanding its membership. She engaged in active discussions with the 18th International President Mattelia

Grays regarding her desire to have the Chapter reactivated and President Grays was elated at this as at the up-coming Boule the recommendation was to be placed before the Body for the dissolution of the Chapter.

Soror Paula Bain assisted Soror Marilyn with getting former members of Eta Psi Omega together for the purpose of reactivating the chapter. Soror Marilyn served as president of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter 1972 – 1973 after its

reactivation. As the first President to serve after reactivation some of her notable achievements within the International Region included becoming a candidate for the position of Graduate-Member-Large, sitting as a member on the National Programme Committee, sitting as Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee, Candidate for the position of National Secretary

Also significant at that time is that Soror Marilyn was contacted by a Soror living in the U. S. Virgin Islands for assistance in chartering a chapter. As a result, she forwarded pertinent information to the International President for the establishment of a chapter in the U.S. Virgin Islands and was successful in having Mu Gamma Omega chartered in 1978.

Also in 1978 Soror Marilyn was in the process of gathering information from the members in Freeport, Bahamas to have a Chapter chartered there, however she left the Bahamas for the International Conference and from there to Atlanta to begin studies for her Doctorate degree.

Soror Marilyn is a Life Member with 41 years of continuous active membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and currently resides in Montgomery Alabama.

HONOREE

SororMarilyn Granger

Soror Mellany Zonicle was initiated on the Campus of Florida Memorial at Delta Eta Chapter in Fall of 1968. As an Undergraduate she served her chapter in different positions until she graduated in 1971. She was among the first Bahamian Sorors returning home to join and expand the Eta Psi Omega Chapter. Soror Mellany has served the chapter in several positions and is one of the few Sorors to serve the chapter for two terms as President.

It was during her second term as President that the chapters most distinguished signature Program, Honours Day was introduced. This program has a legacy that expands more than three decades and may be considered the “lineage” of other local parallel programs that exist today.

Soror Mellany is a career public servant who currently serves as Director of the Department of Social Services.

HONOREE

SororMellany Zonicle

Soror Dawn Adams Ferguson was initiated on the Campus of Florida Memorial at the Delta Eta Chapter in Fall of 1972, at the age of 16 years. During her senior year, 1974 -1975 she was honoured to serve as the President of the Delta Eta Chapter. It was during this time as well that she also served the Directorate as the Undergraduate Member-at-Large.

Upon her return to Nassau she joined the Eta Psi Omega Chapter and became active within the local commu-nity through service projects implemented. In 1984 she served as President of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter and

assisted in ensuring that the International Programs were implemented throughout the local community.

HONOREE

Soror Dawn Ferguson

HONOREE

Soror Mavis Johnson Collie Thirty one years ago, the principles of “High Moral and

Ethical Standards” drew Mavis to the sisterhood. She was a charter member of Xi Theta, State University

of New York, Brockport College and at her first conference in Cleveland, Oh, she would receive a trophy for attaining the highest GPA in the region. She notes that she owes a debt of grat-itude to the graduate members of Delta Nu Omega Chapter Rochester, New York, espe-cially Bertha Simpkins and Barbara Burgess. Upon graduation in 1983, Mavis immediate-ly became active in Eta Psi Omega. Shortly after joining, she was elected first vice presi-dent and within a few months, she was called upon to lead the chapter as president.

“Service to all Mankind” was deliberate during president Mavis’ first three years as president.

The Children’s Emergency Hostel; The Associa-tion for the Physically Disabled; The Persis Rod-

gers Home for the Aged; The Children’s Ward of the hospital; The Bahamas Red Cross were the

beneficiaries of the chapter’s volunteer hours. The Honours Day programme was expanded to include

Family Island participants and scholarship offerings were increased. During this time the chapter also began working with young girls in economically depressed communities through its Culture Club workshops. This would developed into a more sustained mentorship pro-gramme over the years. President Mavis recommended and officiated at the induction of the region’s first honorary member in the person of Dr. Keva Bethel. As a Government appointed member of the National Women’s Advisory Council in the 80’s, president Johnson-Collie and the chapter were able to influence the content of legislation for the advance-ment and protection of women in The Bahamas.

After a brief hiatus, the chapter would be represented by president Mavis and a small delegation at the Washington DC Boule in 1984. From the floor of the Boule, Mavis led a charge for better integration, better com-munication and better access for the members of the chapters outside the continental United States.

In 1986 incoming National President (as she then was) Soror Janet Jones Ballad embraced the spirit and meaning of her theme “Service with a Global Perspective”. Mavis became the first soror to officially represent

the International Region on a National Committee. The ad hoc com-mission, ‘SOC’ was chaired by the 25th International President, Norma S. White. She has been told that her appointment and contributions to the Structures and Operations Commission influenced the sorority’s ini-tial adoption of the term ‘International’ and the constitutional changes which established the International Region the 10th region. There is one privilege they still long for, that is the right to elect the region’s Director.

In 2006 Mavis was again elected president for the 2006-2008 term. While the term was a very eventful one for the chapter, the chapter has emerged, stronger and more focused. The chapter’s primary fundraiser realized significant profits and service projects included volunteer hours to assist Hurricane Katrina victims and the Princess Margaret Hospital. At the 2006 Boule, the local winner of the Young Authors’ Programme which she chaired, received the International Region award. The Bahamian President of Middle Tennessee State University, Memphis, Dr. Sidney Mcphee speak and gave a scholarship at the Honours Day Programme. Mavis also participated in chartering activities for the chapter in Canada and simultaneously served as the president for the local chapter of the National Panhellenic council earning the Southern region’s ‘Soror of the Year’ award for 2006.

Appointments and election to International Committees included, Nominating, Constitution and Bylaws, Job Corp. and The International Connections Committee. As a Silver Star and Life Member of the organi-zation, mavis continues to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to this organization through attendance and participation at regional and inter-national meetings. Since serving as president ,she was invited to chair the chapter’s signature programme “Honours Day” for two consecutive years. The programme’s growth both geographically and numerically was significant and remains a record. Mavis hs also served as connections chair, winning the Regional award for the chapter’s activities in 2003. and was the recipient of the International Region’s “Soror through the Years Award” 2009. Recently she was appointed by the regional director to chair the Tau Nu Weekend chartering activities in 2012. She has been recognized by the local chapter of the National Pan Hellenic Council, first receiving a distinguished citizen award and more recently, inducted into the council’s hall of fame for 2011.

Mavis is married to Sidney S. Collie and together they are raising miracle no. 1 Yendise Marie and miracle no 2 Asha Sydney. She is grateful to those who have mentored her and helped to keep her grounded and for the guidance and protection of the Almighty.

Soror Judith Smith was initiated in 1979 during her junior year at Tennessee State University. Upon her graduation and return to Nassau she eagerly joined the Eta Psi Omega Chapter. She has served the Chapter in several capacities inclusive of Public Relations, Vice President and President.

During her term as Vice President she instrumental in implementing and seeing the success of the Aspir-ing Woman program. This was a mentoring program which was implemented for the first time and she ensured the success of the same.

During her term as Vice President she was also responsible for the Honours Day program which is a signa-ture program of Eta Psi Omega chapter. It was during her term as Vice President that students from the family

islands participated for the first time in the Honours Day program. It was also the first time that an additional scholarship from Success Training College was offered and the first (1st) ad program booklet was produced.

Several notable events and activities during her term as president included successful fundraisers which helped to provide signifi-cant community service projects. It was under her Presidency that the Honours Day program was retooled to include a luncheon. It was also during her term as President that the first Leadership Conference to be held outside of the United States was held in Free-port, Bahamas. This significant event was cohosted by both the Eta Psi Omega and Pi Upsilon Omega Chapters. One of the signif-icant community service projects at the time was outreach and recreation with the children of the Physically Disabled Association.

Soror Judith is the daughter of Soror Delores Smith, a Charter member of Eta Psi Omega Chapter and Frater Holland Garfield Smith (deceased member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.). She is the proud mother of one son, 15 year old Holland, and the proud sister of Soror Renee Smith a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Frater Holland (Kent) Smith a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. She is an attorney by profession and an avid marathoner.

Soror Linda Lewis Major was initiated on the Campus of Florida Memorial at Delta Eta Chapter in Fall of 1968. It was during her Senior year 1970 - 1971 that she served as Undergraduate Chapter President. Upon her return to Nassau she was among the first Bahamian Sorors to join and expand the Eta Psi Omega Chapter.

She served the Eta Psi Omega Chapter as President in 1987 and she was particularly proud to welcome the then current International President, Janet Jones Ballard as the Key note speaker for Honours’ Day Program. The International President’s presence and participation was uniquely Distinct as at that time she also served as the International Regional Director.

Soror Linda is an educator within the Public/Government School System.

HONOREE

HONOREE

Soror Judith Smith

Soror Linda Major

Soror Wendyi Albury was initated February 5th 1983, in Lexington KY, in the 75th year of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated during the term of Soror Faye B. Bryant as the International President. Soror Wendyi returned home in September of 1983 and eagerly attended her first meet-ing of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter, and immediately began active membership having been appointed as the recording Secretary. Soror Wendyi has served in several positions on the executive board of the Chapter for over 20 years. She is one of few sorors who have served two terms as President one

being from 1989 to 1991 and her second term in 1996. She also served on the early non-legislative local Pan-Hellenic Council as the secretary under the Presidency of Bill Wallace and Peter Turnquest,

assisting in the growth and the development of Greekdom here in The Bahamas.

During her first term of President proved to be an eventful time in the life of not only the chapter but the international organization. It was at that time that Eta Psi Omega Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, In-

corporated restructured its operations and their organizational structures to make the chapters in the international region align with the other regions. This meant that the International region now had its own Regional Director. Prior to this the International President served as the Regional Director for the International Region. This also meant that the international committees had representation from the international region. Prior to 1990, there was no representation from the Inter-national region on International Committees. Now, under the Mary Shy Scott administration, all regions for the first time would have representation. This made the organization truly “International”.

Soror Wendyi was fortunate to be selected as one of the first persons from the Chapter and the Region to serve on an in-ternational committee. She served on the International Constitution Committee which was charged with the updating and implementation of the Organizations Constitution and bye laws. Armed with this information she was able to return to the chapter and institute for the first time Chapter bye-laws that were in line with the mandate of the International organization. She was also able to institute a more concise structure in the chapter to better coordinate and aims of the international or-ganization that heretofore had not been in place. This was the basis for the chapter operations today and the bye-laws that were implemented are also the basis for the chapter’s current bye-laws.

During her second term as President of the chapter in 1996 Soror Wendyi was fortunate to serve on the International Pro-gramme committee under the Soror Eva L.Evans Administration. This committee was charged with formulating the orga-nizations international programs and was further tasked with making recommendations to the Board of Directors on how these programs should be implemented. Having representation on this committee enabled Eta Psi Omega Chapter to better align its local programs with the international body.

Soror Wendyi credits her experiences with this sisterhood, the coming together of like minded women, who give service to all mankind, as invaluable. The principle of scholarship, merit, and high moral and ethical standards that held those women together in 1908, still hold true today, 105 years later. The American ladies who came to these Bahamian shores and formed a chapter 50 years ago were also visionary as they provided fertile grounds, which allowed her to grow and flourish, with the seeds planted and watered by her cousins Sorors Renee, Primrose and Annie. Soror Wendyi further shares the legacy of her greek life in Eta Psi Omega with her sister Soror Ida Turnquest.

Soror Wendyi is a life member having served the sorority for 30 years. She is grateful that this Sisterhood is not just a social organization, nor just a service club. It’s a life long commitment and she is grateful for it all. She toasts her Apple Green and Salmon Pink, she clutches her 20 Pearls as she looks forward to the next 30 years.

HONOREE

Soror Wendyi Albury

Soror Alamanda Symonette-Galanis, has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for 32 years having intiated into the Kappa Lambda chapter on the campus of Texas Christian University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and Economics. Since her initi-aion into our illustrious sisterhood she has held several leadership positions.

In 1992 Soror Symonette-Galanis became President of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter continuing the presidency of her predecessor. A leader with a “Passion for Service to all Mankind,” and the vision to make the Sorority

more visible in the Bahamian Community, she focused the membership’s attention on more service oriented programs under the theme “Thirty years of service to all mankind.”

During her term as President, Soror Alamanda implemented several local community projects and expanded several programs in-cluding the Aspiring Woman program which evolved into the Signature program Girls Emerging and Maturing in Society (GEMS).

Several notable activities during her term as President included; an AIDS Vigil, Book Donations, Clothing, food, etc Drive for Hurricane Victims, Health Workshop (First Aid, Eating Habits), Leadership Seminar and Workshop on Economic Empowerment for Women, Assisting at the Red Cross Fair, participation with the National Council for the Disability events, particiation in the PanHellenic Greek Games, particiaption in the Anti-Violence March and Vigil, Assisting the Bahamas Historical Society, partici-pation in the Salvation Army Bell Ringing, participation in the local step show hosted by the Local Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Several notable fundraisers during her term as President include the High School Talent Competition, 1st Steak Out hosted by the Eta Psi Omega Chapter and the Famous Ball-at-the-Mall.

As active as Soror Alamanda was within the local community she also ensured her participation at international conferences and meetings inclusive of serving as Delegate to her 1st Boule Chapter in Detroit 1984, serving on the Committee for the 1st Leader-ship Conference held in The Bahamas 1986, Co-Chairing the International Regional Conference –Detroit, serving as Delegate to Boule –Baltimore and International Regional Cluster –Bermuda 1993, participating at the National Women’s Desk, serving as Chief Chapter Protocol Officer and serving on the National PanHellenic Council in The Bahamas.

Soror Alamanda has two sisters who are also members; Sorors Leanora Symonette-Hawk and Lershayne Symonette, in addition to which her daughter Alexandria Galanis intiated in Spring 2011.

HONOREE

Soror Alamanda Symonette Galanis

Soror Janice McCants Miller was initi-ated into the Zeta Omega Chapter on March 17, 1985, Wilmington, Dela-ware. Soror Janice relocated to the Bahamas in 1988 and transferred her membership to the Eta Psi Omega Chapter.

Soror Janice joined Alpha Kappa Alpha because her maternal Aunt, the late Soror

Mary Edith Burke, Atlanta, Georgia was the first member of the family initiated in AKA at

Clark University. Many of my older first cousins were also members.

During Soror Janice Presidency in 1991/1992, the late Soror Mary Shy Scott was Supreme Basileus under the Programme thrust Creative Strategies for Action: Addressing the Crises of the 1990’s.

Her most successful project was the development of the GEMS (Girls Emerging into Maturity and Society) Programme for girls at risk. Soror JoyAnne Archer served as first Chairperson. Soror

Janice was passionate about our Aspiring Woman program and I would like to see brought back, in another format for post- high school young Women.

Soror Janice encourages every member to remember that Sister-hood is the Foundation of the Sorority and it is imperative that its membership demonstrate unconditional regard and respect for every member, irrespective of difference. By doing this we re-member our nine Founders, their vision, goals, aspirations and reasons why AKA was Founded 105 years.....

Eta Psi Omega is a Chapter still growing, evolving, and expanding while continuing to be of service to the community. Their pres-ence is known and felt throughout the community.

Soror Janice is a retired educator, The College of The Bahamas, Nassau, The Bahamas. She has a MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and a BA, Sociology, HBCU Dela-ware State University, Dover, Delaware, LCSW Delaware. She is divorced with 1 daughter, Legacy/Soror Nadja Bodie Lawrence, Newark, Delaware.

HONOREE

Soror Janice McCants Miller

Soror Lisa intiated into the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority In-corporated in 1980 during her sophmore year at Kean University in Union New Jersey, after having first been introduced to the organization by her former biolo-gy teacher Soror Joyce Pinder. During her time at Kean she served as the Re-cording Secretary and 1st Vice President of the Gamma Zeta Chapter.

Upon graduating University, Soror Lisa re-turned home she joined the Eta Psi Omega

Chapter in 1982 having been encouraged by her high school and longtime friend, Soror Ala-

manda Symonette-Galanis. During her time within the Chapter with the exception of the position of Treasurer Soror Lisa has served within every position within the Eta Psi Omega Chapter.

In 1996 Soror Lisa took the helm as President of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter. It was during her term that several notable international and local programs began to flourish. Under her leadeship at the 1997 International Regional Conference Eta Psi Omega won five (5) of the six (6) awards inclusive of Outstanding Graduate Chapter and Outstanding Chapter President.

Several notable programs during her term include Ivy AKAdemy and Exhibition and the introduction of the Partnership in Math and Sci-ence (PIMS). Both programs were huge successes and garnered no-

table recognition within the Bahamian community as both enabled the local community insight into the extensive contributions that Eta Psi Omega has made. The annual Honours Day Program one of the chapters signature program, held during her term had one of the larg-est contingent of participants which was significant for the time at which it was held.

Soror Lisa presently serves as the chapter’s Standards Chair where she has been instrumental in hosting several developmental and team oriented workshops.

Soror Lisa is a Human Resource professional, whose background includes experiences in both Human Resource Development and Management. She has over 20 years of experience in this field. Her passion is in designing and developing learning systems that create a culture of strong leadership, learning and development, facilitating a high performing workforce.

Soror Lisa is widowed and is the mother of two children, Lee-Ann and Ricardo II, both of whom are studying abroad in the United Kingdom (post graduate) and Canada (undergraduate) respectively. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging in intellectual spirited debates. She is also elated to share her Alpha Kappa Alpha experiences with other members of her fam-ily, which include her sister, Soror Laverne La-Fleur; cousins Sorors Kimberly Kemp, Vanessa Miller, Sandra Stuart and Shelly Rolle; and cousin by marriage, Soror CC La-Fleur (past president of Eta Psi Omega).

HONOREE

Soror Lisa Major

Soror Terah L. Hanna-Sweeting was initiated in the spring of 1987 into the Gamma Xi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In the spring of 1988 prior to graduation from University she returned home and had the opportunity to attend an Honours Day program hosted by the local graduate chapter, Eta Psi Omega under the leadership of Soror Judith Smith which served as her introduction to the Eta Psi Omega Chapter.

In 1998 Soror Hanna-Sweeting became the first Soror of Eta Psi Omega Chapter to serve a two year term as President where she succeeded herself for a second two year term in 2000. During her administration

terms Soror Hanna-Sweeting continued and enhanced the G.E.M.S. program by including College tours to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) in the United States of America. Additionally as a part

of it community outreach, the chapter erected a billboard encouraging the local community to “buckle up” as the life you saved could be your own, with a view to curb traffic fatalities.

It was during her term as President at the 1998 Boule that the then Magistrate Cheryl Albury was inducted as an honourary Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She joined Soror Keva Bethel (Ivy beyond the wall) who was our first honourary Soror. During her two term tenure she received the outstanding Graduate Basileus award for the International Region in 2001.

Most notable during her service to the Sorority is to have been appointed to several international committees, inclusive of the In-ternational Membership committee where she served until 2005. The International Heritage Committee on which she has served 2006- 2007 then again in 2008 through 2009, and yet again for the terms from 2010 through 2012 and 2012 through 2014.

Soror Terah is the proud wife of Mr. Lynden Sweeting and proud mother of Frater Nycholas Sweeting, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and Nolan and Taylor Sweeting. Soror Terah is further proud to share her greek legacy with her mother who is a 50 plus year member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and her two younger sisters Sorors Tanisha and Tyiece who are both members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

HONOREE

Soror Terah Sweeting

Soror Rhonda Wright intiated into the Omicron Delta chapter at Jacksonville University in Spring 1994.

She became president at the chapter in 2002 having served the chapter in various positions. During her presidency the IVY AKADEMY launched at the Central Bank of The Bahamas under the patronage of Bernadette Christie the wife of the then Prime Minister.

She served on the International Constitution Committee in 2002 – 2005. It was during her presidency that the International Regional Conference was held in Cable Beach in The Bahamas.

She holds the distinction of having the most sorors active during her presidency having over 50 sorors financial.

She launched the respect yourself in the spirit of AKA, a health challenge to the sorors to lose weight. It was during her presidency that the Ivy Vine Investment club was launched.

Further during her presidenty, under the Connections programmes, A Salute to 30 women that made a difference luncheon was held and the Crystal Palace Resort and Casino; Senator Frederika Wilson was a guest speaker. This was an occasion to celebrate and honour Bahamian women for their contribution to political and social development advancement and growth of the country.

She was instrumental in the AKA goes to parliament.

HONOREE

Soror Rhonda Wright

Soror Cherelle (CC) Lafleur initated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incor-porated during Spring 1987 at Florida A&M University. She relocated to The Bahamas in 1999 and eagerly joined and became an active member of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter in Nassau where she has

served in several capacities on the execu-tive board. Soror CC was one of few sorors

to assume the position of President to serve out the term of the previous president. Her

term began in the fall of 2003 the Sorority’s theme at that time was The Spirit of AKA.

Several notable events and activities during her term included continued successful implementation of the Girls Emerging and Maturing into Society (GEMS), several successful sisterly relations workshops.

Soror CC continues her service in the local community as an active member on the board of the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation.

Soror CC shares the legacy of her Greek life with her husband Frater Bruce Pierre Lafleur a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fra-ternity, Incorporated. They are the proud parents of two beau-tiful sons, Bruce Pierce and Seth Gardner.

HONOREE

Soror C C LaFleur

Indescribable feelings are evoked within when singing the sorority’s hymn and reflecting on the bonds of sisterhood cultivated. It is a lifetime commitment with cher-ished and exciting memories that will always remain. Presleith Yvette

McPhee’s journey along Alpha Kap-pa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Ivy

Vine began spring 1986 upon initiation into the Mu Eta Chapter, Livingston Uni-

versity, Livingston, Alabama.

In 1987, Soror Presleith transferred from Mu Eta to Eta Psi Omega, during the presidency of Soror Linda Major and immediately became active within the chapter. In 1988, she became the chapter’s Corresponding Secretary. In 1996 So-ror Presleith chaired the 1st Ivy AKAdemy and Exhibition held at The Central Bank of The Bahamas and opened by the then Prime Minister’s wife Mrs. Delores Ingraham under the presidency of Soror Lisa Major. During 2002 Soror Presleith was instrumental in the successful launch of an investment club for chapter members only, namely the Ivy Vine Investment Club, during the presidency of Soror Rhonda Lightbourne, and became its first President.

Soror Presleith served as the Chapter’s President for the period 2004-2005 under the 26th International President Soror Linda Ma-

rie White and International Regional Director Soror Nadine Bonds. Programs successfully implemented under President White’s theme, SPIRIT of AKA included initiatives related to health, the family, arts, economics and education. During 2004 at our National Family Volunteer Day a Service Project was conducted at Unity House in collaboration with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Our 26th International President Soror Linda Marie White, International Regional Director Soror Nadine Bonds and Executive Director Soror Betty James were in attendance. During 2004, at the 27th Annual Honours Day weekend, for the first time a family island student Laurie Major of NGM Major High School won the Linda Higgs Swan Memorial scholarship. It was also during that time, that Soror Presleith launched the AKA House Foundation Fund, with the purpose to build a house to hold meet-ings and use as a residence for Family Island Honour’s Day Stu-dents. Also in 2004, the participants in the Girls Emerging and Maturing into Society (GEMs) program were taken on a college tour to Florida; the Chapter’s Web page was created and the Chap-ter’s list serve was implemented. Today the listserve remains the main channel of communication for members. Also launched during Soror Presleith’s administration were the Annual Health Fair at the Mall at Marathon held in 2004 & 2005, this event gave sorors an opportunity to interact with residents at Senior citizens homes who were beneficiaries of this health initiative.

The Gwen Godet Breast Cancer Essay Competition was also launched which was geared towards informing teenagers of

the importance of detecting breast cancer early and in 2004 the Do-mestic Violence Awareness program in primary schools.

Several notable events and activities during 2005 included Soror Presleith serving as Chairman of the well planned 15th International Regional Conference; Soror Cindy Dorsett was Co-Chair. The event which was held at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas, imme-diately followed by the Leadership Conference, was held in New Providence for the first time, with over 2,000 members in attendance. Soror Presleith was also responsible for launching the Chapter’s Young Authors program, a program designed to increase reading and writing skills and targeted at kindergarten to grade 3 students. This launch proved successful as in 2005, Eta Psi Omega chapter won the International Region Young Author’s Award. Young Bahamian Kris-tin Pratt, the winner participated in a book signing session at the Sorority’s 62nd Boule in Detroit.

It was also during 2005, that Eta Psi Omega for the first time was rec-ognized by EAF for attaining Platinum Level during EAF’s 25th An-niversary Celebration at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas. Other first time achievements for the chapter during her Presiden-cy included her heading a delegation consisting of the Connections Chair, Soror Alana Ingraham, attending AKA’s Public Policy Forum and the Congressional Black Caucus Convention in Washington DC, September 2005. Education, healthcare and economic development issues were addressed and former Senator Barack Obama and Hil-lary Clinton were guest speakers. Additional first time achievements in 2005 included attendance at the National Founder’s Day held in Atlanta, Ga. and the chapter hosting the High School Pep Rally Competition which raised the most money ever in its history. Also during 2005 a National Family Volunteer Day was held at the Chil-dren’s Emergency Hostel and Unity House. Donations were made to both entities and family members participated.

Soror Presleith has several notable distinctions including; being named the Chapter’s 1995 Soror of the Year, 2005 EAF Woman of Excellence and 2006 International Region Outstanding President. Further she held the position of Parliamentarian for the Bahamas National PanHellenic Council 2006-2007 and membership with the Bahamas Primary School Student of the year Foundation. Soror Presleith has attended many international, regional and leadership conferences and participated in Post Conference Tours.

Soror Presleith has held numerous offices, (Parliamentarian (4 times)) within the chapter. She has 27 years with the sorority, she is a Silver Star, Life Member and a member of the Eta Psi Omega, where she currently holds the position of Parliamentarian under the presi-dency of Soror JoyAnne Archer.

Soror Presleith is a results-driven project management professional possessing a strong balance between business savvy and technical capabilities. She is a Ceritified Project Management Professional (PMP) and she also holds a certification with IT Service Manage-ment Foundation (ITIL).

HONOREE

Soror Presleith McPhee

Soror Cindy Dorsett initiated into the Gamma Tau Chapter at Bethune - Cookman University, Daytona Beach Florida. March 1st, 1989 (Spring 89). Prior to her intiation she assisted Pi Upsilon Omega the local Freeport Bahamas chapter with their mentoring platform called Twenty Pearls Program.

Upon her graduation from Bethune-Cookman University she returned home and eagerly joined Pi Upsi-lon Omega and became active with assisting the chapter with its many community service projects. Once she moved to Nassau, she transferred to Eta Psi Omega from Pi Upsilon Omega. However once she entered

medical school in Jamaica she became a Boule member to remain financial and true to her commitment to the Sorority because there was no chapter on the island.

During her return from medical school she eagerly returned to the Eta Psi Omega chapter. She served the chapter in several postions and most notable she served as chapter president in 2008 and 2009 which was an honour as it was

at the time that the Sorority celebrated its Centennial.

On becoming president one of her greatest accomplishments was navigating the chapter with the assistance of many diligent sorors through a successful evaluation and resumption of all chapter activities.

Several notable activities during her term included the implementation of the First Responders program which was geared towards providing CPR skillset to young men within the community. In addition to the same an economic growth program was also imple-mented to empower black families within the community. This particular program was implemented during a time when globally the world was recognising an economic crisis and had a significant positive impact on several families that participated.

Soror Cindy is the proud wife of Frater Oscar L. Dorsett, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. They have two lovely daugh-ters Tai and Taj and one handsome son Master Tyriq Dorsett.

Upon her return from University, Soror JoyAnne Archer was initiated in 1990 into the Eta Psi Omega chapter in Nassau Bahamas. During her time with the chapter she has served the organization in many capacities in the local community as well as on the international level. But for the period 1997 – 2004 when she relocated outside of The Bahamas and transferred as a Boule member, she has maintained her financial commitment to the Sorority.

Most notable during her time with Eta Psi Omega she was intrumental in retooling the Aspiring Women program to target at risk girls and transition to GEMS (Girls Emerging and Maturing into Society).

Soror JoyAnne has held several executive postions within Eta Psi Omega and is one of few Sorors to serve as President for two consecutive terms. During her term as Vice President she chaired the Programs committee

and was successful in implementing the same with such finesse that the Programs garnered awards for outstanding programs within the International Region in 2008 and 2009.

Several notable events and activities during her Presidency include a successful membership intake within the Eta Psi Omega chap-ter and the chartering of an Undergraduate Chapter on the campus of the College of The Bahamas.

Soror JoyAnne has served on several committees at the international level including the International Program Committee and the International Membership Committee. Her commitment to the Sorority is reflective through her attendance at the many interna-tional conferences and leadership programs as well as her partcipation in various initatives throughout chapters within the United States.

Soror JoyAnne is the proud wife of Mr. Leroy Archer and the proud the mother of two young men and a young daughter.

HONOREE

HONOREE

Soror Cindy Dorsett

Soror Joyanne Archer

Soror Julie Glover initiated in1968 at Florida Memorial College into the Delta Eta chapter. She gradu-ated in 1971 and when she returned home she joined Eta Psi Omega in 1972. She served the chapter as president in the mid 1970’s.

The main programmes of concentration at the time were Honours Day, Bahamas Red Cross Fair, the Children’s Emergency Hostel and Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged.

She is married to Douglas Dwight Glover and they have one daughter Thaisha Glover.

Soror Julie has a BA in English and a Masters in Education and Reading. She is a Certified Financial Ana-lyst and she works within the Insurance Industry

Soror Thelma McMillan relocated to The Bahamas with her husband in the early 1960’s. She was one of the first initiates in 1965 for the Eta Psi Omega Chapter. Soror Thelma served as chapter president in 1970.

She is an educator by profession having taught at St. Anne’s High School.

Soror Thelma is the brainchild for the Honours Day Programme, the signature program for the chapter which today has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funds for the past 36 years.

She and her husband were instrumental in establishing Med-Dent a Medical and Dental Facility located in Nas-sau.

She has and still continues to support the the Eta Psi Omega Chapter in its activities.

HONOREE

HONOREE

Soror Julie Glover

Soror Thelma McMillan

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, IncorporatedETA PSI OMEGA CHAPTER

P. O. Box CB-11097Nassau, Bahamas.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2013

President JoyAnne Archer1st Vice President Alana Ingraham2nd Vice President Margo AdderleyTreasurer Sharon GardinerSecretary Saynia WebbAssistant Treasurer Stacia G.Y. MajorCorrespondence Secretary Vanessa Miller Public Relations Officer D’Asante BenebyGraduate Advisor Ida Poitier-TurnquestParliamentarian Presleith McPheeSargeant –at-Arms Asheka CulmerHistorian Tamara Knowles Chaplain Dr. Rhanda DarvilleMembership Committee Chair Nicole Davis-EvansNominating Committee Chair Samantha AndersonStandards Committee Chair Lisa MajorConnection Committee Chair Anastacia JohnsonEAF Captain Tami FrancisProtocol Terah Hanna-Sweeting

Regional LeadersJoyanne Archer Membership CommitteeTerah Hanna Sweeting Heritage CommitteeMavis Johnson-Collie Connections Committee

ProgrammeMistresses of Ceremonies | Alana Ingraham & Anastarcia Palacious

Entrance of Special Guests | MC’s

Entrance of Honourees | Samantha Kemp & Shayne Sweeting

Invocation | Shaundra Curtis - Chaplain

Welcome and occasion | Joyanne Archer – President

Video Presentation

Brief Introduction of Charter Members and Presentation of Awards

Ryan Albury & Ida Turnquest

Video Presentations

Presentation of Past Presidents Awards 1970’s & 1980’sRyan Albury & Ida Turnquest

Dinner is served

Introduction of Guest Speaker | Evelyn Sample-Oates

Guest Speaker | Attorney Carolyn House-Stewart – International President

Video Presentation

Presentation of Past Presidents Awards 1990’s & 2000”s Alana Ingraham & Anastarcia Palacious

Vote of Thanks | Presleith McPhee

Dancing for All

“Through The Decades”

Acknowledgements

All AdvertisersAll local Media Houses, especially The Tribune Ltd; The Mckinney Broadcasting Group and The Punch

Arthur SeymourAttorney Carolyn House Stewart, International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Burns houseCommunications Staff, The Ministry of Education

Dr. Berthamae Walker and the staff of the Harry C. Moore Library of the The college of The BahamasDr. Stephen Rolle and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Dr. Tracy ThompsonEnvision Solutions

Evelyn Sample Oates , International Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Gevon Moss, The Downtown Nassau Development Project

Grouper Higgs of Pirates PubKenneth Turnquest

Minister Obie Wilchcombe and The Ministry of TourismMinistry of Social Services

Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Gibbs and Southern AirMr. Leroy Archer and The Sports Authority

Mr. Peter Turnquest & Sky BahamasOffice of the Attorney GeneralOffice of the Prime Minister

Patricia MinnisSidney Collie

St. Anselm Catholic ChurchThe Defence Force Band

The Support Staff of Collie & CollieTravis Davis of CW Liquor

Vaughn AlburyVeronica Duncanson

Mr. Leroy ArcherMr. Lester Turnquest

All AdvertisersAll local Media Houses, especially The Tribune Ltd; The Mckinney Broadcasting Group and The Punch

Arthur SeymourAttorney Carolyn House Stewart, International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Burns houseCommunications Staff, The Ministry of Education

Dr. Berthamae Walker and the staff of the Harry C. Moore Library of the The college of The BahamasDr. Stephen Rolle and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Dr. Tracy ThompsonEnvision Solutions

Evelyn Sample Oates , International Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Gevon Moss, The Downtown Nassau Development Project

Grouper Higgs of Pirates PubKenneth Turnquest

Minister Obie Wilchcombe and The Ministry of TourismMinistry of Social Services

Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Gibbs and Southern AirMr. Leroy Archer and The Sports Authority

Mr. Peter Turnquest & Sky BahamasOffice of the Attorney GeneralOffice of the Prime Minister

Patricia MinnisSidney Collie

St. Anselm Catholic ChurchThe Defence Force Band

The Support Staff of Collie & CollieTravis Davis of CW Liquor

Vaughn AlburyVeronica Duncanson

Mr. Leroy ArcherMr. Lester Turnquest

On Being Honoured as a Past President ofEta Psi Omega 2004-2006

and for Your Years of Serviceto the Community and Service to A�.

Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it

to one of the least of these. My brethren you did it for me.Ma�hew 25:40

From: JO-NA TELCOM Bahamas LTD

Management and Sta�.

25 Sandra Ave, Nassau, New Providence, BahamasMobile: 1.242.359.2668

www.jonatelco.netpamela.rolle@jonatelco.net

PRESLEITH MCPHEE

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Congratulations to Soror Dawn Ferguson andthe Eta Psi Omega Chapter.

Dr. Sparkman Ferguson wishes to extend congratulations to his wife Dawn Ferguson for her contributions to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporation and also to the ladies of the Eta

Psi Omega Chapter in commemoration of 50 years of service to the Bahamian community.

Congratulations

Mavis Johnson-Collie

Dr. Gertrude Holder

TemplateCONGRATULATES

On being honouredas a past president of the

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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Congratulations to

 

Charter Members

Charter Members