THe C.H.A.T.

Conversa�ons ·Highlights ·Happenings ·Acknowledgments ·Thoughts

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® Mid-Western Region Newsletter

Volume 7 Spring Issue May 2016

New Dimensions in F.L.I.G.H.T.: Carrying the Banner of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service

Fulfilling the Legacy to Inspire Greater Heights Together

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Volume 7 Spring Issue May 2016

THe C.H.A.T.

Conversa�ons ·Highlights ·Happenings ·Acknowledgments ·Thoughts

IN THIS ISSUE OF THE C.H.A.T.

Conversations– Diamond Sorors’ Legacies DIAMOND SOROR,JULIA HICKS HILL PAGE 6 DIAMOND SOROR MARY LOU GREENARD MILES Page 7 DIAMOND SOROR VIVIAN DOTSON JONES Page 8

AKA International News You Can Use Pages 9-18

Highlights Mid-Western Regional Conference highlights Pages 20-26

Mid-Western Region Awards Pages 27-29 Mid-Western Founders’ Day Celebrations Pages 30-33 Kappa Pi Celebrates 40th Anniversary Page 34

Happenings-Chapter News Sorors Go Red for Heart Health Pages 36-38

Community Impact Day: MLK Day of Service Pages 39-40

Acknowledgments Undergraduate Newsmakers Page 43 News Makers Pages 45-49

Thoughts & Meditation Ivies Beyond the Wall Pages 51-56 Sentiments Page 57 Ministry Moments By Soror Kelly Loeb Page 58

MWR Communications Committee

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Greetings Sorors! Welcome to the Spring Edition of The C.H.A.T.! This is an exciting issue that

includes memories of our OUTSTANDING F.L.I.G.H.T. during the 86th Mid­Western Regional Conference in Wichita! The editorial staff was given an

extension on this issue to bring YOU a superb recap of our conference and to include News You Can Use regarding our record breaking 67th Boule in At­

lanta!

I want to thank each of YOU for your vote of confidence in allowing me the opportunity to serve YOU for another two years. I can’t begin to tell you

how much you have blessed me in serving our Mighty and Magnificent Mid­

Western Region. We are truly “Raising the Roof” and each of YOU have been extraordinary builders in this effort through program initiatives, sister­

ly relations, and your willingness to serve in your chapters, communities, our region and our beloved sisterhood! Together, WE are making a great impact

and I applaud YOU for everything YOU do to make our region shine!

As we enter the second term of the “Launching New Dimensions of Service” initiatives and programs, expect the excitement to continue. We are taking our region and Alpha Kappa Alpha to higher heights and greater

laurels and each of YOU are attributed to the success in all that we do in service!

We are pleased to release the Special Seventh Volume (Spring Edition) of The C.H.A.T.! You will find the great pictorial on the 86th Mid­Western Regional Conference, a spotlight on the three region’s Diamond

Sorors honored this year, spotlights and highlights on chapters and sorors’ accomplishments and as always,

the “News You Can Use”. This edition also includes a spotlight on our region’s Leadership Fellow Soror

Leigha Sledge of Delta Chapter who will represent the region at the 2016 Leadership Fellows Program this

month in Seattle, Washington! WE are Mid­Western Proud!

The Editorial Staff and I are so very grateful to all the chapters who submitted pictures and articles for the

Spring Edition and we continue to encourage every chapter to submit pictures and articles to be included in

upcoming editions. Deadlines and requirements for submissions are included in the back of this newsletter magazine.

Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for ALL your prayers, encouragement and support as I continue to serve each of YOU in a way YOU deserve. There is much work to be done as WE continue to “Raise the

Roof” in the Mighty and Magnificent Mid­Western Region and I look forward to serving you for the next

two years!

Sisterly Blessings,

Soror Jan

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Mid-Western Regional Director’s Itinerary

March 31, 2016 – July 15, 2016

March 31­April 3: North Atlantic Regional Conference­Hartford, CT

April 5: Meeting with Greek Life Officials at Oklahoma State University­Stillwater, OK

April 8: AKA Day at the Colorado State Capitol­Denver, CO

April 9: 87th Mid­Western Regional Conference Steering Committee Meeting­Denver, CO

April 12: AKA Day at the Missouri State Capitol­Jefferson City, MO

April 16: Meeting with the Cultured Pearls of Springfield Interest Group­Springfield, MO

April 20: AKA Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol­Oklahoma City, OK

April 21­24: Far Western Regional Conference­Portland, OR

April 28­May 1: South Central Regional Conference­Little Rock, AR

May 7: Mu Omega Chapter Meeting, Kansas City, MO

May 21: 87th Mid­Western Regional Conference Steering Committee Meeting­Denver, CO

June 4: Mu Omega Chapter Meeting­Kansas City, MO

June 10­12: The Cultured Pearls of Springfield Orientation Workshop­Springfield, MO

June 18: 87th Mid­Western Regional Conference Steering Committee Meeting­Denver, CO

June 25: 86th Mid­Western Regional Conference Wrap Up Meeting­Kansas City, MO

July 5­15: Directorate Meeting and 67th Boule­Atlanta, GA

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Diamond Soror, and Civil Rights Pioneer, Dr. Julia Hicks Hill

By Soror Jennifer Stevenson

Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, a young Julia Hicks (Hill) lived among school teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers and other professional in her block. During those formative elementary school years she decided on a career as a teacher. After graduating form Lincoln High School, Soror Hill went on to study Education and Social Sciences at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. It was at Lincoln University that Soror Hill was initiated into Alpha Iota Chapter 75 years ago. She moved forward to receive a master’s in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles California and a doctorate in Education from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

She spent 23 years as a class­room teacher and school administrator in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1984, she was elected to the board of edu­cation for the School District of Kansas City Missouri. She served for 12 years during the tumultuous era of court­ordered desegregation of its 50­plus schools.

Soror Hill served the Kansas City, Missouri chapter of the NAACP as the first woman president for nine years. During Soror Hill’s more than 60 years of serving in leadership positions in the NAACP, she led the organiza­tion in breaking ground in civil rights for African Americans in business, housing and education. She also guided the group in making its mark

among NAACP branches nationally in areas of mem­bership growth, youth involvement, and contributions.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver described Hill as a tireless champion whose work in civil rights would have a lasting effect. “The reason Dr. Hill was so effective in her leadership role was her bravery,” Cleaver said. “She, more than anyone I know, was not afraid of any­one or anything. Those who opposed her were uneasy because there is nothing that causes more fear and trembling than dealing with someone who is fearless. “Kansas City is a better place because Dr. Hill was willing to fight the dragons of racial exclusion.

Soror Hill is a lifetime member of Centennial United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. She was name Centennial Woman of the Year in 1998. Her many acco­lades, achievements, and awards include being a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Beta Omega chapter, a life member of the NAACP, NAACP Executive Board, Life Member of the Lincoln Universi­ty Alumni Chapter. Soror Hill has been recognized by organizations such as Omega Phi Psi, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta, Girl Scouts of America, and the Baptist Ministers Union for her outstanding con­tributions to civil rights and to the community. This year she was honored at Beta Omega’s 95th Anniversary, where she received her Di­amond Soror Recognition presented by Mid­Western Regional Direc­tor, Soror Jan M. Carpenter Baker.

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DIAMOND SOROR MARY LOU GREENARD MILES

Soror Mary Lou Greenard Miles was a pioneer African­American professional at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. In 1976 she became the Human Relations Coordinator and ultimately the Administrator who planned, organized and directed the Technical Assistance Program pursuant to federal and state laws and regulations. Mary’s human relations expertise touched Oklahoma’s school districts, administrators, classroom teachers, students and rural communities. She was intricately involved in the evaluation of education programs in school districts throughout Oklahoma which were operating under Plans of Desegregation. She also designed, coordinated and im­plemented in­service activities and curriculum and served until her retirement in ­­­1984. Earlier during Soror Mary’s education career, she taught school for over three decades in the Georgia and Oklahoma Public Schools: (1942­44) at Macon County Training School in Montezuma, Georgia; (1944­45) as a Clerk­Typist for the Department of De­fense in Washington, D.C.; (1945­1952) as a high school English teacher in Gaines­ville, Georgia, where she met, and was married for 64 years to, the love of her life, Charles C. Miles, a U.S. Navy educator from Oklahoma who was sent to Gainesville to “teach a trade to colored Veterans”, and (1955­1976), after relocating with Charles to

Oklahoma, as a Kindergarten and Intermediate grade teacher for the Oklahoma City Public Schools. Soror Mary Lou Greenard Miles was born in the first quarter of the 20th century in the small, segregated town of Buford, Georgia. She was the sixth of seven children. Despite no formal education of either parent (her Mom never worked outside the home and her Dad was a foreman at the town’s tannery), all seven Greenard children were educated. Since “Negro” children could not attend school in Buford after the 8th grade, Soror Mary’s parents sent her and other siblings to attend Stillman Institute, then a boarding school for “Negro” children in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In 1938, Soror Mary again left her native Buford, Georgia and entered Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 17. She graduated Cum Laude in 1942 with a major in English and a minor in Education. A year before, in 1941, she was in­vited for membership into Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Clark College. Since relocating to Oklahoma City in 1952, Soror Mary has been an active member of Beta Sigma Omega Chapter and served as Tamiochous, Fine Arts Committee Chairman for many years, and Assault on Illiteracy Chairman. In 1955 Soror Mary earned her Master’s Degree in English after her husband, Charles, earned his Masters’ Degree in 1954 in Industrial Education, both from the University of Oklahoma. This was at a time when “Jim Crowism” still prevailed throughout Okla­homa’s higher education system. Soror Mary is a 64­year member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. She was the original chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, taught Sunday School Class Esther, and active in the Women’s Missionary Union for many years. At 94­years old she continues to serve as a Deaconess. Soror Mary Lou Greenard Miles was molded by the depth of her faith, the dignity of her work, the worth of her character, and the value of her education. She remains truly devoted to the education of young people. “A teacher affects eternity. You never know where her influence begins.” In 2007, Soror Mary’s daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters fully endowed a $20,000 Charles & Mary Lou Miles Legacy of Learning Scholarship Fund which is at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Soror Mary is extremely proud of her AKA Legacy and Family: Daughter, Silver Soror Gayle Miles­Scott (Beta Omega, 1980, None @ Spelman College); Daughter, Silver Soror Vicki Miles­LaGrange (Beta Sigma Omega, 1972, None @ Vassar College); Granddaugh­ter, Brittany Simone Scott Couch, (Mu Pi, 2002, Spelman College); Granddaughter Johnna Lynn Watts, and Great­Granddaughters Samantha Lynn Watts, Cheyenne Marie Watts, Maysen Trinity Watts, and Soledad Elizabeth Couch. During the 86th Mid­

Diamond Soror Mary Lou Greenard Miles shares her celebration with Supreme Basileus Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Mid­Western Regional Director Jan M. Carpenter Baker, and daughters, Soror Gayle Miles Scott and 27th Mid­Western Regional Director, Soror Vicki Miles LaGrange

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DIAMOND SOROR VIVIAN DOTSON JONES By Soror Rhonda Harris

Soror Vivian Jones was born in Cleveland Ohio, where she received her early education. She was initiated in the Alpha Zeta Chapter in Langston, Oklaho­ma in 1941. After graduation she moved to Jefferson City, Missouri where she soon took on the position as the Executive Assistant for Lincoln Universi­ty’s President, Dr. James Frank. She enjoyed a career that expanded over many years before retiring. Her service to the community, include serving as a mentor for the Jefferson City Public High School for several years. Another strong aspect of her career was the community service she provided as a member of the Gamma Epsilon Omega Chapter. She has been an active member of that chapter since 1948. She has held positions including Phi­lacter, Epistoleus, Hodegos, and Meditation Chair. However, none were more prominent and rewarding, than serving as the Graduate Advisor for more than 20 years for the Alpha Iota Chapter. She holds the honor

as the longest serving Graduate Advisor in Alpha Kappa Al­pha’s history. For more than 30 years her home along with her husband Lucuis Jones on Lafayette Street served as the Unofficial Sorority House” where chapter and committee meetings were held, rituals conducted; chapter socials and hosting of Regional Officials. Her home also served as the unofficial archive storage for the graduate and undergraduate chapters.

Soror Jones over the years has served on several committees and posi­tions on the Mid­Western Region level and the National level. In 1982 she participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Inter­national Headquarters. She has attended numerous Conferences and Boules including the Centennial. Soror Jones has four family members who are or were members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., her sisters Carolyn McCondichie, Mildred, daughter Vivian Eileen Jones, and a niece Donna McCondi­chie. She has been recognized as a Silver Soror, Golden Soror, and Life Member, and now soon to be Diamond Soror. In 2003, Soror Jones

received the Outstanding Golden Soror Award. In recognition of her many years of serving as a Grad­uate Advisor the Vivian Dotson Jones Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award was name in her honor. Mid­Western Regional Director Soror Jan M. Carpenter Baker was the first recipient of the award. Soror Jones even in her retirement is still going strong, attending many Lincoln University campus events and sorority events. Currently, she hosts the monthly Gamma Epsilon Omega Executive Council Meetings in her lovely suite in a retirement center.

Soror Harris and Graduate Advisor, Soror Vivian Jones in 1977 and Lin-coln University Homecoming in 2015

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International

Committee

News You

Can Use

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Getting You “AKA House” in Order: Successful Chapter Evaluations

International Standards Committee

Chapter evaluations “kicked off” during the Fall 2015 Undergraduate Round Ups and Cluster Retreats. Thank you to all members of the regional AKA E­Teams who assisted with this process! Based on information learned from our first round of evaluations, the International Standards Committee (ISC) thought it would be helpful to give a few “reminders” as chapters continue to get their “AKA House” in order. Your “AKA House” is not in order if your chapter finances are not in order! Chapters are strongly encouraged to read and follow “Financial Fundamentals Guide to Chapter Financial Procedures.”

Bonding: Alpha Kappa Alpha Bylaws, Article VII, Section 7, “require each chapter to bond its Tamiouchos and Pecunious Grammateus. It is recommended that any other soror handling funds (i.e., check signer, fund collectors, etc.) also be bonded. For undergraduate chapters, the Graduate Advisor(s) must be bonded and sign the chapter checks in addition to the two undergraduate chapter officers (Note: Bonding companies generally do not insure any persons who are under 21 years of age. In such cases, the Graduate Advisor is the bonded position). Bonds should cover positions and not individuals, i.e. blanket bond. Chapters should review their bonding coverage annually when the bond is renewed to ensure the chapter coverage is adequate. Surety bonds may be secured through insurance brokers and should be kept in the chapter files.” (page 15) Note: The Graduate Advisor position is listed on the undergraduate chapter bond. Financial Officers Certification: Chapters should ensure that the Basileus, Graduate Advisors, financial officers and those seeking these positions attend the Financial Officer Certification in order to ensure that chapter procedures are in accordance with Sorority financial requirements. Internal Audits: Financial records of the Pecunious Grammateus and Tamiouchos, and accounts of expenditures of officers are examined annually by an internal audit committee appointed by the Basileus and a written report is provided to the chapter. Copies of the internal audit reports should remain in the chapter files and be included in the chapter minutes. Chapter Financial Procedures: Chapters should have detailed financial procedures for handling chapter finances in accordance with the chapter bylaws and Alpha Kappa Alpha financial guidelines. Copies of chapter bylaws and/or chapter operating procedures should include an explanation for handling chapter finances and remain in the chapter’s files.

Additional items needed to help you get your “AKA House” in order:

Minutes: Chapter minutes should be hard­back bound, signed and dated by officers and include monthly reports presented at the meetings. Sponsoring Graduate Chapters: Graduate and undergraduate meeting agendas and minutes should reflect that the joint meetings took place. Mentoring programs need to be developed and documented. Graduate Advisors’ reports, newsletters, chapter minutes should reflect that all undergraduate chapter records, property, checkbooks, etc., are kept by the Graduate Advisor during vacation months. Chapters with Foundations: Such chapters should have copies of “the annual chapter reporting forms to be filed with Corporate Office and the Regional Director.” (Financial Fundamentals Guide to Chapter Financial procedures, page 20). The forms are available at www.aka1908.com. Copies of the foundation’s annual reports should also be kept in the chapter files.

Your International Standards Committee is here to assist you with getting your “AKA House” in order! Feel free to contact us and be sure to attend our workshop at your regional conference and at Boule. In Sisterly Service, Soror Giselé M. Casanova, Chairman

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International Standards Committee

Soror Vikki Andrews, Mid­Atlantic Region Representative

Soror Ora Douglass, South Atlantic Region Representative

Soror Gail Forest, Great Lakes Region Representative

Soror Margaret Rogers, South Eastern Region Representative

Soror Tasha Philpot, South Central Region Representative

Soror Mari Swayne, Central Region Representative

Soror Alires Almon, Mid­Western Region Representative

Soror Rasheeda Garner, Far Western Region Representative

Soror Da’Shawn Doars, International Region Representative

Soror Linda Knight Burkley, South Central Region, Resource

Soror Tammy Pritchett, South Central Region, Resource

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Chapter Logos and Branding By The International Communications Committee

The International Communications Committee has received numerous inquiries related to chapter and re­gion logos and branding. Below are the official guidelines approved by the Directorate, related to the creation and use of logos. These guidelines, along with examples are included in the Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Brand Guidelines located in the Members­only section of the international website (www.aka1908.com). 1. Chapter and region websites, flyers, banners, posters, or other publications should bear the official Alpha

Kappa Alpha Sorority coat of arms (shield) or the full name of the sorority. 2. The Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM logo should be used on all program­related webpages, fly­

ers, banners, posters, or other publications. 3. Chapters should use no more than two Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority logos on any single webpage, flyer,

poster, banner or other publication. For example: If a chapter is hosting a local ASCEND Enrichment ProgramSM event, it is recommended that the banner bear the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority coat of arms and the Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM logo or the ASCEND logo. In the case that a partner logo is required, this may be included in addition to the Alpha Kappa Alpha coat of arms and program logo.

4. Chapters and regions are permitted to create their own logos with the following guidelines: The words Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated™ (Inc. is acceptable) must be included

along with the chapter or region. The logo must use the sorority’s official pink and green colors as indicated in the Brand Guide­

lines. The official colors may not be modified. Logos must positively reflect the sorority’s mission and values. Chapter logos shall never supersede or replace the sorority coat of arms. Chapter logos shall never supersede or replace the Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM logo

or related program initiative logos on program­related publications. 5. When used, the chapter or region logo should always be placed to the right of the sorority’s coat of arms

(shield). In the case where the logos are used vertically, the chapter or region logo should be placed be­low the sorority coat of arms.

6. Chapters may create logos for special occasions (significant anniversary, fundraiser, etc.). These logos must comply with the guidelines above.

In addition, all chapters received copies of the coat of arms and Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM logos in the 2014 fall mailing. Please discontinue usage of sorority logos that are found on popular search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo! The logos tend to be incorrect and contain inaccurate symbols or wording.

Finally, chapters must request usage of the sorority coat of arms for published or printed materials including but not limited to candy bars, umbrellas, tents, banners, posters, clothing, etc. when not being furnished by an authorized AKA vendor. Please submit a sample to exec@aka1908.com to request usage permission and if approved, a high resolution copy of the logo will be provided to the manufacturer. You do not have to re­quest permission to use the coat of arms on your chapter website, flyers (except those used as part of the so­rority’s official Membership Intake Process), banners, posters or other published materials related to an offi­cial sorority activity.

Please contact communications@aka1908.com for any questions pertaining to branding or logo usage guidelines.

International Communications Committee Soror Leona H. Dotson, Chairman – Far Western Region

Soror Melanie Burney, North Atlantic Region Soror Raven Hill, North Atlantic Region

Soror Crystal Pruitt, South Atlantic Region Soror Andrea Robinson, South Atlantic Region

Soror Sonja Sims, South Atlantic Region Soror Traci Bell­Thomas, Great Lakes Region

Soror Sharon Howard, Great Lakes Region Soror Richelle McCoy, Great Lakes Region

Soror Carisma Ramsey Fields, South Central Region Soror Felicia Miller, Central Region

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Online Presence Evaluation Process

International Technology Committee Soror Theresa M. House Chairman, South Atlantic Region Article by Soror Anjelious Farmer, North Atlantic Region

TheOnline Presence Evaluation Process, formerlyknownasthe “Website Evaluation Process”,hasbeenrevisedtoassistour

members,chaptersandregionsinadheringtoproperonlineprotocol. Speci�ically, leveragingfeedback fromYOUandthe

RegionalTechnologyChairmen(RTC),theInternationalTechnologyCommittee(ITC)incollaborationwiththeInternational

Communication Committee (ICC), implemented revisions to reduce the number of forms, simplify the overall process and

enhancetheguidelinestoincludesocialmedia.

Chaptersarenotrequiredtohavesocialmediasites;nonetheless,theinclusionofsocialmediaintheevaluationprocessisan

acknowledgmentoftheincreasingpersonalandprofessionaluseofsocialmediaasaformofcommunicationforourmem-

bers. Werelyonourmemberstoadheretosocialmediaprotocolandbestpractices inactivitiesregardingthepostingof

messages,photographs,videosandaudiorecordings,etc.

Followingisahighlevelsummaryoftheevaluationprocessstepsandtimelineyoushouldbefamiliarwith:

Additionally,weencourageallchapterstobecomefamiliarwiththefollowingguidelinebookletstoensureyouruseofprop-eronlineprotocol,andtobetterprepareforyourchapter'sevaluation.Note:AllguidelinebookletsandformsusedduringtheprocesscanbefoundintheMembersOnlysectionofaka1908.com.

GuidelinesforAlphaKappaAlphaOnlinePresenceEvaluationProcessGuidelineforAlphaKappaAlphaWebsitesAGuidetoSocialMediaFinally,pleaseensurethatthisinformationissharedwithallchaptermembersandparticularlyyourchaptertechnologyandcommunicationof�icersandcommitteemembers.

Online Presence Evaluation Process - Summary

Process Step Timeframe Responsible

Party

Additional Comments / Con-

siderations

EndoftheYearOnlinePresenceReport AnnuallybyDec31 AllChapters

Thisformmustbesubmitted

evenifthechapterdoesnothave

awebsiteorsocialmediasites,as

itisusedtotrackthechapter’s

completeonlinepresence

Chapterwillreceiveanoti�icationof

upcomingevaluation

30-45dayspriortoyour

evaluation RTC

Evaluationswillbeconductedeachyear-Bi-annuallyforgraduatechapters

-Annuallyforundergraduatechapters

[WaveI]May1–June30

[WaveII]September1–

October31

RTC

Chapterfoundationwebsitesare

excludedfromtheonlinepres-

enceevaluationprocess.

Chapterwillreceivetheirevaluation

summaryresultsreport

30-45daysfollowingyour

evaluation RTC

Are-evaluationshallbeconductedif

correctiveactionsarerequired UponRequest RTC

TheRegionalDirectormayrequestan

evaluationforachapterorinterest

group.

UponRequest RTC

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International Finance Committee Managing Chapter Financial Opera�ons

Greeting Sorors from the International Finance Committee, We are busy preparing for regional conferences where we will facilitate the finance workshop, “Managing Chapter Financial Procedures Utilizing Financial Fundamentals”. This workshop is designed for all chapter financial officers and Basilei; and it will review financial fundamentals required for effective chapter finan­cial operations. This interactive workshop will cover the responsibilities of the financial officers and how to be efficient in the planning, handling, and reporting of chapter's finances. Sorors each region has established time for a financial forum with the expressed purpose of discussing pro­posed 2017 & 2018 budgets that will be voted on at the 2016 Boule in Atlanta. At this forum, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed budget and other questions related to the fi­nancial operations of the sorority. Members of the Directorate and the International Finance committee will be in attendance to provide budget details. Chapter Basilei, chapter financial officers and other interested sorors are encouraged to attend. If your chapter has not done so already, we remind chapters, that it is imperative that each chapter file their Statement of Financial Position and Budget Reports through our online financial reporting system. These reports are required each year to ensure the tax status of the chapter and the international body is not jeop­ardized. New dimensions in Finance continues to be a priority as we work to improve our chapter financial proce­dures and practices.

The 2014 – 2016 International Finance Committee

Danette Anthony

Reed, Chairman South Central Region

Autumn Kyles Mid-Atlantic Region

Destiny Boykins Mid-Atlantic Region

Sharon Brown Harriott

South Atlantic Region

Jasmine Adkins North Atlantic Region

Gerlanda Miller Central Region

Shaliah Thierry North Atlantic Region

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Preparing Officers and Ensuring Financial Readiness The Financial Officer Certification Committee focuses on assisting and training current and aspiring chapter officers in the proper implementation and execution of chapter financial procedures. It is our goal to enhance the core competencies of participants. The designation focuses on reporting, internal controls, due diligence, qualifications, financial roles and responsibilities, and the use of technology in conducting financial opera-tions. The certification workshop takes a hands-on, interactive learning approach, where participants learn through the use of presented materials, interactive scenarios, and case studies. The Financial Officers Certification Committee offers this full-day workshop at each Regional Conference, the Leadership Seminar, and the Boule’. During the 2015 Regional Conference season 453 Sorors participated in the workshop, becoming trained as certified chapter financial officers. For the first time, during the 2015 Leadership Seminar in Chicago, Illinois, the Committee conducted two consecutive workshop sessions, train-ing a record number of over 100 participants at one event. All Sorors are eligible to obtain this certification, which signifies a high level of understanding of the financial practices of Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapters. Sorors who successfully complete this training earn the designation of Certified Chapter Financial Officer. Sorors who attain this designation remain certified for 4 years. The Financial Officers Certification Committee is Launching New Dimensions to ensure current and future chapter financial officers are fully trained to accurately and appropriately conduct chapter financial business, and have access to resources (the committee members) when questions arise as they conduct the financial af-fairs of the chapter. Not only does the Committee conduct a full-day workshop at Regional and International Conferences, committee members have also developed and presented financial workshops for individual chap-ters to train their members and discuss appropriate financial procedures; and committee members have also held webinars hosted by Regional Leadership Institutes. As a result of the Financial Officer Certification Committee and its workshops, chapter financial officers are more knowledgeable and more confident in their interactions with chapter members. They are prepared for the accurate management of chapter funds that are acquired and disbursed, as we Launch New Dimensions in Al-pha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Financial Officer Certification Committee Members (picture below): Tamara Lewis, Lezell W. Murphy, CPA, Jaquilla Ross, Tonette Echols, Gayle Miles Scott, CPA (Chairman), Tara McDowell, Candice Milligan

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International Leadership Training Committee We Came, We Saw, We Continue……..

We Came….The International Leadership Training Committee answered the call of Supreme Basil-eus, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson by Launching New Dimensions of Leadership using the 4D Ap-proach. This initiative incorporates training in sorority leadership and development; professional development; community/civic leadership and development; and personal development into the in-ner workings of our sorority. The changing needs of our sorority and society are being addressed while identifying and training members of our organization who desire to lead. Please be reminded that Sorors seeking certification to run for Directorate positions and the International Nominating Committee can only complete their certification at Boule or Leadership Seminar. Directorate Candi-date Certification is comprised of 10-12 modules, depending on the position and Nominating Com-mittee Candidate Certification is comprised of 2 modules. We Saw……Sorors, we appreciate your more than 75% response to the 2015 Leadership Seminar evaluation. The members of the International Leadership Training Committee acknowledge your re-sounding request for handouts at all workshops and we plan to implement this and other enhance-ments at Boule 2016, Leadership Seminar 2017, and Boule 2018. Thanks to the International Tech-nology Committee, your Alpha Kappa Alpha profile now includes a printable transcript of your re-gional and national training. Check out your new and improved profile by logging into the members-only section at www.aka1908.com and looking at all of your “AKAmplishments.” We Continue………to Offer New Learning Opportunities at Boule 2016.

Complete various certifications during pre-conference sessions! Engage in an array of forums and workshops at the first-ever Leadership Training Day! Serve as Facilitators and Scanners! Sorors will be asked to volunteer to serve as facilitators and scanners during the Boule registra-tion process. See below for clarification of roles as we look forward to Boule 2016 and the numer-ous opportunities to polish our pearls as we enhance our knowledge.

Presenter: Develops and presents the workshop in addition to creating the handouts and other workshop materials

Moderator: Presides over the workshop, introduces the presenters, leads the group discussions, and manages the flow of information

Facilitator: Introduces presenter(s) or moderator(s), monitors the time, and closes the workshop by providing expression of appreciation to the presenter or moderator

Scanner: Scans badges to document workshop attendance See you at Boule 2016 in Atlanta, GA! Soror Linda Groomes Walton, Chairman Far Western Soror Jacquita Wright-Henderson North Atlantic Soror Bettina Benoit Durant South Atlantic Soror Benita Evans Lefft South Atlantic Soror Debra Davis South Eastern Soror Kia Johnson South Central Soror Kiahna Davis Central Soror Julie Hickman Mid-Western

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“Nurturing Our Ivy”

The Sisterly Relations Committee is happy to report the resounding success of the first year’s journey to strengthen sisterly relations at the local, regional and international levels. During the year, sorors enthusiastically and wholeheartedly embraced “nurturing our ivy” by supporting the First International Sisterly Relations Day; attending our regional conference and leadership seminar workshops; exhibiting model behaviors; and displaying our sorority’s core values. Although great strides have been made, the movement must keep going. We encourage each soror to kick off the new year by making the Second International Sisterly Relations Day even bigger and better. We need each chapter to engage in one of the committee’s suggested activities or create new ones. We need sorors to take to social media just like they did in 2015. We are counting on all sorors to paint the world with pink and green love for the day. After the sisterly celebration, it will be time to turn your attention

to our ongoing workshop series, “Just Like a Sista.” In keeping with the series goal to provide activities that will be useful to assisting chapters in the development of effective sisterly relations programs, the regional conference and boule workshops have been designed to focus on a key component of strengthening the sisterly bonds - maintaining harmony when faced with discord. The content of the workshops will address this area by offering a healthy prescription for effective relationships in an interesting, informative, and interactive manner. Sorors will not want to miss the ending workshop which will feature the sharing of lessons learned and bring to life the words of our Sisterly Relations Chant “I’ll teach you and you teach me, we’ll exchange information on how to be”. The Sisterly Relations Committee wants to remind sorors that the mission to renew the values of care, kindness and mutual respect must become a way of life. It must be not only special activities, but spontaneous actions; not only major observances, but meaningful occurrences; and not only monthly events, but monumental evolution. We thank you for taking this journey with us and uplifting the mantra “sisterhood begins with me.”

Soror Wilma Holmes Tootle, Chairman Sisterly Relations Committee

Soror Mary Bentley Lamar – North Atlantic

Soror Ade’Leake Gore – Mid-Atlantic

Soror Jahari Soward – South Atlantic

Soror Sheila Hill – Great Lakes

Soror Peggy Earnest – South Eastern

Soror Suzann Canady - Central

Soror Shirley Fisher – South Central

Soror Anika Wilson – Mid-Western

Soror Marsha Overton-Dodson – Far Western

Soror Maria Encarnacion – International

Soror Lyah Beth LeFlore - Resource

19

High-

lights

20

On March 17-19, 2016, nearly 700 sorors from across the

Mighty and Magnificent Mid-Western Region boarded

“F.L.I.G.H.T. 1908” and took off on a journey that would

prove to have plenty of exuberant take-offs and smooth

landings along the way in “Fulfilling the Legacy to Inspire

Greater Heights Together: Carrying the Banner of Sister-

hood, Service and Scholarship”. Joining the F.L.I.G.H.T.

were our First Class Guests included Supreme Basileus

Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, First Supreme Anti-Basileus

Glenda Baskin Glover, Second Supreme Anti-Basileus Au-

tumn Kyles, Supreme Grammateus Charletta Wilson Jacks,

Supreme Tamiouchos Danette Anthony Reed, Supreme

Parliamentarian Martha Perine Beard, 21st Supreme Basileus

Faye B. Bryant, South Atlantic Regional Director Sharon

Brown Harriott, International Regional Director Gizette

Canegata Thomas and Far Western Regional Director Barbara

Denson Trotter. Included in the First Class cabin were our

Magnificent Former Regional Directors; 19th Delorise A.

Gines, 20th Wanda Fleming Johnson, 21st Margie Barre, 24th

Alberta G. Jones, 25th Brenda A. Lewis, 26th Vicki Miles La-

Grange and 27th Maggie W. Green. Other guests included In-

ternational Program Chairman Jasmine Adkins, International Membership Chairman Vanessa Rog-

ers Long and International FOCT Chairman Gayle Miles Scott.

The F.L.I.G.H.T. made its spectacular debut take-off during the 86th Mid-Western Regional Confer-

ence held in Wichita, Kansas! The conference hosted by Cluster C Chapters led by the Conference

Chairman Soror Tanesha Thompson and Co-Chairman Soror Joy Barnes, celebrated every stop on

the journey beginning with Thursday Certification Workshops, Community Service Projects focusing

on Back Pack Collections, Kansas Food Bank Canned Goods Collections, 1908 Playground Renewal

and Revitalization at the Boys & Girls Club of Wichita, EAF/Think

HBCU Basketball game between Langston and Lincoln University

soror Teams, Pamper Me Pink, Keep Calm Layover Lounge, and the

Regional Director’s Dinner held at the Kansas Aviation Museum.

The conference was opened on Friday by Regional Director, Jan M.

Carpenter-Baker, with a welcome Video: “Classy Cluster C Sorors in

Formation for F.L.I.G.H.T.” featuring Soror Jan as the Senior

23

27

Launching New Dimensions of Service Program Awards - Graduate

One Million Backpacks Award---Psi Chi Omega Community Impact Day Execution Award---Xi Tau Omega

Environmental Ownership Award---Alpha Chi Omega Health Promotion Award----Xi Tau Omega

Educational Enrichment-ASCEND Signature Program Award---Beta Omega Global Impact Award----Psi Chi Omega

Overall Program Execution Award ----Beta Omega Think HBCU: Hall of Fame Achievement Award---Psi Chi Omega

Think HBCU: Hall of Fame Achievement Award---Soror Kathy Nesbitt Family Strengthening Award----Mu Omega Omega

2016 Outstanding Individual/Chapter Awards - Graduate

Dorothy Parker Outstanding Graduate Basileus Award—Soror Candiss Williams, Psi Chi Omega Alice B. Neely Williams Outstanding Graduate Soror – Anika Wilson, Beta Sigma Omega Rosetta Nolan Webb Outstanding Graduate Chapter—Beta Sigma Omega Brenda A. Lewis Connection Award — Psi Chi Omega Mizura G. Allen Outstanding Golden Senior Soror Award –Soror Gayle Miles Scott, Beta

Sigma Omega Vicki Mile LaGrange Outstanding Silver Soror Community and Public Service Award –

Soror Charlotte Duncan Wagner, Psi Chi Omega Communication Excellence Award—Beta Omega Wanda Fleming Johnson Legacy Award – Soror Jesse Horne, Beta Omega Horne Family Soror Deborah Stringfield, Soror Deborah Horne, Soror Ashley Dixon,

and Soror Jessica Horne - Xi Tau Omega Outstanding Chapter Exhibit

Large - Beta Omega, Kansas City, MO.

Medium – Delta Epsilon Omega, Omaha, Nebraska

Outstanding Graduate Chapter Scrapbook

Large Chapter – Beta Omega, Kansas City, MO.

Medium Chapter – Psi Chi Omega, Lincoln, Nebraska

Betty Davis-Gause Reactivation Award —Alpha Chi Omega

Zelma Bell Outstanding Graduate Chapter Attendance Award –Xi Tau Omega

28

Launching New Dimensions of Service Program Awards - Undergraduate Environmental Ownership Award Beta Beta Family Strengthening Award Beta Beta Health Promotion Award Beta Beta

2016 Outstanding Individual/Chapter Awards – Undergraduate

Delorise Gines Outstanding Undergraduate Basileus Award - Soror Jasmyn Flowers Margie N. Barre Undergraduate Chapter Scholarship — Alpha Zeta Leadership Fellow Award - Soror Leigh Sledge - Delta Outstanding G.P.A. Award 4.0 Cumulative and Semester – Soror Leigha Sledge - Delta Outstanding G.P.A. Awards 4.0 Semester – Soror Gabrielle Quinn – Alpha Iota and Soror Danielle Gilmore – Beta Beta Nettie B. Fisher Outstanding Undergraduate Neophyte Academic Achievement Award-

Soror Tajae Lloyd Larzette Golden Hale Wilson Undergraduate Soror Academic Achievement Award Soror Tajae Lloyd Outstanding Undergraduate Chapter Exhibit – Gamma Beta

Congratulations to All of the Award Winners for Your Dedicated Service to the

Mid-Western Region.

Supreme Basileus Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson enjoyed a wonderful evening during

the Regional Director’s Dinner at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Shown with Regional

Director are dinner hostess from Cluster C Mu Omega Chapter.

29

ALBERTA G. JONES OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS:

Cluster A:

Alpha Kappa

Epsilon Nu Omega

Iota Beta Omega

Mu Omega Omega

Cluster B:

Alpha Iota

Delta Tau

Gamma Beta

Pi Xi

Beta Omega

Gamma Epsilon Omega

Kappa Chi Omega

Xi Tau Omega

Delta Epsilon Omega

Psi Chi Omega

Cluster C:

Delta

Epsilon Alpha

Epsilon Theta

Eta Tau

Mu Omega

Alpha Iota Omega

Beta Kappa Omega

Iota Zeta Omega

Tau Psi Omega

Upsilon Rho Omega

Mu Eta Omega

Cluster D:

Alpha Zeta

Beta Beta

Alpha Upsilon Omega

Beta Sigma Omega

Sigma Sigma Omega

Cluster E:

Alpha Chi Omega

Beta Omicron Omega

Upsilon Theta Omega

30

SUPREME BASILEUS DELIVERS SOUL STIRRING MESSAGE AT ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION

Alpha Chi Omega Chapter held an Inter-national Founders’ Day celebration on Saturday, January 31 at the Southern Hills Country Club with approximately 200 people in attendance. The event theme was “Celebrating Our Legacy While Launching New Dimensions of Service.” Our Mid-western Regional Di-rector, Jan Carpenter Baker provided the greeting for the event. The Theta Xi Ba-sileus and 2015 Leadership Fellows, MacKenzie Hall introduced our guest

speaker which was our very own Madame Supreme Basileus, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson. She delivered a soul stirring message - "Alpha Kappa Alpha woman is more than a symbol of sisterhood but from A (Accomplished) to Z (Zealous) we are the pride of the Ivy!"

During the celebration, Golden Soror, Dale Mingo was hon-ored and recognized for her 50 years of service. In addition, Soror Tracye Love was named the “2015 Soror of the Year”. The Founders’ Day Luncheon not only paid homage to the legacy of sisterhood and service but it served as a mechanism to discuss our community impact globally, nationally and locally. This year marks “85 years” of service for the Alpha Chi Ome-ga Chapter.

31

A New Level of Excellence with Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Omaha, Nebraska, celebrated

Founders’ Day on Saturday, February 6, 2016. We were honored to have the First Supreme Anti-

Basileus, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, serve as the speaker.

In keeping with the theme, “Launching New Dimensions of Service: A New Level of Excellence,”

Dr. Baskin Glover emphasized the significance of doing everything, whether for the sorority or

your personal life, with a spirit of excellence. She stressed the importance of stretching for the

higher mark and not becoming complacent with

where you are because although we have made

great strides, there is yet much work to do within

our local chapters and communities.

As the honored guest, Dr. Baskin Glover was

presented with proclamations from Soror Tanya

Cook, Nebraska State Senator; Mr. Ben Gray,

President of the Omaha City Council; and Mr.

Chris Rodgers, Douglas County Commissioner.

Showing our appreciation, a small donation in

the amount of $1,000.00 was presented to the First Supreme Anti-Basileus to be given to

Tennessee State University for scholarships where she serves as President.

In addition to the guest speaker, Jan M. Carpenter-Baker, Midwestern Regional Director brought greetings and the 26th Midwestern Regional Director, Betty Davis-Gause introduced the speaker of the hour. Also present were Sorors Zeila Wiley-Midwestern Representative to the International Program Committee; Twyla Woods Buford, Midwestern Representative to the Connection Committee; and Michelle Simpson, Cluster B Coordinator for Nebraska and Missouri. We are extremely appreciative of those Sorors who traveled from Iowa, Kansas and Missouri to join in the celebration.

32

2016 KANSAS CITY FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION & BRUNCH

On Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, 172 precious pearls from the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond celebrated the founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., with a theme of Committed and Connected through 108 years of Supreme Sisterhood and Service. Upsilon Rho Omega Chapter of Overland Park, KS hosted.

The children of Marillac (a mental health treatment facility in Overland Park, KS) were the deserving recipients of the Founders’ Day community service project. Often, children arrive at Marillac without books, personal hygiene items and other items important to ensuring their well-being. Collective-ly, Founders’ Day attendees donated 260 books and three large boxes full of personal hygiene supplies, valued at $500.00. With the support of all four Kansas City graduate chapters, undergraduates, general members and sorors look-ing to reactivate, this event also generated a $250.00 mone-tary donation, which Marillac’s Director of Development, Sara Gardner accepted with gratitude.

Following a rejuvenating reactivation service conducted by 19th Mid-Western Regional Director Delorise Gines, a powerful mes-sage from Regional Director Jan M. Carpenter-Baker focused on Luke 10:2 -- “The harvest is plenty but the workers are few.” Soror Jan asked sorors to ponder whether our illustrious found-ers would be pleased with where the sorority is today, and chal-lenged us to recommit and rededicate ourselves to making the sorority great.

33

2016 KANSAS CITY FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION & BRUNCH

Immediately following the 2016 Founders’ Day Celebration and Brunch, social media sites turned pink and green with enthusiastic comments about the wonderful time Sorors had commemorating Founders’ Day. Surely, Founder Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, would agree that Kansas City Sorors captured a vision fair, and with a smile!

KC Metro Chapter Basilei from Beta Omega, Soror LaTanya Pa�on, Mu Omega, Soror Ingrid Hubbard, Xi Tau Omega, Soror Rhonda Harris, and Upsilon Rho Omega , Soror Diann West, Founders’ Commi�ee Chairman, Soror Courtney Wills, and members Sorors Kelly Loeb and 1st An� Basileus Sherry Cannon with Regional Director Jan M. Carpenter Baker, Interna�onal Representa�ve to The Program Commi�ee, Dr. Zelia Wiley and Sara Gardner, Marillac Director.

34

Kappa Pi of Kansas State University Celebrates 40th Chapter Anniversary

The Kappa Pi Chapter has just wrapped up its semester with a bang. Not only did they successfully take care of their AKA week, they also celebrated their 40th Anniversary as a chapter. On May 1st, 1976 thirteen lovely ladies chartered the Kappa Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Using an ABC network theme that was appropriately re-titled AKA week they honored the sisterhood and commemorated their chapter. Not only did they have an event each day that spoke to their campus, but they also managed to hit one target of Launching

New Dimensions of Service almost each day. Monday they opened with How to Get Away with Life, which hit Target III and helped inform students on how they could successfully navigate life. Tuesday they traveled to Junction City, KS and met and spent time with their ASCEND students. This event was appropriately called Modern Family. They encouraged the students to go to college and follow their dreams, hitting Target I. Wednesday they partnered in support of the Freshman Ac-tion Team of their Black Student Union at their Volleyball tournament and called it Once Upon a Spike. This event hit Target II and encouraged students to be aware and take care of their physical health, and to have fun doing it. On Thursday they held a bake sale called Baker’s Anatomy in which they hit Target V and made over $100 in support of Africare. Friday started their celebration of “40 Years and Soaring to Greater Heights” and they had a 20/20 themed registration welcoming all the Sorors that were coming in town. Later that evening they also had a Welcoming event in which they fellowshipped and enjoyed Sisterly Relations activities with their fellow Sorors. Park Swap was on Saturday in which they visited and volunteered at Sojourner Truth Park hitting Target IV. The city of Manhattan, KS put up a sign dedicating this park to Al-pha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Kappa Pi chapter as well as their grad chapter Mu Eta Omega. This day also included a fun barbeque for the Sorors, as well as a party later on that night. On Sunday they concluded their tremendous occasion with a commencement ceremony in which they partook in a brunch and invited 19th Mid-Western Regional Director Soror Delores Gines to come speak to them before the releasing of balloons in honor of the Twenty Pearls, as well as their Ivies Beyond the Wall. The week’s activities wrapped up with a trip to Hale Library on the Kansas State University campus, where all viewed the table that was dedicated to the chapter and will remain in the library forever. Overall, despite the businesses of the semester Kappa Pi managed to pull off a wonderful week and a memorable weekend for their former Kappa Pi Sorors.

35

Happen-

ings

36

MU Omega Spend “Pink Goes Red” Exercising Their Hearts with Lonnie Bush Fitness

For the second year in a row members of Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mu Omega chapter teamed up with exercise guru Lonnie Bush and the Lonnie Bush Fitness

Center to celebrate “Pink Goes Red For A Day.” Nearly 100

women participated in an intense aerobics and weight session with Ms. Bush, a licensed personal trainer, before

Mu Omega members presented a heart health awareness program.

At the Lonnie Bush Fitness event attendees were also treated to a healthy heart food demonstration where they learned how to prepare some of their favorite food items in a less

fattening method. Dr. Kimberly Hatchett then educated everyone about heart disease and its effects on African American women.

In 2009 Lonnie Bush was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. After winning

her battle with cancer Ms. Bush dedicated her life to breast cancer awareness and healthy living. In addition to collecting items for breast cancer victims and survivors Ms. Bush runs

Lonnie Bush Fitness at 6715 Blue Ridge Boulevard. Aerobics courses are taught throughout the week. Mu Omega members donated 47 scarves and 28 fuzzy socks to the fitness center.

For more information on Lonnie Bush Fitness see www.lonniebushfitness.com .

Ingrid Hubbard is the President of Mu Omega. Barbara Anne Washington, Esq. is Vice President and Program Chairman. Dr. Sequita Richardson, Dr. Kimberly Johnson­Hatchett and Erica Hill are the Health Promotion Co­Chairman. Salatha Jones and Jamila Edwards are the Family Strengthening Co­Chairman.

37

Psi Chi Omega Sorors Learn the Basics

of CPR for Heart Healthy Awareness

On February 7th Psi Chi Omega Sorors supported Healthy Heart awareness by learning elements of hands on

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Karen Miscek of Pulse Finders provided an educational session to the chapter which

included adult and infant CPR as well as strategies to assistant

individuals who maybe choking. This training aligns with the goals of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national programs Health

Initiatives which encourages all Sorors to learn CPR, in addition to knowing how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Pulse Finders is a national organization that provides CPR and ACLS training to EMT’s, Police Officers, Fire Fighters and other healthcare professionals. Having the knowledge to perform

CPR and operate an AED gives one the resources to potential save a life. The purpose of CPR is to preserve intact brain function until further measures can be taken. Studies have shown

that immediate CPR followed by defibrillation within 3­5 minutes of sudden cardiac arrest

dramatically improves survival rates of cardiac arrest victims.

Sorors actively participated in the training by asking questions, clarifying techniques and constantly seeking to understand the importance of CPR. The Sorors were asked to evaluate the program, and indicated that they felt the program was beneficial, provided them a better understanding of CPR and appreciated the information regarding the Good Samaritan Law and the rules for law enforcement entering private citizen’s homes. Overall, this was a great program that met the goals of the national and local Program Committee.

38

PINK GOES RED COMMUNITY IMPACT DAY

Tulsa, Ok- Alpha Chi Omega Chapter held our "Pink Goes

Red for A Day" healthy heart informational at the Booker T.

Washington vs. Central High School game. We provided (30)

blood pressure checks and shared heart healthy information

to over 150 people.

AKA

PINK GOES RED

The members of Sigma Sigma Omega held their Pink Goes Red Zumba party at the OKC Downtown YMCA. We had a blast! Our heart rates were raised, we worked up a sweat and we were inspired to make this become a habit and not just a special event. Thanks to our fabulous instructors, Candace Liger and Shonika Wilson.

Beta Omega served as volunteers for the Kansas

City American Heart Associa�on’s “RED DASH

CHALLENGE” where par�cipants ran in dresses

and high heels to raise awareness .

39

ALPHA CHI OMEGA SUPPORTS MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE

Tulsa, OK – Alpha Chi Omega supported the MLK Jr. Community Impact Day by walking in the MLK Jr. Parade. After

participating in the parade, the chapter stopped by the Day Center for the homeless to donate “seasonal wraps” to fam-

ilies

Xi Tau Omega Chapter’s MLK Impact Day “Uplifting Our Sister’s One By One”

“Uplifting Our Sister’s One By One” - Xi Tau Omega members shared their love with the residents of the

Newhouse Women's Shelter in Kansas City by presenting 37 gift bags filled with donations of personal care items

after presenting an interactive program on the values of Dr. MLK Jr., an uplifting music therapy session, and

presentation on the power of the vote with” Be The Voice” where three voter registrations were received. It was

truly a Day On of Service! All of the women were so grateful for the kindness shown by the Xi Tau Omega ladies!

Soror Rhonda Harris is Chapter Basileus, Soror Monica Thomas, 1st Anti-Basileus and Program Chairman, Soror

Tiffany Ford, 2nd Anti-Basileus. The day was a collaboration between Family Strengthening, Soror Jennifer

Malone, Chairman, and Health Promotions, Soror Wynter Rice, Chairman.

40

Psi Chi Omega Chapter’s

MLK Day of Service with Fresh Start

The Sorors of Psi Chi Omega honored the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in the Lincoln, Nebraska community by volunteering with Fresh Start, a shelter for women in transition. The task of the day was to inventory (count and label) items for their thrift store, The Daisy. Proceeds of The Daisy help with the finan­cial needs of the shelter. Sorors counted, boxed and organized 339 winter cloth­ing items and 1,169 pieces of jewelry.

Fresh Start is program that empowers homeless women to change their lives by recognizing and utilizing their strengths to overcome barriers to self­sufficiency. The Sorors of Psi Chi Omega believe Fresh Start will be a continuing community partner.

Soror Candiss Williams, Soror Morgan Wilkin, Fresh Start Executive Director, Monica Zinke, and Soror Kesha Harris sort items for The Daisy on the MLK Day of Service

41

ASCEND Target-I Educational Enrichment

Beta Omega Kansas City

Kansas City, MO—Our ASCEND parents have been a big part of our recent ASCEND sessions. Parents were able to accompany us on our last cultural outing to the Mis-souri Rep to see “The Diary of Anne Frank “ in early February.

They also participated in two parent workshops during our February session. Ms. Lu-la Glenn, from Success Academy at Knotts Elementary conducted a workshop on test taking strategies. Ms. Linda Bowman, a single mother of three college graduates, con-ducted the workshop on successfully helping students make it through college finan-cially.

Our parents also participated in our annual soul food meal in celebration of Black His-tory. The meal was provided by the ASCEND committee., and shared by parents, stu-dents and sorors alike.

42

Undergradu-ates:

Highlights &

Acknowledge-ments

43

Spotlight

Leadership Fellow

Soror Leigha Sledge

We are proud to shed a spotlight on Soror Leigha

Sledge, who recently returned from Seattle Washing-

ton where she represented the Mid-Western Region

as a Leadership Fellow. Soror Leigha graduated

from the University of Kansas with a Master’s De-

gree in Architecture after five years. She has ac-

cepted a position with Burns and McDonnell Engi-

neering firm in Kansas City. Soror Leigha was a

member of the Delta Chapter where she served as

Grammateus, as well as serving on the Regional

Communications C.H.A.T. Editorial Team.

44

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: NEWSMAKERS Congratulations sorors

Soror Bria Bowler named The Greek Woman of the Year at Oklahoma Central Uni­versity. Soror Bria serves as the Basileus of Beta Beta Chapter.

Congrats to Soror Brianna Woods of the Delta Tau Chapter for being awarded and honored as Class E the evolution of the black woman at Black Women's Rock 2016!

Soror Asha Garrison becomes 82nd Miss Lincoln University

Congratulations to Soror Asha Garrison who recently won the title as the 82nd Miss Lincoln University for the 2016­2017 school year in Jefferson City, Mo. So­ror Asha is a rising junior majoring in Wellness with an emphasis in Kinesiolo­gy. She also served as Miss Black and Gold 2015­2016. Soror Asha was recently initi­ated into the Astonishing Alpha Iota Chap­ter on March 6, 2016. Upon graduation she plans to travel the world teaching dance!

45

Acknowledge-

ments

Newsmak-ers

46

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: NEWSMAKERS Congratulations sorors

Mid­Western Regional Director, Jan M. Car­penter Baker, Dr. Julia H. Hill, and Annette Ervin were recognized along with seven other distinguished women, Senator S. Kiki Curls, Judge Lisa White Hardwick, Rhonda Holman, Dr. Phaedra Lombard, News An­chor Cynthia Newsome, Patricia Jordon, and Dr. Elizabeth Sanders at the 2016 Nefertiti Biennial Awards Luncheon by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of Societas Docta Incor­porated in conjunction with National Wom­en’s History Month for being dedicated to “Working to Form a More Perfect Union in

Community and Public Service”

Congratulations Soror Barbara Washington

Soror Barbara Anne Washington, Mu Omega Chapter and MWR Representative to the International Nominating Commit­tee was recently sworn in to the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan Community College in Missouri for a six year term. Af­ter taking the oath of office members gathered in support. MCC Chancellor, Mark James, and Board President David Disney, welcomed her to the Board. She was also elected to the local Board for the United Nations Association ­ Greater Kan­sas City Chapter during their Annual Meeting held on January 29, 2016, and named Women of the Year by the St. James United Methodist Church of Kansas City, Missouri.

47

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: NEWSMAKERS Congratulations sorors

Soror Kerry Chandler was awarded the Presidential Award of

Distinction and Founders’ Award by University President, Dr. Kevin

Rome, during Lincoln University’s Founders Convocation in February.

Kerry Chandler has held senior roles at the Walt Disney Company, Un­

der Armour Corporation, Exxon Chemical Company and ESPN, Inc. In

2005, Chandler was named one of the “25 Influential Black Women in

Business” by The Network Journal magazine, and in 2012 was named a

“Game Changer” among women in sports by the Sports Business Jour­

nal. HBCU, Lincoln University is celebrating 150 years as an Institution.

48

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: NEWSMAKERS Congratulations sorors

Congratulations Soror Nelsonna Barnes and Soror Regina Bassett McCarty for receiving awards at the 31st annual Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Rhomania. Soror Nelsonna was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Soror Regina received the Golden Eagle Award for their dedication and work in the community. Sorors of Beta Kappa Omega show support at annual awards banquet.

49

Xi Tau Omega partners with KC American Heart Association and

Shawnee Mission Health for Pink Goes Red for Heart Health hosting New Year New You: Living In Vitality which included zumba, line

dancing, cooking and chair exercise demonstrations. Guest enjoyed healthy treats, blood pressure checks, chair massages, fit bit raffles, and were able to re­ceive vital information and product give aways from over 20 health booths. So­

ror Wynter Rice is Health Promotion Chairman and Soror Penny Rice is Co­Chairman. Soror Monica Thomas, 1st Anti­Basileus and Program

Chairman leads the group as they line dance.

50

Golden Soror Ruth Thomas

Golden Soror Ruth Thomas, Delta Epsilon Omega

with Chelsea Clinton . Soror Thomas is 95 years

old and will soon be a Diamond Soror.

Soror Vanessa Hall-Harper, Alpha Chi

Omega, who received The League of

Women Voters' Madame President

Award

51

Thoughts

& Meditation

52

Ivy Beyond the

Wall

53

Golden Soror Mary Jean Dodd

The members of Beta Omega Chapter mourn

the death of Soror Mary Jean Booth Dodd who

departed this earth to be with her Heavenly

Father on April 23, 2016.

Soror Dodd received a Bachelor of Science De­

gree in Elementary Education from Tennessee

State University. She was initiated in Alpha Psi

Chapter in 1955 while at Tennessee State Uni­

versity. She was also elected “Miss Tennessee

State 1956­1957”.

Soror Dodd taught for 25 years in the Kansas City, MO public schools

and retired in 1997. She was also a member of Calvary Temple Church

of God In Christ, the Munch Bunch Group, Kansas City Retired Teachers

Group and founding member of The Kansas City Carrousels.

Her daughter’s lengthy illness and then her own prevented her from be­

ing as active as she wanted with Beta Omega, her church and other or­

ganizations.

Soror Dodd will always be remembered for her smile, infectious laugh and abundant love for her family.

54

Silver Star Soror­ Vivian Bassa

Soror Vivian Wynn Bassa became an

Ivy Beyond the Wall on April 12, 2016.

She was initiated in and had been an

active member of Beta Omega Chapter

since 1977.

She received a BS Degree from Tennes­

see State University in 1953. Soror Bas­

sa taught in the Kansas City, MO

School District for 20 years at South­

east High School and Van Horn High

School. She was known for running a

well­disciplined class with high expectations but always with lots of

compassion for her students, who loved her dearly.

Soror Bassa finished her working career at the Missouri Repertory Thea­

ter, where she was instrumental in helping to build more diversity in

their audience base, productions and casts.

She was past President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Omega

Chapter of Kansas City, MO., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Kansas

City.MO Chapter and the Heart of America Chapter of The Tuskegee

Airmen. Soror Bassa was also a founding member of the Kansas City

Carrousels.

She was a former chairman of Beta Omega Chapter Debutante Ball and

worked on the committee for over three decades. Soror Bassa was devot­

ed to bringing elegance and grandeur to the ball.

As a resident of the Kansas City metropolitan area for the last 44 years, Soror Bassa developed a strong reputation as a noted “Educator, Philan­thropist and Socialite”.

55

IVY BEYOND THE WALL GOLDEN SOROR MARY E. WASHINGTON

Soror Mary Elnora Jenkins Washington was born April 11, 1925 in

Kansas City, Kansas to proud parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Jenkins and was the third of three children. She graduated from Sumner High School, the same school in which Founder Beulah Burke taught at during her tenure in the Kansas City area. Soror Mary went on to receive a Bachelors Degree in Microbiology at the University of Kansas where she was initiated into the Delta Chapter

in 1944. Upon graduation, she returned to Kansas City, Kansas and worked at KU Medical center for 44 years as a medical technologist and

served as an instructor in the School of Allied Health. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Mr. Theotrice Washington and raised a loving son

together, Tracey Washington. It would be difficult to measure the impact that Soror Mary E. Washington, had on the many lives she touched. She will forever be remembered as a very thorough, strategic and analytical thinker. As in the words of E.F. Hutton: when she spoke……..everyone listened! When she had something to say, it caused one to think, contemplate and it really made sense. Although you won’t find a lot of pictures of Soror Mary smiling, she did in fact smile and when she did, the room radiated. She was a very caring and giving person who opened her home many times to chapter members for meetings and gatherings. It was because of her astute leadership qualities that many of the younger chapter members were trained to take on graduated officer positions and chairmanships. As a former Basileus of the Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® serving in the years of 1973­1974, she was elevated to membership in the chapter’s Basilei Council. There was still a need for her advice, wisdom and guidance for newly elected Basilei of the chapter. She served with the Basilei Council the capacity of assisting the chapter to establish the Metropolitan Leadership Institute Foundation, planned and executed the 90th Anniversary Celebration for Mu Omega Chapter, worked to locate a permanent office for the chapter and assisted the chapter in mediating issues and concerns. Soror Mary served as Chairman or Committee Member on every standing committee of the chapter. Soror Mary celebrated her Golden year in 1994 and was a committed, dedicated and devoted member of the sorority for 72 years. She was an integral part of Mu Omega’s successes and will be sorely missed!

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Soror Electa Moore Baker was born November 9, 1918 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Wallace and Katie Moore. She is one of eight children. She attended Dunbar Elementary school and graduated from Douglass High School in 1937. She attended Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma, and graduated in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. She did graduate studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Oklahoma University, Norman, Oklahoma; and Southeastern State University, Durant, Oklahoma. A Diamond Soror, she was initiated into Epsilon Rho Omega, Ardmore, OK on December 6, 1952. She served on numerous committees and as Grammateus for many years. She also served as pianist at many Mid­Western Regional Conferences.

Soror Baker taught school in Colbert and Enid, Oklahoma, one year each, before she was employed by the Board of the Ardmore City Schools. She retired in 1982 after 39 years as a teacher of English and Music. After retirement she became active in several community organizations. She is a member of the Oklahoma Education and National Education Association, the local Carter County Retired Teachers Association and the AARP. She was a member of the Coterie Club and the Art and Improvement Club of Ardmore, and many other organizations. Soror Baker received many awards for her accomplishments. She was inducted into the H.F.V. Wilson Community Center Hall of Fame in 1999. As a board member of the Community Center, she served over twenty­five years as secretary. She received an award from the local AARP, and the Carter County Retired Teachers’ Association for her service as an officer over a period of several years. She is a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Persons organization, and has the honor of being in the top ten for number of hours given each year for service to the community. She was nominated to receive AARP Oklahoma's 2006 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association's most prestigious and visible Volunteer award for community service. She is a life­long member of the First Baptist Church of Ardmore, Oklahoma where she served as Sunday school teacher and minister of music for over fifty years. Soror Baker’s soul took flight Wednesday, October 29, 2015, from her home. She is preceded in her death by her husband, Mr. Leo Baker, Sr. Soror Baker leaves to forever cherish lifelong memories her son, Leo Jr., and his wife, Dayna Baker; two grandchildren, Daylen Baker, and Day`Na Baker, all of Ardmore; nieces and nephews, Thomas Davenport, Kay Moore, Jennifer Moore, Kenneth Antwine and Donald Ray Antwine; other generations of nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Sorors, family and friends gathered at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2015, to celebrate the life of Soror Electa Moore Baker.

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Soror Bobbie Lynn Lewis

Soror Bobbie Lynn Christon Lewis became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on

November 12, 2015. Soror Lewis was born in Altus, Oklahoma to

Franklin and Amy Christon. A non-tradi�onal student, Soror Lewis

graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Cameron Universi-

ty (Lawton, Oklahoma). She was ini�ated into Xi Iota chapter in

1990 where she served on numerous commi�ees. She worked as a

Mental Health Technician and loved working with children and

adults. She had a passion for reading and loved to watch horror

movies. Soror Christon leaves to cherish her memories her mother,

Amy Edison, three daughters, four sons, five sisters, three brothers,

sister-in-law, Soror Maggie W. Green, 28th Mid-Western Regional

Director, niece, Soror Maggie A. Green and a host of nieces, neph-

ews, cousins and friends.

Soror Sally Mims

Soror Sally Mims became an Ivy beyond the Wall on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. She was ini�ated into the so-rority on October 18, 1963 at Alpha Zeta Chapter (Langston University). She was a life member of Alpha Chi Omega (Tulsa, OK) and became a Golden Soror in 2013. She has a legacy daughter , Shannon Booty , of Tex-as. Many Sorors of Alpha Chi Omega are mourning the loss of our dear sweet Soror Sally. Soror Sally was a beloved re�red educator from the Tulsa Community College. She was known as a wizard of math and science and will be greatly missed.

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Sentiments

Condolences Soror Angela Stevens, Iota Beta Omega, on the loss of her sister, Sherry Luster

Soror Evelyn Page, Alpha Chi Omega and MWR Representative to the International D/G/S

Committee, on the loss of her mother, Mrs. Ruth Page Soror Debra Johnson, Mu Omega, on the loss of her mother, Lula Pearl Horrell Williams

Soror Linda Bivins, Mu Omega, on the loss of her son, Mark Bivins

Soror Kiki Wilson, Mu Omega, on the loss of her husband, George Wilson

Soror Mavis Perkins, Xi Tau Omega, on the loss of her daughter, Kelly Lauren Perkins Wilson

Soror Gayle Bass, Xi Tau Omega, on the loss of her mate, Micheal Lewis

Soror Shanta Bailey, Xi Tau Omega, on the loss of her Aunt, Mary Ann Flunder

Soror Diane Huff and Soror Shaunta Huff, Xi Tau Omega, on the loss of their niece and cousin, Rosiland Hayden Brooks. And on the loss of their Mother­InLaw and Grandmother,

Mrs. Dorothy Huff

Soror Josephine Patterson, Xi Tau Omega, on the loss of her Father, Joe Lewis Fountain

Soror Ruth Simmons, Xi Tau Omega, on the loss of her niece, Cynthia Diane Hollen

Soror Brittany Toney, Xi Tau Omega, on the loss of her grandfather, Mont Berry

Soror Sharon Cranford, Beta Kappa Omega, on the loss of her brother and grandson.

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Mid-Western Spiritual Oversight Team Spring 2016 C.H.A.T. Ministry Moments

Author: Soror Kelly G. Loeb Upsilon Rho Omega Chapter, Overland Park, KS

Grace to the Finish! By the time you read this Spring 2016 issue of the C.H.A.T., the 86th Mid-Western Regional Conference in Wichita, KS will have wrapped up successfully, and the sorors on the steering committee – full disclosure: I am one! – will be exhaling with exhilaration at having made it to the finish line. In the months leading up to the Regional Conference, at times our work to bring you a magnificent meeting felt like a marathon, mile after mile of steps, sweat and striving. Throughout our planning, sorors worked as a relay team, cheering each other on and handing off the baton as we checked off our accomplishments: hotel rooms, souvenirs, meals, workshops, community service, entertainment and more! Under the stellar leadership of Mid-Western Regional Director Jan M. Carpenter Baker, Regional Conference Chairman Tanesha Thompson and Co-Chairman Joy Barnes, we kept our eyes on the prize of reaching New Dimensions of F.L.I.G.H.T.: Fulfilling the Legacy to Inspire Greater Heights Together! Throughout the conference, we used the theme of flying to inspire our sisterhood and service to all mankind. Our takeoff, flight and landing are safe and secure because of the One who pilots us: our Heavenly Father. Good news from the cockpit: even after the close of the Regional Conference, God is still in the pilot’s seat of our aircraft, navigating with us, for us, through us and in us. God blesses us with his amazing grace: unmerited favor that we don’t have to ask for, did nothing to deserve and do not ever have to repay! With God, we are not just in a race, but a grace to the finish! Acts 20:24 (New International Version) gives us this mission statement and flight plan: My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Besides our Regional Conference, during springtime there is more of God’s gracious good news we proclaim and celebrate: the resurrection of His son Jesus Christ! During Lent, we focus on preparing for that joyous occasion, intensifying our prayers and our experience of God. One of the most meaningful rituals of this season is hearing the seven last words Jesus uttered as He gave His life for us on the cross. Jesus’ sixth word – “It is Finished” – especially resonates with me. By the time Jesus groans that sentence, He has exhorted God to forgive others, promised we will be with Him in paradise, honored His blessed mother Mary, wonders why God has forsaken Him and admitted a humanlike weakness: thirst. The Bible doesn’t tell us specifically how much time has passed between Jesus’ first word and His sixth one. That Jesus can contemplate forgiveness and promise paradise in the midst of excruciating pain speaks to His divine power and unconditional love. That cliché about time flying when you’re having fun does not apply here – for Jesus under these circumstances time must be at an out-and-out standstill. Regardless of whether mere minutes ticked by or if hours dragged on, Jesus would be within His rights – were He human and not our celestial Savior – to languish in the depths of despair. But because He is our Conqueror, Jesus rises above this mortal misfortune. Jesus’ declaration is that it is finished. Not He is finished. Not that His disciples or His flock or His ministry are finished. No, not one of these. But the awfulness that he endured has ended, and Jesus is trading this tragedy for triumph. It is finished! Grace to the finish! God’s grace is with us from the beginning to the finish, when we join God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit for eternity in paradise. This meditation is dedicated to the honor and memory of our dear Soror Bishop Aletha Cushinberry, who served on the Mid-Western Region’s Spiritual Oversight Team and whose grace, wisdom and sisterliness inspired us all.

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Greetings, Sorors! We’ve had several inquiries about purchasing copies of the Mid-Western Region’s History Book

“A Magnificent Tapestry of Sisterhood and Service!” We are in the process of reprinting a limited number of these books and if you wish to order, here is

the information you need:

Orders are to be pre-paid.

The cost is $30.00 which includes a $5.00 cost for mailing.

The cost is $25.00 for those who live within the Kansas City area and wish to pick up the book.

(Books will not be hand delivered within KC area- they must be picked up or mailed)

Please make your money order, cashier’s check or chapter check payable to Alpha Kappa Alpha

Mid-Western Region and send to:

Soror Patricia A. Mitchell

Mid-Western Region Pecunious Grammateus

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

9829 Overhill Road

Kansas City, Missouri 64134

Include the following information

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Email Address

Phone number

The deadline to order and pay for your copy is June 15.

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JUNE 26, 2016

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. Format for submitting articles,

acknowledgements and photos

Articles need to be submitted by the Ivy Leaf Reporter to MWRAKA@gmail.com in word

format. Include a headline. If photos are included, paste your photo in the document with captions. Include who is in the photo from left to right, where it was taken and date.

Limit the article not to exceed 300 words. Who, What, When, Why, Where.

Email all the photos that go with the article separately in jpeg or png format. Action pho­

tos are preferred.

Categories of like acknowledgements should be listed together. Include names, chapter, dates of occurrence, etc. The staff reserves the right to edit submittals.

Newsletter Submission Deadline

Summer Issue – June 5

Fall Issue - September 5

Winter Issue – December 5

Spring Issue - March 5

The C.H.A.T Editorial Staff:

Soror Jan M. Carpenter Baker, Mid-Western Regional Director

Soror Rhonda Harris, Chairman, Mid-Western Communications Committee

Soror Joy Barnes, Editor-In-Chief

Soror Leigha Sledge

Soror Angela Stevens

Soror Jennifer Stevenson