Denver Alumnae Chapter Denver Alumnae Chapter Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Founders Day FOUNDERS DAY
85TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 18, 2024 DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS | DENVER, COLORADO
Denver Alumnae Chapter DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Denver Alumnae Chapter DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Denver Alumnae Chapter DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. February 13, 2024 Greetings to The Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.., and Friends, I am filled with respect and appreciation as I extend my congratulations and gratitude to each and every Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and in particular on this day, to the Denver Alumnae Chapter, who has given and continues to give personal-
ly and in loving collective sisterhood over these past 85 years of valuable and meaningful service to, not only the Denver Metropolitan Community, but, throughout the world with Delta’s 1,000 chapters. I am fortunate and proud to be an Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Over the years I have personally witnessed the power of so many Denver Delta women as their love for one another and for community is perpetually demonstrated through their professionalism and their exemplary services to the Denver Community, the state, the nation, and throughout the world. Delta’s professionalism and service contributions are significantly positive and are extraordinarily impactful as carried out throughout the past 85 years. Delta’s examples of the extraordinary women are numerous, and they are deeply worthy of accolades through these 85 years. Most recently, as evidenced by many programs and accomplishments, the Denver Alumnae Chapter has had successful engagement in the awarding of hundreds of academic scholarships to young women from the Denver Metropolitan area, and through Delta’s neighborhood outreach projects which provide for mentoring of youth, providing breast cancer awareness training, health and fitness education, and through focusing on the value of voter participation, and providing for many other positive and valuable contributions, and continues to be beneficial to people from all walks of life. Today, as Deltas, our power is well-embedded, impervious, admired, loving, and appreciated as we continue to persevere and make positive great achievements and contributions to people. We continue to aim higher and forge forward with the same fervor that all Deltas and the Denver Alumnae Chapter members demanded of themselves over the past eighty-five years. Our rich 85-year history is grand with “good power” which is inspired by the fulfillment over these 85 years of our everlasting deep, deep roots in Sisterhood and Community. I continue to thank Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for Whose we are and for Who we are, and I continue to be grateful to Delta that we are “Deeply Rooted in Sisterhood and Community.” Congratulations on this 85th year of major contributions to all people. Most Sincerely,
Wilma J. Webb Honorary Member
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED A Public Service Sorority Founded in 1913 Central Region
January 25, 2024 Dear Sorors,
On behalf of the Charismatic and Courageous Central Region, I am honored to bring greetings to the Denver Alumnae Chapter, on the occasion of our 111th Founders Day Celebration and the 85th Chapter Anniversary Celebration as your Central Regional Director. Today we celebrate our sisterhood started by 22 extraordinary women who were visionary, fearless, and blazed a new path by founding Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at Howard University on January 13, 1913. How exciting that one of our Founders, Bertha Pitts Campbell, grew up in Montrose, Colorado. We also celebrate the eight steadfast sorors who chartered the Denver Alumnae Chapter with a rich history of charismatic and courageous leaders who continued in our Founders footsteps, using their collective strength to provide relevant and impactful service to those in need. In keeping with the Founders Day theme “Deeply Rooted In Sisterhood and Community”, we can only beam with pride for staying strong during these uncertain times, confronting challenges with fortitude, and continuing to lead our communities forward. Thank you to the Denver Alumnae Chapter members for your steadfast commitment to doing the work of Delta in the City of Denver and the community at large. As we embrace the challenges ahead, let us do so in the spirit of our national theme, “Forward with Fortitude: Engaging Our Sisterhood, Empowering Our Communities, Elevating our Impact.” Special thanks to Janice Satchell, Denver Alumnae Chapter President, Founders Day Chairs, the Founders Day Committee, and everyone involved in making this event possible. Thank you to everyone who has taken time today to join the Denver Alumnae Chapter as we remember those who have come before us and shaped our beloved sorority. Happy Lifetime Commitment!
Felicia C. Echols Dr. Felicia C. Echols Central Regional Director
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED A Public Service Sorority Founded in 1913 Central Region February 14, 2024 Greetings Sorors of the Denver Alumnae Chapter! I am so ecstatic to wish you congratulations on 85 years of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service and Social Action in your service to the Denver Metropolitan Area. Since you’re chartering as the Beta Phi Chapter in 1939, the Denver Alumnae Chapter continues to go above and beyond to serve the Denver community. Your service and commitment clearly showcase how you all are “Deeply Rooted in Sisterhood and Community”. With the chapter’s dedication to providing high school students with college scholarships, showcasing the arts in the community, as well as the support provided to both the Zeta Pi and Tau Lambda chapters, Denver Alumnae continues to be a light in this community. Your advocacy in support of Delta’s mission of social action by participating at the Capitol and your efforts in getting those in your area registered to vote and providing educational resources for them to be able to use their vote wisely exemplifies how this chapter positively impacts and develops this community. Throughout the past 85 years, the Denver Alumnae Chapter has shaped, supported, and positively impacted the Denver Metro community in ways that our 22 Founders would be proud to see ensuring that their legacies continue to live on in your service and your action. Thank you to Soror Janice Satchell for your fearless and devoted leadership to this chapter and your visionary leadership is evident in this chapter. I am honored not only to join you in celebrating this momentous occasion, but even more so as a member of this chapter with boots on the ground to see the direct impact that this chap-
ter has on this community every single day. Congratulations again on 85 years and all of the work and dedication of those that made this milestone possible including current and past chapter leadership as well as the planning committee of this phenomenal event. Yours in Sisterhood,
Jasmine Burrell Jasmine Burrell Central Regional Representative
Denver Alumnae Chapter DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
February 5, 2024 Greetings Sorors and Friends, It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on 85 years of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action! This year’s theme of Deeply Rooted in Sisterhood and Community is an excellent reminder of the numerous ways the Denver Alumnae Chapter has fulfilled our mission of exemplifying our sisterly spirit and positively impacting the Denver metropolitan community. As I reflected on the theme, I focused on the word root. The word root comes from the Latin word radix, which means starting point. The word root is also used to wish someone success, or that we are cheering them on. Continuing the legacy of our 22 Illustrious Founders, members of the Denver Alumnae Chapter have been rooted in and have rooted for our community and for its members to succeed. From implementing programs that positively impact educational needs and social action, we remain rooted. By promoting the arts and financial literacy, we remain rooted. To leading the way in ensuring our community’s needs are addressed, through strong advocacy, we remain rooted. From the very beginning of the establishment of our chapter, Denver Alumnae remains firmly rooted in our unwavering support for the Denver community. Congratulations on a job well done, and I am continually rooting for the success of our chapter for generations to come! Yours in Sisterhood,
Michelle Simmons State Coordinator
Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
National Presidents
SADIE T. M. ALEXANDER* 1919-1923
DOROTHY PELHAM BECKLEY* 1923-1926
ETHEL LAMAY CALIMESE* 1926-1929
ANNA JOHNSON JULIAN* 1929-1931
GLADYS BYRAM SHEPPERD* 1931-1933
JEANNETTE TRIPPLETT JONES* 1933 - 1935
VIVIAN OSBORNE MARSH* 1935 - 1939
HELEN ELSIE AUSTIN* 1939 - 1944
MAE WRIGHT DOWNS PECK WILLIAMS* 1944 - 1947
DOROTHY IRENE HEIGHT* 1947 - 1956
DOROTHY PENMAN HARRISON* 1956 - 1958
JEANNE LAVETA NOBLE* 1958 - 1963
GERALDINE PITTMAN WOODS* 1963 - 1967
FRANKIE MUSE FREEMAN* 1967 - 1971
LILLIAN PIERCE BENBOW* 1971 - 1975
YVONNE KENNEDY* 1988 - 1992
BERTHA MAXWELL RODDEY 1992 - 1996
THELMA THOMAS DALEY 1975 - 1979
MARCIA L. FUDGE 1996 - 2000
MONA HUMPHRIES BAILEY* 1979 - 1983
GWENDOLYN E. BOYD 2000 - 2004
HORTENSE GOLDEN CANADY* 1983 - 1988
LOUISE ALLEN RICE 2004 - 2008
CYNTHIA M.A. BUTLER-MCINTYRE 2008 - 2013
PAULETTE C. WALKER 2013 - 2017
ELSIE COOKE-HOLMES 27TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT CURRENT
BEVERLY E. SMITH 26TH PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Charter Members of Denver Alumnae Chapter
L-R Seated: Jessie Whaley Maxwell, Mae Adams, Kathryn Cohron, Elaine Brown, Edna Kinchion, Marion Morrison L-R Standing: Ruby Cohron, Eleanor Critz, Claudine McCloud
The Beta Phi Chapter was organized on February 18, 1939 in Denver, Colorado in the basement of Shorter Community AME Church. The Charter members included: Mae Thomas Adams, Elaine Brown Jenkins, Jessie Whaley Maxwell, Neophytes Kathryn Cohron, Marian (Bailey) Morrison, Ruby Cohron, Eleanor Critz and Claudine McCloud. Soror Edna Kinchion, Grand Secretary assisted and formally organized the Beta Phi Chapter and Pyramid Club. Beta Phi Chapter was presented to the community on Sunday at Shorter Community AME Church, where Soror Kinchion was the guest speaker. On Sunday morning, the ladies of Delta started the first Delta Day at Church at Shorter Community AME Church, where Soror Kinchion presented the new Beta Phi Chapter. She spoke from the subject “Our Responsibility.” Later, the Delta Emblem was given to the Chapter by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Beta Phi Chapter Members
Mary Kathryn Cohron Soror Cohron was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. Her father was called to serve as the first Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. The Cohron family then moved to Denver in 1923. Soror Cohron graduated from University of Denver, Lamont School of Music receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy. She was an experienced pianist-organist and played for New Hope Baptist Church, Scott United Methodist Church and Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church.
Jessie Whaley Maxwell Soror Maxwell graduated from Bishop College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education as well as her Master’s Degree in Education. She was also an accompanist and organist and served as Director of Music at Zion Baptist Church. Soror Maxwell is the first African American Administrator in Denver Public Schools and the state of Colorado. She was named principal of Whittier Elementary School in 1955 until 1966. She then became principal of Columbine Elementary School until retirement in 1972.
Claudine Smith McCloud Soror McCloud was born in Denver and a graduate of University of Denver. She pledged Phi Sigma Iota, a National Romance Language Fraternity, an Honor Society, at the university. She was an active member of the Denver YWCA, where she was also employed. As a Junior NAACP, she attended the National NAACP Convention held at Zion Baptist Church in 1925. Soror McCloud was a member of Zion Baptist church for over 50 and a mother to one son, Burnis McCloud Jr.
Ruby Cohron Soror Cohron earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at the University of Denver. She was an accomplished pianist.
Eleanor Critz Soror Critz graduated from Colorado State Teachers’ College. She was a Playground Supervisor of Negro Women’s Club and Day Nursery.
Honorary Members The Honorable Wilma J. Webb is a lifetime African American stateswoman who has served our city, state, and nation with distinction, respect, and admiration, often as a pioneer where women, and certainly African American women, had previously been withheld from positions of authority and power. She, as a Colorado State Representative, a First Lady of Denver, Colorado, and as the Region VIII Chief Administrator, successfully delivered caring substantive law and active committed service and inclusive and unifying leadership to all people. She is an accomplished servant leader who has made life better for all of us because of her endeavors to make the world better than she found it. She has lifted us up to higher ground in the grand areas of Education, Civil Rights, Business, Humanity, The Arts, The Workplace, Health, Family Strengthening, Politics, Economics, and other areas of human need. She is Chairperson Emeritus of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission established by Governor Richard D. Lamm in 1985 at the request, advocacy and encouragement from Mrs. Coretta Scott King and herself. She is an Appointee by Governor Jared Polis to the Colorado Women’s Vote Centennial Commission, and Founder and Chairperson of the DM 42 Foundation, a legacy non-profit organization. She is also a well-known Colorado philanthropist.
She is the honoree of several hundred commendations, including the National Humanitarian Award presented by United States Senator Ted Kennedy and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The National Human Rights Award, The National Education Association Carter G. Woodson Award for Human and Civil Rights, Induction into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1991, the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medal presented by Governor Jared Polis in 2022, and Induction into the Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame. She has been honored by awards being named for her, including the Mountain Region Black Economic Summit WILMA Award (Women in Leadership and Management Award). The Denver Art Museum recognized her contributions to the arts community by placing a bas relief sculpture of her in its museum. Blair Caldwell African American Research Library recognized her contributions by naming its archives room as the Wilma J. Webb Research and Archives Room. Her Education includes The University of Colorado Denver, Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Northern Colorado, an Honorary Doctoral degree from The Arts Institute of Colorado, and she is a proud graduate of Manual High School in Denver. Wilma J. Webb was born in Denver, Colorado, to Frank W. and Faye E. Gerdine, and resides in Denver with her husband, Denver’s 42nd Mayor Wellington E. Webb, and they have four adult children, Anthony, and Stephanie, and Keith and Allen, Sr., both of whom are deceased. Over the years, she has been active in many organizations and served on many boards and commissions. She is a devoted member of long standing of Zion Baptist Church in Denver and is an Honorary Member of the beloved international professional organization of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she was inducted in as a member in 1988 at its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Celebration held in San Francisco, California. She was inducted into The Links, Incorporated in 1995 in Denver, Colorado. She has served people and continues to serve where there is a need for human progress to occur.
Honorary Members Soror Howard is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who last served as the commander of United States Naval Forces Europe while she concurrently was the commander of United States Naval Forces Africa and commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples. She previously was the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. She assumed her last assignment on June 7, 2016. Howard has achieved many historical firsts throughout her naval career. She was the first African-American woman to command a United States Navy ship, and the first to achieve two- and threestar rank. In 2006, she was selected for the rank of rear admiral (lower half), making her the first admiral selected from the United States Naval Academy class of 1982 and the first female graduate of the United States Naval Academy selected for flag rank. Upon her swearing in, Howard became the highest-ranking woman in United States Naval history.
State Representative, House District 6 The Honorable State Representative Elisabeth Epps, is a mother, community organizer, civil rights leader, abolitionist, and a member of the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she has served in many roles. In 2019 Representative Epps received one of the highest awards bestowed in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s Central Region, the Frankie Muse Freeman Award. Representative Epps’ activist roots started with her mother who reared her in the south. When Elisabeth became a mother at 16, she taught her son the importance and significance of civil rights, and as we all know how important that is. For more than 20 years, her life’s work has been helping people get out of and remain out of the wealth -based detention system. She founded the Colorado Freedom Fund, a constituent-led organizing project that posts bond for Coloradans who cannot afford bail. Some of the bails are as low as $10! Since May 2018, the Colorado Freedom Fund has posted over 2.4 million dollars and has bought freedom for over 1000 people. Ms. Epps was elected as the Representative of House District 6 to the Colorado Legislature in 2022, she received over 85% of the vote, not many politicians can say that! For those of you who may not know, District 6 includes Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, and East Colfax. The areas that need a representative like our Elisabeth Epps! Representative Epps’ work has inspired, shaped, championed, and helped pass critical legislation focused on liberty, justice and equity in Colorado as she sees that work is imperative to our society, and we know she is the right Delta for the job. Thank you, Representative Epps for ensuring justice and equity in Colorado.
Program Agenda WELCOME OCCASION INVOCATION INTRODUCTION OF MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES REMARKS FROM: COLORADO LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP HONORARY MEMBERS REGIONAL LEADERSHIP ENTERTAINMENT VIDEO PRESENTATION INTRODUCTION OF AUCTIONEER PADDLE RAISE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SILENT AUCTION WINNER CLOSING REMARKS Please visit the Heritage and Archives Room in Gates Hall to view silent auction items and art from local artists
Our History, Our Story
Denver Alumnae Chapter formerly known as Beta Phi Chapter
Program and Projects Late 1930s and 1940s Delta Mothers and Patron Club – provided financial support to chapter for scholarships Jabberwock – provided scholarships and entertainment Negro History Week – celebrated and brought awareness to African American achievements
Round Robin Socials – visited house to house eating one course of a meal at a time Scholarship – awards $500 - $4,000 annually to African American high school female seniors Young Adult Forums – hosted forums during Negro History Week at New Hope Baptist Church 1950s A Night in Fairyland – hosted chapter’s first production Bridge/Whist Tournaments –proceeds went toward scholarships Delta-Rettes – provides entertainment as a choir Voter Registration Drives – provides opportunities to register people to vote, more than 1,000 were registered 1960s Boycotts/Marches – aided in the fight for Civil Rights Crimson and Cream Ball – provided an opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to the community became the social event of the year Delta Night in Monte Carlo – hosted Casino nights to raise funds Easter Egg Hunts –hosted at George Washington Carver Day Nursery Teen Lift 1970s Adopt a Black Child Program Cenikor –prepared and shared Thanksgiving dinner with residents of a Mental Health facility Clothing Bank – distributed clothing items to Denver Schools Denver Girls – Deltas were companions to girls Tutoring – provided tutoring through Northeast Denver Library Woman of the Year Award – Reynelda Muse was the first recipient of this award
Program and Projects 1980s Dance Theatre of Harlem – a reception was hosted on their behalf Delta Day at the Capitol – an annual event to meet with state officials Education Explosion, Shule’ – addressed the needs of the youth as a Saturday school KRMA Public Television – answered telephones twice a year to help raise funds for the Telephone Drive Mile High Steppers – competed in local, regional and national competitions Shape Up for Delta – provided exercise and stepping Showcase of Youth – encouraged and recognized youths in the community who were outstanding in academics or athletics Single Parenting and Health 1990s A Night with Soror Judith Jamison and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre - hosted a reception following the performance Blood Drive – hosted a blood drive to encourage African Americans to donate blood Delta Day at the State’s Capitol – an annual social action event Denver Delta Inc (DDI) – a 501c3 foundation was created to provide opportunities to receive grants and donations that were tax deductible
Dr Betty Shabazz Delta Academy –mentors young women ages 11-14 Feed the Seniors – provides meals for the Seniors at Zion Senior Center Habitat for Humanity –helped build homes for Warren Village residents Race for the Cure / Aids Walk – participated in annual events Race Relations Conferences – conducted multiracial dialogue throughout the city Sister to Sister Breast Cancer – provided opportunities to Breast Cancer Awareness Teen Mothers
Program and Projects Torch of Excellence Award –awards annually to a Delta for her contributions and service to the chapter Warren Village Babysitting – provides babysitting services to single mothers World AIDS Day –provides opportunities to increase AIDS Awareness 2000s ACT Prep Workshop– Provides workshop for high school students in Denver area Dr. Jeanne L Noble Delta Gems – Mentors young ladies in high school grade level Step It Up in the Mile High Step Show – a scholarship fundraiser 2010s American Heart Association – participated as one of our National’s initiatives Community Partner Award
Financial Fortitude Workshops – provides information on financial education Health and Wellness Fairs –brings awareness to different health issues March of Dimes – participated as one of our National’s initiatives MOMS (Mothers of Many) Fashion Show – a scholarship fundraiser Shape’s Diva Dash – a fundraising opportunity St Jude Walk - participated as one of our National’s initiative Hosted an Economic Breakfast and Seminar - on Estate Planning in collaboration with the Urban League of Metro Denver Hosted an Annual Spring into Health Fitness Fair Hosted a Centennial Torch Birthday Celebration and Gala - with Delta Chapters across the state in which we gave 5 Torch Awards to those who have demonstrated outstanding service that support the sorority’s 5 point program thrust Hosted a Women in Leadership Luncheon - in collaboration with the Mountain Region Black Economic Summit: Keynote Speaker our Soror, Dr. Julianne Malveaux to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of DST Completed 100 days of service 2013 pledge in honor of our sorority’s 100th year Anniversary
Received the “Women that Get it Done” Award - by the Colorado Black Round Table and the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA)
Program and Projects Created a face book page and a new chapter website - with a member’s only section that provides online access to chapter updates and our newsletter. Established chapter PayPal Implemented Denver Delta University Established DAC weekly
Financially contributed to seven - P13 initiatives Established a display case unveiling - at Blair Caldwell library with artifacts representing a 77yrs of DAC Hosted a Christmas toy drive- presented over 100 toys, books to Sertoma Raised approximately $85,000 and hosted the 2014 Central Regional Conference Established a collaboration with Colorado Technical University- to offer an award to an adult wishing to obtain a four year college undergraduate degree Hosted a basketball game - between Southern University (SU) and DU. The theme was “College Night” Hosted “Divas on Broadway-A Holiday Centennial Cabaret” with a “Harlem Renaissance Cabaret” theme and a student vocal competition for title and cash prize as “The Delta Voice”. Special guest National Arts and Letters Commission Chair Essie M. Jeffries was in attendance. Implemented an EMBODI program-through adopting the Sims-Fayola International Academy, Denver's first all-male school. DAC donated school supplies and $3,000 resulting in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics room, being dedicated in honor of DAC. A quote of our choice was placed on a room plaque: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work” by Colin Powell. Implemented an After School Math Tutoring Program to help students excel in math Hosted a 75th Chapter Anniversary and Founders Day Celebration-The theme was "A Legacy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service". Highlights included heart health awareness, keynote address by our National President Dr. Paulette Walker, and musical entertainment by Denver's First Lady Mary Louise Lee and Band. Partial proceeds benefited the American Heart Association. Among guests were Regional Director Billie Coachman and Honorary Member Wilma Webb Hosted a community Long Term Care Planning seminar- in partnership with AARP that included presentations from experts in long term care Partnered with the Urban League Denver chapter on a community wide Planting the Seed conference to address a variety of issues that continue to plague urban communities (unemployment, crime, etc.) Participated in several Health walks - including St. Jude’s, Destination 5K, Komen Breast Cancer 5K, NAMI, American Heart Association, and March of Dimes
Program and Projects Implemented an Adopt-A-School program - at Gateway High School (GHS); sponsored an Art Walk for 200+ students; Arts and Letters provided $375 in prizes for most creative, unique, and people’s choice; Donated $800 in school supplies Hosted a black owned business (BOB) challenge and supported 24 BOBs 2020s
Double Good Popcorn – utilize an online fundraising opportunities to raise funds to support our programs and projects Presidential Youth Conference-a one day conference for the youth in our Delta Academy, Delta Gems and EMBODI programs Let’s Learn and Grow Series - internal development for sorors to learn and understand different aspects of the sorority that were specific to Denver Alumnae Chapter Light Up the Community – provided monetary donations, backpacks, toiletries items to The Gathering Place C3 Mask Campaign – created a video to express the importance of wearing masks during the COVID19 Pandemic as a public service announcement 90 Meals in 90 Days – prepared 90 hot meals to the African American seniors resided at Allen Gardens and Kappa Towers Find Your Rhythm – created a video to promote heart health awareness and the video was showcased on the Denver American Heart Association website Marshall Fire Donations – raised over $2200 to assist the victims of the Marshall Fire that took place in Boulder, CO Regional Conferences and National Conventions Beta Phi / Denver Alumnae hosted the following: Regional Conference: 1949, 1968, 1989, 1997, 2014 National Conventions: 1977
Program and Projects Hosted a Youth Financial workshop for the Boys and Girls Club Hosted Mental Health: Let’s Talk About workshop in partnership with NIH, AARP and Mental Health Center of Denver Hosted a Delta SIZED challenge and Wellness day;- 61 signed up to participate; total steps achieved 8.5 Million steps Awarded $1,000 from Mayor’s Office - to implement a project designed to unite youth and law enforcement Recognized by Colorado Black Round Table - as women “Who Dared and Cared about their Community” Hosted a “Bowling for a Cause” event - and donated $1,000 to Delta’s National International Awareness and Involvement initiatives Co-hosted a game night with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - in partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) and March of Dimes; DAC donated $250 to each organization; 78 in attendance Launched a Hypertension Prevention program - in partnership with the AHA; 60 members participated Received a Legacy of Service Award - from the Colorado Black Round Table Partnered with members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - to educate voters and Get Out the Vote Co-hosted a Candidates forum “Violets against Violence” Domestic Abuse Awareness Poetry night Christmas party for Seniors in partnership - with the Colorado Black Fire Fighters Association, Affordable Care Act Information and Enrollment Fest - with: NAACP, NCNW, Connect for Health Colorado, and the Colorado Latino Leadership Advocacy and Research Organization Hosted a Red Carpet event and five (5) free advance movie screenings Hosted a “Motown the Musical” fundraiser and raised close to $10,000 Conducted an Emergency Preparedness training series - with various topics to prepare Sorors for disaster. Hosted a Financial Fortitude Breakfast Symposium - during Women’s History month to empower women in realizing their financial goals in partnership with all Divine 9 sororities, the Red Hatters, Hispanic Chamber and was sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors upon DAC receiving a $ 5,000 grant award; close to 200 attended Collected 300 items for a winter drive - held in partnership with NCNW for the Sickle Cell Association Strike Out Aids Bowling event - to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS Fundraised and donated $500 -to the Delta House in Swaziland Hosted an Ebola Talk - in partnership with the Eastern Colorado Council of Black Nurses Power of Black Women Summit (PBWS)- is an opportunity to engage with black women in the community to discuss social action objectives DAC “WHO Knows What, AND, What you should know!” Trivia event– in partnership with Good Health Wins, a fun and educational event to educate the community on black history.
Denver Alumnae Presidents
Elaine Brown Jenkins
Mae Thomas Adams
1st Chapter President 1939 – 1940
2nd Chapter President 1940 – 1941
Marian Morrison (Bailey) Robinson 6th Chapter President 1945 – 1947
Pauline Robinson 7th Chapter President 1947– 1949
Esther Garrett Nelson
Jennie Woodson
Rachel Bassette Noel
Luella May Gladys Flanigan
8th Chapter President 1949 – 1950
9th Chapter President 1950 – 1951
10th Chapter President 1951 – 1952
12th Chapter President 1953 – 1954
Erma Leatrice Bowie Ford
Rachel Jeanette Walters
Beverly Biffle
14th Chapter President 1955 – 1957
15th Chapter President 1957 – 1959
16th Chapter President 1959 – 1961
Lorene Delores McConnell Peters 18th Chapter President 1963 – 1965
Not Pictured: Mary Lou Rose Blanchard
Cecilia Jenkins Bryant
Conway Moore
3rd Chapter President, 1941 – 1943
11th Chapter President, 1952 – 1953
19th Chapter President, 1965 – 1966
Bernita Buckner
Lela Shanks
Betty Brown
4th Chapter President, 1943 – 1944
13th Chapter President, 1954 - 1955
20th Chapter President, 1966 1968
Carrie Wright
Ann Goodrum Wright
5th Chapter President, 1944 - 1945
17th Chapter President, 1961 - 1963
Denver Alumnae Presidents
Jeneva Helen Awbrey McQueary
Margaret L. King
Elaine Jernigan
Linda Bates (Transou) Leali
22nd Chapter President 1969 – 1971
23rd Chapter President 1971 – 1975
24th Chapter President 1975 – 1979
Rosalie Murray Martin Joyce Pleasants Harris
Jacquelyn Scrivens (Nixon-Love) Sample
Olivia Lily Hudson Smith
21st Chapter President 1968– 1969
25th Chapter President 1979 – 1981
26th Chapter President 1981 – 1983
27th Chapter President 1983 – 1986
28th Chapter President 1986-1988
Valencia Faye Wilson Tate
Patricia Brown-Paytee
Marcia L Williams
Lisa Neal-Graves
29th Chapter President 1988-1990
30th Chapter President 1990 – 1992
31st Chapter President 1992 – 1994
32nd Chapter President 1994 – 1995
“If you don't understand yourself you don't understand anybody else.” Nikki Giovanni
Denver Alumnae Presidents
Yvonne B Parker
Frances E Jefferson
Joyce Marie Walker
Janell Ivy Lindsey
33rd Chapter President, 1995 – 1998
34th Chapter President, 1998 – 2002
35th Chapter President, 2002 – 2004
36th Chapter President, 2004 – 2008
Michelle Bruton Brown
Djuana Harvell
Michelle Simmons
37th Chapter President 2008 – 2012
38th Chapter President, 2012 – 2016
39th Chapter President, 2016 – 2020
Marqus Walker
Janice Satchell
40th Chapter President 2020
41st Chapter President Current
“I leave you love. I leave you hope. I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another. I leave you respect for the use of power. I leave you faith. I leave you racial dignity.” Mary McLeod Bethune
Executive Committee Janice Satchell President Loretta Tipton-Perry 1st Vice President Alice Arline 2nd Vice President Adriane Hackett Recording Secretary Tiffany Gallien Assistant Recording Secretary Vickie Sykes Corresponding Secretary Linda Bates Leali Assistant Corresponding Secretary Summer Foxworth Treasurer Whitnee Pleasant Assistant Treasurer Melodie Brooks Financial Secretary Debra Cooper-Clark Assistant Financial Secretary Lynette Murray Assistant Financial Secretary
Michelle Simmons Immediate Past President
Denver Alumnae Chapter Members Dorian Adams
Janet Colley
Ronnette' Harris
Mia Adkins
Debra Cooper-Clark
Stacey Hartnett
Patricia Afzal
Pamela Cotton
Djuana Harvell
Ronalda Anchrum
Jouanna Crossland-Wells
Khadija Haynes
Elerie Archer
De'Edra Dangerfield
Latia Henderson
Alice Arline
Ida Daniel
LaShaundra Hildreth
Monica Badgett
Dawn Davenport
Tammy Hill
Eloise Ball
Shelby Davis
Janet Hobley-White
Jenna Banks
Dora DeVan
Deborah Hogue
Dylesia Barner
Tandy Dilworth
Tammi Holloway
Barbara Batey
Tamara Dixon
Gerri Howard
Dana Batey-Hurd
Heidi Ellis Casteel
Jessica Howard
Dionne Bell-Hudson
Tanya Ennis
Yvette Hunt
Jasmine Bobbitt
Elisabeth Epps
Daphne Hunter
Arlene Booker
Deon Estes
Janice Hunter
Maya Bordeaux
Jo Ann Fitts
Cornelia Isaac
Nycole Bradshaw
Ashika Ford
Alexis Jackson
Stacey Brandon
Sharen Ford
Emma Jackson
Mitzi Brodnax Collins
Summer Foxworth
Lallis Jackson
Melodie Brooks
Debra Frazier
Samantha Jackson
Michelle Brown
Doris Gaines
De'Nicea Jacquet
Patrice Brown
Tiffany Gallien
Jenae Jiner
Robin Bruce
Tiffany Gardner
Glenda Johnson
Joanne Burl
Ursula Gardner
Jennifer Johnson
Doris Burns
Linda Gibson
Chloe Johnston
Jasmine Burrell
Falona Glenn
Marla Jones Newman
Brittney Cardwell
Erin Gregory
Carla King
Barbara Chapman
Adriane Hackett
Linda Bates Leali
Deremia Clark
Barbara Hale-Ray
Kathy Clark
Cheryl Hargrow
Wilma Cobb
Kathleen Harris
Denver Alumnae Chapter Members Q Leverett
Alecia Peabody
Juliet Steward
Natalie Lewis
Alexis Perry-Scott
Chanda Street
Shirley Little
La Toya Petty
Nikki Swarn
Willie Little
Whitnee Pleasant
Vickie Sykes
Toni Locke
Angela Pleasants
Valencia Tate
Gloria Lowman
DeLois Porter
Kaeyla Taylor
Karen Lucas
Joan Potts-Strayhan
Barbara Thames
Debra Luckett
Karen Powell
Sharmaine Thompson
Lori Mack
Ashley Rankin
Loretta Tipton-Perry
Ouida MaGee
Debra Rankin
Madlyn Tombs
Delores Manns-Martin
Kelly Rankin
Alexis Toussaint
Dana Manyothane
Jennifer Rice
Joyce Walker
Toi Massey
Shirley Richard
Mella Dee Warren
Mary Matthews
Faye Rison
Monique Washington
Sandra Mayfield
Sandra Roberts-Taylor
Belinda Watkins
Karen McDade
Sarah Roland
Chandra Weeams
Trina McGuire-Collier
Nia Rollins
Dorothy White
Sheryl McKenzie
Michelle Ruffin
Tamara White
CoCo Miller
Jacquelyn Sample
Shireen Whitson-Truesdale
Lynette Murray
Janice Satchell
Constance Wilkins-Alexander
Reta Murray
Clenda Scales
Alexis Williams
Niecy Murray
Nik Scott
Serena Williams
Janice Napper
Goldie Sellers
Glynis Williams-Thompson
Lisa Neal-Graves
Vasa Sellers
Donna Wilson
Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie
Abriyana Senter
Gwendolyn Wooten
Stephanie O'Malley
Sandra Shreve
Rodella Wooten
Edirin Okoloko
Michelle Simmons
Cortney Worrell
Yvonne Pace
Angela Sims-Ceja
Dawn Wynn
Micaela Parker
CJay Smith
Yvonne Parker
Olivia Smith
Virginia Payne
Roechelle Smith
Cheryl Pegues
Sheryl Smith
JoAnn Pegues
Betty Sparrow-Doris
Delta DEARS Doralee Armstrong Shirley Armstrong Eloise Ball Dr. Barbara Batey Joann Burl Doris Burns Debra A. Cooper-Clark Ivette Shipp Daniels Ida Daniel Dora Devan Michelle Dolphin Betty Sparrow Doris Jo Ann Fitts Yasmaine Ford Jennifer Ford- Keel Linda Gibson Carol R. Gilchrist-Fox Adriane Hackett Barbara Hale-Ray Dr. Gayle Hamlett Dr. Dorothy Hayden Watkins Lillie Henry LaVarene Hilliard Janet Hobley-White Deborah Hogue Bayonne Holmes Celeta Houston Polly Howard Yvette M. Hunt Jennifer Jackson Emma G. Jackson Shirley Johnson Dorothy King-Stockton Margaret King Linda Bates Leali Willie Mae Little Shirley Little Gloria Lowman Debra A. Luckett Ouida Magee
Delores Manns-Martin Rhonda Marshall Sandra A. Mayfield Dr. Sallye McKee Jeneva McQueary Rita Murray Janice Napper Stella Nash Garaline (Gerri) Newman Yvonne B. Parker Patricia Paytee Cheryl Pegues JoAnn Pegues Karen Powell Helen Pryor Shirley Richards Dr. Faye Rison Sandra Roberts Taylor Jacquelyn Sample Sarah Seaborn Peaches Sellers Sandra Shreve Olivia Hudson Smith Sandra Stanfield Joan Strayhan MarthaTeague Barbara Thames Loretta Tipton-Perry Madlyn Tombs AlRuth Toney Shireen Truesdale Joyce M. Walker Mella Dee Warren Deborah Washington Wilma Webb Dorothy C. White Barbara J. Williams Rodella Wooten Peggy Wortham
Omega Omega
Dorothy Louise Livingston
Gwendolyn Sowell
Carrie Carter Young
1/1/2019
2/2/2020
1/4/2021
Zelma Irene Ray
Gloria J Olivier
Marqus Marie Walker
3/3/2019
2/10/2020
2/6/2021
Kathryn Sue Bates Gavin
Royce Collins Bloodworth
Aleshia Armour
3/2019
2/19/2020
2/28/2021
Frances Furlough Jefferson
Carolyn Hogan Holmes
Leta R Holden
4/16/2019
3/7/2020
3/15/2021
Sharon Kay Mason
Bobby Holleman Benson
Fannye Belle Evans
5/27/2019
3/8/2020
3/18/2021
Lorene Thomas
Frances M Owens
Carol Ann Rose
6/10/2019
4/10/2020
5/26/2021
Carole Devers
Doris Hudson Garrett
Glenda M Mitchell Grandberry
11/4/2019
4/14/2020
8/29/2021
Gwendolyn A Thomas
Betty Brown Germany
Ida Lavender
12/26/2019
4/22/2020
11/22/2021
Arnette Floyd
AreReatha Sullivan Jones
Sharon R Bailey
5/15/2020
12/3/2021
Pamela Norman
Doris Overton
7/26/2020
12/18/2021
12/31/2019
Barbara Jean Holmes 9/27/2020 Annette R Groves 11/21/2020 Dorothy Gibson Pratt 11/22/2020
Omega Omega
Lois C Mance
Asaline L Hughley
01/01/2022
2/17/2023
Palecia Lewis
Patricia Lee Houston
01/12/2022
4/4/2023
Cleo Norma Breeze
Linda Anne West Green
02/23/2022
8/26/2023
Linda Jane Boldin
Beverley Reddick-Jenkins
03/05/2022
10/6/2023
Regina Jordan Springer
Loweta Lee Kimball
03/22/2022
11/5/2023
Gloria Travis Tanner
Bettie Jo “BJ” McGee Barnes
4/4/2022
12/26/2023
Gloria Little 4/7/2022 Edwina Burton 4/8/2022 Ila Mae Hundon 8/30/2022 Betty L Neal 11/9/2022
Mistress of Ceremony
Kennedy Cook has lived in the Midwest all her life but is thrilled to be your weekend morning anchor and weekday morning reporter with CBS Colorado. Before joining the CBS Colorado Mornings team Kennedy reported and anchored in the Quad Cities. She did extensive coverage on school district changes, crime, and feature stories. Kennedy loves highlighting different trailblazers in the community. Kennedy got her start in broadcast news at her alma mater the University of Iowa. There she covered Hawkeye sports, student government and multicultural news on campus. Outside of the newsroom you can find Kennedy exploring all Denver has to offer. She's a musical theatre geek and loves all things arts and entertainment.
Auctioneer
Lesley Pace-Gormley is a native of Aurora, Colorado and a proud graduate of Howard University where she obtained her B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems while minoring in Information
Assurance. She later obtained her M.S. in Human Computer Interaction from Drexel University. Lesley currently works at Google as a User Experience Researcher on Google Workspace products like Google Sites, Sheets, Drive and Docs. She is also the co-founder and former co-lead of the Black Googler Network in Boulder, CO and of Blerd, a local meetup for Black techies. In addition to her technological pursuits, Lesley is a certified yoga instructor, keynote speaker, mindfulness coach, and wellness advocate. In both the realms of yoga and technology she realizes there is a tremendous lack of diversity. It is her goal to increase the amount of people of color and members of other marginalized communities in these spaces. In her free time you can find her bopping around the world for leisure, uplifting her community through her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., gracing the pages of Yoga Journal, and reading bell hooks to children.
Entertainment
The Denver Alumnae Singing Ensemble V. Ronalda Anchrum
Lesley Pace
Melodie Brooks
Stacie Potts Franklin
Patrice Brown
Telaya Purchase
Debra Clark
Debra Rankin
Sandra Daniel
Alberteen Ransom
Heidi Ellis
Shayla Richard
Dr. Tanya Ennis
Jacquelyn Sample
Angela Faison
Vasa Peaches Sellers
Debra Fraizer
Angela Sims-Ceja
Cornelia Isaac
Lisa Stephenson
Lallis Cotton Jackson
Vickie Sykes
Linda Bates Leali
Valencia Faye Tate
Niecy Murray
Loretta Tipton-Perry
Dr. Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie
Alruth Toney
Directors: Deon Estes, Jennifer Ford Keel, & Joslyn Ford
Entertainment
Nadia Nicole Brooks is a native of Denver Colorado. She graduated from Eaglecrest High School and is currently a Freshman at the University of Denver where she is majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Creative Writing. Encouraged and greatly supported by her Grandmother Madestella C Holcomb, who was a published author of multiple books and plays, Nadia published her first book of short stories when she was only 10 years old. She continues to cultivate her prolific talents as an aspiring poet who seeks to generate creativity in all forms imaginable. One of her many goals is to utilize her talents and understanding of the environment to enable herself and others to protect it as much as they possibly can.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international arts institution rooted in the legacy of African American traditions and the Diaspora, empowering all of our communities. Viewing dance as a universal language of movement that transcends boundaries of culture, class, and age, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance honors diversity and inclusiveness throughout the global community. The dancers Gabriela Maduro and Tyveze Littlejohn performed a piece choreographed by Gary Abbott, Music by Aretha Franklin. ent/mc
Service Activity
Service Activity
BROWN REALTY ENTERPRISES LLC
Congratulates the
Denver Alumnae Chapter on
85 years of service!
Love Togetherness and Devotion Barbara Bass, Sharon Calhoun, Cheryl Hargrow, Valerie Harrell,
Sheila DeBroux, (np) Cynthia Greene, Pat Mc Crimmon, (np) Dale Wallace -Congratulations on 85 Years Deeply Rooted in Sisterhood and Community
DBH Enterprises Inc.
Congratulates the
Edgewater Capital Group Inc.
Congratulates the
Denver Alumnae Chapter on
Denver Alumnae Chapter on
85 years of service!
85 years of service!
Please wish my daughter congratulations on her magical debut poetry collection, Heirloom, released April 2023. Karen Lucas
Wishing you a wonderful celebratory DST on your 85th year anniversary. Learn more about us at www.twinpastries.com
Congratulations to the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. on your 85th Anniversary Celebration! Thank you for your community service programs that continue to uplift Black Women in Colorado. Colorado Black Women for Political Action
Denver Alumnae Chapter DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Congratulations to DAC for 85 years of sisterhood and service!!! Soror Lynette Murray Congratulations to the Denver Alumnae Chapter for 85 years of Community, Sisterhood and Social Action!!! Soror Shirley Little
Congratulations on 85 Years! Soror Fitts and Alex Congratulations to my Spesh Tamara Dixon, #5 Executive Decision and the 15 Diamonds of DeSTiny! Welcome to our sisterhood! In Delta Love, Dr. Donna L. Wilson, Fall '20, 22 Pearls of Perseverance,#4- Fourtitude Congratulations DAC for 85 years of service! Soror Summer Foxworth Bravo on 85 years of Sisterhood, Scholarship & Service! Arlene Booker Congratulations on 85 Years of Social Action! Janet Colley Congratulations to my spesh Sarah Roland #4 DIVA Code and the 15 Diamonds of DeSTiny! Welcome to our Sisterhood! With love, Nikki Swarn, #19 Psychedelic , SPR '17, Unbreakable XXVII Congratulations on 85 years of service. Happy Founders Day! Soror Adriane Hackett Oh to be a Delta woman! Congratulations my sisters of DST. Soror Stephanie Y. O'Malley, J.D. Happy Founders Day! Soror Janis Napper & Soror Yvonne Pace Congratulations Sorors on 85 years of sisterhood & service!!! Soror Peggy Wortham
Denver Alumnae Chapter DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Violet Ad Adriane Hackett
LaShaundra Hildreth
Alice Arline
Linda Bates Leali
Angela Sims-Ceja
Madlyn Tombs
Arlene Booker
Melodie Brooks
Barbara Chapman
Michelle Simmons
Cheryl Hargrow
Patricia Raybon
Constance Alexander
Samuel Batey
Debra Frazier
Shireen Whitson-Truesdale
Debra Luckett Donna Wilson
Stacey Hartnett Stephanie O'Malley
Elerie Archer Gwendolyn Wooten Janet Colley
Sylvia Murray Tiffany Gallien
Janice Hunter
Vasa Peaches Sellers
Janice Satchell
Virginia Payne
Jennifer Johnson
Willie Little
JoAnn Fitts
Yvette Hunt Valencia Anchrum
Denver Alumnae Chapter DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Founders Day Committee CHAIR: Cheryl Hargrow CO-CHAIR: Lynette Murray
Subcommittee CATERING COMMITTEE Arlene Booker Debra Cooper-Clark Jennifer Rice Denise Swindler Sweet FINANCE COMMITTEE Melodie Brooks Summer Foxworth Lynette Murray Whitnee Pleasant HISTORY AND ARCHIVES Deborah Hogue Janice Satchell Jacquelyn Sample PADDLE RAISE Stacey Brandon Tamara Dixon Ursula Gardner Cornelia Issac Debra Luckett Alexis Perry-Scott Monique Washington
PROGRAM JOURNAL Brooke Gregory Djuana Harvell, PhD Dana Manyothane Alecia Peabody Donna Wilson SILENT AUCTION Janice Napper TECHNOLOGY Deon Estes Joslyn Ford Keel
Acknowledgements SPONSORS African Leadership Group Loretta Tipton-Perry Wine Suite DAC EDITORIAL COUNCIL