2024 DAC Souvenir Journal-85th Celebration

Denver Alumnae Chapter

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

FOUNDERS DAY

85TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 18, 2024

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS | DENVER, COLORADO

Denver

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 personally 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 chapter 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

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

THELMA THOMAS DALEY 1975 - 1979

MONA HUMPHRIES BAILEY* 1979 - 1983

HORTENSE GOLDEN CANADY* 1983 - 1988

YVONNE KENNEDY* 1988 - 1992

BERTHA MAXWELL RODDEY 1992 - 1996

MARCIA L. FUDGE 1996 - 2000

GWENDOLYN E. BOYD 2000 - 2004

LOUISE ALLEN RICE 2004 - 2008 CYNTHIA M.A. BUTLER-MCINTYRE 2008 - 2013

PAULETTE C. WALKER 2013 - 2017

BEVERLY E. SMITH 26TH PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT

ELSIE COOKE-HOLMES 27TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT CURRENT

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.

Mary Kathryn Cohron

Beta Phi Chapter Members

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 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

Adopt a Black Child Program -

1970s

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 achieved8.5 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

Not Pictured:

Mary Lou Rose Blanchard

3rd Chapter President, 1941 – 1943

Cecilia Jenkins Bryant

11th Chapter President, 1952 – 1953

12th

18th

Conway Moore

19th Chapter President, 1965 – 1966

Bernita Buckner

4th Chapter President, 1943 – 1944

Carrie Wright

5th Chapter President, 1944 - 1945

Lela Shanks

13th Chapter President, 1954 - 1955

Ann Goodrum Wright

17th Chapter President, 1961 - 1963

Betty Brown

20th Chapter President, 1966 1968

Elaine Brown Jenkins

1st Chapter President 1939 – 1940

Mae Thomas Adams 2nd Chapter President 1940 – 1941

Marian Morrison (Bailey) Robinson 6th Chapter President 1945 – 1947

Pauline Robinson

7th Chapter President 1947– 1949

Esther Garrett Nelson 8th Chapter President 1949 – 1950

Jennie Woodson 9th Chapter President 1950 – 1951

Rachel Bassette Noel 10th Chapter President 1951 – 1952

Luella May Gladys Flanigan

Chapter President 1953 – 1954

Erma Leatrice Bowie Ford 14th Chapter President 1955 – 1957

Rachel Jeanette Walters 15th Chapter President 1957 – 1959

Beverly Biffle 16th Chapter President 1959 – 1961

Lorene Delores McConnell Peters

Chapter President 1963 – 1965

Denver Alumnae Presidents

“If you don't understand yourself you don't understand anybody else.”

Nikki Giovanni

Awbrey McQueary 21st Chapter President

Margaret L. King 22nd Chapter President 1969 – 1971

Elaine Jernigan 23rd Chapter President 1971 – 1975

Linda Bates (Transou) Leali 24th Chapter President 1975 – 1979

Rosalie Murray Martin 25th Chapter President 1979 – 1981

Joyce Pleasants Harris 26th Chapter President 1981 – 1983

Jacquelyn Scrivens (Nixon-Love) Sample 27th Chapter President 1983 – 1986

Olivia Lily Hudson Smith 28th Chapter President 1986-1988

Valencia Faye Wilson Tate 29th Chapter President 1988-1990

Patricia Brown-Paytee 30th Chapter President 1990 – 1992

Marcia L Williams 31st Chapter President 1992 – 1994

Lisa Neal-Graves 32nd Chapter President 1994 – 1995

Denver Alumnae Presidents

“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.”

Yvonne B Parker 33rd Chapter President, 1995 – 1998

Frances E Jefferson 34th Chapter President, 1998 – 2002

Joyce Marie Walker 35th Chapter President, 2002 – 2004

Janell Ivy Lindsey 36th Chapter President, 2004 – 2008

Michelle Bruton Brown 37th Chapter President 2008 – 2012

Djuana Harvell 38th Chapter President, 2012 – 2016

Mary McLeod Bethune

Michelle Simmons 39th Chapter President, 2016 – 2020

Marqus Walker 40th Chapter President 2020

Janice Satchell 41st Chapter President Current

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

Deon Estes Assistant Financial Secretary

Lynette Murray Assistant Financial Secretary

Michelle Simmons Immediate Past President

Denver Alumnae Chapter Members

Dorian Adams

Mia Adkins

Patricia Afzal

Ronalda Anchrum

Elerie Archer

Alice Arline

Monica Badgett

Eloise Ball

Jenna Banks

Dylesia Barner

Barbara Batey

Dana Batey-Hurd

Dionne Bell-Hudson

Jasmine Bobbitt

Arlene Booker

Maya Bordeaux

Nycole Bradshaw

Stacey Brandon

Mitzi Brodnax Collins

Melodie Brooks

Michelle Brown

Patrice Brown

Robin Bruce

Joanne Burl

Doris Burns

Jasmine Burrell

Brittney Cardwell

Barbara Chapman

Deremia Clark

Kathy Clark

Wilma Cobb

Janet Colley

Debra Cooper-Clark

Pamela Cotton

Jouanna Crossland-Wells

De'Edra Dangerfield

Ida Daniel

Dawn Davenport

Shelby Davis

Dora DeVan

Tandy Dilworth

Tamara Dixon

Heidi Ellis Casteel

Tanya Ennis

Elisabeth Epps

Deon Estes

Jo Ann Fitts

Ashika Ford

Sharen Ford

Summer Foxworth

Debra Frazier

Doris Gaines

Tiffany Gallien

Tiffany Gardner

Ursula Gardner

Linda Gibson

Falona Glenn

Erin Gregory

Adriane Hackett

Barbara Hale-Ray

Cheryl Hargrow

Kathleen Harris

Ronnette' Harris

Stacey Hartnett

Djuana Harvell

Khadija Haynes

Latia Henderson

LaShaundra Hildreth

Tammy Hill

Janet Hobley-White

Deborah Hogue

Tammi Holloway

Gerri Howard

Jessica Howard

Yvette Hunt

Daphne Hunter

Janice Hunter

Cornelia Isaac

Alexis Jackson

Emma Jackson

Lallis Jackson

Samantha Jackson

De'Nicea Jacquet

Jenae Jiner

Glenda Johnson

JenniferJohnson

Chloe Johnston

Marla Jones Newman

Carla King

Linda Bates Leali

Denver Alumnae Chapter Members

Q Leverett

Natalie Lewis

Shirley Little

Willie Little

Toni Locke

Gloria Lowman

Karen Lucas

Debra Luckett

Lori Mack

Ouida MaGee

Delores Manns-Martin

Dana Manyothane

Toi Massey

Mary Matthews

Sandra Mayfield

Karen McDade

Trina McGuire-Collier

Sheryl McKenzie

CoCo Miller

Lynette Murray

Reta Murray

Niecy Murray

Janice Napper

Lisa Neal-Graves

Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie

Stephanie O'Malley

Edirin Okoloko

Yvonne Pace

Micaela Parker

Yvonne Parker

Virginia Payne

Alecia Peabody

Alexis Perry-Scott

La Toya Petty

Whitnee Pleasant

Angela Pleasants

DeLois Porter

Joan Potts-Strayhan

Karen Powell

Ashley Rankin

Debra Rankin

Kelly Rankin

Jennifer Rice

Shirley Richard

Faye Rison

Sandra Roberts-Taylor

Sarah Roland

Nia Rollins

Michelle Ruffin

Jacquelyn Sample

Janice Satchell

Clenda Scales

Nik Scott

Goldie Sellers

Vasa Sellers

Abriyana Senter

Sandra Shreve

Michelle Simmons

Angela Sims-Ceja

CJay Smith

Olivia Smith

Roechelle Smith

Juliet Steward

Chanda Street

Nikki Swarn

Vickie Sykes

Valencia Tate

Kaeyla Taylor

Barbara Thames

Sharmaine Thompson

Loretta Tipton-Perry

Madlyn Tombs

Alexis Toussaint

Joyce Walker

Mella Dee Warren

Monique Washington

Belinda Watkins

Chandra Weeams

Dorothy White

Tamara White

Shireen Whitson-Truesdale

Constance Wilkins-Alexander

Alexis Williams

Serena Williams

Glynis Williams-Thompson

Donna Wilson

Gwendolyn Wooten

Rodella Wooten

Cortney Worrell

Dawn Wynn

Cheryl Pegues

JoAnn Pegues

Sheryl Smith

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

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

LorettaTipton-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

Ouida Magee

Dorothy Louise Livingston

1/1/2019

Zelma Irene Ray 3/3/2019

Kathryn Sue Bates Gavin 3/2019

Frances Furlough Jefferson 4/16/2019

Sharon Kay Mason

5/27/2019

Lorene Thomas

6/10/2019

Carole Devers

11/4/2019

Gwendolyn A Thomas 12/26/2019

Arnette Floyd 12/31/2019

Omega Omega

Gwendolyn Sowell

2/2/2020

Gloria J Olivier 2/10/2020

Royce Collins Bloodworth 2/19/2020

Carolyn Hogan Holmes 3/7/2020

Bobby Holleman Benson 3/8/2020

Frances M Owens

4/10/2020

Doris Hudson Garrett

4/14/2020

Betty Brown Germany 4/22/2020

AreReatha Sullivan Jones

5/15/2020

Pamela Norman

7/26/2020

Barbara Jean Holmes

9/27/2020

Annette R Groves

11/21/2020

Dorothy Gibson Pratt

11/22/2020

Carrie Carter Young 1/4/2021

Marqus Marie Walker

2/6/2021

Aleshia Armour

2/28/2021

Leta R Holden

3/15/2021

Fannye Belle Evans

3/18/2021

Carol Ann Rose

5/26/2021

Glenda M Mitchell Grandberry

8/29/2021

Ida Lavender

11/22/2021

Sharon R Bailey

12/3/2021

Doris Overton

12/18/2021

Omega Omega

Lois C Mance

01/01/2022

Palecia Lewis

01/12/2022

Cleo Norma Breeze

02/23/2022

Linda Jane Boldin

03/05/2022

Regina Jordan Springer

03/22/2022

Gloria Travis Tanner 4/4/2022

Gloria Little 4/7/2022

Edwina Burton

4/8/2022

Ila Mae Hundon

8/30/2022

Betty L Neal

11/9/2022

Asaline L Hughley 2/17/2023

Patricia Lee Houston 4/4/2023

Linda Anne West Green 8/26/2023

Beverley Reddick-Jenkins 10/6/2023

Loweta Lee Kimball 11/5/2023

Bettie Jo “BJ” McGee Barnes 12/26/2023

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

Melodie Brooks

Patrice Brown

Debra Clark

Sandra Daniel

Heidi Ellis

Dr. Tanya Ennis

Angela Faison

Debra Fraizer

Cornelia Isaac

Lallis Cotton Jackson

Linda Bates Leali

Niecy Murray

Dr. Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie

Directors:

Lesley Pace

Stacie Potts Franklin

Telaya Purchase

Debra Rankin

Alberteen Ransom

Shayla Richard

Jacquelyn Sample

Vasa Peaches Sellers

Angela Sims-Ceja

Lisa Stephenson

Vickie Sykes

Valencia Faye Tate

Loretta Tipton-Perry

Alruth Toney

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

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 Denver Alumnae Chapter on 85 years of service!

Edgewater Capital Group Inc.

Congratulates the Denver Alumnae Chapter on 85 years of service!

Please wish my daughter congratulations on her magical debut poetry collection, Heirloom, released April 2023.

Karen Lucas

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

Alice Arline

Angela Sims-Ceja

Arlene Booker

Barbara Chapman

Cheryl Hargrow

Constance Alexander

Debra Frazier

Debra Luckett

Donna Wilson

Elerie Archer

Gwendolyn Wooten

Janet Colley

Janice Hunter

Janice Satchell

Jennifer Johnson

JoAnn Fitts

LaShaundra Hildreth

Linda Bates Leali

Madlyn Tombs

Melodie Brooks

Michelle Simmons

Patricia Raybon

Samuel Batey

Shireen Whitson-Truesdale

Stacey Hartnett

Stephanie O'Malley

Sylvia Murray

Tiffany Gallien

Vasa Peaches Sellers

Virginia Payne

Willie Little

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

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

Alexis Perry-Scott

Monique Washington