Photo courtesy of Debra McNeil-Teasley
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Reflecting the momentum of the Tau Psi endowment, the idea of establishing a scholarship in the name of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was first discussed by three NCCU initiates of the chapter – Jemma Boler, Dianne Pledger and Pandora Frazier. Looking for a way to give back to their alma mater and create a lasting legacy, Boler and her 31 line sisters, who were initiated in the chapter in the fall of 1983, led the charge in setting up the endowment fund in celebration of their 30th anniversary and the fund was officially established on Jan. 8, 2014, with a goal of meeting the NCCU Scholarship Endowment minimum requirement of $25,000 by October 2018. In July 2016, 150 alumnae members who where initiated into the chapter, returned to the Triangle to celebrate the chapter’s 85th Anniversary. The weekend events were
“We remain strong in the principles of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Educational Programmatic Thrust, and we have fulfilled those ideals with this endowed scholarship. We challenge other NPHC organizations to make the commitment and support NCCU also.” — JEMMA BOLER
coordinated by Frazier, who was initiated in the chapter in the spring of 1980. Pledger pledged in fall of 1978 and alumnus Kecia Wynn in spring of 1985. The anniversary served as an opportunity to raise awareness of the endowment and increase donations towards the scholarship. The celebration proved to be successful, as donations flooded in and to date, the group has raised over $28,000, and has met the requirements to establish the endowment, two years ahead of schedule. Some members have pledged monthly support, and alumnae members celebrating initiation anniversaries also have donated to help meet the goal. “We remain strong in the principles of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Educational Programmatic Thrust, and we have fulfilled those ideals with this endowed scholarship,“ says Boler. “We challenge the other NPHC organizations to make the commitment and support NCCU.”
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For more information on establishing an endowed scholarship, please contact Randal V. Childs, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement at 919-530-5264.
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NCCU NOW FALL 2016
A I Some of the 150 Alpha Lambda sorors that were in attendance at the 150th Anniversary celebration are pictured with guest speakers, (left to right in black) Mary B. Sutton, Past Regional Director of South Atlantic Conference of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Juanita B. Massenburg, Current Regional Director. Both are alumnas of the university. B I (Left to Right) Alpha Lambda Scholarship Endowment fundraising committee members, Pandora Frazier, Dianne Peerman Pledger and Jemma Boler.