PAST PRESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES
Soror Della Burt-Bradley
(1970-1972 Beta Nu Chapter)
I am remembering. I am remembering, our bonding as a sisterhood. We had a place–the Delta House on 26th and Harrison, where we planned, played, entertained ourselves, and met and met and met–all for good causes. We had a profound sense of purpose and concern for the common good which was reflected in our many community programs and projects. We turned challenges into opportunities; turned serious business into fun and laughed all the time; appreciated each other and cooperated with each other; dismissed personality conflicts as temporary moments of insanity . . . and moved on and up, together, as sisters. These are some of the things that challenged me to be an inspired and inspiring leader. For those years as president, I am grateful. For the leadership before and after my presidency, I am grateful. For this opportunity to rethink those years, I am reminded of a few of the qualities that have continued to sustain and renew our sorority.
Soror Jeanette Pike
(1972 – 1974 Beta Nu Chapter)
During my tenure one of the big pushes was to bring culture to Gary. I believe Roberta Flack or Nancy
Wilson. (Don’t quote me) I do know that it was a lot less expensive to bring known entertainers to Gary at that time. Soror Benbow, National President was one of our guests to Beta Nu Mixed Chapter and we had an open meeting at First Baptist Church to share our National President. I think it was during that same time that Soror Ruth Taylor was National Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta. During Soror Benbow’s tenure more was done nationally to enforce the pledging guidelines for new members. I don’t think we called seasoned Deltas Delta Dears at that time. It also appeared the chapter was more heavily populated with active younger sorors than Delta Dears.
Soror Ernestine Dobbins
(1994-1996 Gary Alumnae Chapter)
“100 Women In Red” became one of the goals of Gary Alumnae. As president, I wanted to focus on inviting inactive Sorors to become active in the programs, projects and other activities of the Chapter. Celebrating ourselves also became one of my priorities. I felt that this was a time when we needed to applaud, encourage and recognize Sorors for their continuous commitment to the Sorority, the Chapter and to Sisterhood. Vertelle Staton began the wonderful service to our Sorors through Companion Sorors which has grown over the years. The thought that reflects the importance of working together and being committeed is expressed in this statement that reminds Sorors that we are one body working together for excellent results. “If two heads are better than one, imagine what a whole group of like-minded people can accomplish.” One last reflection: It was a honor to serve as president of Gary Alumnae. I appreciate those who mentored and supported me those two years. I came in with excitement and great expectations. I left with more excitement and greater expectations for the chapter.
THE PRITCHETT REPORT
(2006-2008 Gary Alumnae Chapter)
The buzz word for Gary Alumnae’s fiscal years 2006-2008 was (E2) a.k.a. Energized and Enthusiastic. We stayed the course by being energetic and energized as we carried on the work for DST. In addition we added some new initiatives over this biennium that included the following:
We formed Mentoring Programs at Roosevelt High School and Frankie Woods McCullough Girls Academy. Frankie Woods McCullough Girls Academy became our Adopted School which made a commitment to support both academically and socially.
The implementation of our Parent Program commenced with our involvement in the Title I Regional Parent Conference where some of our sorors were presenters at the workshops and parent concerns were addressed. Gary Alumnae was recognized for our involvement with parent support throughout the community.
We established a 501©3 foundation, “Jewels of Fortitude” to enhance our financial needs
We launched Gary Alumnae’s web-site, which serves as a conduit to keep sorors informed on up-to-date information.
We achieved our organizational plans: 1) to begin and end meetings on time 2) to include a monthly calendar of upcoming events and meetings in our newsletter 3) to adhere to National mandates 4) to utilize an announcement inbox for announcements to be read by the Corresponding Secretary 5) to implement a systematic format for the collection of funds at chapter and Executive Board meetings.
Led by our Vice President, the Delta Dears and reclaimed sorors were embraced like never in this past biennium. Our Vice President, created the theme “Come Home to Delta”.
We added 11 new members to our sisterhood, “It is What It is; Oh Well Eleven!”
We had our 1st” Free Thanksgiving Dinner” held at New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
Delta Days at City Hall included the participation of Delta GEMS and Delta Academy girls.
In conclusion, we were proud of accomplishments during this biennium.
I encourage the incoming President “to take our chapter to a higher level of community service”. Soror Deborah Black was an awesome Vice-President, and I knew that she had the ability to obtain her vision and goals for the chapter. The challenge given to her has come to fruition, as Gary Alumnae Chapter received the “2010 Midwest Chapter of the Year Award” It is my belief that Delta women exemplifies stellar leadership and we will continue to reach higher service goals as we continue to do the business of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Love to All,
Alesia Y. Pritchett, Immediate Past President
