Diamond Digest

In This IssueWe had a phenomenal 2016. The Educational Advancement Foundation

Corporate Office applauds you for your hard work and dedication in

helping us achieve our philanthropic objectives.

With your financial support, we exceeded our fundraising goals. Thank

you for your high level of commitment to EAF’s programs as evidenced

by your ongoing participation in EAF at all giving levels.

During the first quarter of 2016, our office added a new staff position

to help meet the growing needs of more than 70,000 active members.

This operational change allows us to receive, batch and deposit $1.4

Million in overall contributions to the organization more efficiently.

We could not have achieved this without your support of numerous

fundraisers at the regional and chapter levels.

Additionally, your support of our communication efforts, activities, and events helped EAF reach its

goal of increasing our social media presence. We successfully redesigned our website after much

feedback from members, donors and scholars. The new site, which was unveiled during the 2016

Boule, is more efficient and user-friendly. The website has also enabled EAF to showcase its many

programs and scholarship offerings. We hope it continues to be motivating and inspiring to those

seeking scholarship funding as well as for those seeking to contribute to a worthy cause.

To date, we’ve awarded over $476,000 in scholarships, endowments and community assistance

awards to over 379 worthy students and community organizations. Our year end giving efforts

were launched with our second #GivingTuesday campaign, which generated over $33,000 in online

donations on November 29. We concluded the year with over $170,000 in online donations

which was a 140 percent increase over 2015. We feel online donations are a strong indicator

of the future direction of philanthropy and with your help, are well on our way to meeting

the demands of an ever changing donor base.

We look forward to seeing you at our Scholarship and Awards Luncheon during our

2017 Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, NV on Friday, July 14, 2017. This year’s

luncheon theme is “Educational Excellence Reigns” and while “reigning” in our

purple attire with a touch of green, we will highlight our outstanding scholarship

recipients, Platinum Chapters and dynamic donors with a wonderful raffle and

program that you don’t want to miss.

Thank you again for an outstanding EAF year and for helping us

continue to Launch New Dimensions of Educational Excellence!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Inc.

Launching New Dimensions of Educational Excellence

A Message From The Executive Director

2017 South Central Regional Conference Newsletter

• Message from the

South Central Regional

Coordinator

• President’s Message

• 2017 SC Chapter

Recognitions

• EAF Membership Cup

Regional Challenge

• SC Endowments /

Fellowships

• SC Scholarship and

Community Assistance

Award Winners

• 2017 EAF Initiatives

• Student Testimony

Erika V. Everett, Executive Director

Leadership EAF LuncheonFriday, July 14, 2017

Las Vegas, NV

Sorors this event will sell out! Make sure to purchase your ticket when

you register for Leadership. You must purchase a ticket to attend the

Luncheon and participate in the Platinum Parade.

Thank you for making last year SENSATIONAL! We will continue

to generate donations to reach our goals by “Launching New

Dimensions of Educational Excellence.”

The South Central Region contributed with chapter donations,

fellowships, endowments and regional contributions. The region

received Undergraduate, Graduate and Youth PAC Awards. In

addition, we capitalized several endowments.

I challenge all chapters in our Region to work to attain Silver, Gold

and Platinum levels. Your support and belief in such a worthy cause

will put the South Central Region on top! Let’s keep the momentum

in 2017. This year we usher in the theme of Emeralds & Pearls with

EAF.

Our region is supported by a team of Sorors dedicated to

perpetuating the ideals and goals of EAF. Each Chapter is

represented by its own EAF Chapter Captain to assist at the chapter

level. We are here to help you!

Remember that EAF offers opportunities for scholarships which will

only enhance our “Think HBCU” initiative.

Sensational South Central’s AKAPOLLO is the region’s largest EAF

fundraiser. Join us as we “Step into New Dimensions.” Thank you for

your support as we continue to make the Educational Advancement

Foundation a priority. “Launching New Dimensions of Educational

Excellence”!

Establish a legacy for yourself or chapter by starting an endowment.

Guidelines and forms can be found on the EAF website.

Be an EAF Philanthropist! This is a new EAF giving level and Sorors

can achieve this recognition by contributing $250 towards EAF.

Consider being a special EAF supporter and give at an individual

level for recognition at Regional Conference and 2017 Leadership

Conference in Las Vegas.

Learn more about the Non-Profit Chapter Assistance Program

(NCAP) designed for small or medium-sized chapters or chapters

with no foundation. Find out how EAF can assist your chapter

with administering scholarships at a local level within the new IRS

guidelines.

Technology is our friend in giving! Let’s embrace technology together

and register to give on the EAF website. Mobile giving allows you

to receive your receipt and confirmation in a secure and efficient

manner. Visit www.akaeaf.org today! It only takes 2 minutes to get

registered.

Thank you to Regional Director, Katina Semien and EAF Foundation

President, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, for allowing me to serve as

Coordinator of the Sensational South Central Region.

Laura Martin

South Central Regional EAF Coordinator

The Sensational South Central Region is poised to Launch New Dimensions of Educational Excellence!

Greetings Sorors of South Central Region!Greetings Sorors!

Congratulations! Thanks to your efforts and support of our Educational Advancement Foundation,

we continue to make an impact globally by providing grants, scholarships and fellowships to many

deserving community organizations and students in pursuit of higher learning.

Let us applaud our EAF Chapter Captains. In 2016, we exceeded our annual giving goal for chapter

contributions. Your creativity and enthusiasm towards boosting the support of our foundation is

appreciated. EAF has sustained itself over the years through the generosity of you, your chapters,

so many of our friends, corporate sponsors and community supporters. Together, we can achieve

even more.

In 2017, we will launch three new endowments for our Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders and Incorporators.

With the goal of capitalizing these endowments by the 68th Boule next year in Houston, we will be

positioned to perpetuate life-long learning for future generations in the name of our beloved Sorority

and Incorporators.

As our sisterhood continues to “Launch New Dimensions of Service,” I am confident that EAF will

continue to soar to “New Dimensions of Educational Excellence” in its support and commitment to meeting the needs of our

students, as well as successfully impact communities worldwide.

During this Regional Conference, in addition to EAF Chapter Captains and Chapter Presidents, I encourage chapter financial

officers, chapter scholarship committees, chapter finance committee members and members of your chapter’s strategic planning

committee to attend the EAF workshop where you will hear more about the benefits of EAF’s programs.

Your sustenance through the years has been invaluable in growing EAF to the entity that it is today.

We look forward to seeing you at our 2017 Leadership Seminar in Las Vegas for our Annual Meeting and Scholarship and Awards

Luncheon. Thank you EAF members for your unfailing support and steadfast commitment to our mission of Promoting Lifelong

Learning.

President’s Message

Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, President

Silver

Gold

Platinum

2017 Chapter Recognitions

Delta Xi Epsilon Phi

Epsilon Psi Omega Epsilon

Sigma Gamma Alpha

Gamma Omega Omega

Iota Zeta Lambda Sigma

Omega Omega Alpha

Omega Omicron Iota

Omega Omicron Tau Phi

Zeta Omega

Alpha Tau Omega

Beta Pi Omega

Chi Eta Omega

Delta Lambda Omega

Kappa Iota

Upsilon Lambda Omega

Xi Theta Omega

Alpha Kappa Omega

Beta Psi Omega

Chi Omicron Omega

Chi Zeta Omega

Epsilon Lambda

Gamma Omicron

Omega Omicron

Tau Omega

Psi Mu Omega

Rho Omicron Omega

Sigma Rho Omega

Pi Chi Omega

Endowments and FellowshipsCapitalized Endowments

• Tari T. Bradford Endowment Fund • Gwendolyn Gaston Brinkley Scholarship Fund • Gwendolyn J. Brinkley Endowment Fund • C. Connor & O. Brown Endowment Fund • Faye B. Bryant Excellence Scholarship Award Fund • Deralyn Riles Davis EAF Scholarship Fund • Wilhelmina R. Delco Endowment Scholarship • Mamie McKnight & Ginger McKnight Chavers

Graduate Scholarship Fund • Shirley R. Fisher Scholarship Fund • Dr. Rodelia A. Glasco Endowed Fund • Dr. Mae C. Jemison Science Technology Award • Dorothy S. Johnson Endowment Fund • Barbara A. McKinzie/Naomi Moses Endowment

Fund • Carmelita Caruth Smith Post-Graduate Endowment

for Women Fund • South Central Region’s Mattelia B. Grays/Julia B.

Purnell Scholarship Fund • Rho Pi Omega Endowment Fund • Rita White Roberts Scholarship Fund • Mu Kappa Omega Julia F. Thompson, Inc.

Scholarship Fund • Dr. Polly Sparks Turner Health Professions Endowed

Scholarship Fund • Mary Louise Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund • Chelle Luper Wilson Endowment Fund• Xi Alpha Omega ILECF Lasting Legacy Fund

Uncapitalized Endowments

• Collier Family Legacy • Dansby Family Scholarship Fund • Jacqueline O. Dansby Endowment Fund • Sarah Lee Harris Endowment Fund • Ivy Pearls of HBU Charter Legacy Fund • Julia Edwards Knight and Levi M. Knight

Endowment Fund

• Nu Gamma Omega Chapter Scholars Award • Phi Xi Omega Endowment Fund • Jacqueline “Jackie” Hillman Pittard Fund • Rho Omicron Omega Endowment Fund • Katina Semien Endowment Fund • South Central Region Leaders Endowment Fund • Sparks of Greatness Endowment Fund • Jewel McFarlin Thomas Endowment Fund • Dr. Conchetta White Fulton/Barbara Jean White

Endowment Fund

New Founders Endowments

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Founders Fund• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporators

Endowment Fund• Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership

Endowment Fund

Fellowships

• Julia Brogdon Purnell Fund • Chelle Wilson 2013 NOLA Scholars Fellowship

Fellowship Recipient • Chelle Wilson 2013 NOLA Scholars Fellowship

Lukeesha Thompson

Undergraduate Scholars Carly Biggers Dallas Baptist University Keri Burns Southern University Nathan Byrd Dallas Baptist University Elizabeth Gonzalez Texas Woman’s University AspenGraves Baylor University Destiney Higgins Columbia College Chicago Antony Kahumbu Texas Tech University Hunter Kennedy Columbia College Keturah Kiper University of Arkansas Laura Knight Dallas Baptist University BrianaKuykendall Dallas Baptist University Rebekah Noey Texas Tech University Hayden Pigott University of Texas Cassandra Schorr Auburn University Carlo Serna Hardin Simmons University

Melody Stickrod Amarillo College Neakail Tolbert Johnson and Wales University Ariel Wayne Louisiana Tech University DeniseZamora The University of Texas

Graduate Scholars Sister Gemma Abonge Our Lady of the Lake University Ogbonnaya Bassey Texas A&M University Daniela Huerta Garcia University of Texas Katie Jones Faulkner University Charity Kennedy New York University BrianaMcFadden One UTSA Circle Tolulope Oke Texas A&M University Oluwaseun Olanipekun Texas A&M University Justin Oney University of Cambridge Adaobi Betty Ovuegbe Texas Woman’s University Veta Parker Louisiana State University

Angela Powell Sam Houston State University ShainaThakkar University of Texas OliviaThomas Georgetown University Remington Wiley University of Houston Junious Williams University of Houston

Youth-P.A.C. Scholars

Tiara Armstrong University of Arkansas JessicaEaly Rhodes College JessicaFuentes University of Arkansas Si’mone Grice University of Central Arkansas NiyahPhillips University of Arkansas AshleyWade University of Arkansas Thea Winston University of Arkansas

South Central Scholarship and Community Assistance Award winners

Angela Powell Sam Houston State University ShainaThakkar University of Texas OliviaThomas Georgetown University Remington Wiley University of Houston Junious Williams University of Houston

Youth-P.A.C. Scholars

Tiara Armstrong University of Arkansas JessicaEaly Rhodes College JessicaFuentes University of Arkansas Si’mone Grice University of Central Arkansas NiyahPhillips University of Arkansas AshleyWade University of Arkansas Thea Winston University of Arkansas

Endowment Recipients

Gwendolyn Gaston Brinkley Scholarship Fund Wiley College Barbara A. McKinzie/Naomi Moses Endowment Fund East Central University Houston Charitable & Educational Foundation Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University The History Makers Urban Prep Academy Xi Lambda Educational Foundation

Rita White Roberts Scholarship Fund Imani Coleman

Chelle Luper Wilson Endowment FundMajesty Houston

Gwendolyn J. Brinkley Endowment Fund Joy Turner

Shirley R. Fisher Scholarship Fund Jourdan Kerl

Dr. Polly Sparks Turner Health Professions Endowed Scholarship Fund Ashley D. Sparks Faye B. Bryant Excellence Scholarship Award Fund Aeris Broussar

*President’s Scholars CliRae Bourke University of South Carolina Kyla Brown Morgan State University Jalia Dews Xavier University of Louisiana

*Marriott Scholars LaNeicia Anderson Johnson & Wales University Jaedanne Kutz Johnson & Wales University Amanda Morrison Cornell University *These awards are handed out through the Educational Advancement Foundation, Inc. corporate office.

South Central Scholarship and Community Assistance Award winners

• Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson,

International President

• Glenda Baskin Glover, First Vice President

• Keniece Gray, Second Vice President

• Carolyn House Stewart, Third Vice President

• Charletta Wilson Jacks, Secretary

• Danette Anthony Reed, Treasurer

• Nicole M. Adams, At-Large Director

• Emily M. Dickens, At-Large Director

• Shawn Emerson Simmons, At-Large Director

• Dolores A. Sturdivant, At-Large Director

• Cora Davis, Human Resources Chairman

• Francene L. Botts, Legal Counsel

• Erika V. Everett, EAF Executive Director

• Cynthia D. Howell, AKA Executive Director

2016 — 2018 Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Incorporated, Board of Directors

Hello, My name is Priscilla Thompson, I was an E.A.F. Scholarship recipient for the 2015-2016 school year. I’m writing to provide my update. I completed my Master of Science Degree in Journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with honors in September of 2016. After which, I began working as a television reporter for ABC 15 News in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For my master’s thesis I produced a 30-minute documentary titled, “On Pointe.” The film provides an intimate look into the lives of three black dancers trying to make a name for themselves in the classical ballet world. The film was just named an official selection of the New Short Film Festival and will premiere in New York in November of 2016. None of this would have been possible without the generous E.A.F. Scholarship. The support allowed me to focus on my studies during my times at Columbia and was instrumental in my success both in the classroom and beyond. I have attached an updated photo of myself here, if you need anything else from me, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Best, Priscilla Thompson 2016 Graduate, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

Staying “On Pointe”