Upsilon Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

celebrates 15 year anniversary

By Zaina Adamu Spirit, purpose and passion were the foundations of Alpha Kappa Alpha sororitys Upsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter in Baltimore County. In 1994, a group of women decided they would commit themselves for the advancement of the community; and so they did. Fast forward 15 years later and the growing chapter, boasting 69 members, united to celebrate the Ivy and Pink Rose Tea, an opportunity to honor the chapter and its members for exemplary service to the public. The Ivy and Pink Rose Tea was held at Grey Rock mansion in Pikesville where gold-trimmed chandeliers hung above elegant furniture and linens. Seated in the ballroom of the mansion were close to 50 women topped in their finest hats. Dr. Tamara Lewis has seen chapter membership grow since she became president nearly 4 years ago. Over our 15 year history, weve struggled with growth. When I became president we were around 10 members, she said. One of my goals as president was to grow our chapter and right now were at 69 members. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority began in 1908, when nine women attending Howard University in Washington D.C. decided to create an organization. Its purpose stemmed from the desire to celebrate black, female, intellectual achievement. A little over 100 years later, the organization is still recognized as an affluent sorority dedicated to provide service in communities. Reflecting on our first 100 years is uplifting because our founders laid a model of sisterhood and service that has been a beacon to us, said Centennial International President Barbara A. Mckinzie. Looking back, we are proud of the extraordinary service provided this nation through Alpha Kappa Alphas hard work and resolve. tained are because I have been in Alpha Kappa Alpha. Some of the leadership skills it provides is what people should do in life. One of the more inspiring moments at Another example of Upsilon Epsilon Omegas exemplary service with a purpose was their recent Adopt-A-Highway project. In an attempt to keep Randallstown clean, members of the chapter assisted in four trash clean-ups, and were given a road sign on Liberty Road. Do you know how huge that is? asked Tillery to the members. It makes a public statement that the ladies of Upsilon Epsilon Omega are consciously thinking about our environment. Lewis understands that the prestige of the organization stems from its devotion to community service. She says the chapter is outstanding because of their selfless service, but she also knows that unending dedication to the organization keeps each chapter remarkably strong. One unique thing about African-American sororities and fraternities is that it is a lifetime commitment, said Dr. Lewis. When you become a member it is not something for fun; its about really making a commitment with the organization. Its about focusing on our main goal which is the betterment and improvement of our communities.

Above: Members of Upsilon Epsilon Omega on the stairs of Grey Rock mansion in Pikesville. Below: L-r Leslie Lyles Smith, vice president, and Tamara Lewis, president of the chapter. Photo credit: Aleya Lyn The event started off in prayer, followed by a banquet-style lunch and greeting from Dr. Lewis. Various women were credited for their contributions including 40-year member Thetius Saunders. It marks a major milestone in the life of this chapter, she said about the event. This has been an extreme influence in my personal life in that I have been consistently active in my community. Vice President Leslie Lyles Smith agrees. As a charter member of the chapter, she served as one of the visionaries behind the chapters establishment. Being here helped me grow up, she said. A lot of the skills that I have obthe event was the keynote speakers address. Second Anti-Baslieus of Rho Xi Omegas chapter Juanita Tynes Tillery suggested that Upsilon Epsilon Omega not only held true to their Uplifting and Empowering Ourselves, Uplifting and Empowering Others motto, but they uniquely embraced opportunities. In a powerful speech delivered in front of the members, she reminisced of what the chapter did at a center for battered women. How inspiring it was to see those ladies and their children enjoying a complete Thanksgiving dinner that they otherwise would not have had, said Tillery.
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The Baltimore Times, Julye 24 - 30, 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)

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