AKAs converged on the Arizona Grand Resort (Tempe) for the 83rd Far Western Regional Conference, April 10-15.
Focusing on the theme, Polishing Our Pearls of Wisdom, over 700 members of the sorority convened for workshops and institutes, luncheons, dinners, shopping, and tours. Events highlighting the conference included the Educational Advancement Foundation Breakfast, Diamond/Golden/Silver Star Breakfast; the “popular for all ages” Step Show; the Undergraduate Luncheon, the Youth Summit – a signature event of International President Carolyn House Stewart, Esq. and co-chaired by Drs. Karen Hardin and Alyssa Robillard.
The Conference Gala was a classy, polished pearl, pink carpet affair! While guests enjoyed a dessert buffet and dancing following the dinner and program, the Soul Power Band provided fabulous entertainment. Susan Casper, an Emmy-nominated multimedia journalist and co-anchor at local ABC-15, was mistress of ceremony. Chaired by sorority members Carla Wright and Stephanie Clemons, the gala is still getting rave reviews!
Keeping with tradition, local community leaders were recognized for their outstanding contributions in various categories. The following individuals received community service awards: Cloves Campbell, Jr., Board Chairman, Arizona Informant; Ms. Fatimah Halim, President, Life Paradigms, Inc.; Mr. Marion Kelly and Dr. Michele Y. Halyard, Co-Chairs, Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer; Mr. George Dean, President / CEO, Greater Phoenix Urban League; and Ms. Claudia Troutman, Founder, Manna Street Ministry.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc./Delta Beta Omega Chapter members were honored throughout the week. Mrs. Winstona Aldridge was “crowned” a Diamond AKA for 75 years of service, while her former student, Dr. LaVern Swain Tarkington, received her crown as a Golden AKA for 50 years of service to the sorority. Local members Marie Ausberry, Petra McCraw, Mia Porter, Joan Sherwood, and Barbara Watson-Riley received their Silver Star status for 25 years of service. Delta Beta Omega Chapter President Dorothy Finnie won first place in the “Mad Hatters” competition. The chapter received regional awards in seven categories. Congratulations to all – sending a bouquet of pink tea roses your way!
Delegates attending the conference voted for a regional director to succeed Dr. LaVern Tarkington. Dr. Barbara Trotter, Mu Lamdba Omega, Culver City, CA, was elected and will officially take office at the Boule in San Francisco in July 2012.
AKAs who passed away since the last regional conference in 2011 were recognized during a memorial ceremony. The following AKAs were remembered: Lois Cameron, Goldye Hart, Doris Newton, Elizabeth Robinson, and Jean Williams. The Prayer Breakfast officially closed the conference. Dr. Eula Saxon Dean delivered a message which challenged all in attendance to remember the importance of making sure they reach back to help those in need.
The following conference host chapters were Delta Beta Omega (Phoenix), Upsilon Beta Omega (Salt Lake City), Kappa Xi (Las Vegas), and Theta Theta Omega (Las Vegas). Tonette Echols served as General Conference Chairman.
Recent Comments