CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
Indianapolis UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter Awards Scholarship Funds to Two Graduating Seniors
BY PEARLIE CRAIN
The Indianapolis UAPB/AM&N Alumni is pleased to announce our 2022 scholarship recipients. Help us congratulate Ja’Vonn Gray and RaNetra Hamilton, who are both graduating seniors at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff! They were each awarded scholarships in the amount of $1,500.
Ja’Vonn Gray
Scholarship Recipient
Gray is majoring in Health and Wellness Leisure and is a member of the Golden Lions football team. He plans to teach K-12 and coach at the middle school level or higher after graduation.
Gray says receiving this scholarship will help with financing his education.
RaNetra Hamilton
Scholarship Recipient
Hamilton is majoring in Political Science. She is an active member of the Political Science Club and Black Pre-Law Student Association. She plans to attend law school after graduation.
Hamilton says receiving this scholarship will help with educational finances during her final year of undergraduate studies.
A special thank you is extended to our Scholarship Committee Chair and Co-Chair, Marry Duffy-Lewis and Velma Perkins, for your commitment to getting funds in the hands of the students of the Pride! Let’s Go Lions Go!
President Crain is invigorated by the work that has been accomplished, especially since the chapter was non-existent for over 20 years. But through the resilience of a few dedicated alumni, the chapter is revitalized. These individuals are still working diligently to advance the chapter to higher heights.
“On October 7, 2022, we entered into our fifth year of service with fortitude and the belief that we are here to stay,” Crain said.
The current officers are Pearlie Crain, President; Barbara Holder, Vice-President; Theo Hamiter, Treasurer; Milton Young, Sr, Secretary; and Ron Perkins, Sr., Chaplain.
Indianapolis UAPB/AM&N Alumni
Members of the Indianapolis UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter are all smiles during a recent photo. Shown here from left to right are: Ed Buford (Recruitment), Pearlie Crain (President), Kamirah Garner (Social Media/Parliamentarian), Tremayne Horne (Treasurer), Tahirah Buford (Secretary), Carrie White (2nd Vice President), Velma Perkins (Scholarship Chair), and Barbara Holder (1st Vice President).
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
Memphis Alumni Chapter Scholarship Program Continues its Legacy
By M. Joyce B. Spight
The UAPB/AM&N Memphis Alumni Chapter’s annual scholarship program dates to year 2001. According to alumnae Doris W. Hawkins, who was the chapter president at that time, many of the chapter alumni were able to accomplish their pursuits of a higher education only through the generosity of many donors who contributed to the UAPB/AM&N alma mater.
Ms. Hawkins’ statements and the work of the chapter members in 2001 were the impetus to the beginning of the chapter’s scholarship fundraising activities. Even though the Memphis Chapter is small, efforts are pursued to give reality to the mandates of the first fundraising theme: “As We March Forward, We Reach Back to Help others.”
Since the Memphis Chapter Scholarship program’s inception, there has been participation in each year’s annual giving drive. More than $150,000 has been donated through the National Alumni Endowment Fund along with local scholarships. Local scholarships are awarded in addition to donating to the Endowment Fund.
That beginning fundraiser dinner-dance with its souvenir booklet was an evening of festivity and reflections. To the present, the Memphis Chapter is following the traditions set in 2001. The face-to-face fundraising has been curtailed for the past two years because of the pandemic, but the financial gifts are still abounding.
There is always a theme for each annual fundraising activity; however, they are all an off shoot of that first theme. This Chapter is still marching, reaching, and honoring the Black and Gold. The Memphis Chapter is committed to exerting efforts to assist coming generations.
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
Nashville/Middle Tennessee Area Alumni Chapter Hosts First Membership Cookout
By Kim Jones Sneed
The UAPB/AM&N Nashville/Middle Tennessee Area Alumni Chapter recently held its First Annual Membership Cookout.
The event took place at Jim Warren Park’s Pond Pavilion located in Franklin, TN. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship, fun, food and Golden Lion PRIDE. Alumni and friends of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in the Nashville/Middle Tennessee area were encouraged to attend.
The Nashville/Middle Tennessee Area Alumni Chapter officially launched in January. The officers include Beatrice Harris, President; Rodney Burt, Vice President; Edward McKinney, Recording Secretary; and Finis Stribling III, Financial Secretary/Treasurer.
