Black Sorority Presents Finer Womanhood & Scholarship Program

 FORT WAYNE—Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Eta Upsilon Zeta Chapter celebrated their annual Finer Womanhood & Scholarship Program at Don Hall’s Guesthouse last month.

It was a grand affair, which was well attended and supported by the community.

This is the group’s major fundraiser of the year. Mayor Tom Henry presented a City of Fort Wayne Proclamation to the chapter and proclaimed the day “Black Infant Mortality— Healthy New Beginnings Day.”

The master of ceremonies was Dr. Terrell M. Bond Jr..

The keynote speaker was Dr. Lauren Dungy-Poythréss, the younger sister of Tony Dungy, former Indianapolis Colts coach. Dr. Dungy-Poythréss is an obstetrician and gynecologist. She is also one of the nation’s leading perinatologists, medical director of maternalfetal medicine for Community Health Network of Indianapolis and spokesperson for the March of Dimes.

During the event scholarships were awarded to:

• Monte A. Nelson—a student at Northwestern University, who plans to become a trial court lawyer.
• Michael K. Starks Jr.—a senior at Concordia Lutheran High School, who plans to attend Purdue University to pursue an Engineering degree.

Book Stipends were also awarded to two students:

• Sondria Steadman—a student at New Haven High School and plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College to pursue a degree in Library Science.
• Jeffery R. Smith II—a student at Wayne High School. He plans to attend either Indiana State or Trine University to pursue a degree in criminal justice.

The Zeta of the Year award was earned by Sheryl Edwards, a former president of Eta Upsilon Zeta Chapter and current Epistoleus (publicity chair) for exemplifying sisterly love and service to the sorority. Edwards is active in the community (board member of the American Red Cross of Northeastern Indiana, MLK Club Inc., past president and current member of Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals, etc.) and a retired U.S. Army command sergeant major.

To honor and recognize the strategic partnership Zeta Sorority has maintained with the March of Dimes spanning over 35 years, a certificate of appreciation was presented to the local office. The event also included a silent auction, collection for The March of Dimes and a delicious lunch.

Founded in 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was established for the purposes of promoting the cause of education by encouraging the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promoting charitable projects on college campuses and within the community; fostering the spirit of sisterly love, and promoting the idea of Finer Womanhood.

Tonya Ashford is the President of the local chapter, Eta Upsilon Zeta. The chapter was officially chartered in 1971 by founding members: Sorors Loretta Walker (deceased), Barbara Hull, Gail Page (deceased), Deborah Hickman, Lillie Jenkins, Josie Micheaux (deceased), Edna Metoyer and Mary Simpson. Since the beginning the chapter has strived to make a difference in the community by providing scholarships and book stipends of over $75,000 to local graduates, presenting ongoing health and wellness seminars, mentoring/tutorial programs for youth, giving to those in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, and civic involvement through the March of Dimes, NAACP, Urban League, MLK Club, Inc. and HealthVisions of Fort Wayne, etc.