Pasadena Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapter Hosts Academic Awards Reception

The Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority honored its 2023 Academic Award Recipients for their academic achievements and community service at a reception in May. 

Blinn House in Pasadena was filled with community members, elected officials, supporters, family, and friends as the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated hosted its Annual Academic Awards Reception, “Celebrating Excellence” for the May 6 event honoring the Award Recipients.

The room was beautifully decorated by Scarlet Flowers Designs, setting the stage for an enjoyable afternoon. 

The program opened with a meaningful invocation by the Chapter Chaplain, Michele Bagneris, Esquire followed by a warm welcome from Chapter President TyAnne Evans. Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Anthony Portantino, Councilman Tyron Hampton, Ann Marie Hickambottom representing Assemblyman Chris Holden, and Nathaniel Tsai representing Supervisor Kathryn Barger brought greetings to the audience. Dr. Allison Steppes, a committee member, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Brandi Payne, Assistant Professor at Los Angeles Valley College, who presented an encouraging, motivational, and inspirational address for the students and the entire audience.

Denise Jones, Academic Awards Committee Chair presented awards to the following deserving and accomplished Pasadena area high school graduates: Houlemard Family and Carolyn Edwards Jones Commemorative to Noah Haile, Jane Strong-Moses & Jesse Moses, and Nelle Kigh Thompson to Cole Jackson, Jean & Clarence Mills Family to Adrian Crick,  Gwendolyn & Tommy McMullins Family to Noel Johnson-Montoya,  Mabel Lockett Martin Commemorative to Asa Phillips, Anita Johnson Cole Commemorative to Joshua Andrews,  the Presidents Commemorative to Zora Phillips and Willie Mae Hooks Lewis Commemorative to Xavier Smith. Certificates of commendation were received by each award winner from the offices of Congresswoman Judy Chu, Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblyman Chris Holden, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Mayor Victor Gordo, and Councilman Tyron Hampton.

Pasadena Alumnae has given over $480,000 in academic awards to worthy students for the pursuit of post-secondary education over the last sixty years. Since its chartering on January 27, 1961, Pasadena Alumnae has provided major programs of the Sorority based upon the Five-Point Program Thrust: economic development, educational development, 

international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.

The Academic Awards Committee consists of Denise Jones, Chair, Christina Bentley Scott, Melinda Campbell, Gwendolyn McMullins, DeShawn Samad, Allison Steppes, Alma Stokes, Lora Thomas, Alexandra Warren, and Marchéta Williams.