On January 29, 1994, thirty aspiring professional women chartered the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The group gathered to implement and support the international programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as they pertain to the needs of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Today, Upsilon Alpha Omega, the first African-American Greek-letter organization in Gwinnett County has over 300+ members and has made a significant impact on the community.
AO President Nicola McIntyre and MC for the event Rashan AliTo celebrate this milestone occasion, UAO hosted a formal affair, “Through the Years- Changing Communities and Lives” on March 2nd at the Infinite Energy Center. There were over 500 guests that attended the affair. The Mistress of Ceremony was TV personality Rashan Ali, host of Sister Circle. The event included a program, dinner, and entertainment by the William Green Band and dancing to the melodies of Pretty Tammi the DJ. Many very special guests also attended the event. Bishop William L. Sheals, Senior Pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church did the meditation; Judy Jordan Johnson, Mayor of City of Lawrenceville and Melanie Key Bales, South Atlantic Region Cluster V Coordinator of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. delivered the greetings. After the greetings, UAO charter members Beauty P. Baldwin and Theresa Dove Waters reflected on the past 25 years and what is to come.
Our Community PartnersDuring the program, UAO also acknowledged their corporate sponsors and local community partners who have supported them through the years. They were as follows: Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Baldwin Elementary School, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gwinnett Public Schools Foundation, Gwinnett Relay for Life, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Rainbow Village, Summerour Middle School, United Ebony Society of Gwinnett, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Infiniti of Gwinnett and Sip with Tracey. Last, but not least, the event would not have been complete without the acknowledgment of the 30 women who chartered the chapter and recognition of the past and current Presidents who have led the chapter in service.
Chapter Charter MembersSince its inception, UAO has given $400,000 in scholarships and raised over $80,000 for Gwinnett Relay for Life. They also do adopt- a-road clean-ups, provide events to bring awareness to women’s health and wellness, support Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and all societal issues that directly impact Gwinnett County citizens such as voter registration drives. UAO has partnered with many corporate sponsors, community partners, the Gwinnett County Public Schools, and other Greek letter organizations in Gwinnett County to carry out these events. UAO definitely has a lot to be proud of. UAO chapter president, Nicola McIntyre best sums it up by saying the following, “I am honored and humbled to lead Upsilon Alpha Omega chapter during this significant moment in time! As we celebrate 25 years of service in Gwinnett County and beyond, I applaud the women of this chapter who have planted firm roots, created a solid foundation, and passed the torch to those who have served significantly with unwavering dedication as women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.! We have built strong bonds of sisterly love, positively impacting many lives. We will continue to make a difference, UNITED in a SPIRIT of EXCELLENCE!”
Beauty P. Baldwin visionary and charter member of Upsilon Alpha Omega Rashan Ali MC of the event and host of Sister CircleAbout Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American, college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of nearly 300,000 members in 1,024 graduate and undergraduate chapters. Led by the organization’s 30th International President Glenda Baskin Glover, Alpha Kappa Alpha is often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African-American women.” For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its programs, visit www.aka1908.com.
