Sorority alumnae establish endowed scholarship

Gifts from over 100 Alpha Kappa Alpha alumnae created a $100,000 scholarship fund

More than 100 alumnae of the University of Georgia’s Eta Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. gave a total of over $50,000 to establish the 1973 Eta Xi Alumni Association Inc. Georgia Commitment Scholarship, which will provide need-based aid to UGA students in perpetuity:

Near the beginning of 2021, Eta Xi alumnae set out to raise $50,000 by the end of the year to create a scholarship that would help ease students’ financial burdens and introduce different perspectives to the campus community. Once that goal was met, their collective gift was matched by the UGA Foundation  with an additional $50,000 through the Georgia Commitment Scholarship Program, thanks to funding provided in August 2021 by the UGAF board of trustees.

The scholarship will benefit students in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, and the first recipient will be named in fall 2022.

“Giving to student scholarships enables me to honor the rich history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at UGA through Eta Xi Chapter while also celebrating current students,” said Natalie Lewis, a member of the Black Alumni Leadership Council and life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. “As an alumna, I am truly proud to support UGA students’ success and grateful for all the donors to this effort. The tenacity and drive—particularly of students of color—are remarkable in these tough times.”

Emphasis added. Kudos to these wonderfully visionary alumnae, and let us take a cue from their thoughtful engagement. Alumnae who truly have hearts for UGA and for our students.

Image: Eta Xi alumnae (L to R) Katryna Reed, Brittanie White, Colony Canady, Quinita Williams, Natalie Lewis, Ashley Powell and Tori Young gather in front of the UGA Bookstore before the national championship parade on Jan. 15. (Submitted photo)