President’s Corner
As we continue to navigate and adjust to life under the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as, being in the throes of the nation’s capital, and thus, world politics, the Washington, D.C. Metro Alumni Chapter is excited about the possibilities in 2021. Here’s why.
We are experiencing tremendous growth with new members joining our chapter. Our goal is to have a membership base of 100 by year’s end and currently we have 75 members. Our membership is a mixture of Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, and Millennials. We draw on members' experience in all levels of government, both military and civil service, education, technology, business, health care and many others.
We award $5,000 annually in scholarships to help local students attend Alabama A&M University and we are poised to increase this amount this year. In addition, we remain one of the few local chapters to have an endowed scholarship under the AAMU Foundation. Our endowment has a total market value of approximately $90,000. The endowed scholarship, through continued funding, ensures a legacy of awarding scholarships well into the future.
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Service is Sovereignty is indeed our motto and our local chapter will continue to carry it into practice. We support the Capital Area Food Bank, in an effort, to alleviate food insecurity and our chapter has plans for quarterly service projects throughout the year. We serve on several National Alumni Association committees and our members are active in their churches and with their sororities, fraternities, and other organizations in their local communities.
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So yes, we are excited about the service we are rendering on behalf of our beloved alma mater and feel that we are only just beginning. May God continue to bless Alabama A&M University.
Jamal Ali
President
Executive Board Members
PRESIDENT
Jamal Ali
1981 Graduate
VICE PRESIDENT
DeMarcus Lewis
2009 Graduate
RECORDING SECRETARY
Leticia Drakeford
1997 Graduate
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Alonda Woodley
2004 Graduate
TREASURER
Abbas Busari
1985 Graduate
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Pam Williams Holmes
1984 Graduate
CHAPLAIN
C. Anthony Cusack
1970 Graduate
Scholarship Committee advertises the annual scholarships available to students in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware; and collects, reviews and evaluates the applications submitted, ensuring all scholarship applicants are treated equally; and award scholarships to the best candidates.
Committees
DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance, Inc. (DCHBCUAA) is a non-profit community-based organization that consists of Historically Black Colleges & Universities’ Alumni chapters in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. We collaborate mainly to strengthen the community through our impactful programs and we exist to provide support to underserved students interested in attending HBCUs. The mission of the DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance is to serve as an advocate for HBCU Alumni Associations by supporting the mission of HBCUs through scholarship fundraising, alumni reclamation and student recruitment in addition to aligning with the National HBCU Alumni Alliances by supporting and participating in programs that promote higher education, encourage healthy living, and fighting hunger.
DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance, Inc.
Year
Vice - President: DeMarcus Lewis
'09
Secretary: Leticia Drakeford
'97
Corresponding Secretary: Alonda Woodley
'04
Treasurer: Abbas Busari
'85
Pam Williams Holmes
'84
Chaplain: C. Anthony Cusack
'70
The Endowment Committee allows donors to transfer their private dollars to public purposes with the assurance that their gifts will serve these purposes for as long as the institution continues to exist. An endowment represents a compact between donors and the university. It links past, current, and future generations.
Scholarship Committee
Year
Karen Renea Epps
‘82
SanYvette Williams-Foy
‘83
Gerrard Allen
'85
Haneda Garner
‘01
Shawn Smith
'02
Brandon Jackson
‘09
Events Committee plans social events for chapter members and organizes refreshments as needed and assists with planning and implementing special events such as the National Alumni Association conference. The committee assists with securing speakers, program participants, entertainment and guests for events.
Fundraising Committee develops ideas to increase revenues for the chapter and work closely with the Program Committee to implement approved initiatives; and assist the Treasurer as needed with the financial aspects of various events.
Events & Fundraising Committee
Year
Kim Carr
'98
Tellis Carr
'98
Anna Carter
'84
Bridgette Hickey
'93
Stacy Watson
'92
Technology Committee (Website) bring together information technology capabilities to support the goals and objectives of the Metropolitan Washington DC Chapter of Alabama A&M Alumni Association. The committee responsibilities will include the review, planning, and oversight of technology initiatives to support the chapter administrative requirements.
Technology Committee
Year
Glenda Jones
‘80
Princess Martin
‘88
Nick Tarver
'03
Rytavis Veasley
‘08
Membership Committee advocates increasing membership throughout the year, plans annual campaigns and provides quarterly updates regarding membership initiatives and efforts. Provide members services such as phone calls, courtesy note cards and remembrances for occasions of congratulations, illness or familial loss.
Nominating Committee is responsible for developing a slate to elect chapter officers. The committee also ensures chapter’s members are nominated for National Alumni Association offices and awards and works closely with the chapter President to prepare nomination and award packages.
Nominating Committee
Year
Leticia Drakeford
'97
Public and Community Service Committee is responsible for developing annual service projects which aligns with AAMU’s motto, Service is Sovereign.
Public and Community Service Committee
Year
Anna Carter
'84
​​Communication and Public Relations Committee is responsible for advertising and marketing chapter events such as the Annual Scholarship and Recognition Breakfast and the Alabama Big 3 HBCUs events. Produce the chapter’s newsletter and directory. Disseminates information from the National Alumni Association and updates the chapter’s website, ensuring the content is relevant and accurate. Disseminates notices for monthly chapter newsletter.
College Fairs and Student Recruitment Committee promotes AAMU and ensure the University is represented at area college fairs. This committee works closely with the AAMU Admissions and Enrollment Office, developing an annual college fair calendar ensuring events is staffed sufficiently.
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