Greetings from the President

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Dr. LaWanda S. Thornton joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on April 4, 1993 byway of The Iota Kappa Chapter at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS.  She later became a Charter member of Upsilon Chi Omega in Gulfport, MS on February 7, 1998.  Currently, LaWanda is a Silver Star/Lifetime AKA boasting more than 25 years of membership.  She has served various roles in UCO such as vice-president, custodian, membership chairman, protocol chairman, rituals chairman, and parliamentarian.  Her current role is president where she leads a dynamic group of college-educated women who aspire to be supreme in service.  

 

The Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service international program also referred to as "Excellence" focuses on enriching the lives of community members through various Community Impact Days and implementing the following Program Targets:  HBCU for Life:  A Call to Action, Women's Healthcare and Wellness, Building Your Economic Legacy, The Arts!, and Global Impact.  We also support our Signature Program, #CAP which helps high school juniors and seniors with the College Admissions Process.  

 

Our current regional and international administration are under the direction of proud Mississippi natives, Regional Director Mitzi Dease Paige and International President Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover.  UCO is a proud member of the Sophisticated South Eastern Region which includes Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi--affectionately called the ATM.

 

As president of UCO until the close of 2022, LaWanda wants to inspire members to enthusiastically serve others.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (New International Version, 2011, 2 Corinthians 9:7).

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Yours in Service,

Dr. LaWanda S. Thornton

Upsilon Chi Omega President