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A look into the origin/purpose of the Alumni Association

History of Chapters Continued

SATELLITE MEMBERS Dunbar alumni who reside in locations where no DNAA chapter exists are referred to as “Satellite” members. These alumni represent some thirty-five states ranging from Hawaii to Massachusetts; from Florida to Alaska. A national coordinator maintained contact with these members and kept them informed of NDAA happenings. Many satellite members attended various Reunion of Classes and diligently supported the organization.

WASHINGTON, D.C. The organization of an alumni chapter in our nation’s capital is credited to Margie Akins, Charles McCullum, Frances Nichols, Marguerite Ricks, and Marie Young. In 1976, other alumni joined them in a meeting at the home of Theo and Maire Young to make the group official. Fred Coleman Served as president. Beginning with a membership of fourteen alumni, the chapter boasted of an active membership of more than twice the original number on a roster of more than sixty “sometimes active” members. The chapter was active in numerous fund-raising projects. Those included a dinner/theatre musical featuring “Fiddler on the Roof,” a day at Bowie Race Track; and participation in St. Mary’s car raffle. Proceeds from such endeavors were used to provide scholarships for deserving high school graduates. The chapter was involved in numerous civic, social, and religious activities in the area. One example: Members attended a reception for Arkansas Governor, Bill Clinton on May 15, 1990, in the Rayburn Building. The invitation was extended by the Governor’s Assistant Attorney Rodney Slater. The Governor spoke on “The Delta Initiative”, a report by the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission. The chapter was also represented by several members at the Alpha Wives of Washington, D.C. Annual Achievement and recognition Luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Washington, D.C. The speaker was Dr. Jocelyn Elders, Director of the Arkansas State Department of Health. Of particular note is the chapter’s quarterly newsletters that proved to be an excellent vehicle for maintaining interest and contact with its members. The newsletter contained alumni news, awards and recognitions, announcements of community activities, health news, tips for living, recipes and a message from the chapter president. The editorial staff was headed by Emerlene Hattley. The Washington, D.C. chapter served as host to the Eighth Reunion of Classes in July, 1987.