When alumnae of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lambda Phi Chapter reunited during this month’s Homecoming weekend, it was more than just the predictable flurry of pink and green and catching up on each other’s lives.
That’s because the women added a philanthropic component to their event, raising nearly $700 to support UMBC’s Second Generation Scholarship Fund. Thirty-eight alumnae contributed to the fund, which was founded in 1986 to support students who have taken at least one Africana studies course and demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of minorities through community service, extracurricular activities or other community involvement.
Event organizer Dr. Tamara L. Lewis ’92, psychology, presented a check to Gary M. Brooks ’79, history, a member of the scholarship board. Lewis is a member of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors and President of the Chapter of Black and Latino Alumni.
“The Second Generation Scholarship Fund started from some alumni who wanted to give something back,” said Brooks, who explained the need for scholarship funding has increased sharply over the years.
“Back when I was in school in the ’70s, if you could write your name on the X, you’d get enough scholarship funds to go to school. It wasn’t a question of money,” he said. “As time went on, those behind us found out that it is a problem [finding the] money.”
Read more about the Second Generation Scholarship Fund here.
