House Resolution 52

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE VICKSBURG ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC., ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 2010 FOUNDERS DAY LUNCHEON ON SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010, AND WELCOMING DR. PAULETTE WALKER, NATIONAL FIRST VICE PRESIDENT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 Howard University-educated African-American women, is a public service organization driven by a desire to empower the underserved through public service; and

WHEREAS, on Saturday, March 20, 2010, the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will host its 2010 Founders Day Luncheon at the Rainbow Arena, promoting the theme of "Empowering Women to Make a Difference"; and

WHEREAS, chartered November 6, 1976, the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will be honoring and celebrating the 97-year legacy of the national sisterhood called to serve by transforming lives and impacting communities; and

WHEREAS, as part of its national partnership with the United States Census Bureau, the ladies of this great organization are gearing up for its "Don't Be Counted Out" campaign, which seeks to urge and assist the citizens of this great state to return completed census forms to the bureau; and

WHEREAS, members of the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., recently joined numerous alumnae chapters from around the state to participate in "Delta Day at the Capitol" on March 4, 2010, which allowed the sorors to engage in political educational forums focusing on increasing participation in the upcoming United States decennial census; and

WHEREAS, one of more than 60 chapters throughout the State of Mississippi, the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has elicited the learned and esteemed presence of Dr. Paulette C. Walker, National First Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as keynote speaker for the occasion; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Walker has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for over 40 years and has held many leadership positions since her initiation into our illustrious sisterhood in October 1966 through the Epsilon Chapter of Michigan State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Walker, who graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics education in 1969 and subsequently earned both her master of arts degree in guidance and counseling and doctor of education degree from the University of Michigan, currently serves as the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Internship at the University of South Florida; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we commend this dedicated civic organization which has given and continues to give countless hours of public service to provide positive change throughout this great state, this nation and the world through the fulfillment of its service-based mission:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on the occasion of its 2010 Founders Day Luncheon on Saturday, March 20, 2010, welcome Soror Dr. Paulette Walker, National First Vice President, to the State of Mississippi and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Paulette Walker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.