Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
A Public Service Sorority Founded in 1913
1707 New Hampshire Avenue N.W. ▲ Washington, DC 20009 ▲ (202) 986-2504 ▲ Telefax (202) 986-2513
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 10, 2012
Contact:
Bernadine W. Stallings, (202) 986 – 2400
[email protected]
Ella McNair, (202) 986 – 2400
[email protected]
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Mourns Beloved
19th National President, Dr. Yvonne Kennedy
WASHINGTON — The National President, National Executive Committee, Past National Presidents, National Executive
Board and the entire membership of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. throughout its seven regions are profoundly
saddened by the loss of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, the organization’s 19th National President. She was 67 years old.
Dr. Kennedy was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1964 through the Beta Eta Chapter at Alabama State
University in Montgomery, Ala., where she was crowned Miss Alabama State in 1965. Since her initiation into the
sorority, she served in several leadership positions on the local, regional and national levels. She served as chapter
president for the Mobile Alumnae Chapter from 1970-1974 and 1978-1982. She served as the director of the Southern
Region from 1974- 1978. She also held the office of National First Vice President from 1983-88, before becoming the
Sorority's 19th National President from 1988-1992.
“Dr. Kennedy was destined for leadership,” said Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, National President of Delta Sigma Theta. “She
boldly embraced challenges, anticipated possibilities, and welcomed new opportunities to improve upon every
community, organization, or workplace she entered. She demanded and inspired greatness in all of us. She will surely be
missed.”
During her tenure as National President, Dr. Kennedy continued the work of the previous administration and saw to the
completion of renovations to Delta’s National Headquarters building while simultaneously increasing the organization’s
global impact on the world. Under the theme, “Every Delta in the Delta House: Ignite a New Vision – Pass the Torch,”
Dr. Kennedy launched DelShares program, a capital fund campaign to maintain and sustain headquarters renovations and
operations; and stressed reclamation efforts geared toward inactive members of the Sorority. Dr. Kennedy is most noted
for implementing SCHOOL AMERICA – a reading literacy program providing pre-school orientation for parents and
combating literacy issues – into the Sorority’s program initiatives in 1984.
Under Dr. Kennedy’s leadership, Delta Sigma Theta launched three global health initiatives: Delta ADACE (Alcohol,
Drug Abuse and AIDS Community Education) Project; Delta Immunization Project; and Project SMART (Seniors
Medication and Record Tracking). Delta Sigma Theta and the Delta Research and Educational Foundation also received
clearance for two delegate positions as United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) during her
administration.
Dr. Kennedy’s professional career was laden with accomplishments which led to her election to the Alabama House of
Representatives in 1979. She served as the representative for the 97th District until her passing. She was also the former
president of Bishop State Community College in Mobile from 1981 until 2007. She has been credited with the successful
expansion of Bishop State, taking it from one campus to three during her tenure.
Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre
National President
Dr. Paulette Walker
National First Vice President
Chelsea C. Hayes
National Second Vice President
Beverly E. Smith
National Secretary
Terri R. Prunty
National Treasurer
Roseline McKinney
Executive Director
As the state representative for Alabama’s 97th District, Dr. Kennedy served on numerous House Committees in the state
legislature including: Transportation Utilities and Infrastructure; Economic Development and Tourism (Ranking Minority
Member); Children and Senior Advocacy (Ranking Minority Member); and Mobile County Legislation. Dr. Kennedy’s
other affiliations include: Chairman of the Mobile County United Negro College Fund Campaign, Youth Director for the
Board of Christian Education - Southeast Alabama Conference, and former Chairperson of the Alabama Legislative Black
Caucus.
Dr. Kennedy received her B.S. from Alabama State University; a M.A. from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md.;
a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama; and Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Lane College in Jackson, Tenn.
“Dr. Kennedy’s passing comes to a shock to every member of Delta Sigma Theta,” said President Butler-McIntyre. “She
believed in constantly taking an inward look to evaluate and increase one’s self by building upon our laurels and not
resting on them. I could not have imagined going into the beginning of Delta's next 100 years without her. She will
forever remain in our hearts.”
On Friday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., the members of Delta Sigma Theta will gather in Mobile, Ala. for the Omega Omega
ceremony, the final rite of passage for members of the Sorority.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Mobile Convention Center.
***
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to
provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive
public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Today Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has
over 250,000 members and more than 900 chapters worldwide. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic
development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness
and involvement to create its national programs.
###