PAST CENTRAL REGION GRAND BASILI
Deborah Catchings-Smith
24TH INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS
Top Accomplishments:
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Implemented a National Membership Survey of which resulted in a streamlined national programs approach to narrow the focus for greater impacts. Redesigned the Boule reducing the number of conference days to 4. An expanded leadership communications "Golden Communiqué" and expanded training via webinars.
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Technology Enhancements: A. Launched the national on-line tool, Golden Service, for members to document community service hours in real-time. B. Launched the ability to remit national fees on-line for Sorors and all Affiliates. C. Launched the on-line TORCH membership intake process.
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Swim 1922 Program retooled which expanded the Swim 1922 Partnership with USA Swimming resulting in Sigma Gamma Rho being the first African American organization, first national sorority, and first NPHC sorority to serve as a Presenting Sponsor for an international swimming competition.
Favorite Quote:
“Vision without execution is hallucination.” ~ Thomas Edison
Bonita Herring
23RD INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS
Top Accomplishments:
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Provided initial branding of the Sigma Brand Blazer by the gift at the 55th Boule in 2014.
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Commissioned a Centennial Committee by initial appointments.
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Established the first "Golden Alert" which officially began the sorority Social Action Agenda.
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Leading the contribution of $122,000 in support of the National Museum of African-American Culture.
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Assisted in the funding of our seven Founders $50,000 Endowment Scholarship at Butler University in 2016.
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Performed the first Ruby ceremony which included a poem in tribute and the development of the Ruby Pin with our official jewele.
Favorite Quote:
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world." ~ Harriet Tubman
Dr. LaRona J. Morris
Info Coming Soon!
Dr. Rejesta V. Perry
16TH INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS
Top Accomplishments:
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Contributed over $50,000 to the NAACP building fund. A plaque was sent to headquarters regarding the NAACP contribution, UNCF $25,000, March of Dimes $10,000 to fight birth defects, $1,000 to vocational guidance workshop, $6,000 to the mental health institute and $2,979 to Africare.
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Promoted meaningful educational literacy programs; focused on strengthening the black family by developing a positive self image enabling all to develop a desired education and to better serve others.
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Created a risk management training program for all levels of the sorority and a task force to provide procedures and standardized curricula for implementation (chapter kits). The guide was developed for use during the pledge program.
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Designed a First Grand Basileus pin and an outing Past Grand Basileus pin.
Favorite Quote:
“Do good and leave behind you a Monument of Virtue that the storm of life can never destroy.”
Dr. Annie Lawrence Brown
13TH INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS
Top Accomplishments:
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Purchased, furnished, and staffed the National Headquarters at 7411 S Yates, Chicago, Illinois.
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Funded and Piloted the National Project, Project Reassurance with the National Foundation/March of Dimes.
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Served 5 years as Grand Basileus (1971-1974, 1974-1976) and presided over the Golden Anniversary Boule in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Commissioned the very first Sigma Gamma Rho history book, “Behind These Doors - A Legacy: The History of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority”.
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Instrumental in reactivating three Founders Vivian White Marbury, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, and Nannie Mae G. Johnson .
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Created the sorority’s “Life Member” category.
Favorite Quote:
“It is my desire that the Central Region be the most outstanding Region in our Sorority. It ought to be - we were born here, Central Region is hallowed!" ~ Dr. Annie Lawrence Brown