Dear Sorors,

Happy New Year! 

I am so proud of the many notable accomplishments of this region over the past year.  You all have worked hard serving Alpha Kappa Alpha and your efforts are apparent, appreciated and commendable.  You have served thousands of people through Project H.O.P.E., you have been strong in carrying out our Extraordinary Service Programs and you have been steadfast in reclaiming and retaining sorors.  You have shown that you are prepared and ready to greet our beloved sorority as she turns 100 years old, and fully capable of starting the journey for the second centennial.  All I can say is Thank you and I Feel Good! From the bottom of my pink and green heart, I thank you for your support, your love and your respect.  I thank you for believing in me and Alpha Kappa Alpha when things got difficult.  I thank you for reaching back and remembering the pledge that so many of you recited years ago to uphold and always revere Alpha Kappa Alpha, for we knows there’s no other.

Sorors, there’s a lot going on in 2008 and I encourage all of you to be a part of the historical festivities.   In a few short weeks we will return to our roots, the place where 16 women proudly stood and created history and started the first black Greek letter sorority to serve all mankind in the name of sisterhood, service and scholarship.  Howard University will be the place, adorned with pink and green and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will be the featured.  March 5-9, 2008 are the dates for our Centennial Year, North Atlantic Regional Conference.  Philadelphia will welcome you with open arms as we take care of the business of the sorority and fellowship with one another.  The Grand Finale will be the Centennial Boule to be held in our Nation’s capital, the birthplace of our great sisterhood.  Mark your calendars for July 12-18, 2008 in Washington, D.C.  Registration information will appear in the next issue of the Ivy Leaf.

Sorors, as we prepare to Celebrate in ‘08, remember this New Year brings an opportunity for things to be better than last year--to let the past go and start fresh. Although we cannot erase the past, we can learn from our mistakes and vow never to let them occur again. Remember you and God should be the only author of ‘your’ history book. Surround your self with positive people, nourishing people, leaders, people of action, people of goodwill - - they will forever lift you up the ladder of success both personally and professionally.

Sisterly,

Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates
North Atlantic Regional Director