Local Sorority Strengthens Scholarship

The Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has strengthened its scholarship at Edgecombe Community College through a gift of more than $23,000 (sorority members have made additional donations since this photo was taken). From left are Barbara Smith, president of the Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter; Dr. Greg McLeod, president of ECC; and Lynwood Roberson, executive director of the Edgecombe Community College Foundation.

The Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has donated more than $23,000 to Edgecombe Community College to strengthen the scholarship the organization endowed in 2020.

The scholarship supports full-time African American students – male and female – who are residents of Edgecombe County or Nash County.

“We realize the importance of education and recognize that a good education is how a person improves their quality of life, their community, town, state, and country,” explains Barbara Smith, president of the Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must have been a legal resident of North Carolina for the past five years. They also must be able to demonstrate leadership in a community, religious, or ECC student organization. Current students need a GPA of at least 2.75 to be eligible to receive the scholarship.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University. The Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter was chartered in 1947 and boasts a current membership of 125 college-educated women who are dedicated to public service in the Twin Counties.

Their community projects align with the sorority’s national Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which includes educational development.

“We are celebrating our 75th year this month (April), and a contribution to support our scholarship was an ideal way to commemorate our anniversary,” Smith says. “Many of our 21 charter members are from Edgecombe County, so this gift also is a way to honor them.”

“The Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has a deep sense of legacy and commitment to public service and education,” says ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod. “We are honored that they have chosen to support Edgecombe Community College students through an endowed scholarship, which will keep their legacy alive for future generations.”

Delta Sigma Theta is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), a collaborative organization of historically African American, international Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities.

The Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is the first NPHC organization in the Twin Counties to endow a scholarship at Edgecombe Community College.