Courtesy of Bowie State University
The Prince George’s County Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta marked its 50th anniversary with donations $50,000 and $1,000 to support scholarships at Bowie State University.
“We thought about how to cement partnerships in Prince George’s County and also to elevate our commitment to education,” said Miriam Brewer, chapter president. “We’ve had a longstanding relationship with Bowie State University through our regular scholarship program. So, when we thought about how we could further cement that, we thought about starting an endowment.”
The initial $50,000 amount was symbolic of the chapter celebrating fifty years of existence in 2024, while the additional $1,000 was given to memorialize LaTanya Howell, a chapter member and Bowie State alum who passed away last December. Her surviving husband, Craig Howell, visited campus this week with the chapter leadership to present the donation to Bowie State and shared what it meant to see his wife’s memory honored through the gift.
“My wife loved Bowie State University,” said Howell. “She loved Delta Sigma Theta. So, it’s especially joyful for us that they donated the money and allowed me to be a part of it.” Mrs. Howell was a special education teacher at Bladensburg High School who promoted education and students going to the next level. Brewer shared how the donations were also in line with the larger strategic vision of the sorority to support the education of underrepresented students through partnerships with the country’s HBCUs.
“I get that HBCUs certainly need support to live on,” she said. “To be able to support and HBCU that is in our county is special.”