BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor
As far as is known, for the first time in the history of the establishment of Greek letter organizations, 2 of the presidents reside in the same city.
In Tampa, that will remain so until 2014 when Atty. Carolyn House Stewart completes her term as the 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is the first president to serve a full term in the Sorority’s second century (2010-2014), and the first attorney to head the organization. Her service to the sorority began when she was initiated at the University of South Florida in 1972.
In July, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. elected Dr. Paulette C. Walker as its 25th National President.
The two presidents have already shared the same platform when they were both guests at the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Annual Convention in Houston, Texas last month.
Atty. House Stewart’s administration has been driven by the theme: “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service,” which is devoted to continuing the sorority’s 102-year-old legacy of “service to all mankind.”
When she looks back on the accomplishments during her tenure, they are numerous, including celebrating 105 years of existence and commemorating 100 years of incorporation. The sorority has 975 chapter in 7 countries.
Under Atty. Stewart’s leadership, several partnerships for undergraduates have been enhanced.
In 2012, the sorority intensified its AKA C.A.R.E.S. program and registered 60,269 voters.
Because of her association with so many organizations, Atty. Stewart has kept the sorority in the forefront globally.
Atty. Stewart has a scholarship established through the AKA Educational Foundation and has given scholarships which total $35,000. Two of the scholarships were given to a student in Tampa and one in Lakeland.
As she prepares to depart, Atty. Stewart says, “Serving as the 28th President of this great organization, has been a life changing experience. Service empowers others, provides opportunities, gives hope and makes this world a better place for today and future generations.”
A graduate of the University of South Florida and the University of South Carolina Law Center, Atty. Stewart is of counsel in the law firm of Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen. The wife of Atty. Delano Stewart, she has one daughter.
Dr. Paulette C. Walker was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Michigan State University in October 1966.
Described as a dedicated leader, Dr. Walker is looking forward to continuing to move the more than 300,000 member, 100-year-old sorority forward. She serves on many boards and her noteworthy accomplishments have earned her recognition from several professional, civic and religious organizations.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Walker has called the Tampa area her home since February of 1990. She retired in July 2011 as the director of undergraduate programs and internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University, Master of Arts and the Doctor of Education from The University of Michigan.
Dr. Walker is an active member of Mt. Olive AME Church where she serves on the Trustee Board. She is co-author of the book, “We Can Have Better Urban Schools.”
A widow and the mother of 2 adult sons and 8 grandchildren, Dr. Walker is the only child of Helen and the late Otis Felton.
Dr. Walker’s motto is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” In her spare time she enjoys reading and sewing.
Atty. Stewart will leave office in July 2014 in Charlotte, NC at the 66th Boule.
