Sorority pledges endowment funds to ASU

ALBANY – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., in partnership with the Educational Advancement Foundation, has pledged an endowment in the amount of $100,000 to Albany State University as part of the organization’s AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund.

ASU President Marion Fedrick joined 31 other presidents of historically black colleges and universities on Feb. 28 at the Alpha Kappa Alpha International Headquarters in Chicago to accept the first installment of their institution’s award.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has implemented the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund with the goal of investing in the future of our young people and the sustainability of our treasured HBCUs,” the sorority’s international president, Glenda Glover, said. “Our organization has pledged to donate a total of $10 million toward the endowment, and we are honored to provide Albany State University the first $50,000 during our February event as we celebrate Black History Month and the legacies of all HBCUs.”

Fedrick said the funds will provide pathways to success.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. understands how education can open doors and create pathways for continued success.” Fedrick said. “This gift will provide greater access to education for ASU students. The endowed funds will ensure students — for years to come — are able to benefit from the scholarship award, making our colleges and universities stronger for the future. We are so grateful for the generosity extended to the university, and we sincerely thank Dr. Glover and the sorority.”

The endowment will assist with providing scholarships for current and future students.

“This is a phenomenal gift and an incredible act of generosity,” A.L. Fleming, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the ASU Foundation, said in a news release. “We greatly appreciate the investment of the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. This perpetual gift will continue to assist future ASU students..”

The historic event gathered presidents from HBCUs across the nation and featured remarks from Glover as well as a tour of the iconic and recently renovated Ivy Center International Headquarters in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the south side of Chicago.