About Us
History
The National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC) Columbia, Maryland Chapter was organized on September 20, 1975, by Ora Sterling King. Ten additional local area Spelman College alumnae also pledged their commitment to dedicated service to Spelman College as members of the new chapter. The first officers elected were: Ora Sterling King, President; Dorothy Robinson Tucker, Vice President; Harriet Pritchett, Secretary; Barbara Green Bray, Treasurer; and Mary Kidd Gardner, Recruitment Liaison. The additional charter members included Shirlene Evans, Gloria Curington Johnson, Harriett Miller, Sylvia Beverly Stanford, and Betty Stevens Walker.
Once established, the chapter developed goals and objectives for becoming visible in the local community through active recruitment, fostering sisterhood among alumnae, developing leaders for the chapter at the local, regional and national levels of NAASC and implementing activities designed to secure scholarship funds for prospective Spelman students. The initial fundraising activity was a cabaret held on June 6, 1976. Proceeds were used to provide scholarships and to host the Northeast Regional Conference in October 30, 1976. At the Northeast Regional Conferences, the chapter repeatedly attracted the highest number of alumnae participants.
Recognition of alumnae chapter members and professional achievements is a high priority for the chapter. The chapter is known nationally for developing leaders. Ora Sterling King, Deidra Fryer, Edwina Palmer Hunter, Marian Rucker-Shamu, and Dorothy Robinson Tucker have received the NAASC Hall of Fame Award. Rachel Strickland Cook has received the NAASC Merit Award. Ora Sterling King, Marian Rucker-Shamu and Deidra Fryer have served as president of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College.
2024-2025 Executive Board
President: Amy Palmer Laster | 📧
President Elect: Michele Freeman | 📧
Immediate Past President: Michelle Harris
Financial Secretary: Evette Whaley | 📧
Treasurer: Cindy Baker | 📧
Corresponding Secretary: Stephanie Hunter
Recording Secretary: Michelle McMillan
Historian: Edwina Hunter
Parliamentarian: Alison McGriff
Committees
Community Service, Loretta Johnson & Laina Cox
Tech & Media, Amanda Horne
Membership, Tai Dixon
Scholarship, Lasheka Bassey
Recruitment, Michelle McMillan
Fundraising, Michele Freeman & Cassandra Carter
Amenities, Edwina Hunter & Jenene Stepter
NAASC Columbia, MD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 58-2170190). All donations are tax-deductible.