Stamford (CT) Alumni
May 9, 1976
The Staford Alumni Chapter had its beginning in 1975 and chartered on May 9, 1976 by the following brothers:
The first officers were:
Initially,the chapter held meetings at alternating brothers’ homes and later held functions at the Yerwood Community Center in Stamford. The Silhouettes played an important role inintroducing the chapter to the greater community by acting as ambassadors, hostesses and caterers for the chapter’s numeroussocial functions held at the Center. The chapter has an active 60-year charter member Dr.Dennie Simons and a 50-year charter member Dr.Romelee Howard.
In 1985 the StamfordAlumni Chapter hosted the Province Meeting; and through the meticulous toil of Province Meeting Chairperson Brother Derryl Reed (former National President of the National Black MBA Association) we secured the former Miss America Suzette Charles as guest speaker at the luncheon.
Among the numerous community service activities in which the chapter participates is the Jackie Robinson Foundation “Afternoon of Jazz”, a signature event. Initially, through the determination of charter member Joe Arnette, Jr., Stamford Alumni Chapter has been instrumental
in coordinating the volunteer efforts for this event since its inception in 1978. Annually, the “Afternoon of Jazz” attracts several thousand music enthusiasts from all over the country to Connecticutfor an all-day jazz concert that features internationally renowned jazz and blues artists.
The net proceeds of this event go to The Jackie Robinson Foundation to benefit academically gifted students of color with four-yearcollege scholarships.
Each year under the leadership of charter member Jerry Lee, the chapter sponsors children’s parties for Easter and Christmas and gives out food baskets for Thanksgiving. Brothers also donate gifts to the children during the Christmas party. Additionally, through the chapter’s Guide Right and Kappa League programs the chapter directs a semiannual SAT preparation course for local high school students. Stamford Alumni Chapter has maintained its visibility in the community through our annual golf tournament that began in 1984 and was spearheaded by Brother Shelley Ragsdale. Brother Ragsdale along with Brother Donald Dunston also began the chapter’s first annual Black&White Valentine gala thatsame year. In 1985 the chapter began hosting its annual tailgate party held in conjunction with the annual Whitney M. Young Fall Football Classic at the Meadowlands. Our participation was the brainchild of Brother Vernon Martin and each year up to 300 people can be seen enjoying this event with the chapter.
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