Mobile Alumnae Chapter Mourns The Loss of Its Own--Dr. Yvonne Kennedy

   Dr. Yvonne Kennedy

19th National President

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Tribute to Dr. Yvonne Kennedy

Mobile Alumnae Chapter, along with the entire community, are deeply saddened by the loss of such an astonishing icon, The Honorable Dr. Yvonne Kennedy. From "humble beginnings" to an extraordinary life she was committed to the ideals of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. With her oratorical skills and a smile to match, Dr. Kennedy's dogma and dignified persistent brilliant personality embodied who she was. Dr. Kennedy showed immense compassion for others and demanded respect for all in field of human rights and civil rights. This is a testament to a life lived righteously; a life that lifted other lives; and a life that changed Alabama for the better over the course of thirty-five years. She served as a mentor for many and had the capacity to inspire others to do their best.

"Dr. Kennedy was destined for leadership,” said Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, National President of Delta Sigma Theta. “She boldly embraced challenges, anticipated possibilities, and welcomed new opportunities to improve upon every community, organization, or workplace she entered. She demanded and inspired greatness in all of us. She will surely be missed.”

During her tenure as National President, Dr. Kennedy continued the work of the previous administration and saw to the completion of renovations to Delta’s National Headquarters building while simultaneously increasing the organization’s global impact on the world. Under the theme, “Every Delta in the Delta House: Ignite a New Vision – Pass the Torch,” Dr. Kennedy launched DelShares program, a capital fund campaign to maintain and sustain headquarters renovations and operations; and stressed reclamation efforts geared toward inactive members of the Sorority. Dr. Kennedy is most noted for implementing SCHOOL AMERICA – a reading literacy program providing pre-school orientation for parents and combating literacy issues – into the Sorority’s program initiatives in 1984.

Under Dr. Kennedy’s leadership, Delta Sigma Theta launched three global health initiatives: Delta ADACE (Alcohol, Drug Abuse and AIDS Community Education) Project; Delta Immunization Project; and Project SMART (Seniors Medication and Record Tracking). Delta Sigma Theta and the Delta Research and Educational Foundation also received clearance for two delegate positions as United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) during her administration.

Dr. Kennedy’s professional career was laden with accomplishments which led to her election to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1979. She served as the representative for the 97th District until her passing.

 As the state representative for Alabama’s 97th District, Dr. Kennedy served on numerous House Committees in the state legislature including: Transportation Utilities and Infrastructure; Economic Development and Tourism (Ranking Minority Member); Children and Senior Advocacy (Ranking Minority Member); and Mobile County Legislation. Dr. Kennedy’s other affiliations include: Chairman of the Mobile County United Negro College Fund Campaign, Youth Director for the Board of Christian Education - Southeast Alabama Conference, and former Chairperson of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Dr. Kennedy received her B.S. from Alabama State University; a M.A. from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD; and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.

She was also the former president emeritus of Bishop State Community College from 1981 until 2007. She has been credited with the successful expansion of Bishop State, taking it from one campus to three during her tenure. The Central campus has an auditorium that bears her name, Dr. Yvonne Kennedy Auditorium. The state of the art, technology building on the main campus will soon bear her name as well. Dr. Kennedy's is laced with many noteworthy attainments.

Her life was an inspiration and her memory will be a benediction. "...God uses good people to do great things."

Please visit us regularly to learn more about upcoming events, programs and activities of the Mobile Alumnae Chapter.  We extend to you a heartfelt invitation to join us at any one of our publicly sponsored events.

To learn more about the wonderful works and the grandiose sisterhood
of our beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
we invite you to visit the National Website

Delta Sigma Theta: A Sisterhood Called to Serve:
Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities
www.deltasigmatheta.com
Cynthia M. A. Butler McIntyre,

National President

and the Southern Regional Website
Reclaim, Retrain, Retain
www.dstsouthernregion.com
Cheryl Turner, Southern Regional Director
Manica Pierrette, Southern Regional Representative