OUR CHAPTER HISTORY

The Washington, D.C. Chapter, Southern University Alumni Federation has an extensive history.

The late Sherman Briscoe, former president and member of the Board of Directors, was the first to chronicle the events associated with the founding of the Southern University Alumni Club of Washington in the 1940s. Some of the first members of the "Club" included Guy Hanks, Lucius Earles, Alton Willis, Lavern Marshall, Annette Reid, Beatrice Alexander and Claudia Rayford. In 1962, Willie Haywood Johnson, E. Marie Johnson, Claudette Smith Nelson, Inez Mayo Bradley, Anthony Rene', Rudolph and Janette Hoston Harris, Dowell Davis, and Blanchard White reorganized the chapter. During the sixties, the chapter began to host several activities, including picnics, scholarship fund raisers, receptions, tutorial programs, college fairs, and an annual cash contribution to the D.C. Clothe-A-Thon.

  • The first officers elected in 1963 were:

    Anthony Rene', President | Mary Bailey, Asst. Secretary | Willie Haywood Johnson, 1st VP | Donald Moss, Chaplain | Constance Rotan, 2nd VP | Herman Moore, Treasurer | Rudolph Harris, 3rd VP | Thomas Todd, General Counsel | George Williams, Exec. Secretary John Johnson, General Counsel | Dowell Davis, Sergeant-at-Arms | Blanchard White, Parliamentarian

Support for Southern University

During the 1980s, Southern University experienced some very tough times. The university was targeted for elimination. The Washington D.C. Chapter, led by the chapter president at that time, Charles "Chuck" Brown, raised over $70,000 to support the University's Legal Defense Fund. The chapter's efforts motivated other alumni chapters to do the same. If the University's legal efforts had failed, Southern University would no longer be a Historically Black College. The funds raised to support the long court battle helped Southern University survive one of the most critical periods in its history.

  • In 1980, and again in 1997, the chapter hosted the National Alumni Conference. The 1997 Conference, chaired by The Honorable William Jefferson, generated over $60,000 for the National Alumni Federation. The 1997 Conference is still the most profitable in the history of the Federation. Through the years, the chapter has served as host for the Southern University family by holding receptions honoring university presidents, the university's choirs, football and basketball teams, and other university officials.

    Under the leadership of McArthur Sholas, former chapter president, the chapter began sponsoring an Annual Scholarship Dinner-Dance to generate funds to provide scholarships for students from the Washington metropolitan area to attend Southern University. The first Dinner-Dance was chaired by G. Jean Davis and Dickie S. Carter and generated over $5000 to establish the SUAF-WDC Scholarship Fund.

Presidents and Continued Support

Pamela Whitley, (chapter president 1993-1997) and Calvin Sims (chapter president 1997-2001), were very instrumental in the continued growth of the Scholarship Program. Since the first Dinner Dance, Alma Cravins-Essex, James C. Smith, Horace Jones, and Willie Hensley have served as chairpersons of the annual event, each giving very generously of their time and resources to help the scholarship program grow. Since 1992, the chapter has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships.

  • Over the years, the SUAF-WDC Chapter has used the camaraderie between classmates, schoolmates, friends, and family to generate funds to support the SUAF-Scholarship Program and provide other financial support to Southern University. The members and WDC supporters continually support events such as the Annual Dinner-Dance, an Annual Louisiana Food Festival, the Annual Bayou Bash, and the Annual Bayou Classic.

    The following individuals have served as president of the Washington D.C. Chapter since 1963: Anthony Rene', Willie Haywood Johnson, Paul Collins, Charles White, Lawrence Moore, Joseph Nash, Joseph Connors, Javetta Richardson Piper, Ollie Anderson, Ronald Harper, Charles "Chuck" Brown, McArthur Sholas, Pamela Whitley, Calvin Sims, Conrad Meyer, Cassandra Robinson, Rory Gray, P.L. Harvey, Shayla McCullough, Vincent Brown, and Antoria Simms.

our Officers

DR. IVORY M. BERRY
President

  • The President shall preside over all Chapter and Executive Committee meetings. They shall interact with committees and members and provide leadership that will charter the direction of the Chapter. The President shall call special meetings and perform other duties consistent with this office as prescribed in the Constitution and Bylaws. (SUAF WDC Bylaws, Article I, Section I)

  • Dr. Ivory M. Berry, a native of Alexandria, LA, earned a Bachelor of Science (2007) in mathematics from Southern University and A&M College and continued advanced studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a Master of Arts (2008) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (2014) in Educational Policy Studies. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Director of the Office of Student Services for the College of Engineering and Architecture at Howard University.

    Dr. Berry is a life member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and is the President of the SUAF Washington, DC chapter. Previously, he served as the treasurer (2017 - 2019), assistant treasurer (2019 - 2021), director of university relations (2021 - 2023), and annual Mardi Gras Ball co-chair for the chapter. Nationally, he has served as the historian/public relations manager, SUAF Nomination and Election committee co-chair, and vice chair for strategic initiatives for the Southern University Young Alumni Network (SUYAN). Dr. Berry is a 2019 SUAF 40 Under Forty honoree.

  • Personal Inquiries: president.suafwdc@gmail.com

    General Inquiries: wdcchapter@gmail.com

MS. ERICKA MCGOWAN
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

  • The Second Vice President shall be responsible for serving as Chairperson of the Membership Committee. They shall be responsible for maintaining the current membership roster/database with all active and inactive members and shall assume such powers and duties as may be prescribed by the President and the Executive Committee. (SUAF WDC Bylaws, Article I, Section III-B)

  • Ms. Ericka McGowan, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, earned a Bachelor of Science (2001) in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Southern University and A&M College. She continued her studies at The George Washington University earning a Master of Science in Public Health Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Disease (2009). Currently, Ms. McGowan serves as Sr. Director of Emerging Infectious Disease at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

    Ms. McGowan is the Second Vice President of the Southern University Alumni Federation Washington, DC Chapter (SUAF-WDC). Previously, she served as SUAF-WDC representative for the DC HBCU Alumni Alliance (2020-2023), SUAF-WDC Mardi Gras Ball committee member (2023), and SUAF-WDC annual Crawfish Boil Co-Chair (2023).

  • Personal Inquiries: 2ndvp.suafwdc@gmail.com

    General Inquiries: membership.suafwdc@gmail.com

Ms. ANTORIA SIMMS
Ex-Officio/Immediate past president

  • The Past President shall function as an active member of the Executive Committee and serve in an advisory capacity to the Chapter. (SUAF WDC Bylaws, Article I, Section II)

  • Ms. Antoria Simms, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, earned a Bachelor of Science (2008) in Business Marketing with a concentration in Sales from Southern University and A&M College. Professionally, Ms. Simms has nearly 15 years of experience in consultative selling and client relations and is currently a Senior Account Executive with LinkedIn.

    Ms. Simms is a life member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and served as President of the SUAF Washington, DC chapter (SUAF-WDC) from 2019-2023. Previously, she served as the SUAF-WDC Second Vice President (Membership) and Vice-Chair of Fundraising for the Southern University Young Alumni Network (SUYAN). Ms. Simms is a 2019 SUAF 40 Under Forty honoree and currently serves on the Southern University College of Business Advisory Council.

  • wdcchapter@gmail.com

Mr. anthony baise
First VICE PRESIDENT

  • The First Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President. They may also be designated to serve as the official representative of the Chapter at meetings of other groups. They shall be responsible for serving as Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee.

  • Mr. Anthony Baise, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, earned a Bachelor of Science (2012) in Electrical Engineering from Southern University and A&M College. Currently, he is a Systems Engineer at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) supporting the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSDRE).

    Anthony is an active member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and is the First Vice-President of the SUAF Washington, DC chapter. Previously, he served as the Southern University Young Alumni Network (SUYAN) co-chair (2016-2020) and served on the committee for the annual crawfish boil (2018-present) for the chapter. Anthony is a 2019 SUAF 40 Under Forty honoree and a 2023 graduate of the SUAF National Leadership Academy to serve as an official Southern University ambassador.

  • Personal Inquiries: 1stvp.suafwdc@gmail.com

    General Inquiries: wdcchapter@gmail.com

MS. CHASITY BALL
TREASURER

  • The Treasurer shall collect all dues and revenues of the Chapter and shall pay all debts incurred by the Chapter or by its authority. They shall maintain an accurate record of transactions and present a monthly financial report at the regular Chapter meetings. The Treasurer shall be responsible for preparing an annual financial report and coordinate the audit of such financial statements. (SUAF WDC Bylaws, Article I, Section V)

  • Chasity Ball, MBA, a native of Louisiana, earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (2005) and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and Supply Chain Management (2012,2013) from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Currently, Ms. Ball serves as a Bank Licensing Specialist for the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB).

    Ms. Ball is a proud member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and is the Treasurer of the SUAF Washington, DC chapter. Previously, she served as the Grand Treasurer for the Order of the Eastern Star St. Mary’s Grand chapter Maryland as well as a committee member for the budget committee. Ms. Ball is also actively involved in the community as a grassroots ambassador for the American Heart Association, a leader in the Clean City Initiative DC Office of the Mayor, and a volunteer for DC DISB summer intern mentor. Ms. Ball is a part of the inaugural cohort National Leadership Academy of the Southern University Alumni Federation.

  • Personal Inquiries: treasurer.suafwdc@gmail.com

    General Inquiries: wdcchapter@gmail.com

Ms. Elyse McFadden
Director of Media Relations

  • The Director of Media Relations shall be appointed by the President and shall serve as Chairperson of the Community/Public Relations Committee.

    The Public Relations Committee shall issue notice of all Chapter meetings and activities, publish a Chapter newsletter or update the Chapter’s website, coordinate the Chapter’s participation in local college fairs, and maintain an active high school relations program.

  • Ms. Elyse McFadden, a native of Oakland, CA, earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing (2000) from Southern University and A&M College. Professionally, she is a Senior Event Designer for Main Events Caterer.

    Ms. McFadden is a member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and is the Director of Media Relations for the SUAF Washington, DC chapter. Previously, she served as the First Vice President (2018-2023) and has been instrumental to the success of many Chapter events through the years, including the annual Mardi Gras Ball and Crawfish Boil.

  • wdcchapter@gmail.com

Mr. Willie M. Smith
SUYAN Co-Chair

  • The SUYAN Co-Chairs explore the interests of the young alumni and create or promote engagement opportunities throughout the year that may lead to increased participation, memberships, and financial contributions.

  • Mr. Willie M. Smith, a native of New Orleans, LA, earned his Bachelor of Science (2013) in Computer Science Information Systems from Southern University and A&M College and continued advanced studies at West Texas A&M University, earning a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management (2018). Currently, he’s a Senior Consultant at Deloitte where he focuses on Agile Delivery and Cloud Migration Management.

    Mr. Smith has been an active member in both the Dallas and Washington, DC Southern University Alumni Federation chapters and currently serves as SUYAN Co-Chair for the Washington, DC Chapter. Mr. Smith is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

  • wdcchapter@gmail.com

DR. DARRELL DUDLEY-GOVAN
THIRD VICE PRESIDENT

  • The Third Vice President shall be responsible for serving as Chairperson of the Scholarship and Program Committee and shall assume such powers and duties as may be prescribed by the President and the Executive Committee. (SUAF WDC Bylaws, Article I, Section III-C)

  • Dr. Darrell S. Dudley-Govan, a native of Lumberton, NC, earned a Bachelor of Science (2010) in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Studies from Southern University and A&M College and was commissioned into the United States Army as a second lieutenant. While on active duty, he continued advanced studies earning both a Master of Science (2015) and a Master of Business Administration (2019) at the University of Maryland-Adelphi (UMUC) and a Doctor of Education (EdD) (2023) in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Capella University. He enlisted in the Army in December 1997 and is currently the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Army Talent Management Task Force Army G-1, under the Deputy Army Chief of Staff.

    Dr. Dudley-Govan is a life member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and is the 3rd Vice President of the SUAF Washington, DC chapter. Previously, he served on the chapter’s scholarship and student relations committee (2021-2023). Dr. Dudley-Govan is a 2019 SUAF 40 Under Forty honoree. He is also a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

  • Personal Inquiries: 3rdvp.suafwdc@gmail.com

    General Inquiries: wdcchapter@gmail.com

Ms. Regina VAlentine
Parliamentarian

  • The Parliamentarian shall rule on points of order and procedure during any Chapter meeting. They shall be responsible for coordinating the election process.

  • Ms. Regina Valentine, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, earned a Bachelor of Science (1991) in Electrical Engineering from Southern University and A&M College and later earned a Masters of Science in Information and Telecommunication Systems (2000) from The Johns Hopkins University.

    Ms. Valentine is a Quality Assurance Lead/Manager for ASM Research. She has served the Southern University Alumni Federation - Washington, DC Chapter for more than 30 years in various capacities including 2nd Vice-President, Director of Media Relations, Director of University Relations, and Parliamentarian. At the National level, she had the honor of serving as Co-Regional Director, with the late Vincent Brown, of the Eastern Region of the Southern Univerisy Alumni Federation. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

  • wdcchapter@gmail.com

MRs. sabrina breedlove
Director of University Relations

  • The Director of University Relations shall be appointed by the President and shall be responsible for serving as Chairperson of the University Relations Committee. They will be responsible for coordinating the activities and information flow between the Chapter, the university and the National Federation. They will maintain a current list of contacts at the University and Southern University Alumni Federation.

  • Mrs. Sabrina Pete Breedlove, a native of Lake Charles, LA, earned a Bachelor of Science (1991) in Computer Science from Southern University and A&M College. She relocated to Maryland where she was employed by IBM as a DB Administrator. Currently, she is a System Analyst for the U.S. Department of Treasury.

    Mrs. Breedlove is a life member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and is the Director University Relations of the SUAF Washington, DC chapter. Mrs. Breedlove has been an active member and participant of the DC Chapter since 1991. She has served in various capacities including Treasurer, College Fairs and Student Recruitment; Mardi Gras Ball and Crawfish Boil committees. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.- Montgomery County Alumni Chapter where she currently serves as co-chair of Delta Academy. She also serves as a Teen Advisor for Girl Scouts - Capital Nation’s Council.

  • wdcchapter@gmail.com

MS. Carol Jones
Secretary

  • The Secretary shall be responsible for recording minutes of regular, special and Executive Committee meetings, maintaining files of all permanent records, and maintaining a copy of the current membership roster and members in good standing list.

  • Ms. Carol Jones, a native of Montclair, NJ, was recruited to Southern University A&M College to run track on full scholarship as a hurdler. She later earned a Bachelor of Science (2020) in Criminal Justice from Southern University and A&M College and has continued her education in Cyber Security to complete an associate’s degree (2025) from Northern Virginia Community College.

    Ms. Jones is a real estate professional currently working in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer for the District of Columbia Government. She has been a member of and served as recording secretary for the Southern University Alumni Federation, Washington, DC Chapter since 2014.

  • wdcchapter@gmail.com

Mr. William Burrell
Assistant Treasurer

  • The Assistant Treasurer (or Financial Secretary) shall be appointed by the President and shall be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the budget process. They shall be responsible for submitting applications, current addresses, and other pertinent data received with payment of dues from new members to the membership committee on a regular basis.

  • Mr. William Burrell, a native of Dallas, TX, earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (2000) from Southern University and A&M College. Professionally, he is a Senior Consultant at Guidehouse.

    Mr. Burrell is a member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) and is the Assistant Treasurer for the SUAF Washington, DC chapter. Previously, he served as the Treasurer (2019-2021) and Assistant Treasurer (2021-2023) for the chapter.

  • Personal Inquiries: treasurer.suafwdc@gmail.com

    General Inquiries: wdcchapter@gmail.com

Mr. Devin Whitney
SUYAN Co-Chair

  • The SUYAN Co-Chairs explore the interests of the young alumni and create or promote engagement opportunities throughout the year that may lead to increased participation, memberships, and financial contributions.

  • Mr. Devin Whitney, a native of Tallulah, LA, is a dedicated professional with a passion for community engagement and educational leadership. He holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Southern University and A&M College (Spring 2019) and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University at Shreveport (Fall 2021).

    Since relocating to the DMV area in August 2022, Mr. Whitney serves as a Program Coordinator for the DC Public School System. In addition to his professional role, he is an active member of 100 Black Men, where he empowers and mentors young men of color. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., contributing to the fraternity's mission of leadership, service, and advocacy.

  • wdcchapter@gmail.com

Chapter Constitution And Bylaws

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Southern University Alumni Organizational License Plates


Have you ever been riding around in your car and noticed the license plates of alumni from other universities and thought, "I'd like a license plate denoting MY school!"

Well now is your chance!  The Chapter is currently in the process of getting organizational plates from the States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia.  Each jurisdiction has different rules, application fees, and minimum requirements.  Please see the information below for what is required for each jurisdiction.  If you would like to replace the current plates on your car, please follow the instructions

  • If you are reading this and you are a resident of Maryland, you can obtain replacement SU Alumni tags for your vehicle.

    Please send a check for $5 (per application) made payable to SUAF-WDC Chapter to receive a Certification for Organizational License Plates application from the chapter. You may also pay online via PayPal (see PayPal button below....includes a $0.50 fee). If you are requesting tags for more than one vehicle, you must send payment for $5 for an application and processing fee for each vehicle.

    Mail the check to:
    Regina Valentine
    20606 Duck Pond Place
    Germantown, MD 20874

    Regina is the Maryland MVA representative for the chapter. After receiving your check, she will in turn mail the application to you. The application includes her signature verifying you are an alumnus of Southern University. You must fill out the application and mail it along with a check for $25 per vehicle to Maryland's MVA (address on the form). The MVA will process your application(s) and mail your new tags directly to you. You will receive instructions from the MVA on how and where to return your old tags.

    We are excited to have our new official State of Maryland Southern University Alumni tags!

    Get yours today!

  • If you own a car registered in Washington, D.C. and you would like to replace your current license plate with a Southern University organizational plate, please send an email expressing your interest to wdcchapter@gmail.com. Please provide the following information:

    • Name

    • Phone Number

    • Email Address

    • Number of vehicles plates are being requested for

    Note: A minimum of number 25 members are required in order to get Washington, D.C. organization plates. When we get 25 members to express interest, we will proceed with the process.

  • If you own a car registered in Virginia and you would like to replace your current license plate with a Southern University organizational plate, please send an email expressing your interest to wdcchapter@gmail.com. Please provide the following information:

    • Name

    • Phone Number

    • Email Address

    • Number of vehicles plates are being requested for

    Note: A minimum of number 350 members are required in order to get Virginia organization plates. When we get 350 members to express interest, we will proceed with the process.

Please submit the following information to request SU organizational license plates.

Become a member

Be part of this great chapter’s legacy and join or renew your membership today! Annual membership dues are $50.

We welcome all Southern University alumni, especially those who reside in the DMV, as well as “Friends of Southern” who would like to be an affiliate chapter member because you believe in our purpose and want to be part of our community although you didn’t attend Southern. 

Become a member