SUAF-WDC Chapter Officers Election
Apr
12
to May 7

SUAF-WDC Chapter Officers Election

We are pleased to announce the official slate of candidates for the 2025-2027 Officer elections. Voting will commence on April 12, 2025, at 1:00 pm EST and conclude on May 7, 2025, at 11:45 pm EST. The voting process will be conducted electronically, with each member receiving a unique link to participate. Results will be announced May 10, 2025.

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Southern Summer Sizzle
Jun
7

Southern Summer Sizzle

The Southern University Alumni Federation - Washington, DC Chapter is gearing up for its annual Southern Summer Sizzle. This event attracts over 200 guests each year and supports the Chapter’s operations and scholarship funds. A fun, festive, and family-friendly event, Southern Summer Sizzle infuses a taste of Louisiana and Southern culture into the DMV. This event is open to anyone who wants to support our organization and have a safe and good time!

Purchase your tickets NOW! The first 100 ticket purchasers will receive signature SU swag!

  • Adults:

    $65.00 + $2.50 handling fee

    includes food & drinks

    Kids (ages 6-11):

    $35.00 + $1.50 handling fee

    includes food & drinks

    Sizzle Experience:

    $30.00 + $1.50 handling fee

    does not include food & drinks

    entry only

    Purchase Deadlines:

    Food Tickets must be purchased by May 17th.

    Sizzle Experience Tickets must be purchased by June 5th.

    All Southern Summer Sizzle attendees must purchase a ticket!

    Click HERE to purchase tickets!

    • Crawfish (and fixings)

    • Fried Fish

    • Jambalaya

    • Beverages

  • We welcome back DJ Clottey, an alumnus of a SWAC member school, who recently kept the vibes going for us at our football game watch parties last fall and most recently at our annual Mardi Gras Ball.

  • Location:

    Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A)

    8999 Fort Hunt Rd

    Alexandria, VA 22308

    Parking:

    Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to Pavilion A.

    Restrooms:

    Public restrooms are available onsite.

    • All Southern Summer Sizzle attendees must purchase a ticket.

    • Attendees will receive a wristband and meal tickets upon arrival at the check-in station.

    • The exchange of cash in any form is not permitted on the park grounds. Thus, no tickets or other goods will be sold onsite.

    • A park ranger will be onsite to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

    • Plenty of tables and seating is available under the pavilion; however, you are welcome to bring your own tents, tables, and chairs to enhance your event experience. Please note that tents cannot be anchored into the ground.

  • Event-Branded T-Shirts are now available for purchase HERE. Items will be delivered to you in advance of the event for a small shipping fee.

  • To help us continue our important work, we offer a range of sponsorship opportunities designed to fit different preferences and budgets. Our sponsorship levels include:

    Diamond Sponsor: $3,000

    Platinum Sponsor: $2,500

    Gold Sponsor: $1,000

    Silver Sponsor: $500

    Blue Sponsor: $250

    SUAF-WDC Chapter Supporter: $100

    Click HERE to learn more about the Sponsorship opportunities.

  • We happily welcome in-kind donations. Below are some examples of items we welcome:

    • Crawfish and Jambalaya Serving Boats/Trays

    • Disposable Paper Goods (Plates, Cups, Utensils, or Napkins)

    • Desserts (Cookies or Cupcakes)

    • Beverages (Sodas, Bottled Water, Tea, or Lemonade)

    • Games

    • Photo Booth

    • Ice / Ice Chests

    • Pop-up Tents

    • Heavy Duty Trash Bags

    Please email the Chapter at wdcchapter@gmail.com if you would like to offer an in-kind donation.

  • We welcome monetary donations in any amount to support our Southern Summer Sizzle event. Donations will be used to cover event supplies and support our operating and scholarship funds.

    Click HERE to Donate.

    Alternate Ways to Donate:

    • CashApp: $SUAFWDCChapter

    • Checks: Payable to SUAF-WDC

    • Mailing Address for Checks: SUAF-WDC, Post Office Box 75052, Washington, DC 20013

    • Bank Wire or Charitable Donation System: Contact our Treasurer at treasurer.suafwdc@gmail.com for more information.

  • Get ready to sizzle this summer with our Southern Summer Sizzle fundraiser! Join us in bringing the heat and flavor to our community while supporting a great cause. Sign-Up Genius will be posted soon.

Planning Committee:

Anthony Baise

SUAF-WDC 1st Vice President

1stvp.suafwdc@gmail.com

Sabrina Burrell

SUAF-WDC Chapter Member

Former Miss Southern

swburrell13@gmail.com

Dr. Ivory Berry

SUAF-WDC Chapter President

president.suafwdc@gmail.com

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SUAF-WDC Annual Mardi Gras Ball 2025
Feb
8

SUAF-WDC Annual Mardi Gras Ball 2025

The Southern University Alumni Federation - Washington, DC Chapter is excited to host our annual Mardi Gras Ball, a formal black-tie event centered around raising funds for the Chapter and our Scholarship Program. We invite Southernites and Friends from across the country to join us in the Nation’s Capital for an exciting and purposeful Mardi Gras-themed event! This event SELLS OUT every year! Therefore, get your tickets and hotels EARLY, and get ready to Laissez les bons temps rouler! Essential event details are provided below.

The 2025 Mardi Gras Ball is currently sold out. Click the button below to join the waitlist.

  • Exclusive Member Tickets and Tables are no longer available for purchase.

    Financial members should use the special link sent via email from wdcchapter@gmail.com to purchase tickets and tables at the discounted rate for members.

    Click HERE to join or renew your membership to take advantage of this offer and future exclusive membership offers!

  • Early Bird Tickets and Tables are no longer available for purchase.

    Single Ticket: $200 (plus a $2.50 handling fee if purchased electronically)

    Table (10 seats): $2250

  • The 2025 Mardi Gras Ball is currently sold out. Join the waitlist HERE in case additional tickets become available.

    Single Ticket: $225 (plus a $2.50 handling fee if purchased electronically)

    Table (10 seats): $2500

  • One Ticket

    Cocktail Reception

    Three Course Dinner

    Live Entertainment

    Photo Booths

    Beer, Wine, & Spirits

    Party Favor

  • 10 Tickets

    Prime Seating

    VIP Dinner Service

    Special Table Decor

    Add additional bottles of Champagne ($25.00 per bottle)

    Cocktail Reception

    Three Course Dinner

    Live Entertainment

    Photo Booths

    Beer, Wine, & Spirits

    Party Favor

  • The Mardi Gras Ball Chair will prepare seating arrangements. We cannot guarantee that you will be seated with other persons of your preference unless you purchase tickets in a single transaction or a table. However, we will try to accommodate your seating requests to the greatest extent possible. Click HERE to inform us of your seating preference.

  • Formal Black-Tie Event

  • The dinner menu is still being finalized.

    Click HERE to submit your Dietary Restrictions

  • Location:

    Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison

    1177 15th St NW

    Washington, DC 20005

    Hotel Rate:

    Starting at $159.00 per Night

    Room Options:

    King (1 bed), Queens (2 beds), and Suites are available.

    Hotel Reservation Link:

    https://book.passkey.com/event/50929523/owner/2195/rooms/list?sort=default

    Contact the hotel via phone at 202-862-1600 and reference our Group Name: SUAF Washington, D.C. Chapter Annual Mardi Gras Ball

    Deadline to Reserve with Special Rate: January 16, 2025

    Parking:

    Event Parking Valet - $37

    Overnight Valet - $71

    Other parking garages and street parking available nearby.

  • Stay tuned. Events are still being finalize.

  • Don’t miss a beat! Stay connected. The archive of communications for this event is featured in this section.

  • Ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Please contact the Chapter HERE for inquiries.

  • We are hosting a silent auction at the 2025 SUAF-WDC Mardi Gras Ball on February 8, 2025, and we need your help to make it a success! We're looking for donations of all kinds, including unique experiences such as event tickets, vacation stays, or tours; gift baskets that showcase your creativity; services like professional consultations, spa treatments, or memberships; and memorabilia such as artwork, collectibles, or other special items like unique Southern University gear.  Ready to contribute? Please fill out the form HERE. Submissions must be received by January 10, 2025. For questions, reach out to our SUAF-WDC 2nd VP, Ericka McGowan, at 2ndvp.suafwdc@gmail.com.

  • Fundraising Captains and SUAF-WDC Chapter members, in general, are selling ads for the 2025 Mardi Gras Ball Digital Souvenir Journal. Ads range from $15 - $125. Click HERE to purchase an ad.

    Check out the 2024 Mardi Gras Ball Digital Souvenir Journal HERE.

  • We gladly welcome the opportunity for small and large businesses, individuals, and families to partner with us on activating our mission through sponsorship of the annual Mardi Gras Ball. Visit our sponsorship page HERE to learn more.

  • We are a 501c3 organization, and your donation is tax-deductible. Your donation will support the chapter’s goals and, more specifically, the chapter’s operation and scholarship funds. Click HERE to donate any amount.

  • For more information or inquiries, please contact the following:

    Ms. Elyse McFadden

    Mardi Gras Ball Chair

    Director of Media Relations

    Click Here

    Ms. Ericka McGowan

    2nd Vice President

    Click Here

    Dr. Ivory Berry

    President

    Click Here

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Washington Commanders HBCU / Divine 9 Football Game
Dec
1

Washington Commanders HBCU / Divine 9 Football Game

The Washington Commanders proudly welcome the DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance and Divine 9 organizations to Commanders Field for HBCU Day! Join us for a matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, December 1st, at 1:00PM!

Come support Southern' s own Danny Johnson #36 Cornerback!

Club Level ticket package includes:
HBCU t-shirt
Pre-game party at Club Patio Tent
Complimentary food
Two (2) drink tickets included (beer/wine)
Post-game photo on the field

Lower & Upper-Level tickets include:
HBCU t-shirt
Post-game photo on the field

For every ticket purchased, a $10 donation will go towards the DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance.
Purchase tickets here: https://patickets.group/hbcu

Need to purchase 8 or more tickets? Contact Chris Ortega at (301) 276-6481 or email Chris.Ortega@commanders.com

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Distinguished Alumni Awards Nominations
Nov
20
to Dec 2

Distinguished Alumni Awards Nominations

We are excited to announce that nominations are currently being accepted for the 2025 Distinguished SUAF-WDC Chapter Alumni Awards!

Distinguished Alumni Award Categories

Golden Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award: This award is presented to a seasoned SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has made meaningful contributions to the chapter, Southern University, their profession, and the broader community through the years.

Young Professional Alumni Award: This award is presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member under 40 years old, who has made meaningful contributions to the chapter, Southern University, their profession, and the broader community.

Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award: This award is presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has served the chapter in a leadership capacity and made meaningful contributions to the vitality of the chapter.

Distinguished Citizen Award: This award is presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has exhibited generosity with their time, talent, and/or treasure to the SUAF-WDC Chapter, Southern University Alumni Federation, Southern University System, and/or other local, national, or global organizations, initiatives, and/or causes.

Distinguished Alumni Career Award: This award is presented to a SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has made significant contributions and achievements in their chosen profession that is worthy of commendation.

Exemplary Service to the Chapter Award: This award is presented to a non-SUAF-WDC Chapter Member who has been a meaningful supporter of our chapter through the years. The awardee does not have to be a graduate of Southern University.

Self-nominations are welcomed!

Nominations will be accepted until 11:59 PM ET December 2, 2024.

Submit Nominations HERE

Thanks for your attention and for submitting nominations to recognize our distinguished chapter members. 

Please direct questions to Mrs. Antoria (Simms) Miller, Immediate Past President and Chair for the 2025 Distinguished SUAF-WDC Chapter Alumni Awards committee, at antoria.simms@gmail.com.

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Wise College Fair
Oct
9

Wise College Fair

Address: Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, 2650 Brooke Ln, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

If you would like to volunteer, please contact or navigate to the following:

3rdvp.suafwdc@gmail.com

www.suafwdc.com/get-involved

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College Fair Recruitment Training
Sep
5

College Fair Recruitment Training

Thank you for your interest in being a part of the SUAF-WDC Student Relations Committee. Our focus is on recruitment and scholarships, and we’re excited to have you join us in this important work!

We look forward to working together to make a positive impact on students' lives.

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Chapter Scholarship Application Fall '24
Aug
28
to Sep 11

Chapter Scholarship Application Fall '24

We are excited to announce the official launch of our Fall 2024 scholarship cycle! Applications are now open for the SUAF-WDC Chapter Scholarship, available to both incoming freshman and continuing students at Southern University at Baton Rouge.

The SUAF-WDC Chapter Scholarship is our longstanding, competitive, merit-based scholarship open to incoming and continuing students. We will award multiple students with scholarships valued up to $1,500. Please see the link below for the application. The deadline for the scholarship application is September 11, 2024 at 11:59 pm CST.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a Southern University at Baton Rouge student from the SUAF - Washington, DC Chapter service area

    • (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding areas)

  • Enrolled in an undergraduate program at Southern University at Baton Rouge

  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and considered a full-time student in good academic standing

  • Submit a completed electronic application, including a copy of your unofficial transcript, and an essay

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