Steps to Becoming a Captain

Captain Types and Expectations

Legacy Starter

First-Time Captain

A LEGACY STARTER is an individual who is participating in the Captain’s Initiative for the first time or a continuing participant who has yet to achieve the initial goal. These Captains are taking the initial steps toward making a lasting impact on the Southern University Alumni Federation – Washington, DC Chapter by supporting scholarships, programs, and initiatives that strengthen the chapter's mission. As novice participants, Legacy Starters are helping to shape the future while beginning their own fundraising legacy within the chapter. Participation is open to existing chapter members, alumni, supporters, and friends of Southern University.
Maintain Chapter Membership
Remit $50 annual SUAF-WDC Chapter dues as a Regular, Associate, or Affiliate Member. New Graduate Members are exempt from this requirement during their first year of participation.
Achieve the Captain's Fundraising Goal
Raise a minimum of $575 during the first fiscal year of participation through sponsorships, donations, digital program advertisements, in-kind contributions, or other approved
fundraising activities.
Serve as a Chapter Ambassador
Promote the mission, programs, and fundraising initiatives of the SUAF-WDC Chapter within your personal and professional networks.
Support Signature Events
Encourage participation in chapter programs and signature events, including fundraising initiatives that advance the chapter's goals and priorities.
Build Your Legacy
Establish a foundation for future participation in the Captain’s Initiative and begin your journey toward recognition opportunities such as the Royal Court and eventual induction
into the Captain’s Circle.

Legacy Champion

Returning Captain

THE LEGACY CHAMPION is a returning Captain who has previously participated in the Captain’s Initiative and achieved the minimum goal and continues to invest their time, resources, and influence in advancing the chapter's mission. Through their sustained commitment and leadership, Legacy Champions help build upon the foundation established by previous generations while creating a lasting legacy of service, philanthropy, and support for Southern University students and alumni.
Maintain Chapter Membership
Remit $50 annual SUAF-WDC Chapter dues as a Regular, Associate, or Affiliate Member.
Sustain Your Fundraising Impact
Raise a minimum of $500 during each fiscal year through sponsorships, donations, digital program advertisements, in-kind contributions, or other approved fundraising activities.
Recruit Future Leaders
Actively identify, encourage, and recruit new participants to join the Captain's Initiative as Legacy Starters, helping to grow the program and strengthen the chapter's fundraising
capacity.
Serve as a Legacy Ambassador
Promote the chapter's mission, programs, and fundraising initiatives within your personal, professional, and alumni networks.
Support Chapter Growth and Sustainability
Encourage participation in chapter activities, signature events, scholarship initiatives, and community engagement efforts that advance the goals of the SUAF-WDC Chapter.
Lead by Example
Demonstrate a sustained commitment to philanthropy, service, and alumni engagement while helping cultivate the next generation of chapter leaders and supporters. Continue aiming for recognition opportunities such as the Royal Court and induction into the Captain’s Circle.

Legacy Luminary

Member of the Captain’s Circle

Established to honor sustained philanthropic leadership and commitment, the Captain's Circle recognizes individuals whose cumulative fundraising efforts have made a significant and lasting impact on the chapter's ability to fulfill its mission and support Southern University students and alumni.
Membership in the Captain's Circle is reserved for Captains who have raised a cumulative total of $3,000 or more since the beginning of the Berry Administration in July 2023. Induction into the Captain's Circle signifies more than a fundraising milestone—it represents a commitment to advancing scholarships, strengthening chapter operations, supporting signature programs, and investing in the future of the Southern University legacy.
Members of the Captain's Circle are known as Legacy Luminaries, distinguished individuals whose leadership, generosity, and dedication illuminate the path for future generations of alumni and supporters. Through their sustained contributions, Legacy Luminaries serve as ambassadors of the chapter's mission and exemplify the spirit of service, excellence, and philanthropy that defines the Southern University community.
Maintain Chapter Membership
Remit $50 annual SUAF-WDC Chapter dues as a Regular, Associate, or Affiliate Member.
Sustain Your Fundraising Impact
Raise a minimum of $500 during each fiscal year through sponsorships, donations, digital program advertisements, in-kind contributions, or other approved fundraising activities.
Recruit Future Leaders
Actively identify, encourage, and recruit new participants to join the Captain's Initiative as Legacy Starters, helping to grow the program and strengthen the chapter's fundraising
capacity.
Serve as a Legacy Ambassador
Promote the chapter's mission, programs, and fundraising initiatives within your personal, professional, and alumni networks.
Support Chapter Growth and Sustainability
Encourage participation in chapter activities, signature events, scholarship initiatives, and community engagement efforts that advance the goals of the SUAF-WDC Chapter.
Lead by Example
Demonstrate a sustained commitment to philanthropy, service, and alumni engagement while helping cultivate the next generation of chapter leaders and supporters. Continue aiming for recognition opportunities such as the Royal Court and induction into the Captain’s Circle.
Preserve and Expand the Legacy
Help ensure the long-term success of the Captain's Initiative by fostering a culture of giving, accountability, and collective impact that strengthens the chapter for future generations.

Captain Benefits

Captains who achieve the minimum fundraising goal will unlock a premier package of benefits designed to celebrate their impact and leadership. By reaching this milestone, captains earn prominent public recognition across the chapter’s digital and event platforms, receive exclusive merchandise and event discounts, and gain access to prestigious experiences, including potential eligibility for the Mardi Gras Ball Royal Court.

- Recognition on the SUAF-WDC website, social media channels, and electronic mailings
- Recognition at chapter signature events
- Exclusive Captain's Initiative merchandise
- Special access and/or discounts for chapter activities, initiatives, and events
- Eligibility for the Mardi Gras Ball Royal Court
- Invitation to special recognition activities

Mardi Gras Ball Royal Court

Ways to Meet Your Goal

The Southern University Alumni Federation Washington, DC Chapter offers four ways to support student educational funding and HBCU excellence. Supporters can gain regional visibility by sponsoring signature events, purchasing program advertisements, or providing in-kind donations of products and services to offset operational costs. Alternatively, direct tax-deductible financial contributions can be made to the chapter’s scholarship and operating funds. Each option helps reduce overhead, ensuring more critical resources go directly toward merit- and need-based scholarships for the next generation of leaders.

Sponsoring SUAF-WDC signature events offers individuals and organizations alike a premier opportunity to support student educational funding, demonstrate a commitment to HBCU excellence, and gain visibility among alumni and professionals in the DMV region. Partners receive strategic recognition through various marketing channels, aligning their name or brand with highly anticipated community events throughout the year.
The SUAF-WDC invites support for signature events through advertisements in official programs and souvenir journals, offering a platform to celebrate the chapter, recognize members, or promote businesses to a regional network. This initiative allows individuals and organizations to connect with Southern University's community while increasing brand visibility.
The SUAF-WDC invites direct financial contributions to chapter scholarship and operating funds if other participation options do not align with your interests. These tax-deductible gifts directly fund merit- and need-based scholarships for local students attending Southern University, empowering the next generation of leaders while sustaining the chapter's vital operations.
Elevate the mission of the SUAF-WDC Chapter by partnering with us through in-kind donations of products, professional services, or operational resources. By offsetting our daily overhead and event costs, your non-monetary gifts allow us to direct more critical funding toward student assistance, local scholarships, and alumni programming. In return, our custom partnership packages ensure your business receives prominent visibility and brand recognition among our dedicated community of supporters.

Get Involved

The Captain's Initiative represents more than fundraising—it is an opportunity to invest in future Southernites, strengthen the chapter, and leave a lasting legacy within the Southern University community.

Whether your goal is to become a Captain, join the Royal Court, or earn induction into the Captain's Circle, every contribution helps advance our mission and support the next generation of Southern leaders. Click the button below to start your fundraising journey as a Captain right now!

Become a Captain