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‘A Simply Golden Celebration’ marks historic anniversary

June 14, 2022

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Screen Shot 2022-06-13 at 9.12.32 AM — #Wearing their signature “flaming red with a touch of gold”, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Mu Chapter, had “A Simply Golden Celebration” May 21-22 with dinner at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant. Other activities included a luncheon at NSU, tour of the campus and worship service at First Baptist Church North Street. The sorority was the first Black chapter chartered on the predominantly White Northwestern State University in 1972.

Delta Sigma Theta Chapter Iota Mu is first Black sorority on Northwestern campus

THIS ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 9, 2022 PRINT EDITION.

By Gisele Proby Bryant
A Simply Golden Celebration was May 21-22 marking the 50th anniversary of the Iota Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Northwestern State in 1972, the first Greek Black sorority chartered on the predominately white campus. Chapter members and alumnae traveled from across the nation for the grand celebration representing five decades (1972-2022) of sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action.
The historic celebration began on the Northwestern State campus in the President’s Room with a meet and greet networking luncheon focusing on the mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, while strategically positioning the chapter for the work which lies ahead.
Current chapter president for the 50th year celebration, ArNijah Bradley, shared in the sisterly fellowship.
Following the luncheon, members of the NSU Alumni Association provided a tour of the campus showcasing the progressive changes and state-of-the-art construction that has taken place over the 50-year span.
The setting chosen for the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration was Merci Beaucoup Restaurant located near Cane River. The Delta sisters were recognized by their colors, dressed in flaming red with a touch of gold, for an evening that reflected on their rich 50-year legacy. The members and invited guests enjoyed French/Cajun cuisine, live music and a list of speakers that included the chapter chartering advisor Edwina M. Lewis, and City of Natchitoches Mayor The Honorable Ronnie Williams Jr. There was a reading of an official statement from Gov. John Bel Edwards, recognizing May 21 in honor of Mrs. Lewis.
Remarks were given by Bradley, 50-year member Regina Emanuel Martin, NSU Alumni Association member Dr. Nikki Ceaser-Small and chapter council advisor Judith Hayes Walter.

From left are members Chandra Harris Williams, Robbie Lee, Gisele Proby Bryant and Sonya Snowden Turner.

Members attended a worship service at First Baptist Church North Street as part of A Simply Golden celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Mu Chapter. On front row from left are Rene C. Lewis, Edwina Lewis, Mae Alice Culbert Williams and Robbie Lee. On second row are Yvette Ceaser-Williams, Brenda Robinson Hatfield and Frances McFarland Morgan. On third row are Julia Patterson Braden, Gisele Proby Bryant and Cornelius Stiles Braden. On fourth row are Shonda Williams, Rosetta Boone, Carmella Parker, TanKeia Palmer and Jerry Williams.

ArniJah Bradley, right, current chapter president at Northwestern State, was gifted with a personalized life-size Delta Sigma Theta sorority crest to be displayed at official chapter celebrations and noted occasions. At left is Brenda Milner. The presentation was made when Iota Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority observed A Simply Golden Anniversary May 21-23.

#Wearing their signature “flaming red with a touch of gold”, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Mu Chapter, had “A Simply Golden Celebration” May 21-22 with dinner at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant. Other activities included a luncheon at NSU, tour of the campus and worship service at First Baptist Church North Street. The sorority was the first Black chapter chartered on the predominantly White Northwestern State University in 1972.

Saundra Pennywell Bingham and Edwina M. Lewis ponder the proclamation recognizing that Lewis was the chartering advisor of the sorority when it organized on the Northwestern State campus in 1972.

From left are Renee C. Lewis and Edwina M. Lewis. Delta Sigma Theta, Iota Mu Chapter, announced that the Edwina Mudrick Lewis Distinguished Service Award has been established in her honor, the founding advisor, recognizing her 25 years of service.

Climaxing the evening chapter, members and alumnae were thrilled to announce the Edwina Mudrick Lewis Distinguished Service Award has been established beaing the name of our founding advisor for 25 years of service. The check presentation honoring Mrs. Lewis’ tutelage will be made to NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones during homecoming Oct. 22.
Also, Bradley was gifted with a personalized life-size sorority crest to be displayed at official chapter celebrations and noted occasions. Sorority sisters in attendance received customized DST gifts.
The weekend culminated with a May Week Worship Service at the First Baptist Church North Street where members of the chapter gathered for service 50 years ago and several sorority members are active in the congregation today. A community service donation of $500 was made to the church in support of their Christian Education Ministry honoring Mrs. Lewis dedication and devotion to education.
The 50th Celebration Committee members were ArNijah Bradley, Cynthia Harmon, Brenda Fowler Milner, Sonya Snowden Turner and Gisele Proby-Bryant.