WHEREAS, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will celebrate 85 years of heartfelt and meaningful service to the communities of the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, and surrounding areas in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was chartered in 1939 by 12 inspired and forward-looking women who embraced the national organization's mission to make a positive and lasting difference in communities around the world; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has touched countless lives through a variety of programs and endeavors in the areas of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health awareness, and political awareness and involvement; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has notably hosted women's empowerment workshops, partnering with local professionals and experts in the fields of financial services, real estate, business, and health care to help women achieve success and secure their financial futures; and

WHEREAS, for nearly two decades, members of the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority have supported the academic achievements and social and emotional well-being of local elementary, middle, and high school students through the organization's mentorship program; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has extended its service both globally and locally through a number of initiatives, including raising more than $10,000 to establish a functioning water well in a community in Africa, donating to area neonatal intensive care units, and sponsoring several voter registration drives; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will honor the chapter's 85 years of accomplishments, the result of its members' unwavering commitment to the Christian principles upon which the organization is founded, at "The Crimson and Cream 85th Anniversary Gala" event on September 14, 2024, at the Vinton War Memorial; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., hereby be commended on the occasion of its 85th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's history and its contributions to the Commonwealth.