Sorority sets fashion gala, luncheon at country club

VIENNA

The Epsilon Mu Omega and Delta Delta chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host a Founders’ Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Avalon Golf and Country Club at Squaw Creek, 761 Youngstown Kingsville Road S.E.

The fashion show will feature Women of Distinction modeling the newest styles of clothing from Possessions in Boardman, and hats from Creative Creations by Cora E. Underwood.

During the event, the sorority will honor Verna Wylie of Youngstown and Claudette Gilford of Rockville, Md. Both were charter members in 1955 of the Delta Delta chapter, the first black American sorority at then-Youngstown College, now Youngstown State University.

Mrs. Wylie was an elementary and junior high school principal with Warren School District from 1972-1989. She served with Dr. Robert Fhrede as co-director of the school management programs in YSU’s school of education. She was honored as the most outstanding administrator of education in Ohio Associations of School Administrators.

Mrs. Gilford attended YSU and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in business management She served as the director of the national food and drug administration and later became a consultant for the food and agriculture administration in Rome, Italy.

Tickets for the celebration are $35 and can be purchased from members of the chapters. Proceeds will support scholarships and community outreach programs.

Dr. Joan Boyd is serving as chairwoman for the event and Anita Russell is co-chairwoman. For additional information contact Beverly Fortune at (330) 782-3126.