Cynthia M. A. Butler McIntyre, President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority WASHINGTON-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the single largest African- American women's organization in the country, presented a host of financial contributions, academic scholarships and awards at its 49th National Convention held in Orlando, Fla. July 24-30.

To emphasize the organization's commitment to public service and community involvement, a Public Meeting, themed "Eyes on Our Youth," was held on Sunday, July 27. At the meeting the Sorority presented a $135,000 contribution to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project. The contribution was presented to Darryl Matthews, Vice Chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Foundation.

Continuing its support of historically Black colleges and universities, the Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair award was presented to Langston University at the Public Meeting. The award was established in 1977 to support and sustain historically Black colleges and universities.

The grant of $200,000 provides support for a professor of distinction to be in residence. As a result of Delta's 2006- 2008 biennial focus on education and its ground-breaking "Eyes on Our Youth Educational Symposium," the "Eyes on Our Youth" scholarship was created to help deserving undergraduate students at historically Black colleges and universities complete their undergraduate education. The inaugural "Eyes on Our Youth" scholarship was presented to Bennett College, Greensboro, N.C., and Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala.

Other preeminent awards presented at the Public Meeting and other signature events held throughout the convention include: the Mary Church Terrell Award presented to Dr. Thelma Thomas Daley, vice chair of the National Council of Negro Women, distinguished counselor, educator, humanitarian and 16th National President of Delta Sigma Theta; the Patricia Roberts Harris Medallion for Excellence in Government Service Award presented to Denise L. Nappier, the first African- American woman elected to serve as a State Treasurer in the United States; the Althea T.L. Simmons Social Action Award presented to Melanie L. Campbell, CEO and executive director of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; the African Violet Award for Extraordinary Contributions to Collegiate Sorors presented to Deborah A. Elam, chief diversity officer at General Electric, and Ingrid Saunders Jones, chair of The Coca- Cola Foundation; the Osceola Award, honoring individuals who have achieved excellence as patrons of arts and letters, presented to the Sphinx Organization, a national arts organization focusing on youth development and diversity in classical music; the Keeper of the Flame Award presented to Laurel Tucker Duplessis, artist and curator; the Emerging Artist Award presented to Stephanie Perry Moore, Christian fiction novelist; and the Lillian Award, a salute to outstanding national media individuals, presented to Mara Brock Akil, executive producer of Girlfriends and The Game, and Lyne Pitts, vice president of strategic initiatives for NBC.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Today Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has over 200,000 members and over 900 chapters worldwide. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its national programs.