The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Mu (AKM) Honor Society held a virtual induction ceremony to welcome its spring initiates.
While this was the society members’ first online ceremony, they were not alone. In the week before the program, the chapter’s adviser, Veronica Yon, Ph.D., extended an invitation to the Tennessee State University (Phi Beta Tau) Chapter, whose induction had been canceled due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
Via Zoom conference call, 18 FAMU and seven TSU junior, senior, and graduate scholars accepted the charge to uphold AKM’s five principles: character, scholarship, citizenship, service, and leadership.
“The collaboration between the two chapters holds even greater significance in light of our history,” said Yon during the Wednesday, April 22 ceremony.
Alpha Kappa Mu was founded in 1937 at Tennessee State University, then Tennessee A&I College, by George W. Gore, who in 1950 became the fifth president of FAMU.
“It is ironic that it took a pandemic to bring about such a symbolic partnership. I look forward to our chapters working together again,” Yon said.
The event featured renditions of the AKM Hymn by flutist Timia Williams and vocalist Darien Bolden, Jr. Both students were inducted into the FAMU Chapter.
Included in the list of attendees were Coreen Jackson, Ph.D., adviser and interim director of the TSU Honors Program; Trudie Thomas, TSU co-adviser; and Mollie Brown, Ph.D., AKM national executive secretary-treasurer, along with family and friends.
In closing, Jackson offered words of encouragement to the inductees.
“Continue to represent Alpha Kappa Mu as well as your honors colleges, your university, and your family,” she told students. “Represent them with distinction and with honor…. Remember that God has all power and all knowledge, and as you put your trust in Him, He will continue to lead and direct your life.”
Spring 2020 Inductees of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society
Florida A&M University, Kappa Iota Chapter:
Sheila L. Barnes-Williams Graduate, Curriculum and Instruction
Darien Bolden, Jr. Junior, Music Education
Kevin Channey Senior, African American Studies
Chelsee Crawford Graduate, Counselor Education
Ashley Hicks Senior, Pharmacy
Jada Hoyle-Gardner Graduate, Environmental Science
Maya Hughes Junior, English
Hashanna Jallow Junior, Biology/Pre-Medicine
Cierra McKenzie Senior, Social Work
Keiara Payne-Nevels Senior, African American Studies
Chante Powell Graduate, Business Administration (Online)
Aaliya Rashad Junior, Public Relations
Destyny Sparks Junior, Psychology
Laniya White Junior, Business Administration
Maya Williams Junior, Psychology
Justin B. Williams Graduate, Public Health
Timia Williams Junior, Biology/Pre-Medicine
Mercedez Wood Junior, Health Science
Tennessee State University, Phi Beta Tau Chapter:
Daniel Luis Campos Junior, Aeronautical-Industrial Technology
Kalon Fields Senior, Human Performance Sports Science
Tyronesia Johnson Senior, Criminal Justice
Reginald Perry Senior, Business Administration
Delandris Moore Senior, Urban Studies
Tiana Smith Senior, Communication
Durice Wallace Senior, Urban Studies
Torrance Buntyn Junior, Music
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