This award is presented in honor of the late Dr. Dwayne D. Jakes, husband of Soror Karen A. Jakes. He was an active deacon of First African Baptist Church who believed in the advancement of knowledge through education despite the circumstances or financial obstacles. A graduate of Tuskegee University (BS PolSci), Troy University (MSHRM) and California Coast University (MBA, DBA), he was able to open his own business (Dwayne D. Jakes & Associates Management Systems, LLC). Dwayne shared his experience and knowledge as an Area Chairman and professor in the School of Business at University of Phoenix Columbus campus. A Life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, he traveled with the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter to Regional and International conferences.

Pearl Soror Anna Adams Mims

The family of Pearl Soror Anna Adams Mims would like to establish a scholarship in her honor for her commitment to Faith, Family, and Heritage. Her journey began with her family’s commitment to honoring their heritage and to assisting others along the way. Pearl Soror Mims was instrumental in developing a program to encourage young African - American students to learn more about their history and those who paved the way for them. The AKA Black Heritage Bowl was born.

The show was televised in the local community and shown for many years on WLTZ, Channel 38. The program is a true testament to her love of our heritage and history. It is our desire that this scholarship will continue to encourage students to reflect and their heritage, and to remember the Legacy that Pearl Soror Mims began over 45 years ago. The sorority renamed the Heritage Bowl the Anna Adams Mims Black Heritage Bowl in her honor. 

A dedicated educator in the Muscogee County School District for more than 35 years, Pearl Soror Anna A. Mims valued the importance of equipping young people twelve months of the year, seven days a week. This scholarship will continue to encourage students to reflect on their heritage, and to continue her legacy and love of history that Pearl Soror Mims began over 45 years ago. The family wishes to establish a scholarship for a graduating high school senior that will attend an HBCU or a member Eta Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Columbus State University. 

This award is presented in honor of the late Vanessa Faye Booker Morgan, the daughter of Juanita Carson Booker, a Pearl member of Gamma Tau Omega Chapter. Vanessa graduated from Mercer University in 1982, with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. She continued her education at Augusta University College of Nursing earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Yale University. 

Vanessa’s nursing career spanned over 30 years; she shared her experience and knowledge in the areas of neonatal care and infection control and prevention. Vanessa’s dedication to those in need served as a sterling example of her commitment to selfless service within the community not only as a nurse, but as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Inc.

The Vanessa Faye Booker Morgan Memorial Scholarship Award shall be made available to a graduating high school senior male or female interested in pursuing a college degree in nursing. This scholarship will be awarded to one candidate for their first year of college.