Thursday, February 07, 2008
Lt. Governor Patty Judge Awards Inaugural One Iowa Award
Local Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated recognized for advancing diversity through mentoring and internship programs
(Des Moines)- Iowa Lt. Governor Patty Judge awarded the first ever One Iowa Award to the Zeta Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. The special recognition ceremony took place at the State Historical Building in Des Moines on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Lt. Governor Judge created the One Iowa Award to recognize communities, groups, businesses and organizations making progress in advancing diversity in Iowa.
“I’m proud that the Zeta Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha is the recipient of the first ever One Iowa Award,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “Their mentoring program at Des Moines East High School is changing the lives of dozens of young men in our community and they’ve engaged local businesses with their ‘Champions of Change’ internship program. It teaches young men and women how to succeed in corporate America and gives them the tools to be successful.”
The men of Alpha Phi Alpha have invested in the lives of central Iowa’s young people. In 2006, they adopted Des Moines East High School for Project Alpha- Real Talk. Zeta Kappa Lambda focuses on mentoring young men in athletics, and has pledged a five-year commitment with the goal of helping the students focus on school, graduate high school, and become leaders. They also encourage these young men to complete and successfully pass college entrance exams and pursue a college degree. More than 350 students benefit every month from the mentoring program at East. Two students from Des Moines East High School, Mykeal Shade and Justin Lewis also spoke.
Zeta Kappa Lambda also actively participates in Champions of Change Scholarship and Internship Program. The mission is to provide educational opportunities for local students from diverse backgrounds and it has two components: First, they award college scholarships to deserving minority students within the community. Some are graduating high school seniors and others are currently enrolled in local colleges or universities. Secondly, in 2006, the organization successfully piloted its formal internship program for diverse students. The chapter is accountable to source, recruit and interview ethically diverse talent and place those individuals within corporate partner organizations within the city.
Matt Jeter, President of the Zeta Kappa Lambda Chapter said he and his fraternity members are humbled to have been chosen to receive the inaugural One Iowa Award. “Our chapter has worked hard to make Des Moines a city that embraces diversity. We are honored that the Lt. Governor has found our organization worthy of the One Iowa Award and we thank her and Governor Culver for acknowledging the importance of diversity in Iowa.”
Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated members Traci McKindra, Andrea Smith and Kim Jackson also contributed to the ceremony through song and poetry. Jay Hill, a member of Zeta Kappa Lambda sang, My Soul is Anchored.
The One Iowa Award is proudly sponsored by two Iowa-based businesses: Bankers Trust in Des Moines and Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids. Renee Hardman, Senior Vice President at Bankers Trust served as the mistress of ceremonies.
Lt. Governor Judge said, “Governor Culver and I chose for our inaugural theme – One Iowa, One Unlimited Future. This simple phrase represents our firm belief that the only way for our state to succeed is by building one Iowa, where people from different backgrounds and different generations come together and work for the common good.”