International President McKinzie Conferred Doctorate by Stillman College

Pledges $100,000 to the college as show of support

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's international president Barbara A. McKinzie received the Doctor of Humane Letters from Stillman College during its recent 130th Founders' Day Convocation. The honorary degree is bestowed upon individuals who have exemplified excellence in their professions and throughout their lives. McKinzie's professional accomplishments, her distinguished record of service, and her resolve to create programs to improve the plight of African Americans during her four-year term, make her an ideal candidate for this honor.

Presiding over the observance was Stillman president Dr. Ernest McNealey, who selected McKinzie for what he characterized as a "well-deserved honor." In his comments, he hailed McKinzie for having had "an extraordinary career for someone so young." He also praised her as "a good symbol...a good role model for our students to aspire to."

The ceremony, which represented a high point of the Founder's Day Celebration, was held in Birthright Auditorium. Over 500 students, alumni, friends and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority witnessed the moving ritual. Among those in attendance was Earnestine McNealey, wife of the president, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and chair of the Sorority's National Archives Committee. She is also a long-time friend and associate of Ms. McKinzie.

During the festivities, McKinzie observed that Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Stillman must remain viable and vibrant because of the important role they've played in educating young African Americans throughout the ages. She noted that HBCUs have been a lifeline to many Blacks who, without them, would not have had an opportunity to attend college. As a climax high of the Founder's Day festivities McKinzie underscored her support of the college by making a pledge of $100,000 over the next four years. The commitment was made as part of Alpha Kappa Alpha's The Advocates of Black Colleges (ABC) Project.

In her remarks, McKinzie vowed to be a champion for Stillman and for all HBCUs.

Declared McKinzie, "We cannot allow these schools not to thrive. We are what we are because of schools such as these."

Stillman College, which is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is one of the South's top-tier liberal arts colleges. It boasts 1000 students and includes among its distinguished alumni Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's grandfather, John Rice, Sr.; and her father John Rice, who also served as Dean of Students.

McKinzie graduated with honors from East Central Oklahoma University and received an MBA from Northwestern University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and has served in senior positions at some of the world's top accounting firms. She is known for her ability to turn around financially ailing institutions and put them on strong fiscal footing through innovative measures. She is currently Chief Executive Officer of BMC Associates, a financial services firm based in Olympia Fields, Illinois that specializes in contract, temporary and outsourced services. The firm's professional offerings include auditing, chief financial officer, comptroller, or treasurer duties, accounting and business process improvement. The company's services extend to client industries including not-for-profit, government, telecommunications and professional services.

Ms. McKinzie was installed as Alpha Kappa Alpha's 27th International President in July and will serve from 2006-2010. Because her term coincides with the Sorority's Centennial in 2008, she is hailed as the Centennial National President and her term is characterized as the Centennial Administration.

McKinzie's administration is marked by the theme: ESP, which stands for Economics, Service and Partnerships.

Founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest and largest sorority of its kind. Because of its stature and nearly 100-year-record of service, AKA is hailed as "America's premiere Greek-lettered organization for Black women." Its membership includes high-profile women from all walks of life and from all disciplines including astronaut and physician Dr. Mae Jemison, poet Maya Angelou, actress Phylicia Rashad, entertainer Gladys Knight, entrepreneur Suzanne de Passe, U.K. Member of Parliament Diane Abbott, performing artist Alicia Keys and a host of local, regional and national political leaders.