Kasey Coleman to serve as second international vice president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Kasey Coleman, a senior in chemical engineering, is now the highest ranking undergraduate officer in the 300,000-member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She shares her thoughts on that opportunity in this "Student Voice" on MSUToday. Also, in October, she will receive the Michigan State University Black Alumni Distinguished Community Service Award during Homecoming ceremonies on Oct. 6.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." My experiences within Alpha Kappa Alpha truly embody the essence of Gandhi's words.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was founded on Jan. 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington D.C. as the first sorority established by, and for, black women. With a focus on being of "Service to All Mankind" since her inception, the sorority has expanded to over 300,000 members worldwide over the last 110 years, including a strong presence at Michigan State University through service and sisterhood.
Delta Zeta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha was chartered on Feb. 3, 1954, at the then Michigan State College, serving as the first sorority on our campus for black women. Since then our impact on the campus community has been remarkable.
Fast forward to the spring of 2016 when I was fortunate enough to join my illustrious organization with 103 of the most gifted, impactful, multidimensional and talented leaders on campus — whom I now humbly call my sisters. These women, along with the 16 members of my family who are also part of our sorority, constantly inspire my passion for our sisterhood and our mission.
At MSU, I have served my chapter in several capacities. I have been heavily involved with our Greek council and campus community, as well as held national leadership roles within other professional organizations.
In November 2017, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and submitted my candidacy seeking to serve my sorority on the international level. This July at the 68th International Convention in Houston, Texas, nearly 20,000 members saw fit to elect me as the Second International Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. As the highest undergraduate ranking officer, I am responsible for mobilizing undergraduate activity toward our national initiatives set by our International President, Dr. Glenda Glover.
I plan to foster leadership, tools of success for sustainability of chapters, and the love of our organization among undergraduate members worldwide. I also plan to greatly impact my home, MSU.
On our campus this upcoming year, I will work to be an advocate for all student organizations that grace our campus. As a pearl in progress, polishing myself every day, my hope is to continue to "lose myself in the service of others" through impacting the MSU and East Lansing communities positively and progressively.