About Us

The Dillard University Washington DC Metropolitan Area Alumni chapter (DUWDMAAA) has a rich and proud history and culture. This history and culture are a result of the deep love for Dillard University on the part of its alumni.

The early history of the chapter as described herein was assembled based primarily on the memory of current members and not necessarily on documented information. Whatever written historical information found, was however, used in its preparation.

The history begins with several graduates of Dillard having had the foresight to band together in the late 1940s and 50s to create the “Dillard University Club.” We are not certain of the number of individuals involved or the date of the club’s formation and were unable to determine whether the club had a formal relationship with the university. The club was still in existence, however, in the early 60s.

A new cadre of DU alumni began settling in the DC area around the the early 60s and they contacted the established club. Members of the club were exceptionally pleased to welcome the newcomers and almost instantaneously yielded organization and management of the club to the new group. They were also enthusiastic about the club being renamed, ”Dillard University Alumni Chapter.” By the early 70s only the “newcomers” were members.

There was a dual sense of purpose evident in the activities of the chapter. Emphasis was placed on fund-raising for Dillard and on maintaining the social ties that had been established among the members. The chapter’s membership expanded to cover the entire metropolitan DC/Maryland/Virginia area, even including a couple living in New York City. The membership grew with 41 being the highest for paid membership in one year.

In order to generate revenue, the chapter embarked on holding annual cabarets to supplement the amount raised by dues. Eventually a decision was made to replace the cabarets with one major annual event. This event was the Mardi Gras Ball held jointly with Xavier University’s local alumni chapter at first and then expanded to include Grambling University’s and Southern University’s local alumni chapters. This event held at Howard University’s Blackburn Center, became a must attend affair for many years in the Washington DC area.  This joint activity was eventually discontinued, and the chapter inaugurated the Jazz Brunch as its major source of revenue. The Jazz Brunch has been held in the fall of each year since 2003. Not only does this event serve as a fund raiser but it also draws alumni from the area who are unable to attend monthly meetings. Alumni and guests attending the event all look forward to enjoying good food, good music and good fellowship.  It is a fun-filled affair and truly represents a homecoming of sorts for the group. Recently, we have reestablished the connection with Xavier University and have held and will be holding the Mardi Gras Ball as in the past. The Jazz Brunch, however, will continue to be the chapter’s signature event.

To financially assist student, The Fannie N. Ridgeway Endowment Fund was established in 1967 in honor of Ms. Fannie N. Ridgeway, Director of Men’s Dormitories, who was loved, respected and admired by all.  Money from the interest generated by this fund is supplemented by contributions from the chapter to provide scholarships to students at the university. The Fund continues to today. To increase our ability to raise funds for the university, the chapter applied for and received IRS 501(c)(3) status in 2000. 

There were and still are several activities designed to maintain the social ties among members of the chapter. Yearly picnics were held in the latter 60s, and in the 70s and 80s that brought together families of the members. Guests of alumni were also invited particularly those who had supported fund-raising activities of the chapter. The picnics were held at public parks and in later years at the home of a local alumnus where we enjoyed the ambience of a back-yard swimming pool. Theater outings were also a staple of the group in the 80s and 90s.  An annual Christmas Party has been a long-held tradition and in the last few years has become a much-anticipated affair hosted by an alumnus whose culinary skills are superb.

The chapter participates in the annual Summer-send-off, a major effort of the recruiting department of Dillard. This activity is for current and prospective students and their parents from the DC metropolitan area.  The university co-sponsors such events in major metropolitan areas from which the university hopes to draw students.

We have established relationships with the Washington Inter-Alumni Council (WIAC) United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and participated in many activities of the Council since the early 70s.  In 1981 a member of the chapter was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Council, for “Unselfish Service and Outstanding Leadership on Behalf of Greater Educational Opportunities for All Youth and for the Community.” We have and continue to support the UNCF/WIAC annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast, a fund-raiser for undergraduate students.  The chapter also participates in Career Day activities of the Council which serves as recruitment events for UNCF and other schools.

Historians:
Mrs. Naomi Y. Green
Mrs. Ruth Hodges
Dr. Marie Smith Davidson
Mr. Madison Lyles
Dr. Sidney Green