About our organization and scholarship program
Our Mission
Our Memorial Scholarships and Endowment
Our Mission
The Distinguished Ladies of Essence, Inc is a newly established 501(c)(3) organization founded by Cheyney State University alumni who have maintained a sisterhood since the 1980s. After losing two members, we were inspired to honor their memory by supporting our beloved university. Our mission is to build a lasting legacy that provides
The Distinguished Ladies of Essence, Inc is a newly established 501(c)(3) organization founded by Cheyney State University alumni who have maintained a sisterhood since the 1980s. After losing two members, we were inspired to honor their memory by supporting our beloved university. Our mission is to build a lasting legacy that provides ongoing support to Cheyney students, helping young women and men pursue their dreams.
Our History
Our Memorial Scholarships and Endowment
Our Mission
The Distinguished Ladies of Essence, Inc. is a officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. established by an dynamic group of women all Cheyney alumni who first connected in the 1980s under the name as "Omega Essence,". Our collective sisterhoodisterhood has evolved over time, maintaining a strong bond despite the dis
The Distinguished Ladies of Essence, Inc. is a officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. established by an dynamic group of women all Cheyney alumni who first connected in the 1980s under the name as "Omega Essence,". Our collective sisterhoodisterhood has evolved over time, maintaining a strong bond despite the dissolution of the original entity. This collective came together with renewed purpose following the loss of our sister Patricia, channeling grief into meaningful action and establishing scholarship initiatives to honor her legacy.
Further adversity, including the passing of Dayna Dember, only strengthened our commitment to our mission. Through sustained collaboration, diligence, and mutual support, The Distinguished Ladies of Essence, Inc. continues to exemplify the values of fellowship, service, and excellence among Cheyney alumni. Our organization remains dedicated to empowering members and supporting community initiatives through purposeful engagement and ongoing connection.
Our Memorial Scholarships and Endowment
Our Memorial Scholarships and Endowment
Our Memorial Scholarships and Endowment
The Patricia D. Richardson Scholarship
The Dayna Dember Scholarship
DLOE Endowment Fund
THE PATRICIA D. RICHARDSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Patricia D. Richardson Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Patricia Denise Richardson affectionately known as "Pat". We wanted to create an everlasting legacy to our dear sister who departed this earth way too soon. Its intent is to offer additional financial resources to Cheyney University of Pennsylvania students that have a passion for succeeding but may need extra help to do so. Education and helping others were always very important to Patricia. This scholarship is a way to show appreciation for her love, dedication and work ethic and memorialize her passion for greatness. It is a vehicle to honor her by contributing to the education of Cheyney students majoring in social work and business and those who will be future leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Our hope is that through their success Pat will live on and the recipients of this scholarship will pay it forward to the next generation.
THE DAYNA DEMBER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Dayna Dember Memorial Scholarship honors our sister Dayna, whose dedication was instrumental in founding The Patrica D. Richardson Memorial Scholarship. Remembered for her passion for helping others, we continue to uphold her legacy. Inspired by the impact of our friend, we strive to advance learning and support others, keeping Dayna’s memory alive through each initiative. This scholarship is dedicated to continuing her commitment and passion for education and literacy.
Our History
The Distinguished Ladies of Essence, Inc. is a officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. established by an dynamic group of women all Cheyney alumni who first connected in the 1980s under the name as "Omega Essence,". Our collective sisterhoodisterhood has evolved over time, maintaining a strong bond despite the dissolution of the original entity. This collective came together with renewed purpose following the loss of our sister Patricia, channeling grief into meaningful action and establishing scholarship initiatives to honor her legacy.
Further adversity, including the passing of Dayna Dember, only strengthened our commitment to our mission. Through sustained collaboration, diligence, and mutual support, The Distinguished Ladies of Essence, Inc. continues to exemplify the values of fellowship, service, and excellence among Cheyney alumni. Our organization remains dedicated to empowering members and supporting community initiatives through purposeful engagement and ongoing connection.
Cheyney University History (est. 1837)
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania: The Oldest HBCU in the Nation
If you are interested in learning about the history and legacy of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States, you cannot ignore Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the oldest HBCU in the nation. Founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth, Cheyney University has a remarkable story of resilience, excellence and innovation that spans nearly two centuries.
The Beginnings of Cheyney University
Cheyney University owes its existence to Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist who was born on a plantation in Tortola, an island in the British West Indies. Humphreys came to Philadelphia in 1764 and became concerned about the struggles of free people of African descent to make a living and gain education in a discriminatory society. He was also inspired by the news of a race riot against free African-Americans in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1829.
Humphreys decided to bequeath $10,000 (equivalent to $293,133 in 2022) to establish a school to educate people of African descent and prepare them as teachers. He charged thirteen fellow Quakers to design an institution "to instruct the descendants of the African Race in school learning, in the various branches of the mechanic Arts, trades and Agriculture, in order to prepare and fit and qualify them to act as teachers ..."
The school was founded as the African Institute in February 1837 and renamed the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY) in April 1837. In its early years, it provided training in trades and agriculture, which were the predominant skills needed in the general economy. The school was located in Philadelphia and had several locations over the years.
The Move to Cheyney
In 1902, the ICY was relocated to George Cheyney's farm, a 275-acre property 25 miles west of Philadelphia. The land was donated by the prominent Cheyney family, who were also Quakers and abolitionists. The name "Cheyney" became associated with the school in 1913, though the school's official name changed several times during the 20th century.
The school became Cheyney State Normal School in 1914, Cheyney Training School for Teachers in 1921, Cheyney State Teachers College in 1926, Cheyney State College in 1959 and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 1983. The school also expanded its academic offerings beyond teacher education to include liberal arts, sciences, business, communications and more.
The Legacy of Cheyney University
As the oldest HBCU in the nation, Cheyney University has a rich heritage and a proud alumni network. Some of the notable graduates include:
- Ed Bradley, a correspondent for the CBS program "60 Minutes"
- Bayard Rustin, a prominent civil rights activist and organizer of the 1963 March on Washington
- Pedro Rivera, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education
- Robert W. Bogle, publisher and CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest newspaper continuously owned and operated by an African American
- Dr. Audrey F. Bronson, a member of the PA State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors, ordained minister and retired educator
- Dr. Gladys Styles Johnston, former Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Thaddeus Kirkland, State Representative and Mayor of Chester, PA
Cheyney University is also a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 disciplines and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Today, Cheyney University welcomes students from a variety of races, cultures and nationalities who receive educational instruction far beyond the vision of Richard Humphreys. The university's mission is "to prepare confident, competent, reflective, visionary leaders and responsible citizens" who can contribute to a global society.
Sources:
: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheyney_University_of_Pennsylvania
: https://cheyney.edu/who-we-are/the-first-hbcu/
: https://aaregistry.org/story/cheyney-university-founded/
: https://www.the1hbcu.com/cheyney/
The DLOE Memorial Scholarship, Inc Board of Directors
Belinda Henderson
Charlene Edwards
Tracey Connors
Sylvia Gardner
Sharon Crawford Elliott
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
To donate please complete the "Drop us a line" form below.
Help our cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
Please complete the "Drop us a line" form below.
We would love to hear from you!!
