The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority founders were not the only ones honored at the VSU’s Kaptivating Kappa Upsilon chapter founder’s day observance ceremony.

The event, held Jan. 17 at the University Center at 8:30 p.m., recognized famous sisters such as Toni Morrison, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Kathy Hughes, Alice Walker and Carolyn Meyers.

While giving the sorority a look at the range of careers their fellow sisters have held, 20 members stood to represent the 20 founders, also known as the 20 pearls. Each member announced their respective founder’s accomplishments, while lighting a sequence of candles.

The ceremony was not a private gathering.

“For the public to get to know about AKA history and more about AKAs, we decided to open up an event to the school,” Jasmine Everett, the chapter’s former president, said.

So everyone could celebrate, they chose Jan. 17 although their founder’s day was Jan. 15.

“I went to the ceremony to get insight on the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated history,” Julianna Toney, a sophomore biology major, said. “Also, it is important to know what the Greek organization stands for and represents. I wanted to see a side of Valdosta State I do not get to see every day and to meet new people who are on the right track.”

The ceremony begun with the song “I know I’ve been Changed,” sung by sister Jazmine Newsome, and a prayer and ended with a circle around the fountain in front of the University Center.

The AKA’s merged with their sisters to sing their last song and to let the pink and green balloons fly as their supporters watched.

In the crowd were other Greek organizations such as the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“I went to support the NPHC, a lot of people say they don’t see us showing enough Greek unity so were trying to get better about that,” said Stephon, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi.

“I feel like a lot of people supported us, and it is greatly appreciated,” said Genna Hall, a member of the Kappa Upsilon Chapter. “The best part for me is when we were paying tribute to our MOST Illustrious founders by lighting the candles in remembrance of them.”