36 Divas Continue Homecoming Tradition of Service to Lincoln University Students

For nearly a decade, the Lincoln University alumnae group has returned to campus during Homecoming to provide care packages to students while strengthening connections between alumni and the Blue Tiger community.

What began with a collection of gently used purses filled with toiletries has grown into one of Lincoln University's most enduring Homecoming traditions, one that brings alumnae back to campus in service to current students.

For nearly a decade, the 36 Divas, a service group of Lincoln University alumnae, have returned to campus each Homecoming to distribute care packages filled with toiletries, school supplies, food and other essentials to students. The annual project provides practical support to students while giving the alumnae an opportunity to reconnect with the university, build relationships with current Blue Tigers, share their experiences and offer encouragement. In 2025, the group donated more than 200 drawstring bags to Lincoln University students.

The 36 Divas are members of the Alpha Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., all initiated on Lincoln's campus in the spring of 2002. The group's name reflects their initiation class of 36 members and the sorority's longstanding "Devastating Divas" nickname.

The project launched in 2016 when one member proposed collecting purses and filling them with toiletries for female students. Fellow members provided all of the donated items in the first two years. As the effort grew, the group expanded its reach to serve the broader student body and began accepting outside donations to meet the demand.

Today, the project is supported by the 36 Divas, fellow sorority members, Lincoln University alumni, friends, family and local community supporters. One hundred percent of donations received go directly toward supporting students.

"Our annual service project is rooted in our commitment to supporting students by supplying essential items," said Latrice Barnett, a 2003 Lincoln graduate and one of the project's organizers. "The best part of this tradition is getting to chat, connect and spend time with the amazing students we are supporting."

Shana Frierson, also a 2003 graduate and co-organizer, said the project has become a Homecoming highlight.

"While it is certainly a labor of love, connecting with students, sharing stories and offering guidance and encouragement is incredibly fulfilling," Frierson said. "Knowing that we can ease some of the challenges students face through giving makes this experience truly heartwarming and rewarding."

Beyond the care packages, the annual project has become an opportunity for the 36 Divas to build relationships with current students, share personal experiences and offer mentorship.

The 36 Divas include the following:

Alexandria (Simmons) Chapman, Tiana Watson, Ryan (Wise) Frederick, Mattie Pruitt, Jennifer Hayes, Erica Sims, Audrey (Ford) Gibson, LaCarla Williams, Shayla Brock, Lashaunda Washington, Dana Shepherd, Nachele Murphy, Tanna (Douglas) Matthews, Kendra (Stewart) Nesbitt, Deetrilynn Galbreath, Latrice (Adams) Barnett, Amanda (Clemons) Jones, Shana Frierson, J’Aysha Chambers, Ronette (Stewart) Hackett, Andrea Madden, Erica (Fowler) Hart, Tamala (Dameron) Norfus, Lotis (Singleton) Johnson, Victoria Green, Reesha Archibald, Emma Hill, Dayna Ragland, Michelle (Lee) Brewington, Nicole (Kelley) Ross, Elizabeth Robinson, Danje Davis, Michelle McGruder, Surayya Ibrahim, Brandi Powell and Robia Fields.

For more information or to make a donation, email divas36@yahoo.com.