Graduate student Ruby Udeh of Nigeria named Miss Black and Gold

December 12, 2008

Success and etiquette were among the themes of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, held in the Hamilton Center of the University Center, Saturday, Dec. 6. The 30th annual event celebrated the academic and personal achievements of six talented women.

“This pageant was influential, because it allowed the contestants to showcase their intellect, talent and natural beauty,” said Alpha Phi Alpha President Shedrick Daniels.  “This event contributed to the efforts that we as a fraternity provide in order to offset the negative images of women that are seen everyday.”

Ruby Udeh placed first overall and was named “Miss Black and Gold.”  Udeh, a native of Nigeria, is a first-year graduate childhood psychology student.  She is involved in community service activities as a volunteer at the YMCA San Diego. One day, Udeh hopes to enter the Peace Corps, which will allow her to teach in Third World countries. Along with the title of “Miss Black and Gold,” she received a trophy, $250 for school tuition and the opportunity to compete at the state, regional and national levels.

“The Miss Black and Gold Pageant stands for acceptance and appreciation for women in the black community,” said Udeh. “The Miss Black and Gold Pageant allows the brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity to present not only the beauty of women but the brains and sophistication behind them as well.”

The other winners were:

·Peace Udechukwu—first runner up or “Miss Gold.” Udechukwu, a native of Nigeria, is a first-year graduate childhood psychology student.  She involves herself in the community, doing volunteer work with her church and starting her own nonprofit organization called A.N.G.E.L.S. (Assisting Nigerian Girls in Education, Leadership and Sisterhood).

·Robyn Lockett—second runner up or “Miss Black.”  Lockett, who is from Milwaukee, is a sophomore journalism major.  She is the former editor-in-chief of the Milwaukee-based Gumbo magazine.

·Keiyona Williams— “Miss Congeniality.” Williams, who is from Milwaukee, is a junior social work major.  She is very active on campus as a resident assistant, tutor and counselor for incoming freshmen and a member of the leadership involvement team.

·Monica Griffin— “Miss Talent.”  Griffin, who is from Milwaukee, is a senior liberal studies major.  She is the president of TIFU Cultural Ensemble and has proven herself an influential voice at UW-Whitewater.

·Melanie Fuller –“Mrs. Annie C. Singleton,” better known as the mother of the national Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Fuller, who is from Milwaukee, is a freshman business major. Fuller considers herself a very determined individual who enjoys being active on campus.

The six University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student contestants were judged in the categories: an introduction of themselves, swimsuit, talent, evening gown and two current event questions.  

“It was a pleasure working with the contestants this year,” said Erica Morrow of Academic Support Services.  “Each one of them brought their own sense of style and grace to the pageant, and each one of them is to be commended for their hard work and determination.”

For more information about the Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, contact Shedrick Daniels at danielsSW17@uww.edu.