Upsilon Alpha Omega, the Gwinnett Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, was chartered in Gwinnett County on January 29, 1994. On December 9, 2012 UAO chartered the Tau Pi Chapter on the campus of Oglethorpe University. The Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter (“UAO”) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is proud to announce the establishment of The McGruder- Smith Undergraduate Scholarship of Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, named for chapter charter members and veteran educators Janice McGruder and CaSandra Smith. Mrs. McGruder and Mrs. Smith have over 35 years of experience in education each and have enriched and enhanced the lives of many children.

The McGruder- Smith Undergraduate Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving
member of Tau Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Tau Pi Chapter is
the first Greek- lettered organization for African Americans chartered on the campus of
Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. UAO serves as the graduate chapter to Tau Pi, and
provides guidance, mentoring, and support for all undergraduate activities. The chapters
also participate in joint meetings and community service initiatives as they work to better
the human living conditions via Alpha Kappa Alpha’s award-winning international
programs.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Current financial member of Tau Pi Chapter.  The Tau Pi Soror selected must be enrolled  in Oglethorpe University in Fall 2026.  
• Currently enrolled as a matriculating student
• Must demonstrate leadership potential and discernable good character
• Must actively participate in the chapter’s service projects

SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION
To be considered for the McGruder-Smith Undergraduate Scholarship of Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, applicants must submit the following by March 28.  
1. A completed application. 
2. A personal statement summarizing why the applicant should be awarded the McGruder-Smith Undergraduate Scholarship of Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. and how the scholarship will help her pursue her career ambition. Be sure to include community service activities in the statement.
3. Transcript (including prior semester). Must meet minimum (3.0) GPA requirements.
4. A letter of recommendation from any of the following: professors, advisor, employer or minister.

SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION PROCESS
• The interview will be held in April.  
• The scholarship recipient will be honored at a Reception.    

Janice McGruder graduated from East Depot High School in LaGrange, GA. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Comprehensive Business Education from Albany State College in Albany, GA. and her Masters of Education Degree from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, GA. Mrs. McGruder has dedicated her life to educating children in Georgia. Mrs. McGruder began her teaching career as a Business Education Teacher where she taught on both the Middle School and High School levels. Changing the lives of children was always her focus. She is proud of the fact that her Daughter and both of her Grandchildren followed her into the field of education. The last years of her teaching career were spent as a vocational teacher and as a Summer Scholars Educator. These years concluded her rich experience as a Teacher, Team Leader, and Department Head. During this time, she received many awards and recognitions which included: The Fair Street Butler Education Award and The Georgia Career Student Association Lifetime Service Award. Mrs. McGruder is a loyal member of both St. John Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In AKA, she was a Charter Member of Lambda Iota Omega in Gainesville, GA and Upsilon Alpha Omega in Lawrenceville GA. Alpha Kappa Alpha has given her a chance to serve the community for over 40 years. The positions she held in the organization includes: President of Gwinnett Pearls of Service nonprofit Foundation and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council in Gwinnett County. Janice is married to Ruben McGruder. They have two children Tecia (Kennard) McKay and Rueben D. McGruder and two grandchildren Alex Davidson and  Soror Kaylah McGruder.

CaSandra Smith attended elementary school in Albany, Georgia and graduated from Sarasota High School in Sarasota, Florida. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Dedicating over 37 years to educating children, Mrs. Smith is known for her creativity and uniqueness of spirit. Mrs. Smith has educated children in the states of Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Her joy comes when a student suddenly and excitedly grasps concepts and ideas. She is of the belief that when a challenge is accepted and mastered, the education of that individual is moved to a different level. She loves teaching and absolutely thrives on helping children learn. Simply put, she is a strong believer that “EDUCATION ROCKS”. Having many talents, Mrs. Smith is the author of numerous poems and songs. She even wrote the school song for one of her schools, which is currently in use today. Mrs. Smith was initiated in Nu Lambda Omega in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a LIFE MEMBER of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is a charter member of Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Serving Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter on many levels throughout the years, she has a vast history of committee membership. Mrs. Smith is a member of Hopewell Northeast Missionary Baptist Church in Grayson, Georgia where she is a member and officer of the Usher Board and an office volunteer. Mrs. Smith is married to Carl and they have two daughters, Carla Leigh and Christina Michelle. She is most proud of the fact that her entire family graduated from FAMU and that both of her daughters are members of AKA.