Torchbearers' Memorial Scholarship Foundation

During the 2007 Commonwealth of Virginia State Conference, the body voted to establish a State of Virginia, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Torchbearers' Memorial Scholarship Foundation.  The purpose of the Foundation is to provide financial assistance to women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the state of Virginia.  

The proposal included five named scholarships: 

  • Torchbearers’ General Scholarship

  • Audrey B. Robinson Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Rosalie C. Adams Graduate Scholarship

  • Edna S. Anthony Amicae Scholarship

  • Nancy B. McGhee Book Scholarship

In 2023, the foundation filed for the Articles of Incorporation, obtained a Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN), established governing documents, and obtained a 501c(3) Tax Exempt status from the International Revenue Service.  In just a few short years, the Foundation is proud to have raised over $11k and give away 10 scholarships!  

Purpose, Vision, Mission

The purpose of the foundation are to award scholarship(s) to worthy students for the pursuit of higher education; to conduct community educational programs which will aid in the education and vocational improvement in individuals and community living standards; and to engage in activities that will help in the educational development of all people. Foster collaboration with existing community organizations and resources – with shared goals and objectives – to provide optimal quality programs that provide maximum impact.

The vision of the foundation is to assure access and opportunities for lifelong education to all without discrimination. 

The mission of the foundation is to ignite opportunity through education by awarding scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education, conducting community-based educational programs that strengthen vocational skills and quality of life, and engaging in activities that foster the educational development of all people.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • la'ketha d. priolaeu

    CHAIR

  • ANGELA WALLER

    VICE CHAIR

  • NICOLE WOODY

    SECRETARY

  • MARIAN V. BARNWELL

    TREASURER

  • ERICA ALSTON

    FUNDS DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

  • NANCY FLANAGAN

    BOARD MEMBER

  • NYLA CURRY

    BOARD MEMBER
    (UNDERGRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE)

  • ZENOBIA CARDWELL

    BOARD MEMBER
    (AMICAE REPRESENTATIVE)

scholarship opportunities

The Foundation proudly offers five scholarships on an annual basis.

Torchbearers’ General Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship provides financial assistance to worthy students in pursuit of higher education. It is available to people who are associated with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., through membership in the sorority or one of its auxiliaries.

Audrey B. Robinson Undergraduate Scholarship

This scholarship notably honors the writer of the tune for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s national hymn (1950). Triumphant Soror Robinson also served as the sorority’s 7th Eastern Regional Director (1965-1970) and is a charter member of the Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter in Richmond, VA (1942). This $1,000 scholarship is intended for undergraduate members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Rosalie C. Adams Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship honors Triumphant Soror Rosalie Adams, the 9th Eastern Regional Director (1974-1978), who also served as National 2nd Anti-Basileus, National Trustee, and Associate Director - VA (1970-1974). She was instrumental in bringing Zeta to the General Assembly in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This $1,500 scholarship is intended for graduate members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Edna S. Anthony Amicae Scholarship

This scholarship honors one of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated's triumphant Sorors, who promoted our Friends of Zeta with distinction. Soror Anthony served the Sorority with depth and longevity. For more than 20 years, being re-appointed by multiple administrations, Soror Anthony was the Amicae Coordinator on the local, state, and regional levels. The $1,000 scholarship is intended for members of the Amicae auxiliary.

Nancy B. Woolridge McGhee Book Scholarship

This scholarship honors Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated's 13th International Grand Basileus (IGB) who led the sorority to become the first sorority to establish a chapter in Africa. Additionally, under her leadership, triumphant Past IGB McGhee initiated the purchase of the Zeta's National Headquarters. Soror McGhee was the first Humanities Chair of Hampton University where she taught for over 40 years. This $500 scholarship provides funds for needed books and supplies to a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, or a member of Zeta Amicae

Check back regularly for opportunities to apply.  Scholarship opportunities open in early 2026

donor opportunities

The Torchbearers' Memorial Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Commonwealth of Virginia, and is organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes.  Since our inception, we have given more than $8,000 in scholarship awards to allow students to focus on their studies rather than stress about tuition payments.  Your generous donations directly support promising students and mitigate financial barriers that impact their success. Each donation helps our students achieve their academic and career aspirations as they go on to become leaders in our society who strengthen their communities for years to come.

Become a donor today! Thank you in advance for your donation. 

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