About Tara McDowell

Tara McDowell was initiated into the Xi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on November 23, 1997. She served as the chairman of the many committees as an undergraduate as well as the Treasurer of the chapter. After graduation, she became a member of Mu Kappa Omega in February 2000. As a member of this prestigious chapter, she served as a chairman or co-chairman of various committees. Additionally, she served as the Second Vice President (2005-2006), Treasurer (2009-2010) and President (2011-2012). The theme for her administration was “One Love, One Focus, One Chapter.”  

Under her administration, the chapter won numerous awards at the regional level and for the first and only time, the chapter won 2 awards at the international level – The Ethel Awards. In addition to serving Mu Kappa Omega, Tara served at the regional and international levels. Tara was the Southeast Texas Cluster Financial Secretary from 2012-2016 under the direction of the 24th South Central Regional Director, Chelle Luper Wilson. She also served at the direction of the 29th International President, Dororthy Buckhanan Wilson, on the Financial Officers Certification team from 2014 until her untimely death. Tara was admired by many because of her talents and gifts. She was smart, intelligent, a mathematical genius, and incredibly witty.  She loved people and she loved mentoring people to become their best selves. She studied a “Word of the Day” and encouraged everyone to continue to learn and grow. 

Tara became an Ivy Beyond the Wall in 2017. She leaves behind a large legacy of  sorority sisters, family members and loved ones who not only remember her great work but her love for her sorority and her commitment to service to all mankind. She is memorialized by an endowment at Texas A&M University, The TL McDowell Lasting Legacy Foundation Excellence Award. The award is given out yearly to those minorities who are students at the College of Business.

About Madelyn Nunn

Madelyn Nunn was initiated at Truman University, formerly Northeast Missouri State University, in 1979 as a charter member of the Mu Tau Chapter. She joined Mu Kappa Omega Chapter in 1987 and went on to make significant contributions by serving as chairman and co-chairman of numerous committees, including the Outreach at Telephone Road Committee, which focused on education for seniors and held a special place in her heart. 

She held various leadership positions and specifically, served as Secretary (2007-2008) and Second Vice President (2011-2012) of Mu Kappa Omega Chapter.  She later served as President (2015-2016) of the chapter, during which her guiding theme was "Unified Journey of  Service and Sisterhood."

In 2018, she was a co-chairman of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Conference under the 28th International President, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson.  This prestigious honor allowed her to showcase her organizational skills and dedication to the sorority’s mission. Throughout her service, she led with love and generously shared her gift of love with all members of the chapter and the sorority. Her presence was a true blessing to everyone around her.

Madelyn will forever be known for her love for people and her infectious smile.  Her legacy continues through her daughter, Brittany Nunn, who admired her most for ALWAYS operating in love in everything she did. Madelyn became an Ivy Beyond the Wall in 2019.