Alpha Gamma Delta Scholarship

Pearl Johnson Essary was a founding alumnae member of Alpha Gamma Delta at Epsilon Zeta in 1948. She worked as the postmaster on campus, where she interacted with hundreds of students who passed through the post office doors each day. Throughout the course of her life, Essary continued to correspond by letter with many students long after they had graduated. She enjoyed young people and their enthusiasm for life, whichgarnered her role as the sorority’s first Social Advisor.

While employed at what was then called Arkansas State College, Essary returned to school and completed English literature courses. She later served as an editor for the college’s first literary journal, The Arrow. Essary held a lifelong love of poetry and the written word.

Essary’s daughter and granddaughters are also members of Alpha Gamma Delta. Daughter Sue Bonner Davidson became a member in 1950 and served as Epsilon Zeta Chapter President in 1953. Granddaughters Debbie Bonner Perkins and Dee Anna Bonner Smith are initiates of the Gamma Zeta Chapter at the University of Memphis. They, along with Susan Bonner Patton, created the endowment to honor their family’s matriarch. The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, a 501©(3) public charity, supports the philanthropic, educational and leadership efforts of Alpha Gamma Delta, an international women’s fraternity. It is committed to impacting and enriching local communities."