Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society celebrates 30 years of honoring academically talented black students.

ABK was founded in 1977 by Dr. Leroy Ervin, Dr. Ron Mc Fadden and a group of students.

Abeneefoo Kuo means “circle of honor” in Swahili.

The purpose of ABK is to provide scholarship, leadership and service to students, faculty and staff of the University and the surrounding community.

LaRetha Spain-Shuler, the adviser since 2003, ensures that each year the organization’s goals are fulfilled.

ABK’s main goals are to provide enrichment experiences, to promote and develop leadership potential and provide educational, career and personal assistance to members and others.

“ABK tries to target many societal, as well as college issues, that we encounter on a daily basis through its various programs,” said Desiree Dawson, last year’s president.

Some of their most successful programs include “How Did You Get Here,” “ABK Scholar Bowl,” “Blacks in the Media,” “Night with an Artist” and “Productive Summer Workshop.”

One aspect of ABK is serving the community through community service and awareness programs.

The Boys & Girls Club, Fowler Elementary and the Athens Area Homeless Shelter are just a few of those who benefit from ABK’s services.

The work ABK has been doing has not gone unnoticed. In 2004, ABK was given a Student Organization Achievement and Recognition Award for Most Improved Student Organization.

Spain-Shuler was also awarded a SOAR award for Adviser of the Year in 2003. She modified the induction process that year so it would be more intimate and allow students to have a greater appreciation for such an outstanding organization, she said.

“ABK has served as an outlet to polish my leadership skills, develop lasting friendships among scholars, and increase my appreciation of success within UGA’s African American community,” said this year’s president, Brittney Burns.

One of the main goals of ABK for the upcoming school year is to branch out to the University’s African-American community in ways beyond typical programming and just merely seeking membership increase,” Burns said.

Carmel Joseph, the secretary, is hopeful for next year.

“This upcoming school year will be a great year for our organization,” Joseph said.

“We are planning numerous programs to further promote our mission and recruit more students so that they too can benefit from all it has to offer.”

“Our first program will be an informational that introduces first and second years to the different majors available at UGA,” said Pace Pegues, the vice-president.

“I feel that through a little hard work, determination, and team work that ABK can make an even greater impact on the UGA campus and Athens community.”

There are approximately 80 current members of ABK.

Membership is open to all undergraduate students, regardless of race, who have completed at least two semesters at the University and have at least a 3.2 cumulative and overall grade point average.

“We look for well-rounded students, as well as those students who take their academics very seriously,” Dawson said.

“I hope to see ABK one day become a national organization where students on other campuses can become a part of it.”