More than 150 members of the Virginia State Association of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World were on hand for a fall conference Nov. 6-8 in Suffolk, where Col. Lula B. Holland was this year’s Elks of the World honoree.

A charitable, non-profit organization committed to community service and the mentoring of youth, the Elks of the World recognize the importance of the creation, implementation and monitoring of youth programs, as well as forming partnerships with business communities and other civic organizations throughout Virginia.

Holland retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a chief nurse of the 18th Field Hospital. She served in the Reserves while employed with the city of Portsmouth, from which she retired as the assistant director of Social Services.

Her career included being employed as a public health nurse, a school nurse and a registered nurse within a hospital. She obtained an associate degree in nursing from Norfolk State University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hampton University and a master’s degree in social work from Norfolk State University.

Holland remains active in the community as a servant and philanthropist, serving on the boards of the Obici Healthcare Foundation, the Suffolk Chapter of Sickle Cell Association and Suffolk Social Services.

In the past, she has served on the boards of Obici Hospital, Paul D. Camp Community College, Suffolk Literacy Council, Early Childhood Development Commission, Suffolk Public Schools, Tidewater Regional Group Home Commission and the Children’s Center. She is a diamond life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and financially supports numerous educational scholarships within the sorority.

In acknowledgement of her dedicated service to others, Holland has received numerous awards on the local, state, regional and national levels. Most recently, she was recognized by Virginia Lawyers Media as a 2011 Influential Woman of Virginia. In previous years, she has been recognized by the Virginia Senate, Virginia House of Delegates and the City of Suffolk.

Holland is an active member in her church, Laurel Hill United Church of Christ. She is the widow of Helleon O. Holland, and the mother of Helivi L. Holland, who serves Suffolk as the city attorney.