Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Zeta Chapter 'One Ray of Hope' Scholarship Endowment
About The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Zeta Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter Fraternity established for African Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country. Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied a voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color worldwide. The visionary founders of the Fraternity, known as “The Jewels” are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell University.
Fraternity Mission
Develop leaders and promotes brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
The Iota Zeta chapter was chartered on Saturday, April 27, 1974 at the University of Maryland, College Park when 10 young men were initiated into the ranks of the fraternity. These individuals known as “The Ten Sons of the Phoenix” began a rich history of developing leaders, academic excellence and service to the community. From 1974 to present, the chapter continues these traditions by initiating over 220 Brothers into the ranks of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
About the 'One Ray of Hope' Endowment
Alas, the Dread Messenger of Death continues to invade the circle of our Fraternity from time to time. Immemorial to the brothers of Iota Zeta who are at rest in the Omega Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., we dedicate and commemorate their memories with this “One Ray of Hope” Scholarship Endowment. This endowment will provide annual scholarships and\or academic excellence awards to current Iota Chapter members at the University of Maryland who demonstrate financial need and\or academic excellence.
Iota Zeta Brothers resting in Omega Chapter
Weldon Thomas (SP74) Gonzales Bruce (SP74) Michael Green (SP74)
Ronald Rose (FA74) Bruce Branch (SP75) Charles Keys, Jr. (SP76)
Kelvin Armstrong (SP76) Johnny Swinson (SP76) Mitchell Darryl (SP77)
Karl Thomas (SP77) Mike Peniston (SP78) Earnest Gumbs (SP87)
Barry Hargrove (SP87) Raymond Lee (SP91) Chris Bennett (FA95)
“I am the college of friendship; the university of brotherly love; the school for the better making of men!” -Bro. Sydney P. Brown
How to Apply
Please contact sagiving@umd.edu for more information about the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Zeta Chapter Scholarship Fund.
Past Scholars
