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. In memorial 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 provides scholarship awards to current Iota Zeta Chapter members at the University of Maryland who demonstrate financial need, when applied for.
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.
Meet Our Scholars
Throughout his time at the University of Maryland, Dane Wallace has been able to build a large networking base through the multitude of organizations and leadership roles he has held. During his Junior year, Dane was the Director of Programming for the Caribbean Student Association. Now, in his senior year, Dane is the President of the Iota Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Treasurer of the Caribbean Student Association, and the Vice President of Accountability for the National Panhellenic Council. Through holding these positions Dane has learned discipline and time management.
Dane Wallace 2024-2025 Scholar
Past Scholars
Ian Penny is a Senior Information Systems major at the University of Maryland College Park. He is a spring 2020 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Iota Zeta Chapter (6IZSP20). He is the Chapter Delegate and Vice President of the Iota Zeta Chapter. Ian is a DEI Ambassador for the Robert H. Smith School of Business and recently completed a summer internship with PwC as a technical project manager and a fall internship with NBCUniversal as an Operations Manager intern. Currently, he is deciding between multiple full-time opportunities.
My name is Shayne Richmond and I am currently a sophomore majoring in Business Finance with a double in Marketing. I am an ambitious and very active leader on campus as I am involved with SSLC, Vice President of BBA, a member of SBA, Vice President of Iota Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Chapter Secretary, Assistant Area III Director, and Assistant Executive Director at the Regional Level of my fraternity. In addition I have internship experience with Deloitte as well as work experience working with kids at a non profit known as Acting For Young People. Since I’ve set foot on campus I have been passionate about ways in which I can tie my talents with professional experience in order to innovate and provide opportunities for the people that need them. I have done this by forming strong relationships with organizations and taking the information in my classes while applying them outside of school in the areas that I am passionate about such as music, videography, poetry, and dance. I am currently in the process of creating a brand that will be designed to give local artists an opportunity to show their talents and express themselves.