2009 Leadership Development Institute

The 2009 Leadership Development Institute (LDI) was held at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Students from the Chicago, IL, Columbus, OH, East St. Louis, IL, and Wilberforce, OH attend workshops about personal and professional development. A good time was had by all.

Epsilon Eta Chapter 50th Anniversary Celebration

Members of Epsilon Eta chapter, Eastern Michigan University, celebrated its 50th Anniversary in Ypsilanti, MI. Bro. Mark S. Tillman, Midwestern Regional Vice President, was the keynote speaker (second picture). Brothers from many eras of Epsilon Eta's existence were in attendance.

(third picture) Bro. Tillman receives a recognition from Bro. Brian Taylor, chapter president.

(fourth picture) Members of Epsilon Eta pose for a group photo.

Epsilon Chapter Centennial Celebration

The Midwestern Region recognized the 100th Anniversary of Epsilon chapter at the Seventy-seventh Midwestern Regional Convention in Oak Brook, Illinois. Epsilon chapter is known as the 5th House and was founded on April 10, 1909 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor was the First Midwestern Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the First historically black fraternity or sorority on Michigan’s campus.

Epsilon’s history includes; hosting Alpha Phi Alpha's Fourth General Convention in 1911, initiating Alpha Phi Alpha's Third General President, Bro. Frederick H. Miller, and the Sixteenth General President, Bro. Belford V. Lawson. The chapter received a proclamation and recognition and each member received an individual proclamation from the Midwestern region commemorating the occasion.

In addition, the chapter held activities on April 9 – 11, 2009 at the University of Michigan. General President Herman “Skip” Mason and Midwestern Regional Vice President Mark S. Tillman keynoted events during the weekend along with Wayne County Prosecutor of Detroit, Michigan, Miss Kym Worthy.

77th Midwestern Region Convention ~ Oak Brook Marriott (Part 2)

(first picture) Mu Mu Lambda chapter with the 33rd General President, Bro. Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr.

(third picture) Members of Epsilon, University of Michigan, receiving the Centennial Recognition Award for celebrating 100 Yrs of existence.

(fourth picture) The contestants of the Miss Black and Gold Pageant.

The Midwestern Region made a $500 contribution to the American Cancer Society during the Community Outreach Luncheon (second picture).

The Midwestern Region made a donation of $500 to raise funds in support of the Vertner Woodson Tandy Historical Marker. The brothers of Alpha Beta Lambda chapter, Lexington, KY, and their foundation embarked on an activity to place a highway marker at the boyhood home of Jewel Tandy. The marker was approved by the Kentucky Historical Society to acknowledge and recognize the accomplishments of native Lexingtonian and founding jewel of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Congratulations to our Regional Competition Winners

College Brother of the Year: Bro. Robert BrownRepresenting Nu Rho Chapter

Alumni Brother of the Year: Bro. Nicklaus A. Shoultz
Representing Mu Delta Lambda Chapter

College Chapter of the Year: Theta Tau Chapter
Bro. Osai Robinson – President

Alumni Chapter of the Year: Delta Epsilon Lambda
Bro. Mike Boyd - President

Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Winner: Bro. Terrace Hamilton, Jr.
Representing Theta Tau Chapter

Charles H. Wesley Award: Theta Tau and Epsilon Upsilon Lambda Chapters
Bro. Osai Robinson – Theta Tau President
Bro. Samuel Wells – Epsilon Upsilon Lambda President

Collegiate Scholars Bowl: Alpha Mu Chapter
Chapter President: Brother Okechukwu Chika

Step Show: Delta Xi Chapter
Bro. Ralph Carter – President

Miss Black and Gold: Miss Jasmine Lee
Representing Epsilon Eta Chapter, Eastern Michigan University

College Brother w/Highest Grade Point Average: Bro. Jarren Baldwin
Representing Theta Chapter

College Chapter w/Highest Grade Point Average: Alpha Mu

77th Midwestern Region Convention ~ Oak Brook Marriott (Part 1)

The 77th Midwestern Regional Convention was held on March 12-15, 2009 at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort Hotel in Oak Brook, IL. Mu Mu Lambda, Mu Mu (Elmhurst College and Lewis University), and Pi Sigma (Aurora University) were the host chapters. Bro. Decature D. Tounsel was the convention chairman.

Prior to the start of the convention, the Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Alpha held its meeting to discuss the business of the fraternity and interview the top four candidates for the position of Executive Director.

Immediately following the Vice President’s Reception, there was an art show and poetry reading with featured artist, Bro. Charles Jean-Pierre, Theta ’02. The theme of the convention was “Developing Leaders”. It was focused on handling the challenges of leadership.

Featured speakers during the convention were the 33rd General President, Bro. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. (third picture) who was the keynote speaker at the Community Outreach Luncheon, Bro. Isaiah P. Ward of Mu Mu Lambda chapter, who was the speaker for the Life Membership Breakfast, Dr. Scott J. Allen, author of the book, Emotionally Intelligent Leadership, Bro. Bonnie Thomas, representing the American Cancer Society, and panelists from Northeastern Illinois University who gave us their insight in the area of leadership.

(first picture) Bro. Mark S. Tillman, Midwestern Regional Vice President delivers his State of the Region Address.

(second picture) Bro. Mark S. Crain delivers his Asst. Vice President's Address.

(fourth picture) Bro. Leonard E. Bell, Jr., regional executive director, speaks to the members.

Eta Beta Lambda (Witchita, KS) Salute to HBCUs

Eta Beta Lambda chapter (Wichita, KS) hosted it’s annual scholarship dinner. Each year an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is featured. This year’s keynote speaker was Bro. Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president of Philander College in Arkansas.

(second picture) Bro. Mark S. Tillman, Midwestern Regional Vice President, Bro. Kimbrough, Bro. Evies O. Cranford.

(third picture) Bro. Brandon L. Clark, Kansas District Director, r, and Bro. Hassan Ramzah and his wife take an opportunity to pose for the camera.

2009 Illinois District Conference

The 2009 Illinois District Conference was held on February 5 – 8, 2009 in Dekalb, IL on the campus of Northern Illinois University. The campus is home to Epsilon Phi and they hosted the conference along with Mu Alpha Lambda chapter.