It was Brother Fred Jackson, my high school teacher, who first introduced me to Alpha Phi Alpha. When I got to college it was Brother Zeb Nash who took me to my Alpha interview. Brother John Pope impressed upon this Sphinxman that the road to Alphadom was not a very easy one and Brother Lionel Newsom gave me the opportunity to attend Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. All four are alumni brothers. Their individual efforts channeled my advancement — from high schooler, to Alphaman, to soon-to-be college graduate. Although you don't hear much of alumni brothers heavily interacting with college brothers, they have an important role to play in the development of exemplary Alpha men. I'm greatly appreciative of the four brothers mentioned above for the impact they have made on my life. Other
could come together to discuss the engineering field. It is also a well known fact that we have a number of Brothers in a position to even offer internships. Our alumni brothers who own and operate businesses could provide "on the job training" for qualified undergraduates who are pursuing careers in those businesses. These businesses could link up with colleges and universities and perhaps offer credit and/or a small stipend. There are numerous college brothers awaiting opportunity. What better way for Alphamen to create that opportunity! We college brothers speak glowingly of our alumni brothers who have "made it." Share with us your knowledge. We are the future leaders! And we in turn will pass it down. Developing the "Alpha Network" could start at "home." A giant step in this direction was taken at the Atlanta
EDITOR — David E. Brown undergraduates have probably had similar experiences and it would be beneficial to the Brotherhood to increase this interaction. One way of accomplishing this goal would be the development of what I term an "Alpha Network" between undergraduates and graduates. The many questions students have concerning careers, advantages and disadvantages of certain professions, could be answered by our alumni brothers who have the knowledge and experience. Encouragement could be given, models could be provided and careers could be developed. For instance, Alpha physicians might spend a couple of hours per quarter conversing with Alpha pre-med students in area schools. Or perhaps Alphas in engineering, both alumni and college, The Sphinx / October 1977
Convention, as part of General President Williams' program, when questionnaires were distributed to alumni brothers initiated in college chapters. The purpose of this project is to help build and strengthen relationships of alumni brothers to their college chapters. Preliminary results of this survey indicate that many graduates are willing to offer assistance to their home chapters. I urge all brothers to join in this project. Also, college and alumni chapters in the same area should get together and become more cohesive. I have heard and read many times that we must become closer. Those interested in the "Alpha Network" should do their part. Alpha Phi Alpha "must aid in and insist upon the personal progress of its members." 29