The Torch
The Official Newsletter of Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
December 2005
Message from the Vice President
Brother James McDonald
“Goodwill is the monarch of this house. Men, unacquainted, enter, shake hands, exchange greetings, and depart friends. Cordiality exists among all who abide within.”
If you could just think back to college days gone swiftly past, your chest should be thumping and your face should be all grins that Alpha Phi Alpha not only survived but has thrived the past 99 years. For some of you, Alpha turning 100 was always a distant goal, just like crossing the new millennium from 1999 to 2000. Crossing a major timeline threshold is always a lofty goal and sometimes appears distant. But, we’ve finally made it; 2006 will represent the greatest achievement of Alpha as well as pose the greatest of challenges. How will you make a difference for our communities and our brothers?
Our “Jewels” did not waiver in their efforts to bring about the realization of their vision and dared to be pioneers for change. As you reflect on what “Founders’ Day” means to you, I challenge you to think about the fraternity motto: “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.” What has Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. meant throughout the last 99 years of existence? How have you personally achieved the goals and principles set forth by our “Jewels”?
For Mu Lambda, we stand at the forefront of Alumni chapters who “represent” Alpha. I believe we “represent” our Fraternity well. As we celebrate our chapter, we too will face challenges in 2006. Have you volunteered to participate in the 2006 Beautilion by sponsoring a beau? Have you made your financial and service commitment to the completion of the Mu Lambda Chapter House? Have you mentored a college brother embarking on adulthood? What contribution will you make to the service of our community? Have you reclaimed a brother for membership? (continued on next page)
Inside this Edition:
The Executive Message Announcements Pilgrimage to Ithaca Project Harvest Remembering Civil Rights Icon Birthdays
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE (from Page 1)
These are just a few of the challenges that 2006 will pose. When we think about our “Jewels”, I hope that our collective answer is that we’ve given 100 percent to Alpha.
Let me say a special thanks to the Brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter who participated in Project Harvest with WHUR-FM and WRC-TV (Channel 4) on Tuesday, November 22, 2005. Mu Lambda was represented with almost 15 brothers dedicating their time to help raise funds and collecting food to feed families during Thanksgiving. Mu Lambda was joined by Omicron Lambda Alpha in this endeavor.
As we come to the end of 2005 and beginning of 2006, one of the most significant upcoming events is the 2006 Centennial Convention here in Washington, D.C. The theme for the 2006 convention is “Gateway to the Centennial.” It is expected that our one hundredth anniversary will be the most meaningful in our lives as Alphas, and will set the stage for other predominately African-American Fraternities and Sororities to follow.
Of course, Mu Lambda Chapter will play a major part in the centennial convention. Brothers, we must do our part to make this convention a success. We are calling all Mu Lambda brothers to dedicate their time and effort in this most worthy endeavor. Mu Lambda’s own Brother Douglas Sands and Brother Rudolph Harris are the chair and co-chair of the chapter’s Centennial Committee. In addition, other Mu Lambda members Brother Vincent Orange and Brother Michael Rogers are the Centennial Convention chairs. Let us come together to help make this convention one that we all will remember.
Finally, Mu Lambda Chapter will host its 11th Annual Henry Arthur Callis Beautillion. Brothers, as you are well aware, this program has been the cornerstone of our chapter for more than a decade. We have touched the lives of young men and their families in a way that embraces the true spirit of our fraternity. I encourage you to continue to support this program by serving as a mentor, purchasing an ad in the souvenir journal, or by assisting the Foundation in identifying corporate sponsors to contribute to the Beautillion. As always, the success of this program relies on the support of every Mu Lambda brother.
In the spirit of Brotherhood, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. Have a happy and prosperous new year.
See you at the next chapter meeting on December 1, 2005
Announcements (cont.)
Founders’ Breakfast
I also remind you of The Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Chapters (MAAC) will hold the 7th Annual Founders’ Day Breakfast on Saturday, December 3, 2005. The Founders’ Day Breakfast will take place at the NDW Catering and Conference Center which is located at the Washington Navy Yard. The guest speaker for this occasion will be our Eastern Regional Vice-President, Brother Dennis Kemp.
Egyptian Field Trip
Mu Lambda Brothers are pictured with members of the 2006 Beau Class. Brothers and the Beaux participated in the "Egypt on the Potomac Field Trip" which began at Meridian Park and toured many landmarks in Washington D.C. reflecting an Egyptian influence. The Field Trip and information shared during the experience are coordinated by Brother Tony Browder.
