MayTorch2006

The Torch The Official Newsletter of Mu Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. _________________________________________________________

May 2006 President’s Message Brother Edwin F. Norwood, III

“Fundraising and Chapter Leadership” Over the past couple of years, Mu Lambda Chapter has focused on fundraising to advance many of its community programs. These fundraising efforts vary from brothers working at the Verizon Center during Washington Wizards basketball games and Washington Capitals hockey games to reaching out to corporations, foundations, government, and individuals to share the story about how Alpha men are making a difference in the Washington DC community. With the hard work of brothers at over twelve basketball and hockey games, the chapter has raised over $4000 in the past five months. This money will help the chapter and the Mu Lambda Foundation with critical programs and can be used to renovate of the chapter house.

The Beautillion committee continues to reach out to external sources for funding. This year, the Verizon Foundation and the Allstate Insurance Company are just a couple of our sponsors that ensured the Henry Arthur Callis Beautillion and Scholarship Gala was a financial success. We will continue to expand these relationships and build new ones.

During the April chapter meeting, Mu Lambda tried something new--we asked the Allstate Insurance Company to sponsor our meeting. We should continue to look at other corporations that want to share their message with the brothers and are willing to donate to our chapter and Foundation activities. Allstate provided the brotherhood a $5000 check that will be used by the chapter and the Foundation to provide scholarships and support our many chapter activities in support of the community.

Inside this Edition: •

The Executive Message

•

Beautillion Information

•

Mu Lambda Membership

•

Summertime Treat

•

March of Dimes

•

2006 Centennial Convention

•

Alpha Phil Alpha Education Foundation

•

Verizon Center Fundraiser

•

May Birthdays

•

Mu Lambda’s New Website

The chapter is also looking for grants to support our many programs. Just recently, the Washington DC

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The Torch May 2006

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE (from Page 1) government has given the chapter a grant to work with young men. This grant will allow the chapter to continue to make a difference in the lives of young men and help them during the critical years between childhood and manhood. More information about the grant and its implementation will be provided in the coming months. This is the type of program that should have been in place much earlier than now. As Mu Lambda chapter works to implement this special program, we should implement it in phases to ensure its success. It is very important that we do not take any backwards steps as we implement a program that will greatly aid our brothers. I am currently looking for a brother to lead this effort. During the April chapter meeting, it will be discussed in more detail.

With Brother Darrell Chase focusing on individuals in the community, the chapter has raised $1000 for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial; our continued commitment to the memorial was announced at the recent Eastern Regional Convention. We should all continue to talk to individuals in the community and across the country about the memorial and the importance of contributing to its success.

Beautillion Reaches New Heights With nearly 400 in attendance the Gala capped off the most successful year. The Program conducted over 15 workshops including community service and social events. Our Gala featured partners old and new in the March of Dimes, Allstate Insurance, Clark Construction, Verizon Foundation, and the DC Children and Youth Investment Corporation. Education were the messages of Councilmember Vincent Orange and Prince Georges County Executive Jack Johnson. The Washington Post's CEO Donald Graham expressed sincere thanks via David Jones after receiving this year's Civic Award, as did a surprised and happy Bro Ted George, Jr. The night was capped off with scholarships awarded in excess of $15,000.

The bottom line also looks good, with a projected surplus of $14,000. Finally the effort was a success through the hard works of the entire Beautillion Committee. Well done and see you next year.

As you know, fundraising will allow the chapter to continue to expand its programs and lead the fraternity as we implement our National Programs and special initiatives across the Washington DC community. I look forward to talking with brothers about other fundraising opportunities at the upcoming chapter meetings.

Unfortunately, I will be out of town on business travel for the May chapter meeting, the most important chapter meeting of the year. It is important because the May chapter meeting will provide you the opportunity to vote on the future leadership of Mu Lambda Chapter during chapter elections. The nominating committee will present a slate of candidates for the next fraternal year. Many brothers have approached me with excitement about the future of the chapter and their willingness to serve as chapter leaders. As I complete my final year as chapter president, this excitement gives me confidence that Mu Lambda chapter’s future is in good hands. This meeting will provide brothers the opportunity to hear the vision of those seeking chapter offices. Every brother should plan to attend and vote on the future of Mu Lambda chapter.

Remember – Chapter Elections on May 4th 2006.

Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.”

Brother Martin Luther King Jr.

Beautillion 06 Celebrating a Century of Alpha Excellence Developing Our Future Leaders Today The 11th Annual Mu Lambda Foundation Henry Arthur Callis Beautillion and Scholarship Gala

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The Torch May 2006

Mu Lambda Elections Remember to Vote!

Mu Lambda Membership News

Brothers please come out and exercise your right to vote on Thursday May 4th. May is traditionally the month where we elect new leadership to navigate Mu Lambda to the forefront of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Might you be reminded that all positions are open to financial Brothers of Mu Lambda, so if you feel you can make a contribution, and you are not already running for office, nominate yourself as a write-in candidate.

This should make for an exciting night for we have many of positions to fill.

Elected Officers President Vice President Recording Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Corresponding Secretary Chaplain Historian/Archivist Sergeant-at-Arms Associate Editor to the Sphinx Editor of the Torch Webmaster Director of Intake Director of Education Parliamentarian Director of Membership Member-At-Large

Brother Jermaine Wilson is a one of the latest Brothers to join the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He was born in the Bronx, NY and grew-up in Long Island.

Brother Wilson attended Lincoln University in PA and was made at Gamma Iota Lambda in Brooklyn, NY on May 25, 2002.

Interview with Brother Wilson Q: Who or what influenced your decision to pledge Alpha?

A: I would say my college years at Lincoln University influenced me the most. From day one I was very impressed with the way the student body responded to the Brothers of A Phi A. It was from that standpoint that my love began to grow for Alpha. I tried very hard to pledge at Lincoln but the chapter was in difficulty so I had to wait.

Q: What has been your best experience with Mu Lambda thus far?

A: Hands down the best experience has been working with the Beautillion. Being a mentor to the young Beaus and working one on one has been a great experience.

Q: What do you feel you can contribute to Alpha?

A: My dedication is my biggest attribute. I am more of a “listen first and take action second” type of Brother. I really do not mind learning from the seasoned Brothers.

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The Torch May 2006

Summertime Treat

National News 2006 Centennial Convention

We are proud to announce that Brother Lowery and his son have just recently opened a Cold Stone Creamery in the Washington DC Area.

Cold Stone is known for using only the finest ingredients, producing the highest quality ice cream available. They make it fresh each day in their store. Every ice cream creation is made to order for each customer by blending in mix-ins on a frozen granite stone (the Cold Stone!), and served in a fresh-baked waffle cone.

Cold Stone Creamery 3508 Connecticut Avenue NW, 1st Floor Washington, DC 20008 Store Hours: Sun Noon-10:00P Mon-Thu Noon-10:00P Fri Noon-11:00P Sat 11:00A-11:00P

On July 25 - 30, 2006 Alpha Phi Alpha Members, Families and Friends will converge on Washington, DC to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of an organization whose members have had an enormous impact on the lives of countless human beings. The Centennial Convention will be preceded by a “Centennial Era” – A Period of preparation and mobilization consisting of Nationwide activities and events; the commissioning of intellectual and scholarly works; the presentation of exhibits, lectures, artwork and musical expositions and the production of film and video presentations.

All of which will transmit to our members, our community, the nation and the world the story of seven men who spawned a movement, one that changed the course of history and advanced a people and a world.

March of Dimes Brother of Mu Lambda gather at mile marker dedicated to Mu Lambda 30 Apr 06

JULY 25- 30 | WASHINGTON, DC

Host Hotel: Wardman Park Marriott Hotel (must be registered to receive discounted rates)

Registration Opens: February 24, 2006 Registration Closes: July 15, 2006 Additional Information: Visit AlphaNET at http://alphaphialpha.net/

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March 19, 2006 Dear Brother Moore: As you may be aware, the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable arm of the fraternity and focuses on educational programs, training, youth leadership development, and the awarding of several scholarships annually to deserving students. Moreover, the foundation has oversight for the planning and implementation of all fraternity sponsored national programs, special projects and scholastic excellence activities (i.e., the Scholars Bowl, etc.).The foundation is currently accepting applications for several of the initiatives that it sponsors. Please refer to the fraternity’s web site, www.alphaphialpha.net, if you are interested in one or more of the following: • Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation Committee Volunteer Application

• Alpha Phi Alpha College Chapter Leadership Academy Application • 2006 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Distinguished Collegian Application • 2006 Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation Scholarship Application If you have any questions about any of theses programs, please feel free to contact me.

Please note that all of the applications have deadlines, some of which are within the next month.

Fraternally, Brother Ralph Johnson, Ph.D. Chairman Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation

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Verizon Center Fundraising Event Brother James McDonald looks confident as he is seen here overseeing the cash flow that has been generated by all of the hard working Brothers who are a part of the Verizon Center fund raising effort.

After the halftime of a Washington Wizards basketball game when all of the fans made it back to their seats, the guys had time to pose and let everyone know that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has everything under control.

Brother Joseph Jones puts on his smiling face as he attempts to choose from a wide variety of draft beers to pour. A customer requests a tall glass of Bud Light.

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The Torch May 2006

Media Reminder

May Birthdays

Stop by and visit our NEW Website http://www.mulambda.org Webmaster - Joseph Jones Email: waazaji@yahoo.com

Brother Arthur King

5-May

Brother John

Wynn

8-May

Brother Melvin York

12-May

Brother Reginald Salter

13-May

Brother Carmund White

15-May

Brother Nigel P Pierce

15-May

Brother Julius L Hall

16-May

Brother John H Goins

18-May

Brother Norris Dodson

18-May

Brother Alfonso N Pearson Jr.

21-May

Brother Elbert D Gadsden

28-May

Brother Campbell C Johnson III

30-May

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

The 2005-06 Executive Committee President Vice President Recording Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Corresponding Secretary Chaplain Historian/Archivist Sergeant-at-Arms Associate Editor to the Sphinx Editor of the Torch Webmaster Director of Intake Director of Education Parliamentarian Director of Membership Member-at-Large Immediate Past President

Edwin Norwood James McDonald Reginald Salter Curtis Hunigan Julius Brice Timothy Fitzgerald William Hawkins Douglas Sands Darrell Chase Ephraim Mosely Brian Moore Joseph Jones Arthur Fields Kwame Ulmer Robert Richardson Samuel Armstrong Charles Wade Rudolph Harris

703.644.0392 202.544.5026 703.931.6016 301.599.1191 202.526.7368 301.332.7507 202.583.3211 410.549.6427 202.294.3383 202.316.5260 301.210.5349 301.233-6372 301.780.3468 202.529.7858 202.5291941 301.350.3103 202.269.0413 202.882.5244

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The Torch May 2006

Submit this form with your dues to the financial secretary March Meeting Thursday, May 4 7:06pm School of Dentistry Howard University Campus

Name_____________________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State _____________________ Zip Code____________________ Birthday (Month/Day/Year) ___________________________________________________________________ Home Number _____________________________ Work Number ___________________________________ Email Address _____________________________________________________________________________ Chapter Dues:

Life Member Non-Life Member 1st Year Alumni 2nd Year Alumni Graduate Student

$135 $295 $170 $207.50 $245

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter PO Box 1993 Washington, DC 20013-1993

….Share the Light of the Torch with our inactive Brothers and Brothers new to the DC area….

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