Chapter History

McCray Bussey, Frankie Jones, Lloyd Edward Wright, Herbert Watkins, Miller C. Taylor, Eugene W. Sharpe III, Kylor B. Reed, Percy E. Pollard, Midgett S. Parker, Lloyd G. Lewis, Allen Lee, Andrew Johnson, Allan M. Johnson, Beverly R. Dorsey, Felix G. Beckford, William D. Beamer, James W. Beamer, and
John C. Yeldell

Official Charter date: January 10, 1969

The Iota Theta Lambda Chapter was born from the same needs that the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recognized in 1906 at Cornell University. In late 1960, several Alpha men found themselves in an environment offering few meaningful outlets beyond their churches and jobs. To overcome this situation, they began informal meetings to discuss the possibility of establishing an alumni chapter. After several months of meetings and inquiries to the General Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, a formal request for a charter was submitted and approved. On January 10, 1969, Iota Theta Lambda, Endicott, New York was established as the 509th chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and the first Alumni Black Greek-letter organization established in Broome County. Eighteen Brothers were charter members. 

During the next two years, the chapter defined specific goals, while Brothers took the opportunity to learn from each other (ideas, strengths, and areas of expertise). In 1971, the chapter began moving toward established goals of increasing membership and community participation in social, political, religious, and educational activities. The ensuing years found the chapter (and individual brothers) involving itself in Tutorial Assistance programs, Dutch Uncle and Aunt, Church programs; voter registration and community-based organizational support, including the purchase of a life membership for the chapter in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.). 

In the spring of 1975, the chapter awarded its first annual scholarship to a college-bound minority high school graduate. The scholarship has been awarded yearly since to local high school seniors who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence. 

In 1981, Iota Theta Lambda chapter worked with the National Headquarters in Chicago and Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York to establish PI BETA chapter, the first Black Greek-letter organization chapter on this campus. 

On July 27, 1986, the Iota Theta Lambda Education Foundation was established and incorporated. Then on November 22, 1988, the Education Foundation received its tax exempt status. 

On March 20, 1993, Iota Theta Lambda chapter was recognized as New York State Alumni Chapter of the Year. The award is given to the chapter that best demonstrates involvement and deployment of the fraternity's national programs. 

The chapter participates in/or sponsors such programs as Project Alpha - A Man-to-Man Talk about Teen Pregnancy from the male perspective, mentoring, tutoring, Technical Vitality Advancement Program (TVAP), March of Dimes Walk America, and voter registration. The chapter also sponsors an annual picnic to promote unity and goodwill within the community. 

Iota Theta Lambda Chapter continues to be involved in activities that will promote the greatest good for the community, the chapter, and the fraternity. This Chapter is part of a fraternity dedicated to the service of mankind. 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated General Website  

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Eastern Region Website  

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated NYACOA Website