Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Set To Celebrate 30th Anniversary

In this 1985 image, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members pose for a photo on the Rensselaer Union lawn. Photo courtesy of Rensselaer Institute Archives

Sleep Out for the Homeless (Spring 2010). Photo by Daria Robbins

In life, there are many memorable milestones that are celebrated. This weekend, the Omicron Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the chapter’s founding at Rensselaer.

More than 50 fraternity members hailing from states as far as California and cities as far away as London will return to campus to connect with each other, serve the community, and pay tribute the fraternity’s long-standing motto:  “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.”

Activities planned for the weekend include holding a community service day at Joseph’s House and Shelter, located in downtown Troy, on Saturday, Feb. 23. Members will participate in various projects at the House, including cleaning, cooking, and serving lunch.

The partnership with Joseph’s House has lasted for nearly 20 years. The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has organized an annual “Sleepout for the Homeless” event to collect monetary donations for the organization. Each spring, fraternity members leave the comfort and warmth of their residence hall to participate in the fundraiser. Their goal is to raise funds and awareness of the homeless in the City of Troy and beyond.

During the course of the sleepout, the Rensselaer Union front lawn would serve as the students’ temporary shelter. The students would sleep on pieces of cardboard in the makeshift shelter, using materials that were donated by various individuals. Throughout the 77-hour event, the students could only accept offers of food, beverages, and other items from members of the Rensselaer campus and local community. The students attended classes, but they couldn’t return to their rooms until the end of the event.

According to fraternity members, they realized that individuals can be homeless for a variety of reasons. By planning the annual “Sleepout for the Homeless” event, they have always hoped that people would find ways to support the local community and those who are dealing with homelessness, believing that a small act can go a long way.

“Joining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was one of the greatest decisions I have made in my life,” said Matthew Dixon ’13, chapter president, who received his bachelor’s in civil engineering and is now pursuing his master’s in financial engineering and risk analytics.

“The friendships and experiences have been life-altering, and have made me a better scholar, leader, and person,” Dixon added. “A large part of who I am today is due to this brotherhood. This 30th Anniversary is very exciting because nearly 70 percent of the chapter is returning to campus, an astonishing number for any group.  It is particularly special because many brothers are meeting for the first time and generations will be able to bond over their experiences at Rensselaer.”    

To provide students with tips and strategies for planning for future careers, the fraternity will host an interactive Alumni Career Panel led by Timothy E. Sams, vice president for student life. The program will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies  auditorium from noon to 1:30 p.m. The program, titled “Playing the Career Game to WIN!,” is focused on providing practical viewpoints on a range of topics. Sample topics include: planning for the future, landing a desired internship, pursuing graduate school, charting a path to achieve one’s career dream, and identifying the most valuable skill in any career.

The panel will provide faculty, administrators, and students with an opportunity to meet and network with over 50 alumni.  The panel and networking session will include Alpha Phi Alpha alumni from a range of fields, including engineering and information technology, law, medicine, academia, business, government policy and urban planning, entrepreneurship, and entertainment.

The fraternity will also host the Black & Gold Ball, an annual dinner event and scholarship pageant that provides students with an opportunity to network with faculty, staff, alumni. Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson is expected to attend. 

“The Omicron Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was founded at RPI on Feb.19, 1983, with the help of Brother Dr. Paul Zuber, RPI’s first black tenured professor; seven men known as our ‘Mini Jewels’ brought Alpha Phi Alpha to the campus community,” said Scot T. Spencer ’83, who studied architecture. “Since then, the Omicron Upsilon chapter has grown to nearly 80 life-long brothers. For a group of men firmly rooted in the notion that progress is forward-moving, this weekend’s celebration offers a reflection of our rich history, dynamic spirit, and the connections needed to be stewards for the advancement of a new generation.”

Over the years, the fraternity’s leadership development and community service training for young men has made Alpha Phi Alpha the most prestigious organization of its kind today.

Today, Alpha Phi Alpha continues its commitment to the African-American community through its Education and Building Foundations, which provide scholarships to outstanding students and shelter to underprivileged families. The fraternity also has dedicated itself to training a new generation of leaders, by bringing distinguished speakers to campus such as Roscoe Brown (a Tuskegee Airman) and actor Ossie Davis,  registering voters through their national “AVoteless People is a Hopeless People” campaign, and creating national mentoring programs and partnerships designed to ensure the success of the nation’s children and youth.     

For information regarding the Alpha Phi Alpha anniversary events, contact: ou.alphas@gmail.com.