This Charter Day we are calling on the brotherhood to make a small commitment to the Beta Eta Endowment. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable campus environment by supporting initiatives under the Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Our Mission
The alumni brothers of the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated are partnering with Southern Illinois University in support of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan. We believe an investment from our alumni will be in alignment with our national organizational objectives in support of student success. We recognize that establishing SIUC as a "first choice" institution directly benefits our organization by strengthening our pool of potential members.
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Throughout our robust 90-year history, the Beta Eta Chapter has produced both civic and business leaders. Each member's leadership aptitudes were influenced heavily by their time in Carbondale. In support of the next generation of leaders, we would like to establish a $1 Million Endowment over the next 10 years. This endeavor will fortify our legacy as we approach 100 years of service in 2034 to the university and Carbondale communities. Your support will help us fund scholarships, leadership programs, and community service projects, ensuring that our chapter remains a beacon of excellence at Southern Illinois University.
We offer scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. These scholarships are more than just financial aid; they are an investment in the future leaders of our community. By supporting students who are passionate about creating a more inclusive society, we are helping to cultivate a campus culture that values diversity in all its forms. Our scholarships empower recipients to pursue their academic and leadership goals without the burden of financial constraints, ensuring that their potential is not limited by their circumstances.
Scholarships are awarded to the winner and runner-up of the Miss Eboness Pageant, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the Black community. These scholarships honor not only their academic achievements but also their commitment to cultural advocacy, leadership, and service. The Miss Eboness Pageant celebrates the intelligence, talent, and resilience of young Black women who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.
A scholarship supports a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Eta Chapter, with the highest GPA, honoring both academic achievement and the chapter's rich history on campus. This scholarship not only recognizes the dedication and hard work required to excel academically but also celebrates the legacy of excellence that the Beta Eta Chapter has maintained for decades. By supporting the highest-achieving member, we reinforce the fraternity's commitment to scholarly pursuits, leadership, and service.
Strengthening our chapter by attracting and retaining the best and brightest individuals who embody the values of Alpha Phi Alpha is paramount to our continued success. We are committed to identifying young men who not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.
The year 1934 was very significant in the history of Alpha. The country was still feeling the aftereffects of the Great Depression in 1929. Alpha Phi Alpha also dealt with the loss of Jewel Charles Henry Chapman on November 17th of the same year as the 1st Jewel to enter the Omega chapter. As the brotherhood met in St. Louis, Missouri for the 26th General Convention in 1933, the petition for the establishment of a chapter at Southern Illinois State Normal School (now Southern Illinois University at Carbondale) was accepted. It was also at this convention that the fraternity established the Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation. The foundation was created, “in recognition of the increasing educational, economical, and social needs of the Negro people in the United States”.At the 26th General convention, Brother Sidney A. Jones, Jr. (Tau Chapter), was elected Western Vice-President. Four months before the special convention, Brother Jones was responsible for establishing the Beta Eta Chapter on Thursday, April 12, 1934. Brother Joseph Charles Penn was also very instrumental in the establishment of Beta Eta. Brother Penn was initiated in 1916 at Xi chapter at Wilberforce, where he was a member of the first-ever Sphinx Club in the fraternity.
Jewel Henry Arthur Callis, May 1946
