Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. launches new fraternity at ULV

The University of La Verne welcomes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to the campus Greek Life community this spring. The new The Phi Upsilon Chapter makes the ninth Greek organization and third fraternity at the university. 

“We are excited to continue to grow the diversity of Greek organizations and welcome another Divine Nine historically Black Greek-letter organization to the community,” said Adam Wong, associate dean of students. “Having the additional fraternity helps increase opportunities to embrace and foster diversity and inclusion not just in our fraternities and sororities, but also the broader campus.” 

Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter organization established in 1906 at Cornell University to promote fraternity and support among black students. Today, there are more than 730 chapters throughout the world. Its mission is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, and provide service and advocacy for communities. Members have included civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., NAACP founder, William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, Justice Thurgood Marshal and others. 

“Here at the University of La Verne, we aspire to engage the community collegially, academically and communally – that is the driving effort of all five founding members,” said Heath Williams, a junior at the university and the chapter’s first president. “As student leaders, we hope to foster understanding of injustices, mentorship and brotherhood, especially among black male students.   

About 150 students participate in University of La Verne Greek organizations. Many are involved in campus in other capacities such as athletics, student government, student employment, resident assistance, orientation leadership, honor society membership and more. The chapters host events and activities focused on leadership skills, professional development, and community.  

Any University of La Verne students interested in joining should email Deanna Villagran, coordinator of student engagement and leadership, at dvillagran@laverne.edu for more information.