Developments in social scenery began in the spring of 2012 as student initiatives to incorporate Greek Life on campus took off.

The infiltration of Greek life at UIS has been a four-year-long journey for president of the Greek affairs board Kyle Palmer. Palmer said, “I’m very excited for UIS. This is a monumental time. There is a continuation of Greek life in such a powerful, strong and thriving manner.”

Alpha Phi Alpha, a nationally known and reputable fraternity, conducted their chartering ceremony among student supporters and fellow ‘brothers’ of the Fraternity. They traveled hours to be a part of a new era beginning at UIS, which is also a continuation of the organization’s legacy in Springfield.

Chartering a fraternity and/or sorority is the official recognition nationwide of the university’s chapter.

Alpha Phi Alpha has a total of 932 houses nationwide, and the Upsilon Xi UIS chapter was presented the seal for the 933rd house at the chartering ceremony.

The ceremony began with a historical reflection of the Alpha Phi Alpha birth. The chartering day was conducted on the exact date that the fraternity came into existence over hundred years ago.

Founding fathers of the Upsilon Xi chapter were honored with tokens for the 20-year journey of seeking incorporation of not only an Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, but a Greek life collectively on UIS’ campus. Chapter founding father Michael Scurlock said, “This journey has been a student-led initiative of birth and growth.”

Strides to be recognized have led to UIS’ Alpha chapter as hosts for the District Conference, which will be held right here on campus Feb. 7 and 8.

Chartering this nationally known fraternity Wednesday evening was a resonating experience for many audience members. Janell Pender-Bey said, “Hearing how to continue the Alpha Phi Alpha legacy was personally empowering. Greek life can push you to become whoever you want to be.”

Upsilon Xi chapter President Fred Jackson said, “It’s been very rewarding—my experience with being involved with this fraternity. You stretch yourself further than you’ve been stretched before and come out with better clarity in all aspects of life.”

Keynote speaker and Midwestern Regional Vice President Elgie Sims took to the stage and offered testimonies for what it means to be a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, mainly representing that image on UIS’ campus. Sims said, “Our future is so bright with this chapter. The men of Upsilon Xi have been entrusted with a legacy to carry on.”

The ceremony concluded with a reiteration of the fraternity’s mission statement and creed, as well as the fraternal hymn sung by the brothers, alumni and current, of Alpha Phi Alpha.

The Alpha’s founder’s week is holding events throughout the week and carrying on through the weekend. Events include a service event for cancer awareness, an open gym meet and greet session and worship with the bros event.

Justin Rose, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Upsilon Xi said, “It’s great to be able to serve our community with like-minded individuals, and I hope we can teach great principles and etiquette.”

The development of a Greek life at UIS has sparked new attractions for potential students. Offering social clubs that not only encourage academic success, but also community service, will greatly benefit student life. Vice President Sims said, “Alphas are the first, but because we believe in progress, we won’t be the last!”

An update on Greek life at UIS will be presented at the next Senate Meeting Dec. 13. Hopes to colonize and charter two sororities in the spring semester remain in progress.