UPSILON CHI

Seven audacious African-American men had sacrificed precious time from their rigorous college studies to lay the foundation for the 945th House of Alpha to be established at Pepperdine University. There, they founded the Upsilon Chi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., chartered on a mild-warm Friday, February 17, 2017, which was recorded as the first historically black fraternity in Pepperdine University’s long, storied history.

There was not an avenue of camaraderie for young black men on Pepperdine’s campus to take part in. A sense of community was non-existent among African-American men. However, these seven indomitable individuals would set the Thames on fire and envisioned Pepperdine’s campus improved by scholars who develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for their communities.

On Saturday, April 1, 2017, Devin D. Bristow (freshman), Omari R. Allen (senior), Christian A. Morrison (sophomore), Anthony L. Sanford (senior), Noah E. Wossen (senior), Clinton B. Branch Jr. (freshman), and Floyd H. Stern IV (sophomore) were initiated as a jewel line and the “IceY Xcellent brothers under Christ” was born.

Shoulder to shoulder, the chartering members lived by the fraternity’s polished and punctilious standards, upheld Pepperdine’s status quo, and provided the nucleus for a team of daring men to be established and recognized. Founded by a jewel line of seven, the Upsilon Chi Chapter was established to maintain the aims and motto of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in hopes of leaving a positive impact at Pepperdine University, the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the world.

The Upsilon Chi chapter attended the Western Regional Leadership Conference/College Brother Retreat. There, they gained from multiple Brothers’ expertise. If it wasn’t Bro. Sean Allen’s talk on how to conduct parliamentarian procedures, then it was Bro. Ross’ lecture on racism on college campuses. Western Regional Vice-President Bro. Swanson emphasized the goal of the retreat, which is to equip, educate, and empower brothers who attend. Bro. Gonzalez helped create a strategy for brothers to plan for the fraternal year and to implement the best practices for budgeting. Bro. Keith Rodgers highlighted effective grant proposals, and discussion on utilizing #SLACK, a source for streamline communication, was given by Bro. Rod Dixon. Language of the Unheard lecture was accentuated to the brothers in the room interested in political activism and the presence of Alpha Phi Alpha in the Western region and throughout the world.

Aside from talk on finances and social communication, topics on health and wellness opportunities were equally emphasized, and talk on dreams and achieving big audacious Alpha goals were covered. Thereafter, we focused our attention on the state of the region, which contained an hour report from District Directors throughout the region. Close to the end of the conference, the college brothers in the Western Region came together at the College Brother Caucus. Upsilon Chi was active in the discussions on college sustainability and attacking national programs aggressively. Throughout this experience, we deeply appreciated the powerful advices shared by the numerous brothers who put together presentations that helped get their messages across.

Presentation 1

Mathematical Exploration of Cubes, Spheres, and Polytopes in Several Dimensions

Presentation 2

Computer Science Fundamentals: Computer Systems, Programming Paradigms, and Data Structures

During the weekend of Bro. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. founders’ day, Pepperdine’s IFC and PanHellenic Council met to discuss the newly sworn in presidents and vice-president’s of each fraternity and sorority. Bro. Bristow and Bro. Stern IV were present, along with two AKAs. There, they discussed various components to sustaining chapters, increasing numbers, approach for financing, school policy and resources, and hosting events. Three whole days were dedicated to discussing the roles of the Presidents and Vice-Presidents from each respective chapter. Chapter Presidents and Vice-Presidents bonded together by going bowling on Saturday and by considering solutions to various case studies to closely think about the approach each member would take in solving real life problems that can put the fraternity/sorority at risk.

The Brothers of Upsilon Chi were then made aware of these discussions, furthering the extent of their abilities to sustain and manage a brand new chapter. Thanks to the current Greek advisor, Allison Green, for hosting the event, much of our chapter's focus has been geared towards improving academics, finances, and relevance around Pepperdine's campus.