Fall 12 Infomer

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IOTA NU CHAPTER OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC.

Fall 2012 Volume 3, Issue 1

Presidents Message

Bro. DeMon Johnson


Greetings! I am extremely proud to lead amongst a group of leaders as the next President of the Iota Nu Chapter. Iota Nu is continuing to attain goals that it has not for years by standing on the foundation laid by our past leaders and advancing even more new initiatives and programs. This past semester has cemented that we are a chapter that goes beyond the normal expectations of our prestigious fraternity. We are performing the fraternitys initiatives with new vigor, striving to serve more extensively and systematically. The most rewarding experience for us is to be able to positively impact the lives of those in the UAB and Birmingham communities. Whether it is through volunteering, mentorship, or leading by example, the chapter is continuing its tradition of excellence. After being chosen as this year's Chapter of The Year at the district convention for the state of Alabama, I am convinced that we are moving onward and upward in the right direction. Iota Nus awards simply mean we must keep up our standard of excellence because the work of an Alpha man is never complete.

The Iota Nu Chapter wins College Chapter of the Year at the 2012 District Convention in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The Iota Nu chapter beat out ____ other chapters throughout the state of Alabama to claim the coveted District Chapter of The Year Award. Although there was strong competition, the Iota Nu chapter came home with the Award and bragging rights for a calendar year. Iota Nu excelled in each area of judgment scoring no less than a 90 in each category. Bros. DeMon Johnson and Adrian Jones provided the splendid presentation that sealed the deal. The criteria for Chapter of The Year were as follows:

Academic standings of the entire chapter brotherhood Awards and achievements Contribution to growth of personal service to chapter members Scholastic/Leadership Contributions to both college and community Degree of participation in Alpha National Programs Active participation on all levels. Years of active and continuous service to the fraternity. National display and interview The Iota Nus Chapter Display Board for the 2012 District

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The Decision 2012


"A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" was initiated as a National Program of Alpha during the 1930's when many African-Americans had the right to vote but were prevented from voting because of poll taxes, threats of reprisal, and lack of education about the voting process. Voter education and registration has remained a dominant focus of this Alpha initiative for over 65 years. Recently, the focus has began to shift to include political awareness and empowerment, delivered most frequently through town meetings and candidate forums. Iota Nu makes sure to do their part to educate, register, and empower voters to exercise the full power of the vote and

Iota Nu holds a Voters Carpool on November 6th.

overcome barriers that may prevent people from voting in todays day and timeespecially college students. Iota Nu conducting their own voters carpool on Election Day transporting over 200 students from Blazer Hall to Ramsay High School to the voting polls. The voters carpool allowed students without transportation to cast their vote. In addition to the voters carpool, Iota Nu registered over 500 students on campus this past year, exciting them about the importance of the upcoming election.

Iota Nu brothers ready to register UAB students to vote for the 2012 election.

In the days before the election Iota Nu, along with the Omicron Lambda chapter, hosted a mock debate where the 2012 candidates motives and views were discussed in depth at the local high school Huffman High. High school seniors who were of voting age got a clearer understanding of the policies each candidate was advocating in this years election.
(Left to Right)- Bros. Maurice Asouzo, Harriston Miller, and Jacobi Peoples facilitate the mock debate.

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Project Alpha 2012


Project Alpha is designed to provide education, motivation, and skill-building for young males on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Designed to provide young men with current and accurate information about teen pregnancy prevention, Iota Nus initiatives for Project Alpha consists of a series of workshops and informational sessions conducted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brothers. Iota Nu sheds light on these issues to combat ignorance and fear with factual information. This past semester Iota Nu hosted a S.H.A.P.E. table during their service week to educate the students of UAB on sexual safety and awareness .

Iota Nu Mentors to Local High Schools


Throughout the fall semester, Iota Nu has had an ongoing mentoring program with the local high schools of Birmingham. These schools include Ramsay, Huffman, Parker, Woodlawn, and others. The purpose of these visits were to talk to students about the importance of going to college to further their education. During these trips, Iota Nu also provided copies of the novel The Other Wes Moore to students. The book is about two young men with the same name who grew up in the same neighborhood; one became a Rhodes scholar while the other was incarcerated. Iota Nu plans on teaming up with the Mayors office Division of Youth Services for a city wide oratorical contest in the fall of 2013. Iota Nu plans to make this an annual event, more information can be found on www.apaoratorical.org.

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Iota Nu Spreads Christmas Cheer


Iota Nu hosted their annual toy drive where they collected lightly worn clothes as well as toys. A bountiful amount of clothes were donated and over 70 toys were donated to the Salvation Army. Iota Nu also donated to the Mayors Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) toy collection. Iota Nu assisted in the assortment and hauling of toys for DYS which included full sized basketball goals and hot wheel cars. Iota Nu also adopted two boys, Xavier & Emir, through UABs campus-wide Angel Tree program. Iota Nu donated over $200 worth of clothes, shoes, and toys for the boys which was delivered to the Salvation Army.

Bros. Sean Perry, Jacobi Peoples, Kris Peek and David Dada assisted in the Youth First Toys for Tots sponsored by the Mayors Division of Youth Services led by Bro. Cedric Sparks, Sr.

Bro. Jacobi Peoples and Kris Peek organize toys

Clothes bought for a young boy in need for Christmas.

Iota Nu collecting toys and gently used clothes on Founders Day, December 4th

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Ms. Iota Nu

Chastity Sumler

2012-2013

I would like to thank the Iota Nu chapter for providing me with this opportunity. The scholarship will help me continue my academic endeavors.

The Miss Black and Gold Pageant is an outgrowth of the long tradition of Alpha Chapters designation of outstanding young ladies to serve as Chapter Sweet-hearts. The Fraternity recognizes the support rendered to it by the many friends of Alpha Phi Alpha; this endeavor serves as one mechanism to applaud such support. Every year, the Iota Nu chapter funds a scholarship pageant in which the first place winner receives a scholarship prize of $500 and the runner-up receives a prize of $250. Chastity Sumler won Iota Nus Ms. Black & Gold for 2012 -2013. Chastity comes from a strong background of pageant experience placing third in Miss Mississippi, second in the District Convention and she is currently working on running for Ms. America. Chastity is from Flora, MS, majoring in Biology and aspires to become a practicing physician.

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Into The Streets 2012


Into the Streets Day of Service is a semi annual event organized by the Leadership & Service Council. Iota Nu volunteered at Cornerstone Elementary where they partnered up with other NPHC organizations and student life groups to sanitize and organize the grade school class rooms. Cornerstone Elementary School is located in the Woodlawn neighborhood in Birmingham, AL. Its mission is to break the cycle of poverty by providing quality education to children in disadvantaged situations. Cornerstone Elementary provides a Bible based education providing the essential necessities for strong background in order to continue their education.

Bro. Kris Peek wipes down tables Cornerstone Elementary.

Bro. Harriston Millner sanitizes school chairs. Iota Nu posing with other NPHC, IFC, MGC, and PHC organizations after a long day of service.

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Down The Alley Day of Service


Iota Nu continues its partnership with UABs Leadership & Service Council to serve on various volunteering projects and Down the Alley Day of Service was no different. The brothers volunteered to provide their services in the needy West End neighborhood which included picking up trash and organizing supplies for youth.
Brothers Arthur Thornton and Kris Peek along with Iota Phi AKA.

Cherry Hill Healthcare Fair 2012

Iota Nu has a very strong bond with Cherry Hill Healthcare center where they partner with Iota Nu alumni, Christopher White, who operates the facility. Cherry Hill held their Annual Back-To- School Healthcare Fair where the brothers tended to the various stations as well as assisted in the passing out of school supplies for the children that were in need.

Birmingham Read & Romp

Iota Nu volunteering at Cherry Hill Healthcare Center.

Read & Romp Birmingham is a free family event that is held in Railroad Park for children between the 3 through 8 age range. The learning activities at the event were based off popular childrens books. This year Iota Nu participated by operating the face painting station and by donating childrens books.
Brothers Jonathan Riley, Kris Peek, Deon Stover, and David Dada

Jesses Place Shelter Birmingham

Jesses Place is a women and childrens shelter that provides a safe and supportive Christian environment to those in need. Iota Nu partnered with UABs Leadership & Service Council where they mentored young children and helped with academics. On Founders Day Iota Nu assisted in the distribution of Christmas toys to the children at Jesses place as well.

Step In the Name of Love

Bro. Sean Perry with Iota Phis Obrenka Thompson

Step In the Name of Love Extravaganza is an annual event directed by The Mayors Division of Youth Services. Iota Nu participated in this annual event on November 18th and put on a spectacular showing for the youth of Birmingham as well as other NPHC Greeks that were in attendance. The brothers were rewarded with a certificate of excellence and appreciation.
Brothers Harriston Millner, Jacobi Peoples, Kristopher Peek, and Arthur Thornton pose before the show.

BMEN Mentoring Program


The Blazer Male Excellence Network (BMEN) Peer Mentoring Program is an ongoing program guided where African American male upperclassmen mentor the incoming freshman African American males on the ins and outs of the university. BMEN also provides tutoring as well to ensure students are staying on track their first academic year of college. The purpose of the BMEN program is to raise the retention rate amongst black American males. This year, four brothers participated in the program.

Fall 2012

THE INFORMER

Page 8

Brothers Going Above & Beyond!

Bro. Maurice Asouzo is a definition of a scholar as he boast a 3.81 GPA overall and majoring in Chemistry. Maurice is apart of the Sci-Tech program where he does undergraduate research in organic chemistry.
Being in the Sci-Tech program provides me with an academic challenge which allows me to learn new techniques and procedures that will apply to my career field.

Bro. Adrian Jones selected as USGA President in the spring has guided the campus to new heights such as garnering more high profiled guest for campus events and spear heading more support for away athletic events and Blazer Nights.
The programs I am implanting under my presidency are some I hope to keep as tradition long after I am gone.

Bro. Sean O Perry earned a 3.59 GPA in the fall semester earning him a spot on the Honor Roll . Sean is an Exercise Science major with plans to attend physician assistant school after graduation. Sean is the Publicity Chair for the Leadership Service Council and has been actively engaged in community service.
LSC has really allowed me to grow as well as contribute back to the chapter..

Bro. DeMon Johnson in his first semester as chapter president DeMon has taken Iota Nu to the next level. From the purchase of the new letters to the innovative fundraisers the chapter has been flourishing under his administration.

Bro. Kristopher Peek holding many positions on campus recently became the president of S.O.B. E.R which is the alcohol awareness program at UAB educating the student population about the dangers and risk of drugs and alcohol.

I am very much so looking onward and upward towards next year. The best is yet to come!

Being involved on campus allows me to meet people I wouldn't usually meet.

On Friday, October 11, 1974 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chartered its 409th Chapter, Iota Nu, also known as the Original Wrecking Crew. Located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, yet another astounding chapter was founded by 13 outstanding men affectionately known as our Bakers Dozen. They are William Agee, Ronnie Brown, Eric Ellington, Samuel Finch Sr., Bronco Henderson, Wilbur Johnson, Reddith Lewis, James Mann, Oliver Moten, Louis Shackleford, Leroy Simmons, Walter Turner, and Charles Wiggins. Originally advised by Dr. Aaron Lamar, these men set off to make an impact in the greater Birmingham Area. The Iota Nu Chapter still strives to serve the Birmingham community today through its dedication to leadership, community service, and other outreach programs.
Associate Editor to the Sphinx: Sean ONeil Perry perryso@uab.edu For more info, questions, comments, or concerns please contact us.

On The Web!

Website

http://www.iotanu1906.com/

http://www.facebook.com/people/Uab-Alphas/507333259

http://twitter.com/#!/WreckINcrew1974

*http://www.rtohq.org/10767apro-10767.html

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