Mercer University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) proudly welcomes the Iota Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., after a 15-year absence from campus. They made their return at a Neophyte Presentation hosted on Cruz Plaza on October 31.
NPHC is one of the four Greek councils on Mercer’s campus and serves as the umbrella council for the first five Historically Black Greek letter organizations founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The Iota Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Mercer University was chartered on May 22, 1974, with seven members. The Fraternity stands on principles of manly deeds of “scholarship, and love for all mankind.”
Director of Housing and Residence Life, Anthony Hand Jr., is the campus advisor for the Iota Eta Chapter and has worked to guide and prepare the new members through the membership process. Hand was a fall 2017 initiate of the Pi Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, seated in Tifton, Ga.
“Organizing workshops and discussions that promote character building, community involvement, and professional ethics," Hand said about the induction process.
Hand explained that these sessions helped new members “understand the responsibility and honor of being part of Alpha Phi Alpha, aligning their actions with the fraternity's core values.”
As the campus advisor, Hand strives to keep a professional tone to support and uplift members. The chapter itself aspires to provide opportunities for members through outlets that reflect the Alpha's legacy of social justice and advocacy. Included in this mission is a strong emphasis on mentorship, professionalism and empowering each member to lead with purpose.
“We aim to inspire a generation of Alpha men who are not only committed to our fraternity but also prepared to lead with integrity in all spheres of life. This approach not only honors our fraternity's mission but ensures that each member understands the significance of manly deeds as a foundation for lifelong excellence," Hand said.
The return of the Iota Eta chapter to Mercer University marks a significant moment, especially for the Black and NPHC communities on campus. This revival brings opportunities for leadership, fellowship and cultural representation, but also offers more than just a platform for social engagement through the NPHC organization, “a revival of the fraternity's culture, heritage and value,” Hand said.
The Neophyte presentation, or probate, displays what it means to be an Alpha Phi Alpha Man. It is a highly anticipated formal event where new members are introduced to the campus, the community, and other Divine 9 organizations. During the presentation, new members often perform chants and recite the history and values of their organization, demonstrating their dedication and knowledge.
Photo courtesy of Micha Scott.
Probates are a significant tradition within NPHC culture. It showcases each organization's unique identities, pride, unity and culture.
The 16 new members of Alpha Phi Alpha are determined to contribute to campus and uphold the values of their fraternity wherever they go.
“I expect to see these young men embody the principles and standards of Alpha Phi Alpha in all aspects of their lives,” Hand said.
The return of the Alphas was celebrated by the presence of regional representatives, past and present district directors, and Iota Eta alumni. Among them was Georgia’s 32nd Assistant District Director Mark O. Nooks, Jr., a Spring '23 initiate of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Zeta chapter seated at Fort Valley State University.
“In simple terms, I’m proud of them. From the awareness seminars that we had earlier in the year to finally being my brothers, and the transformation that I've seen in every single one of them,” Nooks said.
Nooks described the importance of “bringing the light back to Mercer,” especially given that it’s a predominantly white institution. He feels that this revitalization could "attract the Black population just a little bit more to the campus,” by helping foster a more inclusive and diverse environment.
At the end of the night, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. members, new and old, gathered around Cruz Plaza to sing their fraternity hymn late into the night.
The new members are as follows:
Ace: Habtamu McLain ‘26
Deuce: Caleb Luo-Gardner ‘26
Tre: Deo’Vion Tucker ‘27
Quad: Micah Scott ‘27
Five: Dillon Johnson ‘27
Six: Jackson Bramlett ‘25
Seven: (Jewel) Ronald White III ‘25
Eight: Zackary Ford ‘27
Nine: Austin Dixon ‘26
Ten: David Romero ‘27
Eleven: Alexander Marshall ‘27
Twelve: Deven Spencer ‘26
Thirteen: Myles Jones ‘25
Fourteen: Royce Izundu ‘25
Fifteen: Bercy Musonera ‘25
Sixteen: Andrew Martin ‘25
Alisha Mitchell '26 is majoring in Journalism and Political Science at Mercer University. She is a part of the Student Government Association and works for Mercer’s Undergraduate Admissions office. Alisha is highly involved on campus and loves writing for The Cluster. When she isn't writing or working, she enjoys sitting outside in nature or thrifting with friends.
