Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Gamma Delta
Fraternity celebrates 100 years
By: Casey Northcutt
Issue date: 2/3/06 Section: Lifestyles
The Murray State News
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The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity turns 100 this year, celebrating a century of supporting and cultivating young black men, the most prominent of whom include Martin Luther King, Jr. and W.E.B. Dubois.
Murray State Chapter President Kyrus Harrington II, senior from East St. Louis, Ill., said Alpha Phi Alpha began in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithica, N.Y., as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for black men.
The seven founders, who the members call "Jewels," began the organization to supply minority students with emotional and academic support.
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Rock-a-Thon, Alpha Gambling top list of annual philanthropic events
By: Casey Northcutt
Issue date: 2/3/06 Section: Lifestyles
The Murray State News
~excerpt
Of all the social fraternities on the Murray State campus, one exists without a single man's name listed on its roster - Alpha Gamma Delta.
Twelve women founded Alpha Gam in 1904 at Syracuse University in New York. Understanding the Greek roots of the word "fraternity" to mean brotherhood or sisterhood, the women began the organization with the hopes of making it international.
According to the alphagammadelta.com, the fraternity's purpose explains that the organization exists to enhance each member's wisdom, faith and womanhood.
With the motto, "Inspire the Woman. Impact the World," the Alpha Gams strive to develop through sisterhood.
Chapter President Blaire Bushart, junior from Benton, said AGD established itself at Murray State in 1966.
"We strive for excellence, and we empower women," said Michelle Clark, Murray State alumna and Alpha Gam's sponsor. "We consider ourselves the ladies on campus."