Chapter Programs and Milestones

Mu Mu Lambda made an early commitment to promote scholarship and youth development. Since inception of Mu Mu Lambda Chapter, the focus has always been to promote and design programs to enhance the educational development of our youth. Brother Clarence Lewis served as the chapter's first Director of Educational activities and Brother Kenneth Watkins chaired the first Scholarship Committee. The chapter held its first fundraiser (Dinner, Dance, and Fashion Show) on July 9, 1976 at the Ferrara Manor in Chicago.

Brother Clarence Lewis initiated the precursor to the Alpha Lite Program. The chapter members would host students from the community at their various placed of employment and conclude the day with a dinner. Brother Roland Wesley chaired the first Alpha Lite Program, as we know it today. Brother Wesley Mu Mu Lambda's Alpha Lite Program to national prominence. The program serves as a model educational program throughout Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and the nation. The Alpha Lite Program and Education Committee now annually sponsor a pilgrimage to Ghana West Africa. This is a rites of passage program for Alpha Lite and Beautillion participants.

Note: Brother Roland Wesley was also commissioned by the U.S. Naval Academy to award scholarships to minority students. He typically awarded 6 scholarships each year, which totaled approximately $1,500,000.

The Chapter's most outstanding accomplishment continues to be the annual Beautillion. The chapter members were in search of a fundraiser that better represented the Alpha Phi Alpha motto, "Manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind." The Beautillion was established in 1982 through the persistent encouragement of Brother Art Thompson. It now serves as the primary source of scholarship awards and chapter's programs funding. The success of the Beautillion has permitted the Chapter to award over $30,000 annually in scholarships. To date it has awarded over $300,000 to over 250 college bound students. Under the leadership of Brother Jadonal Ford (Omega Chapter), the Beautillion serves as a national model. Information on our Beautillion can be obtained as far away as the Los Angeles County Public Library System.

Mu Mu Lambda Chapter Honors and awards:

• Illinois District & Midwestern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year - 1984
• Illinois District & Midwestern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year - 1986
• Hosted the 55th Midwestern Region Convention - 1987
• Illinois District & Midwestern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year - 1993
• Illinois District & Midwestern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year - 2003
• Illinois District & Midwestern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year - 2004
• Midwestern Regional Alumni Chapter of the Year
• Host Chapter for the 77th Midwestern Regional Conventional 2009

Brothers holding Illinois District & Midwestern Region Alumni Brother of the Year Awards:

• Roland Wesley.... Illinois District (1993)
• Jadonal Ford ... Illinois District, Midwestern Regional, and National Candidate

Brothers who have served as National Fraternity Officers -Illinois District Area Directors:

• Fred Miller, Jr.
• Warren Smith
• Quincy B. Banks
• Parliamentarian ... John Williams
• Educational Foundation, Walter R. Bauldrick
• Grievances and Discipline.. Isiah P. Ward
• Educational Director ... Roland Wesley