The Zeta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on April 14, 1968 on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater [then Wisconsin State University-Whitewater]. On this day, a group of young African-American men chartered not just another chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, but even more, a staple in what was to become a chapter rich in tradition. Since 1968, our brothers have been extremely instrumental in the development of leaders, promoting academic excellence and providing service and advocacy for the Whitewater community. We have been extremely involved in campus life, serving in capacities such as Whitewater Student Government President, Black Student Union President, Warhawk Ambassadors and Graduation Commencement Speakers. We are McNair Scholars, Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars, as well as Warhawk Baseball Team Captains. 

We have founded programs such as Alpha Visions Program, sponsored anti-hazing seminars, and mentored many youth from the Milwaukee & Whitewater communities. We have fundraised for Toys for Tots, held blood drives for American Red Cross as well as hosted events on the importance of sex education in youth through or national program “Project Alpha”. 

We are creators of The Tillman Terry Scholarship, a scholarship given every year to a student in need to support their education as well as our annual “Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant”; an experience that asserts and professes the love and appreciation we have for the women in our lives. 

For 50 years, we have left a strong legacy on campus that we are very proud of. A legacy that would not have been made possible if not for the enormous expectations placed on us by Alpha Phi Alpha and the seven men who saw UW-Whitewater as the perfect place to continue our service. The original Charter members are listed:

Brother Alvin E. Hayes

*Brother Paul W. Hereford 

Brother Joseph D. Hill

Brother Roderick L. Jones 

Brother Clayton L. Martin 

*Brother James C. McNeely 

*Brother Arthur D. Thomas, Jr.