Fraternity, Incorporated
Nu chapter
Chartered at the University of Maryaland: August 13, 1971
National founding date: September 19, 1963
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The founders of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated were: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams.
This group of men was unique for several reasons. First of all, many were long-time friends. Spruill and Coakley's friendship extended to when the two were pre-schoolers. Even more uniquely, many of these students were what are now referred to as "Non-Traditional Students" and were 3-5 years older than the average college student. Gregory, Willis, and Brown were all service veterans, and Brown, Hicks, and Briscoe were married with small children. Of this group of 12, several were also working full-time jobs and were full-time students.
Based upon their ages, heightened responsibilities, and increased level of maturity, this group had a slightly different perspective than the norm for college students. It was from this perspective that they established the fraternity's purpose, "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among men." Additionally, they concieved the fraternity's motto: "Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
Today, Iota Phi Theta consists of over 150 chapters located in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
Other Informaiton
Official colors: Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold
Offical motto: "Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
Founding values: Scholarship, citizenship, leadership, brotherhood, fidelity
Philanthropic cause: Homelessness, Breast Cancer
Major events: Iota Week
Prominent members: Mark Hatchet, Ryan Desilua, Will Battle, Aaron Shabaaz