The document summarizes the founding and history of Iota Phi Theta fraternity. It was founded in 1963 at Morgan State University and has over 19,000 initiated members in 198 chapters. In 2000, the fraternity dedicated its new international headquarters building in Baltimore after raising funds through the National Iota Foundation. The document provides details on the fraternity's symbols, notable members in fields like politics, athletics and business, and its national service initiatives including the National Iota Foundation and IOTA Youth Alliance.
2. The Realization of a Dream ... On October 14, 2000, in a ceremony attended by Iota Founders, honored guests, and hundreds of Brothers from throughout the nation, Iota Phi Theta held the official ribbon-cutting building dedication of our International Headquarters Facility! Via the National Iota Foundation and through the tireless efforts and support of thousands of Brothers Nationwide, the dream of "having a home of our own" has become a reality! 1600 N Calvert St. Baltimore, Maryland 21202
3. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta Notable Iota Men Symbols & Insignia Service Initiatives Iota at a Glance Organizational Structure
5. Iota Phi Theta at a Glance Founding Date: September 19,1963 Founding Place: Morgan State University - Baltimore, Maryland. Purpose: "The Development and Perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men." Motto: "Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One"
6. Iota Phi Theta at a Glance Official Colors: Charcoal Brown & Gilded Gold Number of Chapters & Colonies: 198 Number of Initiated Members: Approximately 19,000 National Service Initiatives: The National Iota Foundation The I.O.T.A. Youth Alliance The Digital Heritage Initiative
7. National Affiliations: The National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Iota Phi Theta at a Glance
8. National Governing Body: The Grand Council - Grand Polaris Grand Vice-Polaris Executive Director Grand Secretary Grand Treasurer Undergraduate Representative Director of Undergraduate Affairs Director of Graduate Affairs Director of Marketing & Technology Regional Polari (11) Iota Phi Theta at a Glance
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11. Symbols and Insignia The Official Colors The Official Colors of Iota Phi Theta are Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold .
12. Symbols and Insignia The Shield of Iota Phi Theta The Shield of Iota Phi Theta ( significantly, not a "crest" or "Coat of arms" ) is the most commonly used symbol of the Fraternity. Its connotation, or meaning, is revealed by the initiation ritual.
13. Symbols and Insignia Ìý The Centaur Besides the Fraternity Shield, the next most readily identifying symbol of Iota Phi Theta is The Centaur . A Mythical beast with the head and torso of a man, and the body of a stallion, The Centaur is near and dear to all Men of Iota Phi Theta and its mythology, characteristics, and legacy are a binding force within the Brotherhood. Click here to hear the centaur song.
14. Symbols and Insignia The Yellow Rose The Yellow Rose is the official flower of the Fraternity.
15. Symbols and Insignia The Hymn of Iota The Hymn of Iota was composed in 1963 by Brother Richard Johnson. Click on picture to hear Hymn.
16. Symbols and Insignia The Hand Sign This is the official hand-sign of Iota Phi Theta. It is used by Brothers as a means of recognition and identification
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19. Iota Phi Theta has always placed an emphasis on striving for excellence. To that end, Iota Men have made their mark in all fields of endeavor - Business, Athletics, Entertainment, and Government. Here are just a few of the Iota Men who have achieved recognition for their accomplishments in their professions. Notable Iota Men
20. Notable Iota Men POLITICS & GOVERNMENT ATHLETICS MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS
21. Notable Iota Men POLITICS & GOVERNMENT Bro. Billy Ocasio : City Councilman, Chicago, Illinois Initiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter, (University of Illinois) , Spring, 1980 Bro. Bobby Rush: United States Congressman , D-Illinois Initiated at Eta Omega Chapter (Chicago Alumni), Fall 1997
22. Notable Iota Men ATHLETICS Bro. Vaughn Booker : Defensive Lineman, Cincinnati Bengals Initiated at Beta Epsilon Chapter, (University of Cincinnati), Spring 1992 Bro. Elvin Hayes : NBA Hall of Fame Initiated at Alpha Omega Chapter, (Baltimore Alumni), 1976 Ìý ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
23. Notable Iota Men ATHLETICS Bro. Chidi Iwuoma : Cornerback, Detroit Lions Initiated at Gamma Zeta Chapter (University of California - Berkeley), Spring 1997 Bro. Dave Leitao : Head Basketball Coach, DePaul University, Chicago Initiated at Omicron Chapter (Northeastern University), Fall, 1980 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
24. Notable Iota Men ATHLETICS Bro. Melvin Lister: 2000 Olympic Team, Long Jump Initiated at University of Arkansas Colony, Spring 2000 Bro. Calvin Murphy : NBA Hall-of-Fame Initiated at Alpha Omega Chapter, (Baltimore Alumni) , 1974 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Ìý ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
25. Notable Iota Men ATHLETICS Bro. Marquis Smith : Safety, Cleveland Browns Initiated at Gamma Zeta Chapter (University of California - Berkeley), Spring 1997 Bro. Michael Thompson : Offensive Lineman, Atlanta Falcons Initiated at Delta Beta Chapter (Tennessee State University), Fall, 1998 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
26. Notable Iota Men ATHLETICS Bro. Kirby Wilson : Assistant Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Initiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter, (University of Illinois), Spring 1982 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
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28. Notable Iota Men MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT Bro. T.C. Carson: Television Actor , (Formerly of "Living Single" ) Initiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter (University of Illinois) , Spring 1981 Bro. Spencer Christian : former Weather Anchorman, "Good Morning America" Initiated at Beta Chapter (Hampton University) , Spring 1968 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
29. Notable Iota Men MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT Bro. George Nock : Award-winning Fine Artist (and former Washington Redskins Running Back) Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1967 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
30. Notable Iota Men BUSINESS Bro. Raymond Grady: President & CEO, Evanston Hospital, Evanston Illinois Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University) , Spring 1970 Bro. Zemira Jones: President & General Manager, ABC/Disney Radio, Chicago, Illinois Initiated at Nu Chapter (University of Maryland) , Spring 1972 Ìý ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
31. Notable Iota Men BUSINESS Bro. Shelley Stewart: Senior Vice President, Invensys plc Initiated at Omicron Chapter (Northeastern University) , Spring 1973 Bro. Joseph Williams : President, Hibernia Southcoast Capital, New Orleans, LA Initiated at Omicron Chapter (Northeastern University), Spring 1974 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
32. Notable Iota Men BUSINESS Bro. Ed Wood: Senior Vice President Liberty Bank & Trust, New Orleans, LA Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1972 ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
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35. Service & Initiatives From the beginning of its existence, Iota Phi Theta has sought to "Make a Difference." One of the very first activities of the newly-formed Iota was participation in the protests at the segregated Northwoods Shopping Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The founders of the Fraternity considered themselves "Militant" at a time when militancy was not an entirely popular stance.
36. Service & Initiatives This commitment to service has been a constant thread throughout the history of Iota Phi Theta. In the late 1960's and early 1970's, Iota was a strong supporter of the "Big Brothers of America" program. In fact, in 1974, then Grand Polaris, Thomas Dean appeared in a local television commercial on behalf of Big Brothers of America.
37. Service & Initiatives The commitment to service has continued and is manifested in the activities of local chapters of the Fraternity. A partial listing of involvements undertaken by Iota Phi Theta chapters includes: The NAACP The United Negro College Fund The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Project IMAGE The National Federation of the Blind The National Sickle Cell Foundation
38. Service & Initiatives In 1993, the Fraternity created 2 important National initiatives that remain the primary focus of its service thrust. These Initiatives are The National Iota Foundation and The IOTA Youth Alliance. Additionally, in 2001, the Fraternity has undertaken a new program called , The Digital Heritage Initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Iota Phi Theta, Africana.com, and Microsoft Corporation.
39. Service & Initiatives THE NATIONAL IOTA FOUNDATION: The National Iota Foundation is a Tax-Exempt, 501(c)(3) organization founded by Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. to serve as a clearinghouse for funding and programs for worthwhile endeavors. Since its creation, the Foundation and its subsidiaries have distributed over $250,000 in grants, aid, and services.
40. Service & Initiatives THE IOTA YOUTH ALLIANCE: The IOTA Youth Alliance is a national umbrella program through which individual chapters of Iota Phi Theta address the needs of Black Youth in their communities. Under the auspices of the Alliance, chapters either work with existing organizations or create new ones based on the requirements and available resources in their locality. In order to insure continuity, each of the Fraternity's chapters is strongly encouraged to prioritize youth alliance activities as a part of their programmatic thrust.
41. Service & Initiatives The Digital Heritage Initiative . In an effort to continue to serve our communities in new and innovative ways, the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity is pleased to announce our latest national service program, The Digital Heritage Initiative . This initiative is a collaborative effort between Iota Phi Theta, Africana.com , and Microsoft Corporation .
42. Service & Initiatives The Digital Heritage Initiative . Each of the Fraternity's chapters nationwide will donate a copy of the highly acclaimed Africana Encyclopedia to an elementary or secondary school in its local area. For each copy of the Encyclopedia donated by the Fraternity, Microsoft Corporation will donate 10 copies of Encarta Africana , the CD-ROM multimedia version of the encyclopedia. Additionally, each of the recipient schools will receive proprietary access to proprietary learning resources on the Africana.com website. The total value of the donation will exceed $100,000.
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45. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta PERSPECTIVE ... 1963 was a turbulent year. History-making events occurred that would radically and permanently affect the country as a whole, and African-Americans in particular ...
46. On April 12, America watched with horror and outrage as Birmingham Police Chief Eugene "Bull" Connor and his officers used water hoses and police dogs against peaceful civil rights demonstrators. On June 12th, Medger Evers, NAACP field secretary and civil rights leader, was assassinated at his home in Jackson, Mississippi by a segregationist. On August 28th , 250,000 people participated in the historic "March on Washington" and heard Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his historic "I Have a Dream" speech A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta
47. ... Three weeks later and less than 50 miles away, in Baltimore, Maryland, another group of men would make a different kind of history. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta
48. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta BEGINNINGS ... On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), 12 students founded what is now the nation's fifth largest, predominately African-American social service fraternity: The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated.
49. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta The founders of Iota Phi Theta 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. The Honorable Founders of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
50. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta This group of men was unique for several reasons. First of all, many were long-time friends. Spruill, Coakley, Dorsey, and Gregory had known one another since grade school, and Spruill and Coakley's friendship extended to when the two were pre-schoolers. Even more uniquely, many of these men 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 all were full-time students.
51. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta 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 this perspective from which they established the Fraternity's purpose, "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men." Additionally, they conceived the Fraternity's motto, "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
52. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta GROWTH ... The Fraternity functioned as a local entity until the first interest groups were established in 1967 at Hampton Institute (Beta Chapter) and Delaware State College (Gamma Chapter) . Further expansion took place in 1968 with chapters being formed at Norfolk State College (Delta Chapter) and Jersey City State College (Epsilon Chapter) . The Fraternity was officially and legally incorporated on November 1, 1968 as a National Fraternity under the laws of the State of Maryland.
53. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta The first steps toward moving the Fraternity from a regional to a more national scope were taken with the creation of Upsilon Chapter (Southern Illinois University) in 1974. It was also during this period that the Fraternity's first 4 Graduate chapters were formed: Alpha Omega (Baltimore, MD, 1965), Beta Omega (Washington, DC, 1970), Gamma Omega (Hampton, VA, 1973), and Delta Omega (Boston, MA, 1973).
54. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta These chapters created the framework for the growth and development of the organization in the Northeast, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest Regions of the country. The next regional expansion occurred in 1983 with the establishment of the Alpha Chi (San Francisco State University) and Xi Omega (San Francisco Alumni) chapters in California. Today, Iota Phi Theta consists of over 198 chapters located in 40 States and the District of Columbia. The scope of the organization extends throughout the nation, from California to New York; from Wyoming to Florida; and from Wisconsin to The Bahamas Islands.
55. A Historical Overview of Iota Phi Theta SUMMARY ... As Iota Phi Theta continues to grow and strengthen, so will its commitment to make meaningful contributions to society in general, with particular emphasis in the African-American community. Throughout America, Iota Phi Theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. The Fraternity is, and shall forever remain dedicated to its founders' vision of "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
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57. Officers & Structure Organizational Structure and Leadership From its inception, Iota Phi Theta has always recognized the need for strong, effective leadership at every level of the organization. Iota Phi Theta's national governing body is The Grand Council. The Grand Council is responsible for the governance of the fraternity between National Conclaves, which occur biennially. There are two nationally-elected officers to the council and the remainder are appointed (except Regional Polari, which are elected by their respective regions.)
58. Organizational Structure and Leadership The Fraternity also has a Board of Directors which consists of elected members from each region as well as Executive Members, who are individuals who have previously served in the capacity of either Grand or Grand Vice Polaris. The nationally-elected officers of the Grand Council are the Grand Polaris , the Grand Vice-Polaris , and the Second Grand Vice-Polaris .
59. Organizational Structure and Leadership Bro. Steven T. Birdine , Grand Polaris Initiated at Kappa Omega Chapter (Champaign, IL Alumni) Spring, 1982.
60. Organizational Structure and Leadership Bro. Karl Price, Esq., Grand Vice-Polaris Initiated at Alpha Omicron Chapter (Kentucky State University) Spring, 1981 Bro. Alastair Hunte , Second Grand Vice-Polaris Initiated at Delta Xi Chapter (Stephen F. Austin University), Spring, 2000
61. Organizational Structure and Leadership The appointed members of the Grand Council are: Grand Treasurer: Bro Derek Davis Initiated at Alpha Iota Chapter (Wilberforce University), Spring, 1981 Ìý Assistant Grand Treasurer: Bro. Ben Lewis Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1968
62. Organizational Structure and Leadership Grand Secretary: Bro. Robert Clark Initiated at Alpha Lambda Chapter (University of Illinois), Spring, 1980 Director of Marketing: Bro. Dwayne Dixon Initiated at Alpha Eta Chapter (Southern University), Spring, 1980
63. Organizational Structure and Leadership Director of Information Technology: Bro. Michael Holman Initiated a Alpha Phi Chapter (NY Metro-Pace University) Fall, 2000 Director of Undergraduate Affairs: Bro. Ted Graham Initiated at University of Nebraska Colony, Spring, 1996
64. Organizational Structure and Leadership Director of Community Service: Bro. Derek Bartee Initiated at Delta Lambda Chapter (University of Virginia), Fall, 1999 Director of Leadership Development:Ìý Bro. Antonio D. Hill Initiated at Psi Chapter (Coppin State University), Spring, 2000 Ìý
65. Organizational Structure and Leadership Director of Graduate Affairs: Bro. Ron Jones Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University) , Fall, 1966 National Historian: Bro. Wayne Dorsey Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University) , Fall, 1971
66. Organizational Structure and Leadership National Chaplain: Bro. Talbert Swan Initiated at Beta Beta Chapter (University of Massachusetts) Spring 1985 National Historian: Bro. Clifton Durant Initiated at Alpha Chapter (Morgan State University), Spring, 1969
67. Organizational Structure and Leadership Managing Editor, " The Centaur" Newsletter: Ìý Bro. Carter Borden Initiated at Sigma Chapter (Boston College), Spring, 1973 Editor, " The Centaur" Newsletter:Ìý Bro. Mikki Robinson Initiated at Upsilon Chapter (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale), Spring, 1982 Ìý
68. Organizational Structure and Leadership Assistant to the Grand Polaris:Ìý Bro. Nate Williams Initiated at Alpha Iota Chapter (Wilberforce University) , Fall, 1981
69. Organizational Structure The fraternity is divided into eleven regions, each of which is administered by a Regional Polaris. Each Regional Polaris is elected by his respective region. The Regional Polari are also members of The Grand Council.
70. Organizational Structure Ohio Valley Regional Polaris: Bro. Darren Sanford Initiated at Alpha Mu Chapter, (Central State University), Spring, 1983 Regional Scope: Kentucky Michigan Ohio Tennessee West Virginia
72. Organizational Structure New England Regional Polaris: Bro. Craig Santos Initiated at Beta Phi Chapter (Uinversity of Massachusetts-Dartmouth), Spring, 1991 Regional Scope: Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island Vermont
73. Organizational Structure Northeast Regional Polaris: Bro. Jason Witcher, Esq. Initiated at Beta Xi Chapter (Kean University), Spring, 1992 Regional Scope: New Jersey New York Pennsylvania
74. Organizational Structure and Leadership Mid-Atlantic Regional Polaris: Bro. Herbert Berry, Jr. Initiated at Nu Chapter (University of Maryland), Spring, 1973 Regional Scope: Delaware District of Columbia Maryland
75. Organizational Structure and Leadership Southeast Regional Polaris: Bro. Aaron West Initiated at Rho Chapter (Towson State University) , Spring, 1986 Regional Scope: North Carolina South Carolina Virginia
76. Organizational Structure and Leadership Gulf Coast Regional Polaris: Bro. Daryle Swatzie Initiated at Tau Chapter (American International College), Spring, 1983 Regional Scope: Alabama Florida Georgia Mississippi The Carribean
77. Organizational Structure and Leadership Southern Regional Polaris:Ìý Bro. Chris O'Banner Initiated at Beta Nu Chapter (Northern Illinois University), Spring, 1988 Regional Scope: Arkansas Louisiana, Oklahoma Texas
78. Organizational Structure and Leadership Western Regional Polaris:Ìý Bro. Bro. Eldridge Moore Initiated at Alpha Eta Chapter (Southern Univeristy) , Fall, 1996 Regional Scope: Colorado Kansas Nebraska New Mexico Wyoming
79. Organizational Structure and Leadership Far West Regional Polaris: Bro. Roderick Donald Initiated at XI Omega Chapter (San Francisco Alumni), Summer, 1995 Regional Scope: Alaska Arizona Nevada Arizona California Oregon Hawaii Idaho Washington
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