Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Pi, 1926
Since 1845, Alpha Sigma Phi has maintained a proud tradition of creating and perpetuating brotherhood for good men coast to coast. Dedicated alumni have long preserved and enriched the "Old Gal's" tradition with a vision for the future that exemplifies the experiences of the past. Through the years, many brothers have noted that Alpha Sigma Phi made a significant contribution early in their lives. With gratitude, these members have remained loyal and are supportive of the Fraternity's future.
Alpha Sigma Phi's existence has been threatened many times over the last 150 years. The fraternity still managed to pull through these hardships. Therefore, the official symbol of the fraternity is the Phoenix, the mythological bird that rises from its ashes.
Today, Alpha Sigma Phi is recognized as a fraternity of quality and stature. With 59 chapters, colonies, and interest groups, and an active expansion effort, the Fraternity continues to offer meaningful services and opportunities to over 2,000 undergraduates and 40,000 living alumni.
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Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Pi, 1926
Also see:
FDS (19??-1921?) FDZ (1921?-1926) AKP (1926-1946) ASF (1946-1952, 1981-)
Alpho Rho Chapter has a beginning which is a little mysterious. Sometime prior to 1921, the organization may have been a chapter of Phi Delta Sigma, and took the chapter designation of Alpha Zeta. In the chapter meeting minutes of May 31, 1924, mention is made that the organization (by then known as Phi Delta Zeta) would not pay dues to the Phi Delta Sigma group since they were the "Mother chapter". No references have been located of the Phi Delta Sigma group, how or when it was formed, or why the Newark group broke away.
The date most often quoted when the chapter became Phi Delta Zeta is January 1, 1921. Unfortunately, the chapter meeting minutes do not go back that far, and so this date has not been verified. After several years operating as a local fraternity, Phi Delta Zeta saught to join forces with a national fraternity. The chapter meeting minutes of February 17, 1925 show the first mention of this as a goal, with the simple entry of "The Theta Xi Fraternity was discussed." In the minutes of September 25, 1925 the entry "The bid for entrance to Theta Xi was dropped and Sigma Nu was suggest as a substitute."
On December 4, 1925, we find the first indication of larger goals for the chapter: "The subject of nationalization consumed the remainder of the meeting. It was moved, seconded, and passed by a unanimous vote that the fraternity make steps toward nationalizing. After much discussion, the Secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Anderson of Theta Kappa Nu asking whether we must include in the petition, the original roll call or only those who are eligible. Brother Hull gave a resume of expenses of entering Theta Kappa Nu."
On February 17, 1926 we find: "The nationalization committee reported that Theta Kappa Nu had rejected the fraternity petition. The members reported that Mr. Wilson had suggested forming a new national. He offerred to back us until the organization was fully started and on its feet. The fraternity voted unanimously to act upon Mr. Wilson's offer."
On February 19, 1926: "The chairman spoke of the need of suggestions to the nationalization committee on name, pin, flower, shield, seal and motto for the new organization."
Finding no other national fraternities which fit with the goals and principles of the organization, the membership entered into discussions with Alpha Kappi Pi fraternity of Wagner College, Staten Island, NY. After over a year of discussions, guided by a close friend of the fraternity, Dr. Albert H. Wilson, the two groups merged into Alpha Kappa Pi fraternity, officially becoming a national organization on March 23, 1926, at 3:30 PM, in Dr. Wilson's study in New York City. Alpha Kappa Pi took as its colors Dartmouth green and gold.
The first mention in the meeting minutes that nationalization was a reality was on May 7, 1926: "A motion was then made and passed that we act as host to the Wagner Fraternity at the installation, May 8."
Finally, on May 8, 1926, 9 P.M., the minutes read: "The Phi Delta Zeta Fraternity of the Newark College of Engineering and the Alpha Kappa Pi of Wagner College S.I. were formally initiated into the Alpha Kappa Pi Fraternity."
During several visits to Alpha Sigma Phi national headquarters, I attempted to piece together more of the early days of AKPi history. Some of the dates are inconsistent, and require further research to verify dates. Some conflicting dates indicate that AKPi was founded January 1, 1921, but this is obviously incorrect. Another story noted that the anniversary of AKPi was celebrated on March 24, 1921, but this is likely a typographical error, when the correct year should have read 1926. Brother Vernon O. Drake indicated in his letter of June 20, 1983 that Phi Delta Zeta held meetings at the Alto Club on High Street in Newark.
While reading the original minutes, I did find that the organization owned property. From October 1, 1934 through February 1944, we owned 38 James Street, Newark, at a mortgage of $65 per month. We then moved in February 1944 to 37 Washington Street, in the Helen McHugh Studios, for an unknown reason. 1 Again we moved, this time on October 20, 1949 until a date unknown, we owned the building at 119 Warren Street, Newark.
After World War II, all fraternities had experienced dramatic decline in membership, and financial stability. Consolidation again began occurring. Alpha Kappi Pi merged with Alpha Sig Phi on September 6, 1946, and we were designated Alpha Rho chapter. Once again, membership on the Newark College of Engineering campus fell off and we closed our doors sometime between 1952 and 1954.
Like our Fraternity symbol, the Phoenix, Alpha Rho also rose from its ashes. In the fall of 1980, many soon to be Alpha Sigs were involved in WJTB, the campus radio station. None of these men agreed with the hazing going on at other fraternities, and felt strongly that there must be an alternative to such behavior. With no information to proceed from, a New Brunswick, New Jersey phone book was used to seek out fraternities at Rutgers University. Phone calls were placed to those fraternities with questions about starting a chapter. Although most houses were cooperative, everyone agreed "Alpha Sigma Phi" had a nice sound to it!
After some time researching national fraternities, they contacted Alpha Sigma Phi. It was not until several weeks later that they learned of our long history. In fact, Rob Sheehan, then Executive Director of the fraternity, said National never had something so amazing occur. As it turned out, on that very day of the NJIT group's phone call, Wilbur Kupfrian, an Alpha Sig alumnus from NCE, had called Rob Sheehan -- then expansion chairman, about the possibility of rechartering the NCE chapter.
Rob Sheehan and Evan Varner from national headquarters formerly inducted the Alpha pledge class on Alpha Rho Colony on March 20, 1981 at WJTB, followed by a party in the NJIT Campus Center, and a road trip to Beta Theta Chapter at Rutgers University for an impromptu party. The next day, the Colonization luncheon was held at El Pescador restaurant in Roselle Park, attended by Evan Varner, Grand Senior Secretary; and Richard Gibbs, Grand Senior President, who had inducted the pledges, making Alpha Rho the first to have this honor.
In April, the colony rented our first house at 273 High Street in Newark, and began renovations. Essentially, the house was gutted and rebuilt. Several floors were completely refinished, as was most of the plumbing and electrical work. Shortly thereafter, on June 6, 1981, the first official meeting of the colony was held at Joe Plescia's summer home in High Point, New Jersey. 2On January 29, 1982, the Alpha and Beta pledge clases of Alpha Rho colony were initiated into Alpha Sigma Phi at Alpha Tau Chapter at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. The ritual was performed by brothers from Stevens Tech (Alpha Tau chapter), Rutgers University (Beta Theta chapter), and National Headquarters. The official rechartering ceremony was held in the NJIT Ballroom on January 30, 1982.
At the national convention in 1985, Alpha Rho was presented with our original Alpha Sigma Phi charter, from 1946. Alpha Rho is one of the very few Alpha Sigma Phi chapters to actually posess two charters.
After six years at 273 High Street, and many memorable parties, we bid farewell to our first house. In 1988, we lost our house as Saint Michael's Hospital, our landlord, decided not to renew the lease of any fraternities. Chris Lambert, Darrell Kidd, and several other brothers kept Alpha Sig alive by renting an apartment across from Rutgers University at 156 Washington (next to Warren Street). Not until over a year later, in the summer of 1990, did we acquire another house -- this time at 184 Warren Street, across from the NJIT athletic field. We remained at that location until spring break (March 15) of 1997, when we obtained a new chapter house at 267 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard (formerly High Street).
Our brothers have held high offices in the IFSC, the Student Senate, and we are actively involved in campus life. Our fraternity flag has even flown at the South Pole (and was written about in the Winter 1993 of the Tomahawk (Tomahawk pages, in PDF format), our national newsletter), and circled the North Pole. Several brothers play on varsity sports and many have achieved various academic accolades from the school, the Fraternity, and the state. If you'd like more information about the brotherhood that "Betters the Man...", stop by the chapter house at 267 King Blvd. or give us a call at 201-621-OTIS
Chapter history researched by Marty Lyons, '82
1. The Alpha, Volume XVIII, Number 1, December 1943, Chapter News
2. Email from Bruce DiBisceglie to alpha-rho mailing list, June 6, 2001