Chapter History

In 1983, these young men decided to form “Alpha Elite”, an informal association of Alphas that wanted to advance the light of Alpha and rekindle it’s flame among young brothers who were recent college graduates. The focus of Alpha Elite was to stimulate the interest of its members, both socially and professionally they worked hard to build a  network and support system for young men who were experiencing similar challenges in establishing themselves and their careers.

In the fall of 1984, at a Delta Pi chapter “Smoker” on the campus of Cheyney University, these young men were challenged by Eastern Regional Vice-President Bill Ross and State Director Frank Devine, along with a few others, to become financial and do the work of Alpha from within a chapter structure.

That fraternal confrontation on the campus of Cheyney was the catalyst that motivated the brothers of “Alpha Elite” to seek their own alumni chapter. Eastern Regional Vice-President, Bill Ross, was very instrumental in facilitating this. On April 26, 1985 Omicron Delta Lambda was chartered in Philadelphia, PA. The founders are Selvin L. Gordon, James B. Harris and Howard Burch. These men were the driving force that moved an informal amalgamation of men into a chapter that has truly infused Philadelphia with the spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha!