Eta Pi Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. History

As the Eta Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. approaches its 50th Anniversary, it is time to reflect on its rich history and celebrate the vision, perseverance, and commitment that brought this illustrious brotherhood to Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), known today as the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). The story of Eta Pi began early in 1972 with Brother Andrew A. Hill, a determined and visionary leader, who recognized the need for greater representation and support for Black students on campus. Observing the scarcity of campus-supported organizational activities for Black students, Brother Hill envisioned an undergraduate chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. at NLU to foster community involvement, leadership, and academic excellence among Black men. Brother Hill presented his idea to the Monroe Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi , Inc. and was given the green light to pursue this challenging task. The Polemarch then was Dr. William Alexander. However, the road to establishing the chapter was fraught with obstacles. University administrators were reluctant to embrace the idea, often delaying the process with various directives and requirements. Despite these challenges, Brother Hill remained steadfast in his mission, understanding that anything worth having is worth the struggle. Eventually permission was granted to begin the process, starting with gauging interest among potential members. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to the formation of the first colony, the Diamond Club, in October 1973. With nineteen members, the Diamond Club laid the foundation for what would become Eta Pi.

On March 30, 1974, sixteen members of the Diamond Club were initiated into the Scrollers Club, the next step toward full membership to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Under Brother Hill's guidance, these young men prepared for a rigorous week-long probationary period. Their hard work and dedication culminated in a series of impressive step shows and performances across the campus, earning them widespread acclaim.

As their probationary period drew to a close, twelve of the sixteen Scrollers Club members were initiated as full members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on September 21, 1974. These trailblazers, known as "The Omnipotent Twelve," included Brothers: Justus Benjamin, Larry Burrell, Jerome Cyrus, Tyrone Flowers, Alvin Ford, Anthony Johnson, Walter Kendrick, Larry Lee, Karl Nero, Ricky Parker, Otis Rogers, and Larry Washington. Their initiation marked the official establishment of the Eta Pi Chapter, which was chartered on November 17, 1974, by Brother Henry Flowers of Jackson, Mississippi an official of the Southwestern Province. The first on-campus advisor was Brother Wendell Plain, who was a graduate student at NLU. Brother Dennis Thomas, who was a football coach.at NLU, succeeded Brother Plain as the on-campus advisor.

Brother Andrew Hill's legacy extends far beyond the founding of Eta Pi. He went on to become the first African American principal of Minnie Ruffin Elementary School, Supervisor of Grades 4th through 6th of Monroe City Schools, and the first Personnel Supervisor of the Monroe City School District. Today, Brother Hill remains an active force in the Monroe Community who takes great pride in being the Founder of Eta Pi Chapter. Brother Hill also became the Polemarch of the Monroe Alumni Chapter. Brother Hill continues to be an active member of the Monroe Alumni Chapter.

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Eta Pi Chapter, we honor the visionaries like Brother Hill and "The Omnipotent Twelve" who paved the way, and the brothers who have carried the torch of excellence and service for half a century. Eta Pi's legacy of leadership and community service continues to inspire and uplift, making a lasting impact on ULM and the Monroe community. Congratulations to Brother Hill, the advisors, and the brothers of Eta Pi Chapter for a job well done Here's to 50 years of brotherhood and to many more years of achievement.