During Homecoming 2023, alumni of the Theta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity celebrated the chapter’s 50th anniversary and Charter Member Herb Scott, Jr. ‘76 threw out an idea to challenge his fraternity brothers to contribute to a scholarship endowment benefiting their organization.
Fellow members like Byron Galloway, Sr. ‘95 immediately jumped on board. “We should never forget where we come from and the struggles we may have had to endure,” said Galloway. “One of the struggles continues to be finances. Collectively, we all can do our part to ensure the institution that educated us continues to fulfill these same obligations to others for years to come.”
Mirroring another chapter within the state, the Alpha Phi Alpha scholarship endowment was established within the UCA Foundation as a fundraising challenge across the chapter. “Alphamen are very competitive with each other, so I thought if they could do it, why couldn’t our chapter do it for UCA,” Scott said.
Within months, the group had already raised the $25,000 minimum to start the endowment.
“I was glad we reached 25 percent of our target in three months,” Galloway said, “however, I was not surprised as we have dedicated members and when we set our mind to achieving a goal, everyone participates.”
The chapter has set a goal of raising $100,000 by this December. “I have faith in my [fraternity] brothers and hopefully we can reach $50,000 by the summer,” Scott said.
Galloway said he hopes this scholarship provides the boost that is sometimes needed. “We do not want financial limitations to be the reason for a member not achieving their educational goal of a degree,” he said.
Scott said a scholarship he received during college eased the burden on his family and he hopes the Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship Endowment will do the same for future generations. “I don’t think we should put ourselves in the position that only those who can afford the cost get an education and those that can’t afford the cost lose out,” he said.
Galloway agreed and said scholarships played a pivotal role in assisting him with achieving his degree. “That is why I continue to give back to the Foundation and will continue to support this endowment for years to come.”
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men in 1906. The fraternity’s mission is to develop tomorrow’s leader, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy to their communities.
Chartering members of the Theta Psi Chapter at UCA includes: Wendell Armstrong, Robert Balenton ‘74, Gary Brown, Walter Credit, Deodis Fleming ‘76, Herb Scott, Jr. ‘76, Richard Scott, Sr. ’75 and Robert White, Jr.
To donate to the Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship Endowment, please visit uca.edu/go/alphascholarship or mail a check made payable to UCA Foundation with Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship in the memo line to UCA Foundation, UCA Box 4986, Conway, AR 72035. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact the UCA Foundation by phone at 501-450-5288.