Midwestern Regional Conventions

Profitable Conventions

The Midwestern Region turned a profit at every regional convention and shared that success with host chapters, even in a down economy. Great care goes into the planning of every regional event with a strong focus on execution under budget, being fiscally transparent and accountable, and meticulously negotiating with service providers to provide high value at a reasonable cost. Brother Tillman instituted the “Circle of Excellence” to recognize chapters that make financial contributions to support regional award winners. Even with fiscal constraints, Brother Tillman maintained the “high” expectations of convention attendees while elevating the region’s recently given nickname as “the Spirit” of the fraternity.

The 76th Midwestern Regional Convention

The 76th Midwestern Regional Convention was held on April 3-6, 2008 at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis, MO. Epsilon Lambda, Alpha Eta, and Delta Epsilon Lambda (East. St. Louis, IL) were the host chapters. Brother Wayne C. Harvey was the convention chairman. The convention started and set the tone with a concert by the internationally known Denise Thimes of St. Louis and Alpha’s own, Brother Jerry “the Iceman” Butler (Xi Lambda). The regional leadership recognized all new initiates. Brother Virgil Chandler recommended an instant policy that the Midwestern Region always recognizes the members who will be carrying the torch for the fraternity. Also recognized were past Midwestern Regional Vice Presidents, Rev. Brother C. Anderson Davis and Brother Jimmie L. Buford who entered Omega Chapter in 2007. During the State of the Region Address, the “Roadmap to Excellence” was reinforced to show the direction and goals of the Midwestern Region and how it supports the fraternity’s Strategic Plan.

The 77th Midwestern Regional Convention

The 77th Midwestern Regional Convention was held on March 12-15, 2009 at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort Hotel in Oak Brook, IL. Mu Mu Lambda, Mu Mu (Elmhurst College and Lewis University), and Pi Sigma (Aurora University) were the host chapters. Brother Decature D. Tounsel was the convention chairman. Prior to the start of the convention, the Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Alpha held its meeting to discuss the business of the fraternity and interviewed the top four candidates for the position of Executive Director. The theme of the convention was “Developing Leaders.” It focused on handling the challenges of leadership. Topics covered were a panel discussion regarding “What is the Essence of Leadership?”, and a workshop on “The Art of Effective Communication.”

The 78th Midwestern Regional Convention

The 78th Midwestern Regional Convention was held on April 22-25, 2010 at the Dayton Marriott Hotel in Dayton, Ohio for the first time in 28 years. Under the leadership of Brother Jeffery Elmore as convention chairman, Theta Lambda, Gamma Theta (University of Dayton) and the chapters in the greater Dayton area welcomed the brothers and guests of the Midwestern region. The theme of the convention was “To Be an Alpha Man” and the brothers were treated by the presence of Brother Fred H. Woodruff (Eta Lambda) and author of the poem, “To Be an Alpha Man.” The convention focused on our promises of why we became members of this organization, re-evaluated our purpose, and re-energized our brothers to “hold the name ever aloft.”

The 79th Midwestern Regional Convention

The historic 79th Midwestern Regional Convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 7 ~ 10, 2011 at the Louisville Downtown Marriott Hotel. We celebrated Alpha Lambda chapter on turning 100 years old, and for hosting this year’s convention. The brothers of Alpha Lambda and the entire Kentucky District did an outstanding job! We also celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Kappa chapter, the 10th house, seated at Ohio State University – the initiation chapter of Olympic champion Brother Jesse Owens.

This year’s convention theme focused on “Extending our Collegiate Experience to a Lifetime of Brotherhood and Service.” We also focused on “From the High Chair to Higher Education” initiative with featured speaker and author Dr. Michael J. Cuyjet in a discussion on African-American Men in College.

Our 33rd General President, Brother Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. honored Brother John T. Clark, Jr. with his 60-Year Member lapel pin – while his sons, Brother John T. Clark, III and Brother Eric R. Clark, stood proudly beside him. Brother Clark, 90-years-old, is also the son of Alpha Lambda’s first chapter president and charter member, Brother John T. Clark, Sr.

Brother Mason was also honored as a Kentucky Colonel which is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Kentucky Colonel is individual that is recognized for noteworthy accomplishments or outstanding service to a community.

At the conclusion of the convention, Brother Thierry, Brother Mason, and I visited the resting place of the 18th General President Brother Frank L. Stanley.