Beta Beta History

The college chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated known as the BETA BETA Chapter was established at the University of Nebraska. At the beginning of the fall term of the year 1926, several young men came together as students at the institution who were interested in Alpha Phi Alpha. On December 6, 1926, an organized meeting occurred at 1970 ‘U' Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. The following young men were present: James Baker, Henry Botts, Jr., Robert L. Fairchilds, Claborne Hill, Stanley Madison, William H. Miles, Floyd Pryor, Cuthbert Taylor, Lewis O. Swingler, and Lloyd H. Williams. Officers were elected and an organization was established.

In the meantime, correspondence was carried on with the General President, Bro. Raymond W. Cannon. Permission was granted at the general convention for the installation of the chapter, and Bro. M.R. Perry was designated to establish the chapter. The delay in the establishment increased the readiness of the young aspirants, and two BBrothers were pledged in the interim: BBros. George McVey and P.M.E. Hill, Jr. The year 1927 began with the same aspirants and organization intact. On May 7, 1927, the #046 Key was granted to the Beta Beta Chapter as it was recognized and established by Brother M.R. Perry at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church. New officers were elected as follows: BBro. Lloyd H. Williams, President; BBro. Cuthbert Taylor, Vice-President; BBro. Robert Fairchilds, Secretary; BBro. Henry Botts, Jr., Corresponding Secretary; BBro. Claborne Hill, Treasurer; and, BBro. Floyd Pryor, Sergeant-at-Arms. The charter came to include Creighton University in 1933. Over the years, Beta Beta has become a state-wide chapter.

Scholarship itself has been encouraged and advanced by Beta Beta and its Brotherhood. Beta Beta Chapter at the University of Nebraska continued to illustrate these notions by remaining in the top 25% in the fraternity scholastic ratings until 1935. This was again reiterated as the BBrothers at the University of Nebraska-Omaha represented with the highest overall GPA of ALL Greek fraternities and sororities in the school years of 1984 and 1985. Beta Beta represented the entire Mighty Midwestern Region at the 1985 General Convention as Midwestern Region Step Show Champions.

Beta Beta Chapter was declared inactive from 1986 until 1998 because of low numbers. However, BBrothers were still initiated through the Beta Xi Lambda Chapter in Omaha, Nebraska, and BBrothers remained to hold the Light of ALPHA high. The graduates of the Beta Beta Chapter have gone on to become the PHirst Editor of the Sphinx (BBr. Lewis O. Swingler), doctors, lawyers, teachers, programmers, stockbrokers, managers, engineers, accountants, chemists, and much more.

Beta Beta, since its foundation, has epitomized the true spirit of fraternity, BBrotherhood, leadership, and service through its members. Beta Beta founder BBro. Lloyd H. Williams served as a Council Lay Member as well as the Southwestern Region Vice President from 1951 to 1954. In addition, BBro. Lewis O. Swingler served as Editor of the SPHINX for four consecutive administrations from 1936 to 1944. Also, BBro. Swingler was elected to serve as Southern Region Vice President from 1954 to 1956.

"First Of All, Servants Of All, We Shall Transcend All"
Site Design: GoldenTechs.com