Our History

Foundation and Legacy

Since its inception on February 2, 1921, as the third Greek-lettered organization chartered on the campus of the University of Southern California, the Alpha Delta Chapter has exemplified excellence—not as a goal, but as a standard. The Alpha Delta Chapter was chartered as the 26th house of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. when other Black Greek-lettered organizations were either in their infancy or yet to be formed, proudly becoming the first chapter of any B.G.L.O. west of the Mississippi River. We boldly claim our place as the "GRANDDADDY OF THE WHOLE WEST COAST," setting a precedent for all organizations, Greek and otherwise.

A Storied Beginning

The Alpha Delta Chapter originated from the University Students' Club, a social organization led by Malcolm Patton and Bert McDonald, under the guidance of Dr. John Alexander Somerville. This group, initially focused on social camaraderie, soon sought a greater purpose—affiliation with a national fraternity. Their efforts bore fruit when the Thirteenth Annual Convention authorized Brother Clarence A. Jones (Kappa Chapter) to install the Alpha Delta Chapter at Brother Howard Allen's home.

The charter members included:

  • Howard Harold Allen

  • Hugh Anthony Bell

  • Samuel Boba Danley Jr.

  • Simeon Draper

  • Clifford Myota Gordon

  • Thomas Augustus Greene Jr.

  • Bernard Christopher Herndon

  • Bert McDonald

  • James Wilson McGregor

  • Malcolm Harvey Patton

  • William McKinley Pillow

  • Arthur Edmunson Prince

  • John Thomas Riddle

  • John Winiford Rout

  • Hayward Shirley Thompson

Alpha Delta received faculty recognition from the University Committee on Fraternities and the Executive Committee of the Associated Student Body, solidifying its presence on campus.

Moments of Pride

Alpha Delta has hosted several significant events, including the 1936 Pan-Pacific Convention, 43rd General Convention (1957), where we proudly welcomed Jewel Brothers Henry Arthur Callis, George Biddle Kelley, and Nathaniel Allison Murray, and most recently the 53rd General Convention (1967). As the first chapter in the region, Alpha Delta initially served as the mother chapter, helping to establish other chapters across California.

Expanding the Legacy

Over the years, Alpha Delta has evolved into a powerhouse of leadership and brotherhood. As of Fall 2024, and for the first time in 16 years, Alpha Delta operates as a three-campus chapter, uniting brothers from the University of Southern California, California State University, Los Angeles, and Occidental College. This historic expansion has reinforced Alpha Delta’s legacy, with the combined efforts of brothers across these campuses earning the chapter a reputation for excellence and establishing it as an ever-powerful triumvirate.

Alpha Delta’s impact extends far beyond its own chapter. The brothers have played a pivotal role in helping to charter new chapters and initiating brothers throughout Southern California, including but not limited to the University of California, Los Angeles; California State University, Long Beach; California State University, Northridge; University of Redlands; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; Pepperdine University; Chapman College and the Claremont Colleges. These contributions highlight Alpha Delta’s dedication to fostering growth and strengthening the presence of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. across the region.