Beta Gamma History
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Gamma Chapter was chartered on Wednesday, December 22, 1926, on the historic campus of Virginia State College (now Virginia State University).
Chartered by thirteen distinguished members, Beta Gamma is the second-oldest undergraduate chapter in the state of Virginia and was the first Greek-lettered fraternity established on the campus of VSU. Since its chartering, the Beta Gamma Chapter has set the standard for other fraternities on VSU’s campus to follow by upholding the principles of Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for all Mankind. The chapter has been recognized regionally and nationally for its community service with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and for its enthusiastic precision-stepping style.
The Chapter has also won numerous awards for academic and participatory excellence on the Virginia State University campus. In addition to outstanding scholarship and service to the VSU community, Beta Gamma has been nationally renowned for its enthusiastic and precise stepping style, winning regional and national competitions. Beta Gamma won 14 of 20 VSU step shows from 1990-2011. Eleven VACAPAF step shows, 8 Eastern Region step shows, and participated in 5 National Organization step shows, bringing home two first-place Alpha Phi Alpha National Championships.
Beta Gamma claims outstanding alumni who, in addition to excelling in their respective professions, have also made a tremendous impact within the fraternity and society. Some of our exceptional alumni include Brothers Thomas D. Pawley III, Alpha’s National Historian Emeritus, William “Billy” Wade, former VACAPAF President, Dr. James Stith, an American physicist named in 2004 as one of the 50 Most Important Blacks in Research Science, and retired Brigadier General James Moore. Beta Gamma brothers have also been recognized as VACAPAF and Eastern Region College and Alumni Brothers of the Year and Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest Winners.
Beta Gamma Charter Members
Thirteen distinguished men hold the distinction of being named charter members of the Beta Gamma chapter. They include:
Thomas C. Brown
George T. Chisolm
Walter G. Cogdell
Served as the Chapter’s first President Served on the debate team with H. Colson Jackson and Thomas C. Cotman
Thomas C. Cotman
Served on the debate team with H. Colson Jackson and Walter G. Cogdell Played on the Virginia State football team
Morgan J. Edwards
Played on the Virginia State football team
Eric W. Epps
Was the captain on the Championship 1927 Virginia State baseball team
Also played on the Virginia State football team
Lester V. Hill
Henry C. Jackson
Served on the debate team with Thomas C. Cotman and Walter G. Cogdell
- Was the Chapter’s second president
-Founded BBS in 1941
Walter W. Johnson
Was the Chapter’s first Chapter Editor to the Sphinx
Thomas L. Puryear
Was the President of Nu Lambda at the time Beta Gamma was founded He was a charter member of Nu Lambda which was founded in 1923 At VSU, he was the Dean of Men and a football and baseball coach. -Former Puryear Hall was named after him.
Archie G. Richardson
Served as the chapter’s first secretary
In 1936, he became the highest-ranking African-American in State Government
George D. Telfair
David H. Wildy
Graduated on June 11, 1926 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture