T h e To r c h The Of cial Newsletter of
Mu Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. January, 2011
Message from the President Brother Kwame Ulmer
Strengthening and Protecting Mu Lambda's B r a n d
Anyone who was involved in providing services to the Philadelphia homeless in the 1970s and 1980s knew Ron Ulmer. The city social worker had areputation for acalm
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demeanor, kind word and genuine desire to get the homeless to shelter. As achild, I would remember my father come home tired from work. He would have malodorous
gloves, yet asmile on his face, because he knew he treated his clients with care and respect. He did what he loved and it showed. So much so that he was known as Saint Ron. In 2011 we would say Ron Ulmer had atight brand. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda chapter, has avery strong brand. We can point to mentoring over 100 young men. Most of these men have gone on to college. We can proudly boast being home to General Presidents, Jewels, and
University Presidents. Most recently, our own Brother M. Christopher Brown joined the ranks of academic leaders of Mu Lambda. It is because of your love for Alpha that you pay your dues, housing assessment and provide community service. When you do these things you represent Alpha well. Yet, it goes beyond that. You were all taught that you represent Alpha 24 hours aday, 7days aweek. Importantly, you are Alpha when you deal with your brother. We always aim to deal with our brother directly and speak tenderly. When we interface with the outside world, we project an image of mature men who have nothing but respect for our neighbors. We are digni ed and probably tend to amore conservative and classic look. We generally do no sport Mohawks or follow trends that will fade. We wear suits and ties at our business meetings. Dressed down for us, may be dressed up for many. As afamous artist. Notorious BIG said, we are “classy not ashy’*. Our Holiday Gala was an excellent example. From marketing, to event implementation, and follow up thank you to guests. We represented well. We must continue to strengthen and protect our brand. To this end. we will take a fresh look at all legal and fraternal requirements when we engage the public. This means that we will ensure we adhere to all relevant laws and project the best possible image. This means Intake, Beautillion, our new Alpha Academy, and even Brother's Keeper will be implemented with the utmost care. 1will personally engage every committee chair to ensure we are following all relevant policies and procedures. We will implement new ones if necessary. Iwill review any advertisement that bears Mu Lambda’s name. Why? Because our brand is just that important to me and Iknow it is cherished by you. As we increase our activity in the New Year; always ask the question ‘is this agood representation of Mu Lambda?" If you have any doubt, give
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Inside this Edition: The Executive Message Alpha Wives Membership/Brotherhood News
Damien Ministries Community Service Chair Drive Beautillion
Holiday Social &Toy Drive January Birthdays Other Events
Community
me acall.
Your partner fora strong and mighty Mu Lambda. Brother Kwame Ulmer
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President
Mario Simpson Editor