William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever God's may be for my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how straight the gate, How charged with punishment the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
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Nu Iota History
The history of Nu Iota Chapter dates back to the spring of 1977, when several young men desired an organization to promote brotherhood and character on campus of Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). These young men also wished to affiliate with a strong national group that strived for achievement and human dignity. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity particularly interested and appealed to these men as their best answer. With the determination and tenacity of Messrs. Derek Ali, Stephen Henderson, Reginald Butler and John Bunting, the foundations for Nu Iota Chapter were firmly established. Building and inspiring these early brothers were: Dr. Randall S. Robinson (Elem. Ed.), Oscar Moore (Health & Phys. Ed.) and Elwood Nichols (Life Sciences), all Glassboro State College faculty members. Additionally, Mr. John Williams of Sicklerville, NJ (president of the local alumni chapter at the time) and Craig Welburn of Turnersville, another alumni member, were instrumental in assisting these brothers during this period of formation, and with the cooperation of the Psi Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania, Nu Iota Chapter was duly established and chartered on September 10, 1977.
Since that time, 108 others have become a part of the Nu Iota brotherhood. These young men have sought to live up to the aims of Alpha Phi Alpha through the many sponsored programs of the chapter. Such activities have included: An annual Thanksgiving drive for needy families in Glassboro; a children's Christmas party for the city's Head start Program; the Neophyte Recognition Program (acknowledging the newly initiated members of campus' Greek lettered organizations); the Annual College Day (exposing youth to the benefits of higher education and a host of special cultural and educational forums). Since 1994, the chapter has hosted the Miss Black Rowan Pageant and annually assists in the largest Martin Luther King celebration in South Jersey held at Rowan University.
The brotherhood of Nu Iota Chapter has consistently been active in the campus student life programs over the years through involvement in both student and student/faculty groups. Some of the groups have included: The Student Government Association, cultural organizations, Student Activities Board, sports teams, musical ensembles, major clubs and advisory boards. As in the tradition of Alpha Phi Alpha, Nu Iota Chapter seeks men with potential for good leadership; men who wish to strive for academic achievement and men who are concerned with the betterment of mankind.
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