UA Co-Sponsors Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. Open House June 23

Akron, Ohio, June 20, 2006 The public is invited to an open house co-sponsored by The University of Akron at the new headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. and the Eta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Friday, June 23.

The 15,500 square-foot facility, called the Alpha Center, is at 662 Wolf Ledges Parkway on the Southwest corner of Wolf Ledges Parkway and West Thornton Street.

There is no charge to attend the open house, to be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The program will include remarks at 6 p.m. by Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., the 32nd National President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore.

Established in 1966, Alpha Phi Alpha Homes is a non-profit housing and development management corporation that has developed and operated over 1,800 housing units in northeast Ohio and Chicago. In partnership with the City of Akron, Alpha Homes has built Channelwood Village, Callis Towers, Williams Tower, Wesley Tower, The Landings at Canal Park and the Townhomes at Canal Park.

Eta Tau Lambda is the Akron alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Fraternity members include men with careers in law, medicine, science, business, engineering and education who are committed to affecting the lives of the people in their community through community-based programs.

Alpha Center was purchased and renovated by Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. and Eta Tau Lambda. It will be used for their offices and to host community activities, scout groups and Project Alpha initiatives.

Executive board members of Alpha Homes includes UA graduates Judge James R. Williams ('60), Dr. Sylvester Small ('70, '76 and '84), Stanley Hampton ('87 and '90), Innocent Okolo ('90), Thomas Tatum ('91), Samuel DeShazior ('93), and Larry Thomas ('97).

Other open house sponsors include Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, The Hecky Group, Testa Builders, Neighborhood Development Corporation of Akron, Alpha Phi Alpha, Eta Tau Lambda Chapter, RBJ Sales & Services, Jennings Heating & Cooling, Works of Wonder, Stathos Construction & Engineering Co., In Exteriors, Inc. and Northstar Plumbing.

Other Alpha Homes initiatives include the Alpha Library Program, Projects Read and Pride, the Police Community Dialogue, Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship, Title III Nutrition and Congregate Housing Services programs, Alpha Soccer Club, Supportive Service Coordination and Village Health Clinic.