Story by: Lisa Sollie
The University of West Alabama dedicated the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza on March 9, celebrating the enduring impact the NPHC has had on the UWA community for over 50 years.
Founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the National Pan-Hellenic Council鈥攚idely known as the 鈥淒ivine Nine鈥濃�攚as established to unite historically Black Greek-letter organizations, provide a collective voice, and coordinate their efforts nationwide. Its member organizations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch reflected in his remarks on the plaza鈥檚 history, as well as the important role NPHC organizations have played in shaping the experiences, leadership, and success of UWA students.
鈥淎t UWA, students are our purpose,鈥� Fritch said. 鈥淭hat belief guides our work every single day, and it is reflected in the opportunities we create for students to grow, lead, and serve. The organizations represented within the NPHC embody those ideals in very powerful ways. Through scholarship, service, leadership, and lifelong sisterhood and brotherhood, NPHC organizations help students develop not only as scholars, but as leaders and professionals who go forward and make a positive difference in their communities.鈥�
For Byron Thetford, dean of students and interim vice president of student affairs, and Dr. B.J. Kimbrough, dean of graduate studies and campus culture liaison, the plaza represents a 10-year labor of love.
鈥淭his plaza did not start with brick and stone,鈥� Thetford said during the dedication ceremony. 鈥淚t began with a student-driven vision and conversations with faculty and staff. That effort eventually led to a meeting with Dr. Kimbrough, UWA Police Chief Josette White, and Dr. LaJuan Hutchinson, associate professor of physical education and advisor for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., to explore how we could more visibly recognize and celebrate the rich history and contributions of the Divine Nine at UWA.鈥�
A combination of fundraising efforts, grant support, and encouragement from University leadership helped bring the long-envisioned plaza from concept to completion. UWA鈥檚 Student Government Association voted last year to contribute ancillary funds from student fees to help pay for a portion of the plaques and landscaping around the plaza.
鈥淭his plaza is more than a space鈥攊t鈥檚 a symbol,鈥� Kimbrough said. 鈥淚t is a visible reminder of the rich history and cultural pride of the Divine Nine and a place where students can see their identities, traditions, and contributions reflected in the physical landscape of UWA鈥檚 campus.鈥�
Standing as a permanent tribute to the impact of the Divine Nine had at UWA, the plaza is an installation that project coordinators hope will serve as a place of pride, reflection, unity, and celebration for years to come.