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History of the Gamma Lambda Education Foundation

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In 1980 the Board of Directors of the Gamma Lambda Chapter charged the scholarship committee with the responsibility of raising funds for and rewarding a scholarship to a high school graduate.  In an effort to increase its scholarship fund-raising efforts, the Gamma Lambda Chapter (June 1982) authorized the establishment of a Michigan non-profit corporation  which applied for and was granted Federal tax-exempt status; thus, the inception of the Gamma Lambda Education Foundation. This program supported the national program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., “Go–To–High School, Go–To–College”.

                                                                                                                                                      

On February 1, 1983 the Foundation awarded scholarships to two 1983 graduates from the Detroit Public Schools.  At the request of the members of the Gamma Lambda Chapter, the Foundation established the name of its scholarship as the "Leven C. Weiss Scholarship." Since that time several families of deceased Chapter brothers have also contributed annually and established further scholarships in honor of their respected family member. 

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Brother Henry Dees led and coordinated these efforts for nearly 28 years and established the Foundation as an anchor in the community. He now is recognized as President Emeritus. Realizing the historic marginalization of our African American male population it was decided that focus on encouraging, promoting and mentoring this specific cohort of individuals would be the Education Foundation’s mission.

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Through this mission of love, over 355 high school graduates who exude outstanding scholastic achievement, and positive and productive community involvement have received  both financial and inspirational support from the Foundation.

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As the Education Foundation moved into the new millennium, it was important that the spirit, traditions, and love of scholarship not falter, but manifest itself into a much greater commitment.  By providing further stability to the current financial giving, the Foundation set aside funds to established an endowment in 1995 as the basis for which future scholarships would be awarded.

The Gamma Lambda Education Foundation continues to flourish and graciously appreciates contributions towards fund­ raising efforts to address the financial needs of the many young, gifted, and promising leaders  within the Detroit metro-area community