Chapter History

The Iota Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded at its chapter seat Newark College of Engineering in Newark New Jersey (currently New Jersey Institute of Technology – NJIT) on May 23, 1974, by thirteen strong and ambitious black men. The chapter however was founded with the vision of serving all schools with low minority populations in the Northern NJ area. 

The 413th chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was encouraged by the then director of the Educational Opportunity Program, Brother Melvin Thompson. The founding line affectionately known as “The Super Mean Thirteen” was hand selected by Brother Melvin Thompson and E.O.P. counselor Brother Clinton Dozier.

The Iota Rho Chapter is still considered a City-Wide Metropolitan Chapter of Northern New Jersey and once consisted of the following schools:

Chapter Seat : New Jersey Institute of Technology

Rutgers University-Newark Campus

Kean University

William Paterson University

Seton Hall University

Montclair State University

Ramapo College

Stevens Institute of Technology

Bloomfield College

St. Peter’s College

New Jersey City University

Caldwell College

Currently, after consolidation, The Iota Rho Chapter currently consists of 6 schools:

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Rutgers University- Newark Campus

Kean University

New Jersey City University

Montclair State University

Bloomfield College

From its humble beginnings in the year of 1974, to its continued excellence into the new millennium, The Iota Rho Chapter holds a firm tradition to lead, serve and distinguish young college brothers through academics, and fellowship.

For decades, college brothers have maintained the effort to proudly uphold the light of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.