THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 8, 1994 TAG: 9412060189
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
When 18-year-old Melvin Anderson was growing up in Bowling Green, he remembers a group of black men coming out to the local recreation center and tutoring the children in reading and math.
Now, thanks to that same organization, Melvin is finishing his first semester as a freshman at Elizabeth City State University and is looking forward to a career in medicine.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity gave Anderson a full academic scholarship last spring after he applied and met the group's criteria. He first heard of the award when he was a student at Norview High School last year.
``This is a nice experience,'' said Anderson, who was honored at the fraternity's 21st annual Black and Gold Civic Awards Banquet last week. ``The Alphas are real positive.''
Anderson was just one of the honorees at the banquet, which was given by the Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter of the organization. Committee chairman Langston Smith said the banquet was designed to honor those fraternity members and people who have performed outstanding duties within the organization or in the community.
``I think we're getting the message out to have a positive impact on our community,'' Smith said. ``We all receive something and it's our responsibility to give something back.''
Anderson, who said he has recognized the Alphas' efforts in the community, wants to help out his neighborhood when he finishes school. ``I hope to work back in this area, so I can give back,'' said Anderson who wants to get at least a master's degree.
Anderson's mother, Linda, said she could not be happier with her son's award. ``In this day and age, my son could be in jail, doing drugs or dead,'' Linda Anderson said. ``Thanks to God it's not like that.''
Smith added that fraternities were once looked upon as strictly social organizations, but Alpha Phi Alpha has a strong interest in community service.
The Rev. John H. Foster, a former city councilman and pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, received the Citizen of the Year Award for his civic, educational and spiritual leadership in the Hampton Roads area.
``This person reached out and touched the Hampton Roads community . . . making this a better place to live,'' said Smith, who presented the award.
Foster said the award is an honor for him and his family. ``I'm extremely happy, and I consider this one of the highest moments of my life,'' he said.
Other award recipients included Patriarch of the Year LeRoy C. Boyd and Brother of the Year Greg Willis.
George W. Brown, president of Alpha Phi Lambda chapter, said the banquet could not have been successful without the support of the community and sponsors.
``I would rate this (banquet) as our best,'' Brown said. ``It's super because we got a significant amount of community involvement.''
Brown said that Alpha Phi Alpha has set a goal of establishing a scholarship fund of at least $50,000 by the year 2006, the fraternity's 100-year anniversary. by CNB