University District in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Kappa Chapter

— The Ohio State University —

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 11, 2026

1. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marker

Inscription.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.. Kappa Chapter. , This obelisk commemorates the 100th anniversary of Kappa Chapter (the 10th chapter of AOA) at the Ohio State University. Kappa Chapter was established January 13th, 1911, by James A. Dunn, Clarence A. Jones, L.H. Hathcock, J.C. Kingslow, W.O. Stokes, Fred Holsey, and C.P. Lyman., These charter members and future initiates immediately began to influence the house of Alpha and the world:, Bro. James A. Dunn designed the first fraternity shield adopted 1912,, Bro. Henry L. Dickason became the 5th general president of AOA in 1914,, Bro. Jesse Owens ran world record times and received four gold medals at the Chagrin of Adolf Hitler in the 1936 Berlin, Germany Olympics., At the seat of OSU and in conjunction with the graduate chapter APA (founded 1929) Kappa chapter has hosted four general conventions: , 5th General Convention 1912 , 16th General Convention 1923 , 32nd General Convention 1946 , 48th General Convention 1962, By 1956, there were 18 chapters of AOA established throughout Ohio, more chapters than in any other state. Kappa Chapter, being the first among many, has advanced and continues to support national programs such as "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College", promoting voter registration campaigns like "a voteless people is a hopeless people", and creating the annual African American homecoming pageant, which has evolved to provide scholarships and highlight African Americans on this campus since 1982., In ancient Egyptian-like fashion, this 'monument stands as a monolithic petrified ray to depict not only the legacy of the fraternity's past, but to uphold the motto: , "first of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all"., Alphas are on a quest to become better men, to wear the crown as kings, while keeping their virtue, never losing the common touch. This obelisk is respectfully dedicated to the youths who march onward and upward toward the light., Dedicated to Dr. Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center 2011, and to the vision of Bro. Dr. William E. Nelson Jr.

This obelisk commemorates the 100th anniversary of Kappa Chapter (the 10th chapter of AOA) at the Ohio State University. Kappa Chapter was established January 13th, 1911, by James A. Dunn, Clarence A. Jones, L.H. Hathcock, J.C. Kingslow, W.O. Stokes, Fred Holsey, and C.P. Lyman.

These charter members and future initiates immediately began to influence the house of Alpha and the world:

Bro. James A. Dunn designed the first fraternity shield adopted 1912,

Bro. Henry L. Dickason became the 5th general president of AOA in 1914,

Bro. Jesse Owens ran world record times and received four gold medals at the Chagrin of Adolf Hitler in the 1936 Berlin, Germany Olympics.

At the seat of OSU and in conjunction with the graduate chapter APA (founded 1929) Kappa chapter has hosted four general conventions:
5th General Convention 1912
16th General Convention 1923
32nd General Convention 1946
48th General Convention 1962

By 1956, there were 18 chapters of AOA established throughout Ohio, more chapters than in any other state. Kappa Chapter, being the first among many, has advanced and continues to support national programs such as "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College", promoting voter registration campaigns like "a voteless people is a hopeless people", and creating the annual

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African American homecoming pageant, which has evolved to provide scholarships and highlight African Americans on this campus since 1982.

In ancient Egyptian-like fashion, this 'monument stands as a monolithic petrified ray to depict not only the legacy of the fraternity's past, but to uphold the motto:
"first of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all".

Alphas are on a quest to become better men, to wear the crown as kings, while keeping their virtue, never losing the common touch. This obelisk is respectfully dedicated to the youths who march onward and upward toward the light.

Dedicated to Dr. Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center 2011, and to the vision of Bro. Dr. William E. Nelson Jr.

Erected 2011.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is January 13, 1911.

Location. 39° 59.825′ N, 83° 0.682′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in the University District. It is at the intersection of West 12th Avenue and College Road South, on the right when traveling west on West 12th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 W 12th Ave, Columbus OH 43210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 11, 2026

2. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marker

markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (a few steps from this marker); Old Ohio Union (a few steps from this marker); History of NPHC (within shouting distance of this marker); NPHC at Ohio State (within shouting distance of this marker); The Underground Railroad on University Land (within shouting distance of this marker); South Oval and Hale Green Geothermal Wells (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Underground Railroad on University Land (about 600 feet away); Browning Amphitheatre / The Outdoor Performance Center (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 11, 2026

3. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 11, 2026

4. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 11, 2026

5. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 11, 2026

6. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 22 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 29, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.