The Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has created the Thomas D. Pawley III Alpha Esquires program (AEP) - a formal mentoring program for boys in the Jefferson City community who are in eighth-12th grades.
The program honors Pawley, who taught English and drama at Lincoln University for 48 years before he retired in 1988. He was 98 when he died Aug. 1.
A news release noted Pawley also was "a devoted member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. for over 80 years and lived in the Jefferson City community for over 40 years. Dr. Pawley's impact in the Jefferson City community has been unmeasurable."
The mentoring program will "focus on a three-prong mission, to teach: Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for All Man Kind," according to the fraternity's news release.
The program is designed to teach young men "academic excellence, civic engagement, political awareness, etiquette training, social engagement, social justice, manhood and chivalry," the news release explains. "The young men also will participate in a Rites-of-Passage experience that will culminate with a Beautillion," scheduled for Dec. 2.
Chapter President Jerome Offord Jr. said in the news release, "Alpha Phi Alpha brothers around the country are engaged in mentoring youth, and the Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter wants to formally give back to the Jefferson City youth. While we are a small chapter, we have big hearts. We want to impact the lives of the youth in Jefferson City."
The mentoring program also will give the young men an opportunity to work with the fraternity's on-campus Alpha Psi Chapter, which was chartered on the LU campus in May 1930.
The fraternity's adult chapter, Beta Zeta Lambda, was chartered on March 29, 1938.
"This collaborative relationship between college and alumni men will provide a well-rounded opportunity of experiences for the youth," the news release said.
Offord said, in the news release: "It is our vision, to increase the achievement levels of young men, while providing experiences and training that will make a positive impact in their lives and transform the Jefferson City community."
The Alpha Esquires Program's mission is "to provide an environment for middle- and high-school aged young men in the Jefferson City community, that develops leaders, promotes academic success, civic and social engagement, and college/career preparation."
The fraternity will hold an open house for families interested in the program at 3 p.m. March 26 in room 100 of Lincoln University's Page Library.
For more information, contact Offord at [email protected].