Phi Chapter History
April 26, 1913 — Students at the University of Michigan submitted a formal request for the establishment of a chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on campus. The request was ultimately tabled due to the institution’s distance from Howard University.
Phi Chapter was organized May 2, 1921, on the campus of the University of Michigan.
Brother Eugene E. Alston, a Beta Chapter 1917 initiate, enrolled at the University of Michigan to pursue graduate studies. On May 2, 1921, Brother Alston, alongside Brother Raymond G. Robinson, the 7th Grand Basileus, initiated 6 men into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., thereby organizing Phi Chapter at the University of Michigan.
The 6 charter members of Phi Chapter are:
- John R. Cottin
- Dewey R. Jones
- William H. Rodgers
- Howard D. Shaw
- Floyd H. Skinner
- Caroll B. Williams
Soon thereafter, 3 additional men were initiated, increasing the chapter’s membership to 9.
The first 3 initiates of Phi Chapter are:
- Jesus C. Randolfo
- Lawson E. Thomas
- Harry C. Graves, a student at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University)
At the time, the University of Michigan enforced strict guidelines requiring new student organizations to complete a one-year probationary period prior to receiving official recognition. On May 28, 1921, the newly organized group of 9 men submitted a request for recognition under the name “The Annex Club.” During this probationary period, Phi Chapter operated on campus as The Annex Club, executing programs and upholding Omega Psi Phi's cardinal principles.
On June 20, 1921, Dean J. A. Bursley approved The Annex Club as an official student organization. Phi Chapter was formally awarded its fraternity charter on January 1, 1922. Following the successful completion of its probationary period, Dean Bursley officially recognized Phi Chapter as a student organization on May 20, 1922.
In 2021, Phi Chapter celebrated a monumental milestone—100 years of service—an achievement attained by only a select number of chapters. The centennial was commemorated with a celebratory banquet organized by Brother Warren Tate (3-1974-PHI) and masterfully hosted by Brother Art Franklin (8-1977-PHI).
This history is dedicated to the memory of Brother Dr. Maurice Gross (2-1981-PHI), affectionately known as "The Godfather of Phi" (1960 – 2020). Brother Gross served as the chapter historian and was instrumental in uncovering and preserving Phi Chapter’s history through his efforts leading up to the Centennial celebration.
Phi Chapter’s legacy is deeply rooted in the cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. To know our history is to understand the foundation upon which we stand, and the responsibility we carry forward.
Hold your head high. Stand with pride.
You are Phi Chapter!
Charter Members
John R. Cottin
William H. Rodgers
John R. Cottin
- Charter member, Monon Club at UMich
- Appointed Member of Student Advisory Council
- 1921 and 1923 Member of Men’s Educational Club (only African American)
- 1922 Member of the University Choral Union (only African American)
- Literary Degree (University of Michigan, 1922)
- Master’s Degree (University of Michigan, 1923)
- Professor of German at Morehouse College
- Professor of Romance Language at Fisk University (1931-1965)
- PhD in French (University of Montreal, 1957)
- 1st African American to support a thesis in French, University of Montreal
Dewey R. Jones
William H. Rodgers
John R. Cottin
- WWI veteran and hero prior to attending the University of Michigan. Only African American member of Gun and Blades Club at UMich (wounded WWI veterans)
- Charter member, Monon Club at UMich
- Only African American member of the UMich Journalistic Club
- Bachelor's of Arts-Journalism (University of Michigan, 1922)
- Master's of Science-Journalism (Columbia University, 1932)
- Managing Editor of Chicago Defender newspaper
- Associate Acting Advisor on Negro Affairs in the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works
- Advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a member of the "Black Cabinet"
- 1st Black Assistant Director at Hull-House
William H. Rodgers
William H. Rodgers
William H. Rodgers
- Charter member, Monon Club at UMich
- Enrolled at University of Michigan in 1918. Left in 1921.
- Medical Degree (University of Toronto, 1927)
- Practiced Medicine in Philadelphia, PA
Howard D. Shaw
Caroll B. Williams
William H. Rodgers
- President, Monon Club at UMich
- 1st African American Member of American Institute of Electrical Engineers
- Employed by University of Michigan to assist in drawing plans for the new engineering building
- Bachelor's in Engineering (UMich, 1922)
- 1st African American Engineer for the Pullman Co., Chicago, IL
- In charge of air-conditioning & electrical equipment in Pullman cars on New York Central trains
- Article 1935 Crisis Magazine (NAACP)-career biography
- One of the founders of National Technical Association (NTA) 1925
Floyd H. Skinner
Caroll B. Williams
Caroll B. Williams
- Member of Monon Club
- University of Michigan Freshman Baseball team, 1920
- A.B. Degree (UMich, 1924)
- Law Degree (UMich, 1926)
- 1st African American member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Law cases Bolden vs Keith Theatre (included Bro. Eugene Alston), Broke the Color Line in State of Michigan
- Floyd H. Skinner Bar Association-named after him (1983)
- Documents from NAACP archives related to KKK (WEB DuBois letter)
- President of Local NAACP (5 terms)
- 1st African American appointed Asst. Attorney General, State of Michigan, by AG Thomas
Caroll B. Williams
Caroll B. Williams
Caroll B. Williams
- Entered University of Michigan School of Pharmacy in 1917
- Left University of Michigan in 1922
- Practiced as a Pharmacist in Chicago, IL