Sigma Upsilon Chapter History

Our founder Brother Wilfred Homer “Andy” Anderson* was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Upsilon Psi Chapter in 1947 at and graduated with a degree in horticulture from Florida A&M College in 1948. In 1950 he was employed by the Michigan State College of Agriculture. He began convening Omega Men that were interested in forming a graduate chapter and enjoying fellowship at his meager residence on campus. These Brothers included Cullen L. Dubose, Sr.,Tougaloo College; James R. Riley, Sr., Wayne State University; George A.F. Halliburton, Tennessee State University; Otis Smith*; Rudolph V. Wilson, West Virginia State College; Joe Bebe*; Samuel J. Hosey, Sr., North Carolina A&T State College; Vence L. Bonham, Sr., Alabama A&M University; William Layton; Joseph L. Webster, Jr., University of Pittsburgh; and Jim Primes*.

Sigma Upsilon’s first official meeting was held at Andy’s new residence at 922 W. Hillsdale St. in Lansing, Michigan. A contingent of Brothers from Zeta Phi Chapter, Indianapolis, Indiana presented the charter, dated May17, 1952 to Brother Anderson. Lansing area Brothers present at the chartering meeting were Vence L. Bonham, Sr., Jesse Pittman, Morrison L. Ryder*, Joshua Kearney, Rudolph V. Wilson, Fred Westbrook and Spaulding Ruffin.

The first Brothers initiated by Sigma Upsilon Chapter in September 1958 were Williex E. Merritt, Jr., Arnold L. Ray* and Robert J. Williams at Andy’s final residence, 3000 Forest Rd., Lansing, Michigan.

The first Harvest Ball was held at the Union Hall on River St. in November 1958. During a trip to Florida, Brother Anderson picked up some gray moss and brought it to Lansing. He thought it would make an excellent room decoration for a fall social affair. This affair is an annual tradition and anticipated by many in the Lansing area Black community.

Sigma Upsilon Chapter and Tenth District Representative Anderson were primary operatives in the chartering of Sigma Chapter, Michigan State University, East Lansing; Pi Theta Chapter, Northern Michigan University, Marquette; Omicron Rho Chapter, Flint and Upsilon Gamma Chapter, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Additionally, the chapter has graciously hosted the 1967 and 1998 Tenth District Meetings.

Sigma Upsilon Chapter is a life member of the NAACP.

*deceased