Sigma Epsilon Lambda

Alpha Phi Alpha’s first step in shaping the world outside of the United States took place during

Cornell University’s Easter Break, in April 1908. Founding Jewels, Eugene Kinckle Jones and Vertner Woodson Tandy arrived in Toronto where they created the original Delta Chapter at the University of Toronto.  Many years later the Sigma Iota chapter would be chartered by University of Toronto students, inspired by their predecessors, and a desire to shine the light of Alpha in Canada.  However, college days swiftly passed, and there was no alumni chapter through which the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, residing in Canada, could formally maintain their fraternal relationship, while furthering the mission of the fraternity.

Desirous of continuing fraternal development in Canada, the Brothers in Toronto embarked on a journey to establish the first alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in Canada.  Brother Alex Wood, a spring 1990 initiate through Alpha Xi Chapter, travelled to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to attend the Midwestern Regional Convention in April 2012.  After meeting with Midwestern Regional Vice President, Elgie Sims, Brother Wood was appointed District Director for Canada, and working with a group of Brothers in Toronto embarked on chartering an alumni chapter.   After overcoming many obstacles and challenges, the journey was complete on February 11, 2013 when Sigma Epsilon Lambda was chartered as the eight hundred and thirty second chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the third in Canada. The first chapter meeting was held on March 25, 2013 at 100 Harrison Garden Boulevard in Toronto.  The Charter Members were Philip August, Runako Gregg, Darnel C. Leader, Ikem Peter Opara, Tevya D. Reid, William A. White Jr., and Alexander K.  Wood.

A grand chartering ceremony was held in August 2013, on the University of Toronto campus, to celebrate the chartering of Canada’s first Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Presiding over the event was Brother William Washington, of Detroit, MI, representing the Midwestern Region of the Fraternity.  It should be noted that Brother Washington, in his role as Regional Membership Standards and Extension Committee Chair, was instrumental in ensuring the success of Sigma Epsilon Lambda’s chartering process.

Since chartering, the Brothers of SEL have worked to provide service and advocacy to the Greater Toronto Area though programs such as the Polar Bear Dip, benefiting Habitat for Humanity, the MS Walk for multiple-sclerosis, the Brampton Toy Ride for children, and the Toronto Emancipation Day, Freedom Train ride.

Over the years, the fraternal spirit of Alpha has grown as we’ve celebrated Founders’ Day programs, hosted District of Canada conferences, celebrated Brother’s weddings and birthdays, and attended conventions together, just to name a few…

In 2019, the Brothers of SEL hosted the 87^th Midwestern Regional Convention in Toronto, under the guidance of Midwestern Regional Vice President, Brother Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III.  This was a historic milestone, for it was the first time that a regional convention of the fraternity was held in Canada.  It was also the first time that a sitting General President of the Fraternity, officially visited the Brothers in Canada, in the person of Brother Dr. Everett B. Ward.  The convention also set an attendance record for the Midwestern Region with more than 1200 Brothers registered.

Today, the Brothers of SEL continue to support the mission of the fraternity through fraternal endeavours and community service.