Troy University officially dedicated the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza, recognizing and honoring the historically African American Greek-letter organizations, on Saturday.
The plaza is comprised of nine markers, one for each organization at TROY: Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Gamma Rho, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Zeta Phi Beta.
Located at the entrance to the walkway that leads to Trojan Arena and across the street from the site of the new home to the University’s Health Sciences programs, currently under construction, the Plaza grew out of the vision of the late Lamar P. Higgins, the first African American to serve as TROY SGA president and later a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Higgins passed away April 15, 2021, exactly two years prior to Saturday’s dedication ceremony.
“This is the transformation of the vision that was had by the late Lamar Higgins, who was twice the SGA President – the first African American to serve in that role – and a member of our Board of Trustees for 25 years,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “He always saw coming together as a natural product of real leadership. I think that is what this plaza represents. It was the late Dr. Martin Luther King, who was a Greek himself, who said, ‘The essence of a real education is intelligence and character.’ That is the essence of this place. It is the right place at the right time and we are very grateful to be able to dedicate it today.”
Ed Crowell, retired United States Air Force General, Troy University alumnus and current Vice President Pro-Tem of the Troy University Board of Trustees, said the plaza celebrates the legacy of those who have come before, as well as future generations to come.
“The mottos of NPHC fraternities and sororities are filled with words such as merit, wisdom, friendship, achievement and service. I know from experience these are not merely words on a page but words to live by,” Crowell said. “My lifelong affiliation with Omega Psi Phi fraternity, coupled with my service in the United States Air Force, have shaped my life in ways I never thought possible when I was growing up in rural Russell County, Alabama. My fraternity introduced me to the power of brotherhood and the satisfaction of serving others. In similar fashion, thousands of Troy University students have benefitted from their affiliation with an NPHC organization over the last five decades. It will serve as a symbol to future students that NPHC fraternities and sororities hold a place of honor and respect at Troy University.”
