Quick Facts about the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s History
All nine affiliate organizations of the council are very rich in tradition.
- Unlike other councils, the National Pan-Hellenic Council includes both sororities and fraternities.
- The first black student at Auburn was Harold Alonzo Franklin in 1964. He became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- The first black administrators were William B. Hill and Willie L. Strain in 1965. Willie Strain was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
- The first black Miss Auburn was Vania Clemons in 1993. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- The first black chartered fraternity on the campus was Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1972.
- The first black chartered sorority on the campus was Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1974.
Specific Language of the National Pan-Hellenic Council
The vocabulary that is used between all nine organizations is unique among other councils. The “language” of the NPHC sororities and fraternities can be confusing to non-members of the NPHC. Below are listed some terms that may be helpful when seeking membership into one of the NPHC organizations currently active on campus.
- “Yard”= Campus. Chapters who are officially recognized by the University and NPHC are referred to as being “on the yard.”
- “Aspirant” = a person seeking membership in an NPHC organization.
- “Line”= Pledge class. Example, Several aspirants may be referred to as being “on line” rather than pledging.
- “Cross”= Initiated. Example, At the end of the recruitment period after being evaluated by the organization the aspirant is seeking the new member then “crosses” over from a pledge to a new member.
