The Eighth District encompasses a vast territory located in the heart of our

beloved nation.  It is home of New Mexico's rustic frontier, the

snow-covered mountains of Colorado, the majestic golden fields of Iowa, vast

green pastures of Kansas, the birthplace of jazz and home of the Gateway

Arch to the north in Missouri and all points between.

With over 430 members in nearly 30 graduate and undergraduate chapters - the

Eighth District continues the proud and robust history of our Fraternity

while supporting and upholding our nationally mandated programs.

The Eighth played an important role in the Fraternity's westward expansion;

with five past Grand Basilei having ties here:  James McMorries (5th - Eta

Alpha), Clarence F. Holmes (6th - Chi Phi), George E. Vaughn (11th - Upsilon

Omega) and most recently Lloyd J. Jordan, Esq. (36th - Upsilon Omega).

We are also the home of the historic Fort Des Moines Project, a military

training facility launched during World War I. Founders Frank Coleman and

Edgar A. Love were among its graduates.

As a member of Upsilon Omega in St. Louis, Herman Dreer served as the third

District Representative and worked tirelessly composing our Fraternity's

history book. John H. Purnell, a trusted friend of the Founders, also made

his home in the Eighth District.

Before launching a long and accomplished career as a civil rights champion,

Roy Wilkins worked as news editor for the Kansas City Call. We were also the

home of poets Langston Hughes and Melvin Tolson.

The Eighth District Archives is located inside the Inman E. Page Library

located on the campus of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Bro.

Lucius Jones has built an incredible and lasting collection of historic

photos, memorabilia and artifacts tracing our Fraternity's proud and

cherished history. We are the only District that has an archives housed at

an historically Black university, and we are certainly proud of that fact.

The men of the Eighth District are bonded in faith, fraternity and

friendship while pressing onward through leadership and service.

Remember, you are always welcome and have a place in the Eighth District.

 Fraternally,

Glenn E. Rice

30th Eighth District Representative