Xavier University of Louisiana’s Alpha Phi Alpha Beta Tau Alumni Association Raises $250,000 in Endowments to Empower Future Xavierites

NEW ORLEANS, LA (May 21, 2025) - The Beta Tau Alumni Association (BTAA) has raised $250,000 in endowed scholarships to support future generations of students at Xavier University of Louisiana. This significant milestone underscores the association’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service, as well as its dedication to the legacy of the Beta Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

With a total goal of $500,000, when raised, an additional $250,000 will go toward programming including lecture series featuring distinguished speakers, artists, and scholars. The annual distribution of the endowment, following Xavier’s endowment spending policy, will fund five scholarships each year. These scholarships will be distributed in five mini-scholarships in equal portions and named in honor of the following distinguished individuals:

• Judge Ivan Lemelle- Former Federal Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana
• Dutch Morial & Marc Morial- Former Mayors of New Orleans
• Harry Johnson- Former General President of Alpha Phi Alpha and President of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Fund
• Joseph K. Byrd- Former Xavier University of Louisiana Dean of Students

“The Beta Tau Alumni Association is proud to invest in the future of Xavier University students through this endowment,” said Kendall T. Crawford, Executive Director of the BTAA. “This milestone reflects our dedication to ensuring that future students have the support they need to thrive and lead.

” The four main purposes of the BTAA include:

• Strengthening support for the Beta Tau Chapter at Xavier University of Louisiana
• Expanding the network of Beta Tau alumni
• Deepening the Beta Tau network’s impact on Xavier University of Louisiana
• Broadening the influence of the Beta Tau network to the community at large

“Over the past three-years, the brothers of the Beta Tau Alumni Association have been diligent about fulfilling the BTAA’s commitment to Xavier students, the Beta Tau undergraduate chapter as well as the larger Xavier community. We are humbled by those who came before us and who created a pathway for us to collectively make this legacy investment”, said Dr. John H. Jackson, Chairman of the BTAA.

Comprised of a national network of leaders–– including doctors, lawyers, fathers, community organizers, pastors, and more–– the association's leadership and scholarship initiatives have been deeply enriched by their connection to Xavier University of Louisiana and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Securing this pathway of success for future generations of Xavier students is a critical part of the BTAA Network’s impact and legacy. The scholarship program will be available to students starting in Spring 2025, with applications processed through Xavier’s financial aid office.

To support Xavier University of Louisiana, please visit: Giving.XULA.edu.  

About Xavier University of Louisiana



Celebrating its first 100 years of service, Xavier University of Louisiana remains America’s only historically Black and Catholic University. It is ranked among the top HBCUs in the nation and is recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences. Xavier has historically produced more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is among the country’s top producers of African American pharmacists. Established in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier has since expanded its programs in nearly every industry, including the arts, 

sciences, business, education, pharmacy, and political science. Xavier students receive an unbeatable experience of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities, and life experiences, collaborating with world-renowned faculty and topic experts. The winning Xavier formula provides students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, developing all who choose to learn at the institution into the next generation of leaders and agents of positive change. Blessed with a mission to promote a more just and humane society, Xavier is leading the way to a brighter future for all. For more information about Xavier University of 

Louisiana, visit XULA.edu or contact the University Communications at (504) 520-5162 or 

XULANews@XULA.edu.

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