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A member of the Texas Southern University chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity 'puts on his face' during the fraternity's step routine Saturday at Alphapalooza at the Bryan Civic Auditorium. Alphapalooza is an annual comedy and step show organized by the Pi Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Steppin' into college

Pi Omicron promotes college enrollment

By: Samantha Ringmacher

Posted: 11/13/07

Alphapalooza concluded Alpha Week Friday at the Bryan Civic Auditorium. The Pi Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity put on the step and comedy show to benefit community service programs.

Brandon Jakes, a senior chemistry major and member of Pi Omicron, helped sponsor the event.

"Tonight is the conclusion of Alpha Week. During Alpha Week, we have a different educational program every night on different topics such as relationships, history and entertainment. We have also had a recruitment program called 'Go to High School, Go to College' where we have 24 students from across Texas here at the step show," Jakes said.

"What we have been doing is introduce A&M to them and [urge them] to not only attend college but to attend here at A&M. This is the conclusion of all of that with Alphapalooza. We have teams here that are performing step routines. We have a comedian here that is going to perform. It is looking to be a really good night."

The show brought in comedian Rodney Jordan from Atlanta, Ga., who is known from his acts on BET.

Jordan attacked topics from gay flight attendants, ghetto girls, broke college students, dorm life, Capri Sun, bathroom habits, freshmen, Dora the Explorer and even his impersonation of Ruben Studdard.

"If you are in college, you are not a thug," Jordan said.

A&M students from Prairie View, Texas, Houston and College Station came to see the show.

"I came out to support my friends that are in the fraternities and the ones that want to cross over. We go every year to supportthem," said Shearer Williams, a junior industrial engineering major.

After Jordan performed, the step teams from Phi Beta Sigma started off with a Montel Jordan song, the Zeta Gammas of Alpha Kappa Alpha performed their version of Flavor of Love Charm School and singer Keedren Boston performed two songs, followed by Phi Beta Sigma's GOMAD step team.

Boston, a senior horticulture major, was happy to be able to perform on stage again.

"I am singing a couple songs that I wrote: 'I Wont Go For It' and the other is 'Holla at Cha,' which I performed last year at Alphapalooza. As far as my experience, I love music and I love doing stuff like this." Boston said.

"I am a student at A&M, so when I get my free time this is what I like to do. I am trying to finish school first before I pursue any music career. In the mean time, this is what gives me something to do for experience. I enjoy it and I enjoy entertainment. What I really want out of this is to just have fun."

Jakes was happy to be able to continue the tradition of Alphapalooza.

The proceeds will benefit the future of Go to High School, Go to College program. In December the alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Phi Alpha will provide Breakfast with Santa, where they will have breakfast, entertainment, fun and gifts for the underprivileged children in the Bryan-College Station area.

"Anything we do [the proceeds] go right back to fund our programs," Jakes said.