The Alpha Dite Criterion Fraternity was founded in January of 1974, an idea was born to have a black Greek Fraternity on the campus of The Baptist College at Charleston, South Carolina (now Charleston Southern University). The Founders, John Ellis and Willie Brown initially took the idea to the administration for its approval, but it was rejected. The same week that the fraternity idea was rejected it was saved by two men, John Ellis and Willie Brown, transfer students from Palmer College and reborn at The Baptist College.
If, The Baptist College at Charleston would not allow any black Greek Fraternity on campus, then we would become a black non-Greek Fraternity. They did and the Alpha Dite Criterion (ADC) Fraternity, “the beginning of a long standard” was transferred from the Palmer College and reborn at The Baptist College. Brother John Ellis and Willie Brown were the beginning force of a true ideal. Since then, ADC Fraternity has had many great individuals to lead the fraternity.
The same administration which did not want a black fraternity on the campus, later in 1976 – 1977 elected and awarded the Alpha Dite Criterion Fraternity as Baptist College’s “Men Club of the Year” and “Club of the Year.” The Alpha Dite Criterion Fraternity was the first black organization ever on campus to receive one of these awards.
The original Constitution stated the fraternity shall be known as Alpha Dite Criterion, and its members shall be called “Men of Distinction.” Some things have changed, Alpha Dite Criterion now means “the beginning of a long standard.” The colors of the fraternity are now Blood Burgundy and Earth Gold instead of the original Tan and Ebony at Palmer College.
