Happy Birthday Founder Edward Giles Irvin!

 

​Edward G. Irvin was born in Spencer, Indiana, on August 13, 1893.

Founder Irvin entered Indiana University in 1910. He did not return to the university following the spring term of 1911. After leaving school, he enlisted in the Army during World War I. While serving the U.S. Army during the war, he was cited for bravery while performing his duties as a combat medic with the Expeditionary Forces in France. He also served on the Selective Service Board during World War II and the Korean War. He received the 2nd highest medal that is given by this country for valor. He received two Distinguished Service Awards from President Truman and Eisenhower, respectively.

After the War, he joined the staff of the Indianapolis Freeman newspaper. Founder Irvin worked briefly as an editor at the Gary Sun newspaper before becoming sports editor at the Chicago Daily Bulletin newspaper. He also established the Indiana Shining Star weekly newspaper.

Founder Irvin pioneered the promotion of basketball and track athletics in small-town Indiana schools. He was an active member of the Methodist Church of Chicago and the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges. He founded and edited the lay newspaper Voice of the A.M.E. Laymen.

Founder Irvin met his wife, Maywilla, in Anderson, Indiana, and organized and operated the Afro-American Manufacturing Company in Chicago, which produced novelties, candies, and specialties.

Founder Irvin was a long-time Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter member. He was the 24th Laurel Wreath Laureate, the highest award bestowed upon a member. The Fraternity named the most outstanding Undergraduate Chapter award in his honor.

The fraternity’s last living Founder entered the Chapter Invisible on November 4, 1982.

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Kevin Scott
Grand Historian