The Life and Legacy of Bro. Reginald Foster

From Left to right, Bro. Chris Sanders, Bro. David Noble, Bro. Glenn Miller, Bro. Reginald Foster and Bro. Chris McNeil.

Left to right: Bro. Don Bordes, Bro. Brian Gant, Bro. Reginald Foster, Bro. Lathon Ferguson and Bro. Jacque Land at the 2019 Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated Centennial Gala.

Bro. Reginald Foster was born June 17th, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a graduate of Sumner High School, the oldest black high school west of the Mississippi River.

On November 1st, 1949 Reginald (Life member 1269) crossed the burning sands and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Gamma Gamma Chapter. This is the third line of the Gamma Gamma chapter. In 1956, Brother Foster earned his bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina.

Bro. Foster served his country in the United States Army from November 12th, 1952, and was honorably discharged on October 12th, 1954. During his tenure, he received a Bronze Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Brother Foster was the Chief Chemist at City Hospital until he retired. In the Epsilon Lambda Chapter, Foster served as the president of the housing boards of Alpha Gardens and Alpha Terrace. He also served as chapter vice president and as the dean of membership intake, Bro. Foster also earned several awards for his longtime service to the Epsilon Lambda Chapter such as Alpha Man of the Year, William Alexander Award, and the Daniel W. Bowles award. When he was asked about his most proud moment as an Alpha man, Foster expressed that receiving his 70-year pin at the 2019 Centennial Gala was his most proud moment.  

Brother Foster transitioned into the Omega Chapter on November 18th, 2021. He is remembered by many in the brotherhood as stern but compassionate, yet with a sense of humor, He was very brotherly, a great leader who would speak his peace, and was always willing to mentor others. Brother Foster is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family and friends. The main meeting room at the Alpha House in St. Louis is named after him. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him and by the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.