A Moment in Alpha History: Brother James Morse Schooler, Sr.

Today we honor “Pioneer”:

Brother James Morse Schooler, Sr., a noted educator, administrator, and was designated the “Dean of ANCA”. Brother Schooler was initiated into Xi Chapter in 1927 at Wilberforce University. He graduated from Wittenberg College (majored in English) in Springfield, OH in 1927. He received an M.A. Degree from North Carolina College (NCCU) in 1950. He entered the field of education as a Science Teacher at Hillside High School from 1929-1940. He became Assistant Principal at Hillside High from 1935-1940; Principal at Lyon Park Elementary from 1940-1949; Principal at Whitted Elementary School from 1949-1955; Principal at Whitted Junior High School from 1955-1964; Principal at Shepard Junior High School from 1964-1970. Later, Brother Schooler became the Director of Public Information for Durham City School from 1970-1971. It is also noted that he helped organize the opening for Whitted and Shepard Junior High Schools and that “his job as an educator heightened his influence on the lives of both children and adults in Durham.” 

Brother Schooler served Beta Theta Lambda Chapter as President (twice elected) and secretary. He was also a member of several other boards. He organized the Durham District Boy Scouts of America where he was Chairman for 10 years and Cub Master of White Rock Pack for 17 years. He also held membership in several organizations in the Durham community.

Brother Schooler mentored several principals during his time in education. Brother Schooler attended chapter meetings until his health declined but was very active by regularly exercising. Brother Schooler Jr had shared that he was able to do 25 pushups at 95 years of age and did not use a cane until he was 102. 

He entered Omega Chapter at the age of 104 on January 1, 2009 (his birthday was on December 3, 1904) and he is interred at Glenview Memorial Park, Garden of Devotion, Durham. 

This is your moment in Alpha History.