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Cheyney University of Pennsylvania founded February 25, 1837, is the nation's first historically African-American institution of higher learning. The primary mission of the institution at that time was to prepare youth of African Ancestry for skilled trades and teaching. The college wasthe first in the United States to receive official state certification as an institution of higher academic education for African-Americans.

The founding of Cheyney was made possible by Richard Humphreys, a Philadelphia Quaker philanthropist. The college began its existence in Philadelphia as the Institute for Colored Youth located at 915 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Through the pioneering of excellent leadership of principals, presidents and faculty the Institute successfully prospered and provided a free classical education for qualified colored youth in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today an African American State Historical Maker commemorates this site.

In 1902, the school was moved to George Cheyney's farm, and now sits on 275 acres in suburban Philadelphia, approximately 30 minutes southwest of the city. In 1913 the name was changed to Cheyney Training School for Teachers; in 1921 to the Normal School at Cheyney; in 1951 Cheyney

State Teachers College; and 1959, Cheyney State College. In 1983, Cheyney joined that State System of Higher Education (SSHE) as Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

Cheyney has now emerged as a fully integrated, progressive university of superior quality. Humphrey’s dream was a school of higher learning for African-Americans students, “in order to prepare, fit and qualify to act as teachers…”Cheyney University  graduates still become teachers but students also enter in such fields as journalism, medicine, business, science, communications, and government. Since its conception, Cheyney University has continued to educate American and international students above and beyond Humphrey’s vision. Today, Cheyney students represent a variety of races, cultures, and nationalities..

The mission of the Greater South Jersey Cheyney Alumni Chapter is to be a resource to the university and the students currently enrolled in Cheyney University. The GSJ Cheyney Alumni chapter will continue the legacy of service and volunteerism in meaningful public service ranging from community involvement, educational activities and programs that support the university and students’ needs in general.

·  Provide resources for the enhancement of the

University and the students enrolled in

Cheyney University.

·  Recruit students

·  Provide activities to raise monies to support

 students' needs.