SPRING 2019
TRILOGY OF CHANGE OUR FUTURE
Contents
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GREETINGS Messages from the International President and International 2nd Vice President
REPPING SIGMA AT AFLV Phi Beta Sigma’s collegiate officers take leadership roles at AFLV Central Conference 2019
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INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CHANGED MY VIEW Sigma Collegians who’ve served in leadership at the International level share their new views on leadership
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OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
SIGMA CAMPUS LEADERS Highlighting some of the fraternity’s most impressive campus power-brokers
Phi Beta Sigma’s corporate service partner, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provides list of scholarship opportuninties
ON THE COVER The cover features Sigma Campus Leaders Andre Campbell and Rolph Tima, the fraternity’s future.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PHOTOGRAPHY
Steve E. Ballard
Adedayo “DAYO” Kosoko
thecrescent@phibetasigma1914.org
The Art Hype
EDITORIAL STAFF
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Dr. Kent Poindexter
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 145 Kennedy Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-5294 (202) 726-5434 www.phibetasigma1914.org
LAYOUT & DESIGN Steve E. Ballard
Spring 2019
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GREETINGS CONSCIOUS SIGMA BROTHERS! As I prepare to greet many of you during the upcoming regional conferences this spring, I’m eager for the opportunity to once again experience some of the most talented young men representing this Brotherhood. It never ceases to amaze me, when I discover what promising future leaders don the letters of Phi Beta Sigma. Every Friday, I take delight in reading the BCM Weekly Newsletter, because it always includes articles of chapters and members who’re advancing the cause of Sigma in the most impressive ways. In this issue of The Crescent: On The Yard, we do exactly that-showcase young Sigma leaders who’re making an impact on their campuses. After viewing this sampling of progressive go-getters, there’s no doubt that the future of Phi Beta Sigma is extremely bright! As your leader, please know that this administration is unwavering in our commitment to fully embrace you and your future in the organization. The centerpiece of our programmatic focus is the Trilogy of Change within the African American community. You represent a major component of our threepronged approach to impacting the communities we serve.
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The Crescent: On The Yard
Our investment in your future, whether through academic scholarships, leadership development, personal development and career placement, will yield major returns as you continue your commitment to service. As A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities, we are serious about our commitment to serve. I’m excited to witness your drive to represent the best in all that you do. For when you reflect the best, you’re a reflection of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. As the lifeline of this great Brotherhood, your leadership and alumni brothers will continue to strive to make your Brotherhood Experience an unforgettable one! Brotherhood First!
HON. MICHEAL E. CRISTAL, International President
GREETINGS FELLOW COLLEGIATE BROTHERS! I’m pleased to welcome you to another issue of The Crescent: On The Yard. On behalf of your collegiate leadership ream, I’m truly honored to serve and represent each of you as the voice of the collegiate members.
and opportunities for me. I encourage you to take advantage of all of the leadership and personal development training and opportunities that our fraternity offers. Sigma is committed to assisting you in achieving your educational and career goals.
During my travels to many conferences and events, and my ongoing communication with you, I’ve had the opporutnity to connect with some of the most awesome and inspiring brothers. The ideas, conversations, and recommendations you’ve shared for a Brotherhood that represents today’s organization, oftentimes prove to me that Phi Beta Sigma is positioned properly for the future.
Congratulations to all of the graduating seniors of Spring 2019. I encourage you to connect with your local or advising alumni chapter in your city and continue your commitment to the oath.
We are the future of Phi Beta Sigma and the future looks extremely bright. We have amongst our ranks some of the best and brightest campus leaders serving today. Scroll through the pages of this issue’s special feature “Sigma Campus Leaders” and you’ll be pleased to read about all of the intelligent students who happen to be Sigma brothers.
Brotherhood First!
BRO. FREDERICK BELL, International Second Vice President
This experience as International Second Vice President has opened countless doors
Spring 2019
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REPPIN’ SIGMA AT AFLV
Phi Beta Sigma’s Collegiate Brothers Take the Lead at the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values Central Conference 2019 By Brother Darius Hayes, Collegiate Member-At-Large
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The Crescent: On The Yard
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity continued its commitment to representing A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities. The fraternity’s collegiate leadership and several members attended the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV) Central Conference 2019 and National Black Greek Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, IN on February 7-9, 2019. AFLV Central is the largest gathering of fraternity and sorority students in the country. Each year, more than 3,500 participants from over 225 campuses come together for an experience that features 200+ educational opportunities for students and professionals. The 3-day agenda featured activities, seminars and workshops designed to create changeenabling experiences that promotes progress in fraternity and sorority communities. Among the workshop presenters were Phi Beta Sigma’s own Bro. Frederick Bell, International 2nd Vice President and Bro. Krishkumar Singh, Graduate Assistant of Fraternity & Sorority Programs & Services at University of Oklahoma. They presented on the topic “Formula 1: A Guide for Culturally-Based Fraternities/Sororities to Navigating Their Institutions.” In describing his experience this year, Brother Bell shares “AFLV Central 2019 was incredible! It was a pleasure to represent Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. along with my team Brothers Darian Hayes, Mike Facey, Rafael Matos and Krishkumar Singh! I was also blessed to be able to connect with the undergraduate leaders from the other D9 organizations. We went from distant colleagues to close family. I’ll never forget this experience.”
Spring 2019
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The Crescent: On The Yard
“My time at AFLV was truly an amazing experience,” shares Brother Darius Hayes, Collegiate Member-At-Large. “This is my second year in attendance and it never fails to teach me new lessons about myself. The workshops I attended taught me more on how I can be a more effective leader and how I can be more innovative on my campus.” AFLV consistently ranks among the top conferences and meetings attracting collegian members of Phi Beta Sigma. Consistent with previous years, the fraternity’s representation of attendees was quite noticeable. Brother Hayes reflects on this fact. “My favorite part of the conference was meeting up with my Blue and White family. My brothers and sisters made it worthwhile as we compared strategies on how to make our individual campuses better. It was also very impactful to meet with the brothers one on one, Fredrick Bell, Michael Facey and I informed the collegiate brothers about Conclave Las Vegas and the upcoming Sigma Week on Capitol Hill. AFLV will always be something I look forward to attending.” Spring 2019
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OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
SCHOLARSHIPS LIST FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS Phi Beta Sigma’s Community Service Partner U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Continues Its Commitment to Supporting the Fraternity’s Trilogy of Change Focus
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CONSERVATION-RELATED SCHOLARSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS, COURTESY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) Migratory Bird Center Conservation Education Internship Awarded By: The Smithsonian Institution Awarded To: College Senior, preferably Bilingual (English/Spanish) Above Studying Science, Education or Museum Studies Interested in Cross-Cultural Conservation Education Regarding Migratory Birds Deadline: May 1, 2019 More Info: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/careers/intern ships/smithsonian-migratory-bird-centerconservation-education-internship Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) Visitor Education Internship Awarded By: The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute Awarded To: Students with Minimum 2 Years of College Interested in Conservation and Wildlife Education Deadline: May 1, 2019 More Info: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/careers/intern ships/visitor-education-internship The Geological Society of America (GSA) Minority Student Scholarship Program Awarded By: The Geological Society of America Awarded To: Undergraduate Minority Student and Student Member of GSA Interested in Geosciences Deadline: May 15, 2019 More Info: https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/Educa tion_Careers/Grants_Scholarships/scholar ships/GSA/Awards/minority.aspx Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates Awarded By: Wells Fargo & the American Indian Graduate Center Awarded To: College Junior or Senior & Enrolled Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe Studying Accounting, Banking, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, or Management and Administration Deadline: June 1, 2019 More Info: https://www.aigcs.org/aigc-scholarship-fel lowship-opportunities/undergraduate-op portunities
UNCF | Koch Scholars Program Awarded By: Koch Industries, the Charles Koch Foundation and UNCF Awarded To: Undergraduate African American Freshmen and Sophomore Students Interested in Entreprenuership, Economics and Innovation Deadline: June 17, 2019 More Info: https://www.uncf.org/kochscholars The HACU Scholarship Program Awarded By: Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities & Various Partners Awarded To: Undergraduate and Graduate Students Attending HACU Member Institution Deadline: Currently open More Info: https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Scholarships.asp Café Bustelo El Café Del Futuro Scholarship Awarded By: Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities & Café Bustelo Awarded To: Students of Latino Descent Attending a HACU Member Institution Deadline: May 24, 2019 More Info: https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Scholarships.asp Carver Scholarships Awarded By: Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust Awarded To: Iowa High School Graduates Enrolled Full-Time as Sophomores at 2 and 4-Year Iowa Colleges Facing Significant Social and Economic Obstacles Deadline: April 1, 2019 More Info: https://www.carvertrust.org/scholarships/ Norman Y. Mineta and Daniel K. Inouye Fellowships Awarded By: UPS and Japanese American Citizens League Awarded To: Student or Young Professional, Member of JACL, with an Undergraduate Degree Deadline: March - June (Check Site) More Info: https://jacl.org/ Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship Awarded By: Brown and Caldwell Awarded To: Minority Students in Junior or Senior Year of College or in Graduate School with Min. 3.0 GPA Pursuing a Career in the Environmental Profession Deadline: Anticipated April deadline, Check Site More Info: https://www.brownandcaldwell.com/Schol arships.asp?id=1
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Brown and Caldwell Eckenfelder Scholarship Awarded By: Brown and Caldwell Awarded To: Students in Junior or Senior Year of College or in Graduate School with Min. 3.0 GPA Pursuing a Career in Environmental Engineering or one of the environmental Sciences Deadline: Anticipated April deadline, Check Site More Info: https://www.brownandcaldwell.com/Schol arships.asp?id=2 Brown and Caldwell Navajo Nation Scholarship Awarded By: Brown and Caldwell Awarded To: Senior High School or College Students & Enrolled Members of Navajo Nation with Min. 3.0 GPA Pursuing a Career in the Environmental Profession Deadline: Anticipated deadline in April; Check Site More Info: https://www.brownandcaldwell.com/Schol arships.asp?id=3 Brown and Caldwell Women in Leadership Scholarship Awarded By: Brown and Caldwell Awarded To: Female Students in Jr or Sr Year of College or in Graduate School with Min. 3.0 GPA Pursuing a Career in the Environmental Profession Deadline: Anticipated deadline in April, Check Site More Info: https://www.brownandcaldwell.com/Schol arships.asp?id=4 Brown and Caldwell GLBTQ Scholarship Awarded By: Brown and Caldwell Awarded To: GLBTQ Students in Jr or Sr Year of College or in Graduate School with Min. 3.0 GPA Pursuing a Career in the Environmental Profession Deadline: Anticipated deadline in April, Check Site More Info: https://www.brownandcaldwell.com/Schol arships.asp?id=5
OPPORTUNITIES PRIMARILY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Brower Youth Awards Awarded By: Earth Island Institute Awarded To: Young Leaders (13-22) in USA, Mexico, Canada and some Caribbean Islands Making Strides in the Environmental Movement Deadline: February 1 – May 1, 2019 More Info: http://www.broweryouthawards.org/ All Native American High School Academic Team Awarded By: Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation & Private Funds Awarded To: American Indian and Alaska Native High School Seniors Nominated by Teachers or Community Members Deadline: May 1, 2019 More Info: https://www.aigcs.org/aigc-scholarship-fel lowship-opportunities/high-school-opportu nities Redesigning Our Future: A National Environmental Summit Awarded By: Center for the Environment at Catawba College, Rocky Mountain Institute, Environmental Working Group & Yellowstone Forever Awarded To: Students 14-17 Years Old Deadline: Apply now More Info: http://www.centerfortheenvironment.org Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity Awarded By: Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Awarded To: All Residents of all U.S. States who will be Attending College in NY or CT as well as Residents of NY or CT who will be Attending College Anywhere in the U.S. That have Solved a Problem in a New or Unusual Way Deadline: May 1, 2019 More Info: https://www.rbffoundation.org/ AOPA High School Flight Training Scholarship Awarded By: Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association & the Ray Foundation Awarded To: High School Students Ages 15 to 18 interested in pursuing a pilot certificate Deadline: April 2, 2019 More Info: https://www.aopa.org/training-andsafety/students/flight-training-scholarships
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INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CHANGED MY VIEW By Brother Steve E. Ballard and Brother Dr. Kent L. Poindexter One of the paramount objectives of the three founders of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in its infancy was developing appropriate recruiting and initiation procedures. The decision to form Phi Beta Sigma was based on a strategic mindset. In the minds of Taylor, Morse and Brown, there was something overtly exclusionary about the recruiting practices in which other fraternal groups engaged. The men eventually selected to advance the new fraternity were chosen to advance a new mindset in building fraternal communities. Each of the Charter members was chosen because of their proven leadership skills and exemplary academic standing at Howard University. For the Founders, these potential members must also be men of strong moral character. Another significant trait in this charter class was an exhibited commitment to service; this group needed to be identified as men who were willing to serve on the campus and the wider community. Clearly, each of the original nine candidates possessed this most important trait. Men who are willing to serve and to take on leadership responsibilities wherever they landed in life became the basis upon which the organizing committee searched for in identifying potential members. Driven by this design, Phi Beta Sigma has endeavored to recruit “servant leaders.” Even though “inclusion, rather than exclusion” was one of the initial foci of the Founders, “leader” is closely identified with the characteristics for becoming a member of Phi Beta Sigma, At 105 years old, the Fraternity still focuses on attracting leaders at the collegiate and alumni levels. Collegian and alumni members are encouraged to seek out the best and brightest when they recruit. For undergraduate members, the goal is to develop young leaders into stronger and more productive and professional leaders, who will utilize their skills to impact the communities served by the fraternity.
14 The Crescent: On The Yard
The move to higher levels of leadership in the fraternity can be intimidating for many collegians. They need constant reminders that Phi Beta Sigma is committed to recognizing the potential in its young leaders, and working to develop a platform and opportunities whereby they can hone their leadership skills for the good of the organization and their communities. The current administration of Phi Beta Sigma has taken seriously the development of future leaders. Given the unique circumstance of collegians serving at the International level in the fraternity, it was decided that they (the collegian leadership) be given the opportunity to talk about whether serving as an international leader changed their perspectives on leadership in general. The Crescent: On The Yard spoke with four Sigma brothers who are currently serving or recently served on the international level during their collegiate years. Included are Brothers Frederick Bell, International Second Vice President, Darian Hayes, Collegiate Member-At-Large, Profit Idowu, past Collegiate Member-At-Large and Jarrod Benjamin, past International Second Vice President. COTY: HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A COLLEGE STUDENT SERVING AS AN INTERNATIONAL OFFICER? PROFIT IDOWU: The college experience and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was paramount to my development and growth as a young man. But to truly grasp its impact, some context is needed. I was raised in a singlefamily household in Minnesota (a state that is over 80% white), to a Nigerian immigrant mother who knew nothing but Christ and how to survive for her two children. Back in 2010, the concept of a fraternity was foreign to me. In the fall of that year, fresh out of high school, I ended up on the University of Minnesota-Twin
BROTHER FREDERICK BELL International Second Vice President
Spring 2019 15
Cities campus to begin my college career. The Welcome Week events that took place eventually brought Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and other NPHC and IFC member organizations into my line of sight. After some step shows and stopping at a few fraternity tables, a Brother named Samuel Ndely approached me as I was walking by and showed up different in my inquiry to him. At the end of my conversation, he didn’t outwardly verbalize “We’re the best fraternity on campus. Join us.” He made that apparent by saying, “Go and check out other organizations to see what’s right for you.” It wasn’t self-centered, it wasn’t the aggrandized pomp and circumstance most fraternities displayed at that time. He exemplified distinct values of a black male at a PWI that were absent in my life up to that point. A care for the other to show care for all.
BROTHER DARIAN HAYES Collegiate Member-At-Large
16 The Crescent: On The Yard
A true first encounter with the sum of all things. A seed was planted there and a series of discussions, conversations in the BSU, and interactions with members of the alumni chapter during holidays and Founders Day events began to unfold. A fall ’06 Chi Chapter initiate, Isaac Ricard, and Zeta Nu Sigma alumni chapter member spoke into my life at one of these discussions that forever changed my spirit. Isaac told me, “By your senior year, we want you to be better than we were in college.” He was married, worked full-time at Target (Fortune 100 company), held a degree, and had a deep network across the state professionally and within the Minneapolis night life scene. In respect to identity, it was 360 degrees of interesting for a man to have a hand on my life in that manner. His words took root. The seed that found fertile ground began to bloom. Two of the greatest moments of my life was being elected as International Collegiate Member-At-Large in Conclave Atlanta (2011) and leading our collegiate members and brotherhood into 100 years of service as the Centennial Second Vice President.
That’s partly why I ran for International Second Vice President, and it’s been one of the best leadership opportunities I’ve ever had. My experience as an international leader has expanded my view of being a leader. Organizations I’ve led in the past have been smaller and more homogenous. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is one of the most diverse and bustling fraternities out there. You have to learn how to lead and work with many different types of personalities and attitudes. This is critical when being in leadership of such a large organization. My view of the fraternity is a unique one. Having joined in March of 2017 as a newly minted brother, I was elected to the highest collegiate position on the board just four months later. I love this fraternity, my brothers and the opportunity they’ve both given me to lead. I’m curious to see how this experience will impact me on my next journey.
DARIAN HAYES: When I was initiated in the Delta Nu Chapter, my first thought was that this experience cannot get any better. Being around men who truly value the meaning of brotherhood and community involvement inspired me to be a better man. Here, at the University of Memphis, I became enriched by all the things my chapter brothers taught me. Not only were we able to effect FREDERICK BELL: I knew from an change within the community with our early age I wanted to be a leader. fraternity initiatives, we also brought a Inspired by the example set by fun aspect as well. That truly meant so President Barack Obama, I ran for class president my freshman year of much to me that Phi Beta Sigma could high school. From there, I started to encompass the whole spectrum. become more involved in local, Since receiving my position as Internastate and national political camtional Collegiate Member-At-Large, my paigns. I took every opportunity I could to assume positions of leader- view has only widened. It has been nothing but an amazing experience ship. I saw the impact that leaders meeting other collegiate chapters — good and bad — could have on showing as much pride in the fraterthe lives of others. This is what nity’s values as mine. I learned so many drives me to be at the table, ways how chapters operate on their advocating for those who can’t or individual campuses--not to mention have no desire to be at the table.
being able to be about the business of Sigma on such a large scale.
BROTHER PROFIT IDOWU Former International Second Vice President and Collegiate Member-At-Large Photo by Bethany Birnie of Aquafox Photography
BROTHER JARROD BENJAMIN Former International Second Vice President being around men such as our International President Micheal Cristal and the rest of the General Board. Being a part of this collegiate team with my brothers Fredrick Bell, Michael Facey, and Theodore Lewis has been more than I can ask for. It has been nothing short of an honor
JARROD BENJAMIN: During my tenure as International Second Vice President, my ultimate goal was to serve the collegiate members in an accessible way. I wanted to be a leader who was accessible to communicate their concerns and their accomplishments. This accessibility came at a price. While serving as the 3rd ranking leader while balancing a full academic load required the ability to multitask and to understand what “team” truly meant. I mastered how to divide tasks into subtasks to ensure I reached the fraternity’s and campus’ expectations of leaders. Serving at such a high capacity in fraternity and sorority life ignited my passion for Higher Education. I gained an increased knowledge of student engagement and leadership. Through our national partnerships, I was exposed to a network of decision makers who later served as premiere references for graduate school and on my resume. COTY: Did your experience as an international leader, motivate or inspire you to seek leadership in other areas of the organization and/or your institution, community or career? FREDERICK BELL: Yes. I’ve always thought about running because I thought it would be exciting and I would have a few things to offer. Since serving as 2nd vice president, I’ve grown in my capacity to lead, and I felt ready to serve as the president of my student body. This decision was also supported by the fact that my term as 2nd vice president concludes in July of this year. I thought I would hit the ground running as president. Unfortunately, I just lost that race, but I don’t regret a thing. Having just transferred to Tulane last semester, I was able to garner nearly 23% of the vote. That translated to around 500 votes out of the nearly 2,000 cast. I was able to force the race into a run-off between the other two candidates with my supporters wondering who I would support. I remained neutral, but people respected my decision to jump into the race and play a part in the process. It was so much fun. PROFIT IDOWU: In addition to leading Pi Eta (my home chapter) on campus, I had to balance attending handfuls of board meetings and regional conferences across the country every year. There were lengthy conference calls, establishing new ways of work and collaborating with my collegiate counterparts on the International Colle-
Continued on Page 40 Spring 2019 17
SIGMA CAMPUS LEADERS Since the birth of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. on the campus of Howard University in January 1914, the Brotherhood of Conscious Men have attracted scores of hundreds of high achievers whose purpose has been to exemplify the high ideals of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service. A true leader is known by their words, deeds and acts; and the mark of a true Sigma Man is in his commitment to the sacred oath. His duty is to lead by example, encourage followship, and sow seeds of progress for the advancement of our culture. We are proud to present the future movers and shakers, power brokers and trailblazers who are already making a difference at colleges and universities across the nation. These are Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Sigma Campus Leaders for 2019.
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EASTERN REGION ANDRE CAMPBELL (Left) Howard University Alpha Chapter Chapter President ROLF TIMA (Right) George Washington University Gamma Alpha Phi Chapter Chapter President
EASTERN REGION GLENN BAKER Rutgers University-Camden Mu Psi Chapter Chapter President
JORDAN HATTEN University of Connecticut Zeta Lambda Chapter Chapter President UConn Black Student Association-Senior Advisor
JOHN KANU University of Virginia Zeta Eta Chapter Chapter President
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CHRISTOPHER DAVID MILLER Allegheny College Nu Mu Chapter Chapter Vice President Chinese American Friendship Society – President
TERRANCE MITCHELL Cheyney University Gamma Omicron Chapter Chapter Vice President Mr. Senior 2018-2019 University Admissions – Tour Leader University – Public Relations Assistant
ANDRE RAGSDALE Radford University Rho Zeta Chapter Chapter Treasurer NPHC Chapter – President
WILMUS ROGER RANDOLPH, III The University of Pittsburgh Epsilon Kappa Chapter Chapter President Student Government Body -Chief Security Officer
SAMUEL O. SARKODIE Virginia State University Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter Chapter Vice President Student Organizations – President Student Government Association – Vice President, Students Success and Engagement
GREAT LAKES REGION DAMONE MEANS Indiana University-Bloomington Epsilon Iota Chapter Chapter President Honors Leadership Team – Mentor Fry Scholars Program - Ambassador
JUSTIN CARMICKLE University of Illinois at Chicago Iota Alpha Chapter Chapter President Pathways to Black Achievement – President BHM Student Planning Committee 2019 – Chair Unity in Christ Gospel Choir - Secretary
DARRIUS HICKS University of Michigan-Dearborn Nu Nu Chapter Chapter 1st Vice President NPHC Chapter – President Student Activities Board – Vice President Wolverine Leadership Cohort – Student Facilitator/Leader
ALEX DRUMM, JR. Denison University Chapter President NPHC Chapter – Community Service Chair Black Student Union – Historian Agape Christian Fellowship – Media and Correspondence
22 The Crescent: On The Yard
ROBERT HOLMES Eastern Michigan University Zeta Epsilon Chapter Chapter Vice President Housing & Residence Life – Office Mgr Student Code of Conduct Advisory Board -Member
JUWAN PAGE University of Kentucky Mu Theta Chapter Chapter Vice President 2018-2019 Homecoming King College of Agriculture – Ambassador 2017-2018 – Mr. Black Univ. of Kentucky
ALBERTO JONES University of Cincinnati Lambda Theta Chapter Chapter Vice President Board of Trustees – Undergraduate Student Trustee
MATTHEW RYAN SWALEK University of Illinois at Chicago Iota Alpha Chapter Chapter Vice President Collegiate 100 – Chicago Chapter
ZAKARIYA NOOR Lindenwood University Gamma Mu Gamma Chapter Chapter President Student Government Association – Senator Men’s Basketball Team - Member 2018 Homecoming King Black Student Union – Events Coordinator
JEREMIAH T. TUCKER University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Theta Beta Chapter Resident Assistant Black Student Union – Treasurer
GULF COAST REGION
OLUWASEYI ADEDIWURA Huston-Tillotson University Theta Chapter Chapter Treasurer Mr. Huston-Tillotson University
ADENEKAN ADEOLA Grambling State University Xi Chapter Chapter 2nd Vice President Army ROTC – Military Science S3 Assistant Louisiana Army National Guard – Member Military Funeral Honor Guard – Member LEDUA BENJAMIN ATAM Texas Woman’s University Gamma Alpha Kappa Chapter Chapter Vice President NPHC Chapter- Vice President Student Government Association – Executive Public Relations Officer African Student Organization – Parliamentarian/ Event Coordinator JARROD M. BAILEY Texas Women’s University Gamma Alpha Kappa Chapter Chapter Treasurer NPHC Chapter – Community Service Chair TWU Athletics – Communications Intern 24 The Crescent: On The Yard
TYRONE J. ALEXANDER University of Louisiana at Lafayette Iota Iota Chapter Chapter President NPHC Chapter - President
Spring 2019 25
ISAAC D. BIVINS, JR. Jarvis Christian College Epsilon Zeta Chapter, The 19th MisterJarvis Christian College
TYRON BAKER Prairie View A & M University Delta Theta Chapter Chapter President NPHC Chapter President Member – Track & Field Team
DAVID CHAPMAN, JR. Baylor University Nu Zeta Chapter Chapter President McNair Scholars Programs – Student Mentor
BRYAN A. COOKSEY Texas Southern University Beta Delta Chapter Chapter President NPHC Chapter – President Collegiate 100 (100 Black Men) - President
KRISTOPHER B. CADE University of Houston-Downtown Xi Kappa Chapter Chapter – Chaplain, Sigma-Zeta Relations Student Government Association – Student Organization Assistant
Spring 2019 27
JUSTIN W. HAWTHORNE University of Texas at Arlington Theta Chi Chapter Chapter Secretary NPHC – President
KAMERON EVANS Baylor University Nu Zeta Chapter Chapter Vice President Sports Strategy & Sales Club – Pod Leader RUSSELL LEMELLE University of North Texas Zeta Beta Chapter Chapter Treasurer Black Student Union -Student Development Program Director
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XAVIER PARNELL The University of North Texas Zeta Beta Chapter NPHC Chapter – Public Relations Coordinator Resident Assistant Orientation Leader Student Affairs – Vice President Black Student Experience – Coordinator
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
JIMMIE MOORE College of Charleston Lambda Psi Chapter Chapter President NPHC Chapter – 1st Vice President
KENNETH E. STATON, JR. East Carolina University, Greenville, NC Xi Nu Chapter Chapter – Academic Chair NPHC Chapter - President
JUSTIN L. NEAL North Carolina A&T State University Eta Chapter TIMOTHY B. SMITH Chapter President Winthrop University Office of Undergraduate Admissions – Tour Guide Ronald J. McNair Scholar SAE Aero Design Team - Captain Nu Chi Chapter Chair-Social Action/Education Programs Alain Leroy Locke Honors Chapter Member NAACP Chapter-Social Action Chair
CHRISTION WATERS Fayetteville State University Pi Chapter Chapter President NPHC – Mr. Phi Beta Sigma Phi Beta Lambda Honor Society
TYLIK MCMILLAN North Carolina A&T State University Eta Chapter Chapter – Social Action Chair University – Political Action Chair University Strategic Planning Committee - Member Student Government Association – past Attorney General National Action Network (NAN) – South Eastern Regional Youth Director
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SOUTHERN REGION
JETT ANGEL Florida State University Mu Epsilon Chapter President 69th Student Senator
JOSEPH BANNERMAN Tuskegee University Beta Kappa Chapter NAACP Chapter – Mr. NAACP
TREVIS BELLE Florida International University Lambda Tau Chapter Chapter Historian Carribean Students Association – President
ALEX D. COOPER Fort Valley State University Alpha Pi Chapter Chapter Treasurer NPHC Chapter – President
CRENEL FRANCIS, JR. Florida A & M University Alpha Eta Chapter Mr. FAMU 2018-2019
TAURUS JONES Mississippi Valley St. University Delta Phi Chapter Chapter President
32 The Crescent: On The Yard
KEON N. BERRY Morehouse College Chi Chapter Chapter President
DEUNTRAVIUS MARSHALL Paine College Epsilon Beta Chapter Chapter – Director of Education 45th Student Government Assoc. President
BRANDON MCINTOSH University of West Georgia Nu Phi Chapter Chapter President
ALEX RASHARD MCKINNIE University of West Florida Beta Beta Phi Chapter Chapter President Campus Activity Board – Vice President Student Government Association – Chief Justice March of Dimes – Events Director
CALEB ROBERSON Clark Atlanta University Psi Chapter Chapter Treasurer Minority Association for Pre-Med Students – Mr. M.A.P.S. 2018-2019 Collegiate 100 (100 Black Men of America) South Metro Atlanta Chap – Education Chair
JEREMEY ROBINSON Clark Atlanta University Psi Chapter Chapter 1st Vice President Collegiate 100 (100 Black Men of America) – Lead Campus Ambassador Verizon Mentoring Program – Ambassador
OLATUNDE J. SAM Morehouse College Chi Chapter Chapter Vice President Caribbean Student Association – President AUCJouvert - Coordinator
GREGORY SMITH Jackson State University Alpha Beta Chapter NPHC Chapter – President
LIONEL SMITH University of The Bahamas Beta Beta Lambda Chapter NPHC Chapter – President (1st international undergraduate NPHC chapter)
RON ULYSSE Florida International University Lambda Tau Chapter Chapter – Director of Social Action NPHC Chapter - President
34 The Crescent: On The Yard
JEAN TANELUS Florida A & M University Alpha Eta Chapter Junior Class – Vice President IMPACT Campus Ministry
CORRIE WATT Florida A & M University Alpha Eta Chapter 48th Student Senate – Senator 49th & 50th Student Senate – Junior Senator-Elect
DIMITRI TYLER Delta State University Xi Beta Chapter Chapter Vice President NPHC Chapter – Assistant Secretary
SOUTHWESTERN REGION
s
COURTNEY S. CARTER Christian Brothers University Alpha Beta Delta Chapter Chapter President NPHC Chapter - Historian Career Services Advisory Board – Lead 2019 Homecoming King
JUSTIN JONES University of Memphis Delta Nu Chapter Chapter President ARMY ROTC – Battalion Executive Officer s DARRIELLE F. D. GARRISON Tennessee State University Zeta Alpha Chapter Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity – President Watson Hall – Lead Resident Asst. Blue Elite Student Recruiter 36 The Crescent: On The Yard
KEVIN GLASON, JR. University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alpha Beta Eta Chapter Chapter 1st Vice President NPHC – Vice President
DEQUES MCCLAIN JORELL SMALLWOOD University of Arkansas Langston University at Pine Bluff Beta Epsilon Chapter Beta Theta Chapter Chapter 1st Vice President Chapter President NPHC Chapter – President Kappa Delta Pi Honor Soc. - President
ISAIAH J. PERRY The University of Memphis Delta Nu Chapter Chapter 2nd Vice President NPHC Chapter – 2nd Vice President Tiger Elite Ambassador
MATTHEW SOLOMON University of Central Arkansas Iota Pi Chapter Chapter Vice President Greek Judicial Board – Executive Member
CHELDRICK WOODING Tennessee State University Zeta Alpha Chapter Chapter – Secretary, Director of Education SGA – Senior Class President
WESTERN REGION
DEVIN PEGUES University of Washington Kappa Lambda Chapter Chapter President NPHC Chapter – President
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TRENTON JOINER Oregon State University Gamma Upsilon Gamma Chapter Chapter President Western Region – 2nd Vice Director Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center – Leadership Liasion United Black Council – Chair
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INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CHANGED MY VIEW continued giate Affairs Committee, and for the first-time expanding Sigma’s presence at one of the largest mainstream higher education conferences for fraternity and sorority life known as the AFLV (Association of Fraternal Leadership Values). For me, it was about attempting to turn this dream of serving the fraternity I love into an actual achievement that impacted and inspired lives within the fraternity and outside of our wondrous band. During this season of my life, I noticed something. My inspiration came from seeing members of the board and brothers across the country who esteemed high-performance. Opposite of what was displayed in the unsurprising slandering of the black male identity in the news cycle. Sigma men put work in action and action in work. They were men about business who pulled me aside and explained that there’s more to life than elected officials and a college degree. The question at hand was what man will I become in this lifetime? They charged me up and asked me to steward the responsibilities I have to myself and community with tact and poise. There are many brothers that had a hand in crafting me into the man I am today. To them and this fraternity, I am grateful, humbled, and confident that with this life experience I can make a difference wherever I’m called to serve. After stepping down from the International 2nd Vice President position during Conclave Little Rock, I went on to work for one of the greatest names in advertising, Fallon Worldwide, to make nation-
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wide advertising campaigns and Super Bowl commercials. On my second job post-college, I now work for a public life and media initiative called On Being that’s based in Minneapolis, MN. At its heart is a podcast that has been downloaded more than 200-million times. JARROD BENJAMIN: While concluding my term on the General Board, I was invited to keynote events and hold collegiate and alumni presentations on leadership, recruitment, retention and hazing prevention. These dynamic opportunities, coupled with my passion to serve, birthed a vision to launch my higher education consulting company, L.E.A.D. Firm. I partnered with an innovative leader, Taylor McCain, 2015-2017 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. National Second Vice President and began to build a brand. From what was initially a plan to have supplemental income and educate the next collegiate leaders grew beyond our dreams. To date, I have 127 clients. This means L.E.A.D. Firm speaks at over 120 universities each academic year. I have completed my BS in Business Administration, MBA with a concentration in Management, and currently working on my PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Security. Serving the fraternity exposed me to the highest levels of excellence. I can remember my first Congressional Black Caucus Week as International Second Vice President. I was sitting next to Dr. Ivory Lyles. He invested time and resources to ensure I reach my professional goals. His investment has helped me become the Director
of Outreach and Academic Development Programs at Florida Memorial University. When I reached out to thank him for his mentorship, he simply said, “Pay it Forward!”. My goal is to become a University President. However, I will never forget while continuing to work to reach this goal, I must pay it forward. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve the fraternity from 2015-2017. The investment made in my life by the brotherhood will never be forgotten. I will ensure there is a yield on your time, prayers, and resources. COTY: What are the key attributes a collegiate member needs to serve on the international level? FREDERICK BELL: Some key attributes that come to mind include but are not limited to being adaptable, ambitious, curious, focused, professional and thoughtful. Each of these will be integral to the ability to lead and be successful on this level. I either came in with many of these attributes or quickly adopted them. It’s been a tremendous privilege to serve in this position and grow as a person in the process. These young men of Sigma are just four examples of how opportunities and engagement can make a huge difference in the lives of collegians. Their words should provide encouragement for those who might be inclined to believe that they are not qualified to be leaders in this great fraternity. For those who have yet to catch a vision of what they can be, remember that one of the most celebrated leaders of the 20th Century was a young man from Morehouse College, who
would become a world-renowned preacher and the leader of the greatest movement in American history. He said it best: “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” Let these words be your inspiration and your challenge to become the leader you were created to be.
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