Omega Men on the Move in Gamma Pi Chapter

In the past year, Gamma Pi Chapter has solidified its reputation as a five-star community leader in Prince George's County through its tireless efforts organizing and conducting food drives for families hit hard by food insecurity. Whether it is through job loss or some other financial pressures, the devastation of COVID-19 has impacted real lives and inflicted real pain that has translated into challenges to keep food on the table. Undoubtedly, the large-scale community projects are important to the overall well-being of the community, but what people often do not see about Omega and Gamma Pi are the achievements, contributions and leadership by individual Brothers. These little-known efforts also make the difference!

Here are three recent examples of Gamma Pi's reach into local communities in ways that may not be readily noticed.

Bro. Gordon Everett (Mu Epsilon ’75) and his wife Sharon, who are both alumni of Winston-Salem State University, recently announced the endowment of scholarships in their name for their alma mater. Bro. Everett is a long- time member of Gamma Pi Chapter and a former three-term Basileus. He has also been a leader in the Second District.

The new endowments were announced in July 2020. The Everetts are awarding at least two scholarships annually to deserving WSSU students, in the Everett's name, through the Winston-Salem State University Foundation, which handles special gifts to the school, including endowments and bequeaths. As a result of their award, they were inducted into the WSSU Heritage Society on December 3, 2020.

Bro. Gordon and Sharon Everett

"To be selected for the scholarships, students must apply through the WSSU Financial Aid office. We established an endowment in honor of our love for WSSU which played a major part in our life. Sharon and I met 44 years ago at WSSU and celebrated 40 years of marriage this past August. We wanted to give back to the university and help students that needed some assistance," said Bro. Everett, who served as WSSU National Alumni Association president from 2010 to 2014. "We're doing this in honor of our parents who have taught us to reach back and help others that may have a need.” 

In his career, Bro. Everett is an executive with the National Archives and Records Administration. If you know a promising young student who is deserving and would benefit from receiving an Everett scholarship, have them go to https://www.wssu.edu/admissions/scholarships-and-financial-aid/index.html

Bro. Charles Brooks recently began training as a Deacon at New Chapel Baptist Church in Camp Springs, Md. H An active member of the church for 20 years, Bro. Brooks currently serves as  the Director of the Usher Ministry. He has served on the Board for 12 years and three years as director.

Bro. Charles Brooks -- Deacon in Training

"As a active member of this church and a member of its Usher Board, the desire, capacity to serve others has always been one of my gifts from our Lord and Saviour," said Bro. Brooks. "As a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., we all recognize how important service to our fellow man is to being obedient to the word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Bro. Brooks says he has been approached about serving as a Deacon for several years. But it was after a Bible study in February that one of the Deacons reached out to him to consider becoming a candidate.  After prayer and some discussion with his family and with members of the Usher Ministry, he accepted the nomination to begin the training. Training is anticipated to last about six months and upon completion of training, he will be ordained.

Bro. Donatien “Don” Norwood (Gamma Pi ’11) is moving up in the engineering industry. As in way up. Bro. Norwood was recently promoted to Senior Principal at GHT Limited, a leading D.C. Metro area mechanical, engineering and plumbing engineering consulting firm.

Bro. Norwood

As a 15-year veteran of the firm, Bro, Norwood has helped lead the organization’s growth and development into an industry leader. His exploits as an engineer and as a leader have been recognized throughout.  Said firm president Patrick Kunze: “During his tenure with GHT, Don has served an integral role in the development of electrical engineering initiatives at GHT. In addition to electrical design, he leads efforts in mentoring, employee development, training, and team building. As the leader of one of GHT’s Interiors Electrical Sections, Don provides oversight, quality control and leadership for projects. He also provides guidance and support to the firm’s overall design approach, collaborating with corporate leadership to encourage employee training, develop best practices, and provide design resources.

Bro. Norwood is a LEED Accredited Professional who studied electrical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In addition, he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. He is an avid participant in his motorcycle club. He was Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Second District Omega Man of the Year in 2019.