FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: Bro. Dr. Frank D. Chambers Continues to Blaze Trails in Higher Education Post-Retirement

EDITOR'S NOTE: For the Good of the Order is an occasional series highlighting the accomplishments of the men of Gamma Pi Chapter.

Congratulations to Bro. Franklin D. "Frank" Chambers, Ph.D., (Gamma Pi '92) on his recent selection as Chairman of the Prince George's County Hillside Work Scholarship Connection (HWSC) Advisory Council within the Hillside Family of Agencies. HWSC plays a crucial role in supporting over 350 students across six high schools and one middle school in Prince George’s County, helping them stay in school, earn their diplomas, and prepare for higher education and employment.

Bro. Dr. Chambers is a distinguished longtime leader in higher education with more than 30 years experience in higher education leadership. He has served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Howard University, Coppin State University, and SUNY Oneonta in New York before retiring in 2023. Bro. Dr. Chambers also held key positions at Bowie State University as coordinator of academic services and the summer emerging scholars program.

Bro. Dr. Chambers earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University at Northridge. He earned his master’s in educational administration and Ph.D. in organizational communications from Howard.

Among his career highights are serving as a panelist for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and as a presenter at the Second National Summit on Black Greek-Letter organizations. Bro. Dr. Chambers was also an active and influential member of NASPA, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. 

Gamma Pi and the higher education community salute Bro. Dr. Chambers on another great accomplishment.

Gamma Pi Spotlights The Challenges of Caregiving on Its Public Affairs TV Show

Host Denise Roberts (left) with guests
Shaunda Bellamy and Reginald A. Lawson

For Gamma Pi Chapter, Social Action does not always mean in-person activities. To that end, the chapter routinely utilizes its long-running over-the-air TV broadcast show, "Community UPLIFT," to reach the masses in Prince George's County and beyond with vital information. In its just-released latest episode, Gamma Pi's public affairs show is focusing on the needs and challenges of caregivers. November is Caregivers Awareness Month.

Show guests are Shaunda Bellamy, president of Pickett Fences Senior Services, Inc. and Reginald Lawson, motivational speaker-expert and author on dementia. Both are Prince George's County residets.  

Locally, "Community UPLIFT" is available on Comcast (Channel 76) and Verizon FiOS (Channel 42) every Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. The 30-minute program is also broadcast on the Prince George's Community TV (PGCTV) livestream at www.pgctv.org. For even broader reach, Gamma Pi makes each of the episodes available for on-demand viewing on its YouTube channel at the link below.

In recent episodes Community UPLIFT has spotlighted Gamma Pi's Project ENRICH college preparatory program, its STEM initiative, Social Action activities and mental health awareness featuring University of Maryland footall coach and chapter member Bro. Michael Locksley.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Achievement Week Message Touches Local Community Members During Challenging Times

Gamma Pi Chapter added a few more gold stars to its long and distinguished legacy of sponsoring high-energy, relevant and timely Achievement Week programs with its 2025 event held on Saturday, November 8. About 200 people from the local community packed the Suitland Community Center to recognize the efforts of high achievers in the community and in the chapter, punctuated by good live gospel singing, a powerful and uplifting message from one of the Fraternity's leaders and an enjoyable post-event reception.

Bro. Leon Smith

With Achievement Week chair Bro. Teddy Taylor serving as Master of Ceremonies, the program moved swiftly like a massive force of wind sweeping waves of assurance and perseverance over an audience hungry for hope. In many ways, this year's program was a much-needed elixir for citizens in the community experiencing a volatile and challenging time in America, especially for persons of color.

Through the community and Fraternity awards, soul-tingling singing by the Gamma Pi Chorale, the announcement of scholarship and essay contest winners and the powerful keynote address from Second District First Vice Representative Bro. Leon Smith, the significance of community and civic involvement was underscored in the 90-minute program.

The keynote message delivered by Bro. Smith proved to be a very timely and relevant overlay to the occasion. "The 'ship' in Friendship and leadership reminds us that we are not called to stand still," said Bro. Smith, who hails from Plainfield, New Jersey's Omicron Chi Chapter. "Silence is not an option. Don't give up the fight."

Bro. Smith's inspirational talk was centered on this year's Achievement Week theme, "Impactful Leadership Through Intentional Friendship."

Bro. Basileus Terance Hare and Bro. Taylor presented keynoter Bro. Smith with a plaque from the chapter.

Achievement Week was started by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as an annual national observance in November to recognize individuals and organizations for their community uplift, service, and achievements. It was originally created by Brother Carter G. Woodson to promote the study of Black literature, culture, and history. The week features various activities, such as awards ceremonies, fundraising events, and community service projects, that highlight the fraternity's principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

ACHIEVEMENT WEEK AWARD WINNERS

Omega Man of the Year (Bro. David Jackson)

Superior Service Award (Bro. Lee Best)

Founders Award (Bro. Maurice Calhoun)

Brigadier General Charles Young Military Award (Bro. Major Michael Mitchell/U.S. Army reservist)

Citizen of the Year (Bro. State Sen. Nick Charles)

Religious Leader of the Year (Bro. Rev. Aaron Stewart/Greater Mount Nebo AME Zion Church youth minister)

Educator of the Year (Bro. Alexander Brown)

Student Athlete of the Year (Ian Greenwood)

Gamma Pi Essay Winner (Mischa Smith/Eagle Oaks Preparatory)

READ THE FULL PROGRAM HERE

                                                     (Photos by Brother George DuBose)

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: Gamma Pi Brother Will Join A Famous Actress and Others for Induction Into the PGCPS Hall of Fame

Bro. Charles Harley

It's not often that any of us gets to receive a high honor alongside a star of stage and screen. Gamma Pi's Brother Charles Harley (Gamma Pi, Fall '94) will know what that is like on Friday night, October 24, when he is inducted into the Prince George's County Public Schools Hall of Fame at a gala to be held at the MGM National Harbor. The honors and the festivities are sponsored by the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS, Inc.

Brother Harley, a member of the football support staff at the University of Maryland, is being feted for his days as a distinguished athlete at Central High School where he graduated in 1985. He is one of just eight people being selected to this year's class, which includes celebrated actress Taraji P. Henson, a 1988 graduate of Oxon Hill High School. Local award-winning NBC 4 reporter Tracee Wilkins is also in this year's Hall of Fame class. She is a former Gamma Pi Chapter Citizen of the Year.

 “Never in a million years did I dream of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, let alone with such an all-star cast," said Brother Harley. Although he is being honored for his own athletic exploits, Brother Harley was a very successful high school football coach in the DMV, having coached two teams at Forestville Military Academy to the state finals with one of those teams winning it all.

“I'm flattered to go in as an athlete; moreover, my greater achievements were from the sidelines, hallways, living rooms and neighborhoods of student athletes I've either coached or mentored."

At the University of Maryland, Brother Harley works closely with Brother Coach Mike Locksley and the players in offering guidance to players.

Brother Harley and his wife, Dr. Tonia Harley, an educator/administrator, have two sons Chazz and Chantz who both played Division I college football. Brother Harley, a former U.S. Marine, is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College. Congratulations to Brother Harley for being a shining light in the community for Omega!