FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: One of Gamma Pi's Most Senior Brothers Publishes His Memoirs, Shedding Light on the Struggles and Successes of Seven Decades of Making A Difference

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

Gamma Pi Brothers have some interesting life stories, especially the most senior Brothers who have lived through generations and decades of experiences. Sometimes the stories are worthy of a book. One such Brother is The Super Chapter’s Charles Anthony “Tony” Cusack (Chi '68), who’s life story to this point is the subject of a newly released book, My Life in the Dash. The book is penned by Bro. Cusack as a personal memoir and is on sale at Amazon, Walmart and other booksellers. The book was just published in June.

In his book, Bro. Cusack focuses on these themes from his interesting and impactful life:

(1) His childhood growing up in rural Georgia, and his ancestral family roots.

      (2) His career and athletic achievements, college experiences, business success, and leadership development.
 (3) His community service, mentorship and education.
 (4) Overcoming personal trials, which includes dealing with hereditary cardiac amyloidosis.
 (5) and reflections on his legacy, purpose and faith-driven beliefs and actions

Bro. Cusack explained that "the dash" in the book's title refers to the time we have on Earth.

Here is a writeup by the publisher located on the book’s back cover:

Born in 1948 in Nashville, Georgia, Charles Anthony Cusack came of age in a world shaped by faith, family, hard work, segregation, and strong community roots. From shining shoes in a small-town barbershop while “Moon River” played on the radio, to laboring in tobacco fields, excelling in the classroom, leading on athletic fields, serving in government and business, preaching the Gospel, and traveling the world, his life became a testimony to resilience, discipline, and grace.

My Life in the Dash is the story of a boy who learned early that small habits shape great destinies. Guided by strong parents, grounded in faith, and driven by a commitment to serve others, Charles built a life marked by leadership, scholarship, brotherhood, entrepreneurship, ministry, and compassion.

More than a personal history, this memoir is a reflection on purpose, perseverance, and the meaning of the “dash” between birth and death. Through hardships and triumph, setbacks and blessings, Charles Anthony Cusack shows that a life of gratitude, discipline, and service can leave an enduring mark on family, community, and the world.

The memoir is just a part of Bro. Cusack’s life. Even well into his 70’s, he’s remaining quite active in many areas   In addition to being an active member of the Fraternity, he is head of QSack & Associates, Inc. and serves as Vice President of the Metropolitan Washington chapter of the Alabama A&M University National Alumni Association where he is working to increase the university’s visibility, recruit students, promote [public and private support and foster alumni progress

Great going Bro. Cusack! Showing that Omega men are contributing to society in many ways and at all age and experience levels. Everywhere you look, Omega is always bringing something important to the table!

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: Brother Dr. George R. Montgomery Honored as Hampton University 2026 Forty Under 40 Mentor of the Year

                                     

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. Dr. George R. Montgomery (Gamma Pi '22) on being named the 2026 Hampton University Forty Under 40 Mentor of the Year. Dr. Montgomery was formally recognized during Hampton University's Forty Under 40 Awards celebration on May 17, 2026, and will be honored again during Hampton University Homecoming in October 2026, where his outstanding contributions to mentorship, leadership, and community service will be celebrated before fellow alumni and supporters.

The Mentor of the Year Award recognizes Hampton University alumni over the age of 40 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, made significant contributions to society, and devoted themselves to mentoring and developing the next generation. Dr. Montgomery's selection reflects years of unwavering commitment to educational excellence, youth empowerment, and servant leadership.

As Director of Project ENRICH, Gamma Pi Chapter's award-winning college preparatory and mentoring program, Dr. Montgomery has transformed the lives of students throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV). Under his leadership over the past two years, Project ENRICH has experienced rapid growth continuing its long-standing tradition of preparing students for success in higher education. The program is more than 40 years in existence.

In two years under Dr. Montgomery's leadership, Project ENRICH seniors have earned more than $15 million in scholarship offers, setting consecutive program records and opening doors to colleges and universities across the nation. These achievements are a testament not only to the students' hard work but also to the intentional mentorship, strategic college planning, scholarship preparation, and leadership development fostered through Project ENRICH since its inception.

Dr. Montgomery's philosophy extends far beyond helping students gain admission to college. He is committed to developing leaders of character, service, and excellence by equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in college, their careers, and their communities. His work has impacted hundreds of students and families throughout the DMV, inspiring them to pursue their dreams without limitations.

Gamma Pi Chapter proudly celebrates this outstanding achievement with Bro. Dr. Montgomery and commends this prestigious recognition by his alma mater.

Right now Project ENRICH is recruiting for the 2026-27 academic year that just started. Learn more here: Register for PROJECT ENRICH

                                        WATCH: Project ENRICH recently featured on local TV

Latest Episode of Gamma Pi TV Show Highlights Project ENRICH Homecoming and Alumni Connections

Homecoming is generally associated with the biggest weekend for college campuses in the middle of the football season. Gamma Pi's Project ENRICH has borrowed a page from that book with its own Homecoming Weekend celebration held at the start of the year. The theme of Homecoming and Alumni returning to Gamma Pi's 40-year-old college prep program is the subject of the latest episode of the chapter's over-the-air TV public affairs show, "Community UPLIFT," in partnership with Prince George's Community Television. The show is broadcast every Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (4 p.m.) on Comcast (channel 76) and Verizon FiOS (channel 42) in the Greater Prince George's County area. If you do not have either of these cable systems or you live outside the Prince George's County area, you can watch the livestream here: CTV Livestream

View on our YouTube archives: https://youtu.be/zfq03S51yDE

Gamma Pi Brothers Return from the Biggest Grand Conclave in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity History

Can you count the number of QUES in this picture?

If you've been following our activities on our blog, you know that we've been sort of silent and out of pocket for a couple of weeks. That's because many of the men in Gamma Pi have been away out in the Midwest taking care of some serious business...

About a week or so ago, more than 75 men of Gamma Pi Chapter stepped out of planes, trains and automobiles in their return to the DMV after one of the most historic meetings in the existence of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After many months of buildup and anticipation, the 85th Grand Conclave came and went almost as fast. The July 30-August 3 meeting in Cincinnati was the largest in the history of our Fraternity and brought in Omega man from all 13 districts including the international district.

Overall, there were approximately 20-30,000 Omega men on site throughout the week. For Gamma Pi, it was a chance to regroup, recommit and rejuvenate as one of the largest chapters in the Fraternity. Hundreds of brothers from the 5-state Second District (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania) attended led by incoming District Representative Bro. Leon Smith. This is how we do our official business in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Gamma Pi's contingent was led by the core leadership of Basileus Bro. Terance Hare, Vice Basileus Bro. John Morgan, Jr. and Keeper of Records and Seal Bro. Rev. Dr. Laurence Hawkins, who all attended. Two past Second District Representatives from Gamma Pi were also engaged in the conclave: Brothers Kenneth Rodgers and Amir Shareef, who is the Immediate Past Second District Representative. 

Gamma Pi Chapter dinner

Omega Psi Phi holds conclaves every two years. It's the official business meeting of the 115-year-old international brotherhood founded at Howard University on November 17, 1911. While official meetings are closed and limited to Omega members, the conclave is surrounded by numerous upscale social events to "unwind and socialize" and to which the public is invited, as well as local host community social action activities to serve and address unmet needs. Cincinnati showed up to support and socialize with us!

Gamma Pi Chapter also celebrated several members receiving their milestone service awards from the outgoing Omega Psi Phi Grand Basileus, Bro. Ricky Lewis, on stage before all the members in attendance. One Gamma Pi member, Bro. Roland Penn, was awarded his 65-year pin.

Also, Gamma Pi helped carry the banner of the Mighty Second District at the conclave as the Second District Large Graduate Chapter of the Year. The Super Chapter was bestowed that honor at the historic 78th Second District Conference at National Harbor in May.

For Omega men, the conclaves are also mini-reunions. Because it brings together Omega men from all across the world, the conclave represents an opportunity for members to rekindle ties by fellowshipping with brothers from previous Omega Psi Phi chapters or affiliations, especially for those who were either initiated while in school or who have moved around the country.   

Traveling to the conclave turned out to be an "Omega trek" for many brothers. In fact, many airplanes landing at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport were at least half full with Omegas. It was the same for many fights heading out of Cincinnati on Monday, August 3.

For our local Gamma Pi community, we are recommitted and armed with new ideas and energy, ready to go to serve our families, seniors and youth in Prince George's County for the upcoming Fraternity Year. 

As you know, we work hard and play hard so you should also be on the lookout for our upcoming social and social action events. Keep up by following our Gamma Pi website as well as our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The accompanying photos from our conclave allow you to see the best of excellence in Omega Psi Phi from the international level.

CONCLAVE NEWS COVERAGE

Cincinnati Enquirer
WLWT TV Cincinnati
WCPO TV Cincinnati

WKRC TV Cincinnati

Yahoo News

WANT TO SEE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS? CLICK HERE FOR MORE (courtesy of Bro. George DuBose)

Brothers prep for a direct flight from Washington Dulles

Former Secretary of Defense Bro. Lloyd Austin 

served as keynote speaker

Bro. Roland Penn receives 65-year service pin

Gamm Pi Brothers take a meeting break

Gamma Pi Brothers at one of the many banquets

Enjoying an outdoors chapter meal in downtown Cincinnati

"Omega Express" in flight to Cincinnati

The "last of the Mohicans" at the very end of the day's business

Airport Welcome to the QUES