National Social Action Day-
Omega Reaching Out to Young Black Males

by Bro. Richard Patterson

Galveston, TX (PN) - On November 14, 2007, a day that Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has designated National Social Action Day, - a day for each chapter to implement a program to benefit black males - Bro. Andrew Earles fulfilled the mandate by speaking to the computer aided design (CAD) classes at Austin High School in Houston, Texas. When asked why he goes back to speak, Bro. Earles a Prairie View A&M University graduate in Architecture and member of Rho Nu Chapter, said “Going to speak to students is a responsibility not a choice. The drop out rate is steadily increasing. By speaking to our youth and telling MY story, I try to convey to them that no matter what your economic background is or what your family structure might be, you too have a chance to ‘make it’. If college is want you want, scholarships are out there. I want them to understand that college is attainable, and so is success without college.”. Rho Nu Chapter - a "Small Chapter Doing Big Things" - plays a vital part in the Galveston County community, but does not isolate ourselves to the Galveston area. Members constantly accept the challenge to do more and touch more of our youth.

Not only did we visit the school on 11/14/07 but also the previous week to ensure we reached all students taking the CAD class, as they have scheduled "A" and "B" day classes. We were well received with student interaction, teacher appreciation and a request to revisit the school. Engaging the students in discussions not only about the technical aspects of CAD, but also the professionalism, teamwork, and shared responsibility required in the industry, Bro. Earles said “Speaking to this most recent group at Austin H.S. was a request of the CAD instructor. These kids are using the AutoCAD computer program which is something I didn’t learn until college, which means they are a step (or two) ahead of me when I was their age. College is not for everyone, but the possibility for success is. With this group I explained the construction process and the roles and functions of different design professionals, architects, engineers etc. I also went through the process of construction and the importance of the different construction trades. A good architect is just as important as a good electrician.”

Rho Nu will not only continue to participate in the National Social Action Day, but will continue to expand our efforts, not only to Austin High School but, to other Houston and Galveston area schools.

Honoring Leadership, Service and Scholarship

by Bro. Leo Varner and Bro. Richard Patterson

Galveston, TX (PN) – Beginning with the 2007-2008 academic school year, the Rho Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will implement the “Alvin Stevenson Adopt-A-School Program”. The program will honor Bro. Stevenson’s fifty years of service to the fraternity, his leadership in efforts to establish a graduate chapter in Galveston, and his faithfulness in upholding the cardinal principle of Scholarship.  This annual program will consist of donating school supplies to an elementary school in the Galveston Independent School District (GISD), where Bro. David O’Neal is President of the School Board of Trustees.

Bro. Alvin Stevenson was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., April 19, 1956 through Alpha Psi chapter at Huston-Tilloston College in Austin, Texas.  He graduated from Huston-Tilloston in 1958 with a B.S. degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry. After graduation, Bro. Stevenson went on to the University of Texas Medical Branch where he attained a degree in Medical Technology.  He was employed by the Department of Pathology, Pathology Patient Services as a clinical chemist and supervisor of the phlebotomy service.  He later transferred to the UTMB Dialysis Center for several years, then returned to the clinical labs until his retirement after 37 years of service.  Bro. Stevenson also worked in the clinical labs at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years and as an educator in Galveston, LaMarque and Hitchcock Independent School Districts.

On August 24, 2007, the Rho Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. began their Alvin Stevenson Adopt-a-School Program by donating $2500.00 worth of school supplies to L. A. Morgan Elementary School (Galveston Independent School District).

Pictured above are: Bro. Alvin Stevenson (2nd from left), Dr. Lynne Cleveland GISD Superintendent (3rd from Left), David O’Neal (2nd from Right) and members of Rho Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Photo by: ©Brian Upchurch, GISD Photographer