ITTA BENA, Miss.— The mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for the community.
Mississippi Valley State University’s Zeta Phi Chapter recently exemplified all that this mission entails, earning numerous awards during the Mississippi Alpha Network District Conference Jan. 19-21 in Olive Branch.
Most notably, the chapter was recognized for attaining the highest cumulative grade point average—3.24—among the fraternity’s 10 collegiate chapters in the state.
“Receiving the Highest GPA award among all the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chapters in the state of Mississippi was a huge achievement to all of us,” said Zeta Phi member Kamberlin King of Itta Bena, who also serves as president of MVSU’s Student Government Association. It was a great representation of not only the fraternity but also Mississippi Valley State University. Our dedication to education was put on display at the District Convention.”
That wasn’t the only accolades the chapter received.
Zeta Phi finished second place overall in the District Step-Show competition and member Trenlon Harris of Moss Point was a finalist in the Belford V. Lawson oratorical contest.
In addition, Harris and King joined members Cornelius Washington of Lucedale, Denzel Washington of Greenville, Jordan Freeman of Greenwood, Nekeya Washington of Clarksdale, and Tommy King of Greenwood, Miss. in being recognized as “District Scholars”, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Zeta Phi’s commitment to excellence and leadership is seen throughout the MVSU student community as they have several individuals who represent the institution as student leaders.
In addition to Kamberlin serving as SGA president, Tommy reigns as Mr. MVSU 2017-18; Freeman is the SGA vice-president, and Harris is the SGA treasurer.
“We are a chapter of brothers who refuse to settle for mediocrity and know that business must be handled in the classroom first before being handled anywhere else. This is an achievement that we plan to continue to receive for years to come,” King said.
Founded in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was the first African American, intercollegiate, Greek-lettered fraternity.
Advisors for MVSU’s Zeta Phi chapter include, Interim Vice President of University Advancement Dameon Shaw, Records Evaluator Kortney B. Haymore and Graduate Advisor Preston Brownlow.