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ARNOLD, MD. On March 31, 2023, the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Incorporated welcomed a new class of neophytes into the bond of brotherhood
through a high energy Neophyte Presentation on the campus of Anne Arundel Community
College in the Kaufman Theatre. The 300-seat theatre was standing room only. Audience
members from across the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC), family members, friends, and well-wishers packed the venue to welcome seven accomplished men into the House of Alpha.
At the helm, were the Dean of Membership, Brother Delvin Owens (Spring 2018, HHL) and
Assistant Dean, Brother Michael Bertty, II (Spring 2002, NI). These brothers worked with these men to prepare them for the one and a half our performance, which included greetings to the members of the NPHC organizations and greetings to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Brothers from visiting chapters, the recitation of Fraternity and Chapter History, the Aims,
Mission, and Motto of the Fraternity, two poems (Invictus by William Ernest Henley and Test of A Man by an unknown author). There was an inventive skit, a parody from the cult classic 1995 film, Friday (written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh), and two name reveals for the new brothers.
The final introductions are as follows:
Mr. Michael Hardman, Sr., a retired US Army Veteran of 21 years, who hails from Lake Charles, Louisiana, currently resides in Severn with his wife and two children. He currently works for the United States Department of Defense and serves as CEO of his own non-profit and coach for youth football. Hardman was introduced to the brotherhood and the public as #1, MAJOR PAYNE.
Dr. David Butler-Sims hails from Prince George’s County, Maryland, and currently resides in Bowie with his husband. He is the Division Director for the Division of Public Support Operations at the United States Social Security Administration and an Adjunct Professor of English at Anne Arundel Community College. Butler-Sims was introduced to the brotherhood and the public as #2 KING AUTHOR.
Mr. Michael Askins, a retired US Army Veteran of 22 years who hails from Florence, South Carolina, currently resides in Odenton with his wife and son. He currently works for the United States Department of Defense and serves as mentor and leader in his Freemasonry Lodge. Askinswas introduced to the brotherhood and the public as #3 BONE CRUSHER.
Mr. Jonathan Brailsford hails from Bronx, New York, and currently resides in Odenton, Maryland, with his fiancé. He is a current employee of the US Department of Defense and he volunteers his time as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Anne Arundel County. Brailsford was introduced to the brotherhood and the public as #4 LOCK BOX.
Dr. Dedric Bryant, a Medical Doctor Resident, is from Crownsville. He will be embarking on his medical residency in Lansing, Michigan this June after graduation from medical school this coming May. Bryant was introduced to the brotherhood and public as #5 PROMO.
Mr. Jordan Dove, a Financial Advisor, is from Gambrills. A prior semi-pro Soccer Player, Dove also serves as a referee for soccer programs across Maryland. Dove was introduced to the brotherhood and public as #6 COLD SWEAT.
Mr. Charles (Trey) Gross, III, is from Annapolis. A recent graduate of Delaware State
University, he is a declared prospect of both the NFL and XFL. He currently serves as a Student Success Coordinator in Anne Arundel County Public Schools and coaches youth football. Gross was introduced to the brotherhood and public as #7 SHOW TIME.
