The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke with Kenneth Jones, the new program coordinator for the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, about his plans for his time at Penn.

The Phi Beta Sigma brother will succeed the late and beloved Larry Moses.

Jones is a Jackson State University graduate and received his Master in Science from Drexel University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in higher education at Morgan State University in Baltimore.

Daily Pennsylvanian: First off, welcome to Penn. What attracted you here?

Kenneth Jones: I just finished some coursework for my Ph.D. at Morgan State University and I was looking for a position within the field, specifically within student affairs. I was attracted to institutions that valued diversity.

DP: You were featured in a 2007 issue of Ebony magazine as one the nation’s top leaders under 30. What were you doing that caught the attention of this publication?

KJ: Before Penn, I was heavily involved in nonprofit work. I had spent my time with North Philadelphia youth and started a nonprofit that catered to teens and helped them get to college. I also exposed them to different poverty levels around the world. I took four teens to Soweto, South Africa, to better appreciate what they have in the world. I was working on my second master’s at 25 and I guess that’s what caught the attention of my professor from Mississippi who nominated me.

DP: What plans do you have as the new coordinator of OFSL?

KJ: I want to provide opportunities for students to be proud of their organizations and showcase their organizations in a great light. This includes programmatic opportunities for students to meet the Greeks. It also includes citywide initiatives because the Greek life at Penn sets the stage for Greek life in the city. I want to expose our students to leadership developments, community service and get them to be recognized by the city in a different way. I plan to do this by holding symposiums, continuing traditions such as the Penn Relays step show and rethinking recruitment strategies.

(Related: Penn sorority life expands with Alpha Delta Pi)

My immediate goals are to make sure that students are exposed to what they can offer to the city. Penn students have the opportunity to go out and change the city and the world. I really want to also make sure that the Greek community is seen in the best light on campus. They are full of leaders and future world changers in my opinion and I intend on ensuring that everyone sees that.

DP: How do you plan to meet the scholastic needs of students involved in Greek life?

KJ: Penn is full of academically focused students. However, I hope to gain more understanding of where Penn students balance academic and social life … In the past, I have created an academic enrichment program where I pair Greek students with other students on campus to help each other academically. If there isn’t something like this in place already, I would like to start it to make sure that Greek students are also academic leaders at Penn.

DP: Can you talk about your work and collegiate expertise with the LGBTQ community?

KJ: I’m writing my dissertation on experiences of homosexual men in black Greek letter organizations and exploring the origins of homophobia in these communities. As an openly gay man, I think that my experience is something that really informs a lot of my academic work and helps me understand what students may be going through.

At Penn, I want to make sure that students know that I am a safe space, an ally and someone who understands — as an openly gay man in a fraternity. This may mean many uncomfortable conversations with some and good conversation with others. I’m not sure how I can utilize that at Penn just yet. I honestly think it’s a part of me, but it’s not the focal point of what I do.

(Related: Unregistered frat party sanctions see structural change)

DP: What should we be looking out for in the near future?

KJ: A major event will be taking place on Sept. 26. The MGC will host Meet the Greeks, which is an opportunity for recruitment. It will be a great time, and there will be a DJ. Some groups will stroll, step, salute and present their organization. It’s also a great opportunity for people who want to know the organizations. It will be in [Houston Hall’s] Hall of Flags from 7-10 p.m.

http://www.thedp.com/article/2013/08/new-fraternity-sorority-life-coordinator

Joshua Washington is a Promising Professional at Louisiana State Business NetworkBREAUX BRIDGE, LOUISIANA, July 22, 2013 /State Business Network [1]/– Joshua Washington is one of Louisiana’s most promising young business leaders, who has already made a serious impact on the business community within the state.  His distinguished professional and academic achievements have earned Joshua Washington a place of distinction among other noteworthy young business leaders at Louisiana State Business Network. Joshua Washington is a graduate of Loyola University, where he earned a degree in Philosophy with a minor in Economics.  His academic life has been marked by one prestigious honor after another including an award for Outstanding Organization Officer/Leader of the Year as President of the Philosophy Club, the NAIA Champion of Character Award in 2010 and 2012,  and  membership with the following honor societies; Phi Beta Sigma, Phi Sigma Tau and Sigma Alpha Pi. He is a Loyola Student Scholar, nominated as the College of Business’ Freshman of the Year and was also recognized by Capital One Academic All District® in 2012. In addition Joshua received the SSAC All-Academic Team Award in 2010 and 2012. Joshua Washington has used his prestigious academic accomplishments to springboard into important corporate internships. In 2010, Joshua served as an Insurance Agent Intern with the Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company, the nation’s largest direct provider of personal life insurance with almost $2 trillion in current policies. He also served as an Inventory Associate with Wal-Mart. With a clearly marked out life path Joshua’s objectives include serving in a management position for a major corporation. Among his many skills and areas of expertise are public speaking, leadership and computer application operation.


http://www.watchlistnews.com/2013/08/23/joshua-washington-state-business-network/

ST. LOUIS, MO (KPLR) – The Boys and Girls’ Clubs of Greater St. Louis is having its back to back school bash Saturday. The Clubs’ president, Flint Fowler, talked with Christine Buck about the event and how students can set themselves up for a great new school year.

Kids can receive free backpacks, school supplies, beauty and barber haircuts sponsored by the Gamma Eta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, books, food, door prizes and more.

The event will take place at three locations.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, August 24
11:00am to 2:00pm

Herbert Hoover Club
2901 N. Grand Avenue

Adams Park Club
4317 Vista Avenue

Spanish Cove apartments
1708 San Remo Court

To join the Club, volunteer or for sponsorship opportunities contact 314-335-8000 or visitwww.bgcstl.org.

http://kplr11.com/2013/08/23/boys-and-girls-clubs-back-to-shool-bash/

Larry Miller joined the reporting team at ABC 33/40 in February.  He's excited to call the "Magic City" home and looking forward to his adventure in the Southeast.  

Larry comes to us from Southern Oregon where he anchored the morning news for KOBI-TV.  He covered big stories like the disappearance of Kyron Hormon, the largest wildfire in Oregon's history, and the Tsunami that hit the Oregon-California coast. 

Prior to working in news, Larry worked as an Educational and Training Specialist for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (P.A.A.R). He worked primarily with high school and college men on sexual violence prevention. Larry also led the organization's 'Got Consent?' campaign.  

He has a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Point Park University. 

He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists. 

In his spare time, Larry loves running! So, don't be surprised if you see him jogging in your neighborhood. If you have any good story ideas, feel free to send him an email.

http://www.abc3340.com/story/21532021/larry-miller

The Honorable Congressman John Lewis will join members, such as Jonathan A. Mason, Sr. and Reverend Al Sharpton, of his Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. brotherhood to commemorate the historic “March On Washington” 50 years later.

Washington, DC — Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc (PBS) are invigorated by their passionate return to Washington, D.C to celebrate the 50th Anniversary March for Jobs and Freedom.

On Saturday, August 24, 2013, Honorable Congressman John Lewis will join his Sigma Brotherhood members, such as Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder of National Action Network to commemorate the historic “March On Washington” 50 years later. The campaign aptly called “Thunder Back” is a clarion call to Phi Beta Sigma Men nationwide to travel to the nation’s capitol to commemorate one of the largest gatherings of African Americans and reignite the fight for human rights and justice for all people.

In tribute to the courageous Freedom Riders of 1963, Phi Beta Sigma men and their supporters will board buses in seven major cities and travel to Washington D.C. to march with citizens from around the nation. The cities where buses will be boarded are Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, New York and Philadelphia.

“I am honored Congressman John Lewis, the only person living who spoke from the podium at the first March On Washington 50 years ago and Hank Thomas, an original 1963 Freedom Rider, are participants in our ‘Thunder Back’ initiative,” said Jonathan A. Mason. “Though we have accomplished many of the objectives Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of 50 years ago, our work is not yet done. Thus, we return to Washington, DC to march for jobs, justice and equality!” Mason added.

As the leading proactive community services organization, PBS through its Thunder Back campaign is encouraging its chapters to reach out and recruit Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. sisters, Sigma Beta Club members and extended campus and community supporters to be participants in the historic celebration.

Sigma brothers and supporters can participate in three key events: (1) Town Hall Meeting on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 2168 Rayburn House Office Building, Gold Room, located at 45 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. Program starts at 4 pm. The Town Hall Meeting includes speakers Congressman John Lewis, Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Mary Breaux Wright, International President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Ivory Lyles, International Director of Social Action, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Hank Thomas, an original Freedom Rider and Dr. Anthony A. Samad, Author/Scholar/Columnist; (2) Civil Rights Breakfast Sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Sigma Sigma Chapter at The Club @ Bolling Air Force Base, located at 50 Theisen Street, NW, Washington, D.C. The breakfast begins at 7:45 am on Saturday, August 24, 2013 and features a conversation with Civil Rights Pioneers Congressman John Lewis and Dr. Cordy Tindell (C.T.) Vivian, President, Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Tickets cost $50 per person and (3) The 50th Anniversary March on Washington On Saturday, August 24, 2013. Sponsored by the National Action Network and Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The March begins at 10:00 AM at Lincoln Memorial, located at 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, D.C.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., established in 1914 on Howard University, is a global organization with over 450 chapters and 150,000 members. To learn more, visit www.phibetasigma1914.org

source:
Ron Carter
tca@sbcglobal.net