Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.”
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” WELCOME TO OUR 8TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA Good Evening Everyone, On behalf of the host committee, I want to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedule to share with the Brothers of the Gamma Omicron Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. as we celebrate our 8th Annual Scholarship Gala and honorees. We are blessed that you would spend this evening with us as we celebrate and honor two very special men and provide financial support for students to continue their educational endeavors. Again, thank You for making this a special time to honor as well as celebrate higher education. Your presence makes a difference in the lives of our youth. Frederick Boyer Chairman Gamma Omicron Omega Scholarship Foundation Host Committee Aaron A. Jacobs, Sr. John House Fitzhugh Alford Jerry Pittman Marcus Reed Ben Lewis
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.”
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.”
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” GAMMA OMICRON OMEGA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS The proceeds from this year’s fund raising efforts will be donated to a Maryland area historically black college or university that serves the educational needs of our Baltimore area students. The 2024 scholarship donations will be awarded to the Frank Coakley Scholarship Foundation which has been established on the campus of Morgan State University. The donation will honor the memory of our late chapter members Robert Williams, Sr. and Evan Pittman.
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” 8th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA “CULTIVATING PATHS TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE” Greetings Master of Ceremony - Bro. Walter Fields Director of Communications Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. DINNER HOUR Purpose & Acknowledgements Brother Frederick Boyer, GALA Chair Introduction of Honoree Brother Fitzhugh Alford, Host Committee Honoree Remarks Julian E. Jones, Jr. Baltimore County Council, 4th District Presentation of Special Recognition Award Brother John House, Host Committee Honoree Remarks Brother Jerry O. Pittman Entertainment Rollex Band
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” Julian Jones, Jr. Baltimore County Council JULIAN EARL JONES JR., Baltimore County Council Chairman, Fourth District Councilman. Julian Jones was born and raised in East Baltimore in a working-class family with three sisters. His father, Julian Sr., worked at Bethlehem Steel for 42 years. His mother, Margaret, taught school for Baltimore City Public Schools for 36 years. Growing up, Julian would accompany his mother on Saturday mornings to the home of neighbors who were unfortunately illiterate. Julian would watch his mother read and explain mail and write checks for these neighbors. Julian’s parents taught him the importance of family values, hard work, honesty, integrity, community service and the importance of helping others. Julian graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. He then attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, UMBC. Julian worked the midnight shift at the Baltimore Zoo to pay for his education. One morning around 3:00AM, Julian heard an advertisement for openings at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department that would change his life. The Fire Fighter position paid $18,963 and Julian was making $12,000 at the Zoo. Julian applied for the position because of the increase in pay and better hours with the intention of quitting upon graduation from UMBC. In 1985, Julian joined the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Julian fell in love with the Fire Department. He loved the idea of helping people in need and saving lives. Julian graduated from UMBC in 1988 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Information Systems Management. Because of his love for the fire department and the satisfaction of helping others, Julian decided to stay in the fire department. Julian quickly advanced through the ranks becoming the first African-American Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Division Chief in the department’s history. Julian has held many positions in
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” the Fire Department including Executive Board member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1563, Co-Founder and President of the Anne Arundel County Professional Black Firefighter Association, President of the Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Chiefs Association, United Way Chairperson and has commanded several divisions in the fire department including the Communication, Logistics and Operations Division. Julian was a member of the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualification Board and had attained the highest professional certifications in many disciplines including Fire, Hazardous Materials, Instruction, Management and Rescue. Julian also led Maryland Fire and EMS forces on a rescue mission to New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. On June 1, 2016, Julian retired from the fire department with 32 years of service. Julian has a long history as an entrepreneur. He is a licensed Real Estate Agent and a Business Owner. His company specializes in real estate development, rehabilitation and renovation and was established in 1988. Julian is also a community leader, former PTA President of Hernwood Elementary School, member of the Caucus of African American Leaders and a two-term member of the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee. Julian was elected to the Baltimore County Council in 2014. Julian is a member of the Baltimore County spending affordability committee and has been an education, public safety, fair housing and minority business advocate. In 2018, Julian was elected by his colleagues to become the first African-American Chairman of the Baltimore County Council and the first to ever be elected Chairman three years consecutively in the history of Baltimore County. Julian continues to help people as a councilman. Julian has led by introducing and passing significant legislation in housing (source of income), gun control, education, police reform and many other meaningful pieces of legislation. Julian is married to Sabrina, has three children, Julianna, Malik and Sanaa and two granddaughters, Janiyah and Carter. He has three dogs and enjoys camping trips with his family in his 36’ travel trailer. He resides in Woodstock Maryland.
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD 2024 JERRY O. PITTMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PROGRESSIVE STEPS, INC. Jerry O. Pittman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Progressive Steps, Inc., has been an entrepreneur for more than 30 years. His vision has always been to help individuals with specialized needs maximize their potential. Progressive Steps, Inc., formerly Progressive Horizons, Inc., a 501 C-3 nonprofit agency, serves children in the treatment foster care system including individuals with mental illness. This entrepreneurial journey has afforded Mr. Pittman the opportunity to make more than five humanitarian trips to Ghana, West Africa. While visiting the capital city of Accra, Mr. Pittman established the first International Division of Progressive Horizons, Inc. PHI International donated medical supplies and equipment including prostheses to various hospitals. The highlight of the PHI International Expansion in Africa was the building of a school in Ghana for children with disabilities. The school was named after Mr. Pittman’s deceased son, Evan Jerron Pittman. Mr. Pittman has previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Advisory Board; Board member of the First Maryland Disability Trust Inc. and the Morgan State University Foundation Board. He also was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Developmental Disabilities Council and the Board of Physical Therapy.
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” Mr. Pittman has been a brother of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. for 50 years and served as its 16th International Grand Polaris. Mr. Pittman also served as IOTA’s International Grand Vice Polaris and was awarded the Graduate and Undergraduate Brother of the Year Awards. He is also one of the first recipients of the fraternity’s Thomas Dean Award. During Mr. Pittman’s term as 16th International Grand Polaris, he was featured in Black Enterprise, Ebony and Jet Magazines. Mr. Pittman, a native of Hampton, Virginia, received his B.A. Degree from Morgan State College now Morgan State University, and his MA Degree from Coppin State University. He also served as a Special Educator in the Baltimore City Public School System. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for more than 40 years until he joined his wife in worship at Morning Star Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Maryland. Mr. Pittman is married to Adrienne Walker-Pittman, former Spokeswoman for BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. They have three children, Kendrick, Carenda and Evan, who preceded them in death.
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” IOTA PHI THETA FRATERNITY, INC. GREETING FROM THE BROTHERS OF GAMMA OMICRON OMEGA BALTIMORE ALUMNI CHAPTER Chapter Overview Gamma Omicron Omega Alumni Chapter was Chartered, December 9, 2013. At the time, there were fourteen original members. Since the first Pledge Line started June 7, 2014, the membership has presently grown to over eighty members.The Chapter was created because a new graduate/alumni organization was needed in the BaltimoreMetropolitan area. Gamma Omicron Omega Alumni Chapter continues to focus on the concept of the Five Stars: citizenship, leadership, scholarship, fidelity, and brotherhood. Since its creation, the Chapter has participated and established programs that have a strong commitment to bringing about the empowerment of the African American Community. The Chapter continues to strive and serve with other Divine 9 Organizations with initiatives, such as community health fairs, food and clothing give-a-ways, expungement resources for ex-offenders, voter registration drives, and support for Veterans and the homeless population in the Baltimore-Metropolitan area, just to name a few.
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” Gamma Omicron Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., continues to grow and is one of the most respected chapters in Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Nationally and the Eastern Region. More importantly, its members continue to build on the fraternity’s commitment to success and excellence through individual and collective achievements in education, law, healthcare, and business. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS The Brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. are grateful to the following organizations that we have collaborated with through our Community Service Initiatives and Partnerships during 2023-2024. Franciscan Center MCVET The Powell Center The Sage Center My Sisters Place Real Life Changes Empowering Minds Mothers of Murdered Daughters and Sons The Central Y of Maryland- Forest Park High School Wayland Baptist Church Senior Living The AKA Pearl Foundation St Jude’s Children’s Hospital Misha House Reach Broadway Healthy Lives Christophers Place Our Daily Bread The House of Ruth Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
Honoring those who have historically “Cultivated Paths to Academic Success.” Gamma Omicron Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., continues to grow and is one of the most respected chapters in Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Nationally and the Eastern Region. More importantly, its members continue to build on the fraternity’s commitment to success and excellence through individual and collective achievements in education, law, healthcare, and business. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS The Brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. are grateful to the following organizations that we have collaborated with through our Community Service Initiatives and Partnerships during 2023-2024. Franciscan Center MCVET The Powell Center The Sage Center My Sisters Place Real Life Changes Empowering Minds Mothers of Murdered Daughters and Sons The Central Y of Maryland- Forest Park High School Wayland Baptist Church Senior Living The AKA Pearl Foundation St Jude’s Children’s Hospital Misha House Reach Broadway Healthy Lives Christophers Place Our Daily Bread The House of Ruth Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. NOTES