USC Aiken staff member recognized as Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year by local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. District
Dr. Jamel Hodges, director of institutional culture and belonging at the University of South Carolina Aiken, has been named Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year by the South Carolina District of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. The award was presented as part of the 63rd Annual District Conference in Summerville, S.C.
Each year, alumni, and undergraduates in Alpha Phi Alpha chapters throughout the South Carolina District compete for the award, which is based on a member's contributions to the fraternity at the chapter, state/district, regional, and national level, as well as contributions to the community, awards and achievements, years of active participation in the chapter, and personal service.
"Honestly, I don't do any of the work I do for recognition," Hodges said. "However, I must admit that it does feel good to be recognized for the work I put into my chapter and the community. It confirms that I'm doing something right."
Hodges recalled the time he was once inspired to join Alpha Phi Alpha during his freshman year at USC Aiken. He said it was the exemplary leadership of close friends and student leaders on campus that motivated him to take a closer look at the men in the chapter.
After graduating in 2011, Hodges has continued to serve his Pacer family and the Aiken community. His contributions include serving as the president/director of educational activities for the Omicron Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., chair of USC Aiken's Black Alumni Council, and more.
Hodges will now represent his district in the Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year competition for the Southern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Charlotte on Feb. 29 - March 2, 2024, where he will compete against district winners from North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest intercollegiate African-American fraternity in history. It was founded on the campus of Cornell University on Dec. 4, 1906.
For more information, contact Angela Saxon, angela.saxon@usca.edu