SCHOLARS BRIEFING
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 stemcityusa.com/boule
PROGRAM AGENDA
Gamma Boule Scholarship Brunch
Welcome
Invocation
Brunch
History of the Gamma Boule
Remarks
Remarks
Keynote Speaker
Welcome Current Scholars
Introduction of 2025 Scholars
Closing Remarks
Archon Tony Torain
Archon Reginald Thomas
Archon Stu Simms
Sire Archon Williams
Archon Bert Hash, Mentoring Male Teens “In the Hood” Board Member
Archon Drew Hawkins
Archon Athol Morgan
Archon Morgan
Archon Neil Porter
TRENT WILLIAMS
Sire Archon, Gamma Boulé
Dear Archons, Archousai, Scholars, and Esteemed Guests,
It is with great pride and heartfelt appreciation that I welcome you to the 2025 Gamma Boulé Foundation Annual Scholars Briefing. This gathering represents the very essence of our mission—to uplift, empower, and invest in the academic journeys of our next generation of leaders.
The Scholars Program is a cornerstone of our Foundation’s commitment to excellence and equity. Through the tireless work of our Social Action Committee, led by Chairman Archon Tony Torain, we continue to offer not just financial support, but meaningful mentorship, guidance, and community to each of our Scholars. This morning’s program serves as both an introduction to our incoming 2025 Scholars and a celebration of the achievements and aspirations of those currently enrolled or recently graduated.
Over the past year, our Social Action Committee has sustained impactful initiatives—from the one-on-one mentoring program that pairs Scholars with Archons, to our cherished holiday gathering that strengthens the bonds of fellowship and encouragement. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Gamma Boulé Foundation has consistently been honored by the Grand Boulé for having one of the nation’s most outstanding Social Action Programs, including receiving the prestigious Shropshire Matching Grant Award.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering generosity of our Archons, Archousai, and friends. Your continued support helps open doors for our Scholars, many of whom go on to leave remarkable imprints in medicine, law, engineering, the arts, and beyond.
To our 2025 Scholars: Welcome. You are the embodiment of promise, purpose, and progress. To our returning Scholars and alumni: We are inspired by your perseverance and proud of your growth. You each represent the living legacy of what our Founders envisioned when they created a fraternity rooted in mutual uplift and service to our communities. Thank you all for joining us today. Let us continue this vital work—together.
With gratitude and resolve
TONY W. TORAIN,II
Chair, Social Action Committee
Dear Honored Guests, Scholars, Families, and Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 Gamma Boulé Foundation Scholars Briefing. We sincerely appreciate all of you who support the Foundation as we celebrate and honor the outstanding achievements of our Scholars.
The Scholars Briefing recognizes the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of our new Scholars as they matriculate to college and our current Scholars who are in college, those who are in graduate and professional programs, and those who have started to pursue their careers. These exceptional young Black men have demonstrated commitment to their education, leadership, and community service.
We also acknowledge and honor our donors and sponsors who have generously given to make these scholarships possible. Your donations allow us to invest in the future leaders of our community and the world.
To the families and mentors of our Scholars, thank you for guiding and encouraging them throughout their lives. Your roles in their journeys are invaluable. We thank you for believing in their abilities to accomplish their goals and to set more challenging goals as they grow as young adults and professionals.
We know that you will be inspired by our Scholars’ stories of perseverance and achievement. Thank you all for your participation in this wonderful occasion and for your unwavering support.
HISTORY OF THE SIGMA PI PHI FRATERNITY
Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 15, 1904, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is the oldest Black Greek-letter graduate-level fraternity in existence. Its founders were six extraordinary Black American men who supported the vision of establishing a fraternity for men of achievement as articulated by its primary founder, Henry McKee Minton. Minton envisioned a fraternity in which Black men of distinction would be invited to become members of a close fraternal union for their mutual benefit and to seek to enhance their underserved communities.
Minton’s vision was readily embraced by the small group with whom he initially shared it. The group included:
• Henry M. Minton, Ph.G. — Philadelphia College of Pharmacy graduate in 1895, and a second-year Jefferson Medical School student who in 1906 would become its second Black American graduate.
• Algernon B. Jackson, M.D. — in 1901 the first Black American graduate of Philadelphia’s Jefferson Medical School, having previously attended the Indiana University Medical College.
• Edwin C.J.T. Howard, M.D. — in 1865 one of the first two Black American graduates of the Harvard Medical School.
• Richard J. Warrick, D.D.S. — a 1900 Black American graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery.
Having consented to establish Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, these men agreed to meet again in two weeks to approve the Fraternity’s constitution and ritual and elect its initial officers. During that two-week interval, they also added two men to the group:
• Eugene T. Hinson, M.D. — an 1898 Black American graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School.
• Robert J. Abele, M.D. — the first Black American graduate in 1895 of the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
These eminent six men are the founders of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
The purpose of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity since its inception is reflected in the words of the Preamble to its constitution:
Whereas it seems wise and good that men of ambition, refinement and self-respect should seek the society of one another, both for the mutual benefit and to be an example of the higher type of manhood;
Be it resolved that a Society be organized for the purpose of binding men of like qualities into a close, sacred fraternal union, that they may know the best of one another, and that each in this life may to his full ability aid the other and by concerted action bring about those things that seem best for all that cannot be accomplished by individual effort.
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is also known as the Boulé, a title derived from Greek history and designating a council of chiefs. Moreover, the titles of its officers and its members also derive from Greek history, and the names assigned to its local affiliates correspond to the letters of the Greek alphabet.
The Fraternity has functioned secretly and avoided publicity for most of its existence. Since 1982, however, it has adopted a policy allowing for selected media exposure while continuing to operate privately with little fanfare.
Sigma Pi Phi remains true to its original purposes of enhancing the professional and interpersonal lives of its members and contributing to the enhancement of underserved communities.
Importantly, the Fraternity has systematically embraced programs and activities that support historically Black colleges and universities, national civil rights organizations and causes, and local scholarship programs for youth, particularly for young Black males.
Moreover, it has supported communities stricken by natural catastrophes such as those precipitated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in New Orleans,
Louisiana, and Texas in 2005, and the 2010 earthquake that devastated areas of Haiti. The Fraternity contributed to the establishment of the Museum of African American History and Culture and continues to support organizations committed to enhancing community health as well as social, economic and educational opportunities.
Presently, the Fraternity internally supports such outstanding programs as the Boulé Scholars Program, which identifies and provides student scholarships and mentoring activities to enhance college attendance and success; the Parity-Base 11 Foundation initiative, conceptualized to identify, encourage and support students who pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and the Young Adult Career Symposium, that facilitates networking and professional development for early-career professionals who are members of the Grand Boulé family.
Additionally, a variety of local pre-college scholarship and mentoring programs are sponsored by individual member boulés.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER, W. DREW HAWKINS
W. Drew Hawkins is a seasoned financial industry leader with over 30 years of experience. He began his career in 1989 as an Account Executive with Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., which later became Morgan Stanley. Rising through the ranks, he held several key positions, including Regional Sales and Marketing Director for the Northeast Division and Managing Director of Wealth Management—the first African American to achieve this role. Recognizing the unique financial needs of athletes and entertainers, Hawkins founded and led Morgan Stanley’s Global Sports & Entertainment Division for five years.
In 2018, Hawkins launched Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment, a venture rooted in his passion for financial education and wellness. Edyoucore focuses on helping athletes and entertainers make informed fiscal, lifestyle, and financial choices. A key area of growth has been the integration of mental health resources, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of money management.
A respected voice on financial literacy, Hawkins has appeared on Fox’s Mornings with Maria, CNBC’s Squawk Box, the NFL Network, and contributed to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Business Journal, and Athlete’s Quarterly.
A Maryland native, Hawkins is deeply involved in civic life. He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including Governor Wes Moore’s Transition Team, the Anne Arundel Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission, and as a co-founder and past president of Black Professional Men Inc. His past affiliations also include leadership roles with CASA, Goodwill Industries of Maryland, the Urban League of Southern Connecticut, and The Guardsmen – Baltimore Chapter.
Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Commissioner on the Maryland Aviation Commission, Vice Chair of the UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, and Board Member of the Brigance Brigade and the Sports & Entertainment Corp of Maryland. He is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Outside his professional and civic commitments, Hawkins enjoys mentoring, speaking on financial wellness, and spending time boating, fishing, and cheering for the Baltimore Ravens.
MEET THE SCHOLARS
Vaughn Midder – 2011
Vaughn Midder graduated in 2014 from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.A. in Theatre. He has worked as a theatre practitioner and member of the Actors’ Equity Association for over seven years. In 2016, he received a regional Helen Hayes Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical.” He went on to win First Place in Monologue Madness (2018) and became the DC chapter winner of the National Society of Arts and Letters drama competition in 2019. Vaughn performed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as a Museum Educator and completed a national tour with The John F. Kennedy Center while also working as a certified personal trainer.
Rajah Reid – 2011
Rajah Reid graduated from Tufts University in 2015 with a degree in Sociology.
Kendall Pace – 2013
Kendall Pace has worked as a financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments, serving over 100 individuals and businesses. He enrolled in coursework at New York University to earn his CFP designation by Summer 2024. Kendall has delivered free financial wellness seminars throughout Prince George’s County and has served as an officer for his local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and its affiliated charitable foundation.
Jason Young – 2013
Jason Young earned a degree in Biological Sciences from UMBC, where he was both a Gamma Boulé and MARC Scholar. He went on to complete a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Technology from the University of Maryland and currently works as a cybersecurity analyst.
Charles Belo – 2014
Charles Belo graduated from Dickinson College in 2018 with a dual major in International Studies and French & Francophone Studies. While at Dickinson, he was active in student government, varsity swimming, and peer mentoring. He earned the Certificat d’Études Politiques from SciencesPo Toulouse during his study abroad. After graduation, he worked for four years at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, supporting the Chief of Staff with high-level communications and planning. In 2022, Charles began pursuing a J.D. at Columbia Law School. Following his first year, he worked at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and Policy, focusing on research related to climate regulation. His career interests include IP Law, International Law, Negotiations, and In-House Counsel.
Chineme Obiefune – 2014
Chineme Obiefune earned a B.S. in Operations Management & Business Analytics from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2018. He began his career as a Management Consultant at Deloitte, specializing in the telecom sector, before joining Pinterest as a Senior Associate on the Sales, Strategy & Operations team.
Elijah Boswell – 2015
Elijah Boswell studied Public Health at the University of Maryland, College Park. He held roles at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History’s Paleobiology Division and interned at the Milken Institute of Public Health at George Washington University. He also served as a secretary and planned to pursue graduate studies.
Brandon Foster – 2015
Brandon Foster is currently a medical student at Stanford University School of Medicine. He has served as Diversity Liaison for the SNMA and as a social chair for the SUMMA. Brandon performed with a student string quartet and coauthored a peer-reviewed publication after clinical research in anesthesiology. He presented at the American Society of Regional Anesthesia conference in Florida. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2019 with honors in Biological Sciences and Music Performance and previously conducted brain tumor and health disparity research at NIH.
Michael Holmes – 2016
Michael Holmes graduated from Yale College in 2020 with a B.S. in Physics. During college, he served as Illustrations Editor for the Yale Daily News. He currently works as a Publishing/Editorial Assistant at Simon & Schuster in New York City.
Kamal Morgan – 2016
K amal Morgan graduated from the College of Wooster in 2020 and earned a Master of Arts in Magazine, Newspaper, and Digital Journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University in 2021. He now serves as the Equity Reporter at the Pensacola News Journal.
Kyle Kesler – 2017
Kyle Kesler graduated magna cum laude from Howard University with a degree in Advertising. He has pursued entrepreneurial ventures and continued to build a professional career in brand and communications strategy.
Johnathan Anderson – 2017
Johnathan Anderson graduated with honors from Cornell University in 2020 with a B.S. in Computer Science. He joined Vise, a fintech startup in New York, where he became the company’s longest-tenured Software Engineer, contributing to critical systems across data infrastructure, portfolio construction, and engineering hiring.
William Little IV – 2017
William Little IV graduated from MIT in 2021 with a B.S. in Finance. He works at T. Rowe Price Investment Management as a U.S. Equity Associate Analyst and was honored with a Global DEI Excellence Award in 2022 for advancing inclusive practices at the firm.
Okezie Okoro – 2018
Okezie Okoro graduated from Brown University with International Honors in Economics. He served as CoPresident of Black in Business and founded the Black Consulting Initiative at Brown. He joined McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst and spent four months in Senegal studying management and supporting regional startup incubation.
Wayne Garrus III – 2018
Wayne Garrus III graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Computer Science. He began his career as a Software Engineer at Microsoft and later pursued licensing in personal finance.
Chidebelum Nnake – 2018
Chidebelum Nnake is a medical student at Columbia University. He received the Equity and Justice Fellowship and conducted orthopedic research. He also led initiatives through White Coats for Black Lives and organized a food pantry supporting over 600 families.
Bomani Kopano – 2018
Bomani Kopano completed his undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He conducted research in the Soft Mechanics and Electronics Lab and entered the engineering workforce in 2024.
Evains Francois – 2019
Evains Francois graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He held leadership roles in multiple student organizations and interned in Quito, Ecuador on water quality initiatives.
Donyell Logan – 2019
Donyell Logan earned a B.S. in Medicinal Chemistry with honors from Syracuse University. He co-authored multiple publications, presented at national conferences, and was awarded Syracuse’s highest research honor, the Chancellor’s Citation. He now attends Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in a two-year MD-PhD Bridge Program.
Isaiah Kessler – 2020
Isaiah Kessler is a senior at Denison University majoring in Black Studies and French. He captains the varsity track team and held roles in multiple student groups. He studied abroad in Cameroon and worked as a DEI Director at Camp Treetops. He plans to pursue graduate studies and a career in aviation.
Isaiah Swinton – 2020
Isaiah Swinton is pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science and Game Design at DigiPen Institute of Technology. He plans to gain industry experience at a game studio before launching his own.
John Djeuf – 2021
John has had a wonderful senior year. In the fall, he had the opportunity to serve on the executive board of the National Society of Black Engineers where he was able to foster an environment for black students in STEM at the University of Maryland. In the winter, He earned a scholarship to study abroad in Dubai learning about the financial growth of the Middle Eastern economy. He recently finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and will focus on the business applications of computer science as he begins the product development program at capital one.
Gerald C. Akwuole – 2021
Gerald Akwuole is a junior at UNC Chapel Hill, double majoring in Physics and Political Science with a minor in Data Science. He teaches at a summer science camp and works on local political campaigns as a policy analyst.
Boubacar Sall – 2021
Boubacar Sall is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Economics with a minor in Data Science. He is an Army ROTC Cadet, member of the U.S. Army Reserve, and active in leadership roles with the UMD Jiu-Jitsu Club.
Donzell Brown – 2022
Donzell Brown is studying Mechanical Engineering at The Cooper Union. His first year included both academic challenges and achievements in robotics. He credits Gamma Boule for ongoing support in his journey.
David Adebogun – 2022
David Adebogun is a sophomore at Yale University studying Applied Math. He is passionate about music and athletics and is actively engaged in the Gamma Boule community.
Oluwatoni Akintola – 2022
Oluwatoni (Toni) Akintola is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Computer Science and Economics. He leads projects for Computer Science for Good and holds leadership roles in academic and international research initiatives.
Olu Kopano – 2022
Olu Kopano is pursuing a degree in Global Studies with a minor in Entrepreneurship at UNC Chapel Hill. He has held leadership roles in NIL initiatives and student-run business collectives. He interned at the Whole Health Institute in Arkansas, working on holistic health strategies.
Jalen Henson – 2023
Jalen Henson is a first-generation college student attending the University of Maryland, College Park on a full scholarship. He is majoring in Computer Science and has ambitious career plans.
Jonathan Prescott – 2023
Jonathan Prescott is a Neuroscience major at Johns Hopkins University. His goal is to become a research physician, driven by a lifelong interest in human biology.
Demetrius Profic – 2023
Demetrius Profic, a Dulaney High School graduate from Baltimore County, began his studies in Political Science at Yale University. He is committed to advocacy and public service.
Tony Hicks – 2023
Tony Hicks graduated from Gerstell Leadership Academy as a scholar-athlete and student leader. He held roles in multiple honor societies, co-captained the varsity basketball team, and earned numerous athletic accolades. He volunteered as a math and reading tutor and plans to study Computer Science at either Morehouse College or North Carolina A&T.
Ayodele Ayoola – 2024
Ayodele Ayoola graduated from the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Catonsville, MD. He was class president and president of the Black Student Association. He now attends Columbia University, majoring in Economics, with aspirations for a legal career in civil rights and malpractice law.
Kellen Bell – 2024
Kellen Bell is a sophomore at Tulane University, majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology on a pre-med track. He supports food insecurity initiatives and has been named a College Scholar, Peer Success Leader, and Seminar Mentor.
James Allen C. Leyba – 2024
James-Allen Leyba is a sophomore at Princeton University majoring in International and Public Policy. He studied abroad in Spain to strengthen his Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge.
Reuben Marshall Jr. – 2024
My name is Reuben(TJ) Marshall, and I am a rising sophomore attending the University of Maryland Baltimore County as a Meyerhoff Scholar. I am a Mechanical Engineering Major, and Computer Science Minor, and my long term goal is to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering so that I can participate in the research and development of prosthetics and robotics based artificial organs.
INTRODUCING THE 2025 SCHOLARS
Richard Anderson – 2025
Richard Anderson is a graduating senior at Milford Mill Academy. He will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where he plans to major in Biology on the pre-med track. Richard aspires to become a doctor in order to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.
Sean Marshall – 2025
Sean Marshall is a graduate of Woodlawn High School and will attend Coppin State University as a Presidential Scholar, majoring in Cybersecurity Engineering. Sean is passionate about protecting the digital infrastructure that underpins modern society and plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity. He also aspires to become an educator in mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, and music composition. Prior to college, Sean served as the Coordinator of Tutoring Programs at Woodlawn High School, where he led three major initiatives: After School Enrichment, School-Day Tutoring, and the SAT Bootcamp. During his tenure, he secured a $30,000 grant to support the continuation of the school-day tutoring program.
Travis Pennington – 2025
Travis Pennington is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and a graduating senior at Baltimore City College. This fall, he will attend Johns Hopkins University to pursue studies in Computer/Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. Travis enjoys nature walks, volunteering, exploring the city, exercising, playing chess and video games, and catching up on sleep when time allows. While his future path remains open, he looks forward to embracing new challenges with enthusiasm and resilience.
Tyree Wyatt – 2025
Tyree Wyatt was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He is the Valedictorian of the Green Street Academy Class of 2025. This fall, he will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where he will major in Business Finance. Tyree is known for his academic excellence and leadership and is eager to make his mark in the world of business.
GAMMA BOULE FOUNDATION
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Archon Tony Torain, Chair
Archon Roland Selby
Archon Abdul Soudan
Archon Athol Morgan
Archon Bert Hash
Archon Carl Freeman
Archon David Saunders
Archon Joe Jones
Archon Ken Grant
Archon Neil Porter
Archon Dwayne Debnam
Archon Tyrone Taborn
Archon Tom Stewart
Archon Joe Simms
