HOST CHAPTER OF THE 84 TH GCM: PHILADELPHIA (PA) ALUMNI CHAPTER
Members of the Philadelphia (PA) Alumni Chapter with some of the members of the Achievement Academy prepare to beautify the sur- rounding area. A Conversation with Philadelphia (PA) Alumni Polemarch
Polemarch L. Douglas Harrell, Jr. (Theta Delta 1977) serves as the Accounts Pay- able Assistant Director for the School District of Philadelphia. Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the same profession? A: Besides the obvious of taking account- ing or finance courses in school, I would recommend learning and developing computer Microsoft Excel and Crystal software writing skills. Also, find a men- tor, someone who is experienced in the profession and can provide you with keen insights beyond the obvious. A: I love serving the brothers, from preparing for our regular Chapter or Board of Directors meetings to speak- ing to the parents on opening day of our Achievement Academy (Guide Right) program. However, the most important job of an Alumni Chapter Polemarch is that of presiding over a brother’s Kappa Memorial Service and providing comfort Q: What do you enjoy most about being Chapter Polemarch?
to the bereaved family. Unfortunately, I have far too many during my brief tenure and I know other Polemarchs have had the same experiences. But at the end of the day, if we can help ease the pain of a Silhouette and a Kappa Family, that is what Phi Nu Pi is all about. Q: What accomplishments has Philadel- phia (PA) Alumni accomplished since you’ve been Polemarch? A: The Chapter has received the North- eastern Province Large Chapter of the year award for “Reclamation.” Our chap- ter has been, recognized on the floors of the Pennsylvania State House of Repre- sentatives, the Pennsylvania State Senate and the Philadelphia City Council. We are very visible in the local community and are one of the key members of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Our members continue to stand out and have received a host of awards representing our chapter in general, and Achievement, in particular.
Plan over the last four years?
A: We are very much, supportive of the 33 rd Administration and have made sure we are following the blueprint provided through its Six-Point Plan. Following are some of the areas and key accomplish- ments. COMMUNITY SERVICE – Inspire public service interest through parallel initiatives on all levels of the fraternity. We continue to sponsor one of the top mentoring programs in the Philadelphia area, through our Guide Right Initiative, The Achievement Academy. This year we mentored 96 young men from ages 8-18 in traditional leadership skills, but also general skills such as etiquette, proper dress, and gentlemanly practices. We also partnered with various organiza- tions to host “shredding” events for the communities We adopted our block in Germantown and participate in citywide street cleaning days.
Q: What work has Philadelphia (PA) Alumni done towards Kappa’s Six-Point
The chapter hosted several Sunday of
24 | 84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING ISSUE THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement for 105 years
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker