ALPHA RHO'S END OF SUMMER 2020 SHINE -- 7 BROTHERS MAKING MOVES, MAKING AN IMPACT

BROTHER WADE MEDFORD III -- SPRING 2020

Brother Wade Medford III chose to use the culture-shifting Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to further his entrepreneurial endeavors by motivating people to better themselves both physically and mentally. To that end, he launched his business, Medford Advancement LLC, in July of this year with a focus on personal boxing instruction for friends, family, and anyone interested in learning the sport.

At the core of this Atlanta-based operation is Medford's belief that boxing is an ideal stress reliever and one of the best fitness workouts a person can perform -- perhaps perfect for clients whose daily routines have now shifted to more sedentary work-from-home situations. He hopes to develop his latest business venture into a stand alone boxing gym soon after he completes his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College.

Mathematics and technology have always been of primary interest to Medford, which led to his current pursuit of a 5-year dual degree in Applied Physics and Aerospace Engineering to be completed with the Class of 2023. He has made the Dean’s List every semester since he arrived at Morehouse and is also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSBE). Prior to college, he graduated from one of Atlanta's premiere comprehensive magnet schools, North Atlanta High School.

Brother Medford was born and raised in the West End of Atlanta, Georgia where he attended elementary school just walking distance from the Morehouse campus. Both of parents are products of an HBCU experience -- his mother having graduated from Spelman College and his father having attended nearby Morris Brown College.

In addition to his latest venture, he is currently the President of a music management company called 19th District and has served as a mathematics tutor at Ron Clark Academy, a food distribution volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and a book organizer for Books for Africa.

Pictured above: The ANOMALOUS 11 Brotherhood, initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College, Spring 2020.

BROTHER AARON HOPKINS -- FALL 2013

Brother Hopkins describes his career path in Public Health following the completion of a first-of-its-kind fellowship program at NYC's Mount Sinai Hospital:

"In 2018, I began a leadership development program at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. NYC is the largest public healthcare market in the nation, and not only has the most hospitals of any city but also the highest number of “US News & World Report” top-20-ranked hospitals within a 7 mile radius. A very intimidating and competitive place to be to say the least. In addition, back in March of this year NYC was designated the epicenter of the Covid-19 outbreak -- a once in a lifetime pandemic where many citizens and healthcare staff have given their lives to treat and take care of those who have been infected. And, the fight is not over yet.

As a result of the racial tensions also rising in the nation, now more than ever before, it is important to make certain that our voices are heard and that our opinions and decisions matter in the fight for healthcare equality and equity. While NYC is the epitome of a "melting pot" and is dubbed the most diverse city in the nation and arguably the world, racially this isn’t apparent or reflected in the mid-level to senior-level leadership at most hospitals and public health organizations here, most notably for African Americans who comprise 25% of the city’s population.

In 2015, Mount Sinai Hospital determined that this was an issue that could no longer be tolerated and needed to be rectified -- hence the development their current day Fellowship program. The program is the only one of its kind in the nation that specifically recruits and hires minorities in healthcare and provides mentorship, professional development, and provides participants with the opportunity to make a difference at the #14-ranked hospital in the nation.

I am pleased to announce that as of August, 2020, I am the first African American to have started, competed and successfully transitioned from the program into a management role as an Administrator of Clinical Operations (Internal Medicine, Cardiology & Neurology) at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Rest assured, even with this landmark accomplishment there is still a long road ahead in securing more leadership roles that better reflect and provide access to underserved communities in New York and around the country. But please know -- there is still light at the end of the tunnel to eradicate healthcare disparities."

Pictured above: The ZIONIC 23 Brotherhood, initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College, Fall 2013.

BROTHER ARRIN RICHARDS -- SPRING 2009

From www.nealharwell.com: Neal & Harwell attorney Arrin K. Richards was named a finalist for the 2020 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELAs). The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville present the NELAs annually to Nashville area young professionals for their significant career accomplishments and their contribution to the community.

Brother Arrin Richards joined Neal & Harwell in January 2018 as an Associate attorney. He previously worked in the Office of the General Counsel at Vanderbilt University, most recently as Assistant General Counsel. Arrin serves as a Board Member of the Nashville Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. He also serves as President of the Napier-Looby Bar Association. He is a member of the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee and a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

Arrin is a 2015 graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, where he served on the Executive Board of the Black Law Students Association. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration from Morehouse College. A native of Fort Washington, Maryland, Arrin now resides in Downtown Nashville.

His practice focuses on commercial transactions, bankruptcy, commercial real estate, estate planning, and civil litigation. Within these fields, he represents businesses with a variety of legal issues, including complex commercial disputes, commercial lending matters, and real estate transactions.

Pictured above: The APOTHEOTIC 21 Brotherhood, initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College, Spring 2009.

BROTHER MARCUS DANIELS -- SPRING 2007

From www.marej.org: The Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal has selected Marcus N. Daniels as a member of the Top 40 Under 40 for 2020!

Brother Daniels represents developers, corporations, law firms, government agencies, non-profit and faith based organizations in complex commercial real estate transactions throughout major cities in the United States. Mr. Daniel is an expert in providing tenant and landlord representation services to property owners, institutions and businesses for the acquisition and disposition of office, industrial, retail and specialty properties throughout the country. As evidenced by his repeat client base, Mr. Daniels understands that every real estate transaction begins with the needs of each client as predetermined by specific corporate goals that are supported by the execution of a strategic real estate service plan.

Prior to joining NAI Michael, Daniels was Managing Partner of Daniels Development Group, Founder and CEO of Maryland Community Development Corporation and Assistant Vice President of Community Development Banking at Harbor Bank of Maryland, where he managed community development lending for the construction of charter schools, business facilities, community centers and healthcare facilities. Daniels Development Group is a strategic advisory and consulting firm based in Washington, DC providing commercial real estate education, consulting and sports and entertainment advisory services.

Mr. Daniels started his career as a Chief of Staff in the Maryland General Assembly where he handled legislative matters including housing, community development and judiciary issues for a member of the House of Delegates. Mr. Daniels also served as the Community Engagement Manager for Bon Secours Baltimore Health System and as a Legislative Fellow at the United States Department of the Treasury at the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund during the Obama Administration.

Mr. Daniels currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Community Youth Advance and serves on the board of Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School. Previously, Mr. Daniels served on the Board of Directors of Laurel Regional Hospital, formerly of Dimensions Healthcare System and now the University of Maryland Medical System and on the United Health Group Community Advisory Committee. Mr. Daniels also is a board member for the United Way of Prince George's County and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington - Prince George’s County Region.

Pictured above: The VERACIOUS 17 Brotherhood, initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College, Spring 2007.

BROTHER TARRIK D. MABON -- SPRING 2005

From: www.mountvernonschool.org: Kicking-off the 2020-21 school year, Mount Vernon is pleased to announce the appointment of Tarrik D'Onta "Coach T" Mabon to a new role at the school.

As a man of faith and service, and after leading Middle School chapel for several years, Coach T is excited to expand his reach school-wide as the Director of Spiritual Life for Mount Vernon.

He has been at the School since 2014, teaching history and humanities in Middle School, instructing PE, and serving as Head Basketball Coach where he is also a mentor and role model, among other roles/responsibilities. A Memphis, Tennessee native, Mabon is a 2007 graduate of Morehouse College with a B.A. Degree in Finance.

Given the gift of delivery through compassion, Coach T’s chapel messages are inspiring, inclusive, and always filled with hope. He is well loved by parents, students, and faculty who are continuously inspired and energized by the way he models values of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

“Once again, I am completely blown away at GOD’s grace and mercy over my life," Brother Mabon shared. "It is with great humility and honor that I assume the role of Director of Spiritual Life. Mount Vernon is truly a special place for myself, my wife Sherida and our two boys, T.J. and Shemar. In these unique and challenging times of growth, I am encouraged that GOD is going to permeate our community in a beautiful and loving way. Truly grateful to be at an institution that took a chance on me and believes in my passion.”

Pictured above: The TRANSCENDENT 12 Brotherhood, initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College, Spring 2005.

BROTHER JASON R. BLAKE -- FALL 1998

From www.pepsico.com: Jason R. Blake has rejoined PepsiCo as the Chief Sustainability Officer for PBNA. In this newly created role, Jason will lead PBNA’s efforts to deliver on their long-term sustainability targets across the full beverage portfolio.

Blake is a twelve-year PepsiCo veteran who is returning to the company and brings with him a wealth of experience across sales, customer management and general management, in both beverages and foods. Previously, he served as the Senior Vice President of Customer Management & Channel Strategy for Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), in which he led PepsiCo’s Target and Costco teams and channel strategy for FLNA in traditional and emerging e-commerce.

His prior assignments included the Region Vice President for the Southeast Region of Frito-Lay North America, Senior Director of Customer Management for the Great Lakes Region of Pepsi Beverages Company, and the Senior Director of Sales for the Carolinas Region of Frito-Lay North America. Jason originally joined PepsiCo in 2007 in the company’s Corporate Strategy & Development organization. Prior to joining PepsiCo, he worked on Wall Street.

Previously, Blake worked for Delta Air Lines where he has most recently served as Vice President, Commercial since June 2019. At Delta, he led the diversification and de-risking of the company’s revenue model; and shifting their investment thesis through product innovation, business development, partnerships and the introduction of new technical and functional capabilities.

Blake holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Morehouse.

Pictured above: The ANASTASIS 25 Brotherhood, initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College, Fall 1998.

BROTHER MAURICE COOPER -- SPRING 1999

From www.target.com: Seasoned C-Suite exec Maurice Cooper was recently named the SVP of Marketing by Target Brands, Inc. Cooper will oversee Target's marketing, creating plans that are guest-centric, culturally relevant and inclusive to fuel consumer affinity for Target's brand and grow its business.

He will lead the strategy and execution of brand, category and promotions marketing across paid, owned and shared media, while also overseeing key campaigns such as Holiday.

Cooper brings significant experience and success as a strategic and innovative marketing leader having previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth & Experience Officer at Wingstop Restaurants, the fast-growing, fast-casual chain known for its chicken wings. In addition, Cooper has had executive brand marketing roles at Intercontinental Hotels Group and The Coca-Cola Company. Most recently, he founded and led Forward Vision Strategies, a marketing consulting firm.

Cooper is a 2001 graduate of Morehouse (B.A., Marketing), and earned his MBA at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

Pictured above: The INTREPID 25 Brotherhood, initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College, Spring 1999.