Bro. Jelani C. Zarif earns prestigious Michigan State alumni award
Bro. Jelani C. Zarif, [Kappa Delta Lambda, '08] was recently honored with the Michigan State University College of Natural Science 2023 Recent Alumni award. According to college leaders, the award is presented annually to an alumnus of the natural science program who has graduated within the last 15 years and demonstrates outstanding professional growth and commitment to teaching, research, and outreach activities.
"I am very humbled by this honor from my graduate alma mater, and to be recognized for my efforts to make a difference in the Spartan tradition," said Bro. Zarif, a Robert E. Meyerhoff Professor of Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and a member of the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. "The support I have received and continue to experience from Dean Phillip Duxbury, my professors, and fellow researchers from the College is a true testament to its commitment to making a thriving planet with healthy communities."
Bro. Zarif leads a laboratory that studies molecular mechanisms by immune cells within the tumor microenvironment that ultimately promote tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis. The Zarif Lab also focuses on discovering and investigating new biomarkers that may be expressed on myeloid cells known as macrophages that could predict clinical response to standard-of-care treatments for prostate cancer.
A Chicago native, Dr. Zarif obtained both his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Jackson State University and then earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University. He then completed two post-doctoral fellowships at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has been the recipient of several research awards, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Young Investigator award, The Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Fund, the Department of Defense Translational Research award, and the NCI K22 Career Transition award.
Bro. Anton Bizzell named Eastern Region 'Brother of the Year'
Bro. Anton Bizzell, [Iota Beta, ’90] was recently honored as ‘Alumni Brother of the Year’ during the 91st Eastern Region Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It is the second consecutive ‘Brother of the Year’ accolade for Bizzell in two months, following his honoring as the Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC).
An award-winning physician, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, Bro. Bizzell is a life member of the fraternity and past president of the Delta Lambda Chapter.
“I am grateful for my chapter and district brothers for supporting my nomination and presentation before the regional awards committee,” Bizzell said. “I look forward to joining the collection of brothers who will share our fraternal work and leadership in the ‘Brother of the Year’ competition during our general convention in Dallas this summer.”
Fraternally, Bro. Bizzell led the chapter into its centennial celebration year, spearheading record-breaking fundraising and grant-making and support for critical initiatives in youth development, voter engagement, and outreach to communities in the chapter’s immediate geographic footprint. He has chaired chapter and regional participation in March of Dimes programs and served as a chief liaison for legislative engagement between the chapter and elected officials in the state.
Bro. Bizzell is the CEO of the Bizzell Group, an international firm specializing in strategy, consulting, and technology solutions supporting healthy, secure, and sustainable communities. In 2020, he was named the ‘Small Business Person of the Year’ representing the state of Maryland by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Delta Lambda honors community leaders during annual Lenten prayer breakfast
In keeping with its decades-long Lenten tradition, Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. held the Annual Faith Leaders Lenten Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, April 1. Nearly 400 Alpha brothers and guests filled the main ballroom at the Forum Caterers for a morning of prayer, worship experiences, and tributes to honorees across denominations, ministry, government, education, business, and community service.
One of Delta Lambda's signature public programs, the program focuses also on prayers for the community, government, family, and fraternity, which were offered by the brothers with command and spiritual charisma. The Alpha Chorale, comprised of several members, lifted rousing selections to enhance the worshipful atmosphere.
"Delta Lambda has distinguished itself in the community by highlighting sterling leaders who model great stewardship in service to others," said Chaplain and Event Chair Bro. Dr. Marco K. Merrick. "The sacred Lenten season is a perfect time for us to pay homage to others while reflecting on the important work Alpha men and all men of faith are called to do."
The chapter annually recognizes seven honorees in tribute to the seven founders of the fraternity, established in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca NY. This year's honorees included Dr. Barbara L. Shaw (The National Council of Negro Women,) Dr. Bettina Scott (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Zeta Chapter,) Rev. Anthony Horsey (Chaplain of the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, Inc.,) Mrs.Catherine P. Stansbury (The Baltimore Alpha Wives, Inc.,) Mr. Brandon Wylie (The Wylie Foundation Wishing Well Program,) Bro. Dr. Anton Bizzell (Immediate Past President of Delta Lambda Chapter,) and Stacy Rodgers (Baltimore County Administrator.)
Honorees received citations from Delta Lambda chapter brothers Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and MD State Senator Charles E. Sydnor. Recognition documents from elected officials in both houses of the Maryland General Assembly, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, and other municipal officials, and a special mug designed by Delta Lambda Bro. Anthony Williams were also presented.
Chapter brothers and members of the 2023 Alpha Beautillion Scholars cohort also welcomed and escorted the guests to their tables. Now in its twentieth year, the Beautillion program offers mentoring, cultural, and academic enrichment experiences and has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to more than 300 high school males across the state. The prayer breakfast is a fundraiser for the program, which is an activity in support of the chapter's interpretation of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. national program, Go to High School, Go to College. Established in 1922, the program concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement.
Approaching its 104th year of service, Delta Lambda is the fourth-oldest alumni chapter in the fraternity.