Bowie State University President Dr. Mickey L. Burnim will give the keynote speech at the annual countywide Achievement Week program sponsored by the Gamma Pi chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on Saturday, November 15, at Drew-Freeman Middle School in Suitland, from 1-3 p.m.

.  Gamma Pi was formed in Prince George’s County in 1973 and Dr. Burnim is a member of the international fraternity founded in 1911 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

During the Achievement Week program, Gamma Pi chapter and its 170-plus members will present more than $20,000 in scholarships to local Prince George’s County students. The chapter will also recognize distinguished community leaders for their service and contribution to the greater Prince George’s community.  Those awards include Educator of the Year, Religious Leader of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Student-Athlete of the Year. Several hundred people are expected to attend, including approximately 200 young middle school and high school students who are being invited to come as special guests. 

“This is the time of year where we pause to reflect on the achievements of those who have come before us, to salute the ones who have paved the way for our own advancement. It is encouraging that in the course of recognizing these pioneers during Achievement Week, we can look within our own borders in Prince George’s County to find outstanding examples of community achievement,” said Teddy Taylor, Basileus (president) of the Gamma Pi chapter.  

Each year, the 700-plus worldwide individual chapters of Omega Psi Phi observe Achievement Week as a mandated program of the Fraternity. Originally designated to promote “the study of Negro life and history,” Achievement Week today has broadened to also recognize local and national citizens who have made noteworthy contributions toward improving the quality of life for African Americans.

Dr. Burnim is the latest in an impressive lineup of recent speakers for Gamma Pi’s Achievement Week, including civil rights icon Ernest Green in 2007 and James Felder, the only black member of President Kennedy’s military pallbearers team in 2006. Dr. Burnim was named president at Bowie State in September 2006. An economist, he previously served as Chancellor at Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and M.A. and B.A. degrees also in economics from North Texas State University.

Contact: Anthony Perry (301) 928-2305  tonywpy@aol

Patrick Johnson (804) 943-3485 johnsonpatrickw@yahoo.com

James Alexander (301) 219-4310 or jalexjr@aol.com