dSC #206
Brother James D. Stephens affectionately known as “Chewy”is the proud son of
the late Joseph and Lillie Mae Stephens. Born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania in
1959, he is the youngest of three brothers. He received his early education in the
Aliquippa School District and graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1977.
He continued his education at Penn State University and transferred to
Wilberforce University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health
Care Administration in 1984.
In February of 1979, Brother Stephens and a group of young students were
introduced to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., by Sigma men from Lincoln
University, PA. On April 21, 1979 along with four other young men, they
became members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as the chapter's charter
line. The historic Lambda Lambda Chapter at Penn State University, now is
referred to as the Bloody Double L”. On the campus of Wilberforce University
in Wilberforce, Brother Stephens responded to the thunderous roar of Sigma,
taking the initiation of building and rejuvenating the chapter that would be
Alpha Alpha Chapter. As President and Vice President of Alpha Alpha, he
served with a level of distinction that made the chapter the most prestigious
organization on Wilberforce University’s campus. Becoming a Sigma Man
was one of the best decisions he ever made.
As a dedicated member of Phi Beta Sigma, Incorporated, Brother Stephens
continues leading by example as a Gold Life Member. In his 42 years of
membership, he consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to serve
as a proud Sigma Man. He remains steadfast in his commitment to uphold
the motto “Culture for Service and Service For Humanity” through his tireless
efforts and overarching impact to the communities in which Sigma serves.
Brother Stephens has held numerous elected and appointed positions on
the National, Regional and Local levels within Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,
Inc. Amongst his many accomplishments, he served as the Past
International Director of Collegiate Affairs, the 22th Great Lakes Regional
Director, and Michigan State Director. Through his mentorship, Brother
Stephens has chartered numerous collegiate and alumni chapters
throughout the Great Lakes Region. In 2022, he was inducted into the
Chester W. Riley Distinguished Service Chapter as Member #26, which is
the highest honor one could achieve in the Great Lakes Region. During our
International Conclave in 2023, Brother Stephens was awarded the highest
level of distinction for a Sigma Man when he was inducted into the
Distinguished Service Chapter as member #206. As of today, there are only
206 brothers to have received this special honor.
Professionally, Brother Stephens worked for the federal government
(Department of Defense) greater than 38 years as a Civilian until retirement
as Assistant Product Manager for Army Project Office (APO) Mine Resistant
Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP). Brother Stephens received the
“Employee of the Quarter Award” in December 2015 from the APO MRAP
office in which he competed against 450 fellow employees. Brother Stephens
was the honored to become the first Black person to receive the
aforementioned award. Additionally, he served our Country for greater than
20 years and has since retired from the US Air Force as a Logistics Specialist
in 2010. Brother Stephens is married to his beautiful wife Vernell since 2012
and through this union they have five sons and seven amazing grandchildren
who affectionately call him “Grand Dad”.