Arkansas Tech University student Jace Bridges of Springdale is the Alpha Phi Alpha Outstanding College Brother of the Year for the State of Arkansas.
According to information provided by Alpha Phi Alpha, the award is “issued to the college brother that has gone above and behind with his contributions to Alpha on all levels.”
Examples of contributions cited by the organization include being an active member of his university community, civic engagement, academic success, personal progress and active participation in Alpha Phi Alpha.
As the statewide Alpha Phi Alpha Outstanding College Brother of the Year award winner, Bridges will represent Arkansas at the Alpha Phi Alpha Regional Convention at New Orleans, La., in March.
“It is an honor that I can’t really put into words,” said Bridges when asked about the award. “Getting to represent college brothers across the state that I have had the honor to fellowship and connect with means the world to me. I still cannot wrap my head it, honestly. Being the recipient of this honor has been surreal and pushes me to continue my work for the fraternity and communities we serve.
“I could not have achieved this honor without the great support of my advisors, mentors, brothers, family and friends,” continued Bridges. “This honor should be awarded to not only me, but also the support system that keeps me going every single day. Without them I would not be able to do the work that I do.”
Bridges toured Arkansas Tech during his senior year at Springdale High School in 2020.
“The (ATU) campus felt like a place where I could be somebody and not just a number,” said Bridges. “Arkansas Tech’s campus felt like a place I was supposed to be. Also, the trees…I loved the trees.”
Bridges is majoring in history with a minor in leadership studies. He is a senior, and he reflects on his decision to join Alpha Phi Alpha as one of his best at ATU.
“Membership in my dear fraternity, the oldest and coldest, has given me the chance to be around other Greek students while also more opportunities to serve and engage with the community on campus and off campus in the Russellville community,” said Bridges. “Getting to do activities for leisure and for impact with fellow Greek students has helped create bonds within and outside of my fraternity that I will cherish for years to come.”
Bridges plans on pursuing a career in education after his graduation from Arkansas Tech.
“My aspirations are to become a teacher and then a school principal in underfunded schools in a predominantly black community to help guide and inspire the next generation of student to go further than I have,” said Bridges. “Our youth need to be shown they matter and given the mental and physical tools to be the best they can be, and it is my utmost aspiration to equip them to change the world.”
Learn more about fraternity and sorority life at ATU by visiting www.atu.edu/fsl.
