Ricardo - The Fraternity Brother
Ricardo P. Deveaux was initiated into the Delta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on March 9, 1988. He was given the Line Name "Quiet Riot". He is proud of the fact that he has been financial and active with the Fraternity since the day he crossed the “burning sands”, thirty-three (33) years ago. He is a Life Member (#10596) of the Fraternity since January 2002.
Immediately after his initiation, he was elected Secretary of the Delta Beta Chapter and the Chapter’s Representative on the Greek Letter Advisory Council.
Upon his return to The Bahamas, he was admitted as a member of the Graduate Chapter – Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter. He served in numerous leadership roles including Director of Education, Associate Editor to the Sphinx, Honours Day Co-Chair (1993 – 1995) and Chairman (1996 – 2000, 2004 – 2007), Vice-President and eventually became the Chapter’s 15th President, serving from July 2000 to July 2003. During his presidency, the chapter experienced a number of accomplishments: highest amount of financial members on the national roll (42 Brothers); the 2nd Membership Intake in the Chapter history in September 2000 (the first was held in July 1990); increased the numbers of Life Members; reestablishing some national projects; reestablished the Adopt-A-School project at Adelaide Primary and arranged for the donation of computers and books for the library; reconnected with the Mentorship program at The Boys Industrial School; and increased visibility on the District, Regional and International levels of the Fraternity.
At the Florida District Conference in October 2002, he officially petitioned the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters to establish The Bahamas as its own Area within the Florida District and became the first Area Director for The Bahamas. He served from October 2002 – October 2009. He served under the leadership of two Florida District Directors – Brothers Christopher McCray and James Crumel.
On January 1, 2005, Ricardo was elevated to the Office of Chairman of International Brothers Affairs by the 32nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Bro. Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. He became the first Bahamian Brother from the Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter to serve on the Fraternity’s International Senior Leadership Team. He served in this office until December 31, 2008. On January 1, 2013, Ricardo received his second International Committee appointment, he was selected as a Member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources. He was appointed by the 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Bro. Mark Tillman. On January 1, 2017, Ricardo received his third international Committee appointment, he was selected as a Member of the Standing Committee on Publications. He was appointed by the 35th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Bro. Dr. Everett Ward, Sr..
Making a Contribution to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.
It was due to his involvement with the Local Graduate Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. that Ricardo was identified by the Chapter to represent them at the local level of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Ricardo has always embraced the idea that “through unity all fraternities and sororities would be more successful and have greater strength”.
His involvement with the National Pan-Hellenic Council gave him additional opportunities to develop some leadership skills in the fraternal movement. He was elected Secretary of the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council in 1993 and became its fourth Local President in 1994. As President of the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council, he led the body to become the first international council to be chartered outside the United States of America (February 5, 1995). It was also under his presidency that the Council was the first non-governmental organization to hold a ceremony at The Ballroom at Government House. He also was responsible for introducing the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program to the Council in 1996. He served as President of the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council until 1998. Upon completion of his term in office, he was awarded the title "Distinguished Charter Council President."
In October 1997, he attended his first National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) – National Convention in Mobile, Alabama and was elected to the International Board of Directors as National Graduate Member at Large. In October 1998, Ricardo was elected Assistant Regional Director for the Southern Region of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. He was the first Bahamian and first international council member elected to serve on the NPHC Regional Board of Directors.
In February 1999, he attended his second NPHC National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia and was successful in being elected as National First Vice-President. At the age of 31, Ricardo became the first international council member and one of the youngest individuals to serve in the number two leadership position in the million member organization. He served in this position until October 2003. It was during this period that Ricardo traveled the United States promoting Greek unity on college campuses and visiting conferences and conventions, representing the NPHC.
In October 2003, he made an unsuccessful bid to become the 32nd National President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Ricardo was not bitter from this experience but was thankful because when this door closed, another opportunity arose for him to make a difference in the lives of many individuals.
In recognition of his service to his Fraternity and the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council, Ricardo has received numerous awards and honour: The National Pan-Hellenic Council – Distinguished Past Council President Award – 1998; Miami Dade Pan-Hellenic Council – Distinguished Greek Award – 2000; Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council – First recipient of The Bahamas Greek Hall of Fame – 2004; The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter – Centennial Brother of the Year Award – 2006; The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Psi Omega Chapter – “Service Through The Years” Award – 2008 and in 2008, He was awarded The Fraternity's Leadership Service Medal in recognition of his tenure as Chairman, International Brothers Affairs. This was another first for a Bahamian Brother.
Immediately after his initiation, he was elected Secretary of the Delta Beta Chapter and the Chapter’s Representative on the Greek Letter Advisory Council.
Upon his return to The Bahamas, he was admitted as a member of the Graduate Chapter – Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter. He served in numerous leadership roles including Director of Education, Associate Editor to the Sphinx, Honours Day Co-Chair (1993 – 1995) and Chairman (1996 – 2000, 2004 – 2007), Vice-President and eventually became the Chapter’s 15th President, serving from July 2000 to July 2003. During his presidency, the chapter experienced a number of accomplishments: highest amount of financial members on the national roll (42 Brothers); the 2nd Membership Intake in the Chapter history in September 2000 (the first was held in July 1990); increased the numbers of Life Members; reestablishing some national projects; reestablished the Adopt-A-School project at Adelaide Primary and arranged for the donation of computers and books for the library; reconnected with the Mentorship program at The Boys Industrial School; and increased visibility on the District, Regional and International levels of the Fraternity.
At the Florida District Conference in October 2002, he officially petitioned the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters to establish The Bahamas as its own Area within the Florida District and became the first Area Director for The Bahamas. He served from October 2002 – October 2009. He served under the leadership of two Florida District Directors – Brothers Christopher McCray and James Crumel.
On January 1, 2005, Ricardo was elevated to the Office of Chairman of International Brothers Affairs by the 32nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Bro. Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. He became the first Bahamian Brother from the Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter to serve on the Fraternity’s International Senior Leadership Team. He served in this office until December 31, 2008. On January 1, 2013, Ricardo received his second International Committee appointment, he was selected as a Member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources. He was appointed by the 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Bro. Mark Tillman. On January 1, 2017, Ricardo received his third international Committee appointment, he was selected as a Member of the Standing Committee on Publications. He was appointed by the 35th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Bro. Dr. Everett Ward, Sr..
Making a Contribution to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.
It was due to his involvement with the Local Graduate Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. that Ricardo was identified by the Chapter to represent them at the local level of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Ricardo has always embraced the idea that “through unity all fraternities and sororities would be more successful and have greater strength”.
His involvement with the National Pan-Hellenic Council gave him additional opportunities to develop some leadership skills in the fraternal movement. He was elected Secretary of the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council in 1993 and became its fourth Local President in 1994. As President of the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council, he led the body to become the first international council to be chartered outside the United States of America (February 5, 1995). It was also under his presidency that the Council was the first non-governmental organization to hold a ceremony at The Ballroom at Government House. He also was responsible for introducing the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program to the Council in 1996. He served as President of the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council until 1998. Upon completion of his term in office, he was awarded the title "Distinguished Charter Council President."
In October 1997, he attended his first National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) – National Convention in Mobile, Alabama and was elected to the International Board of Directors as National Graduate Member at Large. In October 1998, Ricardo was elected Assistant Regional Director for the Southern Region of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. He was the first Bahamian and first international council member elected to serve on the NPHC Regional Board of Directors.
In February 1999, he attended his second NPHC National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia and was successful in being elected as National First Vice-President. At the age of 31, Ricardo became the first international council member and one of the youngest individuals to serve in the number two leadership position in the million member organization. He served in this position until October 2003. It was during this period that Ricardo traveled the United States promoting Greek unity on college campuses and visiting conferences and conventions, representing the NPHC.
In October 2003, he made an unsuccessful bid to become the 32nd National President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Ricardo was not bitter from this experience but was thankful because when this door closed, another opportunity arose for him to make a difference in the lives of many individuals.
In recognition of his service to his Fraternity and the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council, Ricardo has received numerous awards and honour: The National Pan-Hellenic Council – Distinguished Past Council President Award – 1998; Miami Dade Pan-Hellenic Council – Distinguished Greek Award – 2000; Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council – First recipient of The Bahamas Greek Hall of Fame – 2004; The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter – Centennial Brother of the Year Award – 2006; The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Psi Omega Chapter – “Service Through The Years” Award – 2008 and in 2008, He was awarded The Fraternity's Leadership Service Medal in recognition of his tenure as Chairman, International Brothers Affairs. This was another first for a Bahamian Brother.
Fraternal Testimonials
"Ricardo Deveaux is a youthful, energetic, visionary, fearless and compassionate leader. He is a proven student leader, civic leader, fraternal leader and an international leader who is always ready, willing and able to serve."
Keith T. Cleare
Life Member # 9739
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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"A person of conviction, determination, purpose, and trustworthiness is Frater Ricardo P. Deveaux. He is committed and dedicated to the ideals and philosophy of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. His leadership style with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Bethune-Cookman College as an undergraduate student (Daytona Beach, FL), and Nova Southeastern University as a graduate student (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) demonstrated his uniqueness in unifying a diverse population of cultures in this global society."
Chester E. Fair, Jr.
Former Southern Regional Director, NPHC
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity-Pi Nu Chapter
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"Ricardo Deveaux is one of the greatest leaders in the fraternal movement in The Bahamas. He is an exemplary Service and Visionary Leader who has made an indelible mark in the Bahamian Community through his innovative programs to unify and strengthen the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council. Subsequently, he made his mark internationally also by serving at the highest level of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc."
Margo Adderley
2002 NPHC Southern Region Soror of the Year
Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Keith T. Cleare
Life Member # 9739
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
*************************************************************************************
"A person of conviction, determination, purpose, and trustworthiness is Frater Ricardo P. Deveaux. He is committed and dedicated to the ideals and philosophy of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. His leadership style with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Bethune-Cookman College as an undergraduate student (Daytona Beach, FL), and Nova Southeastern University as a graduate student (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) demonstrated his uniqueness in unifying a diverse population of cultures in this global society."
Chester E. Fair, Jr.
Former Southern Regional Director, NPHC
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity-Pi Nu Chapter
*************************************************************************************
"Ricardo Deveaux is one of the greatest leaders in the fraternal movement in The Bahamas. He is an exemplary Service and Visionary Leader who has made an indelible mark in the Bahamian Community through his innovative programs to unify and strengthen the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council. Subsequently, he made his mark internationally also by serving at the highest level of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc."
Margo Adderley
2002 NPHC Southern Region Soror of the Year
Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.