First recognized in 1993, The Prominent Brother Service Award, now renamed the Larry A. Mungin Prominent Brother Service Award at the 2024 Eastern Regional Conference, is one of the Eastern Region’s highest honors. It recognizes brothers who embody the core principles of “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity” through exceptional contributions to their communities, professional achievements, and commitment to Phi Beta Sigma’s mission. Recipients are celebrated for leading with integrity, inspiring others, and advancing social justice, youth mentorship, and impactful programs.
This award highlights the dedication of distinguished brothers who exemplify excellence in service and uphold the legacy of Phi Beta Sigma. The Zeta Chi Sigma Chapter has the honor of being home to three (3) recipients of this prestigious distinction: Bro. J.R. Reeves, Bro. Willard Hutt, and Bro. Roderic Irby.
Bro. Willard Hutt, a historian and advocate for African-American history, was born in Dakar, Senegal, while his parents served in the Foreign Service. Raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, he attended local schools and developed the idea for a historical recreational trail as a Boy Scout. This vision led to the Washington, D.C. Black History National Recreation Trail, the first African-American-themed trail designated by the Federal Government.
Bro. Hutt earned a History degree from Simpson College and pursued further studies at the University of Minnesota. Over his 42-year career with the National Park Service and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., he has dedicated over 35 years to African-American history preservation. His Phi Beta Sigma leadership roles include Chapter President, State Director, and Regional Director, and he has contributed significantly to the Fraternity’s historical initiatives, including creating timelines, organizing symposiums, and curating exhibits.
A passionate photographer, Bro. Hutt’s legacy continues to inspire through his historical work and commitment to storytelling in both Phi Beta Sigma and the broader community.
Fun fact: Bro. Hutt is the ONLY Chapter President in Zeta Chi Sigma’s history to serve two terms!
Bro. “J.R.” Reeves joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in March 1987 through the Delta Rho Chapter at the University of Michigan. A lifelong member, Bro. Reeves has been financial for all 37 years of his membership, serving in multiple leadership roles across collegiate and alumni chapters, including Delta Rho, Epsilon Psi (University of Maryland), Zeta Alpha Sigma and, currently, Zeta Chi Sigma. As a leader in Sigma, he pioneered efforts such as establishing Sigma Beta Clubs, achieving 501(c)(3) status for Zeta Alpha Sigma, and founding the Howard County African American Community Roundtable, which secured over $100,000 in grant funding. His contributions extended to the regional level, where he served as Eastern Region Director of Social Action and later as Eastern Region Vice Director and our 27th Eastern Regional Director, achieving milestones such as automating membership intake training and surpassing 3,000 members in the region.
Beyond Sigma, Bro. Reeves is a dedicated Mason and Shriner. Professionally, he has excelled as a Federal Chief Information Officer and Senior Executive Service member, leading IT strategies at agencies like NASA, HUD, and the Department of Justice. A native Washingtonian and family man, J.R. also enjoys music, motorcycles, and amateur radio.
Bro. Roderic A. Irby, Jr. joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in the Spring of 2011 through the Alpha Sigma Chapter in Washington, DC. A dedicated and active member for 14 years, Bro. Irby has served the Fraternity on the local, state, regional, and international levels. His leadership within Alpha Sigma included service as President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Director of Social Action, and Sigma Beta Club Coordinator. He also assisted in the chartering of Gamma Alpha Phi Chapter at George Washington University and currently serves as Fundraising Chairman and Vice President of The Blue Bridge Foundation under Zeta Chi Sigma Chapter, as well as Collegiate Advisor for the Delta Mu Chapter at Bowie State University. On the regional level, Bro. Irby has served as District of Columbia/Southern Maryland State Director, Vice State Director, Eastern Region Secretary, and Chief of Staff to the 26th Eastern Regional Director. Internationally, he has served as Chairman of the Strategic Planning Conference and Committee and Immediate Past International Director of Ritual, Protocol, and Standards.
Professionally, Bro. Irby serves as Chief Programming Officer for the Durant Family Charitable Foundation, overseeing programs supporting youth development and community impact. A committed servant leader, he has served on numerous boards and community organizations throughout the Washington Metropolitan area while mentoring youth, coaching championship basketball programs, and leading initiatives focused on education, advocacy, and outreach.