2025–2026 Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year
Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter
A complete leadership and service record, organized for the competition.
Brother Matthew M. Coats connects Alpha leadership, youth development, family support, civic education, literacy, governance, fundraising, and brotherhood service through sustainable systems and measurable community impact.
Competition Framework
Six competition criteria, organized for fast review.
Every major accomplishment, result, document, testimonial, and image is placed under the criterion it supports. Select a criterion to move directly to its evidence.
01
Contributions to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Chapter leadership, national program alignment, organizational systems, and Alpha representation.
Review criterion 02Contributions to Community
Youth mentoring, family support, food security, civic education, literacy, and partnerships.
Review criterion 03Awards and Achievements
Formal recognition, resource development, program growth, graduates, and scholarships.
Review criterion 04Years of Active Participation in Alpha
A documented service and recognition span from 2008 through 2026.
Review criterion 05Personal Progress and Service to Brothers
Leadership growth, mentor preparation, financial stewardship, governance tools, and fellowship.
Review criterion 06National Display and Interview
A clear leadership thesis, measurable proof, sustainability, testimonial, and closing case.
Review criterionCandidate Snapshot
The full record in one view.
Matthew identified needs, organized Brothers and partners, secured resources, delivered measurable outcomes, and created systems designed to sustain Alpha service.
President TZL Community & Education Initiative
Program Director Esquire Leadership & Mentoring Program
Co-Program Director Caring & Sharing
Program Contact TZL Empower
01
Competition Criterion One
Contributions to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Leadership that strengthens the chapter’s ability to serve, govern, communicate, and sustain its national program work.
Current Alpha-centered leadership
Four connected responsibilities
- President of TZL Community & Education Initiative.
- Program Director of the Esquire Leadership & Mentoring Program.
- Co-Program Director of the Brother Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program.
- Program Contact for TZL Empower.
Chapter leadership and representation
Service beyond one program
- Former Chapter Vice President and Chapter Treasurer.
- Former Budget and Finance Committee Chair and Community Service Committee member.
- Life Member with continuing service through Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
- Represented Alpha during Alpha Day at the Capitol on education equity, healthcare access, and economic opportunity.
National program alignment
Alpha mission in active practice
- Brother’s Keeper through family, elder, and community support.
- A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People through nonpartisan civic education.
- Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College through ELMP academic and career preparation.
- Project Alpha through mentoring, responsible choices, etiquette, and personal development.
Criterion Evidence
Organization, governance, and Alpha program access
02
Competition Criterion Two
Contributions to Community
A coordinated community impact model that builds leaders, strengthens families, and empowers residents.
Youth development and mentoring
- 32 youth enrolled during the 2025–2026 ELMP year.
- 24 trained and certified mentors engaged in youth development.
- 96% retention, with 26 of 27 eligible Esquires returning.
- 40 Esquires committed for the 2026–2027 program year.
- Success Seminars, college and career exposure, history and heritage, service, etiquette, Project Alpha, and leadership reflection.
Direct support with dignity
- 267 families served across Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring outreach.
- 40 Family Essentials Hygiene Kits assembled and distributed to Hope Clinic, with the hygiene kits valued at $500.
- 10 widows honored and supported, with assistance coordinated for two YoungLives families.
- More than $9,800 raised for food security and family assistance.
- Year-round planning for food access, Senior Connections, winter support, family sponsorship, and CPR and AED readiness.
Service, civic education, and literacy
- 1,003 pounds of food sorted through Food Gatherers, equal to about 836 meals and approximately 70 families served for one day.
- Approximately 2,250 meals packed during a Million Meals service session, equivalent to approximately 188 families served for one day.
- TZL Empower civic education, area advocacy, outreach, and the September 2026 symposium.
- Year-round Divine Nine literacy planning through book access, storytelling, classroom reading, book-to-movie clubs, family life literacy, and civic education.
- Proposed year-round food distribution model using Ypsilanti Community Middle School as a community hub.
Caring and Sharing Family Impact
How the 525 family impact total was calculated
Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring outreach, Family Essentials assistance, referrals, sponsorships, and other year round family support.
Approximately 2,250 meals packed, divided by 12 meals for a family of four for one day.
Approximately 836 meals generated from 1,003 pounds of sorted food, divided by 12 meals for a family of four for one day.
Direct family assistance combined with the equivalent number of families supported through both meal service activities.
Direct service detail: Caring and Sharing records document 170 families supported at Thanksgiving 2025, 50 families supported at Christmas 2025, 40 or more families served during Easter and spring 2026, and additional year round referrals and supplemental assistance included in the 267 direct service total.
Family meal conversion: Meal service totals use 12 meals per family for one day, based on three meals for a household of four.
Partnership Network
Community results expanded through collaboration.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Food Gatherers, WISD-CTE, Hope Clinic, YoungLives, NorthRidge Church, NPHC organizations, schools, parents, civic stakeholders, and community volunteers.
Criterion Evidence
Family support, civic engagement, and literacy records
03
Competition Criterion Three
Awards and Achievements
Recognition and measurable milestones that reflect sustained leadership, resource development, and program growth.
TZL Man of the Year
Recognized for exemplary leadership and community contribution.
To Be An Alpha Man Award
Recognized for service and support to Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
60th Charter Day Recognition
Recognized for commitment and dedicated service to Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
TZL Outstanding Brother of the Year
Recognized for leadership, service, youth development, and community impact.
Criterion Evidence
Complete accomplishments and documented results
04
Competition Criterion Four
Years of Active Participation in Alpha
Documented Alpha recognition and active chapter service span from 2008 through 2026.
Documented service span begins
Active chapter participation established the foundation for continued Alpha leadership and community service.
Early leadership recognition
Named TZL Man of the Year.
Sustained chapter service
Received the To Be An Alpha Man Award for service and support to Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
Continued commitment
Received 60th Charter Day Recognition for dedicated service.
Current leadership and impact
Serving through CEI, ELMP, Caring & Sharing, TZL Empower, literacy collaboration, governance, fundraising, and brotherhood support.
Progressive responsibility
Chapter finance, executive leadership, community service, youth program leadership, family support leadership, and nonprofit governance.
Active Life Member
Maintains continuing service through Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter and Alpha-centered community programs.
Current national program alignment
Youth, family, civic, service, education, mentoring, and brotherhood work remain active in the present program year.
05
Competition Criterion Five
Personal Progress and Service to Brothers
Leadership growth translated into systems that make it easier for Brothers to serve safely, consistently, and effectively.
Coordinator to Program Director
Advanced from ELMP Program Coordinator to Assistant Program Director and Program Director while assuming broader responsibility for strategy, curriculum, staffing, risk management, parent communication, finances, partnerships, and outcomes.
Tools Brothers can use
Created mentor training, risk-management guidance, portfolio tracking, recognition systems, meeting tools, volunteer pathways, program documents, and continuity resources.
Responsible and supportive service
Provided budgets, reports, deposits, disbursements, controls, and transparent operating practices while supporting the Black and Gold Scholarship Ball Committee, TZL Blackout Cookout, and Bowling Fundraiser Committee.
ELMP Mentor Academy
Annual mentor and volunteer readiness certification
A professional online training system prepares mentors, volunteers, presenters, and chaperones to support youth with clear expectations, appropriate boundaries, consistent supervision, family-first communication, and documented accountability.
- Youth protection, professional conduct, warning signs, incident reporting, and escalation.
- Success Seminar support, service events, field experiences, transitions, and supervision.
- Documentation, scenario practice, family communication, and annual certification records.
Supporting EvidenceOpen the four official information packets, Alpha awards photograph, outcome tracker, fundraising budgets, Caring and Sharing activity proof, and complete supporting document systemView documents
Organization Guide
Awards and Achievement Evidence
Caring and Sharing Activity Proof
Caring and Sharing Activity Proof
TZL CEI 2026–2027 Information Packet
The official organization guide covering the connected mission, three signature programs, governance, community impact, partnerships, and accountability.
Open packet Youth LeadershipELMP 2026–2027 Information Packet
The governing public and policy guide for program identity, structure, mentoring, youth protection, recognition, expectations, and family guidance.
Open packet Family SupportCaring & Sharing 2026–2027 Information Packet
The official program guide for year-round family assistance, food security, senior support, volunteer service, partnerships, and accountable community care.
Open packet Civic EngagementTZL Empower 2026–2027 Information Packet
The official nonpartisan civic engagement guide covering voter education, community outreach, service areas, participation strategy, and measurable impact.
Open packet Student OutcomesELMP Attendance and Reward Tracker
The official outcome tracker documenting attendance, participation, success categories, goal credits, completion percentages, recognition tiers, achievement badges, and the pathway through which Esquires earned Elite Esquire recognition.
Open trackerAwards and Achievement EvidenceAlpha Awards Recognition Photograph
Visual documentation of four Alpha recognitions spanning 2010 through 2026: Chapter Man of the Year, the 2017 To Be an Alpha Man Award, 60th Charter Day recognition for dedicated service, and the 2025–2026 Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year Award.
Open awards photograph Financial Evidence2025–2026 ELMP Budget
Documents $21,520.45 in actual revenue, including $4,450 in donations and $12,600 in grants, along with chapter, fundraising, and scholarship gala support.
Open budget Financial Evidence2025–2026 Caring and Sharing Budget
Documents $12,811.75 in actual revenue, including $5,031.75 in cash donations and $2,800 in sponsorships, along with chapter, fundraising, and scholarship gala support.
Open budget Community Impact Evidence525 Family Impact Breakdown
Shows the complete calculation: 267 families directly supported, 188 family equivalents through Million Meals, and 70 family equivalents through Food Gatherers.
View breakdownCaring and Sharing Activity ProofHope Clinic Family Essentials Kit Receipt
A dated Hope Clinic receipt documenting 40 Family Essentials Hygiene Kits assembled and distributed to Hope Clinic, with the hygiene kits valued at $500.
Open receiptCaring and Sharing Activity ProofNorthRidge Church Meal Packing Service Confirmation
Service confirmation documenting 11 chapter volunteers and approximately 2,250 meals packed, equivalent to approximately 188 families served for one day, during the May 2, 2026 event.
Open confirmation LeadershipProgram Director Guide
Executive planning, approval, quality assurance, accountability, and monthly sign-off.
Open guide Adult ProceduresAdult Implementation Guide
Aligned procedures for staff, mentors, presenters, and partners.
Open guide CurriculumHistory, Heritage and Cultural Identity Guide
The required monthly historical connection, topic alignment, and presenter transition standard.
Open guide MentoringStructured Group Mentoring Plan
Leadership circles, individual match limits, Mentor on Duty roles, safeguards, records, and follow-up.
Open plan Student EvidenceEsquire Workbook
The official student leadership reflection and evidence portfolio.
Open workbook RecognitionAchievement Badge Workbook
Criteria, planning, evidence, reflection, tracking, and adult verification for twelve achievement badges.
Open workbook ImplementationProgram Staff Portfolio
Presenter preparation, mentor coverage, operating records, completion tracking, follow-up, and quality review.
Open portfolio
06
Competition Criterion Six
National Display and Interview
A focused presentation case built around leadership, measurable results, sustainability, and a clear Alpha-centered purpose.
Lead with purpose
Connect the record to Alpha’s mission and explain why the work matters to youth, families, Brothers, and the community.
Show the leadership action
Explain how needs were identified, Brothers and partners were organized, resources were secured, and programs were strengthened.
Use measurable proof
Present youth participation and retention, mentors prepared, families served through direct assistance and meal support, funds raised, and systems completed.
Close with sustainability
Emphasize governance, documentation, training, partnerships, and leadership development that allow the work to continue.
Leadership Close
Why Brother Matthew M. Coats is an Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year candidate
His record demonstrates leadership that outlives a single event or program year. He organized Brothers and partners, strengthened youth and family programs, expanded civic and literacy engagement, secured resources, documented results, and developed governance and training systems that position Alpha service for continued growth.
Open Interview Source DocumentSupporting Voice
C.N. Barr Testimonial
A firsthand perspective supporting the leadership, service, and community-centered impact documented throughout the six criteria.
1 minute, 35 seconds
Open Video in New TabAlpha Impact Gallery
Visual evidence connected to the competition framework.
Criterion tags show how each image supports the competition record. Select any image to open it at full size.
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View full sizeCandidate Contact
Brother Matthew M. Coats
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. · Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter