Brother Algie Armstead's Story

HELMET ICON BLUE IN GOLD without words.png

Brother Algie Armstead was born on September 20, 1960, in Houston, Texas, to parents Hazle and Henrietta Taylor Armstead. He grew up with his brother, LD Jackson, and four sisters: Hazle, Johnnie, Gertrude, and Adline, fostering a strong sense of unity within the family. His high school experience was marked by excitement and achievement. Brother Algie served as an officer in the honor society and captained the basketball team, which secured the Junior Varsity City Basketball Championship during his freshman year. Recognized for his eloquence, he was voted "most likely to succeed" in his senior year and graduated from Jesse H. Jones High School in 1978. Upon entering Prairie View, A&M University in the summer of 1978, he quickly distinguished himself among his classmates. He pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering, achieving a remarkable 4.0 GPA during his freshman year and receiving the Superior scholarship.

The Yearbook Committee acknowledged him as one of the campus favorites, by bestowing upon him the titles of “Most Handsome” candidate from 1978 to 1980 and “Most Together” finalist in 1979 and 1980. The college and department honored him with the President’s Honor, awarded to students with the highest GPAs for the semesters of 1978-79. Additionally, he received Magna Cum Laude recognition in both the Fall of 1980 and the Spring of 1981.

The 1981 edition of WHO'S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES recognized Brother Algie as one of the nation’s most exceptional campus leaders. His nomination was attributed to his academic excellence, community service, leadership in extracurricular activities, and promising future. Brother Algie was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, along with several other engineering organizations. He completed internships at Bell Laboratories in both New Jersey and Chicago while still a student at Prairie View A&M University. Brother Algie graduated with honors from Prairie View A&M University on May 9, 1982, completing his degree in under four years.

Brother Algie’s Introduction Rhomeo

In the spring semester of 1980, Brother Algie was in a relationship with Diane Johnson, a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. This connection introduced him to the concept of Rhomeo. Frustrated with the pledging practices of other Greek fraternities, Brother Algie sought to create a new path alongside his fellow "Elite" brothers, leading to the formation of an independent organization known as the Sigma Gamma Rho Rhomeos. He envisioned this organization as one characterized by elegance and distinctiveness. Unlike traditional fraternities, the Rhomeos were intended to exemplify leadership and spirituality, becoming role models for others and earning respect from both God and society.

Brother Algie was responsible for recruiting Frederick Wells, Lance A. Wyndon and Jimmy JD Williams. This group of engineers aimed to establish a fraternity that emphasized brotherhood over public humiliation during the initiation process. They aspired to be gentlemen of the highest order—polished and proven, distinguished and committed to excellence. Therefore, their pledging philosophy would emphasize education and spiritual growth, teaching camaraderie, brotherly love, fellowship, and unity. They knew for them to be the best they would have to break the current paradigm of what minorities face and think, they aimed to uplift other men, instilling in them a sense of intellectual and spiritual esteem. Pledging would be the proving ground of testing and building the character reflective of the Rhomeo spirit. Their goal was to develop qualities that would extend beyond the pledging period, serving as a foundation for the emergence of a new and improved individual— Rhomeo. They sought to incorporate the spirit, will, and determination of their founders, standing as exemplary figures and devoted followers of God. These are the thoughts of Brother Algie Armstead as he worked alongside his Elite line brothers to initiate the formation of a new independent organization.

Words of Wisdom from Brother Algie Armstead: “In all things, thanks are to God.”

Today’s Success:

Upon completing his education in 1982, Brother Algie commenced his career at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, where he worked from until 1984. He then served as a contractor for NASA in Houston from 1984 to 1990 and subsequently held positions with various Oil and Gas companies, including Koch Industries and TechnipFMC.

In the early 1990s, he received an award from the University during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., in recognition of a sabbatical that contributed to Prairie View A&M University becoming the fourth Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to achieve accreditation in Computer Science. This accomplishment was a significant milestone for the institution.

Brother Algie is also the founder of the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Alumni Association located in Houston, Texas, and he holds a lifetime membership in the Prairie View A&M University Alumni Association.

Today, Brother Algie is a prominent Electrical Engineer who has rejoined NASA as a Private Consultant. Additionally, he holds the position of the second elected Chairman of the Rhomeo: Lance A. Wyndon Engineering Foundation and is also a minister at the Angleton Church of Christ in Angleton, Texas. His ministry career commenced in 1982 as an assistant minister in Cincinnati, Ohio, and he has remained dedicated to this calling ever since.

In 2021, Brother Algie would become financially active as member of the Executive Board of Directors. In 2023, he would be elected as the Chairman of the Board for the Rhomeo: Lance A. Wyndon Engineering Foundation.