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77 Convention August 3, 2017
Biennial Report of the 40th Knight Commander
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch St. Louis, Missouri
BIENNIAL REPORT OF THE 40th KNIGHT COMMANDER TO THE 77th CONVENTION OF THE KAPPA ALPHA ORDER 2017 Pursuant to Article 3, Section 116, of the Kappa Alpha Laws, the Knight Commander delivers a report to the Convention on the activities of the Order during his term. It is a pleasure for me to fulfill that obligation with this report on the many successes we have enjoyed over the past two years. INTRODUCTION When I was installed as the 40th Knight Commander, in 2015, at the Sesquicentennial Celebration and 76th Convention in Roanoke, Virginia, I outlined the Order’s Priorities. This report addresses those priorities and covers other areas of operations of the Order. THE ORDER’S PRIORITIES (1) Values Alignment in Leadership Education Programs and (2) Expansion of The Crusade The first priority addresses our common KA values as they relate to the Order’s Leadership Education programs. I appointed a Task Force led by Councilor David P. Barksdale (Tau–Wake Forest ’83), which also includes Councilor King V. Aiken, Jr. (Kappa–Mercer ’83), Former Knight Commander Ben W. Satcher Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’79), Forester Province Commander Gregory R. Singleton (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’82), KAOEF Trustee William H. Skipper (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’80), Chiles Province Commander John T. Rooney (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’91) and Matthew D. O’Neal (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’06). Staff liaisons have included then Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services Brent W. Fellows and Assistant Executive Director for Advancement Jesse S. Lyons, and now Director of Leadership Education Tullis D. Beasley. First, the task force conducted research with undergraduates, alumni, and others, to refine and distill a clear set of values. With the ritual as the basis, they presented, and the Executive Council endorsed, six core values, which are: Reverence, Gentility, Knowledge, Leadership, Brotherhood, and Excellence. A purpose statement was crafted from a commonly known phrase in our programs and education—A Moral Compass for the Modern Gentlemen. With these set, the task force set about ensuring that these were interwoven in all leadership education programs. This was done through curriculum enhancement, the addition of a Values Presentation, and the use of the values as the structure for the State of the Order presentations. Additionally, the values and the purpose became the basis for much of the Order’s new recruitment materials both print and digital formats.
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The Number I’s Leadership Institute, enhanced province councils, and the Emerging Leaders Academy are excellent in delivering needed education to our Active Chapter leadership. An additional priority, however, was the expansion of The Crusade program through online education. Chapter-based, and local education is a need that must continue to be addressed. An existing development project of online education was reviewed and the task force recommended providing the new modules, through The Crusade curriculum redevelopment, to all undergraduate members. The time commitment is minimal per member and each individual can determine the pace. The current development timeline of the online modules is as follows: Completed and Deployed Phase I—New Member Education • 18 modules, each lasting no more than 15–20 minutes • Topics include history, values, insignia, and more (complimentary to The Varlet) • Members Awaiting Initiation complete 3 per week during 6–week program Set to Launch September 2017 Phase II—Council of Honor • 12 modules • Topics include Kappa Alpha Laws, Ritual/Values, Risk Management • Members complete during sophomore year, post–initiation Set to Launch September 2018 Phase III—Leadership Development • 10 modules • Topics include Leadership, Officer Transition, Internships • Members complete during junior year Set to Launch September 2019 Phase IV—Alumnus and Career • 8 modules • Topics include alumni engagement, professional/career development, networking • Members complete during senior year With these new resources provided to all members across the Order, a chapter must do more to be designated as a Crusade Chapter. The framework is being developed, but the expectation will be that a chapter must take part in additional in–person learning activities to supplement online modules. These may include outside speakers, peer-led workshop discussions, and community events. These are forthcoming in the next biennium and will be reviewed by the task force. To review the progress overall on the chapter level, the Crusade Commanders, a previously denoted leadership role, will be engaged. They will continue to meet annually at the Emerging Leadership Academy over the next biennium to assess progress and provide feedback during this transition period.
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(3) Province Commanders I appointed another task force to discuss and report opportunities to better engage province commanders in their volunteer leadership role with the Order. The Province Commander Task Force was chaired by Councilor James M. Schmuck (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’69), and included Graves Province Commander L. Charles Banks (Delta Epsilon–Newberry ’02), Neal Province Commander Douglas W. Hanisch (Epsilon Tau–Northern Arizona ’98), Mikell Province Commander David T. Martineau V (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’88), and Smith Province Commander Robert H. Wall (Tau–Wake Forest ’95). The staff liaison was Assistant Executive Director for Advancement Jesse S. Lyons. One of the first tasks included requesting province commanders to complete and return surveys on their ideas for the position. The task force met several times and presented both a preliminary and final report the Executive Council, which adopted the report recommendations. The report was delivered at the Advisory Council meeting at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, in 2016. The new framework includes preferences as expressed in the surveys and by the task force. Province commanders desired a shift away from being the disciplinarians for risk management violations and from being the financial watchdogs for chapters. It was recognized that while some province commanders are interested in operational issues, fewer still are trained in them. The national staff that are purposely trained and employed should drive those areas. The province commanders should be in a more elevated role. They should oversee the entire province including, deputy province commanders, alumni advisory committees (both of which they can or must appoint), Alumni Chapters, and Active Chapters—through interaction with the Number I’s. They can be more engaged with efforts to safeguard members and chapters. While the requirement to annually visit chapters was removed by the 72nd Convention in 2009 in Washington, D.C., the notion of that requirement has remained. Instead province commanders are welcome and encouraged to visit chapters at their convenience, and are encouraged to visit chapters as guests at Convivium or other broader alumni and networking events to celebrate milestones in their provinces. Province commanders can play a significant role in crisis management. They should be available to immediately communicate with the alumnus advisor, chapter services/communications team and the Executive Director as needed, and the Number I to provide support and direction at a critical moment. Being on the scene at a chapter following a serious accident, providing comfort and guidance, is one example of how Province Commanders can provide a personal and key component of service to the chapter and the Order. Province commanders are also urged to engage more actively with Alumni Chapters on a consistent, social basis; getting to know alumni in their region who might provide support for Active Chapters; becoming potential members of their deputy province commander group, alumnus advisors and support members of stronger alumni organizations. While establishing Alumni Chapters, other than those that spring up, necessarily takes a joint staff and province commander effort, coalescing alumni support should be at top of the list for the province commander. The following outline provides a version of the Province Commanders’ duties. 4
Province Commanders’ Duties • Appointing Alumnus Advisors and Committees—Unique to the province commanders • All other required activities in the laws also lie with the Knight Commander and the Executive Director RELATIONSHIP CHART
Recommended Province Commanders’ Interactions ADCS—Through various communications monthly, with increased contact when ADCS is in the Province or during issues with a particular chapter. Deputies—On a regular basis, at least monthly, to coordinate schedules and exchange information. Alumnus Advisors—Monthly to keep abreast of chapters and to provide support and/or guidance where and when needed. Number I’s—Monthly through various communications methods for updates and support. Visits to the chapter of a celebratory nature as it fits into the Province Commanders’ travel capabilities. Alumni Associations—Quarterly with the Alumni Chapter President to know events and schedules, with the hope that Commanders will become associated enough to develop relationships with viable volunteers.
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(4) Fraternity Housing Corporation & Housing Housing remains an important objective for Kappa Alpha Order. With this in mind I formed the Housing Task Force to evaluate our chapters’ housing to improve their overall experience. The chairman is Councilor L. Blair Bailey (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’88). Members include Wood Province Commander Douglas S. Ewalt (Beta Omega–Washington College ’71), Beta Alpha Alumnus Advisor C. Edward Schmidt (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’62), KAOEF Trustee Eugene M. Julian (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’63), Upsilon House Corporation President Garth K. Dunklin (Upsilon–North Carolina ’81), Locke Province Commander H. David Pinson (Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech ’00), and KAOEF Trustee and Treasurer Malcolm H. Liles (Gamma–Georgia ’71). Staff liaisons have been Assistant Executive Director for Alumni Affairs Michael P. Wilson, and, now Brent W. Fellows who holds that position. The Housing Task Force is working through ideas to provide more resources, improve communication, and gather housing information to improve chapter housing. The Order has been a leader in lobbying for the passage of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA). CHIA, if passed, allows the use of tax–deductible contributions for the purchase, construction, and renovation of fraternity and other non–profit housing. The Order, through its housing arm, the Fraternity Housing Corporation or FHC, maintained chapter houses for Upsilon Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Beta Sigma Chapter at the University of Southern California and Beta Eta Chapter at the University of Oklahoma. FHC has continued to support and provide oversight with loans and support for the Psi Chapter house at Tulane University and, Iota Chapter at Furman University. Housing has been and will continue to play a major role in the Order. FHC continued its Commercial General Liability Insurance Program for local housing corporations and launched a property insurance program as well. These programs provide better coverage at lower costs. Finally, FHC partnered with National Corporate Research, Ltd., which is now called Cogency Global, providing consolidated registered agents for local housing corporations. This firm monitors our housing corporations to make sure they are compliant with their annual state filings and assists with the formation of housing corporations. (5) Ritual Education I appointed a Ritual Education Task Force to explore and recommend ideas for enhancing, standardizing, and expanding our most important educational topic—the Ritual. Chaired by Senior Councilor C. Douglass Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95), other members included Forester Deputy Province Commander Clint F. Cummins (Delta Upsilon–Tennessee–Martin ’00), Ammen Deputy Province Commander Matthew D. Clarke (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’06), and White Province Commander D. Brook Sebren (Gamma Nu–Louisiana–Monroe ’09). Staff liaisons have been then Director of Chapter Development Anthony M. Graziani and now Assistant Executive Director for Advancement Jesse S. Lyons. 6
The Task Force explored a variety of methods to deliver sound and consistent education to our membership on the local, province, and national level. At the local level, and as part of the another recommendation from the Chapter Expectations Task Force, the national staff will be developing a Number IX’s Guide to assist in, prepare for, and execute a valuable initiation experience for each new member. At the province level, a standardized ritual presentation was developed and presented by mostly first-time, but trusted ritual educators selected by the task force. Through the process of recruiting and building a list of dependable and enthusiastic ritual educators, the national staff now maintains a list of 34 alumni who are capable of delivering ritual education properly to our chapters. Ritual education is something that many should be involved with—not few. It is important to have experts on our ritual across the Order so they may be called on consistently for support and direction. On a national level, strong and appropriate education was noted at NLI and ELA, however, the Stewards of the Order curriculum was redeveloped, with input and direction from the task force, and presented this past summer. Assistant Executive Director for Advancement Jesse S. Lyons and Assistant Executive Director for Alumni Affairs Brent W. Fellows deployed the new curriculum, which received high marks from the attendees and focused on a “see it, practice it, do it” approach. (6) Chapter Expectations The Chapter Expectations Task Force was chaired by Councilor Sam O. Leake, Jr. (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’61) and included Hamilton Province Commander Stephen E. Foster (Beta Chi–West Virginia Wesleyan ’68), Irwin Province Commander Dr. Jason R. Barrett (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’98), Frampton Province Commander Jeffrey W. Love (Epsilon Rho–Purdue ’86), and Dunwody Province Commander Stephen J. LaFollette (Delta Phi–Jacksonville State ’84). The task force’s work has been adopted by the Executive Council and the changes are noted below: Recommendations: • Removing the term “minimum” from the title and rename to the “Active Chapter Expectations.” A minimum may be prescribed within each of the core areas of operation where appropriate. • Adding a preamble to the Active Chapter Expectations to emphasize importance. • No changes were recommended to the expectations of Academic Performance or Membership Growth. • Change name of “Initiation Ceremony Proficiency and Usage” expectation to the sufficiently descriptive “Ritual Proficiency.” o The Executive Council, upon recommendation from the Ritual Task Force and Chapter Expectations Task Force, has directed the staff to create a Number IX’s Guide to assist in preparing for, and executing, a valuable initiation experience for each new member. • National Financial Status: An Active Chapter will remain solvent by maintaining a zero account balance with the National Administrative Office and all other creditors and shall annually file the appropriate IRS Form 990 by October 15. • Membership Education (final wording as amended) o An Active Chapter will have a minimum of 70% of its total membership attend no less than two (2) educational programs during each term, or a total of four (4) for the school year. Two of these yearly programs will be mandatory subjects prescribed by the Executive Council at the beginning of each calendar year. Other acceptable subjects include, but are not limited to: 7
Robert E. Lee, founding of the Order, alcohol and drug abuse awareness, hazing prevention, fire–health–safety, risk management, personal finance, etiquette, professional dress, ritual, Kappa Alpha Laws, career development, and leadership. In addition to volunteer alumni, the use of resources and speakers provided by the host university is encouraged. (7) Sexual Misconduct Education & Risk Management Kappa Alpha Order was one of six fraternities and sororities who collaborated to spearhead the development of the industry–leading Social Strengths Workshop curriculum to educate members on sexual misconduct, relational violence, healthy relations, and bystander intervention. Working with Aaron Boe, owner and founder of Prevention Culture, a nationally recognized educational consultancy, the Order sought to address these important issues on college campuses by creating a student program. After working with Prevention Culture to develop the curriculum and implementation strategy, KA hosted Boe for an in–person workshop to educate the Order’s staff on the course and prepare them to present the workshop to chapters. Throughout the fall semester of 2015, every chapter of the Order received this training, reaching more than 7,500 undergraduate members. Kappa Alpha Order was recognized with the 2016 Laurel Wreath Award from the North–American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) for development and implementation of the Social Strengths Workshop. The Laurel Wreath is presented to individuals or groups in recognition of their unique programs, community outreach, or influence within the fraternal world. Beginning this fall, the Order will continue its efforts to address and create awareness surrounding sexual misconduct through continued education efforts. This includes three components. First, the Order will collaborate again with Prevention Culture to create a facilitated discussion structure regarding this topic. Staff will employ these educational discussions with undergraduate members during chapter visits and at leadership education programs. Second, the Order will provide educational modules within The Crusade online program to address sexual misconduct. Third, the Order will create an additional educational supplement pamphlet to address sexual misconduct, which will be included in the new member educational packet (The Varlet, To Manners Born, To Manners Bred, and The Talisman) that new members receive. (8) Charitable Efforts Every chapter should continue to support our national philanthropy, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, host and donate at blood drives for Operation Crimson Gift, and, perform local fundraising and service. All of these fall under the Project Outreach umbrella of the Order. Additionally, the national staff will explore other initiatives that the Order and its members may support. Further, I asked Councilor Sam O. Leake, Jr. (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’61) and Councilor James M. Schmuck (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’69) to explore additional opportunities that paralleled with presentations he Executive Council received. I am pleased that the Executive Council has endorsed two additional specific causes. 8
Project Outreach & MDA Project Outreach is our volunteer service development program that assists our chapters in participating in valuable community service and philanthropic events. During the past two years, our chapters completed more than 78,002 hours of service and donated $447,035.58 to various charities. Specifically, MDA contributions from our chapters are more than $176,000 this biennium. Operation Crimson Gift Operation Crimson Gift is a nationwide blood drive in which 3,540 members have participated during the past two years. Former Knight Commander David M. Warren (Tau–Wake Forest ’78) began this drive in 2001 calling for our chapters to donate following the events of September 11, 2001, and, in honor of his mother. More than 23,000 have participated since the implementation of this program. Homes For Our Troops Alumnus and combat veteran SSG Luke E. Murphy (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’09), U.S. Army (ret.), made a presentation to the Executive Council in favor of a veterans service program. Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds mortgage–free, specially adapted homes nationwide for severely injured Veterans post-9/11, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family and recovery. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar has gone directly to the program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them. Since 2004, HFOT has built 216 specially adapted homes nationwide. Their goal is to build a home for every Veteran who qualifies for one of their specially adapted homes. In November 2015, the Executive Council voted to encourage our chapters to support Homes for our Troops through either donations or volunteerism. Brother Murphy is a spokesman for this organization and benefitted directly from this support. Members of his Gamma Eta Chapter at Florida State University participated in the build and fundraising of his home. Organ and Tissue Donation In May 2017, Samuel D. “Sam” Wyche (Iota–Furman ’66), a long time supporter, speaker, and leader for the Order, addressed the Executive Council about his experiences as a heart transplant recipient. I will not take anything away from his presentation on Friday at the Leadership Lecturer Luncheon. However, the Executive Council endorsed his initiative to engage the entire Order to ask every member to become an official, registered, organ and tissue donor. I hope the Undergraduate Conference considers and endorses these fine initiatives. Further, one additional goal remains to exploring ideas for defending, supporting, and honoring women, in some fashion, as is called for by our obligations.
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OTHER AREAS OF OPERATION AND INTEREST Academics The Order’s academic standards were raised in 2015 and through 2017, with the following new initiatives implemented: • The minimum standard for all of our chapters was raised from a 2.9 to a 3.0. • Any chapter that achieves below a 3.0 submits an academic enhancement plan; any chapter below a 2.70 semester or quarter GPA submits an academic enhancement plan and is placed on social probation for the next semester/quarter; • The minimum GPA is a 2.70 for the following: o To extend a bid of membership to a freshman or to a college student with prior college credit o For members to attend social functions o For any officer to maintain his position each semester, whether elected or appointed The Order has continued to see significant academic improvement from our chapters during the last few years and, since the 76th Convention in 2015, we have seen remarkable results. Among some of the most noteworthy accomplishments are: • Our most recent cumulative GPA for the 2016-2017 academic year exceeds a 2.997. • With the completion of the Spring 2017 semester, Kappa Alpha has achieved our highest semester GPA with a 3.014. • In Fall 2007, only 21% of our chapters nationally were above a 3.00; by the end of the Fall 2014 semester, almost 38% of our chapters are above a 3.00! • In Fall 2007, only 58% of our chapters nationally were above a 2.70; by the end of the Fall 2014 semester, almost 84% were above a 2.70! • We have achieved, collectively, an overall fraternity GPA exceeding 2.80 for the last 18 consecutive semesters and above a 2.90 nine out of the last ten semesters. • We continue to have an extremely high percentage of chapters above a 3.00 GPA. • Our National KA Average has been above the All Men’s and All Fraternity GPA’s eight out of the last nine semesters at our respective campuses. • Since the implementation of KA’s higher academic standards more than ten (10) years ago, our collective fraternity GPA has improved immensely from a 2.78 collective GPA to a 2.997 GPA.
ALUMNI AFFAIRS All chapters that enjoy consistent success over multiple years have one thing in common: a group of committed alumni who advise and support the chapter. Alumni engagement continues to be critical to successful chapters and the Order as a whole, and that is why it remains a primary objective. There is no greater contribution that an alumnus can make in the development of the young men than serving in the role of mentor and advisor. Long gone are the days of a singular advisor trying to carry the burden of mentor, campus and community liaison, operational advisor, and on and on. Today’s advisors function as 10
a committee with multiple alumni taking on specialized roles to advisor and mentor individual officers, committee and/or areas of chapter operations. Facilitation at Province Councils As part of the Order’s enhanced Province Councils, alumni were recruited to participate as facilitators at each of the regional conferences. This proved both beneficial to the undergraduate and alumni members. Additionally, educational sessions designed for alumni were offered to provide updates on the Order’s initiatives, to engage alumni with professional networking sessions with undergraduates and other alumni, and to provide training and additional resources to current volunteers. Communication Through the Order’s comprehensive communications plan, the 150th Anniversary Directory project facilitated the collection of updated contact information. This has greatly improved communication with alumni. This includes a greater presence on social media, targeted alumni emails, e–newsletters for volunteers and well wishes to alumni on their birthday. Recruitment of Advisors The recruitment and appointment of members of chapter alumni advisory committees was a point of emphasis with Province Commanders. The Order saw positive improvement in the number of chapters with three or more members serving on the alumni advisory committee. Alumni Chapters Being involved in an alumni chapter is a great way to stay connected with fellow brothers. There are different forms of alumni chapters that can offer alumni the type of engagement experience they are seeking. There are large city chapters, regional area chapters and chapter specific chapters. Our alumni are interested in reconnecting as we have had a 50% growth since 2013. There are 64 qualified active alumni chapters. Courts of Honor Courts of Honor are comprised of alumni who gather together to celebrate brothers and their accomplishments to the Order and their respective professional fields. Each province has its own Court of Honor. These provide another great way to continue the fraternal fellowship. From 2011–2015 we had more than 200 brothers recognized with induction. Our growth continues with close to 200 court inductees that have been recognized for their commitment to KA during my first term. Military Division The Military Division was created as a way to honor our brothers who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Order is proud of our members who have and do serve our country. I am pleased to report that in the past two years more than 231 additional brothers have been recognized as members of the Military Division bringing our total membership to 746. Loyal Order The main purpose of the Loyal Order is to endow The Kappa Alpha Journal and redirect undergraduate dues to chapter services and educational programming. There are currently 3,421 members of the Loyal Order who receive the Journal for life. 11
Forever KA After fulfilling Loyal Order membership, members can be a part of Forever KA by contributing $18.65 on a monthly. There are currently 151 brothers participating. A task force was created to evaluate the program and propose changes to reinvigorate the program. Leadership KA Leadership KA was held January 8-10, 2016, and January 6-8, 2017, in Caraway, North Carolina, in conjunction with each year’s Number I’s Leadership Institute (NLI) to take advantage of general sessions and speakers presented to every Number I. Founded by Former Knight Commander James R. Estes, Leadership KA is designed to educate alumni and provide additional resources to enhance each participant’s knowledge of the Order today. In addition to the general sessions of NLI, Leadership KA included alumni-focused sessions and facilitated discussions with the Number Is. The modified program was piloted in 2016 and fully implemented in 2017, with (8) eight and (15) fifteen advisors attending respectively. UNDERGRADUATE LEADERSHIP EDUCATION Kappa Alpha Order leads the fraternity world with superior educational programming. The process of educating our chapter leaders begins at the Number I’s Leadership Institute where all chapter presidents are trained to lead their chapter. This progresses through Province Councils where officers and members are educated so they may support their Number I, then continues into the Emerging Leadership Academy (ELA) where many young men, attend at their expense, to learn how to become leaders in their chapter. Stewards of the Order takes place during ELA and participants undergo an intensive, thorough ritual workshop aimed at standardization, performance, comprehension and application. The Crusade Currently, we have 44 Crusade chapters in the Order. The Crusade is Kappa Alpha Order’s total membership development program designed to provide our undergraduates with educational opportunities throughout their college experience. Based on the customs of the Order, the program emphasizes academic excellence, values and ethics, community service, team building and leadership that is beneficial to the active participant during his undergraduate years and throughout life. A new, online curriculum has been developed that includes 4 phases that correlate with the four years of active membership. Phase I is new member education and is followed by Phase II that covers member education and values, both are fully live and available to all freshmen and sophomore members. Phase III, leadership development, will be live and available to all undergraduate members in September 2018. Phase IV, professional development, will be live and available to all undergraduate members in September 2019. Number I’s Leadership Institute 12
I attended the Number I’s Leadership Institute in 2016 and 2017. Former Knight Commander J. Michael Duncan serves as Dean of the Institute, and he, along with Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services Anthony Graziani and Director of Leadership Education Tullis Beasley, organize and direct the educational experience. In 2016, we had 126 of 126 Number I’s attend and in 2017 we had 125 of 126 Number Is attend the training. NLI combines large group speakers and sessions with small group facilitation led by staff and volunteer facilitators. Ten to twelve Number Is break out in "Council Groups" and discuss values, experiences, Kappa Alpha Laws, issues, scenarios, and more throughout the three–day experience. These Council group discussions transform into guided peer–to–peer education and provide some of the most lasting impressions for our Number I’s. Leadership speakers over the past two years have included Former Knight Commander Mike Duncan, Wilson Wong the President of Plaid and Birkman Assessment expert, Eric Maddox the mastermind interrogator behind the capture of Saddam Hussein, Hon. Richard Hudson (Epsilon Xi–North Carolina– Charlotte ’90) United States Congressman from North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, and Chris Woods (Epsilon Theta–Western Kentucky ’03) Birkman Assessment expert. As the second–oldest fraternity training school in the country, NLI is the successor to the original Officer Training School (OTS) held in 1946. OTS developed into the National Leadership Institute, which was held annually through 2005. In January 2003, the Number I’s Leadership Summit was held with half the chapters and in 2004, the “first” Number I’s Leadership Institute was held. The 2018 Number I’s Leadership Institute is scheduled to take place January 4–7, at the Caraway Conference Center outside of Greensboro, North Carolina. Enhanced Province Councils Each spring, regional meetings across the country take place to educate our chapter officers, and to discuss the business of each province. Province Councils focus on officer training and require all officers to attend. All chapters are represented annually at our newly enhanced Province Councils. Undergraduate members participate in this educational opportunity that covers leadership, risk management, personal development, finance, chapter recruitment, ritual, values, and operational training. By using our newly enhanced Province Council format, we are able to bring experts in several different fields to present to our undergraduate bodies. These fields include that of risk management, hazing prevention, communication/media control, and leadership. Alumni facilitators lead small group discussions with chapter officers following large group presentations. Province Council also hosts alumni-lead professional development and networking sessions for our undergraduates to interact with alumni in various fields. Emerging Leaders Academy The 12th and 13th annual Emerging Leaders Academies included both the Crusade RoundTable and Stewards of the Order. More than 200 undergraduates gathered in Lexington, Virginia, with the goal of learning and honing different leadership skills to take back to their respective chapters. Almost all ELA attendees attended on their own volition and at their own, or their chapter’s expense.
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The Emerging Leaders Academy offers three unique learning opportunities: Small Group discussions, Educational Track Sessions, and the Leadership Session Series. The Small Group Experience allows participants to discuss real chapter issues and scenarios that all chapters face. Peer facilitators are handpicked to lead a group of their brothers through small group sessions. In the past two years, we have had 28 peer facilitators serve in this capacity. Educational track sessions included Leadership, Academic Performance, Risk Management, Ritual, Communications, Member Education, Council of Honor, Certified Chapter Recruiter Course (CCRC), Crusade RoundTable and other operational educational sessions. The Leadership Session series speakers included Luke Murphy (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’09) retired Army Staff Sergeant, Donald Gardner (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’59) retired Marine Major General, Teri Cugliari Director of Greek Life at High Point University, Dave “Buzz” Baker (Beta Delta– Georgetown ’79) sports anchor, Former Knight Commander J. Michael Duncan (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin ’69) who presented on leadership, Councilor Sam Leake (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’61) who presented on etiquette, Meg Pevarski Director of Greek Life at the University of Richmond, Councilor David P. Barksdale (Tau–Wake Forest ’83) who presented on the Modern Gentleman, Eric Maddox retired Army interrogator and mastermind behind the capture of Saddam Hussein, Senior Councilor C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95) who presented ritual workshops, Former Knight Commander Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’70) who presented on Robert E. Lee and National Chaplain Dwain Knight (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin ’04) who concluded our series in Lee Chapel with our worship service. Stewards of the Order The Stewards of the Order program is an intense study of the ritual that focuses on standardization and production of the initiation ceremony led by Assistant Executive Director of Advancement Jesse S. Lyons and Assistant Executive Director of Alumni Affairs Brent W. Fellows. In 2016, we had thirty-four participants and in 2017 we had thirty-two participants. A curriculum update is found previously in this report. E. Fleming Mason Memorial Internship Program The E. Fleming Mason Memorial Internship Program has provided sixty-seven internships to deserving undergraduates in Washington, D.C. since its inception in 2004. Several past interns report that this program offered life–changing opportunities. The following men are noted for their participation: 2016 Wesley H. Hilfiker (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’12) Senator Roy Blunt C. Dominic Levings (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’13) The Carlyle Group/Davis & Harman LLP James Ruedlinger Jr. (Delta Iota–Texas–Arlington ’14) Congressman Robert Pittenger/Meyers & Associates William H. Skipper III (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’13) The LS Group 14
McLean M. Warren (Epsilon Mu–Elon ’14) Congressman Richard Hudson 2017 Brett J. Burton (Zeta Nu–North Florida ’15) Meyers & Associates, LLC Tyler L. Garcia (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’14) Davis & Harman LLP Matthew P. Reaves (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’13) National Institutes of Health Elliott K. White (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’13) National Institutes of Health CHAPTER GROWTH & RECRUITMENT Statistics Over the past two years, membership has continued to grow and is reaching the highest levels in the history of the Order. We are now able to educate more men than ever in our recruitment education programs that provide simple and innovative strategies for organizational growth at events such as Province Councils, Number I’s Leadership Institute, and the Emerging Leaders Academy. Since 2013, spring chapter inductions have risen 6%. This year alone, Kappa Alpha Order inducted 2,957 men, 144 of whom were inducted into Provisional Chapters. During the 2016–2017 academic year chapters recruited the 3rd highest level of men to be inducted, and, initiated the 4th highest level of members in the past 25 years, likely ever. This increase in overall growth is due to the hard work of our chapters who continue to select for our organization men who share our values. With a total of 124 chapters at the end of this spring, our total undergraduate membership reached a peak of more than 8,000 members, an increase of more than 950 members over the past four years. We have an average of 63 members per chapter and a retention rate from inducted men to those initiated of nearly 90%. Recruitment Materials To continue to maintain and grow our recruitment success, new recruitment materials were designed and deployed to assist undergraduate chapters in their efforts. These materials were implemented upon the recommendation of the Values and Leadership Education Task Force. All items are available for purchase at KAonlineStore.com or via direct download on the national website. Items include: tri-fold brochures, four short recruitment videos, designed bid cards, chapter stationery, pop-up display banners, and social media images.
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COMMISSIONS Commissions remain an integral and unique component of the fabric of the Order. The following is a report on the success, in terms of initiates, by our Commissions during this past biennium: Beta Commission, for graduates of VMI Theta Commission, for graduates of The Citadel Sigma Alpha Commission, for graduates of USMA Sigma Beta Commission, for graduates of USNA
2016 76 74 3 4
2017 71 79 6 1
Omega Commission was created in fall, 2010, primarily for graduates of Centre College in Kentucky but also to specially initiate legacies of Kappa Alpha alumni through a strict procedure and protocol. One member recently joined through this program. RESTORATIONS, INSTALLATIONS & PROVISIONAL CHAPTERS Over the past two years I have been honored to charter or re–charter the following chapters: • • •
Sam Houston State University (Gamma Tau) Old Dominion University (Delta Gamma) Baylor University (Delta Omega)
The following Provisional Chapters are currently seeking to meet the requirements for chartering: • • • • •
Campbell University Arkansas Tech University (Epsilon Zeta) Vanderbilt University (Chi) University of North Texas (Gamma Lambda) Hastings College (seeking provisional certificate this fall) COMMUNICATIONS
Fraternity Communications Association Kappa Alpha Order was the recipient of multiple awards at the 2016 and 2017 Annual Conference of the Fraternity Communications Association, in Arlington, Va./Washington, D.C. at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, and, in Charlotte, N.C. at the LeMeridien/Sheraton Hotel Complex, respectively. 2016 • 1st Place, Design – Feature Article o “Golden Opportunities from an Orange Duffel Bag” Winter 2015 Journal • 1st Place, Design – Single Page Cover 16
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o Fall 2015 Journal 3rd Place, Multimedia Presentation – General o Biennial Report of the Knight Commander, video, 76th Convention 3rd Place, Inter/National Website o www.KappaAlphaOrder.org 3rd Place, Story Packaging – Feature Article (overall design & writing) o “Our Impact on Campus” Fall 2015 Journal
2017 • 2nd Place, Annual Report o “2015–2016 Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation Annual Report” • 2nd Place, Story Packaging, Coverage of an Event, Chapter, or Member o “Journey Refined” Spring 2016 Journal • 2nd Place, Printed Materials Promotional o Crimson & Gold Society Video Mail Piece Kappa Alpha Order would like to thank our contributors to these award–winning projects: The Journal’s Creative Director, Bruce Tria of Tria Designs; The Atkins Group, our web development firm; Rick Moore, contracted writer; and, Michele Wojciechowski, writer of “Golden Opportunities from an Orange Duffel Bag.” Jesse S. Lyons (Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’98), assistant executive director for advancement and editor of The Kappa Alpha Journal, completed his second year and term as the 2015–2017 president of FCA. Jesse was first elected to the board in 2013 and served as director of networking and vice president of operations. He is the third member to serve as President of FCA, or what was previously known as CFEA, (College Fraternity Editors Association). The first two members were C.W. “Mike” May (Beta Nu–Oglethorpe ’21) in 1940–1941 and Robert E. Lyon (Pi–Tennessee ’71) in 1983–1984. S. Todd Shelton (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’91), a former director of communications and editor of The Kappa Alpha Journal, who had been elected to the FCA board in 2013, was elected president. Todd is the Associate Executive Director for Communications/Marketing for the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity. KappaAlphaJournal.com In addition to our award–winning communications and marketing efforts, in the fall of 2016, the staff launched KappaAlphaJournal.com. This news and entertainment website complements the print edition of The Kappa Alpha Journal in many ways and provides even more content, in a more timely fashion. Here you can search for news/stories about particular subjects and you can find all of the Order’s educational and promotional videos. Social media is aggregated in an easy to access fashion, and, you can submit your own stories on KA’s chapters, members, and more.
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RISK MANAGEMENT The Order is a founding, and current member of FRMT Ltd. Originally formed in September, 1996, today FRMT is a Vermont captive reinsurance company and provides liability insurance to 33 member organizations. Since the inception of our participation in FRMT, the Order has taken several important and industry–leading measures both within FRMT and in our own operations to keep insurance premiums at a low cost to both the national organization and chapter members. Currently, the Chairman of FRMT is Former Knight Commander The Hon. David M. Warren (Tau–Wake Forest ’78). Unfortunately, due directly to chapter risk management violations, the Order’s insurance premiums are increasing significantly this year. This will result in an increase in the Risk Management Fee assessed to each member this year. Undergraduate members and their actions have a direct influence on this major component of the Order’s operations. I must call on every member to make values–based, smart decisions regarding risk management. A large majority of our members are making the right decisions. Much of the programming performed by the National Administrative Office is specifically designed to address the multiple areas of our risk management policy. Our programs, which include, the Number I’s Leadership Institute, regional Province Councils and the Emerging Leaders Academy are all designed to send a consistent message with regard to risk management compliance and enforcement. Much more work is planned to focus on risk management and education at the local, province, and national level, in the coming biennium. KAPPA ALPHA ORDER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION 2015–2016 Officers and Board of Trustees CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT Todd D. Reaves (Nu–Auburn ’89) VICE PRESIDENT Derick S. Close (Alpha Omega– North Carolina State ’78) TREASURER Malcolm H. Liles (Gamma– Georgia ’71) KNIGHT COMMANDER Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta– Westminster ’88) TRUSTEES William E. Dreyer (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’57) James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’60) Stumpy Harris (Beta Zeta–Florida ’57) Eugene M. Julian (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’63) J. Coleman McDowell Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’78) Michael V. Paulin (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’60) 18
C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95) Hon. David M. Warren (Tau–Wake Forest ’78) SECRETARY Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87) LIFE TRUSTEES Timothy Killen Adams (Epsilon–Emory ’57) Dr. James L. Bowers (Beta Omega–Washington College ’57) Loren Q. Hanson (Alpha Kappa– Missouri ’50) Jack R. Taylor (Beta Iota–Drury ’50) Dr. Idris R. Traylor Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’70) 2016–2017 Officers and Board of Trustees CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT Todd D. Reaves (Nu–Auburn ’89) VICE PRESIDENT Derick S. Close (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’78) TREASURER Malcolm H. Liles (Gamma–Georgia ’71) KNIGHT COMMANDER Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88) TRUSTEES Dan H. Akin (Gamma Omicron–Lambuth ’60) Richard L. Burke (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’83) William E. Dreyer (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’57) James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’60) Robert W. Hagan (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’74) Eugene M. Julian (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’63) Steve C. Knight (Gamma Kappa–Oklahoma City ’70) Michael V. Paulin (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’60) Erik T. Showalter (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’02) C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95) William H. Skipper, Jr. (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’89) Larry Stanton Wiese, (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87), Secretary SECRETARY Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87) LIFE TRUSTEES Timothy Killen Adams (Epsilon–Emory ’57) 19
Dr. James L. Bowers (Beta Omega–Washington College ’57) Loren Q. Hanson (Alpha Kappa– Missouri ’50) Jack R. Taylor (Beta Iota–Drury ’50) Dr. Idris R. Traylor Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’70) Crimson & Gold Society The Crimson and Gold Society recognizes the generosity of donors who are giving unrestricted funds totaling $1,000 or more annually. Seeing a need to expand our support to the Order’s excellent leadership training and education initiatives, the KAOEF has embarked on an ambitious campaign to grow the Crimson and Gold Society to 1000 members by June of 2019. We are pleased to report that at the end of the first year of the campaign, we have reached and surpassed our year one goal of 400 members. We thank the following 409 brothers and friends of the Order who have so generously supported this campaign: MEMBERS, FISCAL YEAR 2016–2017 (as of July 19, 2017) Gregory B. Adams (Beta Zeta–Florida ’99) BG Patrick O. Adams (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’65) Samuel B. Adams (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’67) Timothy K. Adams (Epsilon–Emory ’57) King V. Aiken Jr. (Kappa–Mercer ’83) Dan H. Akin (Gamma Omicron–Lambuth ’60) Patrick J. Alderdice (Friend of the Order; Delta Chi) Robert W. Allen (Eta–Richmond ’92) Dr. James R. Andrews (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’61) Marcus E. Angle Jr. (Delta Phi–Jacksonville State ’80) Rex C. Angle (Delta Phi–Jacksonville State ’82) Dr. G. Patterson Apperson III (Alpha Alpha–Univ. of South ’80) Dr. Jess F. Armor (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’92) Mrs. Elizabeth Asbury (Friend of the Order) Dr. Russell Peyton Atchley DMD (Alpha Mu–Millsaps ’66) Christopher M. Axberg (Gamma Psi–Northwestern State ’91) L. Blair Bailey (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’88) Carlton W. Baker (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’81) Robert Howell Baker III (Chi–Vanderbilt ’71) William D. Balthrope (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’58) David P. Barksdale (Tau–Wake Forest ’83) Stuart L. Bascomb (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’60) 1LT David O. Beal (Gamma Kappa–Oklahoma City ’65) Henry H. Beckwith (Beta Zeta–Florida ’54) Bruce Benes (Epsilon Lambda–Miami ’81) B. Terry W. Bennett (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’64) Blake E. Benney (Gamma Lambda–North Texas ’86) Thomas A. Bessant Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’78) 20
Fred D. Binggeli (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’70) B. Sandford Birdsey III (Kappa–Mercer ’85) Dr. John G.P. Boatwright Jr. (Alpha–Washington & Lee ’78) Philip J. Boeckman (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’85) Joe M. Bohannon (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’55) William R. Bolen (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’05) William M. Bone (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’64) Raymond B. Bottom Jr. (Alpha Tau–Hampden-Sydney ’48) Robert M. Bouse (Beta Omicron–Louisville ’51) Dr. James L. Bowers (Beta Omega–Washington College ’57) Franklin T. Brackman (Beta Upsilon–Marshall ’61) R. Tim Bradley (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’74) Lawrence S. Branch (Beta Beta–Bethany ’65) Dustin G. Brann (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’11) Keven Brelsford Caldarera (Delta Omega–Baylor ’86) Charles S. Briggs (Delta Upsilon–Tennessee-Martin ’75) Robert G. Brinkman (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’68) W. Malcolm Bryant (Theta–Kentucky ’75) Carl W. Buchheister (Beta Kappa–Maryland ’63) Phillip A. Buhler (Alpha Zeta–William & Mary ’81) Hon. Rudolph Bumgardner III (Sigma–Davidson ’60) MG Robert M. Bunker USA (Ret.) (Sigma Alpha Commission–USMA ’12) Clayton Eugene Bunting Esq. (Eta–Richmond ’69) Richard L. Burke (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’83) Paul R. Burns (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’71) Stephen L. Burwell (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’69) Ethan J. Bush (Delta Xi–McNeese State ’97) David W. Cade (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’79) James B. Cain (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’41) John C. Cain (Gamma Upsilon–Texas A&M-Commerce ’72) J. Jerry Campbell III (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’63) Philip A. Cantwell (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’05) H. Paige Carlton (Delta–Wofford ’80) Andrew P. Carr (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’00) Jack B. Carter III (Nu–Auburn ’01) Scott D. Carter (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’01) Todd W. Carter (Omicron–Texas ’87) Dr. L. Adolph Casal (Epsilon–Emory ’84) Blake K. Chambers (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’02) Kent T. Chapin (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’70) Thomas G. Chappell (Pi–Tennessee ’63) Cary L. Chastain (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’89) Karl E. Chatham (Beta Nu–Oglethorpe ’00) Anthony L. Cherry Jr. (Phi–Birmingham-Southern ’61) Dillon J. Cheverere (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’02) 21
David C. Chinnery (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88) David T. Cline (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’74) Derick S. Close (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’78) COL Guy D. Colado (Gamma Pi–Florida Southern ’64) Dr. N. Andy Cole (Gamma Sigma–West Texas A&M ’68) Samuel G. Cole III (Alpha Mu–Millsaps ’61) Thomas B. Coleman (Alpha Pi–Stanford ’62) Dr. James K. Collins (Alpha Pi–Stanford ’70) Walter Fitz-James Hindry Conner Jr. (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’03) Hon. Paul Jason Cording (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’91) Barry E. Cox (Alpha Sigma–Georgia Tech ’78) David H. Crane (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’87) James L. Crews II (Delta Upsilon–Tennessee-Martin ’86) Ken A. Crill (Gamma Omicron–Lambuth ’00) James M. Croley (Xi–Southwestern ’59) Mrs. Barbara T. Cromwell (Friend of the Order) Richard R. Crosier (Alpha Phi–Duke ’81) Josiah Crudup III (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’79) Millard L. Cursey Jr. (Beta Chi–West Virginia Wesleyan ’65) James W. Davidson (Chi–Vanderbilt ’64) Donald O. Davis (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’72) James Earl Davis (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’53) Robert C. Davis (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’64) Thomas A. Davis (Beta Zeta–Florida ’57) Daniel R. Day (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’77) Robert E. Deal, Jr, (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’15) Earnest W. Deavenport Jr. (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’58) LaFon C. Dees (Delta–Wofford ’57) Dr. James W. Denham (Psi–Tulane ’96) Franklin W. Denius (Omicron–Texas ’46) Wofford F. Denius (Omicron–Texas ’71) Walter M. Deriso Jr. (Epsilon–Emory ’65) LCDR Edward John Derst III, USCGR (Ret.) (Theta Commission–Citadel ’16) Zachary Allen Diamond (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’99) Alfred Diaz Jr. (Delta Iota–Texas-Arlington ’84) Timothy J. Dixon (Mu–Tulsa ’06) Wyatt T. Dixon III (Delta Psi–Appalachian State ’87) Barry B. Donnell (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’58) Dustin B. Donnell (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’01) Henry B. Dorris IV (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’82) W. Birch Douglass III (Alpha Tau–Hampden-Sydney ’62) Walter L. Dowdle (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’64) James H. Dowling Jr. (Beta Zeta–Florida ’60) Gerald C. Down (Alpha Xi–California ’52) William K. Downey (Theta–Kentucky ’04) 22
Eric J. Doyal (Epsilon Delta–Texas A&M ’03) Dr. Jason E. Drake (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’95) Randal H. Drew Sr. (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’78) William E. Dreyer (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’57) J. Michael Duncan (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’69) Garth K. Dunklin (Upsilon–North Carolina ’81) David W. Dupree (Gamma Rho–East Carolina ’84) Dennis L. Dutton (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’73) Timothy C. Eggena (Nu–Auburn ’87) Eric O. English (Omicron–Texas ’78) James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’60) Richard I. Evans (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’64) Douglas S. Ewalt (Beta Omega–Washington College ’71) Fred W. Faircloth III (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’70) Alexander B. Feinberg (Alpha Phi–Duke ’04) Brent Fellows (Epsilon Theta–Western Kentucky ’98) James L. Ferman Jr. (Epsilon–Emory ’62) Hon. Thomas H. Fetzer Jr. (Tau–Wake Forest ’74) James B. Fincher CPA (Gamma Lambda–North Texas ’68) Thaddeus Matthew Fine (Epsilon Theta–Western Kentucky ’91) Robert D. Fletcher (Delta Omega–Baylor ’77) Tanner B. Flood (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’00) Dr. C. Edward Floyd (Rho–South Carolina ’53) SGT David C. Flurry (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’02) Stephen E. Foster (Beta Chi–West Virginia Wesleyan ’68) James C. France (Gamma Pi–Florida Southern ’66) Chad W. Franks (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’91) Dr. George Robert Franks Jr. (Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech '00) Brad B. Freeman (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’59) Francis E. Gardiner Jr. (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’59) MG Donald R. Gardner USMC (Ret.) (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’59) Edwin Bryan Gentle (Xi–Southwestern ’70) Charles Randolph Gentz (Gamma Psi–Northwestern State ’68) Norman C. George (Omicron–Texas ’75) William Mansfield Gilker III (Xi–Southwestern ’66) Stephen D. Grand (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’08) Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’07) Honorable Paul W Green (Omicron–Texas ’71) H. Lynn Greer Jr. (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’69) Tyler Griffin (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’98) Stephen A. Gustafson (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’76) Paul F. Haddock III (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’80) Dwight T. Hafeli (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’61) Robert W. Hagan (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’74) William J. Hagenah (Alpha Pi–Stanford ’63) 23
Joseph A. Haley III (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’95) Stewart D. Hames (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’99) Brett L. Hanke (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’69) Philetus S. Harison Jr. (Kappa–Mercer ’83) Stumpy Harris (Beta Zeta–Florida ’57) David M Hay (Beta Pi–Presbyterian ’78) Raymond Scott Heath (Delta–Wofford ’77) James L. Herrin (Alpha Sigma–Georgia Tech ’87) Douglas E. Hess (Zeta Iota–Indiana State ’96) Mitchell S. Hill (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87) Ralph O. Hoevelman (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’57) Charles J. Hoffman Jr. (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’47) Dan H. Honeywell (Beta Zeta–Florida ’61) Mrs. Rosann F. Hooks (Friend of the Order) Christopher S. Hoppe (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’71) Trey Horne (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’02) Rock N. Houstoun (Xi–Southwestern ’70) William C. Hubbard (Rho–South Carolina ’71) CAPT Christopher A. Huff (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’05) Scott M. Hughes (Delta Iota–Texas-Arlington ’81) Scott W. Humphrey (Gamma Epsilon–Arizona ’89) CSM G. Jeffery Jackson USA (Ret.) (Beta Commission–VMI ’09) George Merrill Jones III (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’81) Michael W. Jones (Gamma Sigma–West Texas A&M ’78) Raymond A. Jones III (Alpha Phi–Duke ’81) Robert J. Jordan (Alpha Iota–Centenary ’98) Eugene M. Julian (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’63) David T. Kastor (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’81) Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88) James D. Kay Jr. (Nu–Auburn ’79) Norman B. Kellum Jr. (Tau–Wake Forest ’56) Edward L. Kelly (Alpha Sigma–Georgia Tech ’59) Paul V. Kilpatrick Jr. (Gamma–Georgia ’60) Mrs. Peggy Kimbell (Friend of the Order) Gordon L. Kinne (Gamma Beta–Missouri State ’73) James J. Kiser III (Alpha Phi–Duke ’62) James C. Kitts (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’96) Steve C. Knight (Gamma Kappa–Oklahoma City ’70) COL Edward T. Ladd Sr. USAF (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’56) Stephen J. Lafollette (Delta Phi–Jacksonville State ’84) Travis M. Lampley (Pi–Tennessee ’97) Dr. Burnell Landers (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’57) John A. Langley (Beta Zeta–Florida ’78) R. Arvis Layton Jr. (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’96) Sam O. Leake Jr. (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’61) 24
Jeffrey G. Leigh (Zeta Mu–Univ. of Washington ’97) John D. Lentz DDS (Nu–Auburn ’69) Erik K. Lescher (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’95) Dr. Frederick T. Lewis (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’48) Malcolm H. Liles (Gamma–Georgia ’71) Clifford F. Loader (Epsilon Upsilon–California State-Bakersfield ’91) William E. Lobeck Jr. (Delta Gamma–Old Dominion ’65) Tracy H. Lomax (Delta Upsilon–Tennessee-Martin ’89) Alwyn H. Luckey (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’79) Dickson M. Lupo (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’76) Jesse Samuel Lyons (Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’98) Harold F. MacDowell Jr. (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’51) MAJ R. J. MacDowell USAF (Ret.) (Mu–Tulsa ’50) Ted Maness (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’74) John C. Martin (Delta Omega–Baylor ’82) David T. Martineau V (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’88) Jeff Martini (Friend of the Order) Littleton M. Maxwell (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’59) Thomas F. Maxwell III (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’95) James D. McBride III (Omicron–Texas ’80) George W. McCall III (Eta–Richmond ’76) John N. McCarter Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’75) Arthur S. McCray (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’91) Hon. W.T. McDonald Jr. (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’59) Jeffrey D. McEwen (Sigma–Davidson ’82) Thomas B. McGee (Beta Kappa–Maryland ’60) J. Gordon McGill (Epsilon–Emory ’68) Frank A. McGrew IV (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’87) SGM E. Kent McMichael (Beta Commission–VMI ’95) William D. Melton (Nu–Auburn ’62) Charles C. Mickel (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’76) LTC William Hugh Millar (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’82) Dr. Ronald E. Miller, Jr. (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’11) Calvin Moniz (Mu–Tulsa ’04) C. Tucker Moore (Iota–Furman ’61) G. Akers Moore IV (Epsilon Psi–North Carolina-Wilmington ’93) Lynn A. Morgan (Delta Iota–Texas-Arlington ’89) William T. Morgan III (Nu–Auburn ’57) Kevin P. Moritz (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’10) Jimmy K. Morrison (Gamma Omicron–Lambuth ’61) N. Dean Morrison (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’75) S. Morgan Morton, Jr. (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’60) W. Regi Mullins (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’70) David R. Murphey III (Alpha–Washington & Lee ’51) Stephen G. Muzzy (Gamma Epsilon–Arizona ’89) 25
James Parker Myerson (Alpha Pi–Stanford ’74) Michael Lee Neely (Omicron–Texas ’74) David J. Neihart (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’80) Ross W. Newberry (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’00) James M. Ney (Iota–Furman ’62) Douglas L. Nickel (Eta–Richmond ’83) Dr. Joel A. Nickles (Delta Sigma–Houston Baptist ’74) Philip P. Noftsinger (Epsilon Phi–George Mason ’91) Thomas Edwin Norris (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’80) James L. Oliver II (Alpha Sigma–Georgia Tech ’63) Donald O’Neal (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’09) Matthew D. O’Neal (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’06) Nicholas S. Palmer (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’04) Curtis R. Parker (Mu–Tulsa ’02) Jonathan H. Parker (Psi–Tulane ’82) CAPT Rymn Parsons (Sigma Beta Commission–USNA ’14) Daniel B. Pattillo Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’77) David A. Pattillo (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’79) Michael V. Paulin (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’60) Edwin F. Payne (Alpha Phi–Duke ’59) Hugo A. Pearce III (Delta Epsilon–Newberry ’66) L. Wayne Pearson Sr. (Delta Epsilon–Newberry ’67) Blake M. Perdue (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’04) Harry H. Phillips Jr. (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’48) Howard C. Pickett (Friend of the Order; Sigma Nu) H. David Pinson (Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech ’00) William R. Piper (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’87) Andrew Van Pittman (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’89) CPT Ronald C. Plunkett (Theta Commission–Citadel ’09) William Ogden Plyler II (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95) Frank W. Podpechan (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’48) William S. Porter (Pi–Tennessee ’67) J. S. Powell III (Nu–Auburn ’75) H. Hall Provence III (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’73) Nelson H. Puett (Alpha Alpha–Univ. of the South ’74) Christopher J. Puricelli (Gamma Beta–Missouri State ’81) James R. Purvis (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’85) John E. Raidy, Jr. (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’75) Ralph M. Randall (Delta Omega–Baylor ’79) Todd D. Reaves (Nu–Auburn ’89) William B. Reed (Nu–Auburn ’47) Michael E. Reid (Delta Epsilon–Newberry ’01) J. Derrill Rice (Beta Pi–Presbyterian ’80) Jerry J. Richardson (Delta–Wofford ’57) Kenneth Rickli (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’59) 26
John K. Roberts (Beta Zeta–Florida ’99) Roy O. Rodwell Jr. (Alpha Phi–Duke ’55) William C. Routh (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’58) Larry M. Roy (Theta–Kentucky ’81) David C. Ruff (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’05) W. T. Goodloe Rutland (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’47) Patrick G Ryan MD (Delta Xi–McNeese State ’75) Dale C. Sarjeant (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’71) Travis L. Sartain (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’95) Ben W. Satcher, Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’79) Chris R. Sawyer (Delta Sigma–Houston Baptist ’75) Daniel F. Scandling (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’83) Gerald W. Schlief (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’66) C. Edward Schmidt Jr. (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’62) Dr. James Michael Schmuck (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’69) David L. Schoonover (Epsilon Delta–Texas A&M ’00) J. William Schulz (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’60) Gary T. Scott (Xi–Southwestern ’63) Frank P. Sebastian Jr. (Omicron–Texas ’44) D. Brook Sebren (Gamma Nu–Louisiana-Monroe ’09) Donald Lee Shafer III (Beta Omega–Washington College ’83) D. Mitchell Sheaffer (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’00) William B. Shearer Jr. (Beta Pi–Presbyterian ’61) S. Todd Shelton (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’91) Jonathan Matthew Shook Esq. (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’98) Erik T. Showalter (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’02) J. Carlton Showalter Jr. (Beta Commission–VMI ’82) C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95) CPT William Robert Simpson, III (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’11) Gregory R. Singleton (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’82) William H. Skipper Jr. (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’80) A. Randolph Smith II (Delta–Wofford ’80) Gary A. Smith Sr. (Theta–Kentucky ’80) James W. Smith (Rho–South Carolina ’66) Jeremy D. Smith (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’06) Robert Jones Smith (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’59) William G. Smith Jr. (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’73) Walter H. Snider III (Omicron–Texas ’83) Paul M. Speake (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’24) T. Michael Stanberry (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’71) Robert T. Steinkamp (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’64) John W. Stephenson (Epsilon–Emory ’67) Palmer R. Stokes (Theta Commission–Citadel ’12) L. Don Stricklin (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’79) Douglas George Strugar (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’83) 27
Thaddeus Aaron Stubbs (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’96) David Y. Stutts CPA (Delta Sigma–Houston Baptist ’79) Edward G. Sullivan Esq. (Beta Zeta–Florida ’77) Benjamin C. Sutton, Jr. (Tau–Wake Forest ’78) Don R. Symcox (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’49) Grafton P. Tanquary Jr. (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’45) Paul H. Tarwater (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’84) Jack R. Taylor (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’50) Ronald Coleman Taylor (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ’15) S. Davis Taylor (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’79) James N. Tennyson (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’91) William M. Thacker Jr. (Omicron–Texas ’42) David S. Thomas (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88) Curt L. Thompson (Nu–Auburn ’86) E. Powell Thompson (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’75) Ken D. Tidwell (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’82) Steven W. Tomson (Omicron–Texas ’81) Gregory J. Totterdale (Alpha Rho–West Virginia ’71) Bryan N. Tramont (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’17) Sheriff William Barrett Travis (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’82) Dr. Idris R. Traylor Jr., (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’70) John H. Turner, Jr. (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’10) Jon Crosby Turner (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’75) T. Newell Turner III (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’80) J. Murray Underwood Jr. (Alpha Mu–Millsaps ’60) Joseph M. Van Name III (Beta Omega–Washington College ’87) Timothy W. Volpe (Beta Zeta–Florida ’76) David C. Wadlington (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’71) Dr. Chad E. Wagoner (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’93) John W. Walden Jr. (Gamma–Georgia ’62) Robert H. Wall (Tau–Wake Forest ’95) Hon. David M. Warren (Tau–Wake Forest ’78) R. M. Warren III (Kappa–Mercer ’83) Scott W. Warren (Upsilon–North Carolina ’81) Leon C. Watson (Delta Theta–Georgia Southern ’71) T. Draper Watson (Delta Theta–Georgia Southern ’68) Camden R. Webb (Eta–Richmond ’89) Van Wyck H. Webb Jr. (Upsilon–North Carolina ’68) Michael D. Wedlick RCDD (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’89) Edward I. Weisiger Jr. (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’79) Dr. Mell B. Welborn Jr. (Epsilon–Emory ’56) James R. White (Beta Zeta–Florida ’86) Hugh P. Whitehead (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’85) George N. Whiting Jr. (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’75) W. Madison Wickham (Epsilon Iota–Texas State ’03) 28
Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87) David J. Wilder (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’98) Patrick J. Williams (Gamma Epsilon–Arizona ’96) Fred C. Williamson Jr. (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’45) Ronald E. Willis (Gamma Kappa–Oklahoma City ’84) LTC John Michael Wills (Ret.) (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ’69) Brian M. Wilson (Beta Pi–Presbyterian ’92) Eddie S. Wilson (Delta Beta–Delta State ’73) Edmond H. Wilson (Delta Theta–Georgia Southern ’80) Michael P. Wilson (Alpha Theta–Transylvania ’00) Warren S. Wingert (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’58) Dr. Gary Gribble Wiser Jr. (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’99) J. Walter Wood Jr. (Delta Beta–Delta State ’69) LTC William Earl Wray Jr., USA (Ret.) (Beta Commission–VMI ’73) Thomas M. Wright CPA (Gamma Psi–Northwestern State ’70) John D. Wyker II (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’40) Lewis H. Wyman III (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’63) John A. Yearty (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’85) Hon. W. Swan Yerger (Ret.) (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’53) G. Smedes York (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’60) Dean S. Zang (Beta Omega–Washington College ’00) APPOINTMENT OF PROVINCE COMMANDERS Following the adjournment of the 76th Convention, and nominations by Active and Alumni Chapters in each province, I appointed the following Province Commanders. Those men appointed after Convention in 2015 were: Ammen Candler Chiles Crawford Dunwody Feller Forester Frampton Graves Hamilton Hardeman Irwin Locke Mikell Neal Smith
Darron E. Franta (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’90) Collin B. Taylor (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ’96) John T. Rooney (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’91) Hon. P. Michael Ruff (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’67) Stephen J. LaFollette (Delta Phi–Jacksonville State ’84) Jason L. Potts (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’93) Gregory R. Singleton (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’82) Jeffrey W. Love (Epsilon Rho–Purdue ’86) L. Charles Banks, Jr. (Delta Epsilon–Newberry ’02) Stephen E. Foster (Beta Chi–West Virginia Wesleyan ’68) Lee P. Oliver III (Kappa–Mercer ’86) Dr. Jason R. Barrett (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’98) H. David Pinson (Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech ’00) David T. Martineau V (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’88) Douglas W. Hanisch (Epsilon Tau–Northern Arizona ’98) Robert H. Wall (Alpha Omega–Wake Forest ’95) 29
Walsh White Wood
Dr. Joel Nickels (Delta Sigma–Houston Baptist ’74) D. Brook Sebren (Gamma Nu–Louisiana–Monroe ’09) Douglas S. Ewalt (Beta Omega–Washington College ’71)
This year, Hamilton Province Commander Foster, White Province Commander Sebren, and Wood Province Commander Ewalt each contacted me to inform me that they will not be seeking re–appointment for the 2017–2019 biennium. Irwin Province Commander Barrett also informed me that he would be resigning to focus on his family and career. On July 20, 2017, I appointed Hunter M. Lipscomb (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’04) as the Irwin Province Commander to serve through the end of Convention. These mens’ intent to focus on family and/or their professional careers is the Order’s great loss. However, we wish them nothing but the best and look forward to finding strong candidates to fill their positions for the next two years. HISTORY PROJECT In 2015, Dr. Martin Clagett completed Excelsior: The Story of Kappa Alpha Order. A second history book is a component of this overall project. It is to be an encyclopedia of KA: a book of reference and record, and, is slated for completion this calendar year. The production team is almost identical to the team for Excelsior: Author/Researcher. Dr. Martin Clagett has been a visiting scholar both at the college of William and Mary and the University of St. Andrews. He was formerly the Gilder Lehrman Fellow at the International Center for Jefferson Studies and, concurrently, a visiting lecturer at the University of Virginia where he authored Scientific Jefferson: Revealed for John Casteen, now President Emeritus of the University of Virginia. Designer & Production Coordinator. Kandy Harvey. Kandy spent many years in the same role at the University of Virginia. Past design projects include a Thomas Jefferson trilogy by Gene Crotty, Scientific Jefferson: Revealed by Martin Clagett, Diary of a Dean by Kristin Jensen, and others of both academic and fictional nature. Editor. Jesse S. Lyons is the Assistant Executive Director for Advancement & Editor of The Kappa Alpha Journal. Co–Editors. Emily Salmon is the senior copy editor emerita in the former Publications Division of the Library of Virginia and co–editor of The Hornbook of Virginia History and co–author of Historic Photos of Richmond. John Salmon is the former State Historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and is the author of The Official Virginia Civil War Battlefield Guide.
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NORTH AMERICAN INTERFRATERNITY CONFERENCE Through extraordinary interfraternal collaboration, in Fall 2015, mens’ fraternities came together to chart a bold course for the future. Their work resulted in sweeping changes to the North–American Interfraternity Conference aimed at creating vibrant, healthy fraternity communities—one community at a time. Prior to the NIC’s official meeting, the plans were set in motion by a group of eight national fraternity executives to convene a meeting at the Raphael Hotel in Kansas City Missouri that included that Brad Beacham (Sigma Nu), Justin Buck (Pi Kappa Alpha), Judson Horras (Beta Theta Pi), Patrick Jessee (Delta Sigma Phi), Michael Mayer (Theta Chi), Wynn Smiley (Alpha Tau Omega), Mark Timmes (Pi Kappa Phi), and Larry Stanton Wiese (Kappa Alpha Order) to discuss the future of the NIC. NIC 2.0 is a cohesive effort to bring about changes in the fraternity industry. Member organizations, including Kappa Alpha Order, are investing at a historic level, so the NIC can achieve our vision to impact campus communities through increased, strategic support based on the five new priorities of the NIC: • Create an effective grassroots program for all Interfraternity Councils (IFCs) and provide exceptional support for “Focus Campuses” in an effort to strengthen and build healthier fraternity communities. • Develop consistent educational programming for all IFC officers, staff and volunteers. • Create a database that allows members to make data–driven decisions, share best practices and streamline operations. • Lead sophisticated public relations efforts to advance the “Fraternity” brand. • Produce effective advocacy programs that strengthen higher education partnerships as well as governmental and legal affairs. AWARDS Over the last two years, it has been my pleasure to present various awards to the following recipients. This official report also lists for posterity those who received recognition from then Knight Commander William E. Dreyer, after his Biennial Report, during the events of the 76th Convention and Sesquicentennial Celebration (those recipients are indicated with an asterix*): Knight Commander’s Accolade Robert F. Brinkman (Beta Alpha–Missouri S&T ’68)* Brent W. Fellows (Epsilon Theta–Western Kentucky ’98) Jesse S. Lyons (Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’98) Michael P. Wilson (Alpha Theta–Transylvania ’00) Knight Commander’s Medal Travis Burton Lacox (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’00) Bryan Gale Shaw (Gamma Upsilon–Texas A&M-Commerce ’00) Award for Distinguished Public Service Hon. Richard L. Hudson (Epsilon Xi–North Carolina-Charlotte ’90)* 31
Christopher Rhea Traylor (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’82) Harvey R. Hilderbran (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’80) CPT Bradley A. Grimm (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’90), U.S. Army Robert E. Lee Appreciation Award Scott Bowden Accolade for Interfraternal Service Thad M. Doyle (Zeta Lambda–Bowling Green State ’97)* R. Bradley Beacham, Sigma Nu, Executive Director* Wynn Smiley, Sigma Tau Gamma/Alpha Tau Omega, Chief Executive Officer* Jean Mrasek, Past National President, Chi Omega; Chair, National Panhellenic Conference* Certificate of Appreciation Dr. James I. “Bud” Robertson (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’49)* John C. Cox (Delta Beta–Delta State ’93) - presented by Senior Councilor C. Douglas Simmons III on behalf of the Knight Commander Greek Life Professional of the Year Stacy Hurt-Milner, Georgia College and State University, 2015* Dennis Campbell, University of Nevada, 2015* Meg Pevarski, University of Richmond, 2017 Alumnus Advisor of the Year D. Matthew Clarke (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’06), 2015* Ronny J. Snow (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’87), 2017 Faculty Advisor of the Year Chester N. “Checky” Harrington, Jr. (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’76), 2015* Bradley M. Bundy, Miami (OH) University, 2017 William E. Forester Alumni Chapter Award Tennessee-Martin Alumni Chapter, 2015* Joplin, Missouri Alumni Chapter, 2017 Certificates of Service Carlton W. Baker (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’83) Samuel Zenas Ammen Province Commander (2013–2015) Dr. Jason R. Barrett (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’98) Emmett Lee Irwin Province Commander (2009–2017) Blake W. Berkbuegler (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’11) Associate Director for Chapter Development (2014–2016) Dustin G. Brann (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’11) Associate Director for Chapter Development; Director of Leadership Education (2013–2016) 32
Carl W. Buchheister (Beta Kappa–Maryland ’63) Preceptor, James Ward Wood Court of Honor (2013–2016) Nina B. Campbell Assistant to the Executive Director (2007–2017) Douglas S. Ewalt (Beta Omega–Washington College ’71) James Ward Wood Province Commander Stephen E. Foster (Beta Chi–West Virginia Wesleyan ’68) William Sprigg Hamilton Province Commander (2009–2017) Matthew R. Hollomon (Gamma Rho–East Carolina ’03) Deputy Chief Alumnus (2015–2017) Nicholas B. Kutz (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’12) Associate Director for Chapter Services (2016–2017) Jim P. Lawson (Delta Delta–East Tennessee State ’68) Richard T. Feller Province Commander (2003–2015) C. Dominic Levings (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’13) National Undergraduate Chair (2016) Matt Mandeville (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’12) Associate Director for Chapter Services (2014–2016) Littleton M. Maxwell (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’59) Faculty Advisor, Eta–Richmond (1983–2017) David M. “Digger” O’Dell (Delta Gamma–Old Dominion ’79) Preceptor, Samuel Zenas Ammen Court of Honor (2002–2017); Alumnus Advisor, Delta Gamma– Old Dominion (2014–2017) Evan G. McInnis (Zeta Nu–North Florida ’13) National Undergraduate Chairman (2015) David Merrill (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’09) Associate Director for Chapter Services; Director of Risk Management (2013–2017) Sam C. Mynhier (Zeta Tau–Austin Peay State ’11) Associate Director for Chapter Development; Director of Chapter Development (2015–2017) D. Brook Sebren (Gamma Nu–Louisiana-Monroe ’09) White Province Commander (2013–2017) Brandon J. Steadman (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’11) Associate Director for Chapter Services (2015–2016) Mason W. Tarpley (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’10) Associate Director for Chapter Services (2015–2017) Elliott K. White (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’13) National Undergraduate Vice Chair (2016) Collins D. Williamson (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’09) Associate Director for Chapter Services (2015–2017) Christopher J. Wilmer (Zeta Xi–Texas Wesleyan ’12) National Undergraduate Vice Chairman (2015) Michael P. Wilson (Alpha Theta–Transylvania ’00) Educational & Leadership Consultant, Director of Chapter Services, Director of Fraternity Services, Director of Operations, Assistant Executive Director for Alumni Affairs (2003–2016) 33
TRAVELOGUE It has been my honor to represent the Order during the last two years at many meetings and events. The following is a record of my travels for Kappa Alpha Order from August, 2015, until August, 2017: 8/1 8/18
th
2015
78 Meeting of the Advisory Council North American Interfraternity Conference Foundation (NICF) Awards of Distinction Banquet 8/19 North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) NIC 2.0 Meeting 8/22 Jackson, Mississippi Sesquicentennial Local Celebration 9/9–10 Visit and Meetings at National Administrative Office 9/19 Beta Eta–Oklahoma Chapter Visit 9/19 Beta Eta–Oklahoma 110th Anniversary Celebration & Sesquicentennial Local Celebration 10/24 Alpha Eta–Westminster 125th Anniversary Celebration & Sesquicentennial Local Celebration 10/29 Beta Iota–Drury Chapter Initiation 11/7 Indianapolis, Indiana Sesquicentennial Local Celebration 11/12–14 1st Meeting of the 38th Executive Council Meeting & San Francisco Sesquicentennial Regional Celebration 12/16 Kappa Alpha Order Investment Advisor Presentations 12/21 Sesquicentennial Closing Celebration & Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF) Inaugural Day of Giving
Roanoke, Va. Indianapolis, Ind. Indianapolis, Ind. Jackson, Miss. Lexington, Va. Norman, Okla. Oklahoma City, Okla. Fulton, Mo. Springfield, Mo. Indianapolis, Ind. San Francisco, Calif. Charlotte, N.C. Lexington, Va.
2016 1/8 1/14–15 1/29 2/9 2/12–13 3/28–30
Number I's Leadership Institute Edgewater Conference Delta Gamma–Old Dominion Restoration Banquet & Ceremony Butler University Expansion Presentation and Meetings Chiles/Forester/Irwin Province Council Chapter Fund Meetings: Gamma Epsilon–Arizona Alpha Pi–Stanford Alpha Xi–California & Meeting with members at Beta Sigma–Southern California 4/15–16 Meeting of the KAOEF Board of Trustees 4/23 Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State Restoration Ceremony & Banquet 4/28–30 2nd Meeting of the 38th Executive Council 5/15 Sigma Beta Commission–USNA Initiation and Dinner 5/16 Sigma Alpha Commission–USMA Initiation and Dinner 6/9 Emerging Leaders Academy 6/10 Meeting of the Board of Directors of FRMT, Ltd.
Caraway, N.C. Phoenix, Ariz. Norfolk, Va. Indianapolis, Ind. Memphis, Tenn. Tempe, Ariz. Palo Alto, Calif. Berkeley, Calif. Los Angeles, Calif. Greenville, S.C. Huntsville, Tex. Indianapolis, Ind. Annapolis, Md. West Point, N.Y. Lexington, Va. Indianapolis, Ind. 34
7/28–30 3rd Meeting of the 38th Executive Council, 79th Meeting of the Advisory Council, and KAOEF’s 19th Annual Bid for Brotherhood Oklahoma City, Okla. 7/24 Meeting of the Governing Council of the NIC Indianapolis, Ind. 9/22–23 Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the KAOEF Charleston, S.C. 10/6 Annual Investiture of the James Ward Wood Province Court of HonorWilmington, Del. 10/8 Alpha Omicron–Arkansas, House Dedication Fayetteville, Ark. 10/8 Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State, 55th Anniversary Event Joplin, Mo. 10/25 Fraternity & Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) Legislative Reception Indianapolis, Ind. 10/26 Meeting of the Board of the FSPAC Indianapolis, Ind. th th 11/10–12 4 Meeting of the 38 Executive Council Kansas City, Mo. 2017 Number I's Leadership Institute Locke Province Convivium & Century Chest Opening at Oklahoma Historical Society 2/3 Association of Fraternal Values & Leadership Central Conference Luncheon 2/10–11 Chiles/Forester/Irwin/White Province Council 2/25 Locke/Mikell/Walsh Province Council, Annual Investiture of the Henry Judah Mikell and William Archibald Walsh Courts of Honor 4/10 Order of Omega's Omega Lecture at Purdue University 4/20 Reception for members of the Crimson & Gold Society 4/21 Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the KAOEF 4/22 Delta Omega–Baylor Restoration Ceremony & Banquet 5/11–13 5th Meeting of the 38th Executive Council 5/13 Beta Commission–VMI Initiation and Reception 5/19 Annual Investiture of the William McLeod Frampton Court of Honor 6/7–8 Meeting of the Governing Council of the NIC 6/8 FRMT, Ltd.’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Dinner 6/9 Emerging Leaders Academy 7/5 Meeting of the Steering Committee for the 77th Convention 8/2–3 6th Meeting of the 38th Executive Council, 79th Meeting of the Advisory Council, and, Opening Session of the 77th Convention 1/7 1/21
Caraway, N.C. Oklahoma City, Okla. Indianapolis, Ind. Memphis, Tenn. Dallas, Tex. West Lafayette, Ind. Houston, Tex. Houston, Tex. Waco, Tex. Lexington, Va. Lexington, VA Indianapolis, Ind. Indianapolis, Ind. Indianapolis, Ind. Lexington, Va. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo.
APPRECIATION AND CONCLUSION In conclusion, we have accomplished much, but we can and will accomplish more. I want to thank Senior Councilor C. Douglas Simmons (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95) and the entire 38th Executive Council for their confidence and support of the Order’s Priorities and their support of me in this role.
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It is with great sorrow that I note the passing of Former Knight Commander Loren Q. Hanson (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’50) on August 31, 2015. I am very proud to have known him, served with him in various roles while I was on the Advisory and Executive Councils, and have served as Knight Commander for a short period during his life. My sincerest condolences are continued to be extended to his widow, Beverly, son, Peder, and daughter, Amy. I thank all the Former Knight Commanders: Jack R. Taylor (Beta Iota–Drury ’50), Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’70), James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’60), David M. Warren (Tau–Wake Forest ’78), Ben W. Satcher Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’79), and, J. Michael Duncan (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’69) William E. Dreyer (Alpha Delta–William Jewell ’57) I thank our Province Commanders who have served over the past two years, and all members of Alumni Advisory Committees and house corporations across the Order. Your service means continued support and engagement for each of our chapters and brothers. I thank Todd D. Reaves (Nu–Auburn ’89) and the Board of Trustees for the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation. Without their continuing leadership and financial support, the educational program opportunities and scholarships for members would not be possible. I thank the national staff, led by Larry Stanton Wiese, for their tireless dedication to the Order. I want to recognize all of our undergraduate brothers and leaders for your commitment to the values that make the Order so very strong. Finally, I want to thank my family, particularly my wife, Karen and sons, Allen and Mason. I have challenged us all to be what we say we are going to be and to do what we have sworn to do. I can say confidently that we are all following the mantra of “Living our Values, Leading with Excellence.” This is the 3rd day of August, 2017. Fratres Usque Ad Aram Fideles,
Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’87) 40th Knight Commander
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