Kappa Alpha Journal - Fall 2019 - "Ascend"

Plus: Kennels that Save Dogs' Lives

Pg. 30

Brotherhood in the Bayou Pg. 38

Voluntary Remarks with Parice Bowser

Pg. 62

While in recovery from a toxic life, a gruesome accident leads to amputation and depression. Rising from rock-bottom, a world-class Paralympic athlete is reborn, his life now “better than before.”

Pg. 16

FRONT STORY

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD. A special moment was captured at the opening session of Convention in New Orleans. The Zeta Phi Chapter delegate from High Point University was asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the presentation of the colors. Allen Kay is seen doing just that, with his father, Knight Commander Darren Kay, following his lead.

DEPARTMENTS:

CREATIVE

FEATURES:

16

Ascending

A life of drugs and alcohol culminates in a gruesome accident, amputation and depression, resulting in a world-class paralympic athlete and a life that is "better than before."

28 Kennels That Save Dogs’ Lives

Gunnar Kennels serve owners from southern hunters to the Australian Department of Defense

CONTRIBUTORS

Liz Janisse

Aaron Masey

Becky Moore

Rick Moore

Bettie Kelley Sousa

Brianne Tillotson

Michele Wojeiechowski

DEAR BROTHERS

Knight Commander's Message

It is a privilege and honor for me to serve as the 41st Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order.

I’m proud of the Order’s progress, and I am proud of our accomplishments these past 154 years. Along with our healthy growth in membership, I am most proud of the accomplishments we have made in the areas of scholarship and leadership education. A college fraternity experience should enhance and improve a classroom education. I am proud that our members have and continue to make progress with regard to scholarship. To achieve a 3.0 national GPA for the fraternity is an accomplishment to celebrate—however, brothers, as Kappa Alphas, we are charged to continue strive even higher, and we will.

Addressing its charge to develop leaders and aim for excellence, the Order has made great strides in improving its leadership education for our members. The creation of a suite of values-based programs has proven to provide effective training for our officers and prepare them as leaders. While our accomplishments have been many, there is still more work to do. Hazing and the misuse of alcohol by college students remain a top danger to the health and safety of our members and guests. We must all remain vigilant in our efforts to safeguard our members and chapters.

Excellence is our aim, and our business is preparing young men to be leaders. To be leaders in their chapters, to be leaders on campus, and ultimately, to be a leader in their community and country.

This is what our founders and early members had in mind as they formed and shaped our Order.

Our robust growth and increasing membership indicate to me that there is, without question, a continuing need for what Kappa Alpha Order offers and represents.

By living and promoting our values I am confident that Kappa Alpha will continue to grow and prosper and serve as A Moral Compass for the Modern Gentleman.

I am honored to serve as your Knight Commander and eager and excited to work with all members in our continued pursuit of excellence.

Fraternally,

The Kappa Alpha Journal (ISSN #0888-8868, USPS #014-747) is an educational journal published four times a year by Kappa Alpha Order, 115 Liberty Hall Rd., Lexington, Virginia. Periodicals postage paid at Lexington, Virginia, and additional mailing offices.

The Kappa Alpha Journal seeks to reflect the Kappa Alpha experience by presenting news of active and alumni chapters, individual members, and the national organization; by addressing current issues facing the Greek system and the Order; by educating and entertaining those interested in the welfare of Kappa Alpha; and by serving as a historical record.

The Kappa Alpha Journal has been published since 1879. From 1883 to 1885 it was known as The Magazine of Kappa Alpha.

Kappa Alpha Order was founded in 1865 at Washington College (Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia. Today, Kappa Alpha boasts 125 undergraduate chapters and more than 60 alumni chapters across the nation.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Kappa Alpha Order, P.O. Box 1865, Lexington, Virginia 24450

“To achieve a 3.0 national GPA for the fraternity is an accomplishment to celebrate— however, brothers, as Kappa Alphas, we are charged to continue strive even higher, and we will.”

C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ‘95)

VOLUME CXXVI NUMBER 2

HOW TO CONTACT: Editor, The Kappa Alpha Journal

P.O. Box 1865 Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 463-1865 jlyons@ka-order.org

TO CHANGE AN ADDRESS: Fill out the Alumnus Update on the website or send both your new and old address to Kristy Reed at the above mailing address or to kreed@ka-order.org.

MEMBER:

Letter From the Editor

This edition of The Journal is full. Full of stories, photos, KA news, and more. In here, I find a few great connections to my own KA past. Our new Knight Commander, C. Douglas Simmons III, was recently installed at the 78th Convention in New Orleans. Now, you’ll recall from my last letter, I was at the 1999 Convention in New Orleans (see Spring, 2019 issue). Simmons was also at the 1999 Convention as a staff member. That year, I first met Simmons in Cullowhee, N.C., where I was an undergraduate and Delta Alpha Chapter’s new Number VIII. Simmons was my chapter’s Educational and Leadership Consultant and visited the chapter ahead of a big Mississippi State football game the coming weekend. He was then already an expert on our ritual and gave some great pointers to help our chapter continue to improve in that area. Who knows when you’ll meet a future Knight Commander in your KA journey? Get to know the Knight Commander on page 7.

Parice Bowser is highlighted as the most recent recipient of the Order’s Award for Fraternal Excellence. Early on in Parice’s career, likely 2007 or 2008, I visited her at the University of Arkansas, before our chapter returned and before the Greek Community had fully matured under her leadership. We discussed the return of the Alpha Omicron chapter as I was a traveling staff member leading the Order’s expansion and chapter restarts. We agreed a little time needed to pass before we gave it a shot, and so a few years later, Alpha Omicron was reborn in Fayetteville and they’ve been a success ever since. Parice is one of the best College/ University Greek Life Professionals there is—and the results are there to prove it. Read about her approach and her thoughts on pages 62–63.

There there is Dewitt “Zeen” David. He is one of four Knight Commander’s Accolades recipients highlighted on pages 50–51. Zeen was one of the first alumnus advisors I met with as a first-year staff member traveling the southeast. During a month of visits in Louisiana, we met, enjoyed some Cajun food, and I learned about the chapter’s past as a local fraternity. I didn’t understand that concept as my chapter was always planning to be a KA chapter. Of course, KA is much more than just your own chapter and learning about others’ experiences is important to appreciate your own. Here is a insider mea culpa—I mispronounced his last name as “Dah-Veed” for probably ten years before getting it right as “David.” Give me a break though, we met in south Louisiana. This summer was the first time we saw each other in years, but he remembers our meeting, and that kind of brotherhood makes me proud.

Copyright © 2019

Kappa Alpha Order

KAPPA ALPHA ® is a registered trademark of Kappa Alpha Order.

Maybe you’re reading this issue hot out of your mailbox, planning your Thanksgiving feast. Maybe its already 2020 and your longing for the spring. Either way, take a little time and dig into the exciting KA of the present, in this, our fall 2019 Journal

Fraternally,

“This summer was the first time we saw each other in years, but he remembers our meeting, and that kind of brotherhood makes me proud..”

Jesse S. Lyons

(Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’98)

THE SPARK

Rekindle your interest in the Order since our last issue

ONE QUESTION

The Journal asked graduating

“I wouldn’t change a thing. I made my decision on where to attend school based on it being my only walk-on offer to play football. Luckily, a teammate rushed me into KA before I was cut from the football team, which lead me to become treasurer and president of my chapter. Even the job that I have, that is turning into a career, I only got through a chapter brother. There’s nothing of quality on my résumé that would be there had I not rushed KA. My successes are a product of my failures.”

c Tyler M. Olivier (Epsilon Kappa–Southeastern Louisiana ’15)

“I would make more of an effort to engage in the Lexington community. Although my brothers and myself work with local schools and other activities, I wish I would have taken that next step to fully immerse myself to all that this town has to offer.”

c Walker J. Thomas (Alpha–Washington & Lee '16)

“I would try to get more involved within the school. I would join organizations such as Student Ambassadors, Student Foundation, and Blue Blazers Investment Committee. I believe that joining these organizations would help me in my future with connections and experience that could help me in my career.”

c Casey L. McCollum (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’16)

“I would make sure that I slowed down and soaked it all in. The friendships I made in college I will cherish the rest of my life. Time flew by fast when I was in college meeting new people and working towards my degree. Overall I wish I would have lived more in the moment.”

“I can say with a clear conscious that there is not a thing I would do differently. As I wrap up my term as SGA President, I think back on every moment of my college career that has lead me to this

point and shaped my experience. Of course, there has been challenges and mistakes made. However, the community found in KA and on campus has encouraged excellence in all areas of my life and thus have made me into the man I am today. For that, I am extremely grateful and would not change a thing.”

c Dane W. Block, Jr. (Nu–Auburn ’15)

“I would definitely take advantage of some of the great opportunities available through the university. From all of the clubs and activities, to studying abroad, there is so much to absorb. Since being here I have sailed nearly every weekend, studied German and history in Berlin, and been active in state politics. But now with graduation on the horizon, I find myself wishing I had more time. To the incoming freshman and underclassmen: seize all you can while you can, it goes fast.”

c Andrew A. Hovasapian (Zeta Omega–Coastal Carolina ’17)

c Wilson L. Jolly (Gamma Rho–East Carolina ’15)

seniors what they would do differently if they were to go back in time and restart their college career.

Cullen Gillaspia (Epsilon Delta–Texas A&M ’15), Texas A&M’s 12th Man, now will wear a Houston Texans jersey. He was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft. Cullen commented, “Houston is a special place, and I couldn’t be

Coaching for Literacy

The last issue featured the non-profit Coaching for Literacy led by executive director Ryan Viner (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’07). Since the last issue was published, new statistics have been released, and here is what Coaching for Literacy is doing about it.

The inability to read and write effectively in daily life is not just a problem among adults. According to Viner, six out of ten American 4th graders are not reading at grade level.

Coaching for Literacy’s “Fight for Literacy” initiative during the 20182019 basketball season saw more than a quarter million fans attend a Fight for Literacy game, with the cooperation and participation of more than 30 NCAA host schools and 47 NCAA partners, as well as a Fortune 500 partner in International Paper Company. The games raised

Social

April 1, 2019

more than $78,000 in grants to local literacy programs in the cities where those games were played. In addition, Coaching for Literacy was featured in Sports Illustrated magazin e.

Visit coachingforliteracy.org

for more information.

KA and the KAOEF are excited to list Mulberry Hill as an exclusive, long term stay property on AirBNB. Check out the photo for details! All proceeds will go toward a new scholarship endowment for undergraduates.

@KappaAlphaOrder

Whaaaaat where’s the new National Office going to be??

@tlesh2 round up the boys

You all had a good sense on this one— April Fools is over and the headquarters for the Order and KAOEF, Mulberry Hill, will remain a sense of pride for active and alumni members everywhere. We're always happy for tours and visits... just not overnight. Have a great April!

c @KappaAlphaOrder

"Houston is a special place, and I couldn’t be more excited to play for the city that raised me!"

Dear Editor,

I was excited to see the cover article about Brother Pat Conn and his ride to raise money for Cancer research.

The memory of his daughter McKenzie inspired him to train hard and work to raise a lot of money. Every day, Pat and Bristol Myers Squibb work with doctors and cancer patients to make patients’ lives better. Kudos to Pat and his company for their efforts to fund research in hopes of finding a cure. It is great to see them helping others!

John A. Yearty (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’85)

Dear Editor,

My son, Jonathan Reid Covin pledged Kappa Alpha, Fall 2019. He is having a great experience! I am a 1983 Chi Omega at William & Mary. Reid is Class of 2021. My husband, David, graduated from Princeton, where they didn't have Fraternities, only Eating Clubs. He was a bit skeptical of his son becoming a "frat boy," but I convinced him that Greek Life is a great part of the William & Mary experience. Reid was initiated in the Wren Chapel, where I was initiated into Chi Omega 38 years before him.

In a wonderful moment of Providence, Reid's Nana, Elaine Clanton Covin, found a KA pin in her jewelry box that she knew belonged to her father, Dr. Benjamin Reid Clanton. A quick call to your National

[Administrative Office] confirmed that he was a member of Iota Chapter at Furman College, class of 1935. So now, Reid Clanton, and his GreatGrandson and namesake Reid Covin, share the bond of Kappa Alpha. Reid knew his greatgrandfather. He died peacefully at age 92, when Reid was 5 years old, in 2004. Fifteen years later, we are blessed to find that Reid, in fact, was a Kappa Alpha legacy, all along.

With gratitude to all of you for what you do every day to keep the brotherhood strong,

Sincerely,

Beth Sala Covin

Annual Day of Giving

Dec. 20, 2019

2020 Province

Councils

Feb. 1, 2020

Neal Province

Feb. 7-8, 2020

Ammen, Hamilton, Smith, and Wood Provinces

Feb. 14-15, 2020

Candler, Chiles, Forester, and Frampton Provinces

Feb. 21-22, 2020

Crawford, Dunwody, Feller, Graves, Hardeman, and Irwin Provinces

Feb. 28-29, 2020

Locke, Mikell, Walsh, and White Provinces

Knight Commander C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta

Tau–Mississippi State ’95)

PROFESSIONAL

f Managing Partner in Simmons Planting Company in the Mississippi Delta where his family has been engaged in row crop production agriculture for several generations

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

f Trustee of the Washington School Foundation, where Simmons received primary and secondary education

f Immediate past president, Highland Club at Lake Washington, Mississippi, the oldest incorporated social club in the State

ORDER

f Educational & Leadership Consultant, National Administrative Office

f Alumnus Advisor, Beta Tau Chapter

f Commander of the Emmett Lee Irwin Province, 2005–2008

f Executive Council, 2008–present

f Senior Councilor, 2015–2019

f Board of Trustees, KAOEF

f Recipient, Knight Commander’s Accolade

f Former Model Initiation Director

f Author, Stewards of the Order Program

f Chair, Sesquicentennial Celebration Steering Committee, 2015

STATE, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY

f A champion of the U.S. farmer, representing the soybean and rice industries globally

f U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointee, United Soybean Board

f Mississippi State’s alumni representative, Association of Public Land Grant Universities

f Long-time board member, Delta Council, an 85-year old organization focused on the promotion of agriculture, flood control, and development of transportation systems in the Mississippi Delta

f Governor’s appointee and vice-chairman, Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board

f Former member, Mississippi Rice Council; on the board of the Rice Federation, a global advocate

Knight Commander Simmons, center, with family, L to R: Ernie and Lynn Baker, wife Marcella, niece Jane Baldwin Cook, mother Jane, father Doug, sister Cynthia Cook, and nephew Oliver Cook.

KAPPA ALPHA

“Excellence is our aim, and our business is preparing young men to be leaders—to be leaders in their chapters, to be leaders on campus, and ultimately to be a leader in their community and country.”

Rekindle your interest in the Order since our last issue

WHO ARE YOU?

Michael H. Esposito

(Zeta Phi–High Point ’14)

Even as a recent graduate, Michael continues to influence and lead KA chapters to make a difference in the lives of wounded veterans. While an undergraduate, Michael and Zeta Phi Chapter launched an initiative with the goal of raising money for wounded veterans. In just one year, the Chapter raised more than $52,000 for The Independence Fund to purchase two track chairs for wounded veterans.

Since graduation, Michael has led nine other KA chapters in fundraising track chairs for wounded veterans, including most recently at Auburn University and Mississippi State University. In total, more than $162,000 has been raised by KA chapters for wounded veterans.

At the 78th Convention & Brotherhood Weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana, Michael was recognized with the North-American Interfraternity Conference’s Alumnus Award of Distinction for his continued involvement and leadership.

What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading "Henry Clay: the Essential American" by Martin and Teresa Heidler. It covers the life and career of a devoted 19th century statesman who would not let personal ambition or political turmoil get in his way of doing what was best for his country.

What’s on your music playlist and why?

I've been listening to a lot of country music this summer, particularly Thomas Rhett. My friends and I went to one of his concerts this summer and he was pretty great.

What’s in your DVR queue and why?

The second season of Netflix's “Mindhunter” is at the top of my watch queue. It's a

departure from what I would normally watch, but I saw the first season a year ago and really enjoyed it. The storyline about the development of criminal profiling by the FBI is very interesting, and it also features a lot of great music from the late ’70s.

What is your greatest and/or favorite memory from HPU?

On the evening before our graduation, we had one last gathering at the KA house with all our brothers, girlfriends, friends — essentially, anyone who had a close connection to our chapter. It was bittersweet, but having a chance to be together one last time to reminisce on all of the memories and all that we had been

Above: Esposito with Former Knight Commander Traylor and then Knight Commander Kay, who presented him with the NIC’s Alumnus Award of Distinction for 2019.

through together was the perfect way to end our time at HPU

Share a story about a veteran who received a chair.

At Zeta Phi, we gave our second chair away to former USMC Capt.

PJ Glavey. PJ's cousin, Ross, was a brother in our chapter — and being able to help a deserving veteran and family member of someone we cared about made it particularly meaningful.

PJ, Ross, and their entire family came to campus for the track chair presentation.

Being able to hear directly from PJ and his family about how the track chair would improve his mobility and allow him to live a more active lifestyle was an experience my brothers and I will never forget.

Share a quick pitch for The Independence Fund. Over the past few years, I've come across countless veterans who were wounded on the battlefield or injured while serving their country. I've heard their stories, met their families, and listened to how their lives have changed. A lot of these guys had active lifestyles before

their injuries — enjoying hunting, fishing, hiking, yard work, and chasing their kids around the backyard. These veterans have sacrificed more than most of us can imagine. Getting these men in track chairs will help change their lives by improving their mobility and getting them back to doing the things they love with the ones they love.

How many more wounded veterans need assistance to regain a normal life?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 3.8 million veterans living with a disability related to their military service. The Independence Fund currently has more than 120 veterans on a waiting list for one of these track chairs with hundreds more applying each year in their mobility program. These veterans should not have to wait long to get something that could change their life in such a profound way, which is why our brothers across the country should join in supporting Operation KARE.

What (or who?) are you most proud of right now, and why?

I'm most proud of this project and all

of the people who have contributed and continue to build out this initiative to support veterans. When we began Operation KARE in 2016, I don't think we could have imagined that what we started at our chapter would spread to other chapters on campuses from coast to coast. This growth has been made possible by the generosity of more than a thousand donors from around the country and a dedicated team of KA alumni and undergraduates who want to help people by providing people with a life changing gift that is a track chair.

INSIGHT

The Journal surveyed KA alumni and asked,

Did you attend camp growing up?

Here are the results!

40% Church Camp

38% B oy Scout Camp

31% Sports Camp

29% Summer Camp

16% Day Camp

6% B and Camp

7% O ther

17% Did not attend Camp

Rekindle your interest in the Order since our last issue

FROM JOURNALS PAST

Echoes of the Order in New Orleans

New Orleans has now seen five Conventions. In 1911 and 1973, new Knight Commanders were elected in Samford C. Fullilove and Reynolds S. Cheney. In 1931 and 1999, Knight Commanders Henry J. Mikell and James R. Estes were retained. Just this year, C. Douglas Simmons was elected as the 41st Knight Commander. Below is the story of a historic 4th election of Bishop Mikell, one of the longest to serve in chief position of the Order. He would be the second to last to serve over the old General Officers positions of Grand Historian, Grand Purser, Editor of The Journal , and Chief Alumnus. In foreshadowing of the next Knight Commander who would be instrumental in the creation of the Executive Council, Executive Secretary (Director), and National Administrative Office, Dr. Irwin was appointed to a special helm. Additionally, future luminaries Berryman, Dunwody, and Speake made leadership appearances.

JANUARY 1932

Kappa Alphas Rename Chief Bishop Mikell, Knight Commander

Dr. Irwin Honored

BISHOP HENRY J. MIKELL of Atlanta was re-elected Knight Commander of the Order of Kappa Alpha for a fourth time, at a meeting of the national bi-annual convention [biennial] December 30th last in Jung Hotel, New Orleans.

All of the officers of the Order were re-elected. Besides Bishop Mikell, they are W. B. Crawford, Orlando, Fla., grand historian; Allen S. Humphreys, Fayetteville, Ark., grand pursuer; H. B. Handy, Richmond, Va., editor of THE KAPPA ALPHA JOURNAL; Bryan Bolich, Durham, N.C., chief alumnus. Dr. Emmett Irwin of New Orleans was appointed chairman of a committee to consider ways and means of building a Kappa Alpha headquarters building in Richmond, Virginia.

Other committee members appointed were: R. N. Sims and W. O. Guise, of New Orleans; Allen Humphreys, Fayetteville, Ark.; G. W. May, Atlanta, Ga.; Elliott Dunwody, Macon, Ga.; Hulon Capshaw, New York, and Henry C. Chiles, Lexington, Mo.

The committee was appointed after a report by Cyrus W. Beale, Richmond, treasurer of the Foundation. Mr. Beale explained that the project had started with a convention in Dallas, Texas, and had been unanimously approved at the Atlanta convention in 1927.

“The construction of the building is of supreme importance,” Mr. Beale said. “It will mean a permanent headquarters for all fraternity business, including scholarships, student aid, and all student and alumni affairs.”

John R. Berryman, of Los Angeles, elected Convention president at the

Tuesday meeting, presided Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon convention guests went to the Jefferson race track. At 6:30 p.m. there was a model initiation service at Grace Church, and Wednesday night a dance at New Orleans Country Club.

Before the meeting Wednesday morning, Mr. and Mrs. Berryman entertained province commanders, former knight commanders, and officers at a breakfast at the hotel.

There were executive sessions of the Order Thursday morning, and a harbor trip in the afternoon. The convention closed with a banquet at 6 p.m., at which Judge W. W. Westerfield of New Orleans was master of ceremonies, and Dr. W. S. Hamilton of Wheeling, West Virginia, R. N. Sims of New Orleans, and Bishop Mikell

“The construction of the building is of supreme importance. It will mean a permanent headquarters for all fraternity business, including scholarships, student aid, and all student and alumni affairs.”

the principal speakers.

The photo below and the follwoing caption are from the 1932 Journal: All officers of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, which is holding its 36th biennial convention at the Jung Hotel, were re-elected at an executive session Wednesday. From left to right, the officers are Allen S. Humphreys, Fayetteville, Ark., grand purser; W. B. Crawford, Orlando, Fla., grand historian; H. B. Handy, Richmond, Va., editor of the KAPPA ALPHA JOURNAL; Bishop Henry J. Mikell, Atlanta, knight commander; Paul Speake, Atlanta, secretary, and Bryan Bolich, Durham, N. C., chief alumnus.

WHY I Love Vintage British Cars

MY STORY BEGINS ON THE MORNING

of my 18th birthday. A high school pal had promised me a memorable birthday present. But little did I know it would be a chance to drive his father’s British sports car: A 1955 red Austin-Healey 100-4. Around 10 a.m. Fowley showed up piloting the car, with the top removed. “Take the wheel,” he said. And for the next two hours I experienced the thrill of its acceleration, pin-point cornering, the music of the exhaust note and the wind in my face. I was hooked; it was love at first drive.

At the University of Kentucky, my British car affection was greatly strengthened. The KA British car of choice was the Austin-Healey. Seven of us owned one. We would drive our cars past the Thoroughbred horse farms that surrounded Lexington, which featured

immaculate pastures, wooden plank fences, and mares and foals peacefully grazing in the background. A more picturesque drive you will not find anywhere in the South.

And over the years, from then until now, I’ve owned ten examples of vintage

British rolling engineering, including such rarities as a 1947 Sunbeam Talbot Supreme, a 1949 Singer Nine Roadster, and a classic “go to dinner” car: a 1958 MG ZB Magnette Sports Saloon, which the British automotive press dubbed “The Baby Bentley.”

I am blessed to still own one of the seven Austin-Healeys from the KA house from a half-century ago — Jamie Taylor’s car — and each weekend I take it for a drive on the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway. Jamie was killed in a farming accident some 20 years ago, and I know he is always riding with me, proud that his old Austin-Healey is still on the road and being driven by his old pal and KA brother.

— Terry Trovato (Theta-Kentucky’62)

“And for the next two hours I experienced the thrill of its acceleration, pin-point cornering, the music of the exhaust note and the wind in my face. I was hooked; it was love at first drive.”

Terry with Jamie’s Austin-Healey that he restored in his memory. 271 Kalmia Avenue was the address of the KA house.

GENTLEMENS GEAR

Your best gifts for Christmas with KA— or

your KA rose.

These items and many more can be purchased at the information listed.

Pierced Badge Shape Pendant

Jewel-set with 18 seed pearls, 14K gold rabbit-ear bail. (Chain shown sold separately) Comes in a leather pendant box with a Lifetime Warranty. (This pendant is also available in genuine diamonds -please inquire for current pricing.)

$119 | HJGreek.com

Official Ring

Features a signature garnet stone inlaid with the KA Greek letters in gold. Engraving and presentation box included.

$78.00 | HJgreek.com

Money Clip

Handcrafted from durable English Saddle. Spacious card slot holds up to 20 cards. Leather encased magnet, strong enough to hold plenty of cash. Personalize with your initials.

$49.00 | LegacyLeather.com

Bulova Watch

Stainless steel watch bracelet with onehanded locking latch, reliable quartz movement and sweep second hand. Custom Bulova mineral crystal face; water resistant to 30 meters. Lifetime warranty for non-battery related repair. Comes packaged in a black Bulova box.

$148.00 | HJgreek.com

Christmas Ornament

Decorate your tree with this special edition, 3-D coat of arms.

$20.00 | KAonlinestore.com

History Book SET

Excelsior: The Story of Kappa Alpha Order is a 10-inch-by-10-inch, definitive narrative history of the Order.

The Compendium History of Kappa Alpha Order is a 6-inch-by-9-inch, book of reference and record.

$100.00 together, $65 each | KAonlinestore.com

Cufflinks

Show your style in these 3/4" coat of arms cufflinks.

$78.00 | HJgreek.com

Large Garnet and CZ Badge

Crown setting with alternating garnets and synthetic diamonds 10K gold. Engravable with initials, initiation date (mo/day/year) and chapter Greek letter combination at no extra charge.

$205.00 | HJgreek.com

ASCEND

While in recovery from a toxic life, a gruesome accident leads to amputation and depression. Rising from rockbottom, a worldclass Paralympic athlete is reborn, his life now “better than before.”

By Liz Janisse and Jesse Lyons

THE RIDE

Uriah Steffen (Epsilon Rho–Purdue ’06) began October 15, 2012, like any other day. He left his Indianapolis home around 5:00 a.m. He began the usual commute to work, where he restored muscle cars. He made it about a mile and a half from his house when he turned his bicycle onto Moon Road, going north. “It was dark out. It was cold,” Uriah remembered.

A pick-up truck heading south swerved into his lane, attempting to pass another vehicle. Uriah was struck head-on in a collision so gruesome the police report said it appeared as though the driver had struck an animal. The fender collided with his left leg, resulting in injury that was tantamount to an instantaneous amputation below the knee.

The truck was traveling at a speed in excess of 60 miles per hour, which, coupled with Steffen’s cycling pace of about 25-30 miles per hour, resulted in a 90-mile-anhour impact. He was carried on the hood of the pick-up for several yards before being flung another 40 feet. A family friend found him there a few minutes later, as Uriah slowly regained consciousness.

The friend, an off-duty police officer, a nurse, and a fireman were the first to arrive by chance at the site of the accident. The first used his belt as a makeshift tourniquet that saved part of Uriah’s left leg below the knee, which ultimately became, “a huge plus down the road.” “I saw him say, ‘Oh my God,’ turn, and throw up. And a few other phrases, but I won’t repeat those,” said Uriah.

“I tried to sit up. My left arm was not moving. And I noticed ... I noticed blood running down my arm, running all over my hand. I went to sit up, saw my left foot swinging, and that’s kind of when I knew something was really going wrong.”

“I chose to party more than pursue what KA really stood for. It wasn’t because of the fraternity that I got into drugs and into alcohol. KA was there. They had the opportunities. They had the guidance and the counselors and the help there for me, at my fingertips. But I chose to ignore it.”

Uriah has no memory of what happened next, but remained conscious enough to converse with his first responders. He reported his name, address, and the contact information for his wife of three months, Angela.

Angela was already headed in his direction before she received the call. She saw the ambulance next to a single vehicle and knew it must be Uriah. She got a deep pit in her stomach. She knew this was him.

She followed the ambulance to Indiana University Methodist Hospital in downtown Indianapolis, where Uriah spent the next nine hours in surgery. His left foot was completely amputated. He had surgery on his hand. His left shoulder had been dislocated down into his ribcage, overextending nerves and leaving him temporarily paralyzed.

THE RECOVERY

Uriah Steffen’s life changed forever with that single bicycle ride. “I’ve never had any issues, anger, or fears with the amputation. I trust that God has a plan for me and will take care of me,” said Steffen.

This began a two-week hospital stay and a series of nine surgeries that left Uriah with an open wound and skin grafts about the size of a softball on the end of his leg.

About a month later, the skin grafts were not taking. Blood flow to Uriah’s injured leg was compromised. A vascular transplant moved a major vein from one leg to the other, without success. The transplant collapsed in on itself, marking the start of healing problems that would last a year and a half after the accident.

“I spent the next, let’s see, 16 months, dealing with healing issues, revision surgeries, blood flow issues, in-sections. You name it, I dealt with it on my left leg.”

Uriah said his wife, Angela, carried him through those difficult months. He also had the support of his Kappa Alpha brothers.

“I had several brothers that came out to visit me while I was at the hospital. And even after the hospital, sitting at home, several of them stopped by and just said, “Hey, you know we’re here for you if you need us. The bonds that we made in college, those are life-long.”

“No matter what happens in life, no matter the circumstances or wherever we’re at, that brotherhood, that friendship, those bonds are always going to be there. And so it’s important to, during the struggles of our lives, lean on those people.”

Just as his KA brothers supported Uriah through his recovery process, the Epsilon Rho Chapter offered him critical resources during a trying time as an undergraduate.

THE ROCK BOTTOM

The amputation was just the beginning of the turmoil Uriah faced that year.

“I was a wreck. During that time, I was dealing with the legal issues of getting hit, with going after financial obligations, in and out of court with the individual that hit me, dealing with all of that. Dealing with healing issues. Emotionally, I was depressed.

“There were about four weeks of my life that I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn’t want to move, didn’t want to do anything. I didn’t know what tomorrow was going to bring. I didn’t know when I was going to heal.”

In 2005, Uriah graduated high school and left for college, excited and hungry for tomorrow’s challenges. But, by the fall of 2007 he had failed out of two colleges, become a drug addict and an alcoholic. All Uriah wanted was to socialize, drink, and get high. He had been arrested for underage drinking and public intoxication, attended court-ordered rehab, and was on probation. Having failed at the traditional four-year college, in 2008 he enrolled in a program for an associate degree from an automotive school. He had a natural artistic talent. His decision to pursue that path was a last-ditch effort to find redemption and self-acceptance from the failures of the past two years. But the habits followed him.

“By the end of 2009, I had arrest records in multiple states, was arrested twice for driving under the influence, had a suspended license, was given court-ordered correctional programs. I was evicted and homeless. For a period of time I bounced around from couch to couch, and even spent several nights in my vehicle,” Uriah remembers.

“In early 2011, I met this beautiful young woman, full of energy and love. Gorgeous blonde hair, eyes that sparkled, and legs to die for!” Uriah recalls. She saw the facade that

“No matter what happens in life, no matter the circumstances or wherever we’re at, that brotherhood, that friendship, those bonds are always going to be there. And so it’s important to, during the struggles of our lives, lean on those people.”

Uriah projected and noticed a little glimmer of hope. And, she accepted him for what she saw, or at least the version portrayed. Uriah had kept certain parts of that period of his life a secret.

“I was embarrassed. I didn’t want the real me to be exposed in fear that she might leave me, or that I would be rejected,” he explains. Later that year Angela witnessed his final arrest. He was sober this time but was arrested for Driving on a Suspended License as a Habitual Traffic Violator. Over those next several hours while sitting in a cinder block jail cell,

Uriah had nothing but time to reflect. This offense carried with it a five- to ten-year suspension of my license and two years in jail. “I found my rock bottom.” Questions swirled for Uriah.

“I grew up in a loving home with a strong faith foundation.

I was accepted and encouraged with positive reinforcement. Disciplined with love, taught a good sense of right and wrong. So, what went wrong? How did I get here?” In high school and into college, issues with selfacceptance, fear, and anxiety were prevalent. Uriah calls it

a “self-imposed standard of perfection” which could not be met. “I tried to fit in with my peers, changing the way I acted and dressed. I used people and abused relationships. I knew how to manipulate myself and others. I wore this mask of confidence and ego.” It was in this pursuit that he gave into behaviors that he knew were wrong. “I drank to become fearless, and got high to escape reality. I was surrounded by voices that refused to take ownership of their actions, leading me into similar beliefs,” he explains.

THE RESOLVE

“Ultimately, I had to accept responsibility for the choices that I made,” says Uriah, but acknowledges that the help and encouragement of loved ones, were necessary to help him to decide to turn his life around.

First, it was court-ordered. But then a local recovery group with a tough-love type approach and a new church for he and Angela became his starting grounds. The struggle didn’t get any easier, but there was more joy and peace to be found.

On April 13, just months before the accident, Uriah proposed to Angela. That next week he started house arrest to fulfill the agreements of his conviction. Three days after probation’s end, the couple left for Las Vegas. On July 30 they had a beautiful wedding ceremony with family and friends. “Life was looking pretty good,” says Uriah on his continuing climb.

Why was Uriah on a bike on October 15, three months after the wedding? Two reasons. First, he still had a suspended license so he couldn’t drive. Mopeds and scooters were unreliable. He had to get to work daily. His career as an automotive restoration specialist was budding—from 1969 Camaros to ‘72 Mopars, Uriah crafted award-winning cars that you normally find on magazine covers. Riding his bicycle became more than mere transportation. The wind, the speed, using his body to power through the hills and countryside—it was freedom. Freedom from all the issues underlying his pain.

Uriah had already affirmed his mental, spiritual, and emotional recovery. They were tested yet again when he had to attempt a physical recover. Perhaps this complete renewal was the true beginning of his new life. One to ascend.

THE BROTHERHOOD

Uriah continues to find meaning in our Order whose values first attracted him as an undergraduate. “The integrity, the brotherhood, the true gentlemen that KA members strive to be. That’s what I needed. That’s what stuck out to me. And that brotherhood meant more to me than anything. That’s

always been a big influence on my life, just having that.”

“It wasn’t because of the fraternity that I got into the drugs and into the alcohol. I chose to party more than pursue what KA really stood for. KA was there. They had the opportunities. They had the guidance and the counselors and the help there for me, at my fingertips. But I chose to ignore it.”

“To help counter that, it’s important to stay focused on what is truly important,” said Uriah. For him, that includes a focus on academics. And, of course, the values of The Order that first attracted him as an undergraduate.

to assist him in his races, travels, and equipment. “I was completely blown away by that. These are guys who I’ve never met before, but they heard my story and were moved by it.”

THE ROAD AHEAD

Those values of integrity and resilience have played a major role in Uriah’s evolving career as a patient advocate for SRT Prosthetics, sharing his story and inspiration with members of the amputee community in Indiana.

“Having the rough road that I had to getting into the prosthesis allowed me to relate to a lot of different individuals. It opened up a lot of doors to pour back into others, and really say, ‘here’s the love that was shown to me. Walk with me. Let me help you through this process a little bit, and kind of take away the fear of the unknown.’”

Uriah finds joy in sharing his journey with others, hopeful that his resilience will offer inspiration to those facing adversity in their own lives. “My biggest prayer is that my story will encourage and touch someone else in a positive way, helping them to overcome their current challenge.” Uriah says that many folks faced with similar situations are so focused on learning to walk again, they forget to consider learning how to run, or how to dance, or how to play with their kids.

Steffen set his sights on the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan. His training has taken him across the country, from local competitions to the 2018 USA Paratriathlon National Championship held in Wisconsin last year. Uriah has the support of coaches, sponsors, and his prosthetic team to pursue his Paralympic dream, but still— “family always comes first.”

Uriah and Angela reside in Plainfield with their two daughters, Fiona, 5, and Vivian 3. His advice for brothers is perhaps best framed as the advice he most wants to share with his children.

In August, Uriah earned second place at the Chicago Triathlon Sprint Distance in the Male Paratri ambulatory division. As for the 2020 Paraylympics in Tokyo, “At this time it’s still up in the air. Currently I placed 4th at the US Paratriathlon National Championships last month [July] and currently in the off season,” Uriah said. It’s looking like I’ll be an alternate. “Season starts back up next April with a few more opportunities to prove myself, but looking at planning for 2024 and 2028.” To even be considered for an Olympic or Paralympic spot, one must participate and place in three races minimum throughout the previous 12 months, build up a requisite amount of “points” a variety of ways in races for their system, and be qualified within your time.

Uriah recently completed a “30 days, 30 triathalon” challenge in September. It was trying physically and emotionally, and he recognizes there are limits to what he hopes to accomplish.

Nearly six and a half years after the accident, Uriah found peace in the love of his family and the road to the Paralympics that lies ahead. “I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Uriah. “I know for a fact my life is better today than it ever would have been.”

KA brothers from the new provisional chapter at Purdue heard of Uriah’s recovery and his beginning to race competitively. Before knowing him, they organized, fundraised, and sent Uriah some financial support

Uriah is a great teacher for those in that community as he quickly set his sights beyond walking. He has embraced a rigorous Olympic training schedule, with 2–3 hours per day, devoted 6 days a week. This is a combination of cycling, swimming, and running, with Steffen constantly training and trying to balance a 40- to 50hour job every week.

“Never give up on your dreams. We all have our own struggles, and we don’t know what the next person is dealing with, so always take the time to slow down, show a little bit of grace, show a little bit of love, and just smile. You never know who you might impact. You can change somebody’s life. And that opportunity to change somebody else’s world could then grow and change the world in general.”

Follow Uriah’s ongoing journey on Instagram at @uriah_steffen and on Facebook (search Uriah Steffen).

“You never know who you might impact. You can change somebody’s life. And that opportunity to change somebody else’s world could then grow and change the world in general.”

“It opened up a lot of doors to pour back into others, and really say, ‘here’s the love that was shown to me. Walk with me. Let me help you through this process a little bit, and kind of take away the fear of the unknown.’”

MODERN GENTLEMEN

OPERATION KA RE On Saturday, March 30, 2019, the Nu Chapter at Auburn University presented a wounded veteran with an all-terrain wheelchair. The recipient of this chair was medically-retired U.S. Army veteran Karlton Berry. ¶ “It’ll definitely benefit me in a lot of stuff,” Berry said. “It definitely brightened my day when they told me I was getting one. Now, I can get around a lot more; going hunting and

Wipeout Polio

DELTA RHO–VALDOSTA STATE

Robert “Bob” Hagan (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’74) recently returned from India, where, as a member and a past district governor of Rotary International, he was participating in a project to immunize the children of India against polio. He said that the project to not only wipe out polio but to prevent its re-emergence has been the organization’s number one initiative for the past three decades.

“Polio has been eradicated in India since 2015,” he said. “No cases since then. India has held a ‘National Immunization Day’ annually for four years, and this was my fourth NID trip.”

Hagan helped administer the vaccine to children in droplet form. “Most countries outside of the U.S. give polio drops, two of them at a time,” said Hagan, who is Rotary International’s “End Polio” coordinator. “This way is easier to transport and administer. Patients cooperate better when administering drops than a shot. Drops have been available for several years.”

Innovation in Sports Media

TAU–WAKE FOREST

Benjamin C. “Ben” Sutton, Jr. (Tau–Wake Forest ’78) was recognized by the National Sports Media Association with the Roone Arledge Award for Innovation.

Sutton founded International Sports Properties (ISP Sports) in 1992 and built it from an underdog into an industry leader in collegiate marketing. Sutton and the Company were recognized for its business model for creating a new industry for consolidating the media rights for college athletic programs.

“If you’re not going to dream big,

Scouts Honor

DELTA IOTA–TEXAS-ARLINGTON

In March 2017 after a 20-year career in higher education, George F. Niebling IV (Delta Iota–TexasArlington ’89) took a position with the Texas Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America to serve the youth of West Central Texas as a District Executive.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

stuff outdoors, and I can be a lot more mobile than being in a regular wheelchair.” ¶ Nu Chapter is the first chapter of 2019 to successfully raise the $16,000 needed to purchase the chair, but nearly a dozen other chapters are working to meet the goal. ¶ The donation is a result of a partnership with The Independence Fund and Kappa Alpha Order. Since 2016 when the Zeta Phi Chapter at Hight Point University began fundraising, KA Chapters have raised more than $162,000 for The Independence Fund. ¶ Founded in 2007, The Independence Fund is committed to empowering our nation’s catastrophically wounded, injured, or ill veterans to overcome physical, mental, and emotional wounds incurred in the line of duty. We are dedicated to improving the lives of both our Veterans and their families. Through our Mobility, Caregiver, Adaptive Sports, Advocacy, and Family programs, The Independence Fund strives to bridge the gap of unmet needs for Veterans and their caregivers.

Fireman Climbs the Ladder

Firefighter Kevin M. Rink (Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’97) was named a battalion chief with the Charlotte, North Carolina Fire Department. Rink has been fighting fires for more than

DELTA ALPHA–WESTERN CAROLINA

Happy Campers Raise Cash

RHO-UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

The Rho C H apter at the University of South Carolina helped Camp Cole hold their inaugural Happy Campers Food Truck Festival on April 7, 2019 (above). The festival promoted the camp, the first ACA and ADA campsite in Columbia, and featured the presence of several different local food and retail vendors. Rho Chapter has raised more than $83,000 during the

past three years with its annual ‘Dancing With the KAs’ event.

“It was truly special to see the good works of our philanthropy, Camp Cole, in action and to be able to lend a helping hand for the event,” Number I Jack Fallon ’16 said. It is really cool to see some of our members like Corbin Cleaves so passionate about the camp.”

Representing South Carolina for National Auto Dealer of Year

DELTA OMICRON–CLEMSON

Graham M. Eubank, Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’87) represented the state of South Carolina for the 2019 TIME Dealer of the Year Competition. Only 51 auto dealers were selected out of more than 16,000 nominations. This auto dealer award is “described as among the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted trophies, honors successful car dealers who bring a concerted call to community service.”

Eubank runs the Palmetto Ford Lincoln car dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, which has been passed down from his father who was a KA at Wofford. Eubank’s son is also an active member of KA at Clemson. His dad started up the family-owned dealership in 1969, and Graham gives his dad the most

First Trio on The Voice

WITH "CLOSER TO FINE" BY THE INDIGO GIRLS AS THEIR BLIND audition selection, The Bundys trio performance got the attention of two coaches, Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.

Composed of Ryan Bundy (Epsilon Lambda–Miami ’12) and his two sisters, Megan and Katey, The Bundys made history of NBC’s singing competition show, The Voice, as its first trio to be selected to compete.

Grateful to have participated, the trio was eliminated after the show’s Cross Battle round on Monday, April 22.

“What an amazing journey!” the trio posted on Twitter.“ @kelly_clarkson we are forever grateful to have been able to learn from you as a coach and as a person. @NBCTheVoice thank you for trusting us to be the first trio. We had the time of our lives.”

Not only music, but KA also runs in this family. Younger brother,

Evan (Epsilon Lambda–Miami ’15), is a recent graduate, and their father and special initiate, Brad (Epsilon Lambda–Miami ’18), is serving as Faculty Advisor for Epsilon Lambda Chapter.

The Bundys are focusing on touring with shows in “as many cities as possible” this summer, and have an EP, “Before I Go.”

EPSILON LAMBDA–MIAMI

Oath of Honor

GAMMA OMEGA–MIDWESTERN STATE

The Northwest Texas Council of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) recognized Stephen A. “Reno” Gustafson (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ‘76) with the Americanism Award which honors individuals who have taken the Scout Oath and Law into their adult lives and have shown great success both personally and professionally.

In 1982 Gustafson earned his BBA degree at Midwestern State University. As president and co-owner of Falls Distributing, he built the business from the ground up.

His service to the community includes holding multiple volun teer positions for MSU, including serving on the Board of Regents for many years. He has also been supportive of the North Texas Reha bilitation Hospital.

Pocomoke to Peru

Brian J. Cook (Beta Beta–Bethany ’03), an English language arts teacher and department chair at Pocomoke Middle School, is one of 76 teachers from the U.S. to be selected for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms (TGC) Program in 2018-2019.

“The yearlong fellowship allowed me to emerge myself in global education and participate in an international field experience to Peru in the summer of 2019,” Brian said. “During my experience, I co-taught in a Peruvian classroom and worked on research involving literacy.”

San Diego’s EY Technology Entrepreneur of the Year

BETA ETA–OKLAHOMA

Win Cramer (Beta Eta–Oklahoma '96), CEO of JLab Audio, an award-winning Bluetooth headphone brand, received the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Award in the Technology and Services category in San Diego. Cramer was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a special black-tie gala event at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar on June 6th.

“My name’s on the trophy but this is a team award," Win said.

"Without the loyal hardworking JLab team none of this would even be remotely possible. The team continues to inspire me and push me on a daily basis.”

BETA BETA–BETHANY

Leaving a Lasting Mark on Campus

The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the University of Arkansas at Monticello Indoor Practice Facility after the school’s former chancellor, Dr. Harold J. “Jack” Lassiter, Jr. (Gamma Upsilon–Texas A&M-Commerce ’65), and his wife. Lassiter has spent nearly three decades on campus in Monticello including a decade as chancellor before retiring in 2014.

The building, which opened in 2009 while Jack Lassiter was chancellor, will now be known as the Judy and Jack Lassiter Indoor Practice Facility. University of Arkansas President Don Bobbitt visited Monticello for the formal renaming ceremony in June which was well attended by more than 150 guests.

GAMMA UPSILON–TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO

Veteran Establishes Spirits Company for American Patriots

GAMMA GAMMA–MEMPHIS

Brad Premo (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’00), an accountant by trade, thought he just was lending a hand to his friends with the accounting, but his involvement with Article 15 Clothing, a veteran-owned company which specializes in “freedom lifestyle apparel,” led to the launch of his own company.

“They needed someone to run their books,” Premo said. “I thought, wow. It’s a t-shirt company. We won’t make any money, but it will sure be fun. It ended up blowing up. The business took off huge! We started thinking about other things we wanted to do. We were working for ourselves so we could take risks.”

A desire to craft a whiskey that was enjoyable and supported the Second Amendment led to a risk and Leadslingers Spirits, another veteran-owned business.

“The day I walked out of the accounting firm for the last time, I walked onto a plane to start Leadslingers,” he said. “I’m a former paratrooper and a cop. I was not built for cubicle life.”

Leadslingers began with bourbon, but followed up with Black Flag Rum, Fighting Spirit Rye and Napalm — a cinnamoninfused whiskey.

Southwestern Recognizes Pate with Community Award

XI–SOUTHWESTERN

Gera ld L. “Jerry” Pate (Xi–Southwestern ’74) was recently honored with the Martha Diaz Hurtado College Town Award in Georgetown, Texas, recognizing his dedication to Southwestern University and Kappa Alpha Order, as well as his continuous efforts to enhance the “college town” environment for students, faculty and staff at SU. The award was presented to Pate at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce 2018 Annual Banquet on Friday, January 26th.

Pate never formally attended Southwestern, but developed a relationship as a teenager with some of the men of the KA chapter there. He became a valued member of the campus community through the fraternity, and was initiated into Xi as a high school graduation present by the men of the chapter. Pate would go on to serve as a Georgetown police officer for some three decades, while continuing to support Southwestern, KA, and his hometown of Georgetown.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA PRASEK

Above: Pate with Southwestern brothers and family.

Kennels that Save Dogs' Lives

Gunnar Kennels serve owners from southern hunters to the Australian Department of Defense

By Michele Wojciechowski

Addison Edmonds has always enjoyed the outdoors

For the past 11 years, his dog, Gunner, has been right at his side. But taking him along caused Edmonds some concern because he would have to put him in a plastic crate in his pickup truck when traveling.

“I never felt safe with my dog in one of those plastic crates,” he explains. “Having Gunner with me all day, every day hunting and fishing, it was important for me to have a top-of-the-line dog crate.” At that time, the next step up from a $60 plastic dog crate was a $2,000 aluminum box that Edmonds says takes up the entire truck bed.

So Edmonds decided to create his own.

A Born Businessman

Edmonds, who graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2009 and is a member of Alpha Upsilon, always knew that he’d grow up to be an entrepreneur. His father, Darryl, started his own financial advisor firm called Trust Corps. “My whole life, I just always knew I wanted to be like my father and that meant be your own boss or run your own company,” says Edmonds.

“I wanted it to be safe so I felt confident when driving, but I didn’t realize the impact that it would have—that it would actually one day save dogs’ lives.”

Kennels that Save Dogs' Lives

One main reason he wanted to be like his Dad is because Edmonds says that he was really involved in his life as he grew up. “He was always able to make all my sports games and take a vacation anytime he wanted to. I already wanted to be an entrepreneur. But looking back, I realized he was able to be there when a lot of my friends’ fathers couldn’t,” says Edmonds. “He was at different sporting events and he could take off a Thursday or Friday sometimes to go fishing with me. That was always cool—just being able to be your own boss.”

His first foray as an entrepreneur began in high school, when he and a friend started a lawn care company. After college, he started an advertising business in Mississippi called The Indoor Advantage. It provided framed posters used for advertising in restaurants and bars all around Oxford, MS.

During his last year of owning The Indoor Advantage, Edmonds purchased from a breeder, a chocolate lab he named Gunner and spent time traveling all over Mississippi duck hunting. That’s when he realized how he didn’t like the crate he used. He didn’t think it was safe enough for man’s best friend.

“My idea was that somebody needed to make the best of the best travel crate, which meant it had to be the safest. I also thought it needed some features I wanted on a kennel like a drain plug to drain the kennel and clean it out, a lockable easy-to-use door, and little things like that,” Edmonds recalls.

“I already wanted to be an entrepreneur. But looking back, I realized [my father] was able to be there when a lot of my friends’ fathers couldn’t.’”

Above: Edmunds in the warehouse of Gunner Kennels

He had the idea, but wasn’t sure he could do it.

“It took a month of convincing myself that if I don’t do it, somebody else will,” he says. Edmonds sold his advertising company and began designing his dream kennel.

From Vision to Reality

Edmonds, now the Founder and CEO of Gunner Kennels, came up with the idea for how he wanted the structure of his dog kennels to be. He learned that the manufacturing process to create it was rotational molding—the way gas tanks, kayaks, and the like are made. An old high school buddy of his happened to be the CEO of Centro Incorporated, which Edmonds says is one of the best custom rotational molding companies in the world.

Centro employees helped to engineer Edmonds’ vision, and they are the manufacturers of Gunner Kennels today.

While he came up with the plans for the crate, Edmonds called the business Gunner Kennels because he didn’t have a better name. When the time came for him to choose a permanent name, he stuck with it. “I did this for my dog; what better way to pay him tribute than to name it after him.”

Nearing its fourth year in business, Gunner Kennels has 10 full-time employees. The company has sold more than 20,000 kennels, and sales more than doubled every year from 2015 to 2017. The heavy-duty crates come in four sizes—small, medium, intermediate, and large.

Besides selling primarily to customers with sporting dogs or who are invested dog owners, Gunner Kennels has sent kennels to multiple Air Force bases, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives National Canine Division Branch, Navy SEALS, as well as the U.S. Border Patrol. The company has also supplied them to city and county police K9 units, the Australian DOD, Norwegian Army, Israel Special Forces, and the NYPD ESU K9 Team, among others.

Although Edmonds admits that it’s been fun getting recognition from idols he grew up watching on TV who have approached him at trade shows and congratulated him on his product, there’s still one thing that’s most important. “The biggest reward is when we get calls that say the kennel save a dog’s life,” says Edmonds.

“We had a lady call who has a search-and-rescue dog. She totaled her vehicle, but her dog was 100 percent okay in our kennel,” says Edmonds. The company has received a number of calls like this. “I wanted it to be safe so I felt confident when driving, but I didn’t realize the impact that it would have—that it would actually one day save dogs’ lives.”

have to do is be an active participant and get involved,” Edmonds says. “It is the relationships I made in KA that have supported me while starting this company.”

Today, Edmonds, his wife Emily, and their four children live in Nashville, Tennessee, Edmonds hometown and the location of Gunner Kennels. Even though he’s built a successful business creating exactly what he wanted, Edmonds remains humble.

A few years ago, while driving to Arkansas on the opening weekend of duck season, Edmonds saw more than a dozen different Gunner Kennels in the backs of trucks being used by sportsmen. “It gives me chills,” he says.

Kappa Alpha for Life

Kappa Alpha wasn’t something that Edmonds left behind after graduating. Far from it.

In fact, Edmonds says that the best part about being in KA has been the lifelong friendships he’s made from it. “I still talk with at least a dozen or more Kappa Alpha Alumni every week. I get together with different KA friends several times a year on fishing and hunting trips,” says Edmonds. “To this day, my best friends are the ones I made during pledgeship.”

As for young KA entrepreneurs, Edmonds has some advice: “Build friendships and use the networking opportunities. The KA Network is about helping on another succeed in life—all you

“In my mind, though, we’re never far enough ahead. I’m always trying to do new products. I just try to keep my head down and keep working as hard as I can,” says Edmonds.

And every day when he goes to work, he’s joined by Gunner— the dog who started it all.

Learn more about this brother, this company, and his dogs, at gunner.com

Michele Wojciechowski is a national award-winning writer and author based in Baltimore, Maryland.

“It took a month of convincing myself that if I don’t do it, somebody else will,” he says. Edmonds sold his advertising company and began designing his dream kennel.

Above: Edmunds, pups and wife Emily at their Nashville home.

Delivering Supplies Via Operation Air Drop

A higher calling after the events of Hurricane Florence

By Bettie Kelley Sousa

The Wednesday after Hurricane Florence left North Carolina, Smith Debnam law firm partners gathered for their monthly lunch meeting, normally chaired by the law firm’s managing partner, Jerry Myers (Tau–Wake Forest ’79). Many learned then that Jerry’s absence resulted from his accepting a higher calling— delivering supplies in his small airplane to eastern North Carolina charities.

In this day of drones and helicopters, small planes landing on short runways provided a much-needed service to the hurricane survivors. With hundreds of roads, including I–40 and I-95, flooded and closed to delivery trucks, the federal, state and local governments set up shelters, conducted rescues, and assessed damage on a larger scale. But, for the day-to-day lives of most of the population, thankfulness for survival melted into desperation to return to normalcy. Cash does no good when there are no stores open, or no stock on the shelves.

Yet there were able-bodied “locals” who could help deliver bottled water and supplies to people in need. Help with the “who-needs-what.” Recognizing the missing link, Operation Airdrop flew into action after Florence. Connecting the donors, and the donated goods, to charities with volunteers to deliver the donations had been done before in Houston, after the similar disaster from Hurricane Harvey in 2017. A Texas non-profit, volunteer led group, Operation Airdrop is a loose organization of pilots and small airplanes which sought and coordinated volunteers through the internet. Call it a “pop up,” with no true existence until the need arises, Operation Airdrop denotes itself as a “week one disaster response organization.” And, after Florence, the need arose in North Carolina.

He took four trips over two days—to small NC airports in Laurinburg, Elizabethtown and Lumberton, and to a larger airport in Jacksonville. Like the other pilots, he neither was paid for his time, nor reimbursed for the fuel. But, in recounting the trips, his broad smile reflected the true gifts he received.

“It was incredibly well-organized!” marveled Jerry, ever the manager. The General Aviation terminal at RDU, nearing the end of its reconstruction, provided the perfect storage facility for the donations. Volunteers (including lawyer and pilot Keith Burns, who intended to fly but whose shared plane already was in service) sorted, stacked, and weighed donations, putting together loads to fit within the weight limit of each airplane. They then loaded the donations onto the awaiting planes—each coordinated to supply the donations needed or requested by the volunteers waiting at the other airports.

Myers’ airplane has a cabin about the size of a VW bug. But, it was packed full of donated supplies which were placed into the welcoming arms of local volunteers.

The “true heroes” says Myers were the air traffic controllers, who coordinated the small planes’ departures and arrivals around commercial flights, and who carefully spread the airplanes across varying altitudes as the pilots flew very similar flight paths between RDU and Southeastern North Carolina. The Operation Airdrop pilots were instructed to modify their call signs to begin with “compassion flight” to obtain priority handling. No near misses despite four times the normal flight volume at RDU.

At the end of Operation Airdrop’s Florence run, it had used 468 volunteer pilots to deliver 280,000 pounds of cargo over 517 flights. Like others, Myers believes he would do it again. But, having grown up on a farm and seen Florence-flooded farms from the air—one with a portion of a silo and a barn “sitting in a lake” he hopes Operation Airdrop is not needed anytime soon

"It was incredibly well-organized!”

"Cash does no good when there are no stores open, or no stock on the shelves."

QUARTERS

Rebuilt from the Ground Up

Sam Houston house caps return of chapter process

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, the Gamma Tau Chapter at Sam Houston State celebrated the opening of their n ewly constructed chapter house. A formal house dedication ceremony was held during their “Founders Weekend,” and it was well-attended by alumni, family, and friends.

The two-story house features a large chapter room, nine bedrooms, study rooms, kitchen and spacious back porch. By all accounts it will be the nicest property at SHSU and among the best KA houses in the State of Texas.

Dr. James W. Tiller, Jr. (Gamma Lambda–North Texas ’62), the former, long-time Faculty Advisor for Gamma Tau Chapter spoke on the decision to purchase the property many years ago and how it laid the foundation for this newly constructed house.

Knight Commander Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88) expressed his appreciation to all for the alumni support throughout the years and for their cooperation with the Fraternity Housing Corporation to make it all possible.

New House Dedication March 30, 2019

TIMELINE

The Cornerstone Society: Laying the Foundation for our Chapters

During the Gamma Tau Founders’ Dinner on Saturday, March 30, 2019, Knight Commander Darren S. Kay recognized Charles L. Beckner (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’71) and Dr. James W. Tiller, Jr. (Gamma Lambda–North Texas ’62). Chuck was the lead donor for the recently built Gamma Tau Chapter house, and Jim, who served nearly 30 years as Gamma Tau Faculty Advisor, was instrumental in securing the current property for the chapter house.

The Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation established the Cornerstone Society to recognize alumni who have donated more than $25,000 to a local housing corporation campaign. Both were presented with a handsome desk gift.

Building Groundbreaking March 24, 2018

Chapter Rechartered April 23, 2016

Provisional Certificate October 31, 2013

Top: Dr. Tiller, longtime Gamma Tau faculty advisor, and Housing Corp. president Jonathan Greene cut the ribbon dedicating the house while onlookers celebrate, including Alumnus Advisor Ronny Snow and Former Knight Commander Idris Traylor.

Above: The Housing Corp. board and Assistant Executive Director for Alumni Affairs Brent Fellows (right) turn the ceremonial first dirt.

OUR ORDER

Brotherhood Down in the Bayou

Convention returns to New Orleans for the fifth time

By Jesse Lyons

The 78 th Convention and Brotherhood Weekend was held from August 1 through August 4 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The headquarters and all main meetings were held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans on Loyola Street. Knight Commander Darren S. Kay welcomed the official family,

our province and national volunteers, the staff, and families, at Arnauds for a kickoff dinner. Thursday played host to The Values Quarter, a trade-show type event near registration with vendor- and exhibitor-partners of the Order showcasing more than 20 booths. The traveling archives were also displayed with New

Orleans and Louisiana KA history featured.

During Convention Session

I, brothers and friends of the Order were recognized, the Knight Commander’s Biennial Report was delivered, and it was revealed that the Active Members once again attained a near-record 3.0 National GPA. The perfunctory business of

assignments of committees rounded out the affair, and then the Convention was called into Executive Session to receive a particular report and hear the reading of a historic 1913 letter from Dr. Samuel Zenas Ammen, our Practical Founder. That night the KAOEF’s largest ever Crimson & Gold Society Dinner was held at Galatoire's

thanks to the generous support of the Foundation’s Chairman and President, Derick S. Close (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’78).

On Friday, the attendees welcomed three new brothers during the Model Initiation ceremony at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. This church was the site of the same ceremony in 1999, and was lead by Rev. Donald Frampton (Rho–South Carolina ’72) until 2018. Rev. Frampton is the son of the Rev. Dr. William McLeod Frampton, 24th Knight Commander.

The KAOEF Board of Trustees held their meeting. That afternoon, after the Legislative, Finance, and Resolutions Committees met, the attendees were treated to a special outing to the National World War II Museum. Thanks to leadership gifts from Dr. Russell J. Saloom (Gamma Phi–Louisiana-Lafayette ‘74) and E.L. Scott McLain (Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech ’84) each undergraduate attendee was able to tour the two exhibits, “The Road to Tokyo” and “The Road Berlin.” The KAOEF’s 22nd

Scenes from New Orleans. At right, former KAOEF Chairman Todd Reaves (left) with

Awards and Recognition

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Alumnus Advisors of the Year

(see page 62)

Fred Neely (Epsilon–Emory ’63)

Andrew West (Epsilon–Emory ’90)

Faculty Advisory of the Year

Shelley Hanna, Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech*

Award for Fraternal Excellence (formerly Greek Life Professional of the Year)

Parice S. Bowser, University of Arkansas

William E. Forester Alumni Chapter Award

Acadiana Alumni Chapter

Knight Commander's Accolades

(see page 48)

Todd D. Reaves (Nu–Auburn ’88)

Friday, August 2, 2019

Initiates

Sinclair Bert Kouns, Jr. Scott Hansen Walter Robert Paul Wilbanks

*n ot present; to be presented at later date

new Chairman Derick Close (right).

Annual Bid for Brotherhood (B4B) was held at the Museum that evening. After the “fund of need,” games, and the silent and live auctions, the evening netted approximately $99,000—putting the aggregate B4B fund-raising total at more than $1.01 million since inception. These funds are directly used to support leadership education programs and scholarships for our undergraduate members.

Saturday was spent in the hotel, but it was not without excitement. The province breakfast allowed fellowship and dealings amongst the Province Commanders and their chapters. The Undergraduate and Alumni Conferences met, and then all gathered for the KAOEF’s 16th Leadership Lecture Luncheon. Dr. Robin P.W. Havers (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’14) delivered a speech about George C. Marshall, Robert E. Lee, and the need to embrace, learn from, and preserve history in the world.

The afternoon gave host to Convention Session II. The committee reports were all received and adopted unanimously, thanks to the able leadership of three Former Knight Commanders: Legislative Committee

Chairman David M. Warren, Finance Committee Chairman Ben W. Satcher, Jr., and Resolutions Committee

Chairman J. Michael Duncan. The Convention elected the 41st Knight Commander, C. Douglas Simmons III, and Senior Councilor David P. Barksdale. Retiring Councilor

Sam O. Leake, Jr. was honored with a joint resolution of the Executive Council and Convention. The remaining Councilors were retained and additionally, Malcolm H. Liles and David T. Martineau, V were elected.

Saturday evening, the Crimson & Gold Society and Knight Commander’s Accolade Reception took place concurrently with the Convention Reception highlighting the Loyal Order and Forever KA. The official Convention photo was shot, and the Knight Commander’s Installation Banquet was held to cap the weekend. After a rousing KA Chorus performance lead by former Councilor Leake, the Knight Commander was installed, and Brother Simmons delivered his first address. As all departed the Big Easy, a site of so much KA history with a new chapter added, peace and harmony carried each on safe travels home.

Awards and Recognition (continued)

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Service to the Order Awards

Alpha Iota–Centenary, Model Initiation Team

Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech, Model Initiation Team

Certificates of Honor

Dr. Robin P.W. Havers (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’14), KAOEF Leadership Lecturer

David H. Alexander (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’13), Model Initiation Director*

NIC Award of Distinction (see page 8)

Michael H. Esposito (Zeta Phi–High Point ’14)

Knight Commander's Accolades (see page 50-51)

Dewitt C. David (Gamma Phi–LouisianaLafayette ’63)

John A. “Jay” Montalbano (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’96)

Top to Bottom: KA Chorus; Dr. Havers, the leadership lecturer; new Knight Commander Simmons; Knight Commander Kay with Alpha Iota.

2019 Commission Initiations

Beta Commission–VMI

ƒ

Tuesday, May 14

ƒ Grace Episcopal, Lexington, Virginia

ƒ 120 Initiates

Theta Commission–Citadel

ƒ Saturday, May 4

ƒ St. Philip's Church, Charleston, South Carolina

ƒ 65 Initiates

Sigma Alpha Commission–USMA

ƒ

Monday, May 20

ƒ West Point Masonic Lodge No. 187, Highland Falls, New York

ƒ 4 Initiates

Sigma Beta Commission–USNA

ƒ

Tuesday, May 14

ƒ Grace Epsicopal, Lexington, Virginia

ƒ LCMDR Adam Carlson was initiated at the Beta Commision ceremony

Sigma Gamma Commission–USAFA

ƒ

Tuesday, May 28

ƒ Colorado Springs Masonic Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado

ƒ

Inaugural initiates were Fitzhugh Lee and Anthony Vaccaro.

Lee, left center, and Vaccaro, right center, stand with Knight Commander Kay, area alumni, and staff after their initiation.

(Left to right): Col. Mike Smith (Delta Theta–Georgia Southern '87), Tim Adams (Epsilon–Emory '57), Will Smith, new Sigma Alpha Initiate and Cadet Captain, and Tim Adams, Jr. (Alpha–Washington & Lee '91). Cadet Smith is Mike’s son, Tim’s grandson, and Tim Jr.’s nephew.

Beta Commission–VMI

Theta Commission–Citadel

Sigma Gamma Commission–USAFA

Sigma Alpha Commission–USMA

2018 Awards For Chapter Excellence

George C. Marshall Award for Chapter Excellence

The highest honor that can be bestowed upon a chapter is the George C. Marshall Award of chapter excellence. This award is presented annually to the top one to three chapters in the Order in recognition for their superior operations and performance.

MISSOURI S&T–BETA ALPHA

Samuel Zenas Ammen Award for Chapter Excellence

The Samuel Zenas Ammen Award for Chapter Excellence is awarded to chapters that are in the top 15-20% in the Order based on the applications received. It is named for Samuel Zenas Ammen, Kappa Alpha Order’s Practical Founder. Ammen committed his time as a member of Kappa Alpha Order to improving, first the ritual and operations of our very first chapter at Washington College,

and later to the chapters across the nation as he served as Knight Commander for two terms, totaling nine years. Much like our practical founder, the Ammen award winning chapters exhibit a commitment to excellence. They strive to be the best on campus and in the nation in every aspect of chapter operations.

PRESBYTERIAN–BETA PI

WESTMINSTER–ALPHA ETA

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE–DELTA PI

UNIV. OF WASHINGTON–ZETA MU

MISSOURI S&T–BETA ALPHA

TULSA–MU

MISSISSIPPI–ALPHA UPSILON

TRANSYLVANIA–ALPHA THETA

MILLSAPS–ALPHA MU

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS–ZETA SIGMA

Carl Albert Award for Chapter Improvement

The Carl Albert Award for Chapter Improvement is awarded to one to three chapters annually who show advance their chapter the most year over year. It is named for former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carl Albert (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’29).

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence has been a priority of many Knight Commanders. Through the work of our chapters, and elevated standards from the Executive Council, we continue to see a rising national GPA and successful brothers on campus.

National Scholarship Trophy

This trophy, located at the national administrative office, is awarded to and engraved with the chapter that achieves the highest combined GPA for the year.

STANFORD–ALPHA PI (3.6375)

Scholastic Excellence Awards

The following chapters achieved a 3.25 semester GPA during the fall 2017 and/or spring 2018 semester(s). Chapters meeting this criteria exhibit excellence and will not receive any lesser scholastic awards.

FALL 2017 & SPRING 2018

Arkansas–Alpha Omicron

California–Alpha Xi

Duke–Alpha Phi

Furman–Iota

Georgia–Gamma

Georgia Tech–Alpha Sigma

George Washington–Alpha Nu

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

North Carolina–Upsilon

Stanford–Alpha Pi

Tulsa–Mu

Texas–Omicron

Tulane–Psi

Vanderbilt–Chi

Univ. of Virginia–Lambda

Washington–Zeta Mu

Washington & Lee–Alpha

William Jewell–Alpha Delta

SPRING 2018 ONLY (3.25 AND ABOVE)

Baylor–Delta Omega

Emory Provisional Richmond–Eta

Univ. of the South–Alpha Alpha South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha Tennessee–Pi

Washington College–Beta Omega

William & Mary–Alpha Zeta

AUBURN–NU

TENNESSEE-MARTIN–DELTA UPSILON

TEXAS TECH–GAMMA CHI

Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Awards

Chapters qualify by achieving one of the following: 1) have a collective GPA average higher than both the all men’s and all fraternity average; 2) be academically ranked in the top 25% of fraternities on their campus; or, 3) achieve a 3.0 GPA.

FALL 2017 & SPRING 2018

Alabama–Alpha Beta

Arizona State–Epsilon Omega

Auburn–Nu

Davidson–Sigma

Delaware–Beta Epsilon

Drury–Beta Iota

Florida–Beta Zeta

Hampden Sydney–Alpha Tau

Hastings Provisional

High Point–Zeta Phi

Kentucky–Theta

Maryland–Beta Kappa

Millsaps–Alpha Mu

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Nevada–Zeta Delta

Newberry–Delta Epsilon

Tennessee-Martin–Delta Upsilon

Texas A&M–Epsilon Delta

Virginia Tech–Epsilon Eta

Wake Forest–Tau

Westminster–Alpha Eta

Wofford–Delta

Project Outreach Awards

FALL 2017 ONLY

Arizona–Gamma Epsilon

Baylor–Delta Omega

Birmingham Southern–Phi

Florida Gulf Coast–Zeta Pi

Georgetown–Beta Delta

Midwestern State–

Gamma Omega

Richmond–Eta

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha

Southern Illinois–Zeta Sigma

Southwestern–Xi

Tennessee–Pi

William & Mary–Alpha Zeta

Washington College–Beta Omega

SPRING 2018 ONLY

Arkansas-Fort Smith–Zeta Rho

Arkansas State–Delta Eta

Austin Peay State–Zeta Tau

Centenary–Alpha Iota

Clemson–Delta Omicron

Georgia College–Epsilon Nu

Jacksonville State–Delta Phi

Louisiana Tech–Gamma Alpha

Marshall–Beta Upsilon

Murray State Provisional

Purdue Provisional

West Virginia Wesleyan–Beta Chi

KA is pledged to the pursuit of excellence, and our brothers are committed to the development of themselves and others. With this challenge, we must assume responsibilities in many areas. Chapters across the nation offer their time and resources each year to benefit local and national philanthropies and charities.

Knight Commander’s Cup

Presented to the chapter displaying the most outstanding level of participation in Operation Crimson Gift.

Midwestern State–Gamma Omega

Outstanding Dollars per Man

Missouri Southern State Delta Pi ($237/man)

Presbyterian Beta Pi ($225/man)

Mississippi Alpha Upsilon ($156/man)

Univ. of Washington Zeta Mu ($124/man)

Tulsa Mu ($106/man)

Missouri S&T Beta Alpha ($104/man)

Jacksonville State Delta Phi ($82/man)

Outstanding Service Hours per Man

Missouri Southern State Delta Pi (130 hrs./man)

Missouri S&T Beta Alpha (90 hrs./man)

Austin Peay State Zeta Tau (45 hrs./man)

Transylvania Alpha Theta (38 hrs./man)

Jacksonville State Delta Phi (36 hrs./man)

Univ. of Washington Zeta Mu (31 hrs./man)

Chapter Operations Awards

Chapters are recognized, based on their applications for a variety of areas of operations.

Excellence in Social Media Communication

These chapters utilize many forms of media in a frequent, values-centric way, continually sharing news about their chapter on various outlets.

Austin Peay State–Zeta Tau

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Missouri Southern State–Delta Pi

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

Tulsa–Mu

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Univ. of Washington–Zeta Mu

Westminster–Alpha Eta

William Jewell–Alpha Delta

Excellence in Fraternal Communication

These chapters show effective communication and promotion of brotherhood with other KA chapters, to include newly chartered chapters and those winning national awards.

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Missouri Southern State–Delta Pi

Tulsa–Mu

Univ. of Washington–Zeta Mu

Westminster–Alpha Eta

Excellence in Campus and Community Communication

These chapters show effective communication and promotion of the interfraternal spirit on their campus, with the faculty, staff, and administration, and community.

Austin Peay State–Zeta Tau

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Missouri Southern State–Delta Pi

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

Univ. of Washington–Zeta Mu

Excellence in Educational Programming

These chapters schedule speakers and/or workshops, attend opportunities on campus, and lead an comprehensive approach to membership education, which might include Council of Honor, The Crusade , and other areas of leadership and values education.

Eastern Kentucky–Delta Mu

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Tennessee-Martin–Delta Upsilon

Tulsa–Mu

Univ. of Washington–Zeta Mu

Outstanding Recruitment & Chapter Growth

These chapters show the coordination of a year-round, values-based approach to recruitment, using chapter accomplishments and involvement to effectively recruit and retain new members

.

Arizona–Gamma Epsilon

Louisiana Tech–Gamma Alpha

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Excellence in Chapter Finance

These chapters should have submitted all national reports on time, maintained generally a zero balance, maintain great records, utilize the tools of OmegaFi for budgeting and collecting, and maintain a minimum accounts receivable from their membership.

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri Southern State–Delta Pi

Tennessee-Martin–Delta Upsilon

Tulsa–Mu

Chapter Charting

Epsilon–Emory

DATE: Friday, April 26, 2019

LOCATION: Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia

INITIATES: 45

GPA: 3.378

ORIGINALY ESTABLISHED: June 4, 1869

The Chapter raised a total of nearly $900 from a Goat Yoga event that they hosted on campus to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Chapter has completed nearly 500 hours of volunteer service over the past year, mainly at local parks and trails as well as hospitals near Emory.

Members hold officer positions with organizations including Emory Emergency Medical Services, Friends of Ira B. Melton Park, and Toys for Tots at Emory. Members are also actively involved in the Varsity Track & Field and Men’s Tennis teams, Outdoor Emory, the Emory Wheel, and a number of business and professional fraternities/societies.

Eastern Kentucky Celebrates 50 Years

Distinction for Price

On t he weekend of June 8th and 9th Delta Mu gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their Chapter.

Friday evening included an event for members from 1969 to 1972 at the home of Pat and John Barker ’69.

A formal reunion banquet was held on Saturday evening at the Zachary Taylor American Legion Post, coordinated by Bob Sullivan ’70, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel.

Province Commander Collin B. Taylor ’96 introduced Brother Mike Wills who provided a historical account of the founding of the chap -

Future Brother O'Neal

White Province Commander Matthew D.

O’Neal (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’06) his wife Anna, and oldest son William, welcome another KA legacy to the world. James Thomas O’Neal was born at 12:15pm

ter from the local fraternity of Gamma Delta Tau in 1966 to a KA Colony in the spring of 1968, and the founding of Delta Mu in February of 1969. Current Number I Michael Roberts '17, and Alumnus Advisor Jason Morgan ’97, provided an update of the chapter. Tanner Gellinger (Zeta Omicron–Southern Indiana ’12) gave a State of the Order address. Finally, Province Commander Taylor, assisted by other brothers, presented a rose to each lady and the brothers serenaded them with a stirring rendition Kappa Alpha Rose.

In addition to a successful gathering of brothers, $3,000 was raised for the chapter.

50 Years of Continuous Service

The Gamma Chi Chapter at Texas Tech University held a luncheon on Saturday, April 27, 2019, to celebrate Former Knight Commander Traylor’s fifty years of service to the Order. Alumni from many generations and from all over the state of Texas gathered in Lubbock to honor Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. for his impact on them personally.

Former Knight Commander J. Michael Duncan (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’69) presented Dr. Traylor with a Certificate of Service on behalf of the Executive Council and remarked on his influence on the Gamma Chi Chapter and the Order.

John “Price” McGiffert, Jr. (Alpha Beta–Alabama ’15) was recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Conference with the Undergraduate Award of Distinction for his leadership and character as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Alabama. Price has worked diligently to create a positive image of SGA by building a strong relationship with the administration and opening channels of communication with all students on campus.

Courts of Honor

The Order’s system of Provincial Courts of Honor is unique in the sys tem of American col lege fraternities. It was first introduced at the fifth Province Council, in 1930, by Frank Hammett Myers, Commander of the James Ward Wood Province. For insignia, each Court uses its own Provincial Cross with its own distinct colors. The purpose of the Courts of Honor is to recognize and acknowledge alumni for their continued interest, support, and participation in the Order, its active or alumni chapters, and their capacity to stimulate the expansion and prestige of the fraternity.

A Court of Honor typically holds an annual meeting and dinner or event to nominate new mem bers and make plans for the events of the upcoming year.

A new inductee is presented with Court of Honor jewel along with a certificate of membership.

Candler

Friday, April 26, 2019, at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion in Lexington, Kentucky

ƒ Tullis D. Beasley (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’09)

ƒ Gregory R. Singleton (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’82)

ƒ Dr. James M. Schmuck (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’69)

Crawford

Thursday, June 20, 2019, at the 13th Annual Dave Miller Memorial Golf Tournament

ƒ Sean K. Fee (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’89)

ƒ Michael E. Hardiman (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’90)

ƒ Charles J. “Chuck” Donaldson, Jr. (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’86)

Forester

Sunday, March 24,

2019, at the Chickasaw Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee

ƒ Calvin Wayne Chastain Jr. (Delta Eta–Arkansas State ’00)

ƒ Cecil C. Elliott III (Delta Upsilon–Tennessee-Martin ’83)

ƒ Alan R. Wolfe (Delta Upsilon–TennesseeMartin ’75)

ƒ John E. Pfeiffer (Delta Upsilon–Tennessee-Martin ’75)

ƒ David L. Mowbray (Delta Upsilon–Tennessee-Martin ’84)

ƒ Mark Daniel Robinson (Epsilon Chi–ArkansasMonticello ’95)

ƒ Aaron Blake Ball (Zeta Tau–Austin Peay State ’12)

ƒ Jeffrey Kent Smith (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’88)

Kenneth Roy Madden, Jr. (Gamma Gamma–

Jesse A. Brewer (Zeta Tau–Austin Peay

Bruce A. Morgan (Epsilon Chi–ArkansasMonticello ’93)

Graves

Thursday, March 21, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina

ƒ Steven D. Christman (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’75)

ƒ Rev. C. Andrew Collins, Jr. (Zeta Omega–Coastal Carolina ’17)

ƒ David J. Driver (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ’94)

ƒ Kevin L. Metzger (Theta Commission–Citadel ’14)

ƒ R. Alexander Murdaugh (Rho–South Carolina ’87)

ƒ Samuel S. Pickens (Iota–Furman ’61)

ƒ Andrew D. Shuler (Delta Epsilon–Newberry ’07)

ƒ Paul G. Trippe (Beta Pi–Presbyterian ’72)

ƒ Hugh L. Willcox, Jr. (Rho–South Carolina '65)

Hamilton

Mikell

Hamilton

Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Moody Hall on post of Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia

ƒ Tullis D. Beasley (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’09)

ƒ Andrew F. Hileman (Beta Chi–West Virginia Wesleyan ’68)

ƒ Kelsey W. Hill (Beta Upsilon–Marshall ’67)

Locke

Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

ƒ Hunter K. Cabe (Zeta Rho–ArkansasFort Smith ’10)

ƒ Marte W. Cooksey (Gamma Kappa–Oklahoma City ’83)

ƒ Scott B. Crise (Mu–Tulsa ’85)

ƒ John C. Nickles (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’02)

ƒ Chad D. True (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’04)

Mikell

Saturday, February 23, 2019, at the Dallas Country Club in Dallas Texas

ƒ Frederick R. Edgar, Jr. (Gamma Upsilon–Texas A&M-Commerce ’69)

ƒ Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’07)

ƒ Mitchell L. Heidenheimer (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’83)

ƒ Paul J. Schmitz III (Gamma Lambda–North Texas ’90)

ƒ William B. Thrailkill, Jr. (Gamma Upsilon–Texas A&M-Commerce ’73)

ƒ William B. Travis (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’82)

Walsh

Saturday, February 23, 2019, at the Dallas Country Club in Dallas Texas

ƒ Charles L. Beckner (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’71)

ƒ G. Michael Hilliard (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’75)

ƒ Rex L. Preis (Xi–Southwestern ’78)

ƒ Sanford C. Reed (Xi–Southwestern ’63)

ƒ C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95)

White

Saturday, August 3, 2019, during the Alumni Conference of the 78th Convention & Brotherhood Weekend at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana

ƒ David P. Barksdale (Tau–Wake Forest ’83)

ƒ Brent W. Fellows (Epsilon Theta–Western Kentucky ’98)

ƒ Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’07)

ƒ Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88)

ƒ SGM E. Kent McMichael (Beta Commission–VMI ’95)

ƒ Dr. Russell J. Saloom (Gamma Phi–Louisiana-Lafayette ’74)

ƒ Hon. David M. Warren (Tau–Wake Forest ’78)

ƒ Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87)

White Walsh

Forester

The Knight Commander’s Accolade was created to recognize excellence in leadership and service to the Order. It's the highest individual honor an alumnus can receive.

Max Ray Joyner, Jr.

Epsilon Rho–East Carolina ’79

CONFERRED: Brotherhood Reception, City Club of Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, Thursday, May 2, 2019

After serving in the Korean War, Max enrolled at East Carolina College (now East Carolina University). In 1955, he graduated with a degree in business administration.

For nearly four decades, Max worked at Jefferson-Pilot Insurance Company. Throughout his business career, he remained active at East Carolina University. In 1958, he raised $50,000 to build The Collegiate (now called Sycamore Hill) at Fifth and Holly, ECC’s first off-campus student apartment complex.

Recognizing his exceptional leadership and generosity, the ECU Alumni Association presented Joyner with the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1981. As former chancellor Richard Eakin noted, Joyner “has lived the very goals that ECU seeks to advance for eastern North Carolina with his service and commitment to improving the lives of others.”

In 2016, Max Ray Joyner, Sr., received the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year award recognizing his contributions to regional progress and advancement. He is a lifetime member and past president of the Pirate Club, and a former member and past chair of the ECU board of trustees. Joyner is also a founding member and former president of the ECU Foundation, and former president of the East Carolina Alumni Association. He has served on the board of directors of the ECU School of

Todd D. Reaves

Nu–Auburn ’89

CONFERRED: Session I of the 78th Convention & Brotherhood Weekend, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, August 1, 2019

Todd attended Auburn University where he served as the Number VI (Treasurer), and he earned a degree in Management Information Systems. In 1992, he founded Omega Financial, the company that would become Omega Fi, the first company of is kind. Omega Fi has worked with more than 1 million students, 2,000 chapters, and has collected more than $1 billion on behalf of organizations. He served as the President of Omega Fi for nearly 21 years, leading nearly 100 employees until he became the Executive Chairman in 2012. He remained in that capacity until 2018.

Reaves recently completed four years of service as the Chairman and President of the KAOEF. During his tenure, several major initiatives and successes were realized. The Day of Giving began in 2015 and has occurred annually since. This event has raised $745,954.97 in unrestricted support plus an additional $186,911.47 in restricted support. The Crimson & Gold Campaign was initialized and to date, more than $2 million in unrestricted cash and pledges have been received. Membership in this Society has grown from 267 in 2015 to 648 this recently complete fiscal year.

Reaves lives Sandestin Florida with his wife Sto -

John A. Montalbano, Jr.

Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’96

CONFERRED: Knight Commander’s Accolade & Crimson & Gold Society Reception during the 78th Convention & Brotherhood Weekend, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, Saturday, August 3, 2019

Jay is a native of New Orleans and graduated from Louisiana State University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Jay served in a number of roles including recruitment chairman, Number IV (Corresponding Secretary), and Number VI (Treasurer). After graduation, Jay accepted a position as a Certified Public Accountant at Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP, where he is now a Partner and is the industry leader of the firm’s construction group. In 2010, Jay was selected as a Top Forty Under 40 by the Baton Rouge Business Report and the CPA Technology Advisor. He currently serves as Chair-elect of the State Society of Louisiana CPA’s, is a past president of the Baton Rouge chapter of LCPA, and serves on the Department of Accounting Advisory Board for LSU.

Jay became the Alumnus Advisor for the Alpha Gamma Chapter in 1999 and has served in that role for 20 years. Jay was inducted into the Horace H. White Court of Honor in 2004. He has been a strong and loyal advocate for Alpha Gamma Chapter and supported them for two decades in the fraternity community at LSU. Jay’s influence on Alpha Gamma Chapter has left a lasting impact and helped lay the groundwork for the future success in an ever-evolving frater-

Dewitt C. David

Gamma Phi–Louisiana-Lafayette ’63

CONFERRED: Knight Commander’s Accolade & Crimson & Gold Society Reception during the 78th Convention & Brotherhood Weekend, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, Saturday, August 3, 2019

Dewitt David graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now University of Lousiana-Lafayette, in 1970. While at the university, he served Gamma Phi Chapter in a number of roles including social chairman, Number V (Historian), Number II (Vice President), and Number I (President). He was also active in the campus community and was selected to be a member of the Blue Key Honor Society. For forty-six years, Dewitt has worked in commercial real estate and is currently a Broker-Associate with NAI Latter and Blum. He has served as treasurer of the Lafayette Board of Realtors and chairman of the Multiple Listing Committee. In 2012, Dewitt received the Lloyd G. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding achievement and history of service to the Realtor Association of Acadiana.

In addition to serving as the Gamma Phi Chapter alumnus advisor from 2000-2008, Dewitt served as president of the Gamma Phi alumni association and the Gamma Phi Housing Corporation which oversaw the completion of the KA house in 1984. At their 2019 Convivium, the Acadiana Alumni Chapter recognized Dewitt with a lifetime outstanding alumnus award. He has served on the board of the University

Newest Provisional Chapter

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON (FORMERLY BETA GAMMA CHAPTER)

ƒ Received Provisional Certificate on Wednesday, April 17, 2019

ƒ 23 Men Inducted

STAFF UPDATES

Promotions:

A. BLAKE BALL (ZETA TAU–AUSTIN PEAY STATE ’12)

Ball is the Director of Risk Management. Blake will focus on the Order’s risk reduction and management program. It includes educational initiatives, investigations and sanctions, as well as chapter re-building programs.

Communication Awards

At the 2019 Annual Conference of the Fraternity Communications Association (FCA), Kappa Alpha Order was recognized with two major awards for The Kappa Alpha Journal.

2ND PLACE, PUBLICATION IMPROVEMENTMAGAZINE/TABLOID

The Kappa Alpha Journal (redesign)

3RD PLACE, DESIGNTWO-PAGE SPREAD

IVtitude (the Lins Barwick story)

Hired: STURT A. “STU” HOLLANDSWORTH (ALPHA ETA–WESTMINSTER ’16)

Hollandsworth is an associate director for chapter services. He is visiting the chapters in Ammen (Virginia), Candler (Kentucky), Crawford (Florida), Forester (Eastern Arkansas and Western Tennessee), Locke (Western Arkansas and Oklahoma), and Smith (North Carolina).

Hired: SINCLAIR B. KOUNS III (GAMMA ALPHA–LOUISIANA TECH ’15)

Kouns is an as associate directors for chapter services. He is visiting the chapters in Chiles (Missouri), Dunwody (Alabama), Hardeman (Georgia), Mikell (Northern Texas), Walsh (Southern Texas), and Wood (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.).

Departures:

AAMIR S. IBRAHIM (GAMMA MU–HOUSTON ’13) & T. SHOFNER SMITH III (GAMMA CHI–TEXAS TECH ’13)

After a year of service, Ibrahim departed staff to attend Yale Law School, and Smith departed staff to return to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to work for Compliance Solutions Group as an environmental consultant.

Ball

Hollandsworth

Kouns Ibrahim Smith

Equal Treatment for All

The NIC and the Fraternal Goverment Relations Coalition are currently working to find additional co-sponsors of a Senate companion bill to the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act (H.R. 3128), a legislative solution to protect freedom of association rights for every college student.

A legislative solution to protect every college students’ freedom of association rights is the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act (CFAA). CFAA seeks to preserve and protect every students’ right to freely associate by:

1. P rohibiting institutions of higher education from taking adverse

actions against students for simply joining a single-sex organization;

2. P roviding equal treatment for all student organizations to retain autonomy in the time, place and manner of organizations’ membership recruitment practices; and

3. E nsuring women’s-only and men’sonly organizations maintain their right to exist on campuses today.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, hundreds of fraternity and sorority members visited Capitol Hill to lobby on issues impacting the Greek community and higher education.

KAPPA ALPHA ORDER CLAIM AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION RULES

(corresponds with the Claim and Dispute Resolution plan printed in Spring 2019 Journal)

1. Definitions

All definitions included in the Kappa Alpha Order Claim and Dispute Resolution Plan apply to these Rules.

2. Application

T hese Rules apply in the form existing at the time proceedings are initiated under them.

3. Initiation of the Process

A. Party may initiate proceedings under these Rules at any time, subject to any defenses applicable to the timeliness of the claim, including limitations and laches.

B. Proceedings may be initiated by a Member against the Fraternity and/or its Members by serving the Fraternity Dispute Resolution Program Administrator. In such a case, the Fraternity shall promptly forward any properly served notice it has received to an arbitrator. The Sponsor shall, within ten (10) days of receiving notice, select the AA.

C. Parties on whom notice is served shall file an answering statement within 21 days of receiving notice of intent to arbitrate or a specification of claims, which shall include any counter-claims.

4. Administrative Conference

A s soon as possible after receipt of the answering statement, if any, the AA shall convene an administrative conference. The conference may be held in person or by telephone. At the conference, the AA will determine whether the Parties are in agreement on a method to resolve the dispute. If the Parties agree on a procedure, including agreement on an Arbitrator, the AA will implement this agreement to the extent consistent with the AA’s rules upon payment of any applicable fee. If the Parties cannot agree, or if the Parties have previously attempted and failed to resolve the Claim or Dispute, the Claim or Dispute shall be arbitrated under these Rules.

5. Appointment of Arbitrator

Immediately after payment of the arbitration fee, the AA shall send simultaneously to each Party an identical list of names of persons chosen from a panel of qualified arbitrators which the AA shall select and maintain. Each Party to the Claim or Dispute shall have fourteen (14) days from the transmittal date to strike any names objected to, number the remaining names in order of preference, and return the list to the AA. If a Party does not return the list within the time specified, all persons therein shall be deemed acceptable. From among the persons who have been approved on both lists, and in accordance with the order of mutual preference, the AA shall invite the acceptance of the single arbitrator to serve.

6. Qualifications of the Arbitrator

N o person shall serve as an arbitrator in any matter in which that person has any financial or personal interest in the result of the proceeding. Prior to accepting appointment, the prospective arbitrator shall disclose any circumstance likely to prevent a prompt hearing or create a presumption of bias. Upon receipt of such information

The “Georgia Bulldogs” outside of the U.S. Capitol consisting of undergraduate and alumni members of Kappa Alpha Order and Kappa Alpha Theta (L-R) Tullis D. Beasley (Delta Rho–Valdosta State ’09), Laurie Conner, Charlotte Boyd, Ben Wynett (Epsilon Nu–Georgia College ’15), and Kristin Anderson. The women are members of Kappa Alpha Theta and Conner is their director of government relations

from the arbitrator or any other source, the AA will either replace that person or communicate the information to the Parties for comment. Thereafter, the AA may disqualify that person and its decision shall be conclusive.

7. Vacancies

If a vacancy occurs for any reason or if an appointed arbitrator is unable to serve promptly, the appointment procedure in Section 5 shall apply to the selection of a substitute arbitrator.

8. Date, Time and Place of Hearings

A. T he arbitrator shall set the date, time and place of the hearing in the county where the Fraternity has a local chapter to which the member belongs or where the involved Chapter was located at the time of the event in question.

B. N otice of any hearing shall be given at least ten (10) days in advance, unless the arbitrator determines or the Parties agree that a shorter time is necessary.

C. If one Party is a Member, the arbitrator shall make reasonable efforts, without unduly incurring expense, to accommodate the Member in the selection of a hearing location.

9. M ode of Hearings and Conferences

In the discretion of the arbitrator or by agreement of the Parties, conferences and hearings may be conducted by telephone or by written submission as well as in person.

10. Prehearing Discovery

A. O n any schedule determined by the arbitrator, each Party shall submit in advance, the names and addresses of the witnesses it intends to produce and any documents it intends to present.

B. T he arbitrator shall have discretion to determine the form, amount and frequency of discovery by the Parties. However, the arbitrator cannot allow more than 20 hours per side of depositions, or more than 20 interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission per side, unless good cause is shown.

11. Representation

A ny Party may be represented by counsel or by any other authorized representative.

12. Attendance at Hearings

T he arbitrator shall maintain the privacy of the hearings to the extent permitted by law. Any person having a direct interest in the matter is entitled to attend the hearings.

T he arbitrator shall otherwise have the power to require the exclusion of any witness, other than a Party or other essential person, during the testimony of any other witness. The arbitrator shall determine whether any other person may attend the hearing. Upon the request of any Party, the arbitrator shall exclude any witness during the testimony of any other witness.

13. Postponement

A. T he arbitrator, for good cause shown by a Party, or on agreement of the Parties, may postpone any hearing or conference.

B. T he pendency of court proceedings related to the same matter is not good cause for postponement.

14. Oaths

B efore proceeding with the first hearing, each arbitrator may take an oath of office and, if required by law, shall do so. The arbitrator may require witnesses to testify under oath

administered by any duly qualified person and if required by law or requested by any Party, shall do so.

15. Stenographic Record

T here shall be no stenographic record, tape recorded, or videotape record of the proceedings unless either requested by one of the Parties or the arbitrator rules otherwise. The Party requesting the record shall bear the entire cost of producing the same. Copies of the record shall be furnished to all other Parties on request and payment of the cost of reproduction.

16. Procedure

T he hearings shall be conducted by the arbitrator in whatever order and manner will most expeditiously permit full presentation of the evidence and arguments of the Parties.

17. Arbitration in the Absence of a Party

T he arbitrator may proceed in the absence of Parties or representatives who, after due notice, fail to be present or fail to obtain a postponement. An award shall not be made solely on the default of a Party. The arbitrator shall require any Party who is present to submit such evidence as the arbitrator may require for the making of an award.

18. Evidence

A. T he arbitrator shall be the sole judge of the relevance, materiality and admissibility of evidence offered. Conformity to legal rules shall not be necessary.

B. T he arbitrator may subpoena witnesses or documents at the request of a Party or on the arbitrator’s own initiative.

C. T he arbitrator may consider the evidence of witnesses by affidavit or declaration, but shall give it only such weight as the arbitrator deems it entitled to after consideration of any objection made to its admission.

19. Post-Hearing Submissions

All documentary evidence to be considered by the arbitrator shall be filed at the hearing, unless the arbitrator finds good cause to permit a post-hearing submission. All Parties shall be afforded an opportunity to examine and comment on any posthearing evidence. The arbitrator shall permit the filing of post-hearing briefs at the request of a Party and shall determine the procedure and timing of such filings.

20. Closing and Reopening of Hearing

A. W hen the arbitrator is satisfied that the record is complete, including the submission of any post-hearing briefs or documents permitted by the arbitrator, the arbitrator shall declare the hearing closed.

B. T he hearing may be reopened on the arbitrator’s initiative or upon application of a Party, at any time before the award is made.

21.Waiver of Procedures

A ny Party who fails to object in writing after knowledge that any provision or requirements of these procedures has not been complied with, shall be deemed to have waived the right to object.

22. Service of Notices and Papers

A ny papers, notices, or process necessary or proper for the initiation of continuation of any proceeding under these Rules (including the award of the arbitrator; for any court action in connection therewith; or for the entry of judgment on an award made under these procedures) may be served

on a Party by mail addressed to the Party or his representative at the last known address or by personal service. Service may be made at any place, provided that the Party served has had a reasonable opportunity to be heard with regard to service. The AA, the Parties, and the arbitrator may also use facsimile transmission, telex, telegram, or other written forms of electronic communication to give any notices required by these procedures.

23. Communications with the AA and the Fraternity

A. A ny Party may notice, serve or communicate with the Fraternity by contacting:

Director of Chapter Services (Program Administrator)

Kappa Alpha Order P.O. Box 1865 115 Liberty Hall Road Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 463-1865

Fax: (540) 463-2140

24. Communications with the Arbitrator

T here shall be no communication between the Parties and the arbitrator other than at any oral hearings or conferences. Any other oral or written communications from the Parties to the arbitrator shall be directed to the AA (and copied to the Parties) for transmission to the arbitrator, unless the Parties and the arbitrator agree otherwise.

25. Time of Award

T he award shall be promptly made by the arbitrator and, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties or specified by applicable law, no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the closing of the hearing or the closing of a reopened hearing, whichever is later.

26. Form of Award

T he award shall be in writing and shall be signed by the arbitrator. If any Party requests in its Notice or Answering Statement, the arbitrator shall write a summary of reasons for the decision. The award shall be executed in any manner required by applicable law.

27. Modification of Award

O n order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or on agreement of the Parties, the arbitrator shall modify any award. The arbitrator may modify an award on the motion of a Party if the arbitrator finds that the award as rendered is ambiguous or defective in form, or if the award requires an illegal or impossible act. These are the only circumstances under which an arbitrator shall have jurisdiction to withdraw or modify an award.

28. Settlement

If the Parties settle their dispute during the course of the arbitration, the arbitrator may set out the terms of the settlement in a consent award.

29. Scope of Arbitrator’s Authority

T he arbitrator’s authority shall be limited to the resolution of legal disputes between the Parties. As such, the arbitrator shall be bound by and shall apply applicable law including that related to the allocation of the burden of proof as well as substantive law. The arbitrator shall not have the authority either to reduce or enlarge substantive rights available under existing law. The arbitrator may also grant emergency or temporary relief which is or would be authorized by applicable law.

30. Judicial Proceedings and Exclusion of Liability

A. N o arbitrator is a necessary Party in any judicial proceedings relating to proceedings under these Rules.

B. N o arbitrator shall be liable to any Party for any act or omission in connection with any proceedings within the scope of these Rules.

C. A ny court with jurisdiction over the Parties may compel a Party to proceed under these Rules at any place and may enforce any award made.

D. Parties to these Rules shall be deemed to have consented that judgment upon the award of the arbitrator may be entered and enforced in any federal or state court having jurisdiction of the Parties.

E. Initiation of, participation in, or removal of a legal proceeding shall not constitute waiver of the right to proceed under these Rules.

F. A ny court with jurisdiction over the Parties may issue any injunctive orders (including temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions) if the necessary legal and equitable requirements under applicable law are met pending the institution of proceedings under these Rules.

31. Fees and Expenses

A. T he expenses of witnesses shall be borne by the Party producing such witnesses, except as otherwise provided by law or in the award of the arbitrator.

B. All attorney’s fees shall be borne by the Party incurring them except as otherwise provided by law, by the Plan, or in the award of the arbitrator.

C. M ember Parties: Except as provided in this Rule, Member parties shall not be responsible for payment of fees and expenses of proceedings under these Rules including required travel of an arbitrator, expenses of an arbitrator and the cost of any proof produced at the discretion of an arbitrator. If proceedings are initiated by a Member, the Member shall be responsible for the following fees:

i. $100 if the Parties go to mediation or other nonbinding means to resolve the Claim or Dispute requiring one neutral; and

ii. $100 for arbitration initiated by a Member. All other fees for mediation or arbitration shall be paid by the National Fraternity.

D. If the demand for mediation or arbitration is initiated by the Fraternity, all fees will be paid by the Fraternity.

32. Interpretation and Application of These Rules

T he arbitrator shall interpret and apply these Rules insofar as they relate to the arbitrator’s powers and duties.

33. Applicable Law

A. T hese proceedings and any judicial review of awards under these Rules shall be governed by the The Act.

B. E xcept where otherwise expressly provided in these Rules, the substantive law applied shall be state or federal substantive law which would be applied by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals for the state where the event occurred.

LOYAL LEGACY

Sam O. Leake, Jr. (Beta Xi–Oklahoma State ’61) CRIMSON & GOLD SOCIETY

Sam O. Leake Jr., became Commander of the Howard P. Locke Province on February 25, 1994, serving until March 14, 2002. In February, 2002, he was elected to the Order’s Executive Council by the Advisory Council. In Sam’s tenure on the Executive Council, he advised five Knight Commanders, providing keen insight and support throughout their terms. Sam took on the mantle of the Director of the KA Chorus in 2015, one of the time-honored traditions of the Convention, leading it soundly. Sam’s wife Lynn stood by and supported Sam and the Order through his decades of service and leadership, notably assisting with the

decorating and staging of the KAOEF’s annual Bid for Brotherhood, traveling across the country with Sam and serving as the epitome of a KA Rose. Sam has made a significant impact on the Order both directly, and indirectly, through undergraduates he has advised, advisors he has led, and colleagues with whom he has collaborated with, befriended, and mentored. The 40th Executive Council and 78th Convention recognized and expressed their deepest gratitude for the twenty-five years of service at the Province and National level by Sam O. Leake, Jr. and both passed a resolution to this effect at the Convention.

Crimson & Gold Society

Today, Kappa Alpha Order is stronger than ever before. Nearly 8,000 active members serve on 125 campuses across our nation. And the numbers just keep growing. But this demand requires increased resources in a tumultuous time on every campus for our youngest brothers . The KAOEF is in the midst of an ambitious Crimson & Gold Campaign to establish 1,000 donors at the $1,000 level, annually, by end of 2019. The future is bright because of brothers like Sam...and you. Join the Crimson & Gold Society and invest in the next generation of KA brothers.

Other ways to Support the KAOEF & Kappa Alpha Order

Forever KA

www.ForeverKA.com

Loyal Order

www.LoyalOrder.org

1865 Trust

www.KAOEF.org/1865-Trust

Ensuring the future of Kappa Alpha Order

Above: Leake (right), a Crimson & Gold Society member, received a Certficate of Service from Knight Commander Kay at Convention. The copy below is adapted from a resolution honoring his service.

RECOGNITION

Donation In Memory of:

Nancy A. Archibald by LTC Walter David Archibald (Ret.)

Jake M. Bellipanni, Jr. by Eddie S. Wilson

Lurner O. Benton III by Timothy K. Adams

Robert W. Bishop by James T. Oliver

As early as 1952, the former “Kappa Alpha Scholarship Fund” was promoted with the following quote from Councilor Vernon H. McCall (Xi–Southwestern 1911):

“Flowers are a beautiful conveyance of love and sympathy, but wither. Love and sympathy expressed through our scholarship fund, is life.”

Today, the Kappa Alpha Order Education Foundation’s recognition program receives tax-deductible donations “In Honor” or “In Memory” of anyone and from anyone. Generally, one brother makes a donation in honor of a brother or group and designates it to recognize friendship, achievement, or significance; or one may make a donation in memory of a beloved brother, in lieu of flowers or some other recognition.

Gifts count toward a member’s annual giving level and typically are unrestricted (but not required).

Special notice is sent to the honoree or the family of the deceased brother, and those are then able to send a prepared thank you note back to the donor, creating a sincere and deserved system of recognition and thanks.

 Make your tribute at KAOEF.org/donate

COL George M. Brooke III by David H. Kennedy

COL George M. Brooke, Jr. by David H. Kennedy

Rives C. Carter by Eddie S. Wilson

Neal M. Chastain by John G. Snover

T. Michael Cobb by J ohn P. Justice, Jr.

J ames F. Kirtley

William S. Crook, Jr. by D r. William P. Buchanan

James Frederick Corbett, Jr.

by Joseph F. Rodgers, Jr.

William C. Cutler by C APT Sidney E. Wood, Jr. USN (Ret.)

James L. Davis by C oastal Georgia Alumni Chapter

Marshall James Donathan, Sr. by M arshall James Donathan, Jr.

Earl R. Epperson, Jr. by Larry S. Wiese

Earl Fain IV by Timothy K. Adams

Charles Andrew Collins, Jr.

B en W. Satcher, Jr.

L arry S. Wiese

Thomas Heard Few by Ben W. Satcher, Jr.

Charles Z. Flack, Jr. by CO L Walter Middleton Fitts, Sr.

W. Julian Foy by Stanley D. Broome

William Kyle Frasure by Larry S. Wiese

Leon Fulmer by D r. Ronald Calhoun Fulmer

Lewis G. Goggin by John D. Goggin

Robert Worthington Grigsby by B ensley H. L. Field Miles Racey Orndorff, Jr. B en W. Satcher, Jr.

David Taylor Hagood by LT James M. Tallman, MD

Robert S. Headen by CO L Walter Middleton Fitts, Sr.

Hmillard Harold Hunter II by Mary Ellen Collier

Frank M. Huthnance by Timothy K. Adams

Francis B. Jackson, III

James M. Hancock, Jr.

Robert Russell Jinright by J ames S. Binder

Albert Sidney Johnson JD by C APT Sidney E. Wood, Jr. USN (Ret.)

Hunter C. Johnson Jr. by C APT Sidney E. Wood, Jr. USN (Ret.)

David A. Kimbell by Peggy S. Kimbell

Dr. H. Bennett Kinard III by LT James M. Tallman, MD

Dr. Robert P. Leonard by Timothy K. Adams

James Russell Lewis by Ralph L. Sanders

James J. Lilly by Ben E. Lilly

Claude Eugene McRoberts, Jr. by A lpha Upsilon

Chapter-University of Mississippi

Jerry McGhee by Daniel W. Bridges, Jr. COL Larry W. Madden by LTC John W. Bauder (Ret.)

Quentin L. Mantooth by Frank W. Podpechan

William E. Mathews III by W. Ed Mathews, Jr.

William J. Meng Jr. by LT James M. Tallman, MD

James W. Mullen by James N. Taylor, Jr.

Steven P. Nichols by Dr. Gary P. Nichols

Malcolm Franchot Palmer

by CO L Walter Middleton Fitts, Sr.

Bernard M. Parker by Timothy K. Adams

Philip Boardman Peters by Larry S. Wiese

S. Vernon Price by Larry S. Wiese

Frank Matthew Redmond, Jr. by Timothy K. Adams

Henry M. Reed by Larry S. Wiese

S. White Rhyne, Jr. by Paul Capp MD

Edwin Waterman

Robeson by LT Alexander F. Giles III

John Greer Robeson, Jr. by LT Alexander F. Giles III

William Bryan

Roehrig III

by D avid C. Andrews

C lint F. Cummins

D r. John Quentin

Mantooth

B en W. Satcher, Jr.

G regory R. Singleton

L arry S. Wiese

J ames H. Winstead

A lan R. Wolfe

Godfrey L. Smith III

by J. Donald Etz

G. Randy Smith

by Gwyn W. Smith

Kappa Alpha Order Alumni

L . Blair Bailey

B en W. Satcher, Jr.

J ames N. Taylor, Jr.

Bruce D. Stafford

by D r. Russell Peyton Atchley, DMD

Jeremy L. Starns

by James E. Boyer

Jack R. Suggs

by Susan Suggs

Jacob West Summers IV

by J effrey S. Adams

H . Daniel Avant

H erbert W. Bradley, Jr.

T homas B. Bryant, III

M ark W. Buyck, Jr.

Rocco D. Cassone, MD

L eslie A. Cotter, Sr.

C arroll J. DuBose, Jr.

Robert Edgerton

John Gressette Felder, Sr.

L loyd I. Hendricks

C laudia S. Jenkins

H unter Foster Mahon

C harles R. May IV

S ilas C. McMeekin, II

D r. March E. Seabrook

R andolph Smith, II

J . William Summers

L isa T. B. Ulmer

Jacob West Summers, Jr.

J effrey S. Adams

H . Daniel Avant

H erbert W. Bradley, Jr

In Memory. In Honor.

T homas B. Bryant, III

M ark W. Buyck, Jr.

Rocco D. Cassone, MD

L eslie A. Cotter, Sr.

C arroll J. DuBose, Jr.

John Gressette

Felder, Sr.

L loyd I. Hendricks

C laudia S. Jenkins

C harles R. May IV

H unter Foster Mahon

S ilas C. McMeekin, II

D r. March E. Seabrook

R andolph Smith, II

J . William Summers

L isa T. B. Ulmer

Thomas R. Tedcastle by Ed ward G. Sullivan, Esq.

Irby Turner III by Stanley J. Viner

The Hon. W. Rogers Turner by Timothy K. Adams

Walter C. Watson, III by Timothy K. Adams

John D. Wolf by William E. Steinkamp

James Morgan Wootan by Timothy K. Adams

Charles H. Yates, Jr. by Timothy K. Adams

Donation In Honor Of:

Timothy K. Adams by Dr. James A. Upshaw

All Kappa Alpha Veterans

Alpha Gamma ChapterLouisiana State University

by Dr. George J. Bares

Alpha Sigma ChapterGeorgia Institute of Technology by Arthur D. Hufford II

Alpha Zeta ChapterCollege of William and Mary by Robert F. Steidtmann, Jr.

Lawrence Richard Alwood by Richard C. Alwood Steve B. Sims

Carlton W. Baker by D. Calloway Whitehead II

Richard A. Barnes, Jr. by J. Michael Duncan H . Lynn Greer, Jr.

William F. Bauer, III by Randall J. Carreira

Peyton Hargis Bembry by Stephen J. LaFollette

Beta Pi ChapterPresbyterian College by J. Derrill Rice

Beta Zeta ChapterUniversity of Florida by W illiam N. Crosthwaite

Emmett James Boudreaux by R aymond J. Steiner DDS

Thomas H. Campbell by H. Lynn Greer, Jr.

Derick S. Close by A lpha Omega Chapter-North Carolina State University

Walter D. Brady

W illiam Trent Ragland

J erry J. Richardson

Edward I. Weisiger, Jr. A lan R. Wolfe

Delta Tau ChapterFrancis Marion University by David J. Driver

Delta Pi ChapterMissouri Southern State University

by 1SG Michael T. Rogers (Ret.)

William E. Dreyer by Blas S. Catalani, II

J. Michael Duncan by H. Lynn Greer, Jr.

D r. James M. Schmuck

Epsilon Chapter-Emory University by Frederick Brooks Arnold

R ichard E. Hodges, Jr.

A . Stuart Campbell

S ean T. Murphy

H . Glenn Russell

J oseph B. Williams

Former Knight Commander

James R. Estes by J. Michael Duncan

Gamma Alpha ChapterLouisiana Tech University by David L. Batt

K rik W. Gros

D r. Ronald E. Miller, Jr.

Gamma Gamma Chapter-University of Memphis by Rigo J. Vannucci

Gamma Iota ChapterSan Diego State University by James H. Heidelberg

David H. Gantt by David M. Hay

John M. Gantt, Jr. by David M. Hay

Tanner Lucas Gellinger by Aaron D. Masey

Former Knight Commander

Darren S. Kay by J. Michael Duncan

T haddeus Aaron Stubbs

Joseph D. Kristovich by James M. Ransbottom

Robert E. Lee by William H. Clark

The Hon. William B. Lee by Robert A. Pugh

John W. Munford by George A. Munford

Former Councilor David M. O'Dell by J. Michael Duncan

Preston M. Pelham by Robert Crocker Murray

Pi Chapter-University of Tennessee-Knoxville by W. Ed Mathews, Jr.

Scott F. Scheynost by A nthony A. Davidson CPA

Councilor Dr. James M. Schmuck by J. Michael Duncan

Carlton O. Schumpert by Daniel R. Amato, Jr. Dr. Walter D. Shields, Jr. by Franklin T. Brackman

Knight Commander C. Douglas Simmons, III by Brent E. Buswell

D avid J. Driver

J . Michael Duncan

T homas D. Hill, III William Ogden

Plyler, II

D avid J. Wilder

R yan H. Whittington

Steven M. Steele by J. Michael Duncan

J. Michael Stephenson by H. Lynn Greer, Jr.

Former Knight Commander Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. PhD by William E. Dreyer

J . Michael Duncan

H . Lynn Greer, Jr.

S am O. Leake, Jr.

D r. James M. Schmuck

G ary T. Scott

L arry S. Wiese

James Murray Underwood, Jr. by James N. C. Moffat, III

Western Carolina KA Golf Group by Brian A. King

Richard H. Wilcox, Sr. by Richard H. Wilcox, Jr. Charles H. Yates, Jr. by Timothy K. Adams

Zeta Chapter-Randolph Macon College by Shawn B. Gannon

D. Calloway

Whitehead II

Zeta Kappa ChapterUniversity of West Georgia by Mary Ellen Collier

CHAPTER ETERNAL

Alabama–Alpha Beta

Jonathan Tyler Radtke 2002, 02/13/2019

Hon. John D. Snodgrass 1957, 02/03/2017

F. Harris Magruder, Jr. 1949, 07/10/2019

Ben T. Selman, Jr. 1954, 07/26/2019

Arizona–Gamma Epsilon

Walter T. McGill 1951, 10/20/2016

Arkansas Tech–Epsilon Zeta

Stuart A. Luttrell 1989, 01/31/2019

Arkansas–Alpha

Omicron

Donald E. Chaney 1951, 11/16/2018

Auburn–Nu

James Robert Hurt 1955, 06/25/2018

William G. Cheney 1958, 01/25/2019

Albert J. Haisten 1945, 03/21/2016

MG Will H. Tankersley 1976, 11/28/2015

Baylor–Delta Omega

Bobby J. Kinard 1984, Bethany–Beta Beta

John M. Burgess 1969, 07/17/2018

BirminghamSouthern–Phi

Robert B. Callahan 1947, 03/18/2019

California–Alpha Xi

Charles F. Stauffacher, Jr. 1941, 05/28/2012

Centenary–Alpha Iota

Nelse A. Davis 1947, 07/02/2012

John H. Hearne 1940, 08/14/2017

Citadel–Theta Commission

Scott Tucker, USAF 2016, 03/07/2019

Clemson–Delta Omicron

William P. Williamson 1970, 05/19/2018

Thomas Heard Few 2018, 06/30/2019

Davidson–Sigma

Arthur E. Morehead IV 1990, 02/08/2019

Frank W. Armstrong 1959, 05/16/2019

Delaware–Beta Epsilon

John J. Garrett III 1983, 05/21/2018

Dr. Charles J. Townsend 1943, 12/22/2017

Delta State–Delta Beta

Jake M. Bellipanni Jr. 1971, 07/04/2019

Duke–Alpha Phi

Floyd A. Bell, Jr. 1957, 01/31/2019

Ernest M. Knotts 1944, 02/22/2019

Clinton W. Toms III 1957, 05/29/2019

East Carolina–Gamma Rho J. Michael Bartos 1965, 02/01/2019

Wayne E. Lloyd 1962, 07/20/2019

Eastern Kentucky–Delta Mu

Kim L. Kemo 1974, 07/29/2019

Elon–Epsilon Mu

Michael K. Schnackel 1988, 05/03/2013

Emory–Emory

Lurner O. Benton III 1963, 03/01/2019

Dr. Marrs M. Cooper 1959, 03/05/2019

J. Patton Hyman III 1961, 01/28/2019

Kevin F. O’Gara 1954, 03/11/2018

Frank Matthew Redmond

Jr. 1959, 01/10/2019

Dr. William C. Simmons 1959, 09/19/2018

Dr. George Edward Van Giesen Jr. 1951, 05/23/2018

Dr. Marrs M. Cooper 1959, 03/05/2019

Dr. Gurdon R. Foster III 1966, 12/22/2018

Thomas Dean Hogan JD 1965, 01/07/2019

Dr. Robert P. Leonard 1956, 07/05/2019

Jack P. Saussy 1955, 04/07/2019

Charles H. Yates, Jr. 1947, 07/30/2019

Florida–Beta Zeta

Joseph E. Mickler, Jr. 1950, 01/20/2018

Tobias B. Latham III 1968, 06/17/2019

Florida State–

Gamma Eta

Dr. Jesse C. Mullis 1950, 10/07/2018

James Darwin Justiss 1957, 05/21/2019

Georgetown–Beta Delta Charles L. Cook, Jr. 1947, 03/05/2016

William C Robinson 1948, 08/17/2017

Sherrell W. Nunnelley 1942, 04/04/2019

Georgia–Gamma

Frank W. Capers Jr. 1942, 01/14/2019

Peter G. Munroe 1969, 01/25/2019

Vance S. Pitzer 1947, 02/23/2019

Merritt Bloodworth Pound, Jr. 1952, 01/17/2013

Thomas D. Clay 1953, 08/09/2019

James L. Davis 1958, 05/09/2019

Tom P. Fussell 1951, 08/05/2019

Dr. Joseph F. Griffin 1976, 08/18/2019

Hugh William Hosch Jr. 1958, 04/10/2019

James T. Hudson 1940, 07/05/2009

Chris C. Mitcham 1980, 08/06/2019

Georgia Tech–Alpha Sigma

Rhea Pearce Converse 1958, 12/14/2018

Clinton Bloodworth Newton 1945, 01/24/2019

Edgar W. Weeks, Jr. 1953, 06/04/2018

Rives C. Carter 1951, 04/15/2019

Arthur A. Jones, Jr. 1943, 06/27/2019

Hampden-Sydney–Alpha Tau

William D. Allen 1940, 03/25/2017

Charles J. Shaughnessy III 1955, 08/14/2019

Jacksonville State–Delta Phi

Jeff A. Parker 1976, 08/23/2018

Kentucky–Theta

J. Peter Cassidy, Jr. 1961, 02/04/2018

Lewis G. Goggin 1977, 06/22/2011

Louisiana State–Alpha Gamma

Dr. W. Derwood Cann 1940, 07/12/2010

COL William F. Gandy 1940, 05/02/1997

Robert L. Singer, Jr. 1966, 02/26/2019

James R. Lewis 1967, 06/28/2019

Louisiana Tech–Gamma Alpha

Winston N. McVea, Jr. 1967, 11/18/2018

Steve G. Bokun 1964, 07/15/2019

Louisiana-Lafayette–Gamma Phi

Norton D. Roussel 1965, 01/12/2019

Brandon D. Clark 1993, 06/11/2019

Howard David Zeringue CLU 1960, 08/22/2015

Louisiana-Monroe–Gamma Nu

Dallas Thomason 1967, 12/26/2012

Louisville–Beta Omicron

LTC William T. Dotson, Jr. 1938, 02/09/2009

Merle Newlon, Jr. 1943, 03/26/2019

Maryland–Beta Kappa

C. Richard Griffith, Jr. 1954, 01/10/2012

E. Bulkeley Griswold 1958, 02/14/2019

Thomas B. McGee 1960, 10/28/2018

Jason A. Yablonski 1996, 09/26/2018

J. Robert Reigle 1967, 06/19/2019

Memphis–Gamma Gamma

William Kyle Frasure 2018, 02/20/2019

Thomas W Gerdes 1957, 10/03/2018

Edwin Hal McCarter 1948, 06/19/2018

Joseph D. Moss 1951, 06/19/2019

Mercer–Kappa

Robert A. Hill, Jr. 1948, 03/22/2019

Frank M. Huthnance 1960, 01/05/2019

Bernard M. Parker 1948, 01/16/2019

Robert W. Bishop 1981, 03/06/2019

Walter C. Watson III 1947, 06/08/2019

Miami–Gamma Theta Anthony C. Livingstone 1950, 03/23/2018

Middle Tennessee State–Delta Lambda Rodney D. Croft 1978, 05/24/2019

Millsaps–Alpha Mu Dr. Howard B Cheek MD 1952, 07/16/2019

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Robert S. Miller, Jr. 1946, 09/12/2007

Glenn W. Cofield 1980, 06/07/2019

C. Eugene McRoberts, Jr. 1953, 07/04/2019

Mississippi State–Beta Tau CPT Frederick R. Lickfold III, USN (Ret.) 1955, 03/04/2018

Wayne W. Weidie 1960, 08/15/2019

Missouri–Alpha Kappa A. Warren Francis 1942, 12/17/2018

Theodore B. McClard 1958, 06/27/2019

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha Earl E Pape 1950, 03/30/2019

Hugh W. Tyler, Jr. 1964, 07/13/2019

Missouri State–Gamma Beta James Richard Kerin 1998, 01/09/2019

New Mexico–Beta Phi Frank A. Valdez 1951, 06/12/2019

Newberry–Delta Epsilon Mark B. Hamilton 1999, 01/30/2019

North Carolina–Upsilon Daniel J. Connelly 1972, 06/14/2019

Robert S. Headen 1954, 08/26/2018

Charles A. Poe, Jr. 1967, 05/02/2019

North Texas–Gamma Lambda Earl L. Story, Jr. 1956, 03/22/2019

Legrand V. Carney 1955, 06/07/2019

Northwestern State–Gamma Psi Michael Gerald Robichaux 2017, 05/02/2019

Oklahoma–Beta Eta

Leonard T Newton 1943, 01/27/2019

Don R Symcox 1949, 08/18/2019

Oklahoma City–

Gamma Kappa

Michael L. Walker 1987, 03/04/2019

Finis H Walker, Jr 1953, 06/18/2019

Oklahoma State–Beta Xi

Jack R. Suggs 1967, 10/04/2018

Old Dominion–Delta Gamma

Gregory W. Saine 1984, 05/06/2019

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

Norman D. King 1957, 02/18/2019

Randolph-Macon–Zeta

Dr. Donald R. Holsinger 1948, 06/03/2018

S. Vernon Price, Jr. 1949, 02/20/2014

Dr Francis. B. Teague, Jr. 1953, 06/27/2019

Richmond–Eta

Dr. Thomas Weedon Armstrong, Jr. 1941, 01/29/2019

William E. Savage 1962, 07/31/2019

Roanoke–Beta Rho

LTC Robert E Goad USA (Ret.) 1947, 12/29/2015

Samuel E. Grove 1955, 06/09/2019

S. White Rhyne, Jr. 1949, 02/28/2018

Rollins–Alpha Psi

Don A. Salyer 1956, 03/02/2019

Sam Houston State–

Gamma Tau

Timothy M. Bodle 1968, 07/04/2010

Chappell E. Dixon 1965, 11/27/2017

James W. Ford 1960, 01/25/2019

W. Carter Gresham, Jr. 1969, 10/30/2018

Kenneth M. Haynes 1969, 09/24/2010

Jerry L. Horn 1971, 10/03/2013

Tommy O. Meinecke 1966, 10/30/2017

Jennings H. Pewthers 1966, 03/26/2003

George M. Shanks, Jr. 1961, 12/02/2014

William B. Thomas, Jr. 1961, 08/01/2014

Howard F. West 1963, 06/16/2011

San Jose State–Gamma Delta

Roger B. Holden 1955, 10/06/2015

Charles R. Magnusson 1953, 03/11/2019

Univ. of the South–Alpha Alpha

Clifton F. Grantham, Jr. 1956, 08/06/2016

Earl Fain IV 1982, 07/31/2019

South Carolina–Rho

Jessee D. Ruff, Jr. 1960, 10/05/2018

Charles Nelson Plowden, Jr. JD 1954, 07/04/2019

Southern Methodist–Beta Lambda

Charles L. Caperton 1958, 02/16/2019

Warren H. Matthews 1955, 01/27/2019

Donald E. Marquis 1950, 06/10/2019

Southern Mississippi–Gamma Zeta

G. Richard Long 1963, 03/01/2019

Stanford–Alpha Pi

John W. McPherrin 1947, 08/05/2016

Owen G. Johnston 1939, 04/02/2014

Stephen F. Austin State–Delta Kappa

G. Andrew Squyres 1973, 01/26/2019

Joshua R. Akers 2008, 03/08/2019

Tarleton State–

Epsilon Pi

Coby L. Meinzer 1987, 03/04/2018

Tennessee-Martin–

Delta Upsilon

William Bryan Roehrig III 1975, 06/11/2019

Tennessee–Pi

Horton H. Herrin 1958, 03/29/2019

COL Guinn B. Goodrich 1931, 05/11/2004

Texas A&M-Commerce–

Gamma Upsilon

Fred L. Schaefer 1960, 02/09/2019

James A. Wild 1960, 06/30/2017

Fratres Usque Ad Aram Fideles

Glenn W. Day 1976, 09/06/2018

Wally Gene Hogland 1973, 02/28/2019

Texas–Omicron

Gus D. Bohnet 1946, 06/14/2010

COL Guy M. Cloud, Jr. 1941, 03/09/2018

D. Brent Pogue 1984, 07/28/2019

Tom A. Whitley 1945, 02/10/2013

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi Edward C. Benninger, Jr. 1962, 06/06/2015

Texas-Arlington–Delta Iota

Dr. Wendell H. Nedderman 1983, 05/08/2019

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

William P. Malicote 2010, 08/19/2018

Kelly P. Moore 1986, 09/20/2018

LCDR Henry Melvin Dennis Jr. USNR (Ret.) 1950, 03/24/2019

Dr. William A. Gerrard III 1951, 12/05/2014

Tulane–Psi

Frank H. Beatrous 1940, 11/18/2008

George R. Blue, Jr. 1969, 03/21/2016

CPT Thomas B. Denegre Jr. (Ret) 1940, 04/28/2012

Hughes DeGruy Drumm 1951, 10/11/2016

Tatham E. Hertzberg 1971, 10/06/2014

James M. Wootan 1962, 04/21/2019

Tulsa–Mu

Jack A. Cross 1945, 12/28/2018

Michael F. Brennan 1949, 05/03/2018

Steven T. Coons 1968, 04/21/2019

Valdosta State–Delta Rho

Dr. Fred N. Clements Jr. 1971, 12/14/2018

John T. Garrett 1974, 08/18/2019

Vanderbilt–Chi

Conrad G. Conley 1945, 10/31/2019

Samuel W. Magruder 1942, 01/05/2015

Virginia–Lambda

W. Herbert Crowder III 1961, 04/24/2019

Henry Reed 2018, 08/08/2019

Virginia Wesleyan–Epsilon Omicron

Ryan A. Cooling 1993, 08/16/2019

VMI–Beta Commission BG Lloyd L. Leech, Jr. USA (Ret) 1942, 03/23/2018

COL Philip Boardman Peters USA 1972, 02/13/2019

Edward L. Smith 1950, 09/18/2018

COL Craig L. Wallen 1978, 10/08/2018

James B. Dick 1970, 08/29/2015

William A. Gregory 1966, 06/08/2019

Hon. Harry G. Lee 1948, 06/27/2019

Richard H. Moore 1957, 02/03/2019

Edward C. Wachtmeister 1971, 04/26/2018

Wake Forest–Tau

Abner Glenn Wright, Jr 1951, 10/18/2018

E. Lindsay Reed II 1951, 08/14/2019

Univ. of Washington–Beta Theta

Robert E. Myers, Jr. 1949, 02/08/2019

Eugene E. Brucker 1948, 05/10/2019

Washington College–

Beta Omega

William J. Atwell 1949, 06/30/2007

PO Daniel John Fitzgerald Buck USN 1999, 04/29/2019

LTC Bernard H. Thomas 1953, 03/04/2019

Washington & Lee–Alpha

William G. Bean, Jr. 1948, 02/27/2019

Warren H. Edwards 1916, 05/06/2015

West Florida–Epsilon Sigma

Christopher P. Coleson 1988, 03/15/2015

West Texas A&M–Gamma Sigma

Stephen L. Colgan 1974, 03/18/2019

Thomas G. Hicks 1966, 02/16/2019

Freddy J. Meek 1959, 03/19/2019

Michael J. Steinkoenig 1972, 02/10/2019

West Virginia–Alpha Rho

Michael E. Gallegly 1969, 10/24/2018

Dr. Terry L. Thistlethwaite 1960, 09/22/2018

David P. Moore 1977, 08/08/2019

West Virginia Wesleyan–Beta Chi

Myron B. Hymes 1930, 08/27/2016

Western Carolina–Delta Alpha

Walter M. Nale 1969, 01/20/2019

John C. Lyons 1973, 03/31/2019

Westminster–Alpha Eta

Arthur R. Max 1931, 10/11/2011

Dr. John W. Middleton 1943, 07/21/2019

William & Mary–Alpha Zeta

Nathaniel R. Coleman 1940, 08/13/2012

Thomas W. Davenport, Jr. 1960, 04/27/2018

Robert W. Grigsby 1954, 02/19/2019

Steven A. Merril 1962, 08/15/2019

William Jewell–Alpha Delta

Richard E. Johnson 1965, 03/28/2019

Everett W. Littell 1949, 06/19/2018

W. Terrell Scarborough, Jr 1946, 01/28/2019

Warren W. Bergman 1957, 04/11/2019

Keith A. Oberkrom 1966, 11/18/2018

Elisha A. Sharp 1939, 07/28/2011

Jay S. Thomas III 1968, 05/18/2019

Wofford–Delta

Dr. Richard L. Branyon 1936, 11/27/2014

Dr. Jack Monroe Smith 1954, 07/27/2019

James Buxton Terry, Jr. 1960, 02/13/2018

The Journal has learned of the loss of Steven M. Steele (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’86) and Dr. James I. “Bud” Robertson, Jr. (Zeta–Randolph-Macon ’49). Due to the press deadline, they will be noted and recognized in the next issue.

2019 Risk Mangement Policy

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

1. The possession, sale, use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages while on chapter premises, or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, county, parish, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either BYOB or Third Party Vendor guidelines.

2. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverage, for example kegs or cases are prohibited.

3. Open parties, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present are prohibited. Open parties have been defined as those functions at which the guest to member ratio exceeds three-to-one.

4. No chapter members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under the legal “drinking age”).

5. The possession, sale and/or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances by a member are strictly prohibited.

6. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with a distributor of alcohol, charitable organization or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of its annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of tavern, as defined above, for the purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern, as defined above, for an event held within the provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list.

7. No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance or attend or participate in a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.

8. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.

9. No member or pledge/associate/new member/ novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in “drinking games”.

10. No alcohol shall be present at any member awaiting initiation/pledge/new member program or activity of the chapter. This includes, but is not limited to, activities associated with “bid night”, “big brotherslittle brother” events or activities, “family” events or activities and initiation.

HAZING

No chapter, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; calisthenics, physical and psychological shocks; use of pledge books or signature books, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is

conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.”

SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT

The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which is demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment and sexual assault by individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is prohibited.

FIRE, HEALTH, AND SAFETY

1. All chapter houses shall, prior to, during and following occupancy, meet all local fire and health codes and standards.

2. All chapters must have posted by common phones and in other locations emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.

3. All chapters shall comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or municipal authorities.

4. The possession and/or use of firearms, archery equipment, incendiary devices such as fireworks or explosive devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house are prohibited.

5. Pets are not permitted in any chapter house, lodge or facility.

6. Permanent or make-shift pools are not permitted at any chapter house, lodge or facility.

7. Make-shift or temporary builds or structures are prohibited, provided, however, that they may be approved if the procedures are followed in the Special Events section, Part 3.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Special events are defined as any event/function (1) where alcohol will be present, and the guest to member ration exceeds three-to-one; (2) involving athletic events or competitions; or (3) that involves any activity that is deemed to be potentially hazardous by the Alumnus Adviser, the Alumni Advisory Committee, the Province Commander, the Executive Director, or the Order’s insurance broker. Any chapter wishing to host a special event must do the following:

1. Complete a comprehensive, written description of the event and forward it to the Province Commander and the Executive Director for review and approval. This information must be received by the Executive Director at least 60 days prior to the event; and

2. Secure a Special Events Insurance Policy (“Policy”) or pay a risk management assessment fee in an amount to be determined by the Order’s insurance broker. If the Policy option is selected, the Policy shall be in the amount of $1,000,000 available through the Order’s insurance broker and shall name Kappa Alpha Order, a Virginia Corporation, as an additional insured.

EDUCATION

Each student member, associate member and pledge shall be instructed annually on the Kappa Alpha Order Risk Management Policy. A copy of the Risk Management Policy shall be available on the fraternity website.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Multi-Dimentional Dimanche

KA brothers can be very busy men, what with academics, athletics, philanthropic endeavors, and just the everyday rigors of college life. It can all be difficult to balance, but Alexis S. Dimanche (Xi–Southwestern ’17) is one young man who has figured out how to give his all and stay focused while doing it.

Dimanche, Xi Chapter’s Number VI (Treasurer), is an international studentathlete who was born in New Orleans, grew up in France, and returned to the U.S. to attend Southwestern on a tennis scholarship, becoming the captain of the men’s tennis team. He was the first SU player to win the award for the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Tennis Player of the Year in 2018. The multi-lingual (French, German and English) Dimanche has been playing

tennis since he was a child, and told a content writer for SU’s website, “It’s always been a pretty big part of my life. I feel like every kid in France plays soccer, so I played a year or two years

advisors and current friends who are in this industry said physics would be a very good start in undergrad,” he shares. “It opens a lot of doors to a master’s and Ph.D. in bioengineering.” So he declared physics as his major, and is the current president of the SU Physics Club.

of soccer, but I figured I needed an individual sport because I didn’t really like relying on other people. So tennis was the move.”

Academically, he has been able to pursue research in biomedical engineering even though SU does not offer an engineering major. “Faculty

While he may be a foreigner here, Dimanche has his own perspective on the subject. “For me, Texans are also foreign,” he comments. “But again, I’m learning with all the others. It’s fun to share experiences, whether it’s high school or traditions at home, and get an idea of what we did growing up. But now we’re kind of all on the same page because we’re having the same experiences here. … They really try to include you very well; you never feel left out because you’re not from Texas.”

Your KA Scoreboard

“They really try to include you very well; you never feel left out because you’re not from Texas.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FRENCH TENNIS STAR FINDS HOME IN TEXAS

By Liz Janisse

VOLUNTARY REMARKS

Sow Seeds, Reap a Harvest

Arkansas’ Director of Greek Life, Parice Bowser, the Order’s recipient of the Award for Fraternal Excellence, shares her thoughts on working in fraternities and sororities, overcoming obstacles, and pushing us all to greater heights.

By Parice S. Bowser

Above: Director of Greek Life at the University of Arkansas Parice Bowser, and her daughter Jessica, accept the Order's Award for Fraternal Excellence.

When you sow seeds, I’m a witness that you will REAP A HARVEST if you faint not! That’s what GOD reminded me this summer as I was able to accept Kappa Alpha Order’s Award of Fraternal Excellence Award on Friday, August 2, 2019, at Convention in New Orleans.

Out of all fraternity/sorority advisors in the country, I received this top honor! Many thanks to our local KA Chapter, Alpha Omicron for the nomination including current chapter president, Brooks Butler and immediate past president, Edgar Vargas, as well as their alumni board led by Scott McLain for thinking of me. I’m truly honored and grateful!

As a woman of faith, it is beyond a doubt that I am in my current position by assignment and being led by a higher power to serve in such a manner. Through my faith, I am given the ability to lead with confidence knowing that there is purpose in my work for the greater good. This includes having the ability to create change in an ever-growing campus community, but more specifically within the University of Arkansas Greek Life Community. Every day I lead with passion, integrity, and enthusiasm. Whether good or bad, I lead with authenticity and am often considered by stakeholders, including colleagues, as one who, “keeps it real,” and can be trusted.

Over and over again, it is proven that my leadership is best shown when faced with challenges, but I somehow overcome such obstacles and/or adversities in spite of the circumstances. I truly believe in our students and the staff, which allows me to be able to inspire them to reach their greatest potential, but also influence others to reach intended goals and outcomes from both an organizational and individual perspective. Specifically, I am often reminded by students, parents, and alumni that they appreciate the intentionality and engagement through my leadership role.

About Parice

Parice Bowser is a highly accomplished and well-respected Student Affairs professional. She provides visionary oversight and leadership for the Office of Greek Life. The office consists of four (4) Greek governing councils, seven (7) Greek registered student organizations, and thirty-four (34) national fraternities and sororities consisting of more than 7000 Greek leaders.

Mrs. Bowser has been responsible for the growth and success of Greek Life over the past eleven (11) years, which includes:

1. During the past five academic years, the total Greek Life population has grown 75%

2. More than 2,416 new members joined UA Greek Life in 2018-19 which are some of the largest sororities and fraternities in the country

3. Greek Life retention rates are 93% for first-time, full-time degree seeking students and were higher consistently over a course of five (5) academic years from 2012 to the present

4. Greek councils received eighteen (18) national awards at an interfraternal conference

Mrs. Bowser has been a steadfast supporter of KA, the Alpha Omicron chapter, and its members. She guided the chapter and advisors through the 2008 rechartering process, provided insight throughout their house project, and has been an advocate for the chapter.

Mrs. Bowser holds a Master of Science in Mass Communication from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television from Arkansas State University. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is married to Thomas Bowser, and they have one daughter, Jessica, who was recently named “Little Miss Dogwood 2020” in Fayetteville.

Sow Seeds, Reap a Harvest

Most often, I receive messages (i.e. cards, letters, emails, phone calls, etc.) from stakeholders sharing that it gives them great comfort knowing someone is there to advocate on their behalf, as well as an opportunity to push one as a student or their chapter to greater heights, including instances where discipline and correction are needed.

For more than twenty years working in this field, it has never been about me. Students have and will always be first. Similar to what is mentioned above, many view my greatest strengths through the in-depth knowledge of the community and having the ability to relate to all four Greek governing councils; communication, approachability, and the ability to maintain composure in hostile conditions; how I seek input from various stakeholders when needed; having confidence to lead but not being arrogant; being transparent; and having the ability to multitask.

For this reason, I don’t take it for granted that our University of Arkansas’ Greek chapter’s work with me and are good to me—even during tough times.

Therefore, it is an honor and privilege that this award from Kappa Alpha is dedicated to every single member of our University of Arkansas Greek community including staff who are devoted to making us even better.

Whether good or bad, I lead with authenticity and am often considered by stakeholders, including colleagues, as one who, “keeps it real,” and can be trusted.

SIR,YOU ARE A KA

The Alumnus Advisor of the Year Award is given annually to recognize an alumnus advisor for excellence and achievement. This year, due to their divided time of service, one succeeding the other in 2018, this award was presented to two men. Fred Neely served Epsilon chapter at Emory as advisor from 1980 to 2018, when Andrew West was appointed to succeed him. Knight Commander Darren Kay presented the awards on August 1, 2019, during the opening session of the 78th Convention.

Andrew is a member of the United States Marine Corps and currently works at the Senior Center Administrator in the Healthcare Innovation Program at Emory University. Fred is retired from SunTrust Bank where he worked in commercial real estate. Both are members of the Hardeman Court of Honor. Fred and Andrew have been instrumental in re-establishing Epsilon chapter, including developing a positive relationship with Emory and its administration, building trust amongst the membership, and coalescing alumni support for housing and advising. They were first nominated by KAOEF Life Trustee, Tim Adams (Epsilon–Emory ’57).

Q: Why are you still loyal to KA today?

Andrew West

(EPSILON–EMORY ’90)

(above left )

• KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society Member

• Hardeman Court of Honor

• Epsilon Chapter–Alumnus Advisor, 2018-present

• 2019 Alumnus Advisor of the Year

Fred Neely

(EPSILON-EMORY ’63)

(above right )

• Hardeman Court of Honor

• Epsilon Chapter–Alumnus Advisor, 1980-2018

• 2019 Alumnus Advisor of the Year

WEST: I consider KA to be a pillar of the college community whose members strive to do the right thing for the right reasons. For example, the Epsilon chapter was the only fraternity at Emory to be included on the AIDS quilt created in the late 1980s. At the time, many people wanted to blame the victims of AIDS but Epsilon was brave enough to offer our support to those who were in need. I also reflect on the legions of Epsilon KAs who have been successful not only in their careers but have given back to their communities.

NEELY: I can’t say that I ever had to make a conscious effort to be loyal to KA but I can say that the loyalty I feel was a natural by-product of friendships formed while I

was an Active at the Emory chapter. Those friendships are still active today. And actually after graduation too: I have made many non-Emory friends over the years because of the discovered fraternal bond.

Q: Share some thoughts about rechartering the Epsilon Chapter at Emory.

WEST: They say you don’t miss something until its gone. Well, I think our chapter collectively felt a huge void over the last four years until earlier this spring when we got our charter back and today when our letters were reinstalled back on our house. Brothers came out of the woodwork to help get us back on campus as well as reaffirm Greek Life at Emory. I can honestly say that the support we have

received from KA National has been unprecedented. The chapter is on firm footing with over 100% occupancy in our house, one of the best GPAs of any KA Chapter in the country, and tremendous support from our alumni, KA National, and Emory University.

NEELY: During a long (about a year), gut wrenching, painful process four years ago, we, Andrew and I, the Active Members at the time, Larry Wiese and the National Staff and other alumni, fought the inevitable expulsion of Epsilon from the Emory campus. That was an association approaching 150 years. The great relief we all felt when we were slowly informed that the chapter would be allowed to return is almost indescribable, as we were never sure that Emory would ever let us return. The positive is that I believe and hope that we and the other Fraternities on the row are now forging a new mutually cooperative relationship with Emory.

Q: What is a takeaway from your military or professional career?

WEST: You are taught that the team is more important than the individual and to do your duty no matter what. I think KA and the Marine Corps share many of the same common values including that you must never let your brothers down and be faithful unto death.

NEELY: Perseverance above all else.

BACKSTORY

The first Convention to take place in New Orleans was at the Hotel Grunewald in 1911. The hotel is depicted in a postcard here. In 1931, the Convention met at the Jung Hotel; in 1973, at the new Marriott; and then in 1999, the Convention returned to the Grunewald. This time it was known as the Fairmont New Orleans. The 2019 Convention at the Hyatt Regency marked the fifth Convention held in the Big Easy.

Our current engagement campaign is an ongoing effort to update, maintain and better utilize our alumni data so we can continue to best serve our alumni. We have partnered with Publishing Concepts to help collect information from as many alumni as possible and produce the 2020 Kappa Alpha Order Alumni Directory.

PCI will soon be contacting you via mail, phone, and email asking you to participate by updating your contact information.

2020 KAPPA ALPHA ORDER ALUMNI DIRECTORY