The Kappa Alpha Journal - Spring 2019 by Kappa Alpha Order

SPR I NG 2019

Strength

Tenacity

Motivated by and emulating his late daughter McKenzie, Pat Conn rides coast to coast raising funds for a cancer cure

Who are you, Judge Roy Richter?

Coaching for Literacy

Temple Baker in Everybody Wants Some!!

Forever KA with Mike Duncan

Pg. 8

Pg. 16

Pg. 24

Pg. 33

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FRONT STORY Reagan Burns (Gamma Tau– Sam Houston State ‘16) skiing barefoot for an Academy Sports + Outdoors photo shoot, which also featured his brother Chandler (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ‘17) and father Gary Burns (Delta Sigma–Houston Baptist ’83) near Conroe, Texas. See page 18 for the story.

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CONTENTS VOLUME CXXV NO. 3

THE K A PPA A LPH A JOUR NA L

PUBLISHED SINCE 1879

DEPA RTMENTS: 02

Dear Brothers

0 4

The Spark

Moral Compass

Modern Gentlemen

2 8

Chapter Eternal

2 9

Recognition

Loyal Legacy

Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gear

35 Athletic Department 3 6

Our Order

4 2

Voluntary Remarks

4 4

Sir, You are a KA

E DI TOR

Jesse S. Lyons ASS I STA N T E DI TOR

Brent E. Buswell C R E AT I V E DE S IG N

Tria Designs Inc.

FE ATUR ES:

12 Coast to Coast for a Cause

Motivated by and emulating his late daughter McKenzie, Pat Conn rides coast to coast and raises funds for a cancer cure.

24 The Accidental Actor

CON T R I B U TORS

Garrett Bedenbaugh Hollie Brower Liz Janisse Aaron Masey Becky Moore Rick Moore Brianne Tillotson Cover photo by Rich Cruse Photography

How a forwarded email, baseball skill, and no acting experience launched an unlikely Hollywood career.

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3/7/19 12:55 PM

DEAR BROTHERS Knight Commander's Message

Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta– Westminster '88)

“While times on campus are uncertain, we know that KA can and must lead in our chapters and communities.”

It is important to me to begin all my comments when speaking with K As with the following introduction: “Gentlemen (and guests, if others or ladies are in attendance): what a glorious day that God has given us. Indeed, what a great day to be a K A!” In January, I attended the Number I’s Leadership Institute, the last I would attend as the Knight Commander. The men there undergo intense leadership training with their fellow Number Is, volunteer faculty, national staff, speakers, and of course, the Dean of the Institute, Former Knight Commander Mike Duncan. There the men discussed the importance of their role in the Order, and how that would apply as they execute their duty as Number I and lead their chapter. While times on campus are uncertain, we know that K A can and must lead in our chapters and communities. I am confident we will have another great year because I am confident in the ability of our newest leaders. Attendance at our leadership education programs always reinvigorates me about K A’s purpose and values. I want to make sure you know the Order you joined is still the same K A. Today, we manifest our ritual and history into a strong purpose and consistent values. We remain steadfast in our purpose to serve as A Moral Compass For The Modern Gentleman. In so doing, we must continue to approach each and every day Living Our Values, Leading With Excellence. Those values are: `` Reverence: For God and women `` Gentility: Chivalry and respect for all

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`` Knowledge: Continuous lifelong learning `` Leadership: Development of character `` Brotherhood: Brothers faithful unto death `` Excellence: Always aiming higher With those values at the center, and on behalf of the volunteer leadership of the Order and the National Staff, I am proud to declare that the state of our Order is excellent. Our undergraduate men are maintaining a 3.01 national GPA, our leadership training and scholarship offerings are making a difference in the lives of the active members and graduate students. We are near our all-time largest size with more than 7,500 undergraduate members and 125 chapters. We continue to embark on our ambitious Crimson & Gold Society fundraising campaign, with 1,000 donors giving $1,000 annually, to ensure the Order and its members are successful on campus and in their lives in these uncertain times. I also consistently close each of my comments to our undergraduate leaders. I believe is important for our youngest brothers, to remember the following lesson: “God didn’t create anyone in this room to be average. He created you to excel. So let’s excel.” For these reasons and more, I believe it is a great day to be a K A, every day. May God continue to bless you, your families, our beloved Kappa Alpha Order, and our great Country. 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

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SPRING 2019

Letter From the Editor

VOLUME CXXV NUMBER 3

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:

In all of our K A memories, there are watershed moments that we can recall. For some its initiation, for others it’s a major planned event, and still others it might be a road trip or a special time with close chapter brothers. For me, one of those times came in August 1999. I joined the Delta Alpha Chapter at Western Carolina University in 1998. Our chapter was rebuilding after a series of unfortunate events. Membership stood at approximately 20-25. That spring, the chapter decided to take two new member classes to bolster manpower. I was initiated on March 15, in the first group. By the end of the semester I became the newly appointed Number VIII, the Sergeant-AtArms. I dutifully sat by the door in chapter meetings, wearing the jewel of my office—doing little much else. I was bought in, hook, line, and sinker to K A. Every event, every meeting, I was there ready to go. The 1998 National Leadership Institute was in Kansas City. I didn’t know it would become the first to host a “Bid for Brotherhood,” and I didn’t know much else then, either. I skipped it. Summer in Cullowhee and being back home was too important to lose a weekend going to the Midwest. Unfortunate for me, I missed us receiving the Most Improved Chapter Award, now

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the Carl Albert Award for Chapter Improvement. I didn’t know even we applied, nor how. I was bought in to K A, but I began to learn there was much work to be done. In 1999, the Convention was set to convene in New Orleans at the Fairmont Hotel. By the summer, I had helped the chapter apply for a Samuel Zenas Ammen Award for Chapter Excellence. Our little group had grown to approximately 40 men. Almost a dozen of us traveled to the Big Easy, some of us for the first time. We participated, enjoyed fellowship, and crossed our fingers at the awards banquet. It was worth the trip. Twenty years ago, Delta Alpha won its first Ammen Award that weekend. I will never forget attending my first national meeting and have not missed one since. For those of you considering attending our 78th Convention and Brotherhood Weekend in New Orleans this August, give it some serious thought. You never know what memory you might make. Fraternally,

Jesse S. Lyons (Delta Alpha– Western Carolina ’98)

“Almost a dozen of us traveled to the Big Easy, some of us for the first time. We participated, enjoyed fellowship, and crossed our fingers at the awards banquet. It was worth the trip.”

3/7/19 1:20 PM

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ONE QUESTION

The Journal recently asked current Number Is why they or their chapters honor members of the military and veterans? “Our chapter honors military members and veterans, because they gave up their time with their families to fight for us, something that they can never get back, and have given us the opportunity to be able to stay here and attend college, which also gave us our brothers in the order. To thank them for their sacrifices, we use these opportunities they have given us to give back to them and honor them in any way we can.” c c Brett K. Marler (Gamma Sigma– West Texas A&M ’16)

“This topic hits especially close to home for me as I lost my cousin, Corporal Evan Marshall, in 2008. Evan always carried himself as a strong, humble, respectful leader, and that is exactly the type of leader I want to be for my chapter. Our chapter also lost a brother, Tyler Brown, in 2004. Like Evan, Tyler died in Iraq at a very young age. He was SGA President at Georgia Tech and an outstanding member of KA. To honor Tyler, our alumni 4

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provided us with a flagpole memorial dedicated to him that stands proudly in our front yard. Every morning, we raise the flag not only in his honor, but also for every single member of our military who fights for our amazing country.” c c Alexander J. Marshall (Alpha Sigma–Georgia Tech ’16)

“As a current Marine Officer Candidate and relative of several service members and veterans, I have seen firsthand the essence of military service. Those who answer the call to serve, and especially those who risk their lives and return wounded, should never be neglected by American citizens. Members of the Kappa Alpha Order have a special opportunity and duty to give back to those who have enabled our great organization to exist. We hope to do that and more wherever and whenever possible.”

“Whether members are in current active duty or veterans, they should always be treated with the utmost respect. These men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to risk their lives in order to protect our freedom we as Americans are fortunate enough to receive. These men and women are willing to give up their families to ensure we have the life we want to live. Without the brave courageous acts of our military and members in the armed forces, Kappa Alpha Order would not be in existence to this day.” c c Christopher J. Gosselin (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’17) Honor any initiated member of KA who has or is serving with recognition in the Military Division of the Order (pictured above. Visit KappaAlphaOrder.org/Military-Division.

c c Campbell G. Kerr (Alpha Alpha– Univ. of the South ’17)

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Social December 5, 2018 480 Likes @KappaAlphaOrder

FOLLOW UP

Lins Barwick (Tau–Wake Forest ’15), who was featured in the Fall 2018 issue of The Journal, recently shared his incredible story of courage, community, and brotherhood with KA brothers at an alumni reception in Winston-Salem, Virginia, and at the Number I’s Leadership Institute.

Elected! During the 2018 election cycle, two brothers were elected to the position of Governor and another was elected to Congress.

Two South Carolina chapters, Beta Pi (Presbyterian College) and Delta Tau (Francis Marion University), were recognized by MDA of South Carolina for collectively raising more than $10,000, making it possible for five children with muscular dystrophy to attend MDA’s annual summer camp. Read more at KappaAlphaJournal. com. #MDA #myFraternity

INSIGHT Bill Lee (Nu–Auburn ’78) was elected Governor of Tennessee.

Henry McMaster (Rho–South Carolina '67) was elected as Governor of South Carolina.

Michael Waltz (Beta Commission– VMI ’96) was elected to the Congress, representing the 6th District of Florida.

Other KAs elected at the state or federal include: Senator Roy Blunt (Alpha Eta– Westminster ’89) (Missouri)

Congressman Richard Hudson (Epsilon Xi–North CarolinaCharlotte ’98) (NC-08)

Congressman Steve Womack (Epsilon Zeta– Arkansas Tech ’78) (AR-03)

Congressman Robert Aderholt (Phi– Birmingham-Southern ’86) (AL-04)

Congressman Joe Kennedy (Alpha Pi– Stanford ’01) (MA-04)

Tate Reeves (Alpha Mu–Millsaps ’93), Lt. Governor of Mississippi

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How have you been affected by cancer? Kappa Alpha Order recently surveyed its undergraduate members to see how cancer has affected their lives.

85% 36% 5% 5%

Family Member Friend Personally I have not been affected 5

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TAKE NOTE

KAPPAALPHAJOURNAL.COM THE 2019 NUMBER I’S LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (NLI) TOOK PLACE at the Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, North Carolina, January 3rd through 6th. All of K appa Alpha Order’s Number Is (chapter presidents) participated in the three-day, alcohol-free conference. The focus of NLI is to educate and empower Number Is to understand their role and responsibility as the chapter’s highestelected officer, to recognize the tools and support systems provided, and to understand the standards and policies of operating an active chapter of K appa Alpha Order.

2019 Emerging Leaders Academy

Check out the 2019 recap video at KappaAlphaJournal.com

June 6–9, 2019 Lexington, Virginia

78th Convention & Brotherhood Weekend

Aug. 1–4, 2019 New Orleans, Louisiana

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TAKE NOTE (CONTINUED)

WHY I Forecast

CRIMSON & GOLD

SOCIETY 7th Annual Crimson & Gold Society Dinner Aug. 1, 2019 New Orleans, Louisiana

2019

22nd Annual Bid for Brotherhood Aug. 2, 2019 New Orleans, Louisiana

I FORECAST THE WEATHER BECAUSE people really rely on what I’m saying and communicating to help them make decisions for them and their families. I do much more than just forecast though—I make graphics, I present on-air, and I go out to community events, among other things. When I was very young I was scared of thunderstorms, and when there was a thunderstorm in the middle of the night I would go jump in bed with my parents. I watched the Weather Channel all the time as a kid, and it just became something I wanted to do. I can’t pinpoint a day or a storm that made me start liking the weather, but I watched the storms come across the fields back in the rural sections of South Carolina where I lived, which was always kind of fascinating. I knew all through middle school and high school what I wanted to do, so it was a pretty straight path forward of what classes I needed to take and what school I needed to look for. I only applied at two schools, NC State and UNC Charlotte; nobody in South Carolina offered a meteorology degree, so I had to look outside the state. I liked UNC Charlotte a little better, as I like the city and it was closer to home [Clinton, South Carolina]. So that was where I decided to go, and I was hanging out with some KA guys as soon as I got there, so my KA experience really started on day one.

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For weather, I like the tropics especially, so my being in the Southeast is a good spot for that; the weather here in Jacksonville keeps me very busy.

I’m tracking hurricanes two weeks out or longer, and it’s a thrill from a meteorological standpoint, trying to track these things and figure out where they’re going to go. I also got a chance to cover Hurricane Florence for my station in South Carolina, which was the first time I’ve been out in a storm while it was ongoing. To be able to do that and experience the weather that I’m always forecasting, to actually go out there and feel tropical storm-force wind gusts, helps me to know how to communicate what is threatening our people here in northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. It can be exhausting, but it’s a nice thing because I’m helping people. — Garrett A. Bedenbaugh (Epsilon Xi–North Carolina–Charlotte ’08), former Number I, First Alert Meteorologist, CBS47 and FOX30 television, Jacksonville, Florida

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WHO ARE YOU?

Honorable Roy L. Richter (Beta Iota–Drury ’69) Roy Richter is a Judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District. He was first appointed to the position in January, 2006, and was elected thereafter for a twelve-year term in 2008. Prior to this position, he served for sixteen years as the Juvenile Division Judge in Montgomery County, Missouri from 1990 to 2006, and partially overlapping during that time was an Associate Judge in the same county from 1979 to 2006. He was the prosecuting attorney there in 1977. He

Knight Commander Kay (left) recognizing Hon. Richter at the Convention in 2017.

is the past president of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges, Past President of the Missouri Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Member of the Missouri Bar Judicial Article Review Commission, member of various Missouri Supreme Court Committees, and he receiving the Chief Justice’s Award for exemplary contributions to the people of the state of Missouri in 2002. Judge Richter received the Order’s Award for Distinguished Public Service at the 77th Convention in 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. He has been the driving force behind getting all KAs who serve in the Missouri Judiciary their due

What are you reading right now? Lengthy briefs and Jack Reacher novels. But I hate the movies. Tom Cruise is totally NOT Jack Reacher!

What’s on your music playlist and why? Oldies — because I’m old! Anything by The Beach Boys or “Motown.”

recognition from KA, having now logged fourteen recognized Judges. See page 40 for more on that effort.

What’s in your DVR queue and why? Blacklist — it’s a great show!

How long have you been on the bench and what took you to that part of your career? 40+ years. I started my legal career as a Prosecuting Attorney and it was the logical progression.

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What is your greatest and/or favorite memory from College? Nothing I want to appear in print!

Fair! Do you remain in touch with them today? That’s the awesome thing about the KAs at Drury; we all stay in contact. There were five of us at a Drury [basketball] away game last night — folks from three different parts of the state. I see several of the brothers at least once a week; we make a point of it.

Toughest case you ever oversaw? Any case involving child custody where one parent was accusing the other of abuse and there was no physical evidence to point at

either one. What makes those a tough case—the fate of the child? Yes— and you MUST be right. Give the abuser custody or visitation? You harm the child. Deny visitation to a non-offending parent and you’ve ruined that person.

You’ve met dozens of KAs in the legal field. What do you all have in common? I think we all have a respect for the Rule of Law.

What are you most proud of right now, and why? Don’t know about “proud,” but I’m delighted that the Drury [College] women’s basketball team is ranked #1 in the nation in Division II.

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MENTION

2018 DAY OF GIVING The KAOEF’s Day of Giving is a multifaceted fundraising event with

2,033

Alumni

a major impact on

Total number of

the Foundation and

donors

the Order. Beginning

Chapter Gifts (Foundation Chapters)

with social media, direct mail, and e-solicitations, promotional efforts center on Chief Founder James Ward Wood’s 1866 speech asking the Alpha Chapter to “pull together and pull hard.” Leading into and throughout the Day of Giving on our founding anniversary,

15 Average number

Active Members

of donors per chapter

Non-Members

$292,219 T O T A L

December 21,

R A I S E D

matching gifts are announced, and the

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

258

100%

Active Chapters are

Arkansas–Alpha Omicron

243

Percentage of

encouraged to become

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

143

chapters and

Foundation Chapters.

Arizona–Gamma Epsilon

120

commissions with

This designation

Georgia Southern–Delta Theta

112

a donation made

Order’s membership

Top Five Chapters in # of Donors

meets the challenge. In addition,

in their honor

is the result of the chapter’s committing to donate $18.65 per

Top Five Chapters in $ Raised

man that day. For

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

many members, this is

Auburn–Nu $12,222

$2K+

the first gift they will

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

$9,104

Average amount

Southern Methodist–Beta Lambda

$8,500

raised per

William Jewell–Alpha Delta

$7,853

chapter

make to the KAOEF and begins their donation lifecycle.

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$16,111

FOUNDATION CHAPTERS JOINED These chapters each gave $18.65 per man or more to the KAOEF this year. ffArizona– Gamma Epsilon ffArizona State– Epsilon Omega ffArkansas– Alpha Omicron ffCampbell– Zeta Psi ffFlorida Gulf Coast– Zeta Pi ffFrancis Marion– Delta Tau ffGeorgia Southern– Delta Theta ffLouisiana Tech– Gamma Alpha ffNorth Florida– Zeta Nu ffMillsaps– Alpha Mu ffMississippi– Alpha Upsilon ffMissouri Southern State–Delta Pi ffSam Houston State– Gamma Tau ffTexas Tech– Gamma Chi ffTulsa– Mu ffWestminster– Alpha Eta ffWilliam Jewell– Alpha Delta

3/6/19 4:47 PM

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FROM JOURNALS PAST

The “First” Crescent City Convention This August the Convention of the Order returns to the Big Easy for the fifth time in our history. The first Crescent City Convention was in 1911. That year, the Order and the Knight Commander tried two different things for their plans. First, after consternation among chapters and alumni, the Convention was moved to a December timeframe, after having been held between the month of June and September since the first Convention in 1870. Second, this Convention would be the first one held in a new territory of the country for the Order, and the closest to crossing west into the Mississippi to that date—a theme carried into 1913 when the Convention was held in Memphis. A promotional piece by a New Orleans alumnus and the Editor’s thoughts follow.

New Orleans and 1911 Convention

quaint old buildings; the Mississippi River

PSI Chapter, the alumni of New Orleans,

(a boat ride will be in order no doubt); Lake

and alumni of the surrounding cities of

Pontchartrain (another occasion for a boat

Louisiana and Mississippi are overjoyed at

ride); Begue’s, Cafe Louisianne, Antoine’s,

the announcement that New Orleans is to

Sazzerac, Ramos’, etc., in addition to which

be the place for the next convention of the

New Orleans can offer more theatrical

Kappa Alpha Order.

attractions than any other city in the

This is the first time that the brothers

South. There is no excuse for any of the

in this section of the South have ever had

members, young or old, to stay at home

occasion to be the host, and it is certainly

when there is to be such a great time for

going to be the largest convention, in point

everybody.

of attendance, enthusiasm, and general good feeling, ever held in the history of KA. If not, it will be the fault of those who were

more detailed information will be given in

so thoughtless as to remain at home.

my next communication. With promise of

Brothers attending the convention

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something better for the next issue and

will be given the usual entertainment of

with repeated insistence that everyone be

the New Orleans variety, and in addition

on hand at the date set by the K. C., I close

to this there will be some other things on

for this time. Wm. H. Neville. 606 Audubon

tap which are to be found only in our city.

Building, New Orleans, May 26.

They are really too numerous to mention; the thing to do is to come and see for yourselves what “New Orleans Hospitality” really means. Briefly and hastily, a few general and leading attractions are: The Spanish Fort; West End; the old French Quarter, with its

In closing due apologies are offered for this hasty presentment. Further and

Editorial ELSEWHERE appears the call of the Knight Commander for the 26th Biennial Convention to meet in New Orleans beginning December 27th. The official announcement is fraught with unusual

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interest to the membership of the

hospitality, and the fact that no convention

expected nor advisable under all the

Fraternity, for it marks not only the turning

has ever been held in that section before,

circumstances.

from a traditional custom as regards the

should guarantee by far the best attended,

time of holding conventions, but opens up a

most enthusiastic, and most enjoyable

will do everything possible toward

new and seemingly improved territory for

convention yet held.

boosting the big gathering and the

holding Kappa Alpha general gatherings.

Already the Crescent City alumni

Beginning with this issue the Journal

Editor urges every chapter and alumni

As to the matter of change of time, the bulk

and actives are busy and the Editor, who

organization and every interested member,

of the chapters have shown discernment in

has had the pleasure of more than once

active and alumni, to get busy and help

concurring with the attitude of the Knight

enjoying the fraternal courtesies of the

create an enthusiastic interest that will

Commander and of the other general

New Orleans membership, offers his

assure an epochal convention, making

officers, all of whom favored the change.

personal guarantee that the brand of

the gathering in all respects the most

entertainment and attention forthcoming

representative ever held. It is up to the

summer time is not the ideal convention

will be of the right sort and more than

rank and file, and with the opening of the

period, especially for a Fraternity whose

ample in quantity. He only hopes that

college year arrangements should be made

membership, active and alumni, is almost

the entertaining brothers will not feel

immediately by active and alumni chapters

altogether in the South. Aside from the

inclined to attempt anything elaborate

to be represented by their most intelligent

unsuitability of the weather, many other

or expensive. New Orleans, normal,

and enthusiastic members and to bring out

considerations briefly touched upon in

breathes a holiday spirit that does not

the biggestâ&#x20AC;? representation possible.

the last Journal bear strongly against the

conduce strenuously to work; that is at

further continuance of a custom never

least to a visitor unaccustomed to the local

and New Orleans the place. Come early and

satisfactory at best. So that the holiday

atmosphere, and the above observation

avoid the rush, and if you cannot represent

season should bring out a naturally larger

and suggestion are merely dropped by way

some chapter, represent yourself and have

outpouring than customary, which, in

of reminding the Crescent City contingent

a big time. This is guaranteed by the time,

addition to the attractions of the Crescent

that they are not expected to put the big

the place, and the people.

City as a convention point, the widely

pot in the little one nor to blow themselves

celebrated reputation of its people for

ingloriously, the same being neither

Experience has shown that the

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Remember, December 27th is the date

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Coast to Coast For a Cause By Hollie Brower and Jesse Lyons (Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’98)

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"I participated in the ride in memory of my daughter, and also to try to make a difference for those living with cancer." Pat Conn (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’85)

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Coast to Coast For a Cause

or five years in a row, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has organized “Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer,” a nearly monthlong cross-country bike ride to raise money for cancer research. Funds raised are matched dollar-for-dollar by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, up to a $500,000 maximum donation. “Every day at BristolMyers Squibb, we are inspired by the hope of a future where more people who are diagnosed with cancer can live longer and have more active lives. For many of us, our motivations to advance cancer research are also personal,” said Johanna Mercier, head, U.S. and Large Markets, Worldwide Commercial, Bristol-Myers Squibb. The employees who ride in Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer are novice cyclists who trained extensively to prepare for the cross-country ride, during which each rider will cover approximately 225 miles. While some riders have been diagnosed with cancer, others are riding in honor of loved ones affected by the disease. Pat Conn (Gamma Eta– Florida State '85) is a Senior Territory Business Manager for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Immuno-Oncology division. He was initiated in 1985 at the Gamma Eta Chapter at Florida State University. By September of last year, for five months, Pat had dedicated the majority of his free time to training for the 2018 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride. Multiple days a week, he would spend up to four hours a day training, which he says “is no easy feat during an oppressive Florida summer 14

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with heat indexes frequently above 100 degrees!” To learn more about why Pat got involved, read how he and others are making an impact on cancer research and the lives of so many in this country. Pat remains a loyal KA and his example and character are to be recognized and emulated by our members all over the world.

Kappa Alpha Journal (KAJ): Tell us a little bit about your college experience and involvement in Kappa Alpha. Pat Conn (CONN): I started school at Florida State in the summer of 1985 and pledged the Gamma Eta chapter of Kappa Alpha that fall. Pledging Kappa Alpha was one of the best decisions of my life. After initiation, I really wanted to get involved in the chapter, so I took on the roles of rush chairman and house manager. My experiences at Kappa Alpha were an absolute blast, but were also ones that taught me many life lessons. KAJ: Where did life lead you after graduating from Florida State? CONN: After graduating Florida State, I moved to London to participate in a work exchange program. When I returned from London, I was hired at a medical supply company and started a territory for them in Colorado. After a few years living out West, I really missed my home state and wanted to move back to the Southeast. In 1995, I moved back to the Southeast and eventually settled back in my hometown of Tallahassee. KAJ: I understand your family has been affected by cancer. Can you share your story? CONN: My daughter McKenzie was our first child and truly meant the world to my wife and me. McKenzie

“Every day at Bristol-Myers Squibb, we are inspired by the hope of a future where more people who are diagnosed with cancer can live longer and have more active lives. For many of us, our motivations to advance cancer research are also personal.”

was diagnosed with cancer in December 2004, at the age of 20 months, and we lost her two years later in February 2007, a few months shy of her fourth birthday.

KAJ: Can you tell us how your fraternity brothers have supported you and your family? CONN: When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, the amount of support that my family and I received from my fraternity brothers was absolutely incredible. I had fraternity brothers from across the country calling to give me support in many forms. When I decided to do the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, I felt the same amount of support from my Gamma Eta brothers. KAJ: And that motivated you to participate in a cross-country bike ride for cancer research recently. Can you tell us more about that? W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

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100 degrees! I trained in Tallahassee where the terrain can be flat, but also has plenty of hills, unlike the majority of the state. The physical, emotional and mental tolls of training were difficult—the long miles, the wind, hills, and physical exhaustion were tough to navigate—but can never compare to what cancer patients face. That’s why I volunteered to take on such a momentous challenge by participating in this year’s ride.

KAJ: How was the actual ride? Can you share a bit about your experience on the road?

CONN: The Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride is an annual cross-country bike ride organized by my employer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, to raise money for cancer research. From September 5 to 25, I joined 108 of my colleagues in a nearly 3,000-mile-relay from Cannon Beach, OR, to Long Branch, NJ. Together, we raised nearly $700,000 for the V Foundation for Cancer Research that was generously matched by Bristol-Myers Squibb for a total donation of more than $1.3 million! KAJ: So, what did participation entail? What was training like? CONN: For six months from April to September, I dedicated the majority of my free time to training for the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride. Multiple days a week, I spent up to four hours a day training, which is no easy feat during an oppressive Florida summer with heat indexes frequently above

CONN: Despite the training, the ride from Denver to Kansas City was challenging. Cycling nearly 80 miles a day for three days, on a new terrain and in a different climate, was tough, but it was all worth it to honor McKenzie and other loved ones impacted by cancer, as well as to support the great work of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. McKenzie is always on my mind, but she was especially with me during my leg of the ride. I thought about the daily struggles she faced when she was going through her treatments, and that motivated me to keep going. Even though she was very young, McKenzie showed great strength and tenacity. KAJ: Did the Kappa Alpha values of leadership and excellence carry on throughout your life and on this journey? CONN: The values of leadership and excellence that were instilled in me during my college years undoubtedly carried on throughout my life, my career, and this journey. These same values have made me a better husband, father, employee, and person. I think they are what drove me to be involved in the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride. I participated in the ride in memory of my daughter, and also to try to make a difference for those living with cancer.

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ABOUT PAT'S FAMILY Pat and his wife Cassie will be celebrating their 20th anniversary this May. They have two children, Helen (13), and Charlie (9). They are active members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. RESULTS More than $137,000 was raised by Pat and his teammates alone in 2018. Pat led his team with $24,400 raised himself, coming just shy of being the top fund-raising cycler for the entire operation. His team, the Synergy Cyclers led all seven teams in fundraising. All told, the entire effort raised more than 1.3 million dollars for cancer research. The V Foundation “The funds raised through the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride will help the V Foundation invest in more and much-needed research projects across multiple types of cancer to make the largest impact for people diagnosed with the disease.” The donations will go to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $200 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org. Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer For more information about the 2018 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, please visit cancerbikeride.org or follow the ride on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn by using #C2C4Cancer. About Bristol-Myers Squibb “Since 2013, our Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer employee riders have raised more than $3.3 million for cancer research with the goal of hopefully changing the course of this disease for our loved ones affected by the disease and all of the patients we work for every day,” said Johanna Mercier, head, U.S. and Large Markets, Worldwide Commercial, Bristol-Myers Squibb. Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

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MORAL COMPASS Tr ue bear ings for your K A jour ney

Coaching for Literacy By Rick Moore

“I would encourage everyone to get involved, to see what they can do on a local level to be part of the solution.” 16

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or so many of us, it can be hard to believe that a large segment of our country’s population cannot read or write. Yet, illiteracy is a silent malady that affects millions in terms of their ability to function in our ever-evolving computer age, to earn a decent living, even to do things as simple as read a street sign or a menu. Coaching for Literacy is one of hundreds of non-profit organizations nationwide that is trying to do something about it, but on a larger scale and using a concept that that is truly unique. Ryan Viner (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi

’06) is the executive director of Coaching for Literacy, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The sports-centered concept of the 501(c)(3) is the brainchild of two former Memphis University School high school students, Jonathan Wilfong and Andrew Renshaw, who saw a need to help illiterate citizens who often suffer in silence. Wilfong is now a student at SMU, and Renshaw is a student at Vanderbilt. Both schools have Coaching for Literacy chapters. Viner says that the illiteracy statistics in the United States are shocking, and that his organization is filling a vital need. “Twenty W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

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Stor y headline would go here

percent—one out of five—of our high school graduates are functionally illiterate today,” Viner says. “That’s not counting the dropouts. This means they are not literate enough to fill out a job application, to fill out an insurance form or read a prescription. The reality is that our educational system in America is failing, and a large part of our population—one out of seven adults—is illiterate. We could go on ad nauseam about the problem. But Jonathan and Andrew wanted to start an organization to make a difference, and we believe that the more people know about the problem, the more they can be a part of the solution.” “What we do is raise awareness and financial support using the power of sports,” Viner continues. “We work with sports teams—their athletic departments, coaches, front offices—to obtain two all-access passes to one game. We call this the ‘Assistant Coach’s Program.’ We then sell the passes to fans of a particular team, with those fans making a donation for the passes. We then give that donation to a literacy program in that particular community. The fans get to have a good time and also have the satisfaction of having helped those who need help learning to read and write.” Viner then uses the opportunity to help market the organization and the cause it’s fighting for. “To promote what we’re doing, I may appear for an interview on the radio with the coach of the team in that community to help publicize both the team and our mission,” he says. “So this is how the coaches and the teams get behind what we do. In 2015, we had 18 NCAA programs we worked with. Names like UCLA, Kansas State, Florida State … and we also recently worked with our first NBA franchise, the Washington Wizards. We’re excited to be working on enlisting more teams all the S P R I N G 2 019 | THE K A PPA A LPH A JOUR NA L

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time.” Coaching for Literacy was recently featured in an issue of Sports Illustrated. “We really see ourselves as having the importance of a Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, Autism Speaks, and other great organizations,” Viner says. “It seems that, on that kind of level, nobody is doing for literacy what those organizations do for their causes. It’s a problem that no one seems to have a really good idea of how to solve. So we’re addressing that issue through sports, something that millions of Americans enjoy and can identify with.” Viner says that he would like to see his KA brothers play a role in eradicating illiteracy, and that there are various ways in which everyone can participate. “I would encourage everyone to get involved, to see what they can do on a local level to be part of the solution,” he says. “I would really like to challenge Kappa Alpha’s members to watch the “STATS” video on our website or our Facebook page to learn more about the illiteracy problem. They can really make a difference in their communities, and on their campuses, by donating to or volunteering with a literacy program in their community, or maybe by even contacting us about starting a chapter on their own campus. For instance, there are a lot of KAs in our Ole Miss chapter.” Currently there are Coaching for Literacy chapters on five college campuses: the University of Memphis, SMU, Vanderbilt, the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State. “I think it’s incumbent upon all of us to get involved, because this is really everybody’s problem,” Viner says. “And I think it’s a natural fit for the men of Kappa Alpha Order.”

"...literacy...[is] a problem that no one seems to have a really good idea of how to solve. So we’re addressing that issue through sports."

For more information, go to www.coachingforliteracy.org. 17

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MODERN GENTLEMEN

PHOTO BY EHANDLER NUMS

Member highlights f rom around the Order

Family Skis for Catalog Ad Competition water skiers and brothers Reagan Burns (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’16) and Chandler Burns (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’17) are slated to appear in an Academy Sports + Outdoors catalog representing the company’s “O’Rageous” brand of life vests. The duo was pulled by their father, Gary A. Burns (Delta Sigma–Houston Baptist ’83), for a total of 12 hours on a competition ski lake near Conroe, Texas. ¶ “Academy’s headquarters is located in Katy, Texas, and they contacted us because they were searching for a private, ski lake nearby to conduct the photo shoot,” Reagan said. CONTINUES ON PAGE 20 18

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Cohen into Georgetown Hall of Fame

SWINGING FOR SUCCESS ZETA PI–FLORIDA GULF COAST

Zeta Pi Chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University hosted a golf tournament in September, raising $10,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This fifth year was held at the Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Florida.

PHOTO BY EHANDLER NUMS

BETA DELTA– GEORGETOWN

Robert S. Cohen (Beta Delta–Georgetown '54) and his wife Zane were inducted into the Georgetown Hall of Fame during the College’s 2017 Founders Day Convocation. While attending Georgetown, Bob played basketball, was president of the student government association, and even served on the Executive Council of the Baptist Student Union. Since graduating, Bob has served as president of the Alumni Association from 1967 to 1969, was on the Alumni Advisory Board, and was a member of the Board of Trustees.

Raising the Stakes for MDA ALPHA MU–MILLSAPS

Alpha Mu at Millsaps College recently donated $23,337 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition to a golf tournament, the chapter’s “casino night” fund-raiser at the downtown Hilton Hotel in Jackson, Mississippi, was attended and generously supported by hundreds of guests. “We always enjoy hosting these events and raising as much money possible for MDA,” said Alpha Mu Philanthropy Chairman Hunter Cooper ’15. “The work they do is very inspirational, and it’s humbling to be a part of it. We as a chapter look forward to many more years of success and even higher fund-raising totals, and we hope to encourage other chapters not to underestimate themselves when it comes to philanthropy fundraising and charity work in their local communities.” Right: Brothers of Alpha Mu present a fund-raising check to a smiling Ellie Denman of MDA

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MODERN GENTLEMEN Member highlights f rom around the Order

MIRACLE ON 93RD STREET HERO RECOGNIZED BETA KAPPA–MARYLAND

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Lee was lowered from the apartment building’s roof to the tenant’s window with a lifesaving rope. Operating in zero visibility, Lee used the elderly man’s yells as a beacon. The man was crouched below the window sill with fire lapping out over his head as Lee reached into the window and got one arm around his back and one under his knees; the man was unable to hold onto Lee because of cuts and burns to his hands and arms. The rope began to burn as Lee and the tenant were lowered past the third floor, reaching the ground as the rope burned through, and the man was handed off to EMS personnel. Lee joined the FDNY on May 4, 2003, after serving as a firefighter in the District of Columbia Fire Department. He then served in the West Farms section of the Bronx, and Company 147 in Flatbush, Brooklyn, before transferring to Rescue 1 in Manhattan in August 2014. The honors Lee received for his heroism are named for Worcester, MA, Fire Department District Chief (ret.) Mike McNamee, whose bold decision-making at a major 1999 fire that saw six firefighters lose their lives may have saved even more lives; and Ray Downey, the legendary and decorated FDNY chief who lost his life at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

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The lake is the home tournament lake-site of the Texas A&M water ski team, where Reagan was a member. “They thought the location would work perfectly. The director, who had seen pictures on our social media accounts, asked for us to showcase their new 2019 ‘O’Rageous’ brand of life vests.” ¶ “Our dad drives the boat most of the time for us,” he continued, “so it was only natural to have him pull us. He was also a member of the Texas A&M water skiing team in college, as well as a show skier. He skied in shows for AstroWorld, SeaWorld, and many others. So naturally, he passed on his love and passion for water skiing and taught us how to ski when we were around three years old. He also passed on the desire and values for us to be KAs as well, and he attended both mine and my brother’s initiations, which was really special for us. We have both loved being KAs as well as skiing, and have even taught some of our KA brothers how to ski.” ¶ Chandler is a senior pursuing a degree in construction management, while Reagan is a law clerk at Krenek Law Offices in Katy, awaiting law school. The Academy ad with the Burns brothers displaying their skiing skills is slated to appear this summer. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Firefighter James P. “Jim” Lee, Jr. (Beta Kappa–Maryland ’95), Fire Department of New York Rescue 1, was named the winner of the 2016 Firehouse Magazine Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor, as well as the recipient of the 2017 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award, for his lifesaving actions in an October 2016 New York City apartment fire. In what was dubbed by the media as the “Miracle on 93rd Street,” Lee saved the life of an injured 81-year-old man in a daring rope rescue in blacked-out conditions.

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Brotherhood Across the Board THETA–KENTUCKY A group of alumni of Theta Chapter at the University of Kentucky met for a day at Churchill Downs in November 2018. An informal poll from the attendees suggest this was just the first in what will become an

annual tradition, the Friday before Thanksgiving week. Theta Chapter alumni also recently celebrated their 125th Anniversary and have geared up for new housing efforts for the undergraduates and Active Chapter.

Hospital Fund-Raising Executive Takes Top Roll

KA Across the Globe DELTA PI–MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE

Joseph Blank (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’15) studied abroad in Ansbach, Germany with his University’s International Business Department.

GAMMA ALPHA–LOUISIANA TECH Erik Showalter, CFRE (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’02), former Chief Development Officer for the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, has been named the new president of the Baton Rouge General (BRG) Foundation of Baton Rouge General Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2016, the foundation recruited Showalter from CCS Fund-raising in Washington, D.C., and before taking on his new

ter oversees the foundation’s staff and the

Chapter Originators Gather in Natchitoches

hospital's volunteer services and auxiliary

GAMMA PSI–NORTHWESTERN STATE

position he served as the foundation’s major and planned-gifts officer. In his new role, Showal-

departments. BRG Foundation helps to provide Baton Rouge General Medical Center, a community hospital that serves ISTOCK / WWING

patients from birth to geriatrics, with upwards of $21 million a year in charity care, facility enhancements, and the latest technology. Showalter served on the national staff of the Order and

Alumni of Gamma Psi from the 1960s gathered in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The group was given an update by Northwestern State University President and former Number I Chris Maggio ’83. Above: Gamma Psi brothers from the first class in 1963—Denman Shaffer, Thom Williams, Bill Maher, Jimmie Brossette, and Edd Bomar—founders.

the Foundation from 2005 to 2013. S P R I N G 2 019 | THE K A PPA A LPH A JOUR NA L

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MODERN GENTLEMEN Member highlights f rom around the Order

Creative Charity for MDA GAMMA XI–LAMAR by Liz Janisse From softball to shaving, the

becoming an annual occurrence.

Gamma Xi’s philanthropic ef-

Gamma Xi Chapter at Lamar Uni-

“The event meant a tremendous

forts did not stop there. The chap-

versity has found some creative

amount to the chapter, and I was

ter launched a November cam-

ways to connect with the Muscu-

really impressed with how much

paign "Mustaches for Muscles," in

lar Dystrophy Association. “The

everyone came together,” said

which brothers seek out sponsors

KA Chapter of Lamar University

Number I James Bowen, who has

to donate for every day of the

is the largest and most dedicated

taken his dedication to eradicat-

month they grow facial hair. If

group of volunteers that MDA

ing muscular dystrophy to a new

a brother “caves and shaves,”

Southeast Texas has the pleasure

level, now working as an intern in

he refunds the sponsor for the

of working with,” said Develop-

the Southeast Texas MDA Office.

remaining days or matches the donation to the MDA.

ment Director Nicole Turvey. “We know that we can count on them to lend a hand whenever our families need it.” Last month the chapter raised $2,500 through “Softball for Strength,” a double elimination softball tournament held at Ford Park in Beaumont. The event featured face painting, concessions, and raffles, including karate les-

“Softball for Strength and Mustaches for Muscles are two unique events that the KAs founded for our region.”

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The tournament was the first of its kind, envisioned by the Gamma Xi Chapter in hopes of

“It has helped shape my KA experience to be a lasting and fulfilling experience. I have made genuine memories and friendships, but Softball for Strength was the icing on the cake for me. I was able to see all the chapter’s hard work come together, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a KA.”

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sations about muscle diseases and all the progress that MDA has made just over the past six months,” said Bowen. The chapter is close to reaching the $500 goal set for the campaign. “Softball for Strength and Mustaches for Muscles are two unique events that the KAs

sons, restaurant gift cards, and passes to Top Golf.

“‘Mustaches for Muscles’ has been a great way to start conver-

founded for our region,” said Turvey. “The best part about working with the KAs is that they constantly surprise me with their willingness to sacrifice their time and effort for our MDA families.” With KA’s support, the Southeast Texas MDA Office is helping 300 families fight muscle disease. The national organization boasts five new FDA-approved treatments developed in the past few years, along with over 50,000 patients treated. “Many families had much more to be thankful for this holiday season due to the genuine efforts of the KA chapter of Lamar University,” said Nicole.

Leading General Electric BETA OMEGA– WASHINGTON COLLEGE

General Electric Company (GE) has named Larry Culp (Beta Omega– Washington College ’82) as its chairman and chief executive officer. Culp is the first person from outside GE’s own ranks to assume the top position, though he has been a member of the company’s board of directors since last spring. Culp has spent nearly his entire career with Washington, D.C.-based Danaher Corporation since he graduated from Harvard Business School in 1985, and shortly before he retired as Danaher’s CEO in 2014, Harvard Business Review named Culp one of the top 50 CEOs in the world.

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Accounting Alumnus Receives Distinguished Honor James B. Smith (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’69) was named a Distinguished Alumni by his alma mater’s School of Accounting. Jim graduated with a BBA in accounting in 1972, and went on to become a highly successful businessman in the insurance industry. “I singled out two organizations as the primary contributors. The first was Texas Tech for providing the education and learning experience, and the second was Kappa Alpha Order, where I met a group of friends that I still have to this day. Being in the fraternity gave me a social foundation I otherwise might not have gotten, and that I have grown to appreciate even more over the years.”

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GAMMA CHI–TEXAS TECH

Making Christmas Wishes Come True GAMMA CHI–TEXAS TECH

The Gamma Chi Chapter at Texas Tech University donned holiday sweaters for a good cause last month when they donated more than 80 toys to children in need. The members brought in toys themselves to the last chapter meeting of the semester, benefiting kids in the local Lubbock area through Toys for Tots, a nonprofit run by the U.S. Marine Corps that donates an average of 18 million toys nationally each year.

Above: Gamma Chi brothers John Carris ’69, Rusty Ingle ’68, Fred Seal ’69, Jim Smith ’69, Dr. Idris Traylor ’70, Ron Childress ’70, and Bill Reichardt ’68

“It made me proud to be a part of an organization that puts others before themselves and also made me feel grateful for being able to do something for the less fortunate kids in our community,” said Rhett Rousser, chapter social media chairman. “This is something I cannot wait to continue with all of my brothers at Kappa Alpha Order.”

Service for Survivors DELTA PI–MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE

Fourteen brothers of Delta Pi Chapter at Missouri Southern State University and their Alumnus Advisor, Danny Day ’77, helped to renovate flowerbeds at the Joplin Lafayette House in September 2018. The House’s mission is to provide a safe sanctuary and services to those suffering from domestic violence and sexual assault.

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of bailed on that, and I couldn’t be happier. I thank God every day.” Following his junior year at Vanderbilt, a friend from the University of Texas forwarded Baker an email from a casting director who was looking for “18-to-23-year-old handsome, charismatic young men with a background in baseball.” Intrigued, Baker convinced his pledge emple Baker (Chi–Vanderbilt

brother and friend Zach Dubrof (Chi–

’12) is far from the typical

Vanderbilt ’12) to attend the Texas

Hollywood success story. He

audition with him. Dubrof grew up in

wasn’t a child star, shuffled

San Antonio and had also played high

from audition to audition by pushy

school baseball, so with only a few

parents, nor did he have much interest

weeks remaining before senior year,

in becoming an actor during college.

the two KA brothers decided to

In fact, his only real stage experience

go for it.

was a fourth-grade production of

His only real stage experience was a fourth-grade production of Romeo and Juliet, in which all his lines were cut.

Romeo and Juliet, in which all his lines

‘What’s your name? How tall are you?

were cut. But that didn’t stop Oscar-

Do you have any funny stories from

nominated director/writer/producer

college?’” Baker says. “I said, ‘Actually,

Richard “Rick” Linklater from casting

I have a lot of stories!’ So I just started

the 2015 Vanderbilt graduate in his

going off and one story led to another.

film Everybody Wants Some!!, the

About 45 minutes later I looked around

story of a college baseball team

and said, ‘Well, I am out of stories.’ So I

in 1980 Texas that has been called

walked out and my buddy was waiting

the “spiritual sequel” to Linklater’s

there, and I told him, ‘It’s so easy, Zach.

1993 coming-of-age cult classic

You’re gonna kill it in there. Just crush

Dazed and Confused.

it. It’s fun.’ Zach walked in and walked

Baker was the ideal choice for the role of college baseball catcher Tyrone Plummer, as he began playing baseball

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back out three minutes later, and said, ‘All they did was ask me about you.’” The casting agency later called

at the age of three and spent every

and asked Baker to come in and read

summer on a travel team. He played

lines, and he thought he had bombed

football and baseball at Austin High,

the audition, as he had never read

in his hometown of Austin, Texas,

lines before. But two weeks later he

and by his junior year had committed

received a call to return to Austin for

to playing baseball for Harvard. But

another read. “It was so surreal,” says

when he was offered the prestigious

Baker. “The email said, ‘There’s a new

Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship at

character [Plummer] that Rick thinks

Vanderbilt, Baker gave up the chance

you’d be right for.’”

to play college ball in exchange for

“I walked in and they asked me,

Before he left Nashville, Baker let

the Vandy full ride. “During the last

his professors know what was going

recruiting visit I took to Harvard, it

on, as well as the deans, wanting to

was 10 below [zero] the whole time,

make sure his scholarship would not

and I was like, ‘I’m supposed to play

be affected if he did land the role.

baseball in this?’” he recalls. “So I sort

“Everyone at Vanderbilt, every step

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The Accidental Actor How a forwarded email, baseball skill, and no acting experience launched an unlikely Hollywood career.

PHOTO BY JOE SCHMELZER

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The Accidental Actor

of the way, made things as easy as possible … once they believed me,” says Baker, laughing. “At first one of my teachers said, ‘This is the worst excuse for a lie I’ve ever heard.’” As a film buff, Baker was already familiar with Linklater’s work, and says that he’s seen Dazed and Confused, as well as Linklater’s music comedy School of Rock, countless times. And the director clearly saw some potential in Baker, bringing him back to read for the role of Plummer, who wasn’t in the original script. The two hit it off, as the director himself had played high school baseball and football and, like Baker, was offered a scholarship to play college baseball. Everybody Wants

“During the last recruiting visit I took to Harvard, it was 10 below [zero] the whole time, and I was like, ‘I’m supposed to play baseball in this?’”

Some!! was partially-based on Linklater’s own experiences as a student at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. The film fittingly premiered in Baker’s hometown at Austin’s annual film and music festival South by Southwest (SXSW). For his Vanderbilt friends and fraternity brothers, seeing Baker on the big screen was surreal, as was the fact that his pledge brother Dubrof was approached by strangers in bars who asked to pose for pictures with him. “People, myself included, and even Temple for that matter, didn’t quite grasp the gravity of the situation,” says Dubrof. “We almost didn’t believe him, until the trailer started Since the success of Everybody Wants Some!! Baker has appeared in nearly a dozen

1. Purpose and Construction The Plan is designed to provide for the quick, fair, accessible, and inexpensive resolution of legal disputes between the Fraternity, and between any parent, affiliate, or successor of the Fraternity, or any of their officers, directors, new members, alumni, or members, and the Fraternity’s present and former members, related to or arising out of a membership relationship with the Fraternity or participation in a Fraternity activity, expressly including, but not limited to, any legal disputes in which any present or former Kappa Alpha Order member asserts a claim or dispute against the Fraternity, any parent, affiliate, or successor of the Fraternity, or any of their officers, directors, or members, and the Fraternity’s present and former members. The Plan is intended to create an exclusive procedural mechanism for the final resolution of all disputes falling within its terms. It is not intended either to reduce or enlarge substantive rights available under existing law. The Plan should be interpreted in accordance with these purposes.

2. Definitions

Some!! soundtrack. But the movie business is a

A. “AA” means any federal or state-recognized Arbitration Association or a similar, local group of arbitrators selected by Sponsor to hear the member’s claim or dispute in the area of the Chapter’s location.

fickle one, and he knows he has his Vanderbilt

B. “Sponsor” means Kappa Alpha Order.

history degree, and a nearly perfect LSAT

C. The “Act” means the Arbitration Act of the state in which the claim or dispute arises, or the Federal Arbitration Act if applicable.

and was a performer on the Everybody Wants

score, to fall back on if need be. “I just want to do cool stuff,” he says. “I got to work with Richard Linklater, so that was a dream come true. But I’ve got to lower my sights a little bit because I don’t have a background in acting, and come to terms with the fact that I’ll never have that much fun again.” Some text reprinted with permission of Vanderbilt University’s Vanderbilt Magazine .

KA_Journal_SP19_16-44_C3-C4_P4.indd 26

As of October 1, 2007, all Kappa Alpha Order new members, existing members, and alumni making claims for personal injury, claims for damages to property, or disputes of any nature, will be referred for resolution through the Kappa Alpha Order Claims and Dispute Resolution Plan. For more information, visit www.KappaAlphaOrder.org.

appearing on television.”

television shows, movies, videos and shorts,

Kappa Alpha Order Claim and Dispute Resolution Plan

D. “Fraternity” means Kappa Alpha Order, house corporations, and every student chapter or alumni organization of Kappa Alpha Order and all of their officers, directors, members, and agents. “Fraternity” also includes every plan of benefits or foundation, whether or not taxexempt, established or maintained by any such entity, and the fiduciaries, agents and members of all such entities. “Fraternity” also includes the successors and assigns or all such persons and entities.

W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

3/6/19 4:39 PM

E. “Claim” means any legal or equitable claim, demand or controversy for any personal injury, equitable relief or property damage arising out of any tort, statute (local, state or federal) or breach of contract involving the Fraternity. This includes but is not limited to any type of allegation of negligence, intentional acts, defamation, discrimination, contribution or indemnity. F. “Dispute” means a claim, demand or controversy to which this Plan applies, between persons bound by the Plan or by an agreement to resolve disputes under the Plan, or between a person bound by the Plan and a person or entity otherwise entitled to its benefits. G. “Member” means any new member, pledge, initiate, existing member, alumni, or former member of Kappa Alpha Order. H. “Party” means a person bound by this Plan. I. “Plan” means this Kappa Alpha Order Claim and Dispute Resolution Plan, as amended from time to time. J. “Referee” means a person selected under this Plan to decide or mediate a Claim or Dispute, such as an arbitrator or mediator. “Decision by Referee” means resolution of a Claim or Dispute by arbitration or any other method selected by the Parties under this Plan. K. “Rules” means the Kappa Alpha Order Claim and Dispute Resolution Rules, as amended from time to time.

3. Application and Coverage A. Until revoked by Sponsor pursuant to this Plan, this Plan applies to and binds the Fraternity and each Member on or after the effective date of this Plan, and the heirs, beneficiaries and assigns of any such person. All such persons shall be deemed Parties to this Plan. B. Except as provided for herein, this Plan applies to any legal or equitable Claim, Dispute, demand or controversy, in tort, in contract, under statute (local, state or federal), or alleging violation of any legal obligation, between persons bound by the Plan, or between a person bound by the Plan and any person or entity entitled to its benefits, which relates to, arises from, concerns or involves in any way any Claim or Dispute as defined, herein, arising out of or involving the Fraternity or any Fraternity activity. This includes any direct or indirect claims for contribution or indemnity. C. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, the Plan does not apply to claims for workers compensation benefits or unemployment compensation benefits.

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4. Resolution of Disputes All disputes not otherwise settled by the Parties shall be finally and conclusively resolved under this Plan and the Rules.

5. Amendment A. This Plan may be amended by Sponsor at any time with thirty (30) days notice. However, no amendment shall apply to a Dispute of which Sponsor had actual notice on the date of amendment. B. Sponsor may amend the Rules at any time with thirty (30) days notice. However, no amendment will be effective: 1. until reasonable notice and acceptance of the amendments are made available on the Kappa Alpha Order website to all members, or 2. as to a Claim or Dispute of which Sponsor had actual notice (by notice of intent to arbitrate or otherwise) on the date of amendment.

6. Termination This Plan may be terminated by Sponsor at any time. However, termination shall not be effective: A. until 10 days after reasonable notice and acceptance of termination is given to Members; or B. as to Claims or Disputes which arose prior to the date of termination.

7. Applicable Law A. The Act shall apply to this Plan, the Rules, and any proceedings under the Plan or the Rules, including any actions to compel, enforce, vacate or confirm proceedings, awards, orders of a Referee, or settlements under the Plan or the Rules. B. Other than as expressly provided herein, or in the Rules, the substantive legal rights, remedies and defenses of all Parties are preserved. In the case of arbitration, the arbitrator shall have the authority to determine and implement the applicable law and to order any and all relief, legal or equitable, including punitive damages, which a Party could obtain from a court of competent jurisdiction on the basis of the claims made in the Dispute. C. Other than as expressly provided herein, or in the Rules, the Plan shall not be construed to grant additional substantive legal or contractual rights, remedies or defenses which would not be applied by a court of competent jurisdiction in the absence of the Plan.

8. Administrative Proceeding A. This Plan shall apply to a Dispute pending before any local, state or federal administrative body unless prohibited by law. B. Participation in any administrative proceeding by the Fraternity shall not affect the applicability of the Plan to any such dispute upon termination of the administrative proceedings. A finding, recommendationor decision by an administrative body on the merits of a dispute subject to this Plan shall have the same legal weight or effect under the Plan as it would in a court of competent jurisdiction.

9. Exclusive Remedy Proceedings under the Plan shall be the exclusive, final and binding method by which Disputes are resolved. Consequently, the institution of a proceeding under this Plan shall be a condition precedent to the initiation of any legal action (including action before an administrative tribunal with adjudicatory powers) against the Fraternity arising out of the membership or participation in Fraternity activities of a member by the Fraternity and any such legal action shall be limited to those under the Act.

10. Effective Date The effective date of this Plan is August 1, 2006.

11. Severability The terms of this Plan and the Rules are severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision therein shall not affect the application of any other provision. Where possible, consistent with the purposes of the Plan, any otherwise invalid provision of the Plan or the Rules may be reformed and, as reformed, enforced.

12. Assent Accepting membership, becoming a new member or continued membership after the Effective Date of this Plan and any amendments constitutes consent by both the Member and the Fraternity to be bound by this Plan, both during the membership and after termination of membership.

3/6/19 4:39 PM

CHAPTER ETERNAL Fratres Usque Ad Aram Fideles

Through January 28, 2019

Duke–Alpha Phi

Alabama–Alpha Beta

Marvin J. Carver Jr. 1950, 11/07/2012 Jack K. Lasseter 1949, 01/07/2019 Thomas E. Wagg III 1956, 04/26/2016

W. T. Goodloe Rutland 1947, 11/18/2018 Arkansas-Fort Smith– Zeta Rho

Landon Hunter Cates 2013, 10/24/2018 Auburn–Nu

George F. Alford Jr. 1969, 03/21/2018 Erasmus R. Childers Jr. 1942, 10/11/2018 Robert R. Howell 1946, 06/03/2010 J. Martin Turbidy 1951, 10/26/2018 Bethany–Beta Beta

John R. McNally 1964, 12/23/2018 Birmingham-Southern– Phi

Robert E. Crim 1948, 09/11/2018 Campbell–Zeta Psi

Geremiah Anthony Olvera 2018, 11/05/2018 Centenary–Alpha Iota

Lee H. Webb 1946, 09/07/2018 Charleston– Beta Gamma

James E. Barnett Jr. 1984, 01/08/2019 Davidson–Sigma

Irwin Belk 1942, 02/24/2018 Rev. Timothy L. Croft 1963, 11/10/2018 Carey O. Pickard Jr. 1956, 12/24/2018 James A. Summers 1949, 08/16/2018 Delta State–Delta Beta

Matt D. McGregor 2012, 12/17/2018

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Edgar W. Weeks Jr. 1953, 06/04/2018 George Washington– Alpha Nu

William M. McGhee 1941, 10/08/2016

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

Wake Forest–Tau

Wilder G. Little 1948, 10/18/2018 William C. Spencer 1951, 08/08/2018

John H. Baughman 1937, 04/10/2016 Abner Glenn Wright Jr 1951, 10/18/2018

San Jose State– Gamma Delta

Washington College– Beta Omega

William R. Janney III 1973, 11/04/2018

Arlie Owens Pritchard Jr. 1970, 10/17/2018

Bennie J. Fazio Jr. 1962, 10/23/2018

Norman D. Carter 1951, 07/09/2016 Richard L. Field 1950, 04/12/2017

Emory–Epsilon

Louisiana State– Alpha Gamma

Southern Mississippi– Gamma Zeta

John G. Eggmann 1959, 06/11/2010

O. Fred Freddie Loy Jr 1957, 10/20/2018

John A. Switzer 1952, 09/30/2018 Rufus T. Yerger 1960, 12/23/2018

West Texas A&M– Gamma Sigma

East Tennessee State– Delta Delta

Dr. Willoughby Lathem 1941, 10/04/2017 J. T. McGaughey Jr. DDS 1952, 01/25/2018 Dr. Preston Roy Miller Jr. 1946, 09/08/2018 Rev. Charles Edward Reeves Jr. 1943, 12/30/2015 Dr. Joseph B. Richardson 1947, 07/01/2017 Frank S. Roberts Jr. 1942, 10/17/2017 Leonard P. Roberts Jr. 1946, 05/26/2018

Louisiana–Gamma Phi

Louisiana Tech– Gamma Alpha

LTC Michael J. Crowe 1972, 09/21/2018 Samuel E. Narrow Jr. 1951, 11/07/2017 T. Michael Cobb 1965, 01/07/2019

Louis A. Bronaugh 1986, 11/24/2018

Maryland–Beta Kappa

Tennessee–Pi

Dr. Gregory L. Winters 1954, 10/26/2018

George H. Dixon Jr. 1957, 07/28/2016 Robert N. Joyner Jr. 1968, 10/24/2004

Millsaps–Alpha Mu

Earl R. Epperson 1939, 12/04/2018

Florida State– Gamma Eta

Mississippi– Alpha Upsilon

John N. Belitz 1956, 12/17/2018 Dr. Jesse C. Mullis 1950, 10/07/2018

C. Thomas Anderson 1956, 07/30/2018 William Thomas Crutcher 1962, 02/18/2018 Henry N. Stevens 1943, 08/05/2018

G. Randy Smith 1959, 12/31/2018

Dr. Grant McLean Duncan 1949, 12/27/2018

Marshall–Beta Upsilon

Philip E. Marshall 1978, 12/08/2018

Furman–Iota

Stanford–Alpha Pi

Stephen F. Austin State–Delta Kappa

Florida–Beta Zeta

John C. Ward Jr. 1947, 07/06/2009

North Carolina– Upsilon

Oscar J. Brittingham III 1960, 07/09/2014 Thomas R. Cooke 1949, 11/20/2018 Benjamin R. Gardner 1964, 09/09/2007 Sidney R. Perry III 1957, 05/18/2018

Georgia Southern– Delta Theta

Gordon F. Webb 1958, 05/16/2018 William and Mary– Alpha Zeta

John E. Gravely 1960, 10/15/2018 Robert B. Sprouse 1951, 02/05/2018

Jack A. Cross 1945, 12/28/2018 VMI–Beta Commission

Thomas P. Moreton 1952, 05/08/2017 Malcolm F. Palmer 1958, 06/20/2018 Morris W. “Pete” Pully 1945, 01/10/2019

Westminster– Alpha Eta

Tulsa–Mu

James L. Leach 1940, 08/04/2010

William N. Searcy 1961, 12/03/2018

Robert D. Allen 1973, 12/10/2018 Doug W. Toya 1992, 03/01/2018

Charles J. Connor Jr. 1969, 01/15/2018 Robert G. Fonner 1969, 11/12/2018

New Mexico–Beta Phi

Georgia–Gamma

Washington Univ.– Beta Theta

Texas A&M-Commerce– Gamma Upsilon

Georgetown– Beta Delta

David H. Buchanan 1976, 02/11/2018

Georgia Tech– Alpha Sigma

W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

3/6/19 4:39 PM

RECOGNITION In Memor y. In Honor.

Donation In Memory of: Raymond B. Bottom, Jr.

by James R. Foster Dr. James L. Bowers

by T he Hon. David M. Warren COL George M. Brooke, Jr.

by David H. Kennedy 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.”

COL George M. Brooke III

by David H. Kennedy Presnall Grady Cage

by Houston N. Tuel, III Charlie Carter

by M iles Racey Orndorff Jr. Reynolds S. Cheney, Former Knight Commander

Today, the Kappa Alpha Order Education

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Foundation’s recognition program receives

David Wayne Clarke

tax-deductible donations “In Honor” or “In Memory” of anyone and from anyone.

by Darron E. Franta Larry S. Wiese

Generally, one brother makes a donation in

Dr. Fred N. Clements, Jr.

honor of a brother or group and designates

by Malcolm H. Liles Richard B. Liles James R. Suber

it to recognize friendship, achievement, or significance; or one may make a donation in memory of a beloved brother, in lieu of

Merritt R. Clements, Jr.

James E. Davis

by Larry S. Wiese Lionel T. Davis

by L TC Thomas Ray Murray USA (Ret.) James Harvey Drake Augustine D. Edwards

Allan Bruce Head

by Michael H. Baker

by T he Hon. David M. Warren

Dr. Richard T. Feller, Former Knight Commander

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Harry O. Fishel, Jr.

by Grace J. Fishel Paul M. Ferriss

John M. Higgason Jr.

by Andrew B. Marion Jr.

W. Julian Foy

by T he Hon. David M. Warren Thomas M. Wright CPA John F. Fry

by S GT Clevie C. Luckadoo, Jr. by Jesse S. Lyons

Thomas W. Gerdes

Barbara P. Cox

by M G Donald R. Gardner USMC (Ret.)

you note back to the donor, creating a sincere and deserved system of recognition and thanks. ake your tribute at  M KAOEF.org/donate

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KA_Journal_SP19_16-44_C3-C4_P4.indd 29

Leon A. Cox II

by Robert J. Mottern James W. Craig

by Alexander H. Ghiz Jr. Jerry Neal Daniel

by Nick O. Carter

by T he Hon. David M. Warren

by L tc John R. Cassady II (Ret.) Kappa Alpha Order Alumni

by Larry S. Wiese

are then able to send a prepared thank

Dr. Michael R. Henderson

Walter N. Foster Jr.

by Frank David Burgess

family of the deceased brother, and those

by J. Asa Banks III

Hunter W. Henry Jr.

T. Michael Cobb

Special notice is sent to the honoree or the

Dr. James Elbert Hedrick, Jr.

by T homas M. Wright CPA

Gifts count toward a member’s annual

by C omfort Keepers of Cumming Georgia Teresa K. Shaper

Arthur Hayden Hays

by K appa Alpha Order Alumni

flowers or some other recognition.

(but not required).

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Lewis H. Wyman III

by Dr. Arthur S. Clements

giving level and typically are unrestricted

Loren Q. Hanson, Former Knight Commander

James Walker Fulton, Jr.

John E. Gravely

by Mary Anne Gravely Murray T. Greer

by John R. Rowe, Jr. David T. Hagood

by W alter Wingfield Walker, Jr. Edward Hall

by Dr. Jason Lee PhD

Sam H. Hill III

by T homas M. Wright CPA Bruce Hopkins

by D r. G. William Hopkins Jr. James D. Hunter

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather by Lewis H. Wyman III William R. Janney III

by Ben W. Satcher Jr. Albert S. Johnson

by Philip R. Taylor Hunter C. Johnson Jr.

by Timothy K. Adams Violette King

by Dr. Ordie H. King Jr. David W. Kirkpatrick

by James E. Hardin Robert W. Klein

by Rex A. Friedman Jack K. Lasseter

by Timothy K. Adams

by George W. McCall III

3/6/19 4:39 PM

Edwin K. Lathan, Jr.

J. Randolph Perry

Jeffery V. Seay

Marc B. Whitten

by A rmando Gonzalez Lorente SPHR

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather

by Blake E. Benney

by Timothy K. Adams

George F. Lee

Timothy M. Perry

Keith A. Shelton

Edna Wood

by G. Leonard Pittman Jr.

by R obert L. Thompson Jr.

by T he Hon. David M. Warren

by Timothy K. Adams

Marsha L. Sherrard

Abner Glenn Wright, Jr.

Keith Porch

by L TG James E. Sherrard III

by D r. Charles Howard Duckett MD

by D r. Joseph L. Hood PhD Robert E. Lee

by Christopher M. Elwell E. Hollis Loan, Jr.

by Robert J. Mottern Mr. & Mrs. S. S. Lorenzo

by Dr. Samuel J. Lorenzo Gary E. Mann

Carey Owen Pickard, Jr.

by Robert J. Mottern COL Merritt Bloodsworth Pound, Jr.

by Sean James Naylor John R. Presley

Dennis D. Sides

by K appa Alpha Order Alumni Dr. Bernell E. Simmons

by D r. William B. Simmons

by J. Ed Magruder

by D ouglas Gray McKinnon

Frank W. Maresh

Morris W. Pully

by Timothy K. Adams by William E. Dreyer by Larry S. Wiese

by Larry S. Wiese

by W ard W. Van Skiver Sr.

Charles Pratt Rather

G. Randy Smith

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather

Matt Douglas McGregor Jr.

John D. Rather Jr.

by L. Charles Banks, Jr. Graves Court of Honor Gregory R. Singleton Larry S. Wiese

by Jon Crosby Turner Loren D. Melton

by C. Alan Melton James W. Mullen

by T he alumni Brothers & Wives of Iota ChapterFerman University

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather John Daniel Rather IV

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather James D. Ray III

by Roy T. McCrary Jr. J. Guy Revelle Jr.

by John W. Simpson

by Gertrude Revelle The Hon. David M. Warren

Robert Dale Norris

Alfred E. Rickli

William M. Norrell

by Rex A. Friedman

by Kenneth Rickli

Ronald N. Oliver

William Edward Robinson, IV

by Robert J. Mottern Geremiah Anthony Olvera

by Damian C. Doolittle Howard Alan Palmer

by Matthew J. Jewel Malcolm Franchot Palmer

by C ol. Walter Middleton Fitts Sr. Julian A. Pardini, Former Knight Commander

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Thomas G. Paulson II, Former Knight Commander

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

KA_Journal_SP19_16-44_C3-C4_P4.indd 30

by W illiam E. Robinson, III Dr. Frank A. Rose

Kent W. Van Skiver

William Chaplin Spencer

by F rederick Laughton Sherman Henry Nicholson Stevens

by Betty Pope Stevens Douglas C. Stone, Former Knight Commander

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Jacob West Summers IV

by Freda Summers Mark Andrew Tartaglio

by K enneth Wayne Jackson

by Aamir Ibrahim

Regan Hungerford Rozier

by James H. Heidelberg

by Theodore M. Turner III Robert H. Wall W. T. Goodloe Rutland

by Lee Goodloe Mallette Thomas C. Moxley Ben W. Satcher Jr. Larry S. Wiese J. Pat Samter

by Sam O. Leake Jr. William Nelson Searcy

by Robert W. Schivera

George F. Touart Irby Turner III

by Jon Crosby Turner Robert H. Waive

by George W. McCall III Julian M. Warren

by T he Hon. David M. Warren Maxine B. Warren

by t he Hon. David M. Warren Gordon F. Webb

by Warren M. Gooding

W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

3/6/19 4:39 PM

RECOGNITION In Memor y. In Honor.

Donation In Honor Of:

William Ervan Barrett, Jr.

Delta ChapterWofford College

Epsilon ChapterEmory University

by S amuel Alexander Cothran Jr.

by T. Sean Murphy

BG Patrick O. Adams

by A rmando Gonzalez Llorente SPHR

by Lewis H. Wyman III

1LT David O. Beal

King V. Aiken Jr.

by Steve C. Knight

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Raymond R. Beard

Delta Alpha AlumniWestern Carolina University

All KA's

by T om David Wagster, Jr. Mick Allen

by Rodney A. Cook Alpha Alpha ChapterSewanee: The University of the South

by Christopher M. Elwell Hugh F. Sharber Alpha Eta ChapterWestminister CollegeMissouri

by COL Emil J. Brominski Alpha Gamma ChapterLouisiana State University

by Richard Gale Creed Jr. by Fred J. Grace III by Jeffrey W. Loewen

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Thomas A. Bessant, Jr.

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Beta Zeta ChapterFlorida State University

by Daniel R. Amato, Jr. Rex D. Bohls

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Zachary S. Brady

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Carl W. Bragg

by Franklin T. Brackman Dustin R. Burrows

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Gregory W. Butner

by Myron K. Shelor Delta Beta ChapterDelta State University

by J. Walter Wood Jr. Delta Gamma Chapter-Old Dominion University

by David M. O'Dell Delta Mu ChapterEastern Kentucky University

by Donald W. Wells

Epsilon Tau ChapterNorthern Arizona University

by Douglas W. Hanisch James R. Estes

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Douglas S. Ewalt

by Kevin T. McGarry Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Robert S. Fasoldt

by Alan M. Fasoldt Robert Glenn Forbes, Jr.

by Robert G. Forbes III

Delta Mu Chapter Charter MembersEastern Kentucky University

Flip Foster

by Gail E. King

Darron E. Franta

Delta Pi-Missouri Southern State University

by Darren Prater Delta Upsilon Chapter 2003-University of Tennessee at Martin

by A rmando Gonzalez Llorente SPHR by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Gamma ChapterUniversity of Georgia

Robert W. Hagan

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Brent B. Hamilton

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. John T. Hamilton

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Douglas W. Hanisch

by Lewis H. Wyman III Evan M. Hanna

by Jeremy D. Duke by Anita E. Snyder Douglas B. Harris

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Stephen Lee Harvin

by Stewart E. Jones Mitchell Louis Heidenheimer

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Casmer William Heilman

by Lewis H. Wyman III

by R. Patrick Deal Frederick H. Harbin

Kent D. Hisle George Bowling Hocker

by William K. Downey

Alpha Kappa ChapterUniversity of Missouri

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Jimmy R. Graham

by James R. Estes

Gamma Chi ChapterTexas Tech University

David W. Cade

Franklin W. Denius

by William K. Downey

Chase Anderson

by Andrew P. Carr

by The Cain Foundation

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by D r. Cleveland H. Porter Jr.

by B radford A. Simmons

James B. Cain

Wofford F. Denius

L. Blair Bailey

by The Cain Foundation

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Gamma Eta ChapterFlorida State University

John C. Cain

C. Shannon Devaney

by John C. Fletcher, Jr.

by The Cain Foundation

Beta Epsilon ChapterUniversity of Delaware

Nina B. Campbell

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Gamma Zeta ChapterUniversity of Southern Mississippi

by Robert G. Forbes III Aaron Blake Ball

by Anita E. Snyder David P. Barksdale

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. William Bailey Carter

by Thomas M. Wright CPA Ronald S. Childress

Richard A. Barnes

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather

Derick S. Close

Dr. Jason R. Barrett

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by C . Douglas Simmons III William H. Walker Dr. Jason R. Barrett, Knight Commander Accolade

by Larry S. Wiese

Jackson Robert Cooper

by A rmando Gonzalez Llorente SPHR

by Rodney A. Cook M. Trace Hunt

by James H. Heidelberg

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Berl B. Garey Jr.

John E. Irby

William E. Dreyer

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather

by J. David Carico Dr. Rob Havers The Hon. Mark James Hocker David M. O'Dell Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Peyton Thomas Glover

Harold M. Johns

J. Michael Duncan

James Matthew Grindstaff

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Andrea S. Grindstaff

Kappa Alpha Order Staff

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

J. Kirk Corbin

Benney E. Edwards

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Tommy Horton

by John S. Harris Jr.

by Kurt Cooper

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Christopher E. Dew

Robert N. Hoit Jr.

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Matthew Hibdon

by Alex T. Johns

Dr. D. Tyler Greenfield

John Johnson

by Robert D. Fletcher

by Guy R. Gunn

George Carl Grindstaff

Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation Staff

by Andrea S. Grindstaff

Carl Haberson

by Rodney A. Cook

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

3/6/19 4:39 PM

RECOGNITION In Memor y. In Honor.

Darren S. Kay

Daniel K. McAfee

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Edward Franklin Keller

Gary B. McCoy

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Dwain P. Knight

Charles Edward McDonald, Jr.

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Psi Chapter-Tulane University

by C reed Walker Brierre FAIA Todd D. Reaves

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. James Guy Revelle, IV

Jim Smith

William P. Williamson

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Fred W. Faircloth III

Ryan Smith

by James M. Ney

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Evan L. Stack

J. B. Wood

by Anita E. Snyder

by Daniel R. Amato, Jr.

by S GT Clevie C. Luckadoo Jr. Jesse S. Lyons Locke Wilson Smith, Jr. James F. Wood

Richard B. Wilson, Jr.

R. Terrell Stanley

by Albin Guillot III

by Gertrude Revelle

Stephen J. LaFollette

J. Coleman McDowell Jr.

John E. Roberts

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Taylor M. Sledge Jr.

Cuyler C. Lawrence

J. Gordon McGill

William A. Wood

by The Cain Foundation

by D r. Glenn Alfred Rogers

L. Don Stricklin

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Andrew P. Carr

by L. Blair Bailey

Jeffery R. McIntosh

Aristeo Skyy Ruiz

Paul H. Tarwater

Lewis H. Wyman III

Jim Lawson

by William K. Downey SGM E. Kent McMichael, Knight Commander Accolade

by S. Todd Shelton Anita E. Snyder Dr. Gary Gribble Wiser Jr. EdD

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by C asmer William Heilman

Jack R. Taylor

by Robby R. Jones Larry S. Wiese

Riley Montgomery Rustad

Xi Chapter Fall Pledge Class of 1962-Southwestern University

by Jeffrey W. Love Sam O. Leake Jr.

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Malcolm H. Liles

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Lewis M. Little Jr.

by Dr. Edwin P. Rather Miller M. Loosier

by Dale W. Polley Jeffrey W. Love

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. SGT Clevie C. Luckadoo, Jr.

by Jesse S. Lyons James F. Wood Jesse S. Lyons

by Tracy Elleard Lyons Harry A. Marhoffer, Jr.

by W. Wayne Graham David T. Martineau V

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. William M. Matthews, Jr.

by Timothy K. Adams Claude T. Sullivan William M. Matthews, III

by Timothy K. Adams Claude T. Sullivan William M. Matthews, V

by Timothy K. Adams Claude T. Sullivan

Larry D. Meyers

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Steven Andrew Miller

by Dale W. Polley Dr. Garry L. Nall

by Donald R. Houchin Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Omicron ChapterUniversity of Texas at Austin

by Norman C. George E.B. Borden Parker

by James Toole Fain III Kenneth J. Pearl

by Roberto S. Aguilar

James David Rogers

by John R. Johnson Todd Donald Stevens

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Marcy L. Rustad

Theta CommissionThe Citadel

Ben W. Satcher Jr.

by L TG Ellie G. Shuler Jr. USAF (Ret)

by D r. G. Patterson Apperson III Dr. Edwin P. Rather Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Stuart F. Whetsell Dr. James M. Schmuck

by Dr. Rob Havers Thaddeus Aaron Stubbs Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Carlton O. Schumpert

by Philipp Humann Charlie Lederberg

E. Powell Thompson

Zeta Chi Pledge ClassKennesaw State University

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by C onor Michael Lounsbury

Matthew Robert Tocci

by M G Lawrence Wayne Brock III Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

by Thomas A. Bessant Jr. Gregory W. Butner Brent B. Hamilton The Hon. Mark James Hocker Dr. Joe C. Turnage

Gary T. Scott

by Dr. H. Tom Williams

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

The Hon. David M. Warren

by G. Allen Brown Jr.

C. Douglas Simmons III

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

H. David Pinson

by Jonathan Matthew Shook Esq. Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr.

Casey James White

Phi ChapterBirmingham Southern College

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. William R. Piper

by D r. James Michael Schmuck CPT Ronald C. Plunkett

by C OL Myron C. Harrington, Jr. USMC (Ret.) by Grover C. Outland III

John E. Simpson III

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Gregory R. Singleton

by D r. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. J. Vern Smith

by G eorge G. Langston III

by James R. White Larry S. Wiese

by D r. G. Patterson Apperson III Christopher B. Churchill Dr. Rob Havers Dr. Edwin P. Rather Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Chris Woods

by C harles Grandison Howard III 32

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W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

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LOYAL LEGACY

Ensur ing the future of Kappa Alpha Order

J. Michael Duncan (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’69) Mike Duncan is the 38th Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order, a position in which he served from August 2007 until August 2011. Former Knight Commander Duncan was initiated by the Delta Kappa Chapter at Stephen F. Austin University in 1969. He is a member of numerous Courts of Honor as well as a recipient of the Knight Commander’s Accolade. Professionally Former Knight Commander Duncan is a retired Senior Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and was assigned to the Dallas Field Office. Currently, Former Knight Commander Duncan is continuing his lifetime service with Kappa Alpha Order as the Dean of the Number I’s Leadership Institute. S P R I N G 2 019 | THE K A PPA A LPH A JOUR NA L

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“Brothers, if you’re in your last year in college, consider joining an exciting new program. Forever KA membership provides you benefits and gifts such as this exclusive pen, but more importantly, will keep you networked for life to alumni who've already traversed the job search world, just you as you begin searching for that special career. Just text ‘Forever KA’ to 345345 to begin the sign up process.”

Current participants in the Forever KA program prior to January 1, 2019, are designated as Forever KA Founders and will receive a special commemorative coin as a gift for their loyalty. All new joiners of Forever KA, as of January 1, 2019, will be enrolled at a minimum recurring monthly gift amount of $10 ($30/quarter, $60/semiannual, $120/annual). New, first-time members will receive: Beautiful KA pen Forever KA hat Benefits of and membership* in the Loyal Order (lifetime Journal subscription) Invitation to regional and national events Discount offers from companies * g ifted by the KAOEF when amounts given exceed $299

Other ways to Support the KAOEF & Kappa Alpha Order Crimson & Gold Society

www.KAcrimsonandgold.org 1865 Trust

www.KAOEF.org/1865-Trust Loyal Order

www.LoyalOrder.org 33

3/6/19 4:40 PM

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W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

3/6/19 4:40 PM

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT Your K A Scoreboard

Citadel Brother is Academic All-American 2018 Google Cloud program recognizes extraordinary student athletes by Liz janisse

clinch a coveted spot on the first team. “I could never have done this without the support of my coaches, teammates, classmates, and professors pushing me to be better than I thought I could be and helping me along the way when I most needed it,” said Will, who served as a first lieutenant in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. He graduated with a 4.0 grade point average in the university’s Honor College, where he studied electrical engineering and earned his place on both the Dean’s List and the SoCon (Southern Conference) Academic Honor Roll. Braddock boasts three top-10 finishes of the eight track and field meets in his senior season. He competed in every crosscountry meet for the Bulldogs. Will joined the Theta Commission in May of last year alongside 76 other initiates. He said the values of KA played a role in his decision to join the brotherhood. “These values help to give me a code to live by, a way to help guide me when times get tough so that I know I am going in the right direction and that I am living the most honest life I can.” Along with his brothers-in-arms of The Citadel, Will joins the ranks of the

Will (center) with father, Ken ’17, and older brother K.C. ’17.

Order alongside his father and older brother. “This brotherhood gives us all

oth on the track and in the

another connection that we share and

classroom, Will Braddock

therefore helps strengthen the bonds

(Theta Commission—Citadel ’18)

between us.”

makes an impression. The College Sports named him to the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-American first-team for his accomplishments at The Citadel. Braddock represents the Southern Conference as the only male athlete to make the cut—becoming The Citadel’s first track and field/cross country athlete to

S P R I N G 2 019 | THE K A PPA A LPH A JOUR NA L

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Deepening existing connections and

“This brotherhood gives us all another connection that we share and therefore helps strengthen the bonds between us.”

forging new ones, Will said his membership in the Order made a difference in his transition into graduate school, as he began a Ph.D. program at Georgia Tech this fall. “I am able to go to another school, meet someone I never knew, and as soon as we both realize we're both in KA there is that instant connection.”

ISTOCK / JACOBVANHOUTEN

Information Directors Association (CoSIDA)

3/7/19 1:00 PM

OUR ORDER Undergraduate Conference Selects 2019 Leaders

ANNIVERSARY

125 Years at UK Theta Chapter at the University of Kentucky celebrated 125 years of brotherhood on October 25, 2018 at the Peabody Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. More than 100 brothers and guests gathered along with Candler Province Commander Collin Taylor (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ’97) and Assistant Executive Director for Alumni Affairs Brent Fellows (Epsilon Theta–Western Kentucky ’98). Pictured here are Dan Miller, William Downey, Brandon Adams, George Hocker, Mark Holcomb, and Kent Hisle all are members of the Theta Housing Corporation. Jeff McIntosh, Candler Court Registrar, surprised the men with recognition of their hard work, with exact copies of the original chapter charter.

The Undergraduate Conference met at the Number I’s Leadership Institute on January 4, 2019, and elected R. Cole Evans (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’16) and Martin A. “Tripp” Knight III (Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’16) as the 2019 National Undergraduate Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively. Cole is a junior from Peachtree City, Georgia, studying finance and real estate, and Tripp is a junior from Memphis, Tennessee, studying healthcare administration. These brothers will represent the undergraduate KA membership throughout 2019.

Beta Tradition Celebrates 150 Years at VMI On Saturday, November 3rd, Kappa Alpha Order celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Beta tradition at Virginia Military Institute with a brunch at the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office at Mulberry Hill. Initiates of the Beta Commission joined local KA alumni and staff to hear Knight Commander Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88) speak about the KA legacy at VMI and give an update on the Order as a whole.

Evans

Knight 36

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Two Chapters Reboot as Provisional Chapters

Action for our Experience K A alumni gathered in attendance at the Atlanta Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) reception at the Cherokee Club on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. Pictured are David Carico, Robert Rigsby

RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE (ZETA CHAPTER)

ker, King Aiken, Jim Tallman, Larry Wiese. Missing from the picture

Received Provional Certificate on Tuesday, November 27, 2018

are: Draper Watson, Jim Ney, Ray Smith and K AOEF direc-

22 Men Inducted

Ed Sullivan, Ben Satcher, Walter Rehm, Bob Hagan, Jim Estes, Bob Bun-

tor of development Dallas Weaver. The loyalty and dedication to K A in support of the FSPAC is appreciated. [www.fspac.org]

Legacy Knight Commander Kay was proud to witness the initiation of his son, Allen Kay (Zeta Phi–High Point ’18), into

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY (DELTA LAMBDA CHAPTER)

Kappa Alpha Order on

Received Provional Certificate on Monday, December 3, 2018

October 22, 2018.

19 Men Inducted

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3/6/19 4:40 PM

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. KNIGHT COMMANDER'S ACCOLADE

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

(Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’98)

CONFERRED: Beta Chapter/Commission 150th Anniversary Brunch, National Administrative Office, Lexington, Virginia, Saturday, October 3, 2018

CONFERRED: 2018 Irwin Province Court of

Kent earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Northwestern State where he affiliated with a local fraternity that would become Gamma Psi Chapter. He has a Master of Science in History from Baylor.

As an undergraduate, Barrett served as Recruitment Chairman and Number II. After graduation, Jason began his Mississippi State Extension career as a graduate assistant in the Food and Fiber Center. Jason is an Assistant Extension Professor where he specializes in public utilities, private well education and screening. In 2015, Jason graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State.

Kent served on active duty in the U.S. Army for more than 33 years, 19 of which were overseas, including two years in combat zones. He has too many decorations to mention, but of note are his Senior Airborne Wings with 577 jumps. Kent was the First Sergeant with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” conducting memorial affairs and guarding The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other stations included service with NATO in Turkey and as Sergeant Major of the Corps at VMI. After retirement, he was the Director of Museums at the George C. Marshall Foundation. In 2002, Kent was appointed as the Order’s fourth Archivist. He has overseen building and grounds for KA and is involved in the Commission System. He has been inducted into four Courts of Honor. He is a charter member of the Military Division, a member of the Loyal Order and the 1865 Trust, and has been a member of the KAOEF’s Crimson & Gold Society since 2014. Kent is married to his wife Betty and has two children, Josh and Monya, and two grandchildren, Taylor and Hunter.

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Dr. Jason R. Barrett Honor Banquet & Induction Ceremony, The Fairview Inn, Jackson, Mississippi, Saturday, October 11, 2018

Jason has been selected to serve on numerous boards including the Alabama/Mississippi Section of American Water Works Association and the Mississippi Association of County Agricultural Agents. Jason served as Alumnus Advisor for the Beta Tau Chapter from 2007 to 2009. In 2009, then-Knight Commander J. Michael Duncan appointed him to serve as the Commander of Irwin Province and he continued in that capacity under Knight Commanders Dreyer and Kay until 2017. Jason is a member of the Loyal Order, Forever KA, and the 1865 Trust. In 2014, he was a member of the KAOEF’s Crimson & Gold Society. Jason and his wife Shannon reside in Starkville, Mississippi, and have four children, Joe, Bronwynne, Betsy Gray, and Hudson.

W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

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OUR ORDER News, Notes & Recog nition

South Carolina Higher Education Appointments David P. Barksdale (Tau–Wake Forest ’83) CONFERRED: Brotherhood Reception & 10th Meeting of the 40th Executive Council, Forsyth Country Club, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Thursday, November 15, 2018

Two KAs have been appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (Rho– South Carolina ’67) to assist in oversight of that state’s higher education system. Richard A. “Dick” Jones, Jr. (Rho–South Carolina ’66) and Former Knight Commander Ben W. Satcher, Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’79) have been named to fill seats on the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, respectively.

David served his chapter as Recruitment Chairman, Number IV, and Number IX. David graduated from Wake Forest in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He is the President of North Carolina First Reliance Bank. In addition to more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, David worked as Wake Forest Director of the College Fund from 2003 to 2004. He served as the Tau’s Faculty Advisor, helping navigate the rechartering process. David is active in the Boy Scouts of America and has held various board positions including Community Investment Corporation of the Carolinas and North Carolina A&T State University Board of Visitors. David served as the Commander of the Ed Chambers Smith Province from 2006 to 2011. In 2011, David was elected to the Executive Council and has been reelected to the present. A member of the Loyal Order and participant in Forever KA, David has also been a member of the KAOEF’s Crimson & Gold Society annually since 2013. He is a member of the Smith Court of Honor. David lives in WinstonSalem with his wife Jennifer. They have two daughters, Emma James and Hallie.

Exclusive savings for your love of rewards side. As part of Kappa Alpha Order, you may be eligible for a discount on your insurance. bundle your home and auto insurance.*

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3/6/19 4:40 PM

KA Fills the Bench in Missouri

Doolittle

Fourteen Judges recognized in less than two years Through the work of Honorable Roy L. Richter (Beta Iota–Drury ’69), KA has recognized an exceedingly high number of public servants in the Show Me State. Beginning at the 77th Convention in St. Louis, Missouri in 2017, an initial group of seven Judges were recognized with Award for Distinguished Public Service.

Many others could not attend, so on behalf of the Knight Commander and Executive Council, Judge Richter, the Order’s unofficial “Judicial Wrangler of Missouri,” presented the remaining members with these awards. They are listed below.

Gellinger

Warren

STAFF UPDATES

NOVEMBER 29, 2018 Courtroom of the Southern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Springfield, Missouri

Hon. Theodore B. Scott* (Beta Iota–Drury ’61), Senior Judge for 26th and 30th Circuit Courts of Missouri

Hon. Kerry L. Montgomery (Gamma Beta–Missouri State ’56), Former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Missouri

Hon. William W. Francis (Gamma Beta–Missouri State ’71), Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District

* Presented posthumously to his daughter, Meredith Scott DECEMBER 2018

Hon. Kenneth Thompson (Beta Iota–Drury ’70), Associate Judge 30th Circuit Court of Missouri

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Hon. Glenn A. Norton (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’79), Former Chief Judge Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District

Hon. William R. Hass (Gamma Beta–Missouri State ’56), Senior Judge

Hon. John C. Holstein (Gamma Beta–Missouri State ’65), Former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Missouri

In December 2018, Damian C. Doolittle (Zeta Psi–Campbell ’17) and Jacob W. “Jake” Warren (Gamma Gamma– Memphis ’14) joined the staff of the National Administrative Office, as an associate director for chapter development and an associate director for chapter services, respectively. This will increase services to our Active and Provisional Chapters. In January 2019, Tanner L. Gellinger (Zeta Omicron– Southern Indiana ’12) joined the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation as a director of development. He previously served the Order as an associate director for chapter development from May 2016, to May 2018. His primary duty will be to aid in meeting the goal of the Crimson & Gold Campaign.

W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

3/6/19 4:40 PM

OUR ORDER News, Notes & Recog nition

Courts of Honor The Order’s system of Provincial Courts of Honor is unique in the system of American college 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 members 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.

Wood

Irwin

Smith

Thursday, October 4, 2018, at the Tidewater Inn in Eastern Shore, Maryland

Thursday, October 11, 2018, at The Fairview Inn in Jackson, Mississippi

Thursday, November 15, 2018, at the Forsyth Country Club in WinstonSalem, North Carolina

MG Robert M. Bunker (Sigma Alpha Commission– USMA ’12) Dr. James L. Bowers (Beta Omega–Washington College ’57), posthumously Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’07) Kevin T. McGarry (Beta Omega–Washington College ’05) Curt S. Perzinski (Eta–Richmond ’08)

James Henry Brown Jr. (Alpha Mu–Millsaps ’82) Andrew Jennings Bush (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’01) Bernace Michael Carter (Alpha Mu– Millsaps '70) Howard O’Keefe Graham II (Alpha Upsilon– Mississippi ’02) Darren Scott Kay (Alpha Eta– Westminster ’88) William Oliver Luckett Jr. (Lambda– Virginia ’67) James Cal Mayo Jr. (Alpha Upsilon– Mississippi ’83) Donald Parsons Jr. (Alpha Upsilon– Mississippi ’74) Charles Robert Ridgway IV (Alpha Mu– Millsaps ’65) William Bryant Ridgway Jr. (Alpha Upsilon– Mississippi ’73)

Douglas W. Henry (Gamma Rho– East Carolina ’76) Brent W. Fellows (Epsilon Theta– Western Kentucky ’98) Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’07) P. Collins Barwick III (Tau–Wake Forest ’80) Jimmy G. Thomas (Delta Psi–Appalachian State ’86) Dr. James M. Schmuck (Alpha Eta– Westminster ’69) J. McLain Wallace Jr. (Tau–Wake Forest ’82)

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3/6/19 4:40 PM

VOLUNTARY REMARKS

A Lifetime Of Support By Sam Wyche (Iota–Furman ’66)

Reprinted from the Cincinnati Enquirer, the following opinion piece was printed last fall as part of KA’s leadership in the myFraternity campaign, organized by the North American Interfraternity Conference. Coach Wyche remains a loyal KA, supportive of the KAOEF, Order, and all its leadership education programs. Wyche was the cover feature of the Summer 2018 Journal. Here are his thoughts on fraternity membership, in his own words.

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Upbuilding our Order

write today as many students are heading off to college to start the next phase in their lives. Little did I know more than 50 years ago, that friendships and support gained from my fraternity experience would make a difference and endure. The studies that exist today to confirm these things weren’t around at that time. They are now. Two years ago, a long-term heart disease brought me to within inches of losing my life. At the final hour, a donor heart became available and here I am. In less than a month, I was back on a bike, barely believing I had a second lease on life. Isn’t it funny to what lengths life goes to make you reflect? It helped me realize how blessed my life has been.

However, from my highest of highs, to my darkest hour, only a few have been constant. My wife, Jane, my family, my friends, my faith… and, my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order. Many people know me from my days playing college and professional football, then moving on to a coaching career that spanned more than two decades. I am fortunate to have won both an NFC and

AFC championship, and to achieve a Super Bowl victory. Since retirement, I’ve been an on-air football commentator, I volunteered by coaching high school football, and have spoken to thousands of young people all over the country about leadership. I can point to several important factors for my humble success. However, from my highest of highs, to my darkest hour, only a few have been constant. My wife, Jane, my family, my friends, my faith…and, my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order. K A and its members have had an inspirational impact on my life. My fraternity brothers from Furman University have been by my side on the field, at my wedding, and at my near-deathbed. I have had the distinct pleasure to meet my fraternity brothers across the country as a keynote speaker at a dozen conferences. I have seen firsthand how fraternity leadership programs are an essential adjunct to the classroom. K A values are timeless and our purpose of being a modern gentleman is aspirational. Fraternities on the whole are focused on personal development and have the strongest accountability program of any college-age group. In a world filled with way too much negativity, what better way to ensure our future than to put our young people on a positive team like a fraternity chapter (or sorority chapter, for that matter). A

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KA values are timeless and our purpose of being a modern gentleman is aspirational. Fraternities on the whole are focused on personal development and have the strongest accountability program of any college-age group. like-minded group, with diversity of all kinds, that can support each other from the start in college is the way to go. Research proves that joining a fraternity early helps mediate the first-year stress of college, providing for an immediate sense of belonging. Membership helps with persistence to graduation and is vital to achieving a high state of well-being.

My wife, Jane, was the "K A sweetheart, or rose," from college. Even today my fraternity brothers are some of my best friends and have seen me through one of life’s toughest plays. Truly, Kappa Alpha Order is one of the reasons why I’m here, and how I’m here, today. As K A focuses on organ, eye and tissue donation as a national initiative, they and others might just be the reason why many more of us are here tomorrow. My fraternity—It’s not just a social group; it is a lifetime, or a second life, of support. Former Cincinnati Bengals player and head coach Sam Wyche is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Order national fraternity and a 1966 graduate of Furman University. He resides in Pickens, South Carolina, with his wife, Jane. Presently he is a leadership and motivational speaker and a national spokesperson/champion for Donate Life America, an organ, eye, and tissue donation organization (donatelife.net).

3/6/19 4:40 PM

SIR,YOU ARE A KA

A candid conversation with a member of our Order

Larry Jenkins

Larry was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Atlanta. He first attended

GAMMA–GEORGIA ’71

He was the Number III and was in charge of recruitment and rush of Atlanta

Crimson & Gold Society Member Loyal Order Member #1409 Forever KA Participant

“In today’s world, it is important to support programs that provide leadership training ...”

Gordon Military College, the University of Georgia (UGA), where he joined KA. graduating seniors who were attending UGA. Larry has spent 42 years in the insurance industry as a producer, but KA, UGA football, and training and showing road horses are his chief concerns outside of work. Q: W hy are you still loyal to K A today? I have always valued my association with Kappa Alpha Order. I am still proud to be a brother. This starts from a family connection with my brother being a Gamma KA [Carl A. “Bucky” Jenkins (Gamma–Georgia ’63)]. Becoming an active brother did a lot for me and I am grateful.

Q: W hy do you think supporting K A and the K AOEF is important for today’s students?

In today’s world, it is important to support programs that provide leadership training and promote success for students. I have given back to Kappa Alpha whenever I could. Also, on a number of occasions, I have supported Gamma chapter. In 2008, I made a sizable contribution to the fund to purchase a new chapter house. To put it simply, it’s important to me.

Q: W ho is one K A you still talk to today (and why)? I remain in contact with a number of my KA brothers from UGA. Mike McRae and I have played golf and visited several times recently. Mike represents all the best of Kappa Alpha.

Q: W hy are you so passionate about showing and training road horses? One of my lifelong pursuits away from work is training and showing Standardbred roadster show 44

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horses. The challenge of finding a prospect on the race track and retraining him into an exciting road horse has been a tradition in my family for over 75 years. In 2016, I was inducted into the American Road Horse and Pony Association Hall of Fame. For six years, I served as an officer with the last four being president.

Q: T ell me about your experience with road horses? Road horses that I have discovered and shown have won seven World Champion titles. I now have a four-yearold trotter named Justin Time. His original name registered with the U.S. Trotting Association was “Jesse’s Justin.” Justin Time was bred in Illinois to race on the trot as a harness horse. He was lightly raced as a 2and 3-year old. I purchased Justin in 2017 at an Amish Sale in Mt. Hope, Ohio. Since then I have been training and showing the horse and have high hopes for him. We just completed our first year of competition with wins at both Asheville and Cleveland shows. W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G

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BACKSTORY

Roy, meet your brother, Roy. Taken in 1990 at the Secretary of State’s Archives building in Jefferson City, Missouri here are Judge Roy Richter (Beta Iota–Drury ’69) and then-Secretary (now U.S. Senator) Roy Blunt (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’89). Blunt’s office had a program where probate judges could have their files microfilmed. Richter was the Associate Circuit Judge with Probate jurisdiction for Montgomery County—his records went back to the early 1900s. That Courthouse was burned during the Civil War and another fire took place in 1910. With no copiers in that era, however, lawyers could take Court files to their offices and as such, some pre-1910 files survived the fire. See Richter (page 8) and Blunt (page 5) earlier in this issue.

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