Kappa Alpha Journal - Winter 2024 - "Better than Gold" by Kappa Alpha Order

The 1972 Munich Olympics were unforgettable for the wrong reasons. Kenny Davis (Beta Delta–Georgetown ’68), second from the left, middle row, was the Captain of the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team. From his perspective he recounts the calamity of the Gold Medal game, and shares witnessing the horror of the subsequent terrorist attacks.

Jack Blocker — American Idol

Jack Blocker (Alpha Omicron–Arkansas ‘17) placed third in the 2024 season of American Idol. Jack and the other finalists sang Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” before being joined by guest mentor Jon Bon Jovi to perform the new song, “Legendary.” Jack sang “I’ll Be There For You” for his Bon Jovi song, then, as a native Texan, Jack sang George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait in his own style for his Hometown Dedication episode.

“You’re doing star maneuvers; everything about that was stars,” commented American Idol judge and singer songwriter Luke Bryan. “Taking an old George Strait classic and putting your own Jack Blocker stamp on it, that may be my favorite thing I’ve seen you do this season.”

Photo by Christopher Willard courtesy of Disney.

Better Than Gold

The 1972 Munich Olympics were unforgettable for the wrong reasons. Kenny Davis (Beta Delta–Georgetown ’68), was the Captain of the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team. From his perspective he recounts the calamity of the Gold Medal game, and shares witnessing the horror of the subsequent terrorist attacks.

Old Gold

A . King Dixon II (Rho–South Carolina ‘56) was an accomplished brother of Rho Chapter at the University of South Carolina.

58 Sir, You Are a KA 59 Voluntary Remarks

EDITOR

Jesse S. Lyons

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Brent E. Buswell

CREATIVE DESIGN

WonderWild

CONTRIBUTORS

Kenny Davis

Ed Mullins

Gary West

Rick Moore

DEAR BROTHERS

King V. Aiken, Jr. (Kappa–Mercer ’83)

Knight Commander's Message

While we are ending 2024, I write this message to encourage each of you to continue your support of our Active and Provisional Chapters, the Order, and the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation.

Our Order continues to be on the move coming off a year of wins: highest GPA (spring 2024 3.113), which represents five semesters in a row and nine of the last eleven semesters at or higher than a 3.0, largest new member class in more than 30 years (fall 2024), largest average chapter size (68 men), excellent retention rate of members (90%), and a continued focus on health and safety.

At a time when young men need an experience like the one KA offers, our chapters continue to provide a brotherhood that will celebrate and support them throughout their college years.

The Order is excited to host our upcoming 22nd Number I’s Leadership Institute, the legacy program of the former National Leadership Institute first held in 1947. And, our Officer Training Conferences have been enhanced and merged to two conventionlevel events, one in Dallas and one in Atlanta, both in February. These elevated experiences will bring an innovative and fresh approach to training our chapters’ elected and appointed leaders.

The Crimson & Gold Society AGAIN breached the level of 1,000 donors contributing $1,000 or more annually to the KAOEF—1,012 this past fiscal year. And, finally, please take note of our KAOEF Day of Giving “Proud to Be a KA” to be held this December on Friday the 20th. Make your gift now at www.ProudKA.com.

Notwithstanding these impressive feats, it is imperative that we keep our focus on excellence, continue to press our advantage, and that we not rest on the successes of this past year. I will be proud to report on our new wins this year when we all gather in Roanoke and Lexington, Virginia next July and for the 81st Convention and Brotherhood Weekend and a celebration of 160 years of Kappa Alpha Order.

May God continue to bless you, our Order and this great nation. And, as I challenge all of us, Let’s Go!

Fraternally,

The Kappa Alpha Journal (ISSN #08888868, USPS #014-747) is an educational journal published four times a year by Kappa Alpha Order, 115 Liberty Hall Rd., Lexington, Virginia, 24450. 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 118 undergraduate chapters and more than 60 alumni chapters across the nation.

WINTER 2024

VOLUME CXXIV NUMBER 2

HOW TO CONTACT: Editor, The Kappa Alpha Journal

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

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

MEMBER:

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

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

Letter From the Editor

This issue has been gratifying to compile, write, edit, and produce—mostly due to so much positive KA news and history. Still, some components of this winter edition evoke sad feelings of the tragic sufferings of others.

Flipping the pages of this current issue of the storied 146-year old Kappa Alpha Journal , you’ll find, among everything else: KA statistics that plainly show how well our undergraduates have excelled in recruitment and academics during the recent years; the story of a modern KA Olympian overcoming an unbelievable controversy amidst international tensions; the story of our first Olympians circa 100 years ago, achieving gold right off their own Olympic starting lines; a model KA athlete, leader, and family man honored by his chapter and family; and our current Active Chapters’ successes highlighted in the 2023 Awards for Chapter Excellence Report.

An unfortunate realization inherent also is that many of the stories contained herein are now repetitive history. The controversy of an Olympic medal challenge by our own Team U.S.A. this year echoes to the 1972 basketball finale as both a blow to trust and ethical sportsmanship. As well, it is not lost on this editor nor the reader I’m sure, that our own U.S.A. remains in tight, tough tensions with the U.S.S.R.’s successor, Russia. Making the athletic controversies seem trivial in all ways, the recollection of the 1972 horrific terrorist executions of Israeli Olympic athletes by the group Black September mirrors the senseless October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israeli. Trite though it may be, the world continues to have a long way to go before peace and harmony may prevail amongst us all.

As KAs, we are taught to look past the shadows and to continue to pursue the upward course. While negativity, harm, and other dangers exist daily, we must remember what the real goal is and aim for excellence. And within these pages, despite the tough realities of experience, you’ll be inspired by KA brothers, young and old. They, along with their chapters, continue to serve as the moral compass for modern gentlemen.

I hope you all have a wonderful new year!

Fraternally,

Jesse S. Lyons

(Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’98)

As KAs, we are taught to look past the shadows and to continue to pursue the upward course. While negativity, harm, and other dangers exist daily, we

must

remember what the real goal is and aim for excellence

THE SPARK

Rekindle your interest in the Order

ONE QUESTION

The Journal reached out to the attendees from the 2024 Emerging Leaders Academy with one question:

“What was your favorite site to visit in Lexington, Virginia, and why?”

Here

are some of the best responses.

“Visiting the museum on the VMI campus was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. The legacy of producing such remarkable brothers as George C. Marshall and George S. Patton is a testament to the strength and values that both institutions share. Seeing the many class rings inscribed with “KA” was a deeply somber moment, a visual reminder of the enduring bond between VMI and our brotherhood. This visit has reignited my commitment to our motto, “Excelsior,” inspiring me to strive for excellence in all that I do, following in the footsteps of those who came before us.”

– ELIJAH MASON (DELTA ALPHA–WESTERN CAROLINA ’24)

“My favorite site was certainly the University Chapel. In the time I have been a KA I have only grown closer to God and grew in my faith thanks to my brothers, and learning the history of the chapel and how Robert E. Lee built the chapel for students to have a place of worship means a great deal to me. Seeing and touring a place that relates to my core values and the founding of a brotherhood that I cherish deeply really boosted my pride in being a member of Kappa Alpha Order.”

- GREYSON FARMER (ZETA CHI–KENNESAW STATE ’23)

“My favorite spot to visit in Lexington was Mulberry Hill. It’s because it is our current national headquarters and has a lot of KA history.”

– DEGNAN KING (ZETA–RANDOLPH-MACON ’22)

“My favorite sight in Lexington, VA, was being able to see and read some of the KA ritual books going all the way back to the beginning. This was important to me because I was able to see the different ritual books that my grandfather, greatuncle, my father, and myself were all initiated with.”

– THOMAS GRIFFIN (BETA TAU–MISSISSIPPI STATE ’23)

“My favorite site from Lexington had to be our national office that sits upon Mulberry Hill. Our first visit was to check in for ELA, this was my first time having the opportunity to see the office in person for the first time.”

– JAMES MUNCHEL (ZETA PSI–CAMPBELL ’23)

“My favorite site to see in Lexington was the hall where The Order was founded. I found it incredible that the building was one of the only left standing by the Union due to the statue of Washington on top.”

– COLIN E. KING (OHIO STATE PROVISIONAL)

FOLLOW UP

(RE) VISITING COBBS HALL

In the most recent issue, Amanda and Mark DiRienz (Beta Epsilon–Delaware ’80) were highlighted for their restoration of Cobbs Hall, in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Cobbs Hall is historically significant as the original and core plantation property associated with the Lee family of Virginia. Built on land first patented in 1656 by Col. Richard Lee I (“The Immigrant”), progenitor of the Lees of Virginia with his wife Anne Constable Lee, Cobbs Hall was still in the ownership of his direct family descendants when Amanda and Mark purchased the property from them in December 2009.

In August, as a component of a retreat, initiated members of the National Staff visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Stratford Hall, birthplace of Robert E. Lee, and Cobbs Hall, where Mark provided a tour centered on his KA experience and the renovations and preservation efforts. The Journal and the staff greatly appreciate Mark’s time and care. Mark is also a longtime supporter of the KAOEF as a 29-year consecutive donor.

Hardgraves Addresses Fraternal Communicators

In the last issue, the inside front cover highlighted Dr. Bill Hardgrave (Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech ’84), the current president of the University of Memphis. The Fraternity Communications Association held their annual conference in Memphis in April, and FCA Past President Jesse Lyons and current FCA Treasurer Brent Buswell recommend Dr. Hardgrave as a presenter. He was the keynote opening speaker, and commented on the state of higher education, enrollment, benefits of Greek life, and his positive KA experience.

LETTER

Dear Editor,

Please allow me to express my considerable thanks for taking an old Marine’s thoughts and skillfully making them meaningful for today’s KA’s. I appreciate the time and effort you took to let me tell you things truly important and meaningful to me; both as a lifelong KA and old Marine.

Your current issue of the Journal is truly a splendid issue from cover to cover. I enjoyed “Visionary Leadership” and the coverage on General Peay and Mario Reid. Each page you turned brought honor, leadership, and excellence for all of us; regardless of when we became members of the Order.

Fraternally and Semper Fidelis,

Don

Major General Donald R. Gardner (Ret), USMC

Gamma Gamma–Memphis ’59

KappaAlphaJournal.com

The Emerging Leaders Academy took place June 6–9, 2024, in Lexington, Virginia, the birthplace of the Order. View the video recap of a transformational weekend for the next round of KA leaders.

Left to right: Lyons, Hardgrave, Buswell

THE SPARK

Rekindle your interest in the Order

SOCIAL

@KappaAlphaOrder

July 6, 2024

Jared Tam (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’24) is in Navy ROTC at USC and attended CORTRAMID (Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen) this summer based out of San Diego.

At CORTRAMID, Jared met Patrick C. Ford (Chi–Vanderbilt ’24), also attending as a Navy ROTC Midshipmen.

#BROTHERHOOD #LEADERSHIP

James C. Musser

Thank you for your service, brothers! You make us proud.

Cheryl Krumwiede Schumacher

Nothing better than KA’s protecting us! Good looking dudes!

John Leopard Fratres usque ad aram fidelis.

@sam–white23

Jared❤

@Guisin68

❤❤❤❤stay safe brothers!@layne3316

Fly navy!

@Keithsteven2024

That’s awesome, gentlemen..keep up the good work and look out for one another even when the other doesn’t need or desire you to. . . .

Because you never know

@bainhiggins

J Taaaam #wheatbarley

@caroline_ford

@jxredlz @patford89 This is epic

TAKE NOTE

Pull Together For Kappa Alpha

WHY I Crush The Grape

By Barbara Elliott

Enrico A. “Rick” de Alessandrini (Alpha–Washington & Lee ’82), Former Number I and Number VI

Enrico “Rick” de Alessandrini, owner of Sassaia Winery (sassaia. com), has discovered that producing an award-winning wine involves ancient tradition, modern technology, some luck, and a lot of science.

As the son of Italian immigrants, de Alessandrini grew up in both Italy and the U.S. due to his father’s role as the Italian vice consul in Norfolk. “At first, I felt out of place. My father instilled in me the importance of evolving over time like a great wine by having a deep appreciation for your roots and culture. In essence, what my father taught me and what W&L and Kappa Alpha Order reinforced, is to understand and embrace all traditions and at the same time help ensure their intentions remain relevant. This philosophy drives my winemaking style, which respects tradition and embraces innovation.”

When de Alessandrini transitioned into his second career in 2012, he had to brush up on organic chemistry, a pre-requisite for admission to the University of California Davis’ Winemaking Certificate Program, which he completed at the top of his class in March 2022. For the economics major and former commodities hedge fund manager, tackling organic chemistry as he approached 60 was no small challenge.

“I had a lot more hair before I took the course,” he laughed.

He is now on a mission to share his acquired knowledge by making Sassaia a collaborative learning center where vintners can learn best practices implemented around the world. “We are becoming ‘glocal’ by collaborating with winemakers from France, California, Virginia, and Italy in a quest to revive local businesses by making wine with both indigenous and globally known varieties,” he explained.

Ten years ago, de Alessandrini and his wife, Ellen, began renovating his family’s ancestral home in the Piedmont region of Italy, purchasing adjoining hectares and growing Cortese (Gavi) grapes for resale in the secondary market.

“As central banks around the world drove yields to zero, it was like owning a bond with a decent yield,” he said.

Early on, he reached out to Pierre Naigeon in Gevrey Chambertin Burgundy, also known for its single varietals. In 2016, the two began collaborating to develop Sassaia’s prize-winning Timorasso, a white varietal native to Piedmont. The low residual sugar, low sulfite wine is made the old-school Burgundy way — handpicked and barrel fermented with the natural yeast from those grapes.

He employs the latest technology to time optimal picking and to monitor viability of the natural yeast. “This is where technology blends with five generations of experience. We can grow and vinify with a minimalist and sustainable approach,” he said. (Originally Published in the W&L Magazine)

Top: Enrico “Rick” de Alessandrini and wife Ellen (left), toast to their successful and unique award-winning wine process; Middle: de Alessandrini inspecting the grapes firsthand at his facility in the Piedmont region of Italy; Bottom: de Alessandrini speaking at the 2024 Emerging Leaders Academy in Lexington, Virginia.

Rekindle your interest in the Order

FROM JOURNALS PAST

THE ‘84 L.A. GAMES

In four short years, the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad will return to the City of Angels, 44 years after their closing ceremonies graced the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Journal covered the run-up to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and KAs connected to the games. Here are the excerpts from those years and one memorable photo, that accompanied the Fall 1984 blurb.

Winter 1982–1983

Newscope: News of Member

Dave Steen (Alpha Xi–California) recently broke the world indoor record for the pentathlon at the University of Toronto Track Classic. The record was previously held by the 1980 Olympic decathlon gold medalist.

Spring 1984

Newscope: News of Members

Rob Staab (Beta Iota–Drury) became the first Drury College athlete ever to qualify for the Olympic trials. He earned NAIA all-American honors for swimming, four consecutive years.

Summer 1984

KASF Scholarship Winners Announced

Mark K. Jenkins. Mark is a senior at University of California –Riverside and an active member of Epsilon Epsilon Chapter. He has been selected to sing in the 1984 Olympic Honor Chorus.

Fall 1984

Focus Four KA’s Compete In ‘84 Olympics

KA participants in the “Games of LA” this summer included Earl Bell (Delta Eta–Arkansas State) who finished 4th in the pole vault; Rob Stauhl (Epsilon Iota–S.W. Texas State) a decathalon [sic] participant; Lloyd Guss (Alpha Xi–Cal. Berkeley) who ran the 400 meter intermediate hurdles; Dave Steen (Alpha Xi–Cal. Berkeley) who placed 8th in the decathalon.

INSIGHT

To settle the regional dispute once and for all, the Order surveyed its followers on Instagram about their favorite type of barbecue sauce. Here are the results from 834 respondents. We all know BBQ is a staple in the fall on Gameday!

• Vinegar-based – 39.6%

• Mustard-based – 29.0%

• Tomato-based – 22.9%

• Mayonnaise- based – 8.5%

Olympic decathalon athlete Dave Steen jumps off a skateboard Alpha Xi brothers at the University of California KA house.

KA membership outpaces in three eras

Kappa Alpha Order continues to experience record breaking growth from our undergraduate chapters. Our values, our history, and the undergraduate experience have persisted and continue to be sought after year, after year by exceptional young men, and supported greatly by our alumni through time, talent, and treasure.

Recently, membership growth studies recently were conducted, focusing on 10-year, Covid-era, and prior-year comparisons. These were completed by KA, our peer organizations, and the industry at large. The numbers show KA outpacing the industry in all three categories. In the next issue, we’ll dive into 25 years of data regarding membership, chapter count, GPA, and both world/national events, and KA leadership education improvements.

GROWTH (OR LOSS) GROWTH (OR LOSS)

From 2022–2023 to the 2023–2024 Academic Year

From 2018–2019 to the 2023–2024 Academic

Year

(OR LOSS)

From 2013–2014 to the 2023–2024 Academic Year

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Better Than

Olympian Kenny Davis (Beta Delta–Georgetown '68) and the Most Controversial Basketball Game in History

An Olympics like no other ...

Every four years in the middle of the summer heat, the whole world turns its eager eyes upon a single gathering of the planet’s best athletes for a series of sporting events to determine new thresholds of human excellence, strength, speed, and skill, to determine the limits of the human capacity to perform and to become unequivocally victorious in doing so. In the summer of 1972, however, there occurred such an Olympic gathering much unlike any other before it or, thankfully, since.

Conducted in the aftermath of an unprecedented terrorist attack that had invaded the tranquility of Olympic Village, leaving 11 Israeli athletes dead and the world aghast, was what was to become the most controversial basketball game in the history of the sport. As the USA’s team took the court to play for the coveted Gold Medal, a team that had never been defeated in the history of Olympic basketball, there was an unnerving tension building as they prepared to play out the hardwood metaphor for the Cold War itself against the best and most experienced Soviet Union team ever assembled.

This is the story of Kenny Davis, captain of that very team, a sharpshooting farm boy from Kentucky, cast onto the world’s center stage in the challenge of a lifetime. Author Gary West once again rivets the reader to the pages as he relays how the hometown hero Davis’ strong rural principles propel him into that position of leadership, poised to take the crushing disappointment that would befall them, and head back home to success as a businessman marketing Converse’s famous athletic shoes. Discover what Davis and all of the members of his 1972 USA Olympic Basketball Team did in the midst of tragedy and injustice; something much more valuable than just winning a ball game, something much Better Than Gold.

Taken from the dust jacket of Better than Gold, by Gary P. West.

Than Gold

The Men’s Basketball Olympic Medal Ceremony in 1972 in Munich, Germany—notice the empty platform for second place, or Silver Medal. The U.S. Men’s team never took the platform. The 1972 Silver Medals are the only medals in Olympic history never to be accepted.

Symbols or Satisfaction

A

play-by-play of the 1972 Olympic Basketball Championship’s controversial ending and outcome, in the U.S. Captain’s own words.

By Kenny Davis (Beta Delta-Georgetown '68)

Adapted from the Author’s address at the Number I’s Leadership

Life Magazine described the '72 Olympics in Munich, Germany, as “The Haywire Olympics.” Sports Illustrated labeled a game that we played in against the Russians for the Gold Medal as one of the worst injustices ever in the history of the games. There was a decision that was made by those of us that were players on that team that was controversial then, and even today, it remains controversial. I’d like to share with you why we as those players made the decision we did when we were in Munich and while we still feel the way that we do today.

Technical Miss

Admittedly, we as the United States team did not play a very good game against the Russians, but with only three seconds remaining to be played in the game, we were behind only one point. Doug Collins from Illinois State who later coached the Chicago Bulls, the Detroit Pistons, the

Institute.

Washington Wizards, and the Philadelphia 76ers and now is an ESPN NBA television analyst, was getting ready to shoot two free throws. He went to the free throw line and he shot both of them and they both went in and for the first time in that game, we were leading and was by a score of 50 to

49 with only three seconds remaining to be played in the game. What happened was the Russian players, as they were supposed to do, brought the ball in bounds and they played two of those seconds, would’ve played the third one, but the Russian coach was up from his bench where he’d

been sitting, was out on the playing floor signaling that he wanted a time out.

International rules are different than American rules in that if you want a time out, what you must do as the coach and the head coach only is to go to the scorers’ table and request that timeout. However, it’s not granted to you until the next stop of play. It’s not immediate like it is in American rules. So in this situation, they could not receive that timeout. Officials should have had the courage to assess the coach a technical foul because you can’t do that as a head coach to be on the playing floor like he was while the game is in progress. But that’s a referee’s judgment decision and if he doesn’t make it, there’s not anything you could do about it. Eventually the Russian coach was restrained, gotten back to his bench without a timeout, and according to the official scoreboard and official timer, only one second was remaining to be played in the game again.

USA Wins the Gold

The Russian player brought the ball inbound from the sideline and he frantically threw a long pass to the other end of the floor. It was deflected, went back out of bounds as the horn was sounding, signifying that the game was over. And that’s when we as the Americans had won the Gold Medal for those '72 Olympic games in Munich, Germany. You can imagine our excitement and happiness after having come from behind in that game. The boyhood dream that each of us had had as youngsters out on the playgrounds while growing up had finally come true. Our very own Gold Medal in the Olympics. We couldn’t wait for those ceremonies to begin so we could stand on that top platform and watch as the American flag was raised to the highest position, listen to the American National Anthem being played and getting that Gold Medal, and putting it in our pockets and to bring it back home to our families and friends.

I can tell you that’s one incredible feeling. Also, it seemed like when that horn sounded, there was this great weight that was lifted from our shoulders because we’d gone to the Olympics that year with the press back home saying that we would probably be the first American team ever to lose the Gold Medal. And they based that primarily on the fact that Bill Walton, the most dominant player in the country at the time from UCLA decided to stay on the beaches of Southern California rather than to try out for the team. Well, that’s a personal choice of his, and if he didn’t want to be part of the program, that’s fine. However, with him on our team and with his talent, which was immense, I believe the distance in the score would’ve been such that nothing could have possibly have happened. Also, this was 1972 and it was the height of the Cold War between the United States and Russia. Like today, only probably about two times greater than. The Soviets were doing everything they possibly could do to advance their form of government through athletics.

The opening ceremonies of the 1972, an event that brings national pride to all athletes.

Davis speaking at the 2022 Emerging Leaders Academy at Caraway Conference Center, Sophia, N.C.

They felt like they could go out and dominate sports and the rest of the world would see that and then want to be a part of the communist system. And third, there’s always pressure that you put upon yourself when you go into competition, but I can tell you that’s increased when you look down and you see the initials U.S.A. on your uniform. All summer long we lived with that and suddenly that horn had sounded, the game was over, and the Gold Medal was ours. We were one happy bunch of young men.

Three More Seconds

While we were out on the floor celebrating, this person [Renato William Jones, FIBA Secretary-General] who had absolutely no authority to do so, came from his seat in the stands where he’d been watching the game and he went up to the scorers’ table. He ordered them to reset the clock back for three more seconds.

But, he didn’t give any kind of official reason as to why they should do this. He overruled both the referees, the scorer, and official timer, who did not want to do it, and he demanded that they add three more seconds back to the clock. Now this person has the title of being president of international basketball, which means absolutely zero while the game is in progress, he has no power, he has no authority. However, he convinced those people at the scorers’ table that he did and he said, “You will put three more seconds back on that clock.” Well, hindsight’s always 20/20. We should have gotten out of there and gone straight to the dressing room and never come back out. However, in the back of our minds, we felt like that if we did that then and that person had that much power, then all he’d have to say is, “Well, you forfeit then.”

So amid chaos and confusion and no time to prepare, our team was ordered back out on the floor. Three seconds were restored to the clock, and for the third time since Doug Collins had made the two free throws, the Russian players were again bringing

So we the 12 players on that team got together and did the only thing remaining that we knew we could do to show our disapproval. Each of us agreed not to accept the Silver Medal, and the reason we didn’t accept the Silver Medal was that we didn’t earn the Silver Medal. We earned the Gold, and personally, we felt like that if we took it, we’d be taking something that didn’t even belong to us.

Therefore, we declined to accept it.

the ball in bounds. This time the Russian player took the basketball and he threw a long pass to the other end of the floor. The game film showed that he stepped across the in-bounds line when he did that, which is a violation that was not called. On the other end a Russian player jumped up and caught the basketball and because the pass was thrown short, game film showed that he pushed two American players away in order to receive the ball. Again, a violation that was not called.

Then the Russian player turned and shot the basketball and it went in and then the horn sounded immediately again. But this time it was the Russian players who were jumping up and down and celebrating. We were in shock. We couldn’t believe what had literally happened right before our eyes. Emotionally we went from the top of the world to the bottom in a matter of a few short seconds. Thankfully, our

delegation realized what had happened. They quickly filed a protest with the Olympic committee simply stating that you can’t add time to the clock after the game is over.

You can’t change the rules after the game is in progress, which is exactly what they had done. So they agreed to look at our protest and delay the awarding of the medals. And 14 hours later, a committee of five men, three of whom were from communist countries, agreed that an error had been committed, that what had happened should not have happened. However, they said since it had gone that far and that much time had elapsed, they would not go back and reverse it and therefore they were going to award the Gold Medal to the Russians and they wanted us as the Americans to accept the silver.

We realized it was probably over. So we the 12 players on that team got together and

did the only thing remaining that we knew we could do to show our disapproval. Each of us agreed not to accept the Silver Medal, and the reason we didn’t accept the Silver Medal was that we didn’t earn the Silver Medal. We earned the Gold, and personally, we felt like that if we took it, we’d be taking something that didn’t even belong to us. Therefore, we declined to accept it. Hopefully, we made the right decision. It’s one of those you’ll never know whether you did or didn’t, especially in the heat of the moment like that. But before leaving from Munich, coming back to the United States, we had received more than a hundred telegrams from people here at home and only one stated that we should have accepted the silver.

The other 99 plus said that we support you. “Don’t take it.” “We wouldn’t take it.” “In fact, we wouldn’t ever take it.” That made us feel much better. At least it made us feel like we gave the decision that the American people wanted us to give and that’s who we were representing in the first place. You see, if we’d have lost that game according to the rules, we would’ve proudly stood there and accepted that Silver Medal because losing gracefully I

believe is much more important than winning gracefully. But to have gone out and played by the rules and won the Gold then have a bunch of bureaucrats say to us, “Oh, we know that. We understand that. However, because of our error and our mistake, we’d like you to take the silver.” That was something that we could not and should not do.

$12

All these years later, not one player on our team has ever come forward to accept that Silver Medal. Today it remains the only medal of any kind ever in the history of the Olympics to be refused. You see, we sometimes confuse the symbol that they give you for the achievement with the actual achievement itself. The German Olympic organization only paid $16 for each Gold Medal. They only paid $12 for each Silver Medal. We as the players on that team know that deep down, according to the rules that game was played under, we did win, and the satisfaction of knowing that we did win will be and is sufficient to last us our lifetime.

Kenneth Bryan “Kenny” Davis

Married to Rita Davis, adult children, Jill and Bryan Born, September 12, 1948 5 ft 11 inches

Playing career

• Point Guard, Wayne County High School, Monticello, KY

• Georgetown (KY) College – 3,003 points in four years

• Marathon Oil AAU Team

• 2x First-team NAIA AllAmerican (1970, 1971)

• U.S. team, 1971 Pan American Games

• 1972 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team, Captain

• NBA Draft 1971, 11th round 181st pic, selected by N.Y. Knicks

• Published Better than Gold with author Gary P. West

• Longtime sales career with Converse

• Recognized speaker on leadership and excellence

• Trustee, Georgetown College

• Featured speaker several times at KA leadership education conferences

Kenny Davis’ Olympic jersey, hanging in his home in Paint Lick, Kentucky.

Vignettes from a Leadership Lecturer

For more than ten years, Kenny has been a returning speaker to Convention, the Number I’s Leadership Institute, and the Emerging Leaders Academy. He tells his story of the Olympics, but he also provides several personal anecdotes and advice for the undergraduate leaders. Here are some examples of his wisdom vignettes from the Number I’s Leadership Institute:

On KA at Georgetown College

I don't know you individually, but I do know you because you're my KA brothers and let me commend you for coming to this leadership academy. No doubt you have learned some things and will learn some things that will benefit you for a long, long time in the future. Also, you've made some friendships that will last a long, long time for you in the future. I was fortunate to do a lot of positive things when I was in college, but I can tell you the top of the list was to become a Kappa Alpha member.

This was a special, special organization, and my brothers, while I was at Georgetown, I was close to them, but I can tell you all these years later, we are even probably closer. It's a special, special group and I'm honored to get the opportunity to be here with you.

On Love

Love is a mother holding her sick child close to her breast. Love is a dad teaching his son how to shave. Love is a big brother, demonstrating to his best buddy in all the world how to operate an automobile. You see, the legacy of our lives is written on the hearts of those we love. And if you want to be remembered for the things you did while here on this earth, it's simple: demonstrate love and care and concern and yes, compassion to those around you while you're here. I strongly believe that the measure of our character is not what we receive from our parents, but what we leave behind to our children.

On Positive Thinking

I'm a strong believer in the power of positive thinking. A classic example on May the sixth, 1954, Roger Banister from Great Britain ran the first recorded sub-four minute mile, but within two short weeks, two additional runners had accomplished the same feat. And before the month was out, another runner had broken Roger's record. I will always believe that the athletic abilities of these athletes did not increase that greatly in that short amount of time, but rather it was the power of the mind that was now able to convince the body that yes, this can be accomplished.

On Teachers

One of my favorite bumper stickers is the one that says, "If you can read this, thank a teacher." And I could read it and I do thank them. I believe too often in our society, especially monetarily, we're neglecting teachers.

Some places in this country will start a rookie teacher out at less than $35,000 a year, while at the same time will pay a rookie NFL football player, four million. But yet as adults, we'll entrust to the care of teachers the most precious things in our lives our sons and daughters, our boys and girls. Hopefully, before we go too far into this new century, we can bring that more into balance. Now, I know there's a lot of worthy vocations out there, but I simply chose to highlight those two because think about it, without quality knowledge and quality food, none of us will be able to do anything else at all. And by the way, I saw an amendment that bumper sticker was said, "If you can read this, thank a teacher." This one said, "If you can read this, thank a teacher and a soldier." I like that one as well.

On Being An American

… I am one of the most fortunate individuals on the face of the earth. Not because of anything that I've ever done, but simply because I was lucky enough, lucky

enough to be born here in the good old US of A. In closing, let me say that each of us as citizens of this nation give thanks each night that we're working and living and playing in a country that's as big and beautiful and as good to us as the United States of America is.

I've been labeled being old-fashioned for making that statement. Well, if loving America and trusting in God give me that description, then I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the nicest compliment you can give me. And hopefully, each of you who are here this morning are as grateful as am I to be able to say these four words, "I am an American. I am an American."

On Pros playing in the Olympics

The description of what an amateur is was different from country to country. It got to the point that we didn't have any choice except to send professionals to those games or otherwise we were not going to be able to compete. That Russian team that we played against had been together over 10 years, only playing basketball, and had played over 300 games. We'd been together three weeks and played about 10 games. That team we played was actually professional versus us as amateurs still in college. I hated to see it happen, but that was the only way that we could continue to send athletes over there and have a chance to compete and win.

TRAGEDY IN MUNICH

Kenny Davis recalls the terrorist attacks at the '72 Olympics

I wish with all of my heart that my Olympics story ended there. However, sadly and tragically, it does not and what I’m about to share with you now is painful for me each time I think about it. However, it’s part of the history of those 72 games, and my visit here this morning will not be complete unless I shared this with you. I woke in the morning of September the fifth, 1972, there in the Olympic Village and on my way to breakfast that morning I went past this particular building, saw a lot of people outside that building, and saw a lot of activity taking place. At the time I did not know what had happened. It was only after I’d gone on to breakfast that I was informed that during the night some Arab terrorists had slipped into

the Olympic Village and they had gone straight to this building which housed the Israeli delegation.

Upon their forced entry into that building, they had killed two of the Israeli athletes and at that present moment were holding nine others hostage. When I heard that it was just something of total disbelief because here I thought, and I’m sure those athletes thought as well, that we were in one of the most safe and secure places in all the world at that time. In fact, in the early Olympics, countries that were at war with each other would postpone them while the games were in progress. That’s how much importance it placed upon these events.

And now you tell me it’s the 20th century and two of my fellow Olympians have been killed here in the village and nine more are sitting there with a gun to their

head. When I look back, I can pinpoint that moment in my life when I went from a vain 23-year-old kid who was so concerned as to if I was wearing the proper brand of clothing and footwear to a 23-year-old adult who realized for the first time in the sanctity of life about how quickly it could be taken away.

I returned directly back to our headquarters and upon my arrival there, I was informed by our delegation that the Olympic games had been suspended. Everything was placed on hold, and they brought German troops in and completely surrounded the Olympic Village, and no one was allowed to leave, nor was anyone allowed to enter in. There was nothing left for us to do except to join with the rest of the world through television and watch as the day’s events unfolded. Our building was about 40 yards away from that

Munich photographers and press hoping to catch a glipmpse of the Israeli hostages and Arab terrorist group, Black September, in the heart of Olympic Village.

building across a courtyard. We had a clear view throughout the day of the activities that were taking place. Occasionally during the day, one of those terrorists would come to an open window, had his ski mask on so you couldn’t recognize him, and he thrust his automatic weapon out the window for all to see that they certainly were still in control.

Periodically, he would take one of these athletes and grab them by the hair of the head, and thrust it out the window. Signifying to all that, the hostages are still alive. However, unless their demands are not met soon, that might not be the case much longer. I don’t think any of us can truly understand the pain and the agony and the misery, and yes, the fear that was going through these athletes’ mind not knowing what was going to happen to them. As a clear reminder as to what could happen the two athletes that were slain upon their entry were laying there in front of them for them to have to view throughout the day.

About 8:00 p.m. that night, we saw a helicopter fly in and land close by this building. We saw them take the athletes

and the terrorists and place them on the helicopter, and then we saw it leave and we assumed then that everything was going to be okay, and we breathed a sigh of relief and went to sleep that night thinking that when we got up the next morning that the world would be back to normal once again. But that was not to be because we were awakened very early the next morning with the tragic news that they had had a shootout at the airport and the Arab terrorists had killed all of the Israeli athletes.

The Germans had promised the terrorists that they would give them an airplane for safe passage out of the country if they would release the hostages. However, in the back of their minds, based upon what they’d already done, they felt like that they probably would not do that.

What they really hoped to accomplish was to separate the athletes from the terrorists and German sharpshooters placed strategically throughout the airport were going to try and take them out. But when that helicopter landed and those terrorists began to leave to go toward the plane to inspect it, those German sharpshooters, using infrared scopes on their rifles because it was already nightfall, fired upon them and missed. When that happened, the terrorists realized immediately it was an ambush. They returned directly back to the open helicopter where those athletes were sitting, pitifully huddled together with their hands and feet completely restrained. The terrorists took a hand grenade and pulled the pin, and tossed it into the open

cabin where they were sitting.

It’s been over 50 years, and I still awaken on some nights, to hear the soft voice of Jim McKay, a moderator of ABC Sports and Olympic television host standing before a worldwide TV audience and simply saying these words, “They’re gone. They’re all gone.”

Visualize with me for just a moment if you can, that you are one of those athletes and it is 24 hours prior to this happening and to you, and the most important thing in the world, and the only thing in your mind was your participation in the Olympics. Now, fast forward only to 24 hours later you find yourself in this horrible condition huddled there with eight of your buddies, your teammates, your friends, and your hands and feet are completely bound, and you’re looking down at a smoking hand grenade that has less than 60 seconds before it explodes and takes you into eternity.

You see what you thought was the most important thing in the world really wasn’t, and now it’s become the farthest thing from your mind. This has always been a vivid example to me as to why it’s imperative that each of us in our lives determine what really is important, not what we sometimes think it is of what it really is. And once we make that determination, then we act upon it immediately without hesitation, without delay, and hopefully, you and I will not let an emergency occur in our lives before we clarify what those priorities are.

Above: A Black September member on the balcony where the hostages were kept; left bottom: an arial view of the Olympic Viallage today, both a neighborhood and student housing; top, right: the Gold Medal design from 1972.

Charles Paddock performing his signature, “Paddock Leap,” in the 1920 Olympic Games, in Antwerp, Belgium.

The first KAs to debut in the Olympics became legends

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

KA made its debut in the 1920 Olympic Games, the Games of the Seventh Modern Olympiad, according to research in the archives of the KA Journal,held in Antwerp Belgium. Not one, but two KAs participated, and medaled, one more than once. Charles Paddock (Beta Sigma–Southern California 1926) took Gold in the Men’s 100 Meter and the Men’s 4 x 100-Meter Hurdles Relay, the Silver in the Men’s 200 Meter. And the other KA represented, Jackson Volney Scholz (Alpha Kappa–Missouri 1916), also took the Gold—as a teammate with Paddock on the 400-meter Hurdles Relay. Both became legendary.

The New York Thunderbolt

Jackson Scholz was born in Michigan, but competed in both races at Mizzou, and at the New York Athletic Club, where he was nicknamed “The New York Thunderbolt.” Scholz had a great competitive record and had victories over all the great sprinters of his era. During his career, at one time or another, he held or tied world records in the 50-, 70-, and 75-yard dashes, and the 100-meter dash. Scholz would go on to win Silver (100 meters) and Gold (200 meters) in Paris in 1924, and would reach the finals, placing fourth in the 200 Meters in Amsterdam 1928.

From his biography on Olympics.com, Scholz was “the first man to reach the final of an individual sprint event at three

separate Olympic Games. In 1920 he was a finalist in the 100m, in 1924 he won the 200m and was second in the 100m, and in 1928 he made the final of the 200m, narrowly missing a fourth Olympic medal. Initially Scholz was placed equal third with Helmut Körnig of Germany, but the judges ruled in favor of a run-off the next day. Scholz had already left the track and begun partying and the next day he was in no shape to run, so he declined the offer.”

He had ten races with Paddock, winning seven and tying another, but the 220 yards in 1925 was surprisingly the only AAU title that he won. Scholz also laid claim to world records at 100 yards, 200 meters, and the 4 x 100-meter relay. Jackson Scholz later became well known as a writer of pulp fiction. The 1981 Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire again made Scholz famous by portraying him as a leading character. Shortly after the movie, when asked how he would like to be remembered, he remarked, “as a winner, a successful runner, a decent writer and a gentleman. And one other thing ... I was fast. I hope they remember I was fast.”

Scholz lived to be 99 years old. Just four years before his death, at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, near where he lived, he appeared in an American Express commercial. He and Ben Cross, the actor who portrayed one of the titular characters in Chariots were filmed. Cross remarked that he beat Scholz in the movie, when in fact he beat the portrayal actor, Brad Davis. Scholz replied, “You didn’t beat me!” and beat Cross to the draw in picking up their tab with his American Express credit card.

The Fastest Man Alive

Before the 1920 Olympics, Paddock had become California sprint champion for the previous three years. He received international recognition with a double victory at the Inter-Allied Games (a competition for the WWI allied nations to compete against each other) in Paris in 1919, and as a lieutenant in the Marines, when he returned home he became the most famous track athlete of the twenties.

According to his Olympic biography, “He had a bouncing stride, high knee action and a famous ‘jump finish.’ He

Gold Medals in Antwerp, 1920

On the obverse, a tall, naked athlete holding in his left hand a palm leaf and a laurel crown, symbols of victory. Behind him, the figure of the Renommée playing the trumpet. In the background, a frieze with a Greek motif and the inscription “VII OLYMPIADE" underneath.

On the reverse, the Antwerp monument, commemorating the legend of Silvius Brabo throwing into the Scheldt the hand of the giant Druon Antigoon, who had been terrorising the river. In the background, the cathedral and port of Antwerp. In the top half, the inscription "ANVERS MCMXX".

The legend says that in Antiquity, this cruel giant forced all vessels on the river to pay a toll. If the captain refused to pay, the giant cut off his hand. The giant spread terror amongst the sailors for many long years, until the day he met Brabo. This courageous Roman soldier dared to take on the giant and succeeded in killing him. As revenge for the victims, he cut off the giant's hand and threw it into the river. This is where the name of the city comes from—”Antwerp” means "thrown hand". A total of 1,250 copies were made: 450 gold medals, 400 silver medals and the same number in bronze medals.

Designer: Josuë Dupon

Composition: 1st Place (Gold; Gilt), 2nd Place (Silver), 3rd Place (Bronze)

Diameter: 60mm

Mint: Coosemans, Bruxelles

Jackson Scholz at the 1928 Olympic Games, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

always wore silk when he ran and, in addition to being a successful journalist, he was his own publicity manager. He thus presented an aura which endeared him to the sporting public and, to satisfy his admirers, that frequently set world records at a variety of odd and seldom contested distances.”

Paddock would place second to Scholz in the 200 meters in 1924, as well as fifth in the 100 meters. In 1928, he also competed in the 200-meter race. He tied several world records in 1921, but his finest performance came two months later when he clocked 10.2 for a 110-yard (100.58 m) race, although this was not accepted at the time as a world record as he had run more than 100m. It wasn’t until 1956 that the shorter distance of 100 meters was clocked at a shorter time than Paddock’s 100.58-meter time.

However, he was dubbed the “Fastest Man Alive.” He appeared in several movies, usually playing himself. He too was portrayed in the Oscarwinning film Chariots of Fire as a brash American—not totally untrue. Paddock was a top aide to USMC Maj. Gen. W. P. Upshur. The two men and four others were killed in a plane crash near Sitka, Alaska, in 1943. He was 42 years old.

Top Right Clockwise: Postcard from the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France, including Scholz and Paddock; first KAs to compete in the Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, 1920, as the U.S. Men’s 4 X 100-Meter Hurdles Team—they won the Gold; the 1924 version of the “Paddock Leap;” Paddock in USC gear in 1920; Sholz inspecting the track in 1928 Amsterdam.

MORAL COMPASS

True Bearings

King of the Gamecocks

BY EDWARD W. MULLINS (RHO–SOUTH CAROLINA ’54)

A.King Dixon II (Rho–South Carolina ‘56) was an accomplished brother of Rho Chapter at the University of South Carolina. King grew up in Laurens, South Carolina, about eighty miles from USC. At Laurens High School he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was a high school All-American in football and in the North Carolina vs. South Carolina Shrine Bowl, he was co-captain and named outstanding player. He was also co-captain of the North team in the all-South Carolina High School North-South game. Also at Laurens, King was an A-student and president of the student body.

Following his high school graduation, King was recruited heavily by several colleges for a football scholarship, and he chose the University of South Carolina. He was chosen

as Most Valuable Player for three straight years. He was selected to the all-Atlantic Coast Conference second team in football and the all-ACC scholastic team his senior year. He was also tri-captain of his team his senior year and was co-captain of the South team in the North-South Shrine Bowl Game in Miami, Florida. A Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society member, King graduated cum laude and was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award his senior year as an outstanding male graduate. He was a member of three sports halls of fame: the State of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina, and Laurens District 55 High School.

After college, he entered the military, and in the fall of 1959, as a Marine lieutenant, he was named by the Washington D.C.

He was a man of strong faith who believed he was God’s servant and to whom he attributed his accomplishments —

”To God be the glory!”

Dixon plows through the defense as a Gamecock in the late 1950s. Credit USC Athletics.

Dixon celebrating a Shrine Bowl victory with future wife Augusta Lee.

Touchdown Club as the Outstanding Armed Forces Player of the Year. King served in the Marines for 22 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served in combat in the Vietnam War as a reconnaissance officer and the Commanding Officer of the First Force Reconnaissance Company. In Vietnam he earned a Bronze Star with combat “V” for Meritorious Service and the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” for Heroic Service, among other decorations. During his time in the Marine Corps, King was honored by the South Carolina General Assembly for “contributions to your state” and by the Senate of Hawaii for “service to youth.”

King’s civilian career following retirement from the Marine Corps included work as Executive Director of the Laurens Family YMCA, as a vice president of The Palmetto Bank, and as Vice President of Alumni Affairs and then Director of Athletics at the University of South Carolina. While King was Director of Athletics, the University of South Carolina joined the Southeastern Conference. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, having been appointed by Governor Henry McMaster (Rho–South Carolina ‘67).

King consistently filled leadership positions focused in particular with youth, civic, and philanthropic service. They included youth athletics; the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster, President of the Local Council, and Silver Beaver Awardee; Dixie Youth Baseball; Rotary International as District Governor with multiple Paul Harris Fellows; the Presbyterian Church as an Elder and Sunday School teacher; Laurens County Chamber of Commerce; the Laurens County Economic Development Corporation; State Street in Laurens; and other service organizations. He was the recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian recognition for a citizen in South Carolina, for contributions and friendship to the state and her people. He was a man of strong faith who

believed he was God’s servant and to whom he attributed his accomplishments—”To God be the glory!”

King was married for more than 60 years to the former Augusta Lee Mason whom he met in the third grade in Laurens and who was a Tri Delta at USC and the KA Rose. Together they had three sons, all of whom are Eagle Scouts. One son, Lee, was Number I at Rho Chapter in 1986. They had four grandchildren, all of whom graduated from the University of South Carolina. They would frequently enjoy family tailgates with the “King of the Gamecocks” and his KA Rose, their grandparents, along with other friends and family at Gamecock football games.

King Dixon was a legend at USC, in South Carolina, a military hero, and a proud, loyal KA.

Fratres Usque ad Aram Fideles.

Rho Chapter Honors Dixon

Rho Chapter at USC hosted a group of alumni for dinner on December 5, 2023, and there they received a plaque honoring King Dixon. Holding the plaque is Walker Draffin, Number V, Turner Woley, Number I, King Dixon’s son, Lee Dixon, (Rho–South Carolina ’85), and George “Flynn” Bowie, Sr. (Rho–South Carolina ’57). The event was arranged by Bowie Edward W. “Ed” Mullins, Jr. (Rho–South Carolina ’54), and Dr. C. Guy Castles III (Rho–South Carolina ’81).

Family gathering to celebrate King and Augusta’s 60th Wedding Anniversary

MODERN GENTLEMEN

Member

highlights from around the Order

Clemson KA Helps Save Two Lives in Fiery Car Wreck

The city of Clemson Police Department awarded their Life-Saving Award to Carles A. Segars III (Delta Omicron–Clemson '22) during a Clemson City Council meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023, for pulling two people from a burning car.

On the evening of September 2, 2023, Segars, a forest resource management junior, and Joseph Pope, a mechanical engineering junior, were headed home when they came upon a wrecked car.

They approached the car, knocked on the window, and through the smoke and airbags, they could see the driver could not open their door from the inside. The duo retrieved a hammer from their vehicle, broke the driver’s window, and pulled him out of his seat and into Segar’s truck bed.

They then saw through the smoke Sophia Vega, a sophomore biochemistry major, who was unconscious on the passenger side. Despite flames coming out of the passenger

North Alabama Provisional Chapter Volunteers at Animal Shelter

Members of the North Alabama Provisional Chapter recently took time away from their studies to give back to the local community. The chapter reached out to Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services to ask if they had anything they needed to get done. In addition to cleaning and some manual labor, the brothers also walked dogs and played with cats.

“They’ve done a tremendous job,” Animal Services Executive Director Cheryl Jones said. “There was a lot of physical labor they helped us with. They helped us get a lot of things in the dumpster.”

side, the two broke the window, unlocked the door, and pulled Vega out of the car.

Police and EMTs arrived and after resuscitating and stabilizing Vega, transported her via helicopter to Greenville Memorial Hospital. Despite breaking her leg, ankle, shoulder, and spine and having her colon split in half by her seat belt, Vega was able to thank her rescuers.

Ian Lacy and Ryan Huffman petting a dog.

Photo by Bernie Delinski/Times Daily.

Valdosta State Holds Annual Convivium

The Delta Rho Chapter at Valdosta State held a Convivium on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Valdosta Country Club in Valdosta, Georgia. Councilor L. Blair Bailey (Gamma Eta–Florida State '88) drove up from Tallahassee, Florida, to give a State of the Order address, share some stories of personal connection to Delta Rho Chapter, and give the Convivium Toast. More than 80 brothers and guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship with a plated meal, chapter update, and live music by a local band.

Eastern Kentucky Hosts 5K to Benefit International Needs and Education Foundation

The Delta Mu Chapter at Eastern Kentucky University co-hosted the Legacy of Hope Restored 5K on April 27, 2024. Held at White Hall State Park in Richmond, Kentucky, all proceeds from the event benefited Legacy of Hope Restored (LHR), a U.S.-based nonprofit that works to feed, educate, and mentor the economically poor and marginalized through meaningful partnerships with schools and organizations in the communities they serve. They currently help support two programs empowering children and their families in

Cartagena, Colombia, and Mendoza, Argentina.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Run/Walk for Hope 5k,” a post on the chapter’s Instagram account read. “Your support made a world of difference. The turnout was incredible, and together we raised a substantial amount of money for an amazing cause. We would also like to give a special shoutout to the 87 runners that showed up and competed last Saturday.”

The event was well attended by undergraduate brothers and friends as well as KA alumni and their families. Jared E. Messenger (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ’99) and his wife, Jennifer, co-founded the Legacy of Hope Restored in 2012, and Josh I. Hale (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ’00), President of the Legacy of Hope Restored Board, was involved in planning and promoting the 5K.

West Texas A&M

Senior Named Greek Man of the Year

Bryson J. Loveday (Gamma Sigma–West Texas A&M '21), a senior accounting major from Canyon, Texas, was named Greek Man of the Year at the April 19 All-University Honors Ceremony. This award is presented to a student at West Texas A&M who has represented the best of Greek life and pushed others to improve Greek life while helping the community through community service and hosting philanthropy events.

Bryson served as Number II and Number IV, and is currently serving Number I.

“My time in KA has taught me that mistakes are okay and perfection is unlikely, but with some hard work and humility to admit those mistakes I can achieve Excellence within my peers and community,” Bryson commented.

Bryson’s girlfriend and the chapter Rose, Zapryce Johnson, also won Greek Woman of the Year.

Member highlights from around the Order

East Carolina Brother Is New SGA President

By Rick Moore

Anderson Ward (Gamma Rho–East Carolina '21), a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business marketing, has been elected this year’s Student Body President of the Student Government Association (SGA). Ward has already been deeply involved in various leadership positions in KA, serving as Number I and Number IV, as well as the Director of Marketing and Communications for ECU’s Student Government Association (SGA).

Ward is serving a term that slightly overlaps two school years. “I was officially sworn in at the beginning of April,” he said from Greenville, North Carolina, the home of ECU, where he is spending the summer even though he is a native of Raleigh. “My term started then, and it will go through the beginning of March of next year. So during that 12-month period I’m required to be here on campus, I have a certain amount of office hours I have to meet. But I’m around anyway, meeting with people in other departments around ECU and figuring out what we can and can’t accomplish during my term. It’s been exciting, it’s been great so far. I’m in charge of this fall’s graduating class as well as next spring’s graduating class.”

Ward’s vice-president is Ava Barefoot (Alpha Phi-East Carolina University ’22), a North Carolina General Assembly Senate Intern and longtime acquaintance of Ward and his family. “Ava and I have actually been talking about this since our freshman year of college,” Ward said. “It’s a great opportunity for both of us, we’ve always had leadership positions during our first couple years of college.”

Anderson Ward’s choice of ECU and his involvement in KA isn’t something that was haphazardly considered, however, as he is from a long line of family members who are also ECU grads and KA brothers. Beginning with his father, Joseph C. Ward III (Gamma Rho-East Carolina University ’76), Anderson’s membership is on the heels of his two older brothers, former SGA president Chandler Ward (Gamma RhoEast Carolina University ’18) and Joseph C. Ward IV (Gamma Rho-East Carolina University ’15).

“ECU is the only college I applied to,” he said. “My father and two older brothers

were all KAs in the Gamma Rho Chapter, so this is very much a family thing. Every male in my family has been through KA at ECU, and they’ve all done tremendous things. I look up to them every single day. They’ve done so much for me, and I wanted to continue on with the legacy, to follow in their footsteps, to push myself, to step up and contribute, the same way they have for so many years now. It’s one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made, it was a great choice, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Photos by ECU News Services

Washington and Lee Brother Named 2024 Valedictorian

Peyton Marshall Pack (Kappa Alpha–Washington & Lee '21) was one of ten students named as valedictorians of the 2024 graduating class at Washington & Lee University. Each earned a final grade point average of 4.0.

Peyton, of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in philosophy. As a rising junior, Pack was selected by a faculty committee for the L.K. Johnson Rosasco Scholarship, awarded to business and accounting students who demonstrate integrity, initiative, independence, self-discipline, drive, and leadership. He served as the general secretary for Mock Convention 2024, an industrial group analyst with the W&L Real Estate Society, and a member of the Outing Club. As a varsity football player, Pack was selected as the 2023 ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Auburn Singer-Songwriter Releases First Full-Length Album

On May 17, 2024, River House Artists’ Southern Rock–inspired singer-songwriter Reid Haughton (Nu–Auburn ’17) released his debut album, Higher Than 9, available everywhere now. Built on a punchy, edgy mix of Southern rock, country, blues, and soul, the album features nine tracks produced by Sadler Vaden (the Grammy-winning guitarist for Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and producer of Haughton’s self-titled EP). The songs have a down-home feel, pulling Haughton’s soulful twang front and center. Exuding swampy country rock energy, this project exemplifies the sound synonymous with Haughton’s name. Haughton also dropped an eye-catching visualizer for the title track in celebration of the album.

“All of the songs on Higher Than 9 reflect my journey, heavily influenced by experiences on the road and built for live performances,” says Haughton. “I think there is something for everyone on this record, ranging from barn burners to love songs. We poured our hearts into these tunes and hope they bring you as much joy as they do us.”

Last year, Haughton released his self-titled debut EP, which included the previously released singles “Day You Don’t,” “She Is,” and “Can’t Please ‘Em All.” Hailing from small-town Haleyville, Alabama, just an hour from Muscle Shoals, he is steeped in the area’s musical history. He mixes contemporary Country melodies with

modern Southern rock–inspired vocals.

Shaped by his father’s vast taste in music, Haughton’s influences include everyone from Lynyrd Skynyrd to the Grateful Dead. Using powerful vocals and inspiring guitar work, Haughton’s sound appeals to Southern rockers and country fans alike.

This spring, Haughton opened for Whiskey Myers, 49 Winchester, and Southall. For upcoming shows and more information, visit reidhaughton.com.

Photo by Emma Kate Golden courtesy of River House Artists.

Member highlights from around the Order

Zeta Omicron Chapter

Celebrates

20th Anniversary

The Southern Indiana Alumni Chapter hosted Convivium and the Zeta Omicron Chapter 20th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Evansville Country Club. Nearly 90 brothers and guests were in attendance.

Keynote speakers Jared Madison and Jeff Clark, founding fathers of Zeta Omicron Chapter, spoke about the early days and how they are impressed that it has grown to so many people.

McNeese State Senior Wins Mr. Greek Award

Vaterrial D. “JR” Cooper, Jr. (Delta Xi–McNeese State ’21) recently received the 2023–2024 Mr. Greek Award.

From Maurice, Louisiana, JR is pursuing a degree in Accounting at McNeese State University. JR has served as Number VIII (Sergeant-At-Arms), Number VII (Parliamentarian), and Number VI (Purser) along with other duties to assist in our chapter’s many successes. Beyond his chapter, he has served as IFC treasurer and as Greek Week Chair on the Greek Unity Board. Additionally, Alpha Delta Pi recognized JR as their King of Diamonds.

“My journey with Kappa Alpha Order has been transformative, teaching me to push beyond my perceived limits of excellence,” JR commented. “I owe much of my success to the unwavering support of my brothers, who have provided me with countless opportunities to grow and thrive and the values we all hold.”

“For me, I think there was a sense of success in the air throughout the night,” commented Alumni Chapter President Ben Hirschauer and lead planner for the event. “ZO is special. Our Alumni are engaged in making the chapter better.”

As a capstone to the celebration, the Southern Indiana Alumni Association voted unanimously to rename its Alumnus of the Year Award in honor of longtime Zeta Omicron Alumnus Advisor LTC Thomas R. Murray (Delta Nu–Murray State ’69).

JR Cooper and fellow KA brothers from Delta Xi Chapter.

Memphis Alumni Golf Tournament Raises $50k for American Cancer Society

On May 3, the Memphis Alumni Chapter hosted the Inaugural Cliff Davis & Jeff Smith Memorial Golf Classic benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer program.

“I’m happy to announce that we were able to achieve our goal of raising $50,000,” Jacob W. “Jake” Warren (Gamma Gamma–Memphis '14) commented. “It was such a great day that was much better than any of us imagined it would be. We had 26 teams (104 players) participate in the tournament. Also in attendance were the families of both Cliff and Jeff, local KA alumni from a variety of chapters, undergraduate members of Gamma Gamma chapter, several staff members of the American Cancer Society, and a strong group of volunteers (spouses of the players).”

The tournament was held a few miles south of Memphis at Hernando Golf & Racquet Club in Hernando, Mississippi. Registration kicked off at 10 a.m., followed by a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by Hal Peyton and a Whiskey Putt that featured more than 60 bottles of various bourbons. Each were a huge hit. A brief opening ceremony was held at noon where Drew DePriest welcomed all in attendance, David Nanney shared a few words about Cliff & Jeff and how much this tournament would have meant to them, and Nick Ciupak from the American Cancer Society thanked everyone for helping make this event possible. There were some side contests featured during the tournament. A 2024 Chevy Trailblazer was donated by All-Star Chevrolet as the prize for the hole-in-one contest winner and Delta Airlines donated flight vouchers as the prize for the longest drive. We also held a silent auction that featured 30 different items, including autographed memorabilia, tickets to concerts and sporting events, vacation packages, and more. The tournament wrapped up around 5 p.m. with an award ceremony followed by an afterparty with a live band that continued into the night.

“None of this would have been possible without the alumni brothers who served on the event board with me: David Nanney, Art Kuntzman, Chris Parish, Derek Haynie, Drew DePriest, Joel Thomas, John Strange, Preston Hudson, Seann Davidson, and Terry Trim,” Jake Warren said.

Photos by Autumn Garcia.

Centenary Chapter Wins Beef Division in College’s Culinary Competition

Active Members of the Alpha Iota Chapter at Centenary College won the beef division of the college’s Beast Feast on April 27, 2024. The annual event is a unique, festivalstyle culinary event featuring wild game, seafood, and other “off the menu” items prepared by local backyard chefs and popular restaurateurs. All proceeds from the event support student scholarships.

Photos courtesy of Centenary College of Louisiana

CLOSE QUARTERS

Chapter House Stories

New Home for the Rebels

Construction Underway at Ole Miss for the Largest KA House in History

By Rick Moore

The University of Mississippi is a legendary school in America for a number of reasons, and in about a year there will be one more: it will be the home of the largest KA House, and maybe one of the largest fraternity houses overall, in the nation. Ground was broken last fall for the construction of the new Alpha Upsilon house at Ole Miss, which is literally across the street from the current house. With construction expected to be finished in the summer of 2025, and a total budget ringing up somewhere in the vicinity of $21 million, the new three-story house will feature many of today’s most modern amenities in 41,000 square feet of space, with 80 bedrooms and kitchen facilities to provide hundreds of meals a day to scores of hungry brothers.

Joseph T. “Joe” Getz (Alpha Upsilon– Mississippi ’78) is not just a KA brother, but is also the president of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter House Corporation, which supervises budgets and capital distribution relating to the housing needs of the chapter. Not only does he hold this position with the Corporation, but he also serves as the president of the Memphis-based law firm of Evans Petree PC. His practice

specializes in all areas of construction law, making him a perfect fit for his Corporation role.

Getz said when Trey Horne (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’02), the chapter alumni advisor, asked for his assistance, he was more than willing to lend his expertise. “They had been trying for years to get something off the ground,” he said. “I’m a lawyer but what I do is commercial construction projects, I get projects off the ground, negotiate contracts, handle lawsuits, construction disputes, and more. So this is kind of my world every day, and the chapter asked me to get involved and I said I was happy to help.”

“The new house is going to be state-of-the-art,” Getz said, with a hint of both fraternal and fatherly pride in his voice. “Electronic locking systems, security safety cameras, commercial wi-fi, fire sprinklers, state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, a fully dedicated room that all 300 men can meet in chapter together. It’s basically like managing a big multifamily apartment building. We’ve got finishes that are super durable,

finished concrete floors for college boys who tend to mess things up for party events and whatnot. We’ve accounted for all that. A big patio area where we’ll have our events and social functions. The house will feature a study café where the boys can take their lunch or dinner and study. The house includes a large game room, and during games we have a 120-inch video wall where everybody on Saturday can

watch the ball games and hang out. Large outdoor porches with ceiling fans where you can eat or entertain and a huge storage area. It’s going to be massive.”

While Getz is credited with spearheading the project, he’s quick to offer praise and thanks to other KA brothers as well when it comes to handing out recognition for making this project a reality.

“Trey Horne was critical for his knowledge of chapter and house operations,” he said. “David Martineau (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’88) can’t go without being mentioned. He was totally instrumental in this, and his involvement on the national executive council is a big deal. A lot of people have been involved and did a great job. We put together a fundraising effort that has been led by Jon Turner (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’75), who’s done a fantastic job of leading that effort. I’ve been

able to mostly focus on the construction and have not had to deal too much with the fundraising. We got a good group of guys working through it, and we had great response for support across a lot of generations, even some brothers over 90 years old have donated.”

Getz’s son, Brennan Getz (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’21), was a resident last year in the existing house. While he loves the new KA house being built right across the street, he said it’s a little bittersweet watching the construction.

“We love our current house, it’s great,” he said. “But with this new house we’ll be able to do so much more, have so many more events and just really come together and hang out. Just having a larger place to meet is going to be special because our current house just can’t fit all of us. But just seeing it built, and how cool it’s going to be, it kind of upsets me a

little because I’m graduating in May 2025 and it won’t be done until August of 2025. But I’ll make it back for an event or something. I’m definitely planning on visiting.”

Mills Murphy (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’21) is Alpha Upsilon’s current Number I. “I’m really happy for the guys that will be living in it,” he said. “It’s been in the works for a while, but when the ground finally broke it was like, This is real, here it comes. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait to see what it looks like. They’re flying on the construction, it’s just shooting up, it’s huge already.

I’m hoping I can put a hard hat on and walk over there pretty soon.”

Brennan Getz and Murphy probably aren’t alone in wishing they were going to get to live in the house. “If somebody is a freshman or sophomore right now they will end up in that house,” Joe Getz said, before joking that “but we have some guys that want to stay longer now.”

Once construction of the new Kappa Alpha house is complete, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity will move into the existing Kappa Alpha house.

OUR ORDER

Courts of Honor

News, Notes & Recognition

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.

Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Royal Oaks Country in Dallas, Texas

• Eric J. Doyal (Epsilon Delta–Texas A&M ’03)

• Robert D. “Bob” Fletcher (Delta Omega–Baylor ’77)

• Craig Ryan Goodgion (Delta Iota–TexasArlington ’87)

• Dr. Thomas Charles “Tommy” Harrison, DDS (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’72)

• Mark Blair Holmes (Xi–Southwestern ’89)

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

• Clay Anthony Rawls (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’83)

• Bennie Schiro (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’97)

• Kelly R. Williamson (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’86)

Frampton

Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina

• King V. Aiken, Jr. (Kappa–Mercer ‘83)

• Christopher W. Barnhill (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ‘11)

• R. Wade Boals (Delta Epsilon–Newberry ‘83)

• deTreville F. Bowers, Jr. (Delta–Wofford ‘71)

• F. G. Delleney, Jr. (Theta Commission–Citadel ‘16)

• Joseph C. Good III (Rho–South Carolina ‘93)

• D. Lee Kieser, Jr. (Beta Pi–Presbyterian ‘07)

• Matthew T. Mandeville (Beta Rho–Roanoke ‘12)

• Norman L. Moore, Jr. (Theta Commission–Citadel ‘17)

• C. Andrew Mowlajko (Delta Omicron–Clemson ‘05)

• Jason D. Newton (Delta Tau–Francis Marion ‘99)

• Thomas B. Pritchard (Rho–South Carolina ‘86)

• J. West Summers III (Delta–Wofford ‘81)

Candler

Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Malone’s Lansdowne, in Lexington, Kentucky

• Cooper W. Carroll (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ‘17)

• Joshua I. Hale (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ‘00)

• John Richard Hutchings IV (Theta–Kentucky ‘77)

• John E. Pfingston (Alpha Theta–Transylvania ‘04)

• Jason S. Smith (Delta Eta–Arkansas State ‘94)

• James W. Wheeler II (Delta Mu–Eastern Kentucky ‘94) Dunwody

Dunwody

Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Indian Hills Country Club in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

• Chuck Beech (Epsilon Alpha–South Alabama ‘80)

• Ethan Clemons (Delta Phi–Jacksonville State ‘17)

• Brad Cooper (Nu–Auburn ‘05)

• Caleb Lambert (Epsilon Alpha–South Alabama ‘18)

• Tyler Reynolds (Nu–Auburn ‘11)

• Dr. William Vandervoort (Alpha Beta–Alabama ‘06)

awards for chapter excellenece

for activities in 2023, awarded in 2024

George C. Marshall Award for Chapter Excellence

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

California–Alpha Xi

• Fall 23 – 3.8093, ranked 1/22 on campus

• Spring 24 – 3.11

• Second Highest overall yearly GPA in the Order

• 24 brothers with a 4.0 GPA in Spring or Fall

• 89 active members

• 80% of brothers inducted into Council of Honor

• 11 educational sessions

• 93% Initiation Ratio

• Largest chapter on campus

• 34% year-over-year growth

• 142 pints of blood donated at blood drive

• 33 hours per man

• 80% involved in another campus organization

• 23 members on a sports team

• 2 intramural championships

• Hosted an event for 100th anniversary of chapter house

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

• Fall 23 – 3.095, ranked 1/22 on campus

• Spring 24 – 3.809

• 33 brothers with a 4.0 GPA in Spring or Fall

• 302 active members

• 15 educational programs

• Largest KA pledge class ever of 104 members

o With 100% retention

• Members raised $18,000 for cleanup of Rolling Fork Tornadoes

o Also sent members to assist with cleanup efforts

• $303 per man donated

• Track Chair Donation through The Independence Fund

• 81% involved in outside student organizations

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

• Fall 23 – 3.42, ranked 1/24 on campus

• Spring 24 – 3.451, ranked 1/24 on campus

• 24 brothers with a 4.0 GPA in Spring or Fall

o 32% of the chapter

• 74 active members

• 17 educational programs

• 3 members who are Stewards of the Order

• 19 service hours per member

• Recognized on Campus as the chapter with the “Most Presidents of Non-Greek Student Organizations”

• 83% of members involved in another campus organization

Stanford–Alpha Pi

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha

Texas Tech—Gamma Chi

Samuel Zenas Ammen Award for Chapter Excellence

The Samuel Zenas Ammen Award for Chapter Excellence is awarded to chapters that are in the top 15–20% in the Order based on the applications received. They strive to be the best on campus and in the nation in every aspect of chapter operations.

California–Alpha Xi

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Tulsa–Mu

Westminster–Alpha Eta

Carl Albert Award for Chapter Improvement

The Carl Albert Award for Chapter Improvement is awarded to one to three chapters annually. It is named for former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carl Albert (Beta Eta–Oklahoma '29).

Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

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

National Scholarship Trophy

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

Stanford–Alpha Pi (3.7585 GPA)

Scholastic Excellence Award (3.25+)

Both Fall 2022 & Spring 2023

Arkansas–Alpha Omicron (3.277 Fall and 3.316 Spring)

California–Alpha Xi (3.8093 Fall and 3.707 Spring)

Emory–Epsilon (3.488 Fall and 3.490 Spring)

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Tulsa–Mu

Georgia Tech–Alpha Sigma

(3.38 Fall and 3.335 Spring)

Georgia–Gamma

(3.42 Fall and 3.440 Spring)

Maryland–Beta Kappa

(3.31 Fall and 3.386 Spring)

Mercer–Kappa Alpha

(3.358 Fall and 3.338 Spring)

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha (Fall and 3.451 Spring)

Nevada–Zeta Delta

(3.42 Fall and Spring)

Richmond–Eta

(3.45 Fall and 3.500 Spring)

South Carolina–Rho

(3.37 Fall and 3.390 Spring)

Southern California–Beta Sigma (3.73 Fall and 3.701 Spring)

Stanford–Alpha Pi

(3.751 Fall and 3.766 Spring)

Texas–Omicron

(3.57 Fall and 3.58 Spring)

Tulane–Psi

(3.322 Fall and 3.368 Spring)

Tulsa–Mu

(3.54 Fall and 3.600 Spring)

Vanderbilt–Chi

(3.679 Fall and 3.665 Spring)

Virginia–Lambda (3.5968 Fall and 3.644 Spring)

Wake Forest–Tau

(3.6 Fall and 3.628 Spring)

Washington & Lee–Kappa Alpha (3.52 Fall and 3.42 Spring)

William & Mary–Alpha Zeta

(3.358 Fall and 3.434 Spring)

William Jewell–Alpha Delta (3.46 Fall and 3.36 Spring)

Fall

2022

Arkansas-Fort Smith–Zeta Rho (3.318)

Centenary–Alpha Iota (3.357)

Duke–Alpha Phi (3.91)

Florida Gulf Coast–Zeta Pi (3.32)

Oklahoma Provisional (3.2704)

Spring 2023

Baylor–Delta Omega (3.37)

Clemson–Delta Omicron (3.289)

Drury–Beta Iota (3.35)

Florida–Beta Zeta (3.36)

Louisiana Tech–Gamma Alpha (3.3)

Louisiana-Monroe–Gamma Nu (3.284)

Middle Tennessee State–Delta Lambda (3.29)

Nicholls State–Epsilon Beta (3.343)

North Carolina–Upsilon (3.579)

Oklahoma State–Beta Xi (3.392)

Rhodes–Alpha Epsilon (3.357)

Texas A&M–Epsilon Delta (3.257)

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Westminster–Alpha Eta

(3.506)

Western Kentucky–Epsilon Theta (3.315)

Westminster–Alpha Eta (3.252)

Wofford–Delta (3.27)

Academic Achievement Award

(3.0–3.24)

Both Fall 2022 and Spring 2023

Alabama–Alpha Beta

Arizona State–Epsilon Omega

Auburn–Nu

Florida State–Gamma Eta

Hampden-Sydney–Alpha Tau

High Point–Zeta Phi

Miami–Epsilon Lambda

Millsaps–Alpha Mu

Missouri–Alpha Kappa

North Carolina-Wilmington–Epsilon Psi

North Florida–Zeta Nu

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha

Southern Illinois–Zeta Sigma

Southwestern–Xi

Univ. of the South–Alpha Alpha

Virginia Tech–Epsilon Eta

Fall 2022

Austin Peay State–Zeta Tau

Baylor–Delta Omega

Charleston–Beta Gamma

Clemson–Delta Omicron

Drury–Beta Iota

Florida–Beta Zeta

Georgia College–Epsilon Nu

Louisiana Tech–Gamma Alpha

Louisiana-Monroe–Gamma Nu

Marshall–Beta Upsilon

Middle Tennessee State–Delta Lambda

Oklahoma State–Beta Xi

Texas A&M–Epsilon Delta

Western Kentucky–Epsilon Theta

Wofford–Delta

Spring 2023

Arizona–Gamma Epsilon

Arkansas State–Delta Eta

Arkansas–Fort Smith–Zeta Rho

Arkansas-Monticello–Epsilon Chi

Birmingham-Southern–Phi

Centenary–Alpha Iota

Coastal Carolina–Zeta Omega

Colorado–Zeta Alpha

Eastern Kentucky–Delta Mu

Jacksonville State–Delta Phi

Kentucky–Theta

News, Notes & Recognition

Louisiana State–Alpha Gamma

Oklahoma Provisional

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

Randolph-Macon–Zeta

Roanoke–Beta Rho

San Diego State–Gamma Iota

Southeastern Louisiana–Epsilon Kappa

Tennessee Tech–Zeta Epsilon

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

West Florida Provisional

West Georgia–Zeta Kappa

West Texas A&M–Gamma Sigma

West Virginia Wesleyan–Beta Chi

Western Carolina Provisional

PROJECT OUTREACH AWARDS

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

Knight Commander’s Cup

Awarded to the chapter with the best overall effort in Operation Crimson Gift, the Order’s blood drive initiative. Unfortunately, restrictions on campus again prevented chapters from actively participating in blood drives during 2022.

California–Alpha Xi

Florida Gulf Coast–Zeta Pi

Outstanding Dollars per Man

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon ($303.50 per man)

Tulsa–Mu ($194 per man)

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha ($200.75 per man)

Westminster–Alpha Eta ($279.14 per man)

Transylvania–Alpha Theta ($114 per man)

McNeese State–Delta Xi ($1,111 per man)

CHAPTER OPERATIONS AWARDS

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

Excellence in Marketing and Advertising

Whether it is an event or yearlong plan, these chapters utilize several forms of marketing and advertising to promote membership, fundraising, or otherwise the KA experience at their campus.

California–Alpha Xi

Florida Gulf Coast–Zeta Pi

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Oklahoma State–Beta Xi

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Tulsa–Mu

West Florida Provisional

Westminster–Alpha Eta

Excellence in Correspondence

These chapters regularly and effectively communicate with various constituencies on their campus, within their alumni, and throughout KA.

California–Alpha Xi

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Oklahoma–Beta Eta

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

West Florida Provisional

Excellence in Educational Programming

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

California–Alpha Xi

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

Tulsa–Mu

Outstanding

Recruitment & Chapter Growth

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

California–Alpha Xi

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri–Beta Alpha

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Excellence in Chapter Finance

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

California–Alpha Xi

Stanford–Alpha Pi

Three Chapters Return

Epsilon Sigma Chapter

University of West Florida

Date: October 13, 2023

Location: Hilton Pensacola Beach in Pensacola Beach, Florida

Initiates: 32

GPA: Spring 2023 – 3.08

Since the provisional chapter was established on September 27, 2021, members of the provisional chapter have been involved with philanthropy and service efforts within the Pensacola community and on campus. Throughout the course of the last academic year, the members have completed an estimated 565 hours of service with organizations including Keep Pensacola Clean and participated in various blood drives. The chapter has raised more than $1,400 for the Independence Fund and MDA. Members of the UWF Provisional Chapter are involved on campus in various clubs and organizations. Organizations for which members serve on an executive board include the Interfraternity Council, Campus Activity Board, Freshman Orientation Board, and E-sports Club. Other organizations in which members participate include Lacrosse Club, STEM Scholars, Jiu-Jitsu Club, Argo First Living Community, UWF Singers, Orientation Leaders, and Esports.

Initiatives: October 6 and 7 on campus at West Florida by members of the Zeta Nu Chapter at the University of North Florida.

Beta Eta Chapter

University of Oklahoma

Date: October 14, 2023

Location: The Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Initiates: 59

GPA: Spring 2023 – 3.24

Since the provisional chapter was established on September 25, 2022, members of the provisional chapter have been involved with philanthropy and service efforts within the Norman community and on campus. Throughout the course of the last academic year, the members have completed an estimated 1,200 of service with organizations including the BIG Event. The chapter has raised more than $1,100 for The Independence Fund. Members of the OU Provisional Chapter are involved on campus in various clubs and organizations. Organizations for which members serve on an executive board include the American Indian Student Association, ESports Club, German Club, Interfraternity Council, Pre-Law Society, and Student Mobilization (STUMO). Other organizations in which members participate include Art Club, Asian American Student Association, Camp Crimson, Club Baseball, Economics Club, Honors Student Association, Mexican American Student Association, OU Marketing Team, ROTC, and the Transfer Student Club.

Initiatives: October 11 and 12 on campus in the Thurman J. White Forum Building by members of the Beta Xi Chapter at Oklahoma State University and the Beta Iota Chapter at Drury University.

Delta Alpha Chapter

Western Carolina University

Date: March 16, 2024

Location: A.K. Hinds University Center on campus, in Cullowhee, N.C.

Initiates: 31

GPA: Fall 2023 – 3.18

Since the provisional chapter was established on September 17, 2022, members of the provisional chapter have been involved with philanthropy and service efforts within the Cullowhee community and on campus. Throughout the course of the last academic year, the members have completed 216 hours of service in the communities of Sylva and Cullowhee. The chapter has raised $600 for The Independence Fund. Members of the Provisional Chapter are involved on campus in various clubs and organizations. A member serves on the executive board of the Soccer Club. Other organizations in which members participate include Business Club, Construction Management Club, Engineering Club, and Student Government Association.

Initiatives: Friday, March 15 at the Asheville Masonic Temple by members of the Epsilon Sigma Chapter at the University of West Florida and members of the National Administrative Staff.

As of publication, the Order has installed one new chapter and restored two additional chapters two good standing: Eta Alpha at Ohio State University, Beta Epsilon at the University of Delaware, and Epsilon Iota at Texas State University. They will be highlighted in the next issue.

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.

Locke W. “Skip” Smith, Jr.

Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ‘80

CONFERRED: August 10, 2024, by Knight Commander King V. Aiken, Jr., during the Delta Alpha Chapter 60th Anniversary at the Waynesville Inn in Waynesville, N.C.

Skip graduated as a member of the final graduating class of Lenoir High where he lettered in football, wrestling, and baseball. He was also a Morehead scholarship nominee, the first merit scholarship program established in the United States.

After he graduated from Western Carolina University, he joined his father to help run their textile business. In addition to his job, he was busy coaching a Little League Baseball team for many years and becoming involved in activities that involved one of his favorite subjects—the Civil War.

During this time Skip also returned to school, earned a teaching degree, and became a middle school business teacher. He went on to get his master’s degree and became a National Board-Certified teacher. He also spent many years coaching the middle school football team. He retired in 2023.

Skip has stayed involved with Delta Alpha Chapter since his initiation in 1980. He has worked with the chapter housing corporation and the Active and Alumni Chapter. He has been the Secretary for the Cullowhee Alumni Chapter since 2017 and is a member of the Smith Province Court of

Skip, a devoted family man, is married to Tina, and is father to Thomas, Savannah, Jackson, and Amanda. He has three grandchildren, Quinn, Talyn, and

Donors Celebrate the Crimson & the Gold in Napa Valley

On May 16, 2024, the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF) held their annual Crimson & Gold Society Dinner in the KA Wine Cave at Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga, California. The night of fun and fellowship included live music and artfully paired Excelsior Napa Valley wine.

Brandon Chaney, a member of Sigma Chi and Chief Executive Officer of Fairwinds Estate Winery, was presented with a Certificate of Commendation from Kappa Alpha Order and the KAOEF for his development of the Excelsior Wine Program. Dan Shaver, a member of Sigma Chi and President and CEO of Affinity Licensing, was presented with the Order’s Accolade for Interfraternal Service for his contributions to the Greek Industry by providing trademark licensing and brand management solutions.

To learn more about the Crimson & Gold Society, and how you can join 1,000 KAs and friends that annually give $1,000 unrestricted to the KAOEF, visit KAcrimsonandgold.org.

Western Carolina Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Seventy-eight KAs, their spouses/ girlfriends, five representatives from WCU, and the Executive Director and Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order gathered at Waynesville Inn for the weekend of August 9–11, 2024, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Delta Alpha Chapter at Western Carolina.

The weekend started with many brothers playing golf on Friday followed by the Friday evening cookout. Saturday started with more golf for many, while others visited downtown Waynesville or made the short trip to Cullowhee. The evening’s festivities included a program, delicious meal, and music by Steve Weams and the Caribbean Cowboys.

Delta Alpha Chapter was blessed to be able to share Saturday’s events with the Kappa Alpha Order’s Knight Commander King V. Aiken, Jr., and his wife Ellen, and Executive Director Larry Wiese and his wife Dawn. Representatives from WCU included Chancellor Kelli Brown, Special Campaign Advisor Jamie Raynor, Vice Chancellor of Advancement Ben Pendry, Director of Alumni Engagement Stacy Miller, and Director of Athletics Alex Gary.

Locke W. "Skip" Smith, Jr. '80 was bestowed the Knight Commander's Accolade by Knight Commander King V. Aiken, the highest individual honor an alumnus can receive, and he presented five Delta Alpha brothers with a Certificate of Honor including Mike Dillard '82, Tommy White '85, Jace Stowe '81, Bobby Byrd '71, and Brian Davis '79.

Scenes from the Delta Alpha 60th including a golf outing, decade photos, Certificates of Honor, and an address from the Chancellor, Dr. Kelli Brown.

Order Recognizes Kentucky Chief Justice and Former Tennessee House Majority Leader

The Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes members who have demonstrated public service by serving in local, state, or federal government and is granted by a majority vote of the Executive Council.

Hon. Laurance Browning VanMeter (Chi–Vanderbilt ’77)

Presented: April 13, 2024, during Candler Court of Honor at Malone’s Landsdowne in Lexington, Kentucky

Laurance VanMeter was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in November 2016 from the 5th Appellate District. Upon taking office on January 2, 2017, he became just the third Justice to have served at all four levels of the Kentucky unified court system. His fellow justices elected him as Chief Justice of the Commonwealth for a fouryear term that started in January 2023.

Prior to being elected to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice VanMeter served thirteen years as a Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, having been elected

in November 2003, and being re-elected unopposed in 2006 and 2014.

Chief Justice VanMeter received his undergraduate degree with a major in history in 1980 from Vanderbilt University, and his J.D. in 1983 from the University of Kentucky College of Law. More recently, he earned an LL.M. degree, May 2020, from Duke University School of Law and, in July 2020, was elected to The American Law Institute.

Chief Justice VanMeter practiced law with the Lexington firm of Stoll, Keenon & Park from 1983 to 1994. From 1994 to 1999, he served as a judge of the Fayette District Court, 22nd District, Division 1. Chief Justice VanMeter was appointed and then elected to the Fayette Circuit Court bench in 1999 on which he served until his election to the Court of Appeals.

He is a member of Christ Church Cathedral. Chief Justice VanMeter is married to Fayette Circuit Judge, Lucy A. VanMeter. His late wife, Lucy Bryans VanMeter, and he are the parents of four children.

Hon. Gerald D. McCormick II (Pi–Tennessee '82)

Presented: August 27, 2024, during a reception at the Hillwood Country Club in Nashville, Tennessee.

Gerald McCormick served in several leadership positions, including his role as

House Majority Leader and as Chairman of the Budget Subcommittee of House Finance, Ways and Means. He carried most of then-Governor Bill Haslam’s legislation in the House and is particularly proud of passing the Tennessee Promise, which gives every Tennessee high school graduate the opportunity to get a twoyear degree or certificate free of tuition and fees. He was also very involved in passing the Market Regulation Act of 2009 and the IMPROVE Act that increased investment in our infrastructure while offsetting the new revenue with the largest tax cut in Tennessee’s history.

Gerald joined The Ingram Group after his retirement from the Tennessee General Assembly.

His community involvement has included serving on the boards of the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Blood Assurance, Big Ridge Elementary School PTA, and the Tennessee State Museum Foundation Board. Gerald also completed the Leadership Tennessee program and remains active in the organization.

He is a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Specialist in the First Gulf War. He attended public schools in Memphis and graduated from The University of Tennessee –Knoxville where he met his wife, Dr. Kimberly McCormick, before moving to Chattanooga and later to Nashville. They have two daughters and a granddaughter.

Left to right: Feller Province Commander Nick Palmer, KAOEF Life Trustee Lynn Greer, McCormick, Councilor Malcolm Liles, and Executive Director Larry Stanton Wiese.

VanMeter

Third Grandson of Former Knight Commander Dreyer Initiated

John Emerson “Jeb” Brysacz (Alpha Pi–Stanford '24), grandson of Former Knight Commander William E. Dreyer (Alpha Delta–William Jewel '57) was initiated into the Order on Monday, March 25, 2024. Members of the National Staff initiated Brysacz at the Argyle Club in San Antonio, Texas. Dreyer and his two other KA grandsons, J.D. Norris (Delta Omicron–Clemson '15) and Will Norris (Alpha Delta–William Jewel '16), were present to witness Jeb’s initiation.

KA Family Newborns

Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast '07) and wife Allison welcomed a baby boy on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 5:41 p.m. Henry Frank “Hank” Graziani weighed six pounds and two ounces.

KAOEF Director of Development Tanner L. Gellinger (Zeta Omicron–Southern Indiana '12) and his wife Jackie welcomed a baby girl on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 5:26 p.m. Grace Kay Gellinger weighed five pounds and fifteen ounces.

ELA Returns to Lexington

The 2024 Emerging Leaders Academy was held June 6 through 9 in Lexington, Virginia. Nearly 150 young brothers from across the country visited the birthplace of the Order to develop leadership skilsl and learn how to operate their chapter. In addition to small group–facilitated discussion, focused track sessions on specific topics, and presentations from KA staff industry experts, attendees heard leadership lectures from Enrico "Rick" de Alessandrini (Alpha–Washington & Lee '82) and Knight Commander

Aiken. Brothers got the chance to tour the Colonnade and Lee Chapel at Washington & Lee University and the VMI Museum and the George C. Marshall Foundation on post of Virginia Military Institute. As a capstone to the weekend, the Knight Commander’s reception was held at Mulberry Hill that included a volleyball tournament, pizza, snacks, and ice cream, tours of the National Administrative Office, and a meet-and-greet with Knight Commander Aiken.

National Staff with Former Knight Commander Dreyer,and grandsons Jeb Brysacz, J.D. Norris, and Will Norris.

Provisional Chapters Established

University of North Alabama

DATE: Monday, October 9, 2023

INDUCTEES: 19 Men

LOCATION: The Strickland Hotel in Florence, Alabama

Kansas State University

DATE: Saturday, April 27, 2024

INDUCTEES: 19 Men

LOCATION: Union Hall in Manhattan, Kansas

Texas State University (Epsilon Iota Chapter)

DATE: Sunday, March 24, 2024

INDUCTEES: 33 Men

LOCATION: The Maroon & Gold Room in the University Events Center

As of publication, the Order has inducted three additional provisional chapters at the University of Wyoming (new), Georgetown College (Beta Delta), and Furman University (lota). They will be highlighted in the next issue.

Political Action Committee Established

The Liberty Hall Political Action Committee was created in 2023 to promote good citizenship and encourage voluntary participation in the political process by educating and mobilizing members and alumni of the Kappa Alpha Order, and to support KAs running for federal and state elected office. Purposes include but are not limited to the promotion of: the single-sex status of fraternities and sororities, the defense of the rights of college students, and affordable costs of college and student housing. The inaugural officers and directors are:

To donate, visit www.LibertyHallPAC.com

Logo and Website Receive Recognition

The 2024 Annual Conference of the Fraternity Communications Association (FCA) was held April 30–May 2 at The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.

LIBERTY HALL

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

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

Douglas W. Hanisch (Epsilon Tau–Northern Arizona ’98), Vice President

Robert H. Wall (Tau–Wake Forest ’95), Secretary James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri ’60), Director Hunter M. Lipscomb (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’04), Director

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

Evan M. Hanna (Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas Tech ’17), Asst. Treasurer

At the Recognition Banquet, the Order was awarded first place in the Critic’s Choice logo design category for the 80th Convention & Brotherhood Weekend logo and third place for National Website Improvement.

FCA received more than 600 entries in four main categories for 26 separate awards. FCA has 72 member organizations including national fraternities and sororities as well as leadership and honor societies. FCA provides outstanding networking, educational, and recognition opportunities for its members.

NEW COMMANDERS FOR FELLER AND FRAMPTON PROVINCES

Feller

Knight Commander King V. Aiken, Jr., appointed Nicholas S. “Nick” Palmer (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State '04) to serve as Feller Province Commander and Matthew T. “Matt” Mandeville (Beta Rho–Roanoke '12) to serve as Frampton Province Commander effective May 22, 2024.

As an undergraduate, Nick served his chapter as Number I and philanthropy chairman. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in organizational communication.

Upon graduation, he worked for the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office, serving as an associate director for chapter services and Director of Chapter Development. Nick earned his Master’s Degree in Corporate Communication from Austin Peay State University in 2014, before rejoining the staff as Director of Development for the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation.

Nick is currently a Certified Financial Planner with Palmer Wealth Planning, LLC.

Nick has served as on the alumni advisory committee to the Chi Chapter at Vanderbilt University since 2015, and is a nine-year member of the KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society. He and his wife, Ellie, live in Nashville, Tennessee, and have one daughter, Birdie Belle Palmer.

Frampton

As an undergraduate, Matt served his chapter as Number II and Number VI, and he earned several scholarships from the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation. He graduated from Roanoke College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a concentration in legal studies. Upon graduation, he worked for the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office, serving as an associate director for chapter services.

Matt earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South School of Law in 2019. Previously, he worked as a Staff Attorney at the South Carolina Court of Appeals. He currently works for McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC (MGC) and focuses on workers’ compensation matters. Prior to joining MGC, he was a staff attorney with the South Carolina Court of Appeals.

Matt has served as alumnus advisor to the Rho Chapter at the University of South Carolina since 2020–2021. He is a three-year member of the KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society and has been inducted into the Frampton Province Court of Honor. He and his wife, Rebekah, live in Columbia, South Carolina, and have one son, Oliver.

STAFF UPDATES

New Hires

Peyton L. Loveall (Zeta Tau–Austin Peay State '19) joined staff in May 2024, and Tyler C. Dean (Zeta Delta–Nevada '21) joined staff in August 2024, both as Associate Director for Chapter Services.

Rose Kinard joined staff in August 2022 as a part-time receptionist.

Brenda Jackson also joined staff in March 2023 and is the Foundation Assistant. Brenda is married to CSM G. Jeffrey Jackson (Beta Commission–VMI '09) who previously worked for the National Staff maintaining the grounds of Mulberry Hill.

Departures

Bryson S. Picitelli (Upsilon–North Carolina '21) departed staff in December 2023, to pursue opportunities in documentary media. Christopher T. Geisler (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast '19), Greyson W. Slicker (Gamma Lambda–North Texas '19), Luke D. Snyder (Epsilon Rho–Purdue '21), and Garrett S. Stengl (Epsilon Phi–George Mason '19) departed staff in May 2024. Geisler is a Field Engineer with R.D. Johnson Construction in Fort Myers, Florida, Slicker is attending law school at Ave Maria in Naples, Florida, Snyder is conducting freelance work in Bremen, Indiana, and Stengl is an Incoming Sales Development Associate at Gartner in High Springs, Florida. Fraternity Services Coordinator Lorin Wilhelm also departed staff in May 2024 to return to the Rockbridge County Public Schools.

Evan M. Lawson (Delta Omega–Baylor '20) departed

Palmer

Loveall

Mandeville

staff in June 2024. Lawson is attending law school at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina.

Foundation Assistant Teresa Sloan departed staff in December 2023 due to health issues.

New Roles

Brent E. Buswell (Beta Eta–Oklahoma '09) was selected to fill the newly recreated position of Director of Alumni Engagement, a hybrid role between the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation and the Order, effective July 15, 2024. This role assumes the duties of the former KAOEF position of Director of Donor Relations and existing alumni services, along with the existing communications initiatives.

As a hybrid position and team, the results of the 2023–2024 alumni survey will be reviewed to identify additional opportunities to create meaningful engagement for alumni with the aim of creating and maintaining lifelong champions of KA, establishing volunteers and leaders at all levels, and ultimately expanding the donor base for KAOEF.

Roanoke Celebrates Centennial

On Saturday, April 20th, the Beta Rho celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. Held during alumni weekend at the newly built Cregger Center on campus, the Centennial Celebration was well attended by undergraduate brothers, alumni, and guests including Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr.

Dale Sarjeant (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’74) welcomed attendees, Roanoke College Chaplain Emeritus Rev. Paul Henrickson gave the invocation, Knight Commander King V. Aiken, Jr. (Kappa–Mercer ’87), gave the State of the Order Address, and Matthew T. Mandeville (Beta Rho–Roanoke ’15) gave a toast to Beta Rho Chapter.

Finally, this position and the realignment of duties allow for Brent W. Fellows (Epsilon Theta–Western Kentucky '98) to focus solely on the growing business and needs of the Fraternity Housing Corporation, as Executive Vice President.

Dean

LOYAL LEGACY

Ensuring the future of Kappa Alpha Order

Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso, Jr., Epsilon–Emory ‘65

Emory University

• Graduate with distinction, Emory University Law School

• Trustee Emeritus, Emory University (Trustee since 2002)

• Chairman, Campaign Emory (20052012), raising $1.697 Billion, largest at the time in Georgia history

• Recipient, Emory Medal (2013)

Community/Recognition

• Past Chairman, Georgia Bankers Association

• Original board member (1999), Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (Chairman since 2001)

• Past Chairman, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

• Past Chairman, Georgia Historical Society

• 100 Most Influential Atlantans (2011) and Most Admired CEO (2017), Atlanta Business Chronicle

• Member/Former President, Rotary Club of Atlanta

o Ivan Allen Club Service Award

o Marion Collier Ross Leadership Award

• Trustee, Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation

Professionally, Deriso is the Founding Chairman and Director of Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ), and Atlantic Capital Bank in Atlanta, a position he held from their founding in October 2006. He served as their Executive Chairman from October 2006 to June 2013 and then served as the Non-Executive Chairman until his retirement on March 1, 2022.

He practiced law (1972–1991), before becoming the President and CEO of Security Bank, a Synovus bank, (1991–1997). He served as a Director of Security Bank (1980–2006) and served as Chairman (1997–2006). He served as Vice Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE) (1997–2005), a diversified financial services company, in Columbus, Georgia, and as a member of its board.

What is your favorite KA memory?

My favorite KA memory is meeting my future wife, Judy, at a KA rush party when I was a senior in high school and she was a junior in high school, visiting her brother who was a freshman KA at Emory. I thought she was the cutest girl I had ever seen but I was too shy to speak with her. I kept asking her brother about her after that, so he had her write me a note during the summer urging me to pledge KA. I went through rush and went to the KA house to pledge. Her brother invited me upstairs, gave me the bid, and told me that if I would pledge KA, he would take me to Albany, Ga., take me quail hunting, and get me a date with his sister! Needless to say, I quickly accepted the bid. Judy and I have recently celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary.

Why do you give back to the KAOEF and KA through the 1865 Trust?

I give back to

KAOEF and KA so that the great work they do with young men through the fraternity system can even increase and continue into the future. I have learned after re-engaging is the extent to which KA and the KAOEF provide training for the Number Is, provide guidance on matters such as the business and potential liability of the chapter, and the scholarships and financial assistance provided to deserving brothers.

What is your wish for every KA undergraduate?

My wish for every undergraduate is that each would have the same rewarding experience that I had as an active member of KA. We never had to deal with hazing, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs. You just did not do that. And as brothers we have lasting and lifelong relationships with some of the best friends we will ever have.

Fratres Usque Ad Aram Fideles

Randy Beard

Raymond Randolph “Randy” Beard (Beta Lambda–Southern Methodist ’57) passed away on April 10, 2024, in his home at Holly Lake Ranch, Texas.

At SMU, Randy served as Number I and met his future wife of more than 60 years, Louise. As an alumnus he served as President of the Mustang and Dallas Alumni Chapters, Mikell Court of Honor Registrar, and Beta Lambda Chapter’s advisor. In 2009, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and service, he was honored with the Knight Commander’s Accolade.

After Randy’s successful career as a Manufacture’s Rep to AAFES, he transitioned to the role of Associate Director for Chapter Services with the National Administrative Office. Despite being non-traditional in age for the position, he excelled, leaving a lasting impact on chapters and members.

He is survived by his son, Jacob Beard; daughter, Laurie Zieber; brother, Ron Beard; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Randy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise, and son-inlaw, Dan Zieber.

CHAPTER ETERNAL

Alabama–Alpha Beta

Kenneth Paul Sommerkamp, Jr. 1988, 4/11/24

Arkansas State–Delta Eta

J. Steven McFerron 1968, 4/13/24

California State-Bakersfield–Epsilon Upsilon

Zachariah Aust 2005, 11/22/23

Centenary–Alpha Iota

Ralph Wayne Crank, Jr. 1976, 5/25/24

Thomas Cecil Norman, Jr. 1927

Will Hugh Phillips, III 1950, 10/26/23

James R. Willis 1953, 5/5/24

Citadel–Theta Commission

CPT William W. Elliott, II 2013, 6/25/24

Capt. John Peter Sperr 2017, 6/14/24

Davidson–Sigma

Edwin G. Wicker 2001, 5/10/23

Delaware–Beta Epsilon

Richard W. Hartman 1966, 3/21/24

Gay A. Rimert, Jr. 1958, 5/22/24

East Carolina–Gamma Rho

Larry M. Junkin 1970, 7/27/24

Alan O. West 1977, 9/18/23

Eastern Kentucky–Delta Mu

Eric A. Hillard 1991, 7/1/24

Gail E. King 1969, 4/11/24

Richard F. Potts 1971, 7/4/24

Scott F. Scheynost 1980, 7/12/24

Emory–Epsilon

Dr. William N. Glover 1969, 6/17/24

Florida–Beta Zeta

John M. Perritt 1947

Robert L. Read, Jr. 1955, 4/16/24

Dr. Roger L. West 1967, 2/11/24

Florida State–Gamma Eta

Lance A. Gridley 2001, 3/30/24

Francis Marion–Delta Tau

Joseph A. Coates IV 1998, 5/31/24

Furman–Iota

David L. Mauldin 1953, 3/25/24

Georgia–Gamma

Dr. Philip Bates Bailey MD 1965, 3/26/24

Edgar R. Brantley 1957, 4/10/24

William F. Collier 1952, 3/16/24

William W. Larsen, III 1948, 6/27/24

Irwin William Stolz, Jr. 1951, 3/31/24

Joseph H. Tillman 1972, 6/28/24

Joseph Albert Wade, Jr. 1962, 4/25/24

Dr. William J. Wylie 1971, 5/18/24

Georgia Tech–Alpha Sigma

Hamilton Clay Arnall, Jr. 1952, 8/11/24

Paul T. Barber, Sr. 1957, 5/23/24

Walter Lamar Barnwell 1959

Frederick L. Bowyer 1918, 8/19/24

Philip G. Howe, Jr. 1955, 10/26/23

Robert N. Johnson 1955

Curtis W. Walker, Jr. 1945, 6/16/24

Hampden-Sydney–Alpha Tau

Charles A. Blanton, III 1973, 5/18/24

Thomas B. Walker 1975, 4/21/24

Johns Hopkins–Alpha Lambda

John J. Dill 1954

Kentucky–Theta

Albert E. Graf 1960

Louisiana State–Alpha Gamma

Morgan P. O’Brien 1973, 5/29/24

Russell Howard Van Norman, Jr. 1959, 3/29/24

Louisiana State-Shreveport–Delta Chi

Mark A. Adams 1976, 1/8/24

Louisiana Tech–Gamma Alpha

Gregory G. Jenkins 1983, 7/3/24

Louisiana-Lafayette–Gamma Phi

Robert T. Cameron 1986, 8/3/24

Frank K. McCardell, Jr. 1969, 5/20/24

Louisiana-Monroe–Gamma Nu

Bradley R. Adair 1981, 3/29/24

John L. Overton 1967, 4/5/24

Louisville–Beta Omicron

Richard W. Barnett 1947, 6/16/24

Marshall–Beta Upsilon

William P. Stephenson, Jr. 1951

McNeese State–Delta Xi

Daniel T. Flavin 1976, 6/6/24

Paul E. Lancaster 1973, 7/11/24

Glenn S. Smith 1983, 5/3/24

CHAPTER ETERNAL

Fratres Usque Ad Aram Fideles

Memphis–Gamma Gamma

Samuel F. Buchanan 1966, 8/13/24

Middle Tennessee State–Delta Lambda

Joseph G. Fergusson 1992, 4/13/24

Joseph W. Guthrie 1969, 5/12/24

Philip W. Holder 1969, 8/3/24

John G. Major 1969, 7/12/24

Jonathan T. Scudder 1998, 9/20/23

Dan Webb 1972, 6/23/24

Midwestern State–Gamma Omega

Dr. Charles D. Ramser 1980, 6/3/24

Millsaps–Alpha Mu

CDR Harry Rinklin Blair, Jr., USN (Ret.) 1955, 9/8/23

Edward M. Parks 1973, 9/19/23

Phil W. Yeates 1962, 3/23/24

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Hon. W. Swan Yerger (Ret.) 1953, 8/1/24

Mississippi State–Beta Tau

Dr. Joseph C. Turnage 1964, 8/8/24

Paul H. Watson, Jr. 1960, 4/1/24

Missouri–Alpha Kappa

Charles D. Lee 1946, 6/9/24

Missouri Southern State–Delta Pi

Roger D. Hall 1973

Missouri State–Gamma Beta

Justin R. Cooley 1994, 4/2/24

Chaplain James W. Eckles USN (Ret.) 1949, 9/1/23

Dr. Duane R. Sterling 1957, 1/22/23

North Carolina–Upsilon

Logan Barnes 2014, 9/3/24

Albert E. Garrett, III 1953, 5/18/24

J. Harold Tharrington 1956, 5/5/24

North Texas–Gamma Lambda

Phillip G. Hoover 1962, 4/22/24

Northwestern State–Gamma Psi

Monty G. Lamaze 1974, 7/3/24

Oklahoma–Beta Eta

Kenton Chickering III 1953, 6/18/24

Jerry J. Wass 1952, 5/26/24

Arthur Cleveland Wood, Jr. 1938, 7/2/24

Oklahoma State–Beta Xi

Dan W. Hilsheimer 1962, 8/2/24

Old Dominion–Delta Gamma

Vernon R. Divers 1965, 3/28/24

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

CPT. William J. Coward, III 1968, 3/13/24

Randolph-Macon–Zeta

Hon. Richard S. Bray 1965, 5/4/24

Richmond–Eta

John Daniel McLeod, Jr. 1952, 8/9/24

Dr. James Christopher Phillips, PhD 1961, 3/22/24

William B. Pond 1944, 7/15/24

Roanoke–Beta Rho

John R. Turbyfill 1950, 5/31/24

Rollins–Alpha Psi

Stewart Turley 1953, 2/23/24

Sam Houston State–Gamma Tau

Scott E. Fisher 1986, 2/24/24

San Jose State–Gamma Delta

Charles T. Hoppe 1952

South Carolina–Rho

Michael S. Holt 1989, 7/29/24

Henry K. McGee 1956, 8/12/24

Southern California–Beta Sigma

Daniel Stuart Byers 1973

Mark J. Felton 1977, 6/25/24

Joseph O. Healy 1975, 7/7/24

Southern Methodist–Beta Lambda

Raymond Randolph Beard 1957, 4/10/24

John D. James 1962, 5/1/24

Southern Mississippi–Gamma Zeta G. Lewis Myrick 1954, 5/25/24

Southwestern–Xi

Harry F. Severn 1949, 7/5/24

Stephen F. Austin State–Delta Kappa

John H. Tatum II 1978, 8/21/24

Tennessee–Pi

William A. King 1957, 2/27/24

Dennis John Kraus 1965, 2/25/24

Jerry R. Locke 1959, 5/13/23

Gerard C. Martin 1957

Ernest Newton, Jr. 1934

Tennessee-Martin–Delta Upsilon

Jacob Elijah Keel 2023, 8/4/24

Texas–Omicron

Jeff W. Limmer 1997, 5/4/24

Texas A&M-Commerce–Gamma Upsilon

Jimmy L. Little 1968, 7/30/24

Texas State–Epsilon Iota

James William Lorimer, Jr. 1984

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Dr. Steven T. Adams 1979, 5/10/24

Roger A. Michael 1974, 8/17/24

Tulsa–Mu

Anthony Joseph Loretti, Jr. 1955, 5/23/24

Ralph W. Morgan 1951, 9/25/23

Robert E. Reed 1950, 10/15/23

Univ. of Miami–Gamma Theta

Dr. Charles A. Dunn, MD 1956, 8/4/24

Arthur A. Speegle, III 1956, 4/2/23

Univ. of the South–Alpha Alpha

Frank Kinnett 1959, 3/23/24

Vanderbilt–Chi

Robert Wesley Smith, Jr. 1960, 4/26/24

David F. Williams 1957, 6/19/24

VMI–Beta Commission

COL John M. Patton USAF (Ret) 1942, 1/26/23

Carson L. Tucker 1970, 1/24/23

Wake Forest–Tau

Bryan M. Cisne 1987, 7/7/24

Dr. Charles Howard Duckett MD 1951, 12/25/23

Washington–Beta Theta

W. Thomas McLaughlin 1959, 6/11/24

Washington & Lee–Alpha

George T. Sheftall 1953, 5/30/24

Washington College–Beta Omega

Oliver E. Robinson, III 1956, 4/2/24

West Florida–Epsilon Sigma

Bryan D. Lowe 1994, 8/19/23

West Virginia–Alpha Rho

Nick M. Karras 1961, 7/30/24

West Virginia Wesleyan–Beta Chi

William E. Watson, Esq. 1955, 6/23/24

Western Carolina–Delta Alpha

James S. Styles 1964, 5/1/24

Westminster–Alpha Eta

William George Schmegel, Jr. 1968, 8/19/23

William & Mary–Alpha Zeta

COL P. Scott Stone 1953, 8/5/24

William Jewell–Alpha Delta

David Winton Konold, Sr. 1958, 5/11/23

Wofford–Delta

Dr. Frank M. Pickens 1966, 4/1/24

RECOGNITION

In Memory Of

Emmett James Boudreaux

By Raymond J. Steiner DDS

Andrew Gwynn Bowie, Jr.

By Mrs. Sheila Mahoney Bowie

Joseph A. Coates IV

By Thomas A. Tallon

Joseph A. Coates IV

By CPT Ronald C. Plunkett

Frampton Province Court Of Honor

Christopher E. Dew

By Armando Gonzalez Llorente SPHR

James S. Dunlop, Jr.

By Dennis L. Dutton

Anton Vance Dworak

By Matthew J. Jewell

CPT William W. Elliott, II

By CPT Ronald C. Plunkett

Daniel T. Flavin

By Jared A. Kennison

Dan W. Hilsheimer

By R. Andrew Stokes

Jesse S. Lyons

Larry Stanton Wiese

James E. Hooks

By Mrs. Rosann F. Hooks

Joseph Martin Kennedy

By Samuel Griffin Cole III

Noruie Lay

By Thaddeus Matthew Fine

Anthony Joseph Loretti, Jr.

By MAJ Charles A. Bertalot

E. Fleming Mason

By Sloan P. Ellis

W. Thomas McLaughlin

By CPT. Richard T. Sells, CPA

Richard D. Murphy

By Dr. H. Tom Williams

James A. Orton, III

By John S. Swan

Howard Alan Palmer

By Matthew J. Jewell

Julian A. Pardini

By Summers Family Trust

Richard Everette Roberson, Jr.

By Mrs. Brianne A. Tillotson

Jesse S. Lyons

Ben W. Satcher, Jr.

Larry Stanton Wiese

Dr. Walter D. Shields, Jr.

By Jack Michael Miller

Wendell Hunt Smock

By W. Ashley Smock

Capt. John Peter Sperr

By CPT Ronald C. Plunkett

J. Harold Tharrington

By COL Walter Middelton Fitts, Sr., USMC

Joseph H. Tillman

By Malcolm H. Liles

Sam G. Tsagalakis

By Mark D. Tsagalakis

Mrs. Dorothy Tyree

By Mrs. Elizabeth Tyree-Taylor

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

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

Today, the Kappa Alpha Order Education Foundation’s recognition program receives tax-deductible donations “In Honor” or “In Memory” of anyone and from anyone. Generally, one brother makes a donation in honor of a brother or group and designates it to

In Honor Of

William Ervan Barrett Jr.

By Armando Gonzalez Llorente SPHR

Henry M. Cheves, Jr.

By Richard Porcher Horne, Jr., CFP

Dr. John M. Douglass Jr.

BySamuel Griffin Cole III

J. Michael Duncan

By MAJ Edward S. Oglesby

Eddie S. Wilson

LTC Wayne E. Ferrell, Jr.

By Samuel Griffin Cole III

Tanner Lucas Gellinger

By MAJ Edward S. Oglesby

David T. Martineau, V

By MAJ Edward S. Oglesby

Casey Cofer Phelps

By Casey C. Phelps

Dr. James Whitney Rayner

By Samuel Griffin Cole III

Dr. Edwin L. Redding Jr.

By Samuel Griffin Cole III

Dr. James M. Schmuck

ByThaddeus Aaron Stubbs

C. Douglas Simmons, III

By Eddie S. Wilson

Dr. Idris Rhea Traylor Jr.

By John T. Hamilton

Marcus A. Treadway Jr.

By Samuel Griffin Cole III

Jon Crosby Turner

By Samuel Griffin Cole III

Robert Hammock Wall

By David Blair Hagan, CCIM, SIOR

Larry Stanton Wiese

By Charles L. Kazlow

recognize friendship, achievement, or significance; or one may make a donation in memory of a beloved brother, in lieu of flowers or some other recognition.

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

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

 Make your tribute at KAOEF.org/donate

Fratres Usque Ad Aram Fideles

SIR,YOU ARE A KA

Sloan P. Ellis

BETA PI–PRESBYTERIAN ’02

• Former Number I

• Inaugural Intern, Washington DC Internship Program

• Former Asst. District Attorney; Former Asst. U.S. Attorney

• Member, Crimson & Gold Society and Loyal Order

• Frampton Court of Honor

• Wife Brittany; children: Anna Jane (7); Claire (5); and Ben (2).

A candid conversation with a member of our Order

Who is one KA from Beta Pi you still talk to regularly?

There are several Beta Pi alums in Greenville. Chris Jones, Ryan Trail, and Hunt Huntley are a few that I see frequently. I talk to Brian Barnwell and Cody Mitchell regularly. Cody was recently elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, so I have enjoyed celebrating that accomplishment with him.

How did your time in Washington DC as an intern shape your future/career?

In addition to the incredible experience of living and working in Washington, DC, the thing that I learned that I still carry with me is the importance of having and being a mentor. As I moved through law school and my legal career, there were several men who I admired. I hope to be able to play that role for the young men that are just getting started building their families and careers.

What hobbies or activities are you involved with?

When I can, I love getting out to the golf course with my oldest daughter. I’m also on the board of the Meyer Center for Special Children—a local school for children with disabilities— and I enjoy spending time helping that organization.

How has the transition from Asst. US Attorney to private practice been? Which one do you like better?

Being a federal prosecutor was the fulfilment of a dream I had since I

started law school. Standing in court representing the United States of America was an honor and privilege that I will always treasure. During that time, I was able to work with incredible agents on big cases with very high stakes. As a government lawyer, you have access to essentially unlimited resources to be able to put a case together. That is hard to leave behind.

Now I get to represent individuals and businesses that are facing down Government investigations and prosecutions. You are always the underdog against the Government. The pressure feels more intense when I am representing someone whose livelihood or liberty is on the line.

I loved my time at the Department of Justice, but the personal connections and positive impact I can make for my clients in private practice makes this stage of my career feel like where I need to be at this point of my life.

What is one piece of advice for all undergraduates KAs looking to their future?

Set goals for yourself and work hard to achieve those goals but understand that God has a plan for you that you may not yet know. Be open to seeing a new path and taking it. As an undergraduate, I never even considered doing what I am doing today, but I am incredibly happy that I ended up where I am. Finally, be kind to everyone. It’s the right thing to do, plus, you never know if that guy sitting beside you in class will be the judge deciding your case ten years from now.

REMARKS

MISFORTUNE NOBLY BORNE IS GOOD FORTUNE

By Gib Kerr (Alpha–Washington & Lee ’82)

Over a relatively short span of time, Robert E. Lee went from being one of the most admired figures in American history to being one of the most despised. Hatred for Lee heated up with the Charlottesville riots in 2017, then reached a boiling point in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in 2020 when angry mobs condemned Lee as a racist defender of slavery and a traitor.

Lee’s name became synonymous with white supremacy and has now been removed from military bases, schools, streets, and even Lee Chapel where he is entombed on the campus of Washington and Lee University.

But as a KA from W&L who has studied Lee my whole life, I know the truth about our Spiritual Founder, and I wanted to share his story because I think it will surprise the average reader.

KAs should never be embarrassed by our association with Lee. We need not make apologies for Lee. But given the gross misunderstandings about him, we do need to work harder to tell his story.

The truth is that Lee was opposed to slavery. He called it a “moral and political evil.” After the war he said that he “rejoiced” that slavery had been abolished, and that he would gladly have suffered all that he suffered and lost in the war to see slavery abolished.

Lee was opposed to secession before the war. He held out hope to the very end that the Union could be preserved. But things changed when Lincoln announced plans to raise an army of 75,000 soldiers to invade

“By erasing Robert E. Lee, cancel culture has erased perhaps America’s greatest example of virtue. We need heroes of noble character like Robert E. Lee for our children and grandchildren to emulate. But cancel culture is systematically targeting and eliminating our heroes.

the South and to put down the rebellion. Lincoln offered Lee command of that army, and Lee politely declined because he could not take part in an invasion of his home state of Virginia. At the time, Lee said that, if he owned all the slaves in the South, he would willingly give them up to save the Union.

Lee believed that it was his duty to defend Virginia, even though he was opposed to Virginia seceding. He was not motivated to defend slavery. After the war, Lee was a leading voice for reconciliation. He worked tirelessly to restore peace and harmony between the North and South. Even though he lost everything in the war, he was not embittered. Those are the basic facts—the truth—about Lee.

But modern academics are rewriting and erasing our past. They too often weaponize history for political purposes, dividing America along the Marxist lines of oppressed and oppressor.

Robert E. Lee has been unfairly “canceled” by modern culture—even at the university that he saved in the aftermath of the Civil War—yet his example of honor, character, and reconciliation is needed now more than ever.

George Orwell understood the importance of history when he said, “Who controls the past controls the future.” incomplete—and greatly diminished—without Robert E. Lee. Lee was the perfect balance of the softer character traits of humility, kindness, and piety and the more manly virtues of courage, strength, honor, and integrity. He was the man that every Southern male aspired to be, and the son that every Southern mother hoped to raise. He was the very embodiment of virtue.

Robert E. Lee is perhaps the most misunderstood figure in American history. Although opposed to slavery and secession, he believed his duty was to defend his home state of Virginia from the invading Union Army. He was a reluctant warrior, tragically compelled to fight in a war he never wanted.

Outnumbered by a foe equipped with vastly superior resources, Lee emerged as one of the greatest military leaders in history. Through it all, his example of character and honor inspired the love of those who served under him. Yet his greatest legacy was arguably as an educator and peacemaker after the war, encouraging reconciliation between the North and South and devoting his final years to reuniting our war-torn nation.

America needs character, honor, and virtue now more than ever. Benjamin Franklin said, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”

In recent years, however, Lee has been unfairly targeted by a woke cancel culture that seeks to erase and rewrite American history. Even Washington and Lee University—the school that he saved from oblivion—has turned its back on him.

Now more than ever, America needs heroes. Men of virtue, honor, and character—men like Lee—whose examples must endure to inspire and shape today’s youth. But as statues are toppled and history is rewritten by Americahating radicals, our heroes and the ideals they represent are rapidly fading.

Un-Cancel Robert E. Lee is the nearly forgotten story of a great American hero, as well as a call to restore him to his rightful seat of honor—beginning with his final resting place at Washington and Lee.

By erasing Robert E. Lee, cancel culture has erased perhaps America’s greatest example of virtue. We need heroes of noble character like Robert E. Lee for our children and grandchildren to emulate. But cancel culture is systematically targeting and eliminating our heroes. Cancel culture is all about tearing things down. It is inherently destructive. It builds nothing. It creates nothing. It only destroys. Like the Vandals who destroyed Rome, it is destroying American culture. It’s fueled by anger, bitterness, envy, and vindictiveness.It rejects the Western and Christian notions of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. In its place, it promotes violence, terror, intimidation, intolerance, and retribution.In the end, though, cancel culture only creates a void. Who does cancel culture propose to fill that void?

Popular culture today tends to demonize all Confederates. But not all Confederates were bad. Nor were all Union soldiers saints. Neither side had a monopoly on virtue.

The prevailing and oversimplified narrative among historians today is that the war was fought solely to end slavery. This narrative condemns Lee as a defender of slavery. But in his inaugural address, Lincoln claimed that he had no intention to end slavery. In fact, he admitted that he did not have the constitutional authority to end slavery even if he wanted to. His priority was to save the Union. And Lee’s priority was to defend Virginia.

Was Lee a traitor? If so, why was he never prosecuted for treason? Why were no Confederates—not even Jefferson Davis—ever tried for treason? Did states have the right to secede? The Constitution is silent on the subject. Southerners like Lee believed that their first loyalty was to their states regardless of their individual views on slavery and secession.

Lee is often attacked as a symbol of the so-called Lost Cause movement that sought to glorify the Confederacy and, many claim, was used to perpetuate racial apartheid in the Jim Crow South. The lynchings, segregation, and racism of the old South occurred decades after Lee had died, and Lee had absolutely nothing to do with any of it. As someone who has studied Lee exhaustively, I can say with absolute certainty that Lee would have rejected white supremacy and cannot be blamed for things that happened so many years after his death. Lee’s final years at Washington College were arguably his finest. Although he had lost everything and suffered immeasurably, he was not embittered. He carried on with dignity and grace. He

Un-Cancel Robert E. Lee: An Open Letter to the Board of Trustees at Washington and Lee University

Everett Gibson “Gib” Kerr (Alpha–Washington & Lee '82)

Published by Post Hill Press/Bombardier Books on May 21, 2024

More info at: www.GibKerr.com and available at www.Amazon.com.

often quoted Marcus Aurelius’ meditation, “Misfortune nobly borne is good fortune.” He bore his misfortune with remarkable nobility, and his good fortune today is that we continue to celebrate his enduring legacy.

My hope is that his example of honor and character can and will be resurrected to inspire future generations of KAs the same way it inspired me.

www.gibkerr.com

BACKSTORY

THE ORIGINAL OFFICER RING RETURNS

The Official Ring of the Order was adopted by the Convention in 1931 at the 36th Convention, 93 years ago. Robert Wallace Parker (Nu–Auburn 1926), a former Number I, designed the ring, submitted blue prints to a jeweler, L.G. Balfour Co. in 1929, who executed the original dies. Originally the first ring did not have 1865 noted on it. Several rings were made before they added the founding year, resulting in the first and many more, having that odd peculiarity. That first ring had an odyssey, from a Rose Bowl in 1931, to the girlfriend of a decedent, to a letter to then-executive secretary Mike May, a recap of early ring inventories of the General Officers, and two additional near losses. Parker presented the first KA Official Ring, after its nationwide journey, in 1937 to the 39th Convention, with an address detailing the ring’s creation and peregrinations, and subsequently sent May the letter seen here with detail. This full story is also referenced above in the cover page, safely reposited in the Order’s Archives.

The Official Ring is still available for purchase from L.G. Balfour’s successor, Herff Jones Greek; turn the page and view it as “Item M.”

A. Large Plain Badge, #0287

B. Large Alternating Garnet & CZ Badge, #0289

C. Number 1 Badge and Guard, #0288A

D. Medium Crown Garnet Badge, #0160

E. Medium Alternating Crown Pearl & Garnet Badge, #0203

F. Medium Crown Garnet with CZ Points, #0161

G. Crown Pearl Double Letter Chapter Guard, #0600

H. Vice President Dangle, #02

I. Secretary Dangle, #03

J. NEW Henry Ring, #HENRY

K. Tungsten Ring, #Q001

L. Badge Replica Ring, #3497

M. Official Ring, #3091

N. Classic Ring, #3252

O. Tie Bar with Plain Crest, #ATB1008

P. Oval Cufflinks with Coat of Arms, #3160