In Memoriam

Cary Floyd

by Chris Fairchild Sponsor and Founding Father Kappa Epsilon Chapter, Kappa Kappa Psi

The question: What is the signifi cance of October 22, 1998, in the history of the Kappa Epsilon chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi? You’re probably thinking, wait, I know this one. The date of the installation of the chapter? Sorry, no.

The answer: October 22, 1998 is the date that ΚΕ brother Cary Floyd was tragically killed in a car accident. If you didn’t know right away, don’t beat yourself up. I had to be reminded myself. I knew it was sometime in late October, but I had to be reminded of the exact date. That was a very difficult time for me and the entire chapter, and that whole time kind of runs together for me.

I was fortunate to be Cary’s membership education advisor when he was a membership candidate. He was very dedicated to learning the considerable amount of information, and I met with him frequently as I did with other Beta class members to discuss class information and other fraternal matters. That class was a great class, and Cary was a great guy to have in it. His special brand of humor and his creative answers on tests to questions that he didn’t know the answers to were of particular enjoyment to me. I felt like I developed a strong bond with Cary and the class as a whole.

Sometimes the things you appreciate about a person you don’t realize until the person is gone. I miss his presence in the chapter. He was a great guy to have around, particularly at social events, whether it was a bowling outing or anything else. He always went out of his way to help with fraternity events. He nearly single-handedly fed the Wind Ensemble with food he acquired from his job at a supermarket. He was even involved in the planning of the podium that Kappa Epsilon funded and donated to Shenandoah University; ironically that same podium would be completed shortly after his death and dedicated to his memory. We could always count on Cary to take Kappa seriously and put it near his heart.

I will never forget Cary Floyd. I may not always remember that date, but his memory I will carry for the rest of my days. He was a great brother, a great friend, and an exceptional human being. The anniversary of his death is approaching, but I ask any of you that read this to give him a thought and a prayer at this time. The date doesn’t mean much; it’s the memories that count.

Cynthia Vick

by Amanda Danish Psi Chapter, Tau Beta Sigma

The entire band department at the University of Arkansas depends heavily on our secretary, Connie Vick. She has been an integral part of our band as well as our Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters. That’s why, in May of 1995, when Psi chapter saw that Connie and her family were in need, they jumped at the chance to repay the Vicks for the kindness that the Vicks had always shown Tau Beta Sigma.

In 1995, Connie’s sister Cynthia, a junior Elementary Education major at the U of A was diagnosed with cancer. Cynthia’s insurer viewed her chemotherapy as an “experimental procedure” and refused to cover the cost. The family was overwhelmed. At this point, the women of Psi began giving financial—as well as emotional and spiritual—support to the Vicks. Many nights, they could be found at the hospital right beside the family.

Tragically, in April of 1996, Cynthia passed away, but not before she discovered what the ladies of Tau Beta Sigma had done. She voiced her desire to repay them “tenfold.” The Vick family saw to Cynthia’s wishes by starting an annual scholarship for a member of the Psi Chapter in honor of their late family member.

To raise funds for this scholarship, Connie and her family host a spaghetti dinner each fall at their home church, Christ’s Church of Fayetteville. Toney Goucher, a local restaurant owner and honorary member of Psi Chapter, provides all of the food. The ladies of Psi serve as hostesses and bring desserts. Our brothers of Lambda, band members, and the public at large attend to show their support. Tickets are five dollars, and many people provide donations.

The spaghetti dinner is in its third year, and 1999 brought its biggest turnout ever. Over eight hundred dollars were raised, which will go to a deserving member of the Psi chapter.

We at the Psi chapter are touched to be the recipients of this honor. The Vicks could have easily set up scholarships in their own hometown of Marktree, Arkansas, in memory of Cynthia. Instead, they chose to use this venue to “repay the chapter tenfold.” Each young woman who receives this scholarship knows where it comes from and the importance that it holds. Cynthia Vick’s memory will live on for as long as our chapter runs strong. Thank you, Cynthia. The women of the Psi chapter hold your memory dear.