Brothers –
As April gives way to May, we find ourselves at a juncture of renewal and promise, an ideal moment to cultivate personal and communal growth. The very name of May derives from the Latin word maius, associated with growth and springtime. True to its definition, May invites us to foster new beginnings and to deepen our appreciation for the vibrant beauty within our fraternity and communities. This month, we observe and honor several significant cultural and social milestones: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, showing appreciation on Mother’s Day, and paying tribute to our fallen heroes on Memorial Day.
As the cadence of the academic year slows down, we have a valuable opportunity to reflect on our recent achievements and reassess for the future. This period of reflection is not just a pause but a vital preparation for the rewards of tomorrow as we approach our Month of Celebration in June. Let’s use this time to rejuvenate our spirits, strengthen our bonds, and prepare ourselves for the joyful celebrations that lie ahead. With that said, please take the time to review the updates and highlights for this month.
Together, let’s ensure this May is truly memorable!
MAY UPDATES
Update #1: Welcoming New Chapters
This semester, we have the great pleasure of welcoming four new chapters into our Fraternity. Each new chapter represents a fresh opportunity to expand our reach and influence, allowing more students to experience the profound impact of Kappa Kappa Psi and our Brotherhood. The installation ceremonies were moments of joy and pride, signaling continued growth and vitality within Kappa Kappa Psi. Congratulations to all members who have worked tirelessly to make these installations a success!
- Theta Psi Chapter at Virginia Union University
- Advisors: Michael Bradford-Calhoun from the Iota Zeta Chapter; Ed Savoy from the Eta Alpha Chapter; Ema Ashley from the Eta Sigma Chapter; Dr. William Lake from the Gamma Xi Chapter; and Franklin Nesmith from the Eta Omega Chapter
- Ritual Gear provided by: Kappa Psi at Virginia Commonwealth University, Zeta Psi at Virginia State University, and Eta Omega at Howard University
- Xi Eta Chapter at Austin Peay State University
- Advisors: Hunter Moreland from the Kappa Mu Chapter; Jahkeem Grant from the Iota Xi Chapter; Miaka Kemp from the Kappa Mu Chapter; and Megan Lefever from the Lambda Delta Chapter
- Ritual Gear provided by: Lambda Rho at Tennessee Technological University and Eta Sigma at the University of Central Florida
- Eta Iota Chapter at Bethune Cookman University
- Advisors: Anthony ‘Tony’ Shelton from the Nu Kappa Chapter; Hayden Elias-Rodriguez from the Gamma Nu Chapter; Jessica Needham from the Eta Sigma Chapter; Danielle Wade from the Mu Beta Chapter; and Benjamin Williams from the Delta Iota Chapter
- Ritual Gear provided by: Delta Iota at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Mu Beta at Florida Atlantic University
- Kappa Pi Chapter at Claflin University
- Advisors: Evan Thompson from the Zeta Chi Chapter; Dr. Donald Lee Jr. from the Zeta Eta Chapter; and Brittany Woodruff from the Pi Chapter
- Ritual Gear provided by: Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of South Carolina
Update #2: Reminder on Chapter Reports & Payments
As the school year draws to a close, please ensure timely submission of all required chapter reports and payments. These reports are crucial for evaluating chapters’ achievements and eligibility for the William Scroggs Founders’ Trophy at the 2025 National Convention. If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to our HQ staff at kkytbs@kkytbs.org. You can also submit a Chapter Assistance Request.
- Membership Candidate Registration (MCR) Form: Due within 7 days following First Degree and before you can start the IRF.
- Initiate Registration Form (IRF): Due within 30 days following Third Degree. After 30 days, a late fee will apply! Initiation fees should be collected prior to performing Third Degree.
- Officer & Chapter Update Form: Due as soon as after elections are finalized
- Graduating Senior Report (GSR): Due within 30 days of graduation
- Spring Activity Report (SAR): Due by June 1
To further support our chapters and chapter officers, the National Committee on Chapter Operations will be hosting a Chapter Officer Transition Workshop on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 PM CT. This workshop is open to ALL Active Brothers and is particularly crucial for current and aspiring chapter officers. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights into effective chapter management and leadership transition strategies. Please use the link below to register and ensure that this information is shared with the rest of your chapter officer team.
Update #3: Celebrating Our Graduating Seniors
To our Spring graduating seniors, congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! Your academic and fraternal journeys have been a beacon of leadership, musicianship, and service. As you transition to alumni status, remember that your influence on our Fraternity endures and that your fraternal journey extends far beyond your Active years.
As a reminder, graduating seniors are granted complimentary provisional membership into the Alumni Association based on the time of year they graduate. May Graduates receive complimentary membership for one year, seven months (June 1 – December 31 of the next year). The chapter must submit a Graduating Senior Report for graduating seniors to receive their complimentary year. However, if they want full voting rights in the Alumni Association they will need to use the form below.
GRADUATING SENIOR VOTING RIGHTS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Update #4: Recognizing Academic Excellence & Outstanding Student Leadership
In our continual pursuit of “Striving for the Highest,” we are thrilled to recognize the exceptional achievements of our members both in the classroom and through their impactful leadership. This commitment to excellence is brilliantly showcased by our AEA Scholarship and J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award recipients.
AEA Scholarship Spring 2024 Recipients
We are immensely proud of our AEA Scholarship recipients, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their academic pursuits. Congratulations to the following Distinguished Scholars for their outstanding academic excellence:
- Victoria Ashley (Pi, Auburn University)
- Claire Bawiec (Nu Gamma, Robert Morris University)
- James May (Gamma Phi, Stephen F. Austin State University)
- Sarah Narum (Delta, University of Oklahoma)
- Alena Scott (Xi Beta, University of North Texas)
- DaCarlos Street (Zeta Pi, Tennessee State University)
Their dedication not only exemplifies our commitment to academic achievement but also sets a shining example of excellence for all members.
J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award Recipients
Additionally, we honor those who have exemplified outstanding service and leadership within our Fraternity. The Spring 2024 semester has seen an incredible group of Brothers awarded the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award:
- Cade Skuse (Nu Gamma, Robert Morris University)
- Maddy Schafer (Nu Xi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
- Camryn Silk (Zeta Omicron, University of Akron)
- Brooklyn Briles (Delta, University of Oklahoma)
- Ethan Potts (Lambda, University of Arkansas)
- Dusty Butler (Gamma Delta, Wayne State College)
- Farhan Chowdhury (Epsilon Pi, Kansas State University)
- Tim Doerges (Beta, Montana State University)
- Sara Harnish (Gamma, University of Washington)
These individuals have not only excelled in their academic endeavors but have also been pillars of leadership and service within their chapters and the broader community. Congratulations to all our recipients! Your hard work and achievements are a beacon of inspiration, urging us all to continue striving for excellence in every aspect of our lives.
Update #5: District Conventions Recap
This Spring, our District Conventions were nothing short of spectacular, drawing over 2,000 Brothers and Sisters together to celebrate both organizations’ missions and purposes. I am proud to share the remarkable attendance at each event:
- Northeast District Convention – 482 attendees
- Southeast District Convention – 566 attendees
- North Central District Convention – 316 attendees
- Southwest District Convention – 424 attendees
- Midwest District Convention – 219 attendees
- Western District Convention – 123 attendees
Each convention was filled with robust discussions, enriching workshops, and spirited fellowship. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the district leadership teams for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts not only facilitated successful events but also helped create lifelong memories and connections that span the country. Thank you for your part in strengthening our Brotherhood and inspiring all of us to elevate our commitment to our ideals and mission!
Update #6: June – National Month of Celebration
Looking ahead, June is designated as our National Month of Celebration. This special month is an opportunity for all chapters and members to celebrate our achievements, honor our history, and reinforce the ties that bind us. Please plan to participate in activities that highlight the joy, the commitment, and the vibrant spirit of our fraternity. Be on the lookout for more details at the end of this month!
In closing, I would like to express how incredibly proud I am of all our Brothers, both Active and Alumni. Throughout this biennium, you have all demonstrated unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to our fraternal values. Managing the changes and challenges of leading our national organization, alongside my personal commitments, has been a profound journey of growth and inspiration, largely due to your influence. Your support and guidance have been invaluable to me, and I am truly a better person because of your love and encouragement. Every call, message, interaction, and point of connection has been a source of strength for me. It’s your support that has carried me through to this day.
With your continued engagement and support, I remain committed to leading Kappa Kappa Psi toward a brighter future and upholding the standards that make us all proud to be part of The Kappa Kappa Psi Journey.
Thank you and AEA.
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