Brothers,
Happy April! As we spring into the new month, I am thrilled to announce the start of our National Month of Brotherhood. What exactly does “Brotherhood” mean? While we each have our personal understanding and feelings about it, this month challenges us to articulate and demonstrate its true essence, especially during times of challenge when unity feels distant. Let’s use this opportunity to deepen our connections and truly explore the meaning of Brotherhood within our chapters and communities.
Additionally, we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, a time to honor the profound influence of jazz on our Fraternity and the broader musical landscape. This month encourages us to dive into the history and impact of jazz, enriching our appreciation of this powerful art form. As previously mentioned, we look forward to the debut of the Kappa Kappa Psi Intercollegiate Jazz Band at our 2025 National Convention. Our Board of Trustees is diligently working to ensure this initiative is both impactful and financially viable, offering numerous ways for Brothers to actively contribute to its success.
With only 105 days until our National Convention and 108 days to the conclusion of this biennium, we still have significant work ahead, alongside much to celebrate and be proud of. Each day brings us closer to these important milestones, filled with opportunities for growth and celebration. I encourage you to carefully read through the updates in this newsletter. By fully engaging with each aspect of our Fraternity’s goals and working collaboratively, we make our collective march toward the foothills of success smoother and more rewarding.
APRIL UPDATES
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
We are pleased to announce that Dollie McDonald O’Neill has officially been appointed as the Interim National Executive Director for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma National Headquarters, effective today (Tuesday, April 1, 2025).
Please join us in giving Dollie a warm and enthusiastic welcome. We’re confident her leadership will strengthen and support our collective efforts in meaningful ways! You can read more about Dollie’s journey and accomplishments in our official announcement.
Email: oneill@kkytbs.org
Update #1: National Month of Brotherhood
April is Kappa Kappa Psi’s National Month of Brotherhood, a time to celebrate the bonds that unite us, reflect on the meaning of Brotherhood, and recommit ourselves to the values of fellowship, service, and love for one another and for music. Brotherhood is more than a title—it’s how we show up for each other, support our band programs, and carry the spirit of Kappa Kappa Psi into every part of our lives.
Here’s a glimpse of the weekly themes we’ll explore:
- Week 1: Reflect on what Brotherhood means beyond our letters.
- Week 2: Share stories of how we support and uplift one another.
- Week 3: Engage in service projects that strengthen our bonds.
- Week 4: Discuss the lasting impact of Brotherhood beyond college.
Stay tuned on our social media and look out for emails with detailed prompts and activities for each week. Let’s use this month to deepen our connections and celebrate the spirit of Brotherhood that makes our fraternity so unique.
Update #2: 2025 National Convention Registration Now Open
We are excited to announce that registration for the 2025 National Convention is officially open! This is a fantastic opportunity for us to reconnect, celebrate our achievements, and voice our aspirations for the future of Kappa Kappa Psi. The convention is not just a gathering; it’s a pivotal event where we reaffirm our commitment to our fraternity, share our successes, and collaboratively shape the next biennium.
We aim to welcome at least 450 Active members and 150 Alumni (non-National Leadership Team) members. This is your chance to be part of a transformative experience, to engage in meaningful discussions, and to contribute to the fraternity’s future direction. Don’t miss out—save your spot today!
Key Resources for Convention Attendees:
- Chapter Delegate & Proxy Form: Ensure your chapter’s voice is heard.
- Student Keynote Speaker Application: A chance to address the fraternity at a national level.
- Student Parliamentarian Application: Get involved in facilitating our business sessions.
- National Constitution Changes Form: Submit proposals for constitutional amendments.
- National Elections Information: Learn about the candidates and the election process.
For a detailed look at our #NatCon2025 schedule and to learn more about our lineup of inspiring keynote speakers, visit our official convention page. Make sure to stay updated via our social media and emails for all the latest information regarding the convention. Join us as we celebrate, deliberate, and look forward to another vibrant chapter in the Kappa Kappa Psi story.
Update #3:Intercollegiate Jazz Band & Jazz Appreciation Month
We are thrilled to announce the extension of auditions for the inaugural Kappa Kappa Psi Intercollegiate Jazz Band until April 15, 2025. This is a unique opportunity for members interested in jazz performance to showcase their talent in front of hundreds of Brothers and Sisters from across the country. Whether you are a seasoned jazz musician or know someone passionate about jazz, we encourage you to consider auditioning. For more details or questions, please visit our website or contact our National Vice President for Professional Relations, Dr. William Lake (wlake@gmu.edu).
In conjunction with these auditions, we are also excited to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month. The Kappa Kappa Psi Board of Trustees is dedicated to ensuring the success and sustainability of this new ensemble, making it financially accessible to all who wish to participate. As part of this effort, we are offering several sponsorship opportunities to help support the program at $250 each:
- Instrument Rentals: 2 sponsorships available
- Music/Folders: 4 sponsorships available
- Band Fronts: 4 sponsorships available
- IJB Student Meals: 8 sponsorships available
- IJB Shirts: 2 sponsorships available
- Recording – A/V Production: 12 sponsorships available
- Gift Bag/Welcome Experience: 8 sponsorships available
- Custom Sponsorships: Donor choice
These sponsorships provide a direct way to support the efforts of our talented musicians and ensure a memorable experience for both performers and attendees. All sponsors will be recognized throughout the National Convention and the Intercollegiate Jazz Band concert. To learn more about how to make a gift and directly impact this exciting initiative, please visit our website or email Board Vice Chair, Evan Thompson (evan@kkpsi.org), for further information.
Update #4: April VPSA Chat on Transitioning to Alumni Status
Join us for our next VPSA Chat on April 15 at 7 PM CT, featuring an essential discussion that will benefit not only our graduating seniors but all members contemplating the transition from active to alumni status. Our special guests, Arupa Gopal-Campbell and Brittany Biberston, Alumni Association LAA Director, will lead this engaging session.
The chat will focus on how future alumni can seamlessly transition to alumni status, the ways to stay involved, and the benefits of joining the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. We understand that the majority of our fraternal journey is spent as alumni, and without careful planning and intention, it’s easy to feel disconnected. This discussion aims to equip our members with the tools and knowledge to continue their active engagement and find new pathways to contribute to our fraternity’s legacy.
This VPSA Chat will be streamed live on Facebook Live, providing an interactive platform for members to ask questions and gain insights directly from experienced alumni. If you have any questions about transitioning to alumni status or if you’d like Arupa to speak directly to your chapter about navigating your KKPsi journey as an alum, please reach out to her at arupa@kkpsi.org.
Update #5: Chapter Officer Transition Weekend w/ CHOPs
We’re hosting our Chapter Officer Transition Weekend to ensure smooth leadership handovers within our chapters. This is a vital event for both incoming and outgoing officers, aimed at preparing them for their roles and responsibilities.
Workshop Schedule:
- Saturday, April 26, 2025 (5 PM – 7 PM CT)
- Sunday, April 27, 2025 (12 PM – 2 PM CT)
The sessions will begin with our standard Officer Transitions presentation, potentially followed by role-specific breakouts, and conclude with an open forum for discussion and problem-solving.
Given the timing during finals season, we’ve chosen these hours to minimize conflict. It’s important that both outgoing and incoming officers attend together to facilitate effective knowledge transfer. Mark your calendars and ensure your chapter’s leadership is ready for a successful transition. For more details, please contact the National Committee on Chapter Operations at chapteroperations@kkpsi.org.
Important Links
| Ari’s Travel Schedule | Mason’s Travel Schedule |
| Chapter Resources Folder | Calendar & Activity Review Forms |
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As this month unfolds, we’ll encounter new challenges and opportunities that may cause us to question our commitments and values. I invite each of you to reflect deeply on what it means to be a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi and consider the responsibility we hold towards one another. Remember, the strength and future of our Fraternity are in our hands. We cannot simply wait for others to lead; instead, each of us must proactively step forward to fulfill our oaths and embody the values of Kappa Kappa Psi. Love within our brotherhood is more than just words—it is a commitment we actively uphold, in both good times and bad.
This month, let’s reaffirm our dedication to one another and to the collective growth and success of our Fraternity. When faced with external pressures and internal challenges that threaten to divide us, we must work even harder to stand united, marching shoulder to shoulder. With just over 100 days left in this biennium, I am proud to march alongside each of you on #TheKKPsiJourney as we continue to support college and university bands.
With Love and Appreciation,
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