Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi,
It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of one of our Past National Presidents and beloved Brothers, Dr. Lemuel Berry, Jr. As we come together to celebrate his life and legacy, we recognize his profound impact on Kappa Kappa Psi and beyond.
Dr. Lemuel Berry, Jr. (Delta Alpha), served as the Director of Bands at Langston University and was elected National President at the 32nd Biennial Convention at Texas Tech University in 1983. During his time as President and Vice President, Dr. Berry’s leadership led to the formation of fifteen new petitioning groups (previously known as “colonies”) and the installation of seven chapters. His contributions to our fraternity were vast, including directing the national trust fund drive, initiating the first campus visitation program, and producing the first Kappa Kappa Psi Commissioned Band Composition Directory and Fund Raising Brochure. Under his guidance, the national organization developed a model Membership Education Program, which became an essential guide for both petitioning groups and existing chapters. Dr. Berry also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the “A. Frank Martin Award,” honoring music professionals for their significant regional contributions, and was instrumental in upgrading the National Office’s operations with its first computer. His term culminated in the 33rd Biennial Convention in 1985 at the University of Kansas, where the National Intercollegiate Band premiered James Barnes’ Chorale Prelude: ‘Mein junges Leben hat ein End’, Op 61, under the esteemed direction of Dr. William P. Foster and the support of host conductor Robert E. Foster.
As we reflect on Dr. Berry’s enduring contributions to Kappa Kappa Psi and the broader academic and musical communities, we are reminded of the profound legacy he leaves behind. Past National President Ken Corbett has written an insightful article for the Fall 2024 Podium dedicated to honoring Dr. Berry’s legacy and the impact he made on those who had the privilege of knowing him. Below is an excerpt from PNP Corbett’s tribute, which captures the essence of Dr. Berry’s life and his remarkable journey:
“Born October 11, 1946, in Oneonta, NY, Dr. Berry grew up in Burlington, NJ before attending college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Livingstone College and a Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music Education from the University of Iowa.
His expansive academic career as a professor and administrator included positions as Dean, of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, at Virginia State University; Dean of Humanities & Fine Arts, at Mercy College; Dean, at Caudill College of Humanities, at Morehead State University; and finally, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New England.
He wrote more than 200 articles on music, education, and many topics in between and published books on Black musical artists, including Great African American Musicians from Marian Anderson to Stevie Wonder in 2010. The Phoenix Settlement – A National Heritage Site is scheduled for publication in 2024 followed by the 2025 publication of the Encyclopedia of Who’s Who in Black Gospel Music.
On a personal level, I remember the many Stillwater meetings and trips to Oklahoma City for dinner with KKPs Psi Board of Trustees members Hugh McMillen, David Oakley, and Don Stanley. A very learning moment for me at my young fraternity age.”
– Ken Corbett, Past National President, Kappa Kappa Psi
To share remembrances, photographs, or notes of gratitude with the National Chapter, please use the following form: www.kkpsi.org/remembrances. If you plan to share your memories via social media, please include the hashtag #KappaKappaPsiRemembers.
Together, let us honor Dr. Berry’s memory by celebrating his remarkable contributions, leadership, and the enduring impact he had on our Fraternity and the broader band community.
In Brotherhood,
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