Kappa Kappa Psi mourns the loss of Tyler Butterfield
Brothers:
We, along with hundreds of brothers, have changed our profile picture on Facebook to the badge of mourning in memory of Tyler Butterfield from the Epsilon Omega chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tyler was just 20 years old and a Junior Accounting Major.
An Active Member of the fraternity, he was a Rank Leader for B Rank in the Cornhusker Marching Band, a member of the Football Friday Pep Band, the Big Red Express, and participated in Campus Band. His involvement in the University of Nebraska Bands touched many throughout the program.
He is being remembered as a great friend and leader, a loyal Brother, and for his ability to make anyone laugh and feel at ease. He is missed terribly by his friends, family, and fellow band members.
The National Council, on behalf of the fraternity, sends its deepest condolences to Tyler’s family and the band staff and students at UNL.
AEA.
2019 Nominations Committee Announcement
Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Nominations Committee for the 2019 election cycle. This is the second biennium using the updated nominations/election process voted on by the National Chapter at the 2015 National Convention. You can view the complete process and membership requirements in the National Constitution, Section 3.708.
This committee is representative of the total Fraternity and meets the requirements of the National Constitution. They are charged with reviewing packets for eligibility, interviewing candidates, and developing a slate of candidates for each office for the 2019 National Convention Delegation.
Nominations Committee
- Derrick Mills, Chair
- Board of Trustees: Danny George
- Governor 1: Denali Pearce-Alt
- Governor 2: Clinton Wieden
- Governor 3: Craig Aarhus
- Member 1: Michael Osborn
- Member 2: Maggie Sant
- Alumni Board Rec 1: Laura Pike
- Alumni Board Rec 2: Teddy Howell
- District Officer 1: Jacob Welper, Iota Omega
- District Officer 2: Annie Jane Burns, Gamma Iota
- District Officer 3: Andrew Mason, Nu Gamma
- Active 1: Mitch Mikuchonis, Iota Kappa
- Active 2: James Washburn, Iota Zeta
- Active 3: Brandon Heater, Eta Kappa
- Active 4: Ilene Gould, Zeta Epsilon
- Active 5: Aliyah Qualls, Beta Omicron
- Evan Thompson, National President (ex-officio)
- Steve Nelson, National Executive Director (ex-officio)
Congratulations to these brothers on their selection to the 2019 Nominations Committee! We owe them our thanks and support for the work they will engage in on behalf of the Fraternity and its members. If you have any questions about the election process, please contact National President Evan Thompson (evan@kkpsi.org) or National Executive Director Steve Nelson (nelson@kkytbs.org).
AEA,
Evan L. Thompson
National President
2017-2019
Call for Leadership Program Speakers
Brothers:
In the summer of 2017, the National Council voted to accept the proposal of Past National President Dr. Kirk Randazzo to create a new National Leadership Development Program for Kappa Kappa Psi called The Founders’ Circle.
This program will contain two fundamental aspects: a series of dynamic workshops offered on a regular basis at district and national conventions; and an online tutorial with information pertaining to all components of the leadership program. Material for The Founders’ Circle is based primarily on the Social Change Model which identifies three different levels of leadership: Individual, Group/Team, and Society/Community. The leadership program also incorporates specific skills and values that brothers and band directors identified through surveys collected by the fraternity’s Leadership Task Force. The Founders’ Circle is designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of leadership for their band programs and their future.
An exciting piece of this work is the development of a team of dynamic speakers who will implement The Founders’ Circle, and equip brothers with values and skills needed to be successful as actives and alumni. This team will engage in intense training weekends and perfect their presentation skills through the guidance of Dr. Randazzo. Individuals who complete the training and preparation will be utilized for workshops and presentations across the country at local, district, and national events.
Requirements:
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree
- 25 years of age or older
- Public speaking experience preferred
Application:
- Cover letter indicating interest in the position and qualifications
- Resume/CV, highlighting any public speaking experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- A 5-10 minute video of you presenting
Applications are due by Friday, November 2, 2018. They can be submitted to National President Evan Thompson at evan@kkpsi.org.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact President Thompson or Dr. Kirk Randazzo (randazzo@mailbox.sc.edu).
AEA,
Evan L. Thompson
National President
2017-2019
Travel Schedules
New SWD Governor Announcement
Brothers:
It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Andy Melvin to the position of Southwest District Governor for Kappa Kappa Psi.
Andy was initiated into the Delta chapter at the University of Oklahoma in 2010. He served as Vice President of Membership and President. After graduating with a degree in International Studies in 2014, Andy was hired as a National Chapter Field Representative for the fraternity and traveled across the country visiting chapters and attending professional events for two years. Andy has continued to serve the fraternity as a Curriculum Advisor and as a member of the Ritual Performance & Education Committee. Professionally, Andy is a District Executive for Boy Scouts of America working primarily in Edmond, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas.
You can send congratulatory messages to Andy at andrewbmelvin@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Andy! Please welcome him to the National Leadership Team!
AEA,
Evan L. Thompson
National President
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
evan@kkpsi.org
Call for Applications – SWD Governor
The District Governors are key members of the National Leadership Team. These professional volunteers serve as the administrative officers of their respective district and provide mentorship to the district and chapter officers. District Governors are expected to assist the district officers with the development of a vision for the district and build positive, professional connections with all students, directors, sponsors, alumni, and national leadership. District Governors also engage in work that supports the National Vision including activity reviews for the National Membership Education Program: The Road to Wisdom and promoting national programs.
There is an immediate opening for Southwest District Governor for the 2018-2019 school year. The National Council is looking for a brother of outstanding quality who will join the current District Governors of the SWD. Eligible applicants will complete the application requirements and submit using the JotForm link. All requirements must be included in order to submit a complete application.
The National Council thanks Kalem Graham for his service and leadership the past three years, and we wish him the best as he pursues new professional opportunities out of the district.
Applications and materials should be submitted by Friday, August 3, 2018 via JotForm.
Applicant Requirements:
- Must be at least twenty-five (25) years old
- Completed an undergraduate degree
- Possess outstanding business or professional ability
- Resident of district applying for
- Be a Life, Alumni, or Honorary member in good standing of Kappa Kappa Psi
Governor Application Requirements:
- Letter of Intent – Highlight fraternity, professional experience; also share vision and ideas for improving the SWD
- Resume/Vita
- Three Letters of Recommendation, one of which should be within the applicant’s profession
- JotForm Application: https://form.jotform.com/81874556384167
New Governors Announced
Brothers:
It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Arupa Gopal (SED) and Bill Welch (NED) to the position of District Governor for Kappa Kappa Psi.
Arupa Gopal was initiated into the Kappa Tau chapter at the University of South Florida in 2004. She holds undergraduate degrees in Music (Flute Performance) and Management from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration from New York University. Professionally, she serves as Executive Administrative Specialist to the Dean for the College of The Arts at the University of South Florida. Arupa is currently serving the fraternity as a member of the Officer Training and Resources Committee. She will be joining Dr. Craig Aarhus and Latrondrick Hunter as a Governor in the Southeast District.
Bill Welch was initiated into the Eta Omicron chapter at James Madison University in 1989. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Management with a focus in Human Resources Management and Finance from James Madison University. Professionally, he serves as a Branch Manager for Unify Financial Credit Union/Western FCU. Bill is currently serving the fraternity as a Curriculum Advisor and as a member of the Centennial Committee. He will be joining Marie Burleigh and Mike Napolitano as a Governor in the Northeast District.
You can send congratulatory messages to Arupa at agopal@kkpsi.org and Bill at wbwelch67@gmail.com.
Congratulations to both of these outstanding brothers! Please welcome them to the National Leadership Team!
AEA,
Evan L. Thompson
National President
Kappa Kappa Psi
Road To Wisdom Advisor Application Now Available!
Applications due by Friday, June 22, 2018
APPLY HERE
Please contact the Curriculum Development Committee at curriculum@kkpsi.org for any question.
Title: Road to Wisdom Advisor
Participant Group: Alumni/Life Members of Kappa Kappa Psi
Goals:
- To guide and monitor chapters through the implementation of the National Membership Education Program: The Road to Wisdom
- To facilitate discussion and collaboration between chapter Vice Presidents of Membership.
- To review planning documents and chapter calendars to ensure chapters implement the components of The Road to Wisdom.
- To communicate the progress of chapter implementation to the National Vice President for Colonization and Membership and the Curriculum Development Committee.
- To communicate strengths, needs, and edits of The Road to Wisdom to the National Vice President for Colonization and Membership and the Curriculum Development Committee.
Activities and Tasks
Responsibilities
The Road to Wisdom Advisor will work with their assigned Chapter Vice Presidents of Membership (VPM) to mentor and guide the active member through their Membership Education Program. The Advisor will work with each VPM to accomplish the Vice President Planning Document, setting a calendar, and facilitate the Road to Wisdom.
Time Commitment
The amount of time will be varied based on when assigned chapters conduct their membership education program. The time for an Advisor to commit weekly is also based on the schedule of the professional and personal life of the individual. It is expected that advisors respond to inquiries and e-mails related to The Road to Wisdom in a timely and professional manner.
Boundaries and Limitations
The Road to Wisdom Advisors will work with their assigned chapters to ensure Vice Presidents of Membership and chapters are compliant with all aspects of The Road to Wisdom. The Advisor will be expected to assist VPMs with understanding the VPM Guide and Membership Candidate Guidebook. The Advisor will be reviewing and assessing chapter calendars and planning documents, and mentoring VPMs through the implementation process. The Advisor will not approve or disapprove chapter activities and events. Approval of chapter activities and events outside of the curriculum will be referred to the District Governors.
Personal Traits and Qualities/Qualifications
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree
- Enthusiastic about working with any Chapter Vice President of Membership (VPM)
- Previous VPM or educator experience preferred, but not required
- Self-Motivated to initiate conversations with VPM’s via phone, e-mail, or other digital platforms
- Organized
- Attention to detail
- Willing to collaborate for the advancement of The Road to Wisdom
Training Dates (One of the Following)
Training will be provided via online meeting service.
Support and Supervision
The Road to Wisdom is supervised by the National Curriculum Development Committee, the National Vice President for Colonization & Membership, and the National President. Advisors can expect support from these individuals throughout the school year and will have the access to Curriculum Development Committee for assistance.
Applications due by Friday, June 22, 2018
APPLY HERE
Congratulations to Mr. Edward E. Crenshaw on receiving the Silver Baton Award!
Congratulations to Mr. Edward E. Crenshaw on receiving the Silver Baton Award! Mr. Crenshaw is a charter member (1967) of the Epsilon Gamma chapter at Alabama State University. After a brief stint in the Birmingham Public Schools, Crenshaw was drafted into the army. In the army, Mr. Crenshaw served as a musician for the 82nd Airborne Army Band, and was later transferred to the 82nd Airborne Army Choral Division where he served as music director. After completing his military service, he returned to Birmingham to become band director and head of the music department at Ramsay High School. Earlier this month, Crenshaw was honored by Ramsay High School for his 40 years of service as a music educator by naming the new band facility in his name. Southeast District Governors, Craig Aarhus and Latrondrick Hunter, presented the award on behalf of the National Council. Kappa Kappa Psi congratulates Mr. Crenshaw on his years of service to bands!
The Silver Baton Award is intended to recognize individuals for their longevity and continuous quality service to bands. Chapters are able to present this award at local concerts, state music conventions, and/or special public gatherings. Any chapter with the approval of its sponsor and Director of Bands may select and present the award. Chapters may find the Silver Baton Award Application Form at www.kkpsi.org under “Fraternity Awards”.
AEA Scholarship Deadlines & Grant Information
Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi,
As we come to the end of another academic year, we find many reasons to celebrate! We celebrate new beginnings as our Brothers graduate and take the role of the longest type of membership…alumni status. On behalf of Kappa Kappa Psi, congratulations and best of luck on your future endeavors.
In addition to graduation, there is much more to celebrate! The feeling of finishing that last final exam, and for many of you, this means (we hope) a higher GPA. Kappa Kappa Psi believes in recognizing those students who strive for the highest in everything they do and recognize academic excellence. The AEA Scholarship is one way of recognition. First awarded in 2000, the AEA Scholarship awards a bursary to eligible brothers representing the best of Kappa Kappa Psi by balancing academics and extra-curricular activities, as well as serving as role models in their band programs and for their fellow brothers.
The AEA Scholarship is awarded into two tiers: the AEA Distinguished Scholarship and the AEA Honored Scholarship. The Distinguished Scholarship awards a student up to $2000. The candidate must be an active or associate brother in good standing at the time of application; hold at least a 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and submit the application and required documents prior to the deadline.
The Honored Scholarship awards a student up to $1000. Each candidate must be an active or associate brother in good standing at the time of application; hold at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and submit the application and required documents prior to the deadline.
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE AEA SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE FALL IS JULY 1.
Another reason to celebrate is the swearing in of our new Chapter officers across the country. Although we realize this can create feelings of both excitement and anxiety, the National Council is here to help you, and make the most of your transitions. While you are brainstorming and planning for the next academic year, consider applying for the Chapter Development Grant and the Matching Grant.
The Chapter Development Grant is the newest initiative from the National Council. Adopted in January 2018, the Chapter Development Grant was created to promote leadership and chapter operations training for the brothers and band programs where chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi are located. Approved programs can receive funding up to $1000. For more information on the Chapter Development Grant, please visit our website at https://www.kkpsi.org/programs/chapter-dev/.
The Matching Grant Program is an initiative of Kappa Kappa Psi that provides financial support for obtaining guest conductors and performing artists for college/university bands. The program provides financial support, up to $500, for programming and concerts twice a year. This program is not restricted only to college and university band programs with chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi. Any college band can apply for this grant. For more information on the Matching Grant program, please visit https://www.kkpsi.org/programs/matching-grant-program/.
Finally, for those who are looking for ways to collectively acknowledge your chapter’s hard work, we invite you to apply for our Academic Excellence Awards. These awards were established by the 1991 National Convention to honor outstanding academic achievement of both individuals and active chapters. Applications should be submitted to the National Headquarters with a copy of a grade report at the end of each academic term. The Top Chapter Scholar Award is presented to the active member from the chapter with the highest GPA for a given academic term. The Outstanding Academic Achievement Award is given to active members of the chapter who achieve a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for a particular term. The Chapter Certificate of Excellence in Academics is presented to chapters that achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better for a given academic term. Visit this link for the application and more information:https://www.kkpsi.org/academic-excellence-awards/
Should you have any more questions or concerns with regards to our programs and awards, please feel free to contact me at nbratcher@kkpsi.org. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have and even review potential applications for the Chapter Development and Matching Grants. Best of luck, and we look forward to your applications!
AEA,
Dr. Nicholas Bratcher
National Vice President for Programs
Kappa Kappa Psi