81 Convention Program Book by Kappa Alpha Order

PROGRAM

CONVENTION CHRONOLOGY

On July 11–13, 1870, brothers from five chapters along with Knight Commander Samuel Zenas Ammen sat around a small table in a hotel room in Richmond, Virginia. Records indicate this took place at either the Exchange Hotel or the Spotswood Hotel. This meeting was called the General Council and constituted the first Convention. More than 155 years later, the Order holds its 81st regular session of Convention in Roanoke, Virginia. Listed below is a chronology of Conventions.

1st 1870 Richmond, VA

2nd 1871 Macon, GA

3rd 1872 Spartanburg, SC

4th 1873 Athens, GA

5th 1874 Ashland, VA

6th 1875 Oxford, GA

7th 1876 Richmond, VA

8th 1877 Athens, GA

9th 1878 Macon, GA

10th 1879 Spartanburg, SC

11th 1881 Atlanta, GA

12th 1883 Richmond, VA

13th 1885 Nashville, TN

14th 1887 Columbia, SC

15th 1889 Augusta, GA

16th 1891 Bir mingham, AL

17th 1893 Richmond, VA

18th 1895 Atlanta, GA

19th 1897 Nashville, TN

Special 1898 Washington, DC

20th 1899 Lexington, KY

21st 1901 Richmond, VA

22nd 1903 Atlanta, GA

23rd 1905 Asheville, NC

24th 1907 Norfolk, VA

25th 1909 Bir mingham, AL

26th 1911 New Orleans, LA

27th 1913 Memphis, TN

28th 1915 Richmond, VA

29th 1917 Jacksonville, FL

30th 1919 Lexington, KY

31st 1921 Dallas, TX

32nd 1923 Washington, DC

33rd 1925 Richmond, VA

34th 1927 Atlanta, GA

35th 1929 Louisville, KY

36th 1931 New Orleans, LA

37th 1933 Columbia, SC

38th 1935 Memphis, TN

39th 1937 Jacksonville, FL

40th 1939 Pasadena, CA

41st 1941 Virginia Beach, VA

42nd 1947 Savannah, GA

43rd 1949 Washington, DC

44th 1951 Edgewater Park, MS

Special 1952 Louisville, KY

45th 1953 Dallas, TX

46th 1955 San Francisco, CA

47th 1957 Jacksonville, FL

48th 1959 Kansas City, MO

49th 1961 Memphis, TN

50th 1963 Oklahoma City, OK

51st 1965 Roanoke, VA

52nd 1967 Atlanta, GA

53rd 1969 Jackson, MS

54th 1971 Tulsa, OK

Special 1972 Nashville, TN

55th 1973 New Orleans, LA

56th 1975 Biloxi, MS

57th 1977 Houston, TX

58th 1979 Jacksonville, FL

59th 1981 Nashville, TN

60th 1983 Springfield, MO

61st 1985 Dallas, TX

62nd 1987 Lexington, KY

63rd 1989 Scottsdale, AZ

64th 1991 San Francisco, CA

65th 1993 Charlotte, NC

66th 1995 Cincinnati, OH

67th 1997 Atlanta, GA

68th 1999 New Orleans, LA

69th 2001 Savannah, GA

70th 2003 Tampa, FL

71st 2005 Roanoke, VA

72nd 2007 San Antonio, TX

73rd 2009 Washington, DC

74th 2011 Phoenix, AZ

75th 2013 San Antonio, TX

76th 2015 Roanoke/Lexington, VA

77th 2017 St. Louis, MO

78th 2019 New Orleans, LA

79th 2021 Phoenix, AZ

80th 2023 Orlando, FL

Dear Brothers & Guests,

WELCOME TO ROANOKE!

Welcome to Roanoke, Virginia, for our 81st Convention & Brotherhood Weekend. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke and Lexington are known for scenic beauty, vibrant arts and culture, and rich history. From the beautiful Hotel Roanoke to the streets of historic Lexington, this weekend you will explore the past, enjoy the present, and help shape the future of our Order. This Convention will be filled with good fellowship, reacquainting with old brothers and friends, meeting new ones, raising funds to support our undergraduates, and of course, conducting the business of the Order. There are several special events planned throughout the week that I hope you will enjoy here in the Shenandoah Valley.

On Thursday we’ll gather in the “Values Valley” for registration. Here you’ll gain some great information about KA values and operations, visit vendors and exhibitors, and enjoy live music and fellowship with arriving participants. Also, don’t miss the raffles for attendees. Thursday afternoon we will open the first meeting of the 81st Convention. Afterward, we will host the 28th annual Bid for Brotherhood to raise funds and support for the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF) through live and silent auctions.

On Friday, we will travel to the birthplace of our Order—Lexington, Virginia. Initiated brothers will get the chance to renew their vows at the model initiation. Following you can enjoy lunch and tours of historic locations throughout the city. That afternoon we will re-dedicate our Veterans Memorial at the National Administrative Office at Mulberry Hill. Finally, members of the KAOEF’s Crimson & Gold Society will enjoy dinner back at Hotel Roanoke, and all other attendees will enjoy a casual Brotherhood Dinner at Mulberry Hill.

On Saturday, our final day of activities, brothers will gather by Provinces for breakfast then attend committee meetings. Midday we will host our Leadership Lecture Luncheon presented by the KAOEF. This year’s speaker is Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso, Jr. (Epsilon–Emory ’65). Deriso is the founding Chairman of Atlantic Capital Bank and former Vice Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp. He has served as Chairman of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, a Trustee of Emory University, and on the boards of multiple public and nonprofit organizations. Undergraduate and Alumni Conferences will follow. The final Convention meeting will also allow us to complete the work of the Order including the election of officers. Finally, we will celebrate excellence at the Knight Commander’s Banquet and various receptions.

I am pleased to be with you for our 81st Convention and Brotherhood Weekend to celebrate our values, purpose, and our Order. Brothers, I remain proud to be a KA and honored to serve as your Knight Commander. Welcome, and thank you for being here.

Fraternally/Sincerely,

King V. Aiken, Jr. Knight Commander

SCHEDULE

You must have a name tag to attend Convention meetings and meal tickets for each meal. Some events may require additional purchases. Visit Registration for more information and assistance.

Wednesday, July 30th

2:00pm–5:00pm Executive Council Meeting, members only Jefferson Boardroom

6:30pm Official Family Reception, invitation only Shenandoah

7:30pm–10:00pm Official Family Dinner, invitation only Regency Overlook

7:30pm–10:00pm Former Knight Commanders Dinner, invitation only Virginia Room

Thursday, July 31st

8:00am–8:30am Liberty Hall PAC Board Meeting, members only Blue Ridge Boardroom

8:00am–1:00pm Advisory Council Breakfast, Meeting, and Lunch, members only Shenandoah

8:00am–5:00pm Convention Registration, Values Valley, and Tuxedo Pickup (see page 7 for more details) North Entry and Roanoke Foyer

9:00am–10:00am Spouse/Guest Breakfast, at your own expense The Regency Room

10:00am Spouse/Guest Meet to Depart for Black Dog Salvage Hotel Lobby

10:30am–12:00pm Spouse/Guest Black Dog Salvage Outing Black Dog Salvage

12:00pm–2:00pm Spouse/Guest Lunch TBD

2:00pm–2:45pm Welcome and Convention Orientation Roanoke Ballroom

3:00pm–5:00pm Crimson & Gold Society Lounge Open, members only Gainsboro/New River

3:00pm–5:00pm Convention Meeting I Roanoke Ballroom

4:30pm–5:30pm High Balls at the Hotel Roanoke, ladies only club aka:

As a thank you to members of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation’s Crimson & Gold Society, a private lounge is provided for members to enjoy throughout the 81st Convention & Brotherhood Weekend. Members are welcome to drop in to relax and view the Order’s Traveling Archives.

SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 31st continued

5:00pm–6:00pm KA Chorus Practice

Pocahontas A

6:00pm Meet and Walk to Bid for Brotherhood Hotel Lobby

6:30pm–9:30pm 28th Annual KAOEF’s Bid for Brotherhood & Convention Dinner

Taubman Museum of Art

9:30pm Knight Commander’s Circle Reception Knight Commander’s Suite, invitation only

Friday, August 1st

7:30am–8:00am KA Chorus Practice

Pocahontas A

8:00am–8:45am Breakfast and Load Buses

North Entry Courtyard

9:00am–10:00am All Registrants - Travel to Lexington

10:15am–11:30am Spouse/Guest Shopping Clover

10:15am–12:00pm Model Initiation, initiated members only University (Formerly Lee) Chapel

11:00am–2:00pm Crimson & Gold Society Lounge Open Gin Hotel

12:00pm–1:30pm George C. Marshall Circle Lunch & Tour, men only George C. Marshall Library

12:00pm–2:00pm Lunch on Your Own and Lexington Tour Stops Downtown Lexington, Virginia

1:30pm–2:30pm Spouse/Guest Shopping Pumpkin Seeds

2:00pm–3:30pm Tours of the National Administrative Office Mulberry Hill

2:30pm–3:00pm KA Chorus Practice Mulberry Hill

3:00pm–3:30pm 1865 Trust Register Signing, invitation only Mulberry Hill

3:30pm–4:00pm Veterans Memorial Re-Dedication Entryway/Flag Plaza/Veterans Memorial

4:15pm Convention Photo Mulberry Hill

SCHEDULE

Friday, August 1st continued

4:30pm Load Buses for those Attending Crimson & Gold Society Dinner Mulberry Hill

4:30pm–7:30pm Brotherhood Dinner and Activities Mulberry Hill

6:15pm–6:45pm KA Chorus Practice

Pocahontas A

6:45pm–9:30pm KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society Reception and Dinner, invitation only

Crystal Ballroom

7:30pm Load Buses for Hotel Roanoke

Mulberry Hill

Saturday, August 2nd

7:30am–8:30am KA Chorus Practice

Pocahontas A

8:00am–5:00pm Registration Open, Exhibiting Vendors, and Tuxedo Pickup North Entry

8:00am–10:30am KAOEF Board of Trustees Breakfast and Meeting, members only Shenandoah

9:00am–10:00am Province Breakfast

Roanoke Ballroom

9:00am–10:00am Spouse/Guest Breakfast, at your own expense Regency Room

9:00am–12:30pm KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society Lounge Open, members only Gainsboro/New River

10:00am Spouse/Guests Pool & Spa Day Hotel Roanoke

10:00am–11:00am Committee Meetings

Legislative Committee Washington Lecture Hall

Resolutions Committee Monroe Finance Committee Wilson

10:00am–11:30am Fraternity Housing Corporation Board Meeting, members only Jefferson Boardoom

11:30am–1:00pm KAOEF Leadership Lecture Luncheon Roanoke Ballroom

1:00pm–2:00pm Final Chance for Vendors and Tuxedo Pickup

SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 2nd continued

2:00pm–3:00pm Undergraduate Conference

Washington Lecture Hall

2:00pm–3:00pm Alumni Conference Monroe

2:00pm–4:00pm KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society Lounge Open, members only

Gainsboro/New River

3:00pm–5:00pm Convention Meeting II

Roanoke Ballroom

5:00pm–5:30pm KA Chorus Practice

Pocahontas A

6:00pm–6:45pm Knight Commander’s Accolade and Crimson & Gold Society Reception, invitation only

Crystal Ballroom

6:30pm–7:15pm Convention Reception, hosted by the Loyal Order and Forever KA North Entry/Roanoke Foyer

6:45pm–7:15pm KA Chorus Practice (Dress Rehearsal)

Roanoke Ballroom

7:15pm–7:30pm Official Convention Photo

North Entry/Roanoke Foyer

7:30pm–9:30pm Knight Commander’s Banquet

Roanoke Ballroom

9:30pm–11:30pm Knight Commander’s Reception

Crystal Ballroom

Sunday, August 3rd

8:30am–9:00am Worship Service

Pocahontas

ATTIRE

Thursday

Registration and Values Valley

KA Relaxed (shorts and collared shirt)

Welcome, Convention Orientation & Convention Meeting I

KA Dress (suit/coat and tie, closed-toed dress shoes, dress socks, and belt)

KAOEF Bid for Brotherhood

KA Relaxed (shorts and collared shirt)

Friday

Breakfast, Model Initiation, Lunch and Tours of Lexington, Brotherhood Dinner at Mulberry Hill

KA Relaxed (shorts and collared shirt)

KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society Dinner

KA Dress (suit/coat and tie, closed-toed dress shoes, dress socks, and belt)

Saturday

Province Breakfast, Committee Meetings, KAOEF Leadership Lecture

Luncheon, Undergraduate Conference, Alumni Conference, and Convention Meeting II

KA Dress (suit/coat and tie, closed-toed dress shoes, dress socks, and belt)

Evening events (Receptions, Official Convention Photo, Knight Commander’s Banquet, and Knight Commander’s Reception

KA Formal (black tie, to include tuxedo or white dinner jacket)

R ented tuxedos will be in the North Entry/Roanoke Foyer beginning on Friday, and should be returned before your departure on Saturday evening or Sunday morning by 11am.

Sunday

Worship Service

KA Relaxed (shorts and collared shirt)

VALUES IN THE VALLEY

To kick-off the Order’s 81st Convention & Brotherhood Weekend and celebrate the values of KA, Values in the Valley will feature vendors of KA merchandise, exhibitors, and live music by Nashville performing artist Tucker B. Wilson (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State '22). Registration and tuxedo pick-up will be at Values in the Valley (Thursday only). Visit all of the values stations and receive tickets for a raffle of various KA items!

Excelsior Napa Valley - In partnership with Fairwinds Estate Winery, join the 1865 Wine Club to enjoy handcrafted Napa Valley wines made exclusively for KA. ExcelsiorNapa.com

The Kappa Alpha Store - Hosted by Campus Classics, The Order’s official online store partner has attractive and high-quality apparel and merchandise. KappaAlphaStore.com

Fraternal Composite Service, Inc. - The Order’s trusted provider of high-quality composites. Also, they are the Official Photographer of the 81st Convention! FraternalComposite.com

Goose Creek Publishing - Specializing in custom certificates and framing that are perfect for recognizing members, alumni, and chapter achievements. GooseCreekPublishingCo.com

The Graphic Cow - Owned by a KA, this is the premiere t-shirt producer in the Greek World. They are the sole provider of the Official Convention t-shirt. TheGraphicCowCompany.com

Greek-Rugs.com - Offering custom-designed, high-quality KA rugs perfect for chapter houses, home offices, or as graduation gifts. Greek-Rugs.com

Herff Jones - The Order’s official jeweler. Special Badges, cuff-links, rings and more. Go to formal in style and show your KA pride like a gentleman. HJGreek.com

The Independence Fund - See a track chair, learn how it can help improve the life of a wounded veteran, and plan how your chapter can fundraise to donate one. IndependenceFund.org

OmegaFi - Founded by a KA, OmegaFi has been inventing and innovating technology tools for Greek organizations for nearly 30 years. OmegaFi.com

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

BID FOR BROTHERHOOD

Bid for Brotherhood (B4B) is an exciting event featuring live and silent auctions that raise funds for the KAOEF to support KA’s leadership education programs. Visit KAOEF.org/BidNow to see the items up for auction and to place your bids!

A DAY IN LEXINGTON

Make the journey to Lexington, Virginia, a memorable and meaningful experience for any KA. After winding through the scenic Shenandoah Valley, you will arrive to Lexington, the birthplace of our Order. Admire the picturesque colonnade of Washington and Lee University. Walk the same paths as our Founders. Visit Lee Chapel, Robert E. Lee’s final resting place. Explore downtown Lexington’s charming shops and restaurants and soak in the town’s timeless southern hospitality. Finally, tour the National Administrative Office at Mulberry Hill. Sponsored by the KAOEF.

MODEL INITIATION

New men will be initiated into our eternal bonds of brotherhood. As you watch the initiation, recommit yourselves to a lifetime of brotherhood, service, and dedication to the values of Kappa Alpha Order. This year, our initiation ceremony will be performed by our brothers from Zeta Theta Chapter at James Madison University and Epsilon Eta Chapter at Virginia Tech, and it is directed by Patrick K. Moore (Epsilon Eta–Virginia Tech '84) and Alexander W. Nesterczuk (Epsilon Eta–Virginia Tech '19). In addition, look to the Model Initiation program to help remember and memorialize our KAs we have lost over the past biennium.

BROTHERHOOD OUTING AND DINNER

Brothers and guests who are not attending the Crimson & Gold Society Dinner are invited to spend a relaxing evening the Order’s National Administrative Office at Mulberry Hill. Enjoy a casual dinner, yard games, and fellowship with brothers from across the country while experiencing the grounds of this special KA landmark. The evening will feature live music by Nashville performing artist Tucker B. Wilson (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State '22). Don’t miss this opportunity to unwind, connect, and celebrate brotherhood in the heart of our heritage.

CRIMSON & GOLD

SOCIETY DINNER

The Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation will host its Annual Crimson & Gold Society Dinner on Friday in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hotel Roanoke.

The Crimson and Gold Society is a group of members, chapters, and friends of the Order who annually contribute $1,000 in unrestricted support to the KAOEF. Learn more at KAcrimsonandgold.com.

PROVINCE BREAKFAST

Get to know the active and alumni brothers from your Province and meet your Province Commander and Strategic Growth Manager.

KAOEF LEADERSHIP LECTURE LUNCHEON

The Leadership Lecture Series was first held in 1996, with the late Ely Callaway, Jr. (Epsilon–Emory '37), founder of Callaway Golf, as speaker.

For the KAOEF’s 20th Leadership Lecture, we are fortunate to host Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso, Jr. (Epsilon–Emory '65). Brother Deriso has exemplified leadership throughout his career, serving as Founding Chairman and Director of Atlantic Capital Bank and Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc., and previously as Vice Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp. His dedication to public service is evident through his roles as Chairman of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, Trustee of Emory University, and board member of numerous organizations. His insights into leadership, service, and the enduring values of KA will inspire all in attendance.

2025 KA CHORUS

The KA Chorus will perform KA songs at the Knight Commander’s Banquet on Saturday evening. If you are interested, see the schedule for KA Chorus practice times or visit registration for more information.

KNIGHT COMMANDER’S BANQUET

As a finale to the 81st Convention & Brotherhood Weekend, celebrate the leadership of our Knight Commander with a banquet and ceremony on Saturday evening. Prior to the Banquet, there will be two receptions. The first is for recipients of the Knight Commander’s Accolade and members of the KAOEF’s Crimson and Gold Society. The second is for all Convention attendees, hosted by the Loyal Order and Forever KA. Immediately before the Banquet, we will take the Official Convention Photo with all KA brothers in attendance. Following the Banquet, there will be a Knight Commander’s Reception.

Events on Saturday evening are black tie. See the schedule for tuxedo pick-up times.

WORSHIP SERVICE

Before your departure home, join National Chaplain Dwain P. Knight (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State '04) for a moving devotional surrounding the Order’s values, our shared brotherhood, and our faith.

SPOUSE, FAMILY & GUEST EVENTS

Join spouses and guests for various events throughout the weekend. If you are not already signed up, visit Convention Registration or contact Anita Snyder at asnyder@ka-order.org or (540) 460-1597 for availability and more details, or Dawn Wiese at drdawnwiese@gmail.com or (540) 461-0746. See full convention schedule for times.

Thursday

Breakfast

Regency Room, Casual attire - at your own expense.

Black Dog Salvage Outing

Black Dog Salvage, Casual Attire

Lunch

TBD, Casual Attire

High Balls at the Hotel Roanoke Club aka:, Casual Attire

KAOEF’s 28th Annual Bid for Brotherhood & Convention Dinner

Taubman Museum of Art, Casual Attire

Friday

Breakfast

Regency Room, Casual attire - at your own expense.

Day in Lexington: Shopping and Tours

Casual Attire (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen recommended)

Crimson & Gold Society Dinner, Invitation Only

Crystal Ballroom, Cocktail Attire

SPOUSE, FAMILY & GUEST EVENTS

Saturday

Breakfast

Regency Room, Casual attire, at your own expense.

Pool & Spa Day

Enjoy the pool and spa at Hotel Roanoke - at your own expense.

Knight Commander’s Accolade and Crimson & Gold Society Reception, invitation only, Crystal Ballroom, Black Tie/Formal Attire

Convention Reception

North Entry/Roanoke Foyer, Black Tie/Formal Attire

Knight Commander’s Installation Banquet Roanoke Ballroom, Black Tie/Formal Attire

Knight Commander’s Reception Crystal Ballroom, Black Tie/Formal Attire

CONFERENCE AGENDAS

UNDERGRADUATE CONFERENCE

Call to Order

Invocation

Address from the NUC

Independence Fund

Illegal Drug Use and Education

Adjournment

ALUMNI CONFERENCE

State of the Order

Presentation of Alumni Chapter Charters

KAOEF Report

Government Relations

Housing

Expansions and Legacies

Review of Legislation

Adjournment

CONVENTION PROCEDURE

2-221. Order of business. The order of business of the Convention shall be as follows:

(a) call to order and introductory remarks;

(b) roll call;

(d) reports of officers;

(e) the appointment of committees;

(f) the presentation of legislation and other proposals and the referral of matters to committees;

(g) committee meetings;

(h) Undergraduate Conference;

(i) Alumni Conference;

(j) reports of committees and Undergraduate Conference;

(k) Convention business, including action on committee reports;

(l) election of officers; and

(m) adjournment.

The Convention may proceed, out of order, to any order of business by a majority vote. Amended by 56th Convention, 1975 and 64th Convention, 1991.

KAPPA ALPHA LAWS

Convention is the sovereign and legislative authority of the Order. Regular sessions of the Convention are held in odd-numbered years. Each time the Convention convenes during a session is called a meeting. There is an order of business to follow, which may be rearranged upon vote of the Convention. The Knight Commander serves as president of the Convention. The Convention completes much business, including: amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws, which have been previously filed, are read and referred to the Legislative Committee then deliberated upon for report and action; the Resolutions and Finance Committees meet and give their reports; the Alumni and Undergraduate Conferences convene and report; and the Councilors, Senior Councilor, and Knight Commander are elected. Also, the Knight Commander is required to give his biennial report. While it is a time for business, it is also a time for recognizing award-winners and members, speeches, special presentations, and recording into the official Convention record the history of the Order. Just imagine, what is recorded this year in 2023 will be read and researched in 25, 50, 75, and even 100 years from now!

Current Kappa Alpha Laws can be found at www.KappaAlphaOrder.org/laws.

COMMITTEES & OFFICERS

Pursuant to the Bylaws, each delegate is appointed, by the Knight Commander, to one of the three standing committees of the Convention. These assignments are listed on the following pages.

LEGISLATIVE - This committee reviews proposed amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws, holds discussions, and either does or does not take action. They then make recommendations in the form of a report, to the Convention.

RESOLUTIONS - Resolutions are crafted honoring or memorializing members and non-members, and various other topics. The committee’s report is read into the record and considered by the Convention.

FINANCE - The Order’s budget and financial statements are explained, discussed, and reviewed in a report to the Convention. The committee’s report is read into the record and considered by the Convention.

OTHER OFFICERS

Parliamentarian

Sergeant-at-Arms

Hon. David M. Warren (Tau–Wake Forest '78)

Travis B. Lacox (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State '00)

Secretary Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State '87)

Assistant Secretary Michael P. Wilson (Alpha Theta–Transylvania '00)

Tellers

James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri '60)

Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster '88)

C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State '95)

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman:

David M. Warren, Former Knight Commander

Vice Chairmen:

C. Douglas Simmons III, Former Knight Commander

David T. Martineau V, Councilor

Carson Claytor, Nat’l. Undergraduate Chairman

P. Michael Ruff, Crawford Prov. Commander

Travis B. Lacox, Duncan Prov. Commander

Matthew D. O’Neal, White Prov. Commander

Collin B. Taylor, Traylor Prov. Commander

Dustin G. Brann, Smith Prov. Commander

Active Chapters

Appalachian State–Delta Psi

Arizona State–Epsilon Omega

Arkansas-Fort Smith–Zeta Rho

Austin Peay State–Zeta Tau

Baylor–Delta Omega

Clemson–Delta Omicron

Coastal Carolina–Zeta Omega

Colorado–Zeta Alpha

Duke–Alpha Phi

Florida Gulf Coast–Zeta Pi

Florida–Beta Zeta

High Point–Zeta Phi

Kentucky–Theta

Louisiana-Monroe–Gamma Nu

Marshall–Beta Upsilon

Miami–Epsilon Lambda

Missouri S&T–Beta Alpha

Missouri–Alpha Kappa

Northern Arizona–Epsilon Tau

Ohio State–Eta Alpha

Oklahoma State–Beta Xi

Presbyterian–Beta Pi

Roanoke–Beta Rho

Sam Houston State–Gamma Tau

South Carolina–Rho

Southern California–Beta Sigma

Southern Indiana–Zeta Omicron

Southwestern–Xi

Texas State–Epsilon Iota

Texas–Omicron

Transylvania–Alpha Theta

Tulane–Psi

Univ. of the South–Alpha Alpha

Wake Forest–Tau

West Texas A&M–Gamma Sigma

West Virginia Wesleyan–Beta Chi

Westminster–Alpha Eta

William Jewell–Alpha Delta

Alumni Chapters

Acadiana Alumni Association

Athens Alumni Chapter

Baton Rouge Alumni Chapter

Cape Fear Alumni Chapter

Columbus, GA Alumni Chapter

Epsilon Alpha Traveler Alumni Chapter

Gateway Alumni Chapter

Joplin, MO Alumni Chapter

Lexington, VA Alumni Chapter

Magnolia Alumni Chapter

Mississippi Delta Alumni Chapter

Oklahoma City Alumni Chapter

Puerto Vallarta Alumni Chapter

Ruston, LA Alumni Chapter

San Antonio Alumni Chapter

Southern Arkansas Alumni Chapter

Southwest Louisiana Alumni Chapter

Tahoe Alumni Chapter

Tarheel Alumni Social Club

Triangle Alumni Chapter

Commissions

Sigma Alpha Commission - USMA

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Chairman:

Ben W. Satcher, Jr., Former Knight Commander

Vice Chairmen:

J. Michael Duncan, Former Knight Commander

Robert H. Wall, Councilor

Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr., Former Knight Commander

Darron E. Franta, Ammen Prov. Commander

Hunter M. Lipscomb, Irwin Prov. Commander

F. Jerome Vascellaro, Jr., Locke Prov. Commander

Douglas W. Hanisch, Neal Prov. Commander

Matthew T. Mandeville, Frampton Prov. Commander

Active Chapters

Alabama–Alpha Beta

Arkansas State–Delta Eta

Arkansas Tech–Epsilon Zeta

Arkansas-Monticello–Epsilon Chi

Arkansas–Alpha Omicron

Auburn–Nu

Delta State–Delta Beta

East Carolina–Gamma Rho

Florida State–Gamma Eta

Francis Marion–Delta Tau

Georgia College–Epsilon Nu

Georgia–Gamma

Jacksonville State–Delta Phi

Kennesaw State–Zeta Chi

Louisiana State–Alpha Gamma

Louisiana Tech–Gamma Alpha

Louisiana-Lafayette–Gamma Phi

McNeese State–Delta Xi

Middle Tennessee State–Delta Lambda

Mississippi State–Beta Tau

Mississippi–Alpha Upsilon

Missouri Southern State–Delta Pi

Nevada–Zeta Delta

North Carolina State–Alpha Omega

North Carolina-Wilmington–Epsilon Psi

North Florida–Zeta Nu

Northwestern State–Gamma Psi

Oklahoma–Beta Eta

Stephen F. Austin State–Delta Kappa

Tennessee-Martin–Delta Upsilon

Texas Tech–Gamma Chi

Valdosta State–Delta Rho

Virginia Tech–Epsilon Eta

West Florida–Epsilon Sigma

West Georgia–Zeta Kappa

Western Carolina–Delta Alpha

Western Kentucky–Epsilon Theta

Wofford–Delta

Alumni Chapters

Alpha Rho Alumni Chapter

Atlanta Alumni Chapter

Bluegrass Alumni Chapter

Charleston Alumni Chapter

Cullowhee Alumni Chapter

Gamma Tau Alumni Chapter

High Country KA Alumni Chapter

Joplin, MO Alumni Chapter

Lubbock Area Alumni Chapter

Memphis Alumni Chapter

North Texas Alumni Chapter

Orlando Alumni Chapter

Roanoke Valley Alumni Chapter

Sagamore Alumni Chapter

South Florida Alumni Chapter

Southern Indiana Alumni Chapter

Southwestern 1883 Alumni Chapter

Tallahassee Alumni Chapter

Texas Panhandle Alumni Chapter

West Kentucky Alumni Chapter

Commissions

Theta Commission - The Citadel

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Co-Chairmen:

James R. Estes, Former Knight Commander

Darren S. Kay, Former Knight Commander

Vice Chairmen:

L. Blair Bailey, Councilor

Derick S. Close, Councilor

Malcolm H. Liles, Councilor

William E. Dreyer, Former Knight Commander

M. Tyler Griffin, Chiles Prov. Commander

E. Preston Pritchett III, Dunwody Prov. Commander

Nicholas S. Palmer, Feller Prov. Commander

Edmond H. Wilson, Hardeman Prov. Commander

Active Chapters

Arizona–Gamma Epsilon

California–Alpha Xi

Campbell–Zeta Psi

Centenary–Alpha Iota

Charleston–Beta Gamma

Delaware–Beta Epsilon

Drury–Beta Iota

Eastern Kentucky–Delta Mu

Elon–Epsilon Mu

Emory–Epsilon

George Mason–Epsilon Phi

Georgia Southern–Delta Theta

Georgia Tech–Alpha Sigma

Hampden-Sydney–Alpha Tau

James Madison–Zeta Theta

Maryland–Beta Kappa

Memphis–Gamma Gamma

Mercer–Kappa

Millsaps–Alpha Mu

Nicholls State–Epsilon Beta

North Carolina-Charlotte–Epsilon Xi

North Carolina–Upsilon

North Texas–Gamma Lambda

Randolph-Macon–Zeta

Rhodes–Alpha Epsilon

Richmond–Eta

San Diego State–Gamma Iota

South Alabama–Epsilon Alpha

Southeastern Louisiana–Epsilon Kappa

Stanford–Alpha Pi

Tennessee Tech–Zeta Epsilon

Tennessee-Chattanooga–Zeta Upsilon

Texas A&M–Epsilon Delta

Tulsa–Mu

Vanderbilt–Chi

Virginia–Lambda

Washington & Lee–Alpha

William & Mary–Alpha Zeta

Alumni Chapters

Arlington, Texas Alumni Chapter

Austin Alumni Chapter

Bowling Green Alumni Chapter

Chattanooga, TN Alumni Chapter

Dallas Alumni Chapter

Fairfax, VA Alumni Chapter

Jacksonville Alumni Chapter

Knoxville, TN Area Alumni Chapter

Macon, Georgia Alumni Chapter

Midlands Alumni Chapter

Northeast Arkansas Alumni Chapter

Pee Dee Area Alumni Chapter

Roswell/North River Alumni Chapter

Salt Springs Alumni Chapter

Southeast Louisiana Alumni Chapter

Southwest Alabama Alumni Chapter

Stillwater, OK Alumni Chapter

Tampa Bay Alumni Chapter

Thibodaux Alumni Chapter

Yellowhammer Alumni Chapter

Commissions

Beta Commission - VMI

Enter promo code KAOCONV25 for FREE standard shipping! (Valid July 27 – August 10, 2025)

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

C. Douglas Simmons III, (Beta Tau–Mississippi State '95) Loyal Order #179 was born in Greenville, Mississippia, and was initiated in 1995 at the Beta Tau Chapter at Mississippi State University, where he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics. He is Managing Partner of Simmons Planting Company, continuing his family’s legacy in Delta agriculture. He has represented the U.S. soybean and rice industries internationally and serves on numerous agriculturerelated boards, including the United Soybean Board and the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board. He’s also involved with Delta Council and served on the Mississippi Rice Council and Rice Federation.

Within Kappa Alpha Order, Simmons began his service as a National Staff Consultant, then as Alumnus Advisor to Beta Tau, and later as Irwin Province Commander. He joined the Executive Council in 2008 and has been a Trustee of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation since 2014. He received the Knight Commander’s Accolade and authored the Stewards of the Order ritual education program.

Simmons resides in Tribbett, Mississippi, with his wife, Lisa, and they are active in St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

Darren S.

Kay

(Alpha Eta–Westminster '88)

Loyal Order #55 was born and raised in Sayre, Oklahoma and attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri where he was initiated into the Alpha Eta chapter in 1988. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting, Business Administration and Economics. Darren is an assurance partner in Ernst & Young’s Financial Services office, where he has specialized in the insurance industry during his 25+ year career. He currently serves as a leader in EY’s Americas Health Insurance practice and is a frequent speaker on insurance industry topics.

Beginning in 2000, Darren served as Commander of Henry C. Chiles Province prior to his election to the Executive Council in August 2007 and as Senior Councilor in August 2012. Darren serves on the KAOEF Board of Trustees and is a recipient of the Knight Commanders Accolade. He also serves on the Audit Committees for Kappa Alpha Order and the KAOEF. He is a member of several Province Courts of Honor. At the Sesquicentennial Convention, Darren was elected the 40th Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order. On a personal note, he is a thoughtful and conscientious leader and we are fortunate to have him at the helm. Darren resides outside of Indianapolis with his wife, Karen, and two sons, Allen (Zeta Phi–High Point '18) and Mason (Zeta Phi–High Point '22).

William E. Dreyer (Alpha Delta–William Jewell '57) Loyal Order #12

Former Knight Commander Dreyer was born and raised in Concordia, Missouri. After graduating from William Jewell College in 1959, he began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Saint Louis, Missouri. Bill was the company’s coordinator for the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Dreyer became General Manager of the Southwestern Region for the Western Electric Company in Saint Louis in 1982. In 1985, he was named President of the Kansas Division of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Bill became Group President of Southwestern Bell Corporation in Saint Louis in 1988, and was responsible

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

for overseeing one international and three national subsidiaries. Bill was named President of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company of Texas in 1992. He headed a work force of over 30,000 employees, who provided telecommunication services to more than five million customers. Bill retired in 1998 as the Senior Executive Vice President of SBC, which is now AT&T. Bill serves on the Board of Trustees of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. In 1985, he received the Citation of Achievement from Jewell. In 2011, Bill was elected as the 39th Knight Commander and served until 2015. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, and on the boards of several other organizations. Dreyer lives in San Antonio, Texas, and is a member of the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. He and his late wife, Linda, have two daughters, two sons-in-law [one is a KA, Ed Norris (Alpha Delta–William Jewell '80)], one granddaughter and four grandsons three of which are KAs: J.D. Norris (Delta Omicron–Clemson '15), Will Norris (Alpha Delta–William Jewell '16), and JEB Brysacz (Alpha Pi–Stanford '24).

J. Michael Duncan (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State '69) Loyal Order #11

Born on June 5, 1950 in Dallas, Texas, Former Knight Commander Duncan served as Number I in 1972. He was elected Mikell Province Commander in 1974, a position he would hold until 1989 when he was elected to the Executive Council. He served as Senior Councilor from 1993-1995 and from 2003-2007. In 2007, he was elected as the 38th Knight Commander. With the 34th Executive Council, he established the Knight Commander’s Medal for heroism in the face of adversity. Through efforts to raise academic standards, chapters experienced their highest GPAs in history during his term. Thirteen chapters were established or re-chartered and the Theta, Sigma Alpha and Omega Commissions, along with the Military Division were established. Concerned with providing quality education to the Order’s Number I’s, Duncan worked to create the first Number I’s Leadership Institute in 2003 and has served as the Dean of the Institute every year. Former Knight Commander Duncan lead the creation of Forever KA to keep alumni connected for life. The Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future Capital Campaign was completed in 2009 while Duncan was Knight Commander. He is a retired Senior Special Agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and former Trustee of the KAOEF and resides in Arlington, Texas, with his wife Donna. He currently owns a security and private investigation firm. His son, Lt Col Chris Duncan, is a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force and is an initiate of Gamma Chi Chapter at Texas Tech University. After transferring to Texas A&M University, Chris affiliated with Epsilon Delta Chapter.

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

Ben W. Satcher, Jr. (Delta Omicron–Clemson '79) Loyal Order #17

Former Knight Commander Satcher was born on October 2, 1960 in Greenwood, South Carolina. He was initiated by Delta Omicron Chapter at Clemson University in 1979. He served as rush chairman and Number I of the chapter, and also served the Order as National Undergraduate Vice-Chairman from 1980-1982. A longtime advisor to Delta Omicron, Former Knight Commander Satcher was elected the sixth Commander of what is now the Frampton Province in 1991. He would serve in that capacity until his election to the Executive Council at the Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1995. Recognizing the need to strengthen the Order’s educational programming, then Councilor Satcher worked to develop The Crusade, expanding education on the chapter level to four years. Satcher served one term as Senior Councilor, beginning in 2001, and was elected the 37th Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order at the Convention in Tampa, Florida in 2003. A longtime supporter of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, during his term as Knight Commander the Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future Capital Campaign was initiated. In 2008, he joined the staff of the Foundation and is currently the Executive Vice President of the KAOEF.

Hon.

David M. Warren

(Tau–Wake

Forest '78) Loyal Order #13

Former Knight Commander Warren was born on August 1, 1959. While a member of Tau he served as Number III and Rush Chairman. A long time advisor to Tau Chapter he also served the Order as Deputy Chief Alumnus and as Commander of the Ed Chambers Smith Province from 1985 until 1991. Former Knight Commander Warren was elected to the Executive Council in 1995 and named Senior Councilor in 1997. Elected as the Order’s 36th Knight Commander in 2001, Warren served until 2003. Concerned with improving the relationship between the Order and the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, Former Knight Commander Warren reorganized the structure of the KAOEF and consolidated the administrative duties of both organizations. Operation Crimson Gift, an Order-wide blood drive, was established during his term. He remains instrumental in dealing with and editing the Kappa Alpha Laws. Professionally, Former Knight Commander Warren is a Federal Bankruptcy Judge and resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife Keena. He also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation and Chairman of the FRMT, Ltd. Former Knight Commander Warren’s son, McLean, is an initiate of the Epsilon Mu Chatper at Elon University.

James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri '60) Loyal Order #10

Former Knight Commander Estes comes from a long line of legacies that include a grandfather, great uncle, father, two brothers, a son and a host of others. Estes held many leadership positions while at Alpha Kappa, including serving as Number I in 1963. For twenty years he served as Alumnus Advisor to Alpha Kappa and was elected the Commander of the Henry J. Chiles Province in 1993. Former Knight Commander Estes was elected to the Executive Council in 1995 and named Senior Councilor at his first Executive Council meeting. Estes became the Order’s 36th Knight Commander in 1997 at the Convention held in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1998 he launched the annual “Bid for Brotherhood” auction to raise money for the Order’s educational

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

programs. Following his term as Knight Commander, Estes served on the board of the North-American Interfraternity Conference and became the organization’s president in 2004. Professionally, Former Knight Commander Estes is engaged in real estate management. He is a former president of the KAOEF and serves the KAOEF Trustee. He is married to his wife Sally. Former Knight Commander Warren’s son, Jamie, is an initiate of the Detla Eta Chatper at Arkansas State University.

Dr. Idris R. Traylor, Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech '70) Loyal Order #866

Former Knight Commander Traylor was born in Norman, Oklahoma, on February 4, 1935. As a professor of history and administrator at Texas Tech University, Traylor began serving as Gamma Chi Chapter’s advisor in 1969. He was initiated as a faculty member in February 1970. Traylor served for 25 years as the Alumnus Advisor for the chapter, founded the Lubbock Alumni Chapter, and was a founder of the original Council of Honor, earning a Knight Commander’s Accolade for his work. National Scholarship Officer for more than two decades, Traylor wrote Brains, Books, Brotherhood, KA’s scholarship manual. He served as Hamer Deputy Province Commander, Locke Province Commander, and founded the Locke Court of Honor. Traylor served 14 years on the Executive Council, including four years as Senior Councilor and four years as Knight Commander, first elected at the Dallas Convention in 1985. Traylor revived the position of Chief Alumnus and promoted alumni chapters, more than doubling the number to over 100. His priority in undergraduate chapter expansion was rechartering previously existing chapters although KA continued to add new chapters. He introduced the Order’s Distinguished Public Service Award and the first paperback edition of the Kappa Alpha Laws. It was under Traylor’s leadership that the Administrative Offices moved to Lexington. He was one of those instrumental in the location, purchase, renovation, and furnishing of the National Headquarters Building.

PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER

Tempered Museum Glass

Solid Hardwood Frames

3D Picture Frame Styles

Conservation Grade Art Board

One 11X14 Composite Copy for each Member

Hand Cut Photographs Discount for New Clients and for Chapters With 5+ Continous Years of Se Service 15%

HOTEL MAP

Accommodations & Services

63,000 square-foot state-of-the-art conference center

329 elegant guest rooms, including 19 suites

High-speed internet, wired and wireless availability

The historic Regency Room

The Pine Room & 1882 Lobby Bar

Club aka:

Complete ﬁtness center & outdoor pool

Kappa Alpha Order is stronger than ever. More than 8,250 active members on 118 campuses across our nation. And the numbers just keep growing.

However, incredible growth always requires adequate resources. And that’s why you need to join the Crimson & Gold Society.

The solution, 1,000 brothers and friends giving $1,000 or more annually unrestricted to the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation to provide leadership education training programs, scholarships, and internships.

81 Convention Program Book

PROGRAM

CONVENTION CHRONOLOGY

WELCOME TO ROANOKE!

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

ATTIRE

VALUES IN THE VALLEY

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

BID FOR BROTHERHOOD

A DAY IN LEXINGTON

MODEL INITIATION

BROTHERHOOD OUTING AND DINNER

CRIMSON & GOLD

SOCIETY DINNER

PROVINCE BREAKFAST

KAOEF LEADERSHIP LECTURE LUNCHEON

2025 KA CHORUS

KNIGHT COMMANDER’S BANQUET

WORSHIP SERVICE

SPOUSE, FAMILY & GUEST EVENTS

SPOUSE, FAMILY & GUEST EVENTS

CONFERENCE AGENDAS

CONVENTION PROCEDURE

KAPPA ALPHA LAWS

COMMITTEES & OFFICERS

OTHER OFFICERS

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

FINANCE COMMITTEE

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

Darren S.

(Alpha Eta–Westminster '88)

William E. Dreyer (Alpha Delta–William Jewell '57) Loyal Order #12

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

Hon.

(Tau–Wake

James R. Estes (Alpha Kappa–Missouri '60) Loyal Order #10

FORMER KNIGHT COMMANDERS

DIRECTORY

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

PROVINCE COMMANDERS

OTHER OFFICERS

DIRECTORY

KAOEF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

TRUSTEE EMERITI

DIRECTORY

NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AT MULBERRY HILL

PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER

HOTEL MAP

Accommodations & Services