Informer Winter 2015

CONTENT

Message from the Southwestern Province Polemarch ......................................................... Page 4 Message from the Southwestern Province Junior Province Polemarch............................... Page 5 82nd Grand Chapter Meeting ................................................................................................ Page 6 37th C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference .................................................................. Page 8 Membership Training Academy/Cluster Intake................................................................. Page 10 Undergraduate News .......................................................................................................... Page 12 Alumni News ..................................................................................................................... Page 14

Province Polemarch Timothy F. Albert – Houston (TX) Alumni Senior Province Vice-Polemarch Theron Hightower – Jonesboro (AR) Alumni Junior Province Vice-Polemarch Quadraex White – Theta Nu (University of Louisiana–Lafayette) Province Keeper of Records Mark A. Gallashaw Lake Charles (LA) Alumni

Province Keeper of Exchequer Ryan S –. Gilner Gulfport (MS) Alumni

Strategus Eddie Smith IV Alpha Sigma (Southern University)

Lt. Strategus Daniel Gibson Beta Gamma (Dillard University)

Executive Operating Assistant William Puder – Houston (TX) Alumni The Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will publish The Informer four times during the fraternal year. The opinions expressed in this newsletter may not reflect those of the officers and members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at any administrative level. The Southwestern Informer may assumes no responsibility for the receipt or return of material, news stories, photographs or creative pieces. Please contact the Southwestern Province newsletter editor at newsletter@southwesternprovince1911.org with any questions.

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INFORMATION Contributing Reports Gamma Lambda Huston-Tillotson University

Austin Alumni Canton-Madison Alumni

Iota Delta Chapter University of Texas at Austin Omicron Xi Chapter University of Houston

Greenville Alumni Mansfield-Cedar Hill Alumni Opelousas Alumni

Zeta Zeta Chapter Mississippi Valley State University

Shreveport Alumni

Spring-Woodlands-Huntsville Alumni

Submission Guidelines 1. Articles should be submitted in one of the following formats: MS Word (.doc), rich text (.rtf), text document (.txt), or as body of email text.

2. Photos should be submitted in JPEG format (do not include photo on Word document).

3. Undergraduate and alumni submissions (i.e. stories related to chapters or chapter members) should be sent to: newsletter@southwesternprovince1911.org

Publication Dates SUBMISSION DEADLINE

PUBLICATION DATE

December 20 March 20 June 20 September 20

January 1 April 1 July 1 October 1

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PROVINCE POLEMARCH

Greetings Brothers in the Bond: It is my pleasure to welcome you and to continue to support the 33rd Grand Polemarch in Second Century Kappa. The Southwestern Province recently participated and completed the Fall 2015 Membership Training Academy (MTA) Pilot Program in Baton Rouge, LA. The Southwestern Province initiated one hundred sixty five (165) members (undergraduates & alumni) during the weekend of November 6 – 7, 2015.

Kappa Alpha Psi (KΑΨ) Fraternity, Incorporated is preparing to celebrate and commemorate one hundred and five (105) years of Achievement. It is ‘good’ to be a Kappa and my hope is, as we prepare to re-dedicate ourselves to the task of honorable achievement, we remember that vision of our Founders in 1911. More importantly, let us now, this Holiday Season; reawaken ourselves to the genius of our Founders in daring to continue building a fraternity on the foundation of trust and thanks to God. Brothers of the Southwestern Province, I extend a Happy Holiday Season from my home and heart to yours in the spirit of Φ V Π.

With God’s grace and blessing, I remain.

Yours in the Bond Timothy F. Albert Southwestern Province Polemarch

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JUNIOR PROVINCE POLEMARCH Brothers, we are not just administrators, we are not mere scholars, but we are men who dwell in the presence of the most high. So be steadfast in prayer, be humble and be vigilant. If one is to truly be of great benefit to this noble fraternity, his end must not justify his means; but his end and his means must be on one accord.

Serving, firstly, as a man of God, and, secondly, as the Junior Province Vice-Polemarch of the Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi has been a life changing experience. I believe that “to whom much is given, much is required” and that when God puts someone in a position to use his word and will to change the lives of others, it should not be taken lightly or for granted. I am thankful for the many brothers I have met who are more experienced in the Bond than I am and for all of the positive insight and advice that they have shared with me. I am thankful for the new members who have entered into this Noble Clan (young and old) who desire and cherish the love that God has given them for this fraternity. I am thankful for the chance to inspire future members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in regards to the Kappa Leaguers of the Southwestern Province and all future members who witness the valor and integrity that a member of this fraternity displays.

I was given an opportunity at the 82nd Grand Chapter Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, to be a part of an accumulation of like-minded brothers in a leadership program entitled “Lead Kappa.” During this program, several of the brothers and I were visited by a great number of individuals who held notable positions in their companies; some were even Kappa men.

Among these companies were General Electric and Walmart. We were given insight as well as tips and pointers on how to sustain and maintain in the culturally diverse environment in which we live. Several of the brothers who I formed instant connections with were even offered jobs on the spot! I am looking forward to seeing them grow through God and this fraternity, as well as all of their wonderful blessings that will follow. The most significant moral that I took from the Lead Kappa experience was that “No matter where you go in this world, no matter what you look like, no matter how well off you are financially or economically, you can always find God-fearing people, if you search diligently.” The 82nd Grand Chapter Meeting proved this by serving as a checkpoint in our race towards achievement.

As we prepare for the upcoming National Founders’ Day in Mobile, Alabama, the Southwestern Province must lace its shoestrings and join other provinces on the forefront to embrace this industrious year ahead. I am looking forward to joining other member’s in conversation about the pieces of the puzzle that are needed to ensure that this fraternal year is a great one.

Yours in the Bond, Brother Qadraex J. White Junior Province Vice-Polemarch, Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

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82 GRAND CHAPTER MEETING The 82nd Grand Chapter Meeting concluded August 16, 2015, in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the election of the 33rd administration of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 33rd Grand Polemarch Brother Thomas L. Battles, Jr. Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Brother Reuben A. Shelton, Esq. Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Brother Chastin Gammage Grand Keeper of Records and Exchequer Brother Chester Leaks Alumni Grand Board of Directors Brother Linnes Finney, Jr., Esq. Brother Ronald V. Julun Brother Jimmy McMickle

Collegiate Grand Board of Directors Brother Clinton Knox III Brother Matthews Simmon Brother Edward Desmond Taylor

Grand Strategus Brother Deion Garner Grand Lt. Strategus Brother Brandon Gant Grand Nominating Chairman Brother Chauncey E. Haynes Grand Historian Brother Kevin Scott Brother Grand Polemarch Battles announced his administration theme of “Rebirth, Reclaim, Recommit, by Leaving No Brother Behind”. He also outlined his administration focus on community service, infrastructure, undergraduate development, reclamation, new member recruitment and training, and executive leadership and succession planning. More details on the Six Point Program can be found in the Confidential Bulletin.

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82 GRAND CHAPTER MEETING

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37 CRWLC The 37th C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference was held in Little Rock, Arkansas, September 11–12, 2015. The Little Rock Alumni Chapter and affiliated undergraduate chapters had seven months earlier hosted brothers for the 79th Southwestern Province Council. The Little Rock Alumni and undergraduate brothers from the surrounding chapters hosted a successful 37th C. Rodger Wilson and were recognized for their efforts during the closing general session.

During the conference chapter officer received their annual training on chapter operations. Information on the new Membership Training Academy was provided to attendees, as well.

In addition to the conference meetings, brothers were able to tour the historic Little Rock Central High School the site of one of the pivotal moments in the movement to integrate public schools and to attend the football contest between University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff and Morehouse College.

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37 CRWLC

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FALL 2015 CLUSTER INTAKE

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UNDERGRADUATE NEWS GAMMA LAMBDA On November 26th, the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Huston-Tillotson University joined forces with Mount Olive Baptist Church and Front Steps in Austin, Texas, to serve homeless men and women. Front Steps’ mission is to provide a pathway home through shelter, affordable housing, and community education, while striving to restore their hope and guide them home. They believe that homelessness is a journey, not a destination.

The Gamma Lambda Chapter and Mount Olive Baptist Church members helped make that journey a little easier.

Pictured: Gerald Lewis, FA ‘87, Beta Iota (Xavier University) and Korey Lewis, FA ‘13, Gamma Lambda (Huston-Tillotson University)

IOTA DELTA The Iota Delta Chapter of The University of Texas at Austin welcomed new members during the Fall 2015 Membership Training Academy Cluster Intake in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Iota Delta was one of several chapters in the Southwestern Province granted permission to participate in the new Membership Training Academy.

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UNDERGRADUATE NEWS OMICRON XI - Graduate Brother Cassius Bene' Nelson Fall 2014 Graduate College: University of Houston - Downtown Degree: Bachelors in Finance Honors: Texas Scholar, Honor's List, & Dean's List Chapter Offices: Keeper of Exchequer & Vice Polemarch Brother Nelson is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in finance and investment.

ZETA ZETA On October 30, 2015, the Zeta Zeta Chapter (Mississippi Valley State University) encouraged students at Mississippi Valley State University to exercise their right to vote in the November 3, 2015, elections. The voting initiative’s motto was, "Rock the Vote." In addition, chapter members passed out candy for Halloween to students who stopped by the voting table. Also, in observance of Halloween, chapter members distributed candy to the children at the child development center, which is located on the campus.

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ALUMNI NEWS

AUSTIN (TX) On August 29, the Austin Alumni Chapter assisted Family Eldercare in their 25th Annual Summer Fan Drive. Through the chapter’s efforts, 159 fans were donated that will assist the Family Eldercare in providing relief to low-income seniors, adults with disabilities and families with children during the hot summer months.

CANTON-MADISON (MS) Hundreds of football fans watched as Titus Lee, a Florence High School football player and member of the Canton Madison Alumni Kappa League received the WAPT Channel 16, Blitz player of the week. Kappa Leaguer Lee had eight carries for 137 yards and three touchdowns in the game for which he received the honor.

GREENVILLE (MS) On September 5, the Greenville (MS) Alumni Chapter hosted its first Earnest "Hut" Williams Scholarship Gala. This black tie event was held at the Historic Elks Building in downtown Greenwood, Mississippi. The purpose of the event was to raise scholarship funds for the chapter's guide right program.

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ALUMNI NEWS

MANSFIELD–CEDAR HILL (TX) The Mansfield–Cedar Hill Alumni Chapter hosted their first Annual Prostrate Cancer 5K Walk to foster more awareness within the community. The walk took place at Katherine Ross Park in Mansfield, Texas on October 24. In addition to the walk, which was rained out, the chapter raised funds to donate to prostate cancer research and heard from several speakers.

African–American men have a high incidence of prostate cancer. Dr. Lee Roy McCurley shared technical and medical information. The doctor’s easy and intellectual approach connected with the brothers making it easier to ask questions and for discussion.

The team of brothers, led by Brock Johnson, Terrence Penden and Stan Brown provided brochures, snacks, and shirts to the participants. They responded with an effective “Plan B” when the Dallas-Fort Worth area was hit with torrential rains. They have committed to having an even better program next year and already have sponsors and participants on board.

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ALUMNI NEWS OPELOUSAS (LA) Brother Raymond Allmon, Opelousas (LA) Alumni Chapter Guide Right Director presents Tiffanie Lewis, Founder and CEO of J.S. Clark Leadership Academy, a token of appreciation for the work the academy has done in partnering with the Opelousas Alumni Chapter to host Kappa League at J.S. Clark Leadership Academy.

SHREVEPORT (LA) Caddo Parish Juvenile Court invited the Shreveport Alumni to speak to at-risk juveniles at a group counseling session.

Brothers shared their life experiences and gave valuable information to the youth group members.

SPRING/WOODLANDS/HUNTSVILLE (TX) The Spring/Woodlands/Huntsville Alumni Chapter hosted their Annual Krawfish Boil Scholarship Fundraiser. This year they chapter awarded three young men in the Spring Community each $500 scholarships toward their first semester of college.

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ALUMNI NEWS Brother Carl S. Richie Jr., was sworn in as Senior Vice President for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, (“NAHRO”) on October 18, 2015. NAHRO is a national professional membership organization comprised of approximately 20,000 housing and community development agencies and officials throughout the United States who administer a variety of affordable housing and community development programs that serve approximately 7.9 million low income individuals and families.

Under Brother Richie’s leadership HACA has reduced the dropout rate for public housing students. More importantly, HACA has awarded approximately $1 million to over 350 public housing students to attend college. HACA has partnered with the Google Fiber to install fiber optic network in all 18 public housing developments and to provide free WiFi services to all public housing residents. Each resident will receive a free device upon completion of a digital literacy course. This will enable kids to do research and their homework online, parents can search and apply for multiple jobs without having to travel across town all day and senior can better monitor their health through the use of technology.

On November 16, 2015 Archon Richie was elected President of the Austin Area Research Organization (“AARO”). AARO is a non-partisan nonprofit organization founded in 1980 by a group of chief executive officers who found themselves needing a forum for discussion of issues facing the rapidly growing Central Texas region. AARO is comprised of 100 leaders from the Central Texas region of Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop and Burnet counties.

Brother Richie was initiated into the fraternity in the Fall of 1978 through the Eta Phi Chapter at East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M Commerce. He is a member of the Austin Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

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JOURNAL SUBMISSIONS

Brothers All, You are requested and encouraged to submit articles for the Winter Edition of the Kappa Journal. Deadline is March 1st. Please get with your Province Editors/Reporters to submit articles related to events occurring in December and January. Please submit to the Journal Editor at: 1911nupe@gmail.com. Brother Cunningham may supply another email address for these articles.

We would like full participation from each Province.

Yours in the Bond, Ronald Range Editor for The Journal Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.,

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