A story of perseverance, brotherhood, and dedication, told from 1911 to today.
Kappa Alpha Psi, a college fraternity now comprised of undergraduate and alumni chapters on major campuses and in cities throughout the country, is the crystallization of a dream shared by ten visionary founders.
On January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington, those founders sowed the seed of a fraternal legacy whose fruit is enjoyed by college men everywhere, regardless of color, religion, or national origin.
Originally chartered as Kappa Alpha Nu on May 15, 1911, the name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi in December 1914, becoming a Greek-letter fraternity in every sense of the designation.
From its inception, every endeavor was directed toward establishing the Fraternity upon a strong foundation before embarking on plans of expansion.
A Short Chronicle of Kappa Alpha PsiThe establishing of an alumni chapter in Asheville goes back many years. Through perseverance and brotherhood, a small group of brothers turned a dream into a lasting institution.
Seven brothers form the nucleus of what would become the chapter: Vernon Hinson, Naaman Johnson, Wilbur Eggleston, Horace McDonald, Rufus Pharr, Walter Scott, and Willie Jones. Plans were temporarily set aside after the loss of Brother Pharr and the relocation of Brothers Hinson and Johnson.
Brothers Eggleston, Jones, McDonald, and Scott reunite with new brothers Arthur Bryant, Sheldon McAlpin, Will Settle, Clint Washington, and Charles Young. The chapter is unofficially established in September 1980.
On April 11, 1981, Province Polemarch Alfred C. Perry and Provincial Chaplain Rev. Ray A. Bouton officially charter the Asheville Alumni Chapter at the Ambassador's Club in Asheville. Willie Jones serves as the first Polemarch.
Phase 1 is initiated in February: David Middleton, Donald Ruff, and Frank Wilson. Phase 2 follows in July with Michael Burnette, Kenneth Mapp, Larry McCallum, and Ira Simpson. Brother Charles Young is installed as the second Polemarch.
Brothers David Roberts and Steven Davenport begin reclaiming brothers in the Hickory and Cullowhee areas, sparking renewed growth. The chapter expands to become a dual-city chapter: Asheville and Hickory.
The chapter has grown from 3 members to 15, hosted the 69th Provincial Council meeting, chartered chapters at UNC Asheville, and reactivated the Mu Tau Chapter at Mars Hill. From this chapter emerged the 21st Middle Eastern Provincial Polemarch, Brother Sheldon McAlpin, and the National Reclamation Chair, Brother David E. Roberts, II.
Chapter Polemarch
Leading the Asheville (NC) Alumni Chapter as it enters its 45th year of service to Western North Carolina, continuing a tradition of achievement, scholarship, and brotherhood.