Mourning The Loss of Professor Robert D. Jorgensen
Kappa Kappa Psi joins The University of Akron college band community in mourning the loss of Professor Robert D. Jorgensen, who passed away on July 4, 2015. Director of Bands at The University of Akron for 26 years and as Director of Bands Emeritus since his retirement in 2013, Jorgensen also held the titles of Professor of Music as well as Assistant Director of the School of Music. Since 2006, Mr. Jorgensen has served as musical director/conductor of The Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio.
During his tenure at Akron, the University of Akron Symphonic Band was invited to perform at 11 conferences of the Ohio Music Education Association, the 1992 conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA); the 1998 CBDNA conference; the 2003 American Bandmasters Association Convention; and the 2004 CBDNA conference. Under his direction, the UA Symphonic Band also performed at Severance Hall in Cleveland in April 2003, followed by a 2008 European tour.
Professor Jorgensen has been widely honored as a music educator and conductor. He received the Outstanding Bandmasters Award from Phi Beta Mu, International Bandmasters Fraternity, in 1999 and the Citation of Excellence Award from the National Band Association in 1981. In 1992, Kappa Kappa Psi honored Professor Jorgensen with the A. Frank Martin Award. Recently, Mr. Jorgensen received unanimous support from his colleagues for the distinction of Professor Emeritus at The University of Akron. He was also honored on December 6, 2013 as a recipient of The University of Akron Honorary Alumni Award.
Mr. Jorgensen has appeared as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States and, in 2009, he was invited to serve as an adjudicator for the St. Patricks Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. He has held professional memberships in the The American Bandmasters Association, (past president), National Band Association, Mid-American Conference Band Directors Association (past president), College Band Directors National Association, NAfME – The National Association for Music Education, Ohio Music Education Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Jorgensen was also an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi (Zeta Omicron) and Tau Beta Sigma (Epsilon Iota).
Mr. Jorgensen earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He was euphonium soloist with the United States Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. from 1969-1972. Prior to joining the faculty at The University of Akron in 1987, Professor Jorgensen had served on the faculty at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY and had also served as Director of Bands at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.
Professor Jorgensen’s work as a dedicated and devoted musician and educator lives on through the thousands of students he taught and influenced throughout his career.
2015-2017 Western District Governors
Brothers of the Western District –
I am pleased to announce to you the individuals that will serve as Western District Governors for the upcoming 2015-2017 biennium.
Current WD Governors, James Llamas and James Hudson, will not return as governors for the upcoming biennium. Both James Llamas and James Hudson has been exceptional members of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Leadership team. Their professional life is embedded in the work that we do within Kappa Kappa Psi – bands. Through those efforts, each of them will continue to live the mission and vision of our Fraternity. I wish them both the best of luck in their future, and I wanted to publicly thank them for their tireless efforts as a WD Governor.
Serving as the Western District governors will be Lance Coochyouma and Charlene Ronne.
Charlene Ronne was initiated into the Brotherhood on April 10, 2009 as part of the Lambda Alpha Chapter at the University of California, Irvine. There she pursued and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in History while playing tenor saxophone and trombone in the UC Irvine Anteater Pep Band and the UC Irvine Wind Ensemble. During her time as an active Brother, Charlene was elected to the offices of Chapter Treasurer, Vice-President, and President. Additionally, during her senior year she was elected Western District President of Kappa Kappa Psi and received the honor of being a J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award winner.
Lance is a two-term WD president, and served on the WD Council for four years. Lance was initiated in to the Gamma Kappa chapter at Northern Arizona University in the spring semester of 2001. He served as drum major there for three years, and then transferred to the University of Arizona where he was an active member of the Omega chapter and served as color guard captain. He is a life member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Lance is also a recipient of the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award.
I am confident that Lance and Charlene are going to be an exceptional team, and that we can expect nothing other than excellence from the Western District. As I have heard many times: The best are in the West, and I know that we can expect this to continue.
If you would like to send a congratulatory e-mail or an introduction, you may reach Lance at lance@kkpsi.org and Charlene may be reached atcharleneronne@kkpsi.org.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington, KY this summer for the 2015 National Convention.
AEA,
Jack
—
Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org
Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.
2015-2017 Southwest District Governors
Brothers of the Southwest District –
I am pleased to announce to you the individuals that will serve as Southwest District Governors for the upcoming 2015-2017 biennium. I have determined that for the Southwest District that we will move forward with three district governors. This will help the governors in their responsibilities of assisting the district officers, chapters, and individual brothers in a district that has over 60 active chapters.
Current SWD Governor, John Graham, will not return as a governor for the upcoming biennium. John has been an exceptional member of the Kappa Kappa Psi national leadership team. His band program at The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff continues to excel under his leadership. I wish him the best of luck in his future, and I wanted to publicly thank him for his tireless efforts as a SWD Governor.
Toni Castle will return in her role as a Southwest District Governor. You all have worked with her throughout the past several years, and I know that Toni is excited to continue in this role.
Joining Toni will be Clinton Wieden. Clinton is no stranger to the SWD. Clinton’s involvement in Kappa Kappa Psi began in late 2001, when he was initiated as part of the Zeta Delta class of the Alpha chapter. He held multiple chapter and district offices, including two terms as the Southwest District President. His service as an active member saw him twice honored as Alpha’s “Brother of the Year,” and the Fraternity recognized his contributions by awarding him the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award in 2006. He has also served in the past as a member of the HQ staff, and is a Life Member of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.
Also joining the SWD Governor team is Kalem Graham. Kalem is the current Assistant Director of Bands at Langston University. Kalem was initiated in to the Zeta Psi chapter at Virginia State University on February 20, 2003 and is also a Life Member of the Fraternity. He previously served as Northeast District Member-at-Large. Professionally, Kalem has served as Director of Bands at Franklin City Public School, as a graduate assistant at Radford University, and now as Assistant Director of Bands at Langston University.
If you would like to send a congratulatory e-mail or an introduction, you may reach Toni at tonicastle@kkpsi.org. Clinton can be reached at wieden@kkpsi.org. You can reach Kalem at kograham@langston.edu.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington, KY this summer for the 2015 National Convention.
AEA,
Jack
—
Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org
Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.
2015-2017 North Central District Governors
Brothers of the North Central District –
At the 2015 NCD Convention, District Governor, Rod Whiteman, announced that he would not return as a governor for the upcoming biennium. On behalf of the entire national leadership team, I want to publicly thank Rod for his outstanding work as a district governor. He has had an opportunity to directly impact the leadership, development, and personal growth of countless brothers throughout the last 10 years. He has done this in such a positive manner.
North Central District Governor Ishbah Cox will return in his position as an NCD Governor.
With Rod leaving the governor position, I have been working on selecting a replacement. I am pleased to announce that filling the role of NCD Governor for the 2015-2017 biennium will be Jason Mlady.
Jason has a strong background in Kappa Kappa Psi. He is a life member of the Gamma Pi chapter, and has previously served as the NCD President. He has also served on the national level as a committee chair and committee member for various committees. In 2013 he was awarded the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award. Jason has a passion for Kappa Kappa Psi, and I am confident that he will continue the excellent work that we have seen from brothers of the NCD.
If you would like to send a congratulatory e-mail or an introduction, you may reach Jason at jasonmlady@kkpsi.org.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington, KY this summer for the 2015 National Convention.
AEA,
Jack
—
Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org
Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.
Orlando Sun Times Article Concerning Robert Champion Case
Earlier today an article in the Orlando Sun Times connected Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity to the 2011 death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion.
The National Council of Kappa Kappa Psi would like to reinforce that to the best of our knowledge from investigations at the time the event in question was not related to Kappa Kappa Psi.
Kappa Kappa Psi never condones this heinous act of hazing, or any other act of hazing. We will evaluate the statements made and move forward in manner consistent with our policies and procedures. Kappa Kappa Psi remains deeply saddened at the loss of Robert Champion, and our thoughts continue to be with his family, friends, and the Florida A&M community.
KKPsi Alumni Association Board of Directors 2015-2017 Announcement
The National Alumni Association Board of Directors is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the various facets and initiatives of Kappa Kappa Psi’s alumni program and for driving a strategic vision of alumni involvement in the Fraternity at the national level.
The National Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Alison Beidler (Eta Rho, West Chester), Nicholas Bratcher (Zeta Eta, South Carolina State), Daniel Miller (Omicron, West Virginia), and Nicholas Rorrer (Eta Beta, Virginia Tech) have been selected to join the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors.
We had 22 outstanding candidates for the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Both the number and the quality of applicants excites us for the future of leadership for national alumni efforts, as well as local alumni efforts and the National Fraternity at large.
The four new board members will begin their service at this summer’s National Convention in Lexington, KY. They will join Michael Napolitano (Kappa Upsilon, Marist), Brent Cannon (Gamma Phi, Stephen F. Austin), Jennifer Pitts Taylor (Lambda, Arkansas), and Sarah Casias (Xi, Colorado School of Mines) to lead the Alumni Association for the 2015-2017 biennium.
We thank departing members Marco Krcatovich (Nu, Michigan), Craig McClure (Eta Pi, Northern Iowa), Laura Blake (Alpha Beta, Butler), and Amy Heavilin (Zeta Omicron, Akron) for their service and dedication to the development of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association.
We are excited for the future of Kappa Kappa Psi alumni involvement, and hope you will join in both our excitement and in alumni activities.
AEA
Dr. Malinda Matney
Kappa Kappa Psi Board of Trustees, Chair
2015-2017 Kappa Kappa Psi District Governor Application
NOTE:
Please know that there are multiple districts where Governors are returning, and even some districts that there are no current available positions. However, Jack plans to utilize individuals that submit material for a Governor position in future consideration for committees, task-forces, and special projects. This is more than an application for a Governor position; this is an opportunity to donate your time and energies to Kappa Kappa Psi.
—
Brothers:
According to the National Constitution section 5.201, each District shall be under the jurisdiction of at least one (1) District Governor. The District Governor(s) serve for two years, and are appointed each biennium. If you are interested in this opportunity, please review the qualifications listed below and submit materials for consideration.
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
- Be at least twenty-five (25) years of age.
- Completed at least four (4) years of college work.
- Committed to the 2 year Governor term.
- Possess outstanding business or professional ability.
- Capable of representing the Fraternity under all ordinary conditions.
- Willing and able to devote the necessary time to the execution of the duties imposed by the office.
- Attendance at District Conventions, District Events, and National Convention.
Specific Governor responsibilities may be obtained by contacting the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at (405) 372-2333.
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION to Jack Lee, Vice President of Colonization and Membership, NO LATER THAN MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2015:
- Letter of intent which outlines the answers to the following questions:
- Resume/Vita – both professional and fraternal.
- A photo and brief biography suitable for publication on the fraternity website (www.kkpsi.org)
- What do you believe is the role of the Governor?
- What 3 goals do you feel your district needs to address this biennium and what are your plans to meet them?
- The direction for this biennium will be “Kappa Kappa Psi Matters.” What do you believe this means for your district?
SUBMIT MATERIALS (NO LATER THAN MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2015) electronically to Jack Lee, National Vice President of Colonization and Membership at lee.jack.d@gmail.com. Questions may also be addressed to Jack Lee at: (817) 729-5841 or lee.jack.d@gmail.com.
AEA,
Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
—
SHAREABLE PDF HERE: GovernorApplication2015-2017
Statement Concerning The Omega Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
The National Council of Kappa Kappa Psi was made aware of possible violations of our policies by the Omega chapter at the University of Arizona. A thorough investigation revealed multiple instances of hazing. The National Council has revoked the charter of the Omega Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at the University of Arizona.
Chartered in 1919, the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity promotes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support to bands; comprehensive education; leadership opportunities; and recognition; for the benefit of its members and society.
We remain committed to the advancement of college bands, and our thousands of members at more than 200 colleges and universities will continue to strive for the highest and work for greater bands on their own campuses and nationwide.
Alumni Association Board of Directors Call For Applications
Brothers,
The National Board of Trustees is seeking alumni to serve on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD). The National Alumni Association Board of Directors is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the various facets and initiatives of Kappa Kappa Psi’s alumni program and for driving a strategic vision of alumni involvement in the Fraternity at the national level. Any alumnus who has a keen interest in and commitment to KKPsi and its alumni program should provide a one-page letter and resume by 20 February 2015 (postmark deadline) highlighting her/his qualifications and ideas. Applications should address the following:
- the professional skills, talents and expertise of the applicant;
- suggestions for programs or programming for alumni;
- ideas and thoughts relating to a strategic vision for KKPsi’s alumni program.
There are a limited number of positions, but we welcome letters from everyone interested in this opportunity to serve. If you are not an alumnus of KKPsi but know of an alumnus who would be an asset to our Alumni Association Board of Directors, please encourage her or him to submit a letter. We are also interested in your nominations, and are happy to encourage all who are nominated to formally apply.
Any questions or nominations can be addressed to Michael Osborn, Board of Trustees Alumni Association Board of Directors Liaison or Malinda Matney, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Letters should be sent to both Mike and Malinda. Electronic submission is encouraged.
AEA
Michael Osborn, Trustee Liaison, AABOD
4089 Hampton Ridge Boulevard
Howell, Michigan 48843
osbornmi87@gmail.com
Dr. Malinda Matney, Chair
Board of Trustees
6015 Fleming Administration Building
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1340
mmatney@umich.edu
Call For Nominations 2015: National Council & Board of Trustees
Brothers,
We are a mere six months away from the 2015 National Convention. Hopefully you are already preparing for the trip to Lexington, Kentucky and will join the National Chapter in making decisions for Kappa Kappa Psi. One important decision is the election of our Fraternity’s national leadership.
If you are interested in running for a national office, I encourage you to review the information below.
Individuals that run for National Vice President for Student Affairs are not required to submit the material listed below. Candidates for National Vice President for Student Affairs are subject to review solely by the Nominations Committee at National Convention. Those running for the VPSA office may announce their candidacy up to the opening session of national convention. Candidates for VPSA must meet with the nominations committee at national convention to be eligible for election. You may determine the qualifications for the VPSA office by reviewing sections 3.203 and 3.208 of the national constitution.
All other candidates must submit their candidate packets as described below, by this Thursday, January 15, 2015:
The National Advisory Committee on Nominations invites interested and qualified individuals to submit their name and qualifications for the following positions for the 2015-2017 Biennium: National Vice President for Colonization and Membership, National Vice President for Programs, and the Board of Trustees (2 at-large seats). (This process is detailed in the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity National Constitution Section 3.708 and Section 3.203 http://www.kkytbs.org/forms/KKPsi-Constitution-2013.pdf.)
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
- Be at least twenty-five (25) years of age.
- Completed at least four (4) years of college work.
- Possess outstanding business or professional ability.
- Capable of representing the Fraternity under all ordinary conditions.
- Willing and able to devote the necessary time to the execution of the duties imposed by the office.
- Attendance at National Convention.
Specific officer or trustee responsibilities may be obtained by contacting the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at (405) 372-2333.
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION NO LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 2015:
- Letter of intent which identifies the position being sought, why it is being sought, what contributions you can make in that office, and information detailing how you meet the above basic qualifications. Highlight band and Fraternity experience.
- Resume/Vita.
- Candidates should make it clear in their letter of intent whether they would be available to be nominated into a position other than the primary one indicated by their letter of intent.
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be within the applicant’s profession.
- A campaign statement and biographical profile for publication on the web site as the Election Newsletter to be available at the 2015 District Conventions and to individual chapters. A sample statement and biographical profile from a prior Election Newsletter can be obtained from the National Headquarters.
- One photograph, suitable for publication.
QUESTIONS MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AT: (405) 372-2333 or kkytbs@kkytbs.org.
SUBMIT MATERIALS (NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 2015) TO:
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
Advisory Committee on Nominations
Post Office Box 849
Stillwater, OK 74076-0849
Or electronically to kkytbs@kkytbs.org
If you have questions about presenting yourself as a candidate for national office, please contact national headquarters.
Jack Lee
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity