News

KKPsi Alumni Association launches the Alumni Giving Program

Click The Icon to Sign Up Today!

 

Honor the tradition of Kappa Kappa Psi with your support for the future of collegiate bands. As alumni of our proud organization, our gifts allow the fraternity to uphold the five principles of our creed and support active and alumni members alike in their goal to always Strive for the Highest!

What is the AGP?

The Alumni Giving Program (AGP) is a donation program designed for alumni Brothers who find monthly contributions to KKPsi more manageable than an annual donation. The AGP is intended to build a “culture of giving” among Brothers of our Fraternity. Whether you’ve given in the past or want to give for the first time, consider supporting the fraternity through the Alumni Giving Program (AGP). Here’s how it works:

  • AGP donations support our National KKPsi Alumni Association, the Trust and General Funds, and by extension the active membership. With less than 18% going to overhead costs, your gifts go far!
  • All monthly recurring donations are billed to your credit/debit card or to your checking account. It’s easy to manage, and easy to budget.
  • Earn Life Membership along the way!

Questions? Feel free to contact the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Advisory Committee at alumni@kkpsi.org

How can you give right now?

Signing up is easy! Click on the Graphic Above and choose your donation level. Enter your checking or credit/debit card information, and that’s it! Your monthly contribution date will be based on the date of the month you enroll. To make changes to your contribution level, call the National Headquarters at (800) 543-6505 and speak with Di Spiva anytime.

How is the AGP different from a regular donation?

Instead of writing checks here and there, or at tax time, Brothers can give smaller amounts each month, automatically, from $19 dollars (in honor of our founding year) to $100 each month. This sustained, regular pattern of giving is a powerful way to show your pride and support for our Fraternity, its ongoing commitment to college bands, and the growth of alumni involvement. In addition, participants will receive an annual statement detailing the 88% of their prior year’s contributions that are tax deductible.

Where does my money go?

Your donation sends 48% to the Trust Fund, 25% to the General Fund, and the balance pays for AA programs and expenses. Your donations support the active membership, build the Trust so programs like the NIB can grow and thrive, and fund programs that specifically serve the needs of alumni Brothers and Life Members.

Giving Levels and Life Member Credits

Founder

$19

11 Credits per month 46 Months to earn LM
Chapter

$25

15 Credits per month 34 Months to earn LM
District

$40

24 Credits per month 21 Months to earn LM
Governor

$50

30 Credits per month 17 Months to earn LM
Council

$75

45 Credits per month 12 Months to earn LM
President

$100

60 Credits per month 9 Months to earn LM
“Life Member Credits” are a benefit you can only earn through the AGP. 60% of every dollar you contribute earns a Life
Member Credit. Once you accumulate 500 credits, a Life Membership is yours. Each monthly contribution builds so that Brothers, even at the $19 level, will eventually earn a Life Membership in Kappa Kappa Psi. It’s the easiest way to both donate and earn Life Membership simultaneously.

Already a Life Member?

You can gift earned Life Memberships to other Brothers. Every time you earn another 500 Life Member Credits, you earn another Life Membership to give as a gift to a young alumnus or an old friend. Best of all, you keep earning additional Life Memberships as long as you are a member of the AGP.

KKPsi Alumni Association Announces The Scott Stowell Alumni Excellence Award

The KKPsi Alumni Association proudly introduces the new Scott Stowell Alumni Excellence Award. The Stowell Award recognizes continuous dedication and service to KKPsi by alumni who are neither elected nor appointed members of the National Leadership. This is the first National award that honors our “unsung heroes” who are not official leaders, but who truly lead us every day.

We have so many alumni who give their time, energy, and spirit by volunteering as advisors, mentors, and role models. They offer professional advice and networking, nurture active Brothers to greater participation, and cement ongoing dedication to our great Fraternity. The example set by Past National President and Trustee Scott Stowell by continuing to advise, lead workshops, educate, inform, and consult exemplifies lifelong dedication and the spirit we all strive for.

The KKPsi Alumni Association will give the award once per year, and winners will be recognized at our National Convention. Brothers may be nominated by chapters, local alumni associations (LAAs), or individual alumni from either KKPsi or TBSigma. Alumni become eligible 5 years after they last held active status. District Governors, National Officers, Trustees, and AAC Members are ineligible until they are out of all leadership positions for at least 2 years.

The nomination process requires a nomination form and a cover letter that address why the nominee exemplifies alumni excellence, and must address the following topics:
1) How does your nominee continuously serve and support the greater Fraternity?
2) How does your nominee continuously support and strengthen the role of alumni?
3) How does your nominee continuously serve and support our active membership?
4) How does your nominee truly take Brotherhood to heart?
5) Does your nominee regularly attend District/National conventions?
6) How does your nominee fit the “What can I do for you” state of mind?

The Alumni Advisory Committee will review submitted nominations and select a winner. Nominees should not be informed of their nomination. The AAC will recognize nominees after a winner is selected. The first nomination deadline is February 15, 2013.

We encourage all of you to think about who you believe exemplifies the spirit of this award. Who do you know that consistently gives without thought of recognition? Who do you know that is worthy of this new honor? Please contact us with your questions at alumni@kkpsi.org. We look forward to your nominations!

Click here to download a Scott Stowell Award nomination form

Kappa Kappa Psi mourns the passing of South Carolina State DOB and former Southeast District Governor Ronald Sarjeant

On July 22, 2012 Kappa Kappa Psi and the South Carolina State University Band program lost a great advocate and teacher. Mr. Ronald J. Sarjeant, received his Bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University in 1970, and was initiated into the Delta Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi in the fall of 1969. From that time, he worked to live the values of our organization and was committed to the college movement.

Mr. Sarjeant went on to serve as the Assistant Director of Bands at Tuskegee University and later became the Director of Bands. In 1976, he left Tuskegee to serve as the Director of Bands at South Carolina State University. He served the band program and mentored hundreds of students until his retirement in 2004. For his work with the South Carolina State Band and community, he was recently inducted into the South Carolina State University Hall of Fame.

The current SCSU Director of Bands, Mr. Ed Ellis, has this to say on the bands website, “Concert clarinetist, arranger, composer, teacher, mentor are but a few words to describe Ronald J. Sarjeant. He has left a mark at South Carolina State University that will never be forgotten. His many musical arrangements will continue to be played by the ‘101’. Although short in stature he was a giant in the field of music and music education. All who have enjoyed his music whether student, football fan, or music lover should remember him for all the good that he did. Sarge you and your legacy will never be forgotten!”

Mr. Sarjeant was an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi since his initiation. He was the advisor to the Zeta Eta Chapter at SCSU and advised the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. From 1993 to 2000, he served the fraternity as Southeast District Governor. Countless brothers had the opportunity to learn from Mr. Sarjeant, and his legacy will continue to thrive in our fraternity through the members he mentored. We are a better fraternity due to his service to the brotherhood.

Our most sincere condolences are with the family and the South Carolina State Community.

——

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.

Southeast District Governor Appointment

Kappa Kappa Psi has recently seen a shift in the position of Southeast District Governor. Our past SED Governor, Captain Melanie Muldrow, received an assignment with the United States Air Force in Honduras and had to step down from her position. First, I want to thank her for service to Kappa Kappa Psi as Southeast District Governor and her service as active officer in our armed forces. She is a tremendous leader for our organization and our country. I look forward to her continued service to Kappa Kappa Psi in other areas upon her return to the United States.

I am very excited to announce that we have found a new brother to serve in the position of Southeast District Governor. Evan Thompson is a life member of the fraternity from the Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of South Carolina. Evan has recently accepted a position as the band director at Chestnut Oaks Middle School in Sumter, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor of music degree cum laude in instrumental music education from the University of South Carolina in 2009. As many of you know, Evan served Kappa Kappa Psi as National Chapter Field Representatives from 2010-2012. As a student, Evan was leader on all levels of the fraternity. I am excited he has agreed to fill this position for the remainder of the 2011-2013 biennium.

Please join in thanking both Melanie and Evan for their service to Kappa Kappa Psi.

Adam D. Cantley

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity

National President

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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.

Delta Iota Chapter at Florida A&M University Loses Charter

As noted in a statement Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Fraternity released on January 30, 2012, the National Leadership was alerted to a situation that might have been a violation of Fraternity policy on Saturday, January 28th, 2012 through an article that appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat. The Fraternity responded immediately as noted in a statement issued by the Fraternity on January 30th, 2012. It was determined that the situation occurred during the spring 2010 semester and involved the Delta Iota chapter at Florida A & M University.

Following that report, the National Council of the Fraternity organized an investigation into the situation that was consistent with the policies and procedures of the Fraternity. The Fraternity was subsequently asked to hold off on its investigation by a representative of Florida A & M because of a police investigation that was being organized. We chose to honor that request but placed the Delta Iota chapter on Investigative Hold until we could complete our investigation. While on Investigative Hold a chapter many not operate on any level without approval of local and national supervision.

On March 28, 2012, the Tallahassee Police Department concluded its investigation and released its findings. Following the completion of that investigation, Kappa Kappa Psi went forward with its investigation that had been held pending the completion of the police work.

As a result of this investigation and the incident that occurred in spring of 2010, the National Council has voted to remove the Delta Iota Chapter at Florida A&M University from the roster of active chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi. The Delta Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi will be closed for a period of at least five years or until May, 3 2017. This decision was based primarily upon hazing activities that occurred as well as other related issues including a failure to follow policies of the national organization and uncertainty of the future leadership and direction of the University and the Music Department. All undergraduate members of Delta Iota chapter in the spring semester of 2010 have been expelled. All prospective members–those in the joining process–during the spring semester of 2010 have been expelled. Any members of the Fraternity including alumnus members who were present at the incident that led to the investigation and sanctions have been expelled. A total of 28 individuals have been expelled from Kappa Kappa Psi. Any current dues paying student members of Delta Iota chapter who were not members during the spring, 2010 semester have been placed on Alumni status with Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity. As alumnus members they may not participate in any undergraduate chapter event or activity at Florida A&M University since the Delta Iota Chapter is no longer active. Any violation of this status will result in expulsion from the Fraternity.

The mission statement of Kappa Kappa Psi states, Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternal organization that 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. Hazing is not in line with our mission, ritual or values and is simply against the law. We steadfastly advocate and support the removal of hazing practices from college bands and society. For more information on the Kappa Kappa Psi National Policy on hazing please visit http://www.kkpsi.org/policies.asp.

——

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.

Updates to the National Shrine Area

Since the founding of our fraternity at Oklahoma A&M in 1919, we have enjoyed a special relationship with the university. The campus has hosted our National Convention three separate times in 1922, 1969, and 1989. Four members from Alpha chapter at Oklahoma State have served as National President. The National Headquarters for both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma were housed in the Seretean Center on campus for many years. However, one of our most visible partnerships is the National Shrine of the Fraternity that is a part of the campus landscape.

The following is taken from our Fraternity Guide to Membership. The National Shrine was formally dedicated on March 26,1960. The ceremonies were attended by Charter Members of the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, past National Presidents of the Fraternity, National Officers of both organizations, and administrators of Oklahoma State University. Ceremonies included wreath-layings, in memory of the founders of the Fraternity, by the current presidents of the Alpha Chapters and representatives of the National Councils of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

For over 50 years our shine has had its home on the west side of the Classroom Building. Kappa Kappa Psi thanks Oklahoma State University for honoring the location of our shrine in their renovations to the area surrounding the Student Union and Classroom Building. Also, thank you to the University for improvements they made to the area. Centering the shrine with the building, adding a courtyard and seating area, and planting the shrubbery have all enhanced this piece of our shared history.

——

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.

Delta Eta Chapter closes at Pittsburg State University

Due to a request from the faculty and diminished student participation and interest in the fraternity, the National Council has voted to close the Delta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. All current active, conditional, and associate members of the fraternity who have met national financial obligations will be granted alumni status and the rights of that membership. It is our hope that we can one day return to campus and foster a chapter that supports the college band program and furthers the mission and vision of the fraternity and our values.

——

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.

Florida A&M Update

As noted in a statement Kappa Kappa Psi released on January 30, 2012, The National Leadership was made aware of a situation that may have been a violation of Fraternity policy that we now know occurred during the spring 2010 semester involving the Delta Iota Chapter at Florida A&M University. The national fraternity was first made aware of the incident through an article that was in the Saturday January 28, 2012 issue of The Tallahassee Democrat.

Following that report, the National Council began to organize an investigation into the alleged incident. This type of investigation is consistent with the policies and practices of the fraternity. At that time, a representative from Florida A&M University asked us to hold our investigation due to a pending police investigation into the alleged incident. We honored that request and left our chapter on Investigative Hold until we could carry out our own fraternity investigation.

On March 28, 2012, the Tallahassee Police Department concluded their investigation and has released their findings. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed regarding this incident. Since the investigation has ended, Kappa Kappa Psi plans to move forward in a manner consistent with the policies and practices of the fraternity.

The mission statement of Kappa Kappa Psi states, Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternal organization that 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. Hazing is not in line with our mission, ritual or values and is simply against the law. We steadfastly advocate and support the removal of hazing practices from college bands and society. For more information on the Kappa Kappa Psi National Policy on hazing please visit http://www.kkpsi.org/policies.asp.

——

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.

W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award

W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award

Brothers,

I am proud to announce the finalization of the W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award. Created at the 2011 National Convention, the W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award honors current active, associate, and conditional members of Kappa Kappa Psi that exemplify the highest standards of Musical Achievement. W. Francis McBeth (1933-2012) was a world-renowned composer and conductor.

W. Francis McBeth

W. Francis McBeth

McBeth was appointed band director at Ouachita Baptist College (now Ouachita Baptist University) in 1957. He remained at OBU, retiring in 1996 as chairman of the theory and composition department, resident composer, and the Lena Shepperson Professor of Music. In 1971, McBeth served as the commissioning composer for the 1971 National Intercollegiate Band, which premiered his work “The Seventh Seal.” In 1975, he was named composer laureate of Arkansas, the first composer laureate in the United States.

The first recipient of this award was recognized at the Northeast District Convention this year – Zachary Friedland from the Theta Upsilon chapter at The University of Rhode Island. Pictured with Zach are National President Adam Cantley, Vice President for Student Affairs Adam Bates, and Vice President for Professional Relations Travis Cross.

W. Fancis McBeth Student Musicianship Award

Nominations are due by January 1 and June 1 to the National Council, and should include: the nomination form, a letter of nomination, examples of the individual’s musical achievement, and letters of recommendation from individuals who know the nominee well.

Questions may be directed to National Vice President for Programs, Jack Lee.

AEA,

Jack

Jack Lee
National Vice President for Programs
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org

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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.

Northeast District Governor Appointment

Kappa Kappa Psi is excited to announce the appointment of a second Governor for the Northeast District.

Casey Goodwin is currently the Director of Athletic Bands at the University of New Hampshire, where she directs the UNH Concert Band, Wildcat Marching Band, and Beast of the East Pep Band and teaches undergraduate courses in the areas of conducting and music education. Additionally, she is assistant coordinator and faculty member of the Summer Youth Music School (SYMS) and a former conductor of the New Hampshire Youth Band. Prior to her appointment at UNH, Goodwin was the Director of Instrumental Music at Marshwood High School in South Berwick, ME.

Goodwin earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of Arts in Music with an emphasis in music education and wind conducting from the University of New Hampshire in 2001 and 2006, respectively. Casey was an active member of the Iota Phi chapter while attending UNH.

Casey and Gov. Marie Burleigh are two outstanding members of Kappa Kappa Psi that will help guide the NED. I am personally excited to have them both on our leadership team.

Adam D. Cantley

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity

National President

——

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.

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