Long time chapter advisor Dr. Frank V. Barchard (Gamma Upsilon '71 - Texas A&M Commerce), died peacefully at his home on Lake Mitchell, Ala., on Friday, December 27, 2002. He was 77.
Barchard was born July 15, 1925, in Foley, Ala. He graduated from Foley High School as valedictorian and earned his B. S. degree from Tulane University. He earned his master's degree at the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. from Tulane University, all in European history.
Barchard began teaching history at Texas A&M University Commerce in 1965 and did so until he retired as Professor Emeritus in May, 1995. He then continued to teach there through the spring semester of 2000. In addition to numerous teaching awards, Barchard received the Knight Commander's Accolade in 1987 from then Knight Commander Idris R. Traylor and the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary International.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Commerce, Tx., Barchard served as faculty advisor to the student association, a member of the parish council, and officer in the men's club. He received the Chamber of Commerce distinguished service award in 1982 and 1987. Among other activities, Barchard held offices in the Commerce Humane Association, Commerce Rotary Club, and was a regular volunteer for the Presbyterian Hospital Auxiliary where he used to read to patients and pass out rosebuds to the elderly who had birthdays that week. On campus, Barchard was most active as faculty/alumni advisor for Gamma Upsilon chapter for approximately thirty years.
Barchard had the utmost respect of everyone he ever worked with and many have commented about his impact on KA and on their own experience. "Dr. Barchard never demonstrated any personal agenda, but that of living by the principles that we hold so dear, and passing those principles on to every KA he came in contact with. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Whenever "Doc" called about any problems that the chapter was experiencing, it was always with a desire to further the cause of building character in the young men of KA. I know that I am a better KA for having known Frank Barchard," said Steve Steele (Delta Kappa '86 - Stephen F. Austin).
"I am forever indebted to one of the most intelligent, caring, humble individuals I have ever known. His ideas and principles helped mold all of us at Gamma Upsilon," said Todd Rolen (Gamma Upsilon '81).
There is no doubt that Dr. Barchard has left a lasting legacy that many would do well to follow. He will be sorely missed and as many have said, was a rare example of gentlemanly conduct. "He was truly an amazing man. I have never known another person who was as respected and loved as 'Doc.' I would be amazed if any person on this earth would have ever had a bad thought about Dr. Barchard, and I have never known anyone else who could meet that standard. Even our beloved spiritual founder could not make that claim. He was a true Kappa Alpha gentleman who will be greatly missed," said Councilor Mike Duncan (Delta Kappa '69 - Stephen F. Austin).
honoring barchard:
In lieu of flowers, bequests may be made to the Dominican Monastery of St. Jude, P. O. Box 190, Marbury, AL 36051; Kappa Alpha Alumni Association, 2002 J. J. Pearce, Richardson, TX 75081; The Commerce Humane Association, P. O. Box 2, Commerce, TX 75429, or to the charity of your choice.
Barchard's many friends and brothers would like to start a LEAP fund in honor of his life and legacy. Through the Order's Educational Foundation's "Leadership & Education Assistance Program", alumni and friends of KA may establish an endowment fund for an active chapter. To contribute to this fund, which requires a minimum of $1,000 to start, please send your contribution to: Barchard LEAP FUND, Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1865, Lexington, VA 24450. (email additional information, foundation@ka-order.org)
