What would make a busy lawyer with a growing and active family want to commit his spare time to working for a fraternity? First, one has to believe in the organization. I believe in our ritual and our educational programs. They make a difference in the lives of young men.
Second, one must enjoy what he does. I genuinely enjoy being around KA’s from all over the country. It is often remarked by an active brother upon our meeting, “It is an honor and a privilege to meet you, sir.” Or an alumnus remarks “In all my years, this is the first time that I have ever met a Knight Commander.” Please know, that the pleasure has been all mine.
Third, one must have a motivational goal. Initially, I began my work as a KA volunteer because there were things that were not accomplished in my chapter while I was an active member. As an alumnus advisor, I could help the chapter and its members to meet their full potential. That goal expanded and developed into making membership an outstanding and enjoyable experience for our brothers in my province. Moving forward, I realized that by serving on the Executive Council I could help make KA operate more efficiently and to maximize our limited resources.
So, was it a success? Did I meet my goals? Only the membership of Kappa Alpha can answer that question accurately. I can say without reservation that every decision that I made was with the best interest of the undergraduates in mind. We had the most success with the operations audit and the review of KA’s organizational structure. Former Knight Commander Jack Taylor assisted with this task and did an outstanding job. As a result, KA had its first membership needs assessment in which every active member had an opportunity to provide input on what services and programs they most desired from KA. The province commanders met my challenge to improve the quantity and quality of their work. I proposed that the province commanders serve as “managers” of their province. While this idea was met with some skepticism, many province commanders have embraced the idea and are now operating under that model.
The Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation was included in the operational audit, and some changes were made. The relationship between the Order and the KAOEF has never been better. Both boards have a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each organization, and at a critical time as we consider the future of our headquarters and related property in Lexington. As you will read in this edition of the Journal, the KA headquarters property may well be the subject of a condemnation action. We will fight this action with all vigor and resist all efforts of this taking unless adequately compensated.
I am also proud of the housing initiative. As of this summer, KA, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fraternity Housing Corporation, will be the owner of three fraternity houses. Not since the late 1950’s has KA owned this many houses. We even have a joint venture with Tri Delta on sharing a national housing staff person and developing a national housing program.
The success that KA has enjoyed during the current administration is due in large part to the absolutely marvelous staff. Larry Wiese, who is now Executive Director of both KA and the KAOEF, has assembled teams of dedicated and talented people who make KA’s success their first priority. Our senior volunteers have also aided in this effort. More chapter visits were made by our province commanders this year than in the previous seven. Also, many alumni have stepped forward as alumnus advisors and alumni advisory committee members. Others have donated their time and resources to operate housing corporations. The resurgence in the province Courts of Honor has also been inspiring.
After 670 days of being in office, after nights and weekends away from home, after thousands of air miles and spending countless nights in hotel rooms and after trying to conduct a law practice remotely, would I do it again? You bet. I must, however, pause and thank Jan, my wife of almost 17 years, and my children, Ashley and McLean, for being understanding about my absences from home and my distractions from their lives during the last two years.
After I leave office, I will continue to serve the Order in any way I can because the three motivating goals are still there. I believe in the ideals of KA; I enjoy my KA brothers; and there are still some things that need to be done for the Order.
In the Fall 2001 edition of The Kappa Alpha Journal, I was quoted as saying that during my administration I hope that I would not “wreck the bus.” I am pleased to say that the bus appears to be running fine. I now can turn over the driving duties to my good friend and brother, Ben Satcher. Drive on!
