Knight Commander's Message
Todd Shelton | 2/18/2004 With the launch of the Number I’s Leadership Institute this January, Kappa Alpha certainly started 2004 with a bang. The Institute was held on January 9-11, 2004, in North Carolina. Number Is from almost all of our chapters were on hand to participate in intense training for their role as the leaders of their respective active chapters. While there was snow and chilly weather outside, inside these men were exposed to many elements which will make them more successful leaders. I have had many Number Is call or email me about how exceptional they thought the weekend was, and how much they benefited from the experience.
I’d personally like to thank Brent Fellows, director of educational programming; Taunia Coe, leadership development consultant; and all of the staff for organizing this outstanding program. Also, special thanks go to Senior Councilor Mike Duncan and Councilors Sam Leake and Russell Brown; Province Commanders Paul Burns, Jeff Love, Yates Pharr, John Ory, George Frank, and Jim Lawson; and alumni Doug (Bubba) Simmons, Chuck Grant, Steven Hastings for taking time out of their busy schedules to provide guidance and assistance for our new leaders. We also thank the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation for the funding that made this event possible. This is another example of the many superb programs that Kappa Alpha Order offers to our undergraduate members.
This year also offers us another reason for celebration as we mark the 125th anniversary of the Kappa Alpha Journal. The publication has consistently received numerous awards from the College Fraternity Editors Association. Our many editors over these 125 years have made substantial contributions in reporting the news and history of Kappa Alpha Order, our members and our active and alumni chapters.
As each of you know, The Order relies heavily on our volunteer leaders to carry out its mission and assure its integrity and success. In November of 2003, we lost two of those valuable volunteers. My very close friend Julian Foy passed away on November 23rd. We served together as province commanders from 1991-1995 and on the Executive Council until he resigned for health reasons in 2002. His service to Kappa Alpha was truly focused on the active chapters and the undergraduate experience. His presence is already missed by the many that knew him. However, I count myself very blessed for having known him. Another outstanding KA, Vernon Piper, also passed away in November. Vernon served on the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation Board for 16 years. He was the first life trustee and a leading contributor. He truly loved Kappa Alpha and was a dedicated and loyal supporter of all of our efforts. Vernon’s guidance, experience and loyalty will be hard to replace.
We are saddened to have also lost another brother who was serving in our country’s military. Sergeant Roy A Wood was killed in Afghanistan in January. Also, we lost an undergraduate member, Alex Frey who was a freshman at Gamma Epsilon Chapter at the University of Arizona. His death is one which seems so senseless yet happens all too often. Alex’s father shares a wonderful story about him on page 7. I would ask each of you to give special attention to the article about “the silent killer” also in this issue the Journal.
In closing, let me say how inspired I was by what I saw at the Number I’s Leadership Institute. I am confident that the leadership is strong in our active chapters. I see the creation of new ideas emerging from our young men which will help us to carry forward the mission of our Order.
Best wishes for a successful 2004. |
