Dear Brothers & Friends:
It is hard for me to believe, but this is the ninth regular edition of the Kappa Alpha Journal which I have had the extreme honor of producing for you. This is also my last as editor.
Upon my reflection of these past two years as editor, I could not be prouder of the fact that I was given this opportunity to serve the fraternity I love so much. My desire to publish the Journal dates back to my days as an undergraduate at Delta Lambda Chapter at Middle Tennessee State. I announced my desire to be editor of the Journal to Dick Barnes, then executive director, when I was on a spring break trip, "the pilgrimage," to Lexington. Sitting in his office with Devin McClendon who had made the trip as well, I knew I wanted to serve KA.
Unfortunately for me at the time, Darron Franta was doing an excellent job and had no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon. Following in his footsteps, Matt Bonner continued the award winning success of the Journal until late 2002. By chance that summer, I was looking at the KA website and saw the editor/director of communication position posted. I sent an email immediately with my resume, never really expecting to hear anything.
I had not had a great deal of interaction with KA after my graduation. Like many of us, I was tied up in my own affairs and let KA, and the amazing brothers I have, slip to the back burner. I assumed someone with much stronger ties would have an edge on getting hired. Well, to my fortune, Executive Director Wiese seemed to be impressed with my previous work and next thing I knew I was your editor.
You have probably noticed through my time here, I have generally chosen not to use space for words from the editor. I have felt that the Journal readers are better served by my devoting the space to your contributions whether they be in the form of letters, articles or updates.
However, as I finalize my last issue as editor, I wanted to express my great appreciation to people who have been such an influence on my life and the way I view the world.
First, I want to thank Dick Barnes, Tommy Campbell and Lynn Greer, all Delta Lambda brothers who have been there with answers or support. They have certainly set the bar high for all Kappa Alphas. I also thank Bob McLean who excited me about KA and taught me by example to be there when someone is in need.
I thank Larry Wiese and the Executive Council for giving me this opportunity. I thank all the staff for the friendships and amazing service you do for our fraternity.
Thank you to the undergraduates who make me so unbelieveably proud to be a Kappa Alpha. At the Conventions, institutes, banquets and Conviviums, I have been honored to meet each of you. I look forward to further interaction for years to come.
As I have met so many Kappa Alphas around the country, I am reminded how different we all are as individuals. Our differences ultimately make our Order much stronger. I ask each of you to embrace our differences because we are all brothers. We were each unanimously extended a bid and we each took solemn oaths to God, the fraternity, and especially to each other.
With that, I look forward to continuing to serve KA in whatever role I can. I look forward to reading the works of Scott Rowson, our new editor who begins with the summer issue.
If you are ever in Nashville, give me a shout. I always enjoy sharing some stories over a beer (or iced tea).
Fraternally,
Todd Shelton
Editor
