Kappa Alpha Order
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Kappa Alpha Order (commonly known as KA) is a collegiate Order of Knights and American social fraternity. Kappa Alpha Order has 142 active chapters with more than and 149,000 initiated members.[2]
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[edit] History
Kappa Alpha Order was originally founded as Phi Kappa Chi on December 21, 1865, at Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. The four founding fathers included James Ward Wood, William Archibald Walsh, and brothers William Nelson Scott and Stanhope McClelland Scott.[3] Soon after the founding, the local chapter of Phi Kappa Psi protested the name "Phi Kappa Chi", due to the similarity of the names, leading Wood to change the name of the fraternity to K.A. by April of 1866. The popular Kuklos Adelphon society had gone defunct during the Civil War, and it is suspected that Wood selected the letters K.A. to attract those who were familiar with the old society.[4] Within one year, the fraternity's ritual would be expanded upon and given a new vision by "practical founder", Samuel Zenas Ammen. In the years that followed, the Order spread throughout the Southern United States, a distinguishing factor that separates it from the smaller, northern-based Kappa Alpha Society.
KA is one-third of the Lexington Triad, along with Alpha Tau Omega and Sigma Nu.[5] Robert E. Lee, whose ideals of chivalry and gentlemanly conduct inspired the founders, was designated the "Spiritual Founder"[6] of the Order by John Temple Graves at the 1923 Convention.
[edit] The Definition of a Gentleman
| “ | The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman.
The power which the strong have over the weak, the employer over the employed, the educated over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly--the forbearing or inoffensive use of all this power or authority, or a total abstinence from it when the case admits it, will show the men in a plain light The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He cannot only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past. A true man of honor feels humbled when he cannot help humbling others. |
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[edit] National Office
The Kappa Alpha Order Administrative Office is located at Mulberry Hill, in Lexington, Virginia. Mulberry Hill is located on the western edge of Lexington, Virginia, is one of the town’s chief historic houses, forming a scenic backdrop for the Lexington Historic District and Washington and Lee University. It is documented that Mulberry Hill is where Robert E. Lee spent his first night in Lexington, after arriving to take over as president of Washington College.[7] Mulberry Hill is a Virginia Historic Landmark,and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.[8] The offices for the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation are also housed here.
[edit] Member Programs
[edit] Number I's Leadership Institute
The I’s Leadership Institute is an intensive informational and educational retreat set at a Christian conference center. The focus of the Institute is to educate and empower the Number I’s to understand their role and responsibility as the chapter’s highest elected officer. In addition, they are taught to recognize the tools and support systems provided, and to understand the standards and policies of operating an active chapter of Kappa Alpha Order.[9]
[edit] The Crusade
The purpose of The Crusade is to provide members with educational opportunities throughout their collegiate experience. The emphasis placed on academic excellence, community service, teambuilding and leadership.
This is done over the member's active membership service, and is broken up into 4 phases (usually coinciding with 4 years of undergraduate classes). The Crusade's four phases are:[10]
- Voyage for Brotherhood - This phase encompasses the new member education program.
- Honor Bound - The second phase of The Crusade is wrapped around an in-depth study of the Kappa Alpha Laws and the customs of the Order.
- Quest for Leadership - The chief purposes of the third phase are to provide members with leadership skills and to educate them on social issues.
- The Journey Beyond - The final phase of The Crusade, has been designed to allow members to focus on activities that will prepare them for life after college.
[edit] Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF)
Established in 1982, the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation provides grants for educational programs of the fraternity, such as the National Leadership Institute and Province Councils, and provides scholarships to deserving graduate and undergraduate students. KAOEF funds these programs with donations contributed by KA alumni.[11] In 2006, KAOEF awarded $93,000 to 73 members to further their studies.[12]
[edit] Kappa Alpha Journal
The Kappa Alpha Journal seeks to reflect the Kappa Alpha experience by presenting news of active and alumni chapters, individual members, and the national organization; by addressing current issues facing the Greek system and the Order; by educating and entertaining those interested in the welfare of Kappa Alpha; and by serving as a historical record. The Journal has been published since 1879.[13]
Members of the Kappa Alpha Order are entitled to a free subscription to The Kappa Alpha Journal if initiated within the last ten years, between the years of 1936 and 1951, or are a member of The Loyal Order. Members initiated between 1936 and 1951 are guaranteed a lifetime subscription to the KA Journal.[14]
[edit] The Loyal Order
The Loyal Order is an alumni program for alumnus members of Kappa Alpha Order. The National office uses the money from Loyal Order memberships to help defray the cost of distributing the KA Journal, as well as other alumni resources. Benefits of membership include a subscription to The Kappa Alpha Journal and member identification.[15]
[edit] The Ideals of Kappa Alpha Order
The members of Kappa Alpha Order pride themselves on a tradition of chivalry and a beckoning to the traditions of the southern gentleman and reminiscent of the Knights of the Crusades. A member of Kappa Alpha Order strives to offer reverence to both God and woman, and offers his brother a fraternal love, and an unwavering relationship of trust, obedience, and loyalty.
[edit] Symbolism
The colors of The Order are traditionally Crimson and Old Gold. The colors represent the blood sacrificed and treasures spent in defense of our country.
The flowers of the Order are the crimson rose and the magnolia blossom. The crimson rose represents masculine might and the white magnolia blossom represents purity. The flowers of the Order, and a ribbon featuring the Order's motto adorn the bottom of the crest.[16]
The crest itself is representative of several things. The hand holding the axe is representative of the continuing power of the Knight Commander and of the Order. The Helmet was, at one time, a symbol used by the Knight Commander of the Order. The badge is featured at the center of the crest, and the lions on either side represent different things each. The lion on the left, looking away, symbolizes "regardant", which encourages humbleness and an abstinence from several things in life. The lion on the right, facing inward, symbolizes "rampant",[1] which encourages a boisterous life and one of want and need. The design of the crest, featuring both lions, suggests that a balance is needed in life.
[edit] Motto
The Kappa Alpha Order motto "Dieu et les Dames" (For God and the Ladies)[1] is written on the ceiling of the Mississippi Capitol.[17]
[edit] Notable Members
See List of Kappa Alpha Order members.
[edit] Chapter list
See List of Kappa Alpha Order chapters.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Shelton, Todd. Insignia and Publications. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Kappa Alpha Order. Undergraduates. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Zeta Zeta Chapter - Wingate University. The Beginning…. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Shelton, Todd. Our Kappa Alpha Heritage. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Sigma Nu Fraternity. The Virginia Fraternities & The Lexington Triad. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Kappa Alpha Order. The mission of Kappa Alpha Order. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Shelton, Todd. Knight Commander's Message, Fall 2004. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Shelton, Todd. Mulberry Hill, Part One: History. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Rowson, Scott. 2008 Number I's Leadership Institute. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Kappa Alpha Order. The Crusade. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Kappa Alpha Order. What does the KAOEF do?. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Kappa Alpha Journal. What does the KAOEF do?. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Kappa Alpha Order. The Kappa Alpha Journal. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ Rowson, Scott. The Kappa Alpha Journal Subscription Policy Explained. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ KAO. The Loyal Order. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
- ^ The Varlet (2005 ed.), Kappa Alpha Order, 2005
- ^ ALPHA UPSILON Chapter Kappa Alpha Order. KA Motto in MS State Capitol. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
