GRAND POLEMARCH'S MESSAGE
When our brothers graduate, they have definitely earned their degrees. One's diploma is more than a piece of paper signifying completion of college. It is a reminder that despite the odds, they navigated the rough waters that often beleaguer Black men, to conquer them and achieve. Keep achieving, good brothers!
their transition into the corporate world. We are excited to host LEAD Kappa again at the 84 th Grand Chapter Meet- ing in Philadelphia. When thinking about our undergradu- ate brothers these days, I find it almost unbelievable how they can sustain high GPAs, campus leadership roles, and active fraternity involvement. Gamma Pi Chapter at Alcorn State Univer- sity provides a perfect example. Four chapter brothers recently maintained 4.0 GPAs for consecutive spring and fall semesters. Even more, eight Gamma Pi brothers graduated with honors, and one of their own, Rodrick Patterson, became our National Undergraduate Guide Right Committee co-chairman. For many of our younger brothers, these good things are happening amid per- sonal and family issues. Unfortunately, those are capped with 24/7 news of vio- lence, poverty, political shenanigans and much worse. The era in which we live, is arguably the most taxing historically – mentally as well as financially – due to intensifying problems that are leading to higher suicide rates, weakening family structures and growing challenges for people of color. We must applaud these brothers for their endurance and for exemplifying honorable achievement. Going to college, staying in college, and graduating from college is never easy.
When our brothers graduate, they have definitely earned their degrees. One's diploma is more than a piece of paper signifying completion of college. It is a reminder that despite the odds, they navigated the rough waters that often beleaguer Black men, to conquer them and achieve. Keep achieving, good brothers! On the flip side, I salute the efforts that seasoned brothers are making to help both our own undergraduates and college-bound, forge a path to profes- sional and lifelong success. Brother Christopher E. Johnson stands out for his work as chairman of the Achieve- ment Academy, which aims to improve the social, professional, and leadership experiences of our collegiate members. With a focus on mentoring and coach- ing, the academy is helping to keep recent graduates active in the bond and teaching them the steps toward earning advanced degrees. Be sure to get en- gaged with the Achievement Academy, whether you are an undergraduate or alumni brother. Our undergraduates need our guidance to steer their academic, professional and personal lives. While our alumni brothers have a wealth of knowledge to share with our younger brothers and can even learn more about this generation to better relate to them. Deeping the
understanding of each other helps us to fill in the gaps when we are in need.
That’s what Kappas do! We set the pace, and we make sure our brothers have the resources to set the pace as well. Cincinnati Alumni deserves a hearty round of applause. Its Grant-in-Aid awards totaling $20,000 this year will steer 21 seniors toward future academic achievement. That’s just one example of the myriad of avenues where our alumni brothers are looking out for our undergraduates. Kappa Alpha Psi ® was founded as an undergraduate fraternity, and we will continue to ensure that our undergradu- ates not only survive, but thrive! This edition of the Journal is dedicated to our undergraduates. These brothers are the future of Kappa and I’m elated to say, our future looks bright! I am so proud to share these stories with a global audience through the Journal. The world is seeing how Kappa Alpha Psi ® is making a positive difference in so many ways.
Yours in the Bond,
Thomas L. Battles Jr. Grand Polemarch
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
THE JOURNAL SPRING ISSUE | 7
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