CHAPTER NEWS
Beta Chapter Gathers for its 110 th Charter Day Celebration
By Richmond Briscoe
The University of Illinois Chapter the Beta of Kappa Alpha Psi gathers for its 110 th Charter Day Celebration.
T he University of Illinois Chap- ter, the Beta of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated their 110 th charter anniversary on February 4th, 2023. The event rec- ognizes this storied chapter’s beginning on February 8, 1913, when Founder Elder Watson Diggs, and several other founders traveled to Champaign, Illinois and established the Beta Chapter. Earl B. Dickerson became the chapter’s first Polemarch. He would later become the fraternity's 5 th Grand Polemarch. The “Greater” Beta Chapter, as it fondly and proudly called by the broth- ers initiated there, are proud of the chapter’s legacy of achievement and leadership. The second oldest chapter in our fraternity has the distinction of initiating four past Grand Polemarchs. The fraternity’s name was changed from Kappa Alpha Nu to Kappa Alpha Psi at the 4 th Grand Chapter hosted by the Beta Chapter. Moreover, there are countless brothers initiated at the Beta Chapter who have achieved in every field of human endeavor. More than 150 brothers attended the celebration, and the evening was spent fellowshipping and reminiscing about their student days. Beta brothers
honored, loved, and sang the praises of the chapter, and the fraternity over and over all night. The event was held in Chicago, Illinois at Metropolitan Club which sits atop Willis Tower, the building was once the tallest building in the world and offered the brothers a spectacular view of the city’s skyline. Of special note was the keynote speaker, Brother L. Robert Johnson, who was initiated at the Beta Chapter. Brother Johnson is an entrepreneur, media magnate, executive, philanthro- pist, and investor. He founded the Black Entertainment Television Chan- nel. Brother Johnson now leads RLJ Companies, a holding company that in- vests in various business sectors. John- son is the former majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. He became the first African American billionaire in 2001. Brother Johnson gave an enlightening, interesting, and inspiring talk about his journey, life, and business ventures. Brother Johnson was presented with a white jacket embroidered with the Beta Chapter crest and token of the chapter’s appreciation. While Grand Polemarch Reuben
A. Shelton, III, Esq. could not attend in person, he congratulated the broth- ers and sent well wished via a recorded video. This grand affair was hosted by the Champaign-Urbana Alumni Chapter, and its subcommittee the Greater Beta Alumni Association. The brothers on this committee worked tirelessly to bring this gathering to fruition. Special thanks to Brother Stephen W. Beard, CEO of Adtalem Global Education, whose gen- erous donation helped make this event possible.
Stephen W. Beard (Beta 1989), President and Chief Executive Officer of Adtalem Global Education.
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