WELCOME TO PHOENIX 87TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING
ALL ROADS LEAD TO PHOENIX
Phoenix (AZ) Alumni Chapter Hosts the 87th Grand Chapter Meeting
K nown as the “Valley of the Sun” for its year-round sunshine and warm desert climate, Phoenix, Arizona, has long symbolized resilience, brilliance, and vitality. Against this backdrop, the Phoenix (AZ) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. stands proudly as host of the 87th Grand Chapter Meeting—a role that is both an honor and a testament to decades of unwavering commitment to achievement in every field of human endeavor. FROM CHARTERING TO FRATERNAL HOST The Phoenix Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. traces its roots back to April 14, 1947, when six visionary brothers gathered at the home of Dr. Thomas Crump to form what was then the Tucson-Phoenix Alumni Chapter. Just two months later, on June 18, 1947, Brother Frank F. LaVigne, Western Province Polemarch, presided over the official charter ceremony and installation of officers at the home of Brother Thomas Brown. The inaugural officers included:
Now, nearly eight decades later, that same spirit of achievement propels the chapter as it hosts the 87th Grand Chapter Meeting over the July 4th holiday weekend. This momentous responsibility involves coordinating logistics, hospitality, community engagement, and cultural experi- ences for brothers and guests from across the country. DUTY AND DISTINCTION As host, the Phoenix Alumni Chapter has meticulously pre- pared to welcome delegates and attendees. With the influx of holiday tourism and heightened demand for accommoda- tions, restaurants, and venues, the chapter has strategically planned events to avoid overlap with citywide July 4th fes- tivities. Safety protocols, compliance with local ordinances, and smooth transportation are paramount. The chapter also embraces its role as ambassador, spot- lighting local attractions such as the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, and historic Papago Park. Attendees are invited to enjoy celebrations like the Fabulous Phoenix 4th at Steele Indian School Park, the Arizona Celebration of Freedom in Mesa, and fireworks over Tempe Town Lake. By hosting this Grand Chapter Meeting, the Phoenix Alum- ni Chapter honors its legacy while embracing its future—a future guided by leadership, scholarship, and brotherhood. Led by Chapter Polemarch Zenji Reynolds and Host Chap- ter Committee Chairman Dr. Derek Blythe, Kappa Alpha Psi is in great hands as it experiences all that the Valley of the Sun has to offer. ♦
• Dr. Aldon B. Thompson, Polemarch (Tucson) • Thomas Brown, Vice Polemarch (Phoenix) • Joseph S. Flipper, Keeper of Records (Phoenix) • Dr. Thomas Crump, Exchequer (Phoenix) • Lowell Sperling, Strategus (Phoenix) • John Williams, Lieutenant Strategus • Dr. Robert B. Phillips, Historian (Phoenix)
The ceremony began at midnight and concluded at 4:45 a.m., reflecting the dedication and spirit that continue to define the chapter.
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker