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“I thought that the overall experience was remarkable. To see the room full of brothers to learn the actual truths behind well-known stories of Kappa history and the reactions and commentary was incredible. Additionally, the walkthrough the high points of St. Louis’ role over the course of history was a point of great pride and further discovery, such as the history of the Loving Cup and more. It inspired me to pick up my copy and start reading it to know more.” Matt Whitener, Vice Polemarch, St. Louis (MO) AL
“The St. Louis (MO) Alumni’s Fireside Chat
from April 2024 was a truly memorable event. Honestly, I did not know what to expect. The historical overview Brother Aaron Williams provided us was insightful, and I learned a vast amount of history about our Chapter and the Fraternity. I venture to say that it may have been one of if not the most educating workshop that I have had in Kappa. The evening’s atmosphere was filled with brotherhood, and the topics covered resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.”
The majority of Williams’ presentation Williams presented background information on compos- ing the 6th edition of the Story of Kappa Alpha Psi including: • Describing Grand Histo- rian Kevin Scott’s overall vision for the book; • Aspects of the 6th edition that differentiate it from the previous editions of the Story; • The rationale for utilizing The Kappa Alpha Psi Jour- nal covers as exhibits; • Highlighting interesting articles and exhibits from the book; • Summary of enhanced biographical information on the Founders; • Challenges to writing, editing, and publishing the 6th edition. From left: Keynote speaker Williams offering remarks. Williams with Fireside Chat Raffle winner, Charles Hamilton. St. Louis (MO) AL attendees.
In addition to his overview of The Story , Williams dedicated throughout his presentation with a focus on St. Louis (MO) Alumni Chapter history. Williams addressed the circum- stances surrounding the Chapter’s chartering and highlighted some of the Chapter’s early members. Williams recapped all five Grand Chapter Meetings (1924, 1935, 1943, 1967, and 2005) that St. Louis (MO) Alumni hosted. For all five Grand Chapter Meetings, Williams covered the dates, the location of venues where Conclave events were held in the city with some venues no longer in existence, Founders in
attendance, and recapped key developments.
He presented some early Kappa Alpha Psi Journal articles that feature the chapter and members. He concluded his presentation by emphasizing to the brothers that “you cannot write the history of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity without frequently refer- encing the St. Louis (MO) Alumni Chapter.” To support the event, the chapter marketed the event on social media and via word-of-mouth. For the Fireside Chat, the chapter purchased two copies of the 6th Edition and conducted a raffle
- Larry Blue, Jr., Polemarch, St. Louis (MO) AL
with the win- ners Leanthony “Tony” Bartlett
(Alpha Mu 1981) Bartlett and Charles S. Hamilton III (Eta Epsilon 1975). The chapter hopes to host additional Fireside Chats at the Kappa Kastle in the future. ♦
FALL 2024 ♦ THE JOURNAL 9
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