LOOK BACK KAPPA HISTORY
“... THE DIAMOND JUBILEE MEETING IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, ON AUGUST 10-15, 1986, WAS PURPORTEDLY THE GRANDEST CELEBRATION IN THE FRATERNITY’S 75-YEAR HISTORY.”
and Irvin) were present, along with all nine living Past Grand Polemarchs. The Founders were present for a Founders’ Reception. Golden Anniversary Grand Chapter Meeting was the last conclave held on a college campus. Diamond Jubilee 67th Grand Chapter Meeting, Indianapolis, IN August 10-15, 1986 Occurring twelve months after the 66th Grand Chapter Meeting, the Dia- mond Jubilee meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 10-15, 1986, was purportedly the grandest celebration in the Fraternity’s 75-year history. The first day of Conclave began with the Diamond Jubilee Ecumenical Service at the Hyatt Regency Hotel ballroom, featuring the 28th Laurel Wreath Laureate Rev. Leon H. Sullivan (Tau 1940). The C. Rodger Wilson Undergraduate Leadership Conference, which celebrated its 25th anniversary at this Conclave, 50 years after its incep- tion was held. The evening activities commenced with the Public Meeting followed by the Past Grand Polemarch’s Reception, and the Get Acquainted Dance. Congressman Walter Fauntroy (Alpha Gamma 1952) served as the Public Meeting Keynote Speaker. 2nd Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong, tennis champion Arthur Ashe, and U.S. Congressman George Crockett were conferred the Laurel Wreath. The Business Sessions began the next morning. The Awards Program occurred in the evening, followed by a dance by the Indianapolis Panhellenic Council to close out the night.
initiation of a new national housing program, and the inaugural Under- graduate Leadership Conference. This
and classical music concerts for adult patrons. Guests also enjoyed several recreational activities, including bas-
was the Fraternity’s homecoming, and
ketball, volleyball, alumni v. undergraduate softball, swimming, fishing, tennis, ping pong, billiards, bowl- ing, golf, cards, IU campus
the Golden Anni- versary Planning Committee and its subcommittees had programmed a series of excellent reports and lectures designed to amplify the theme, “Recla- mation, Rededication, Reflection and Projection” by Grand Polemarch C. Rodger Wilson. The Indiana University’s Memorial Union was the conclave headquarters where guests and committee members also resided there. Additional accom- modations were located at Smithwood Hall and the local Van Orman-Graham Hotel. Unlike the atmosphere our Founders experienced 50 years prior, all recreational, cultural, and social events were held at campus facilities. Festivities commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Elder Watson Diggs. The Golden Anniversary guests enjoyed a variety of provisions, including a toddler nursery, infant babysitting, arts & crafts, and field trips for adolescents, as well as jazz
tours, and picnics. For the first time, the fraternity hosted an outdoor “family dinner” featuring entertainment for the brothers and their families. The Committee on Music and Pag- eantry held a formal concert, a talent show, and a Kappa Quartet Contest. A Kappa Campus Sing and Cocktail Sip were other features during the Golden Anniversary. A special Kappa Glee Club was assembled for the occasion. Silhouettes and Sweethearts enjoyed a fashion show and Ladies Card Party. Traditional staple events such as the Closed Banquet, get-acquainted social affairs, formal dances, Business Sessions, leadership discussions, and the Public Meeting also occurred. The formal Golden Anniversary Ball featured the famed band leader Duke Ellington and his orchestra. All five known living Founders (Armstrong, Asher, Alexander, Grant,
28 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2024
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