THE OMICRON KAPPA CHAPTER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Omicron Kappa Celebrates 20 Years, Despite the Impacts of the Pandemic
By Octavious Carter
(L to R): Robert Daye, Corey Harrison, Louis Brown, Avon Mack, Brant Hall, last Sunday night dinner at Lehigh University circa 2002 (Courtesy Louis Brown). (L to R): Brant Hall, Avon Mack, Louis Brown, Corey Harrison, Rob Daye, today (Courtesy Robert Daye).
“W hat do you know about achievement?” was the question that started the Lehigh University Chapter, the Omicron Kappa of Kappa Alpha Psi at 20 years ago. Five young men, from different walks of life, were brought together through the common goal of achievement and decided to make the journey into Kappa land. Over the last two decades, the Omicron Kappa “OK” Chapter has continued that legacy of achievement. Due to the global pandemic, the an- nual chapter retreat, which brings brothers together for fellowship could not convene. Nevertheless, the story of the marking its 20 th year is important to tell and document as these Charter Members: Robert J. Daye Kappa Gam- ma 2000), Corey L. Harrison (Kappa Gamma 2000), Louis C. Brown (Kappa Gamma 2000), Avon B. Mack (Kappa Gamma 2001), and Brant A. Hall (Kap- pa Gamma 2001) have all made sig- nificant impacts on this world in their personal and professional lives. Broth- ers Dr. Calvin John Smiley (Omicron Kappa 2007) and Octavious D. Carter (Omicron Kappa 2019) were able to
interview these men of distinction in March 2021 to gain insight into what made them want to be part of this or- ganization, where life has taken them, and what advice they have for future initiates.
the school year. This included, the promotion of safe and socially distant events on both campuses as well as filming virtual step shows. In short, the Omicron Kappa brothers are achiev- ing! While both campuses remain Pre- dominately White Institutions, the brothers have been able maintain a positive presence and have been rec- ognized by various departments and units on campus. During this academic school year, the brothers have been able to bring much more aware- ness surrounding issues of diversity and inclusion through various events such as table talks, dating advice, proper etiquette memoirs, and mock job interviews. These occasions were made possible because brothers have continued the legacy of embracing Brotherhood and accountability to one another through making time for bonding. This has included a Friends- giving, playing basketball, and group calls to check-in on brothers’ welfare and mental health. Finally, brothers have carried on the tradition outlined by older brothers, particularly the Charter Members of the OK chap-
Brief History of Omicron Kappa
On October 7, 2001 at 12:00 PM, Lehigh University was officially granted a chapter on their respective campus. However, there had been a chapter in the Lehigh Valley, known as Kappa Gamma that started in 1987. Never- theless, the brothers wanted to bring their own chapter to the university. It was something that all the brothers were dedicated to doing and went through the tedious process of paper- work and securing enough initiates to get this done. Since the charter date, the Chapter has added two additional schools, Moravian College and Ursinus College, to the chapter. Currently, there are six active members between Lehigh and Ursinus campuses. Despite the 34-mile distance between the schools and the COVID-19 pandemic, all members have been able to make the best of
154 | SUMMER 2021 ♦ THE JOURNAL
VIRTUAL 85 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING
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