KAPPA NEWS
to help me continue to strive for my undergraduate degree then my Masters and ultimately, my Doctorate. No matter what challenges I faced, the desire to achieve through it all was burning inside my soul. What I always knew was that my life would be dedicated to helping others. While I did not set the path, I faithfully followed the path the God laid for me. I did not know how I’d help others. I only knew that I would. What Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was able to do for me is reinforce the fundamental building blocks within me that were placed by family, church and school. I’ve always been taught to give back so when I pledged Kappa Alpha Psi it was instilled into us to reinforce our spiritual relationship, connect as one family, achieve academically, and inspire the next generation to achieve. Since that time, local chapters I’ve been involved with have upheld this philosophy. As a leader, these values have shaped how I lead. As a higher education leader, our ultimate goal is to help our students attain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue and attain a career in which they can strive. However, it is also to ensure that these students are getting a well-rounded education that not only ensures their future capability to take care of themselves and their families, but positively shape the community and world in which they live!” FNP
business-like. Philosophically, we have refocused on SUSLA as a community college and what that means relative to educational programming, involvement in the community and other initiatives. This has all been while creating a new vision for the entire campus.” “Fundraising is extremely important to any institution of higher education, especially in this fiscal environment where state funding has decreased significantly. Continuing to build a strong relationship with our Foundation Board Members who connect us to a number of resources in the community has been a focus. Additionally, leading by example, is an important aspect of my philosophy. Before I ask anyone else to give, I give. I’ve made an Dr. Ellis discussed the significance of fundraising
annual commitment that is automatically deducted each pay period. Additionally, I provide support as needed. What we have done recently is to revise our employee giving campaign. We are striving for 100% celebrate our 50 th year as an institution. This gala will also serve as a major fundraising vehicle for us this year. We’ve expanded our grant writing initiatives to private and government sources. Most importantly, we’ve begun to try to determine how to become more entrepreneurial within the context of achieving our core mission as an institution.” Dr. Ellis shared how Kappa Alpha Psi prepared him for life challenges. participation. We are also hosting a gala to
lifelong dream at the time, and I am a proud member of K.S.P.T., the Spring 1988 line of the University of Alabama Chapter, the Eta Chi of Kappa Alpha Psi. This year in April will mark my 30 th year as a Nupe. It fueled a commitment and stride for achievement that was embedded within my fiber, probably since the day I was born. It taught me to be well-rounded academically, socially, philanthropically, spiritually, personally, and in so many other ways. In essence, the fraternity is a major catalyst of everything I’ve achieved today. The pledging experience taught me to know, love and understand Kappa Alpha Psi. It also taught me the importance of brotherhood and teamwork. I taught me how to persevere through dismay and hardship, but to celebrate success and accomplishments. These are all characteristics that I need today to lead this great organization. focused on is how does SUSLA give back to the community in which it dwells. While my family, religious and educational backgrounds launched this commitment within me at an early age, it was Kappa Alpha Psi that sparked this commitment early in my adult life.” “Achievement guides us! In college, it was Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity that was there As mentioned earlier, one of the major initiatives I’ve
“Becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi was a
40 | 84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING ISSUE THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement for 105 years
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker