GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE
The Undergraduate Leadership Institute: A Portrait of Our Future
men at the biennial Undergraduate Leadership Institute (ULI). I have had the good fortune to attend just about all the ULI sessions since its inception and have seen the exponen- tial growth of corporate sponsorships, number of participants and program content. It is a monumental task to conduct that program every two years but the Chairmen, Brother Jywanza Watt initially and currently Brother Kristerpher Smith, have continually taken this initiative to higher heights without a misstep from the Alpha Klass to the latest Kappa Klass. There is a misconception that ULI participants are the best of the best of our undergraduate membership. I beg to differ and know first-hand that is not the case. ULI participants are a representative sample of the quality and talent pool we have as collegiate brothers. It is just unfortunate we can- not accommodate every one of them because, in my opinion they would all qualify. The undergraduates who have the opportunity to attend ULI often take their learnings and experiences back to their respective campuses to share with their chapter brothers, who in turn share that information with other young members. I know this occurs because I have seen it happen. It is extremely gratifying to witness the chance for our young brothers to use their ULI exposure to vie for intern- ships and permanent employment with major corporations, especially those that sponsor the Institute with financial contributions and speakers for curriculum topics. ULI Chairman, Brother Smith was in the Delta Klass and parlayed that opportunity into a high-ranking position with past
primary ULI partner, General Electric Corporation. I have seen Brother Smith tutoring others about that ac- complishment as he gave them sage advice about how they can do the same. It is axiomatic that the youth of any group will portend the organization’s future. But in our case the idea is especially highlighted. We have the most impressive and impactful leader- ship development program of any or- ganization in the National Panhellenic Council or otherwise. Several ULI graduates have become prominent lawyers, doctors, scientists, educators and excelled in many other fields of human endeavor. Others have be- come leaders in the Fraternity and will likely ascend to our highest levels. I want to especially thank all the brothers who have served as staff members for the ULI. I have wit- nessed the type of dedication and commitment it takes to make a program like this successful and our alumni faculty brothers execute their duties with laser efficiency and preci- sion. If the ULI is a print of things to come, our future is very bright indeed. God bless you all.
Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. Grand Polemarch M y mother had a quote that has always resonated re- garding people with whom I associate. She always said, she could tell how my future will look by looking at my friends. Indeed, I have taken that to heart when em- barking on new interpersonal, social or business relationships. We can apply that same concept to individuals we initiate into the Fra- ternity and with whom we choose to surround ourselves as brothers. If you want a good glimpse of the future of Kappa Alpha Psi you need only look at the young brothers in our various undergraduate chapters, and we can find a good sample of those young
Yours in the Bond, Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq. Grand Polemarch
8 | FALL 2021 ♦ THE JOURNAL
PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT FOR MORE THAN 110 YEARS
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator