LOOK BACK KAPPA HISTORY
IN AUGUST 2016, GRAND HISTORIAN [KEVIN] SCOTT BEGAN DISCUSSIONS WITH KEY INDIANA UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS AND SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OFFICIALS IN SUPPORT OF ACKNOWLEDGING DIGGS AS A DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS.
provided to the committee according to their recommendations. Stepney proposed a soft unveiling during the 86th Grand Chapter Meet- ing on July 19, 2023, as the portrait was being created. An agreement was adopted between Indiana University, the Kappa Foundation, and Gallery Guichard (who represented Mr. Warren) for the transport, care, and display during the Kappa Foundation Board of Directors Meeting and the Grand Chapter’s 1st Business Session. While working on the unveiling project, Stepney and Scott engaged in conversations with School of Education Dean Anastasia Morrone, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations Mary Dwyer, and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Carl Darnell regarding increasing and attracting underrepresented students in the field of education. One idea that developed from the discussions by Stepney was an education symposium named in Diggs’ honor. He based this concept on Diggs’ dedication to education and achievement, aligning with the school’s strategic plan. The School of Education embraced the idea and was collaboratively structured by a committee composed of School of Education personnel, Stepney and Scott. The event occurred on Septem- ber 29, 2023, the day before the official portrait unveiling. The day-long Inaugural Elder Watson Diggs Education Symposium was themed, “Developing a Frame- work for Achievement in Education.” It featured a wide array of renowned educators and was well-attended by
education professionals and students. One of Founder Diggs’ great-grand- nieces, Mrs. Leslie Bassett, was also in attendance. The event opened with welcome remarks led by Stepney and School of Education officials and former School of Education Assistant Director Diversity, Equity, and Inclu- sion Julius Hanks (Indianapolis (IN) Alumni 2017). During the morning and afternoon sessions, the industry professionals shared their insights in an interactive and intimate environ- ment. The conference included panel dialogue and breakout sessions that discussed options to mitigate recent legislation that ends race-based col- lege admissions and addressed ways to attract more people of color to the education profession. The sympo- sium concluded with a group panel discussion, “Advancing Elder Watson Diggs’ Legacy of Achievement,” that featured Junior Grand Vice Polemarch and Alpha Chapter Polemarch Jordan Q. Smith, Grand Historian Vincent E. Isom (Alpha 1987), 21st Century Scholars Program Director Brother Vincent Isom, and was moderated by
Kappa Foundation Executive Director Anthony G. Stepney. On the morning of September 30, 2023, approximately 100 guests attended the official portrait unveiling, also held at the School of Education atrium. The portrait stood on an easel, covered with a crimson drape to the left of the lectern. The event attend- ees included Fraternity dignitaries, Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle, Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Robert L. Jenkins Jr. Esq., Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Smith, Grand Keeper of Exchequer Rhen C. Bass, CPA, Grand Keeper of Records Kevin D. Kyles, Grand Historian Scott, Executive Director John F. Burrell, North Central Province Polemarch Darren Adams, Past North Central Province Pole- marchs Myron L. Hardiman, Stevenson Nicholson, Michael Owens, and Byron Thornton, North Central Province Chief of Staff J.C. Campbell, along with all Alpha Chapter officers. Also present were current members of the Alpha Chapter and various other fraternity members. Three of Founder Diggs’ great-grandnieces, Paula Cox, Nikki
SUMMER 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 81
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease