100 YEARS
THE MU CHAPTER CENTENNIAL
we are defined by history that spans two centuries yet lives in us. That same his- tory points the way to a future where we will thrive.” This statement is reflected in the consistent visits from Mu Chapter Alumni over the years. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Chapter was inspired by visits from Brothers N. Webster Moore, William Coker, and Harold Piper, among others. These visits culminated with Mu’s first formal chapter reunion in 1986. Since 1986, Mu have gathered annually in the Spring to ensure that the chapter’s legacy and archives are preserved. Brother Jim Yerger (Mu 1964) of the Las Vegas (NV) Alumni provided a unique perspective of Mu. “My arrival at college was heightened by the opportunity to join my father’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. He was a Life Member, and I grew up wanting to follow him. After attending two par- ties on consecutive weekends, first at the Alpha house, then at the bouncing floor of the Kappa house, I knew being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi was best for me. In my 56 years in the bond, I have been in five Kappa Alumni Chapters. My closest friends, both present-day and the Chapter Invisible, are Kappa Men. Brothers McGee, Terrell, Shinn, and Sayers are all in the Chapter Invisible. I am fortunate to have Brothers Mc- Gaugh (Mu 1964) Brothers Anderson, (Mu 1962); Brother Thurston (Mu 1958); Brother Dumas (Mu 1962) , and Brother Topp, to still have lively conversations and wonderful memories. I can say that Mu Chapter has provided me years of memories and lifelong friendships.” Mu Chapter was fortunate to have a set of long-serving advisors that help the chapter navigate through the tumultu- ous 1950s and 1960s through the 1980s. Jessie Milan (Mu 1952) served as the Mu Chapter Advisor [1956 – 1968], and his wife, Mrs. Milan, served as the
housemother for the Kappa House. She was the Chapter Advisor to KU’s chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, its Psi Chapter. Brother Milan is the old- est living Mu Chapter Brother that is known. Joe Terrell (Gamma Rho 1959) , affectionately known as “Brother Joe T.,” transferred KU and joined Mu Chapter in 1960. He later served as its Chap- ter Advisor [1967 – 1984], the longest tenure as chapter advisor in Mu Chap- ter history. His brother Robert “Bob” Terrell (Mu 1962) was the first African American City Manager of Fort Worth, TX, was a longtime member of the Fort Worth (TX) Alumni, including as its polemarch [1978–1980]. Grand Board of Board Director Clifford M. Franklin (Mu 1983) of St. Louis (MO) Alumni has led the Frater- nity in various roles, including the Mid- dlewestern Province’s 18 th Polemarch. Joe W. Lewis, Jr. (Mu 1980) of East St. Louis (MO) Alumni has held vari- ous leadership positions in the North Central Province. Currently, he serves as Grand Polemarch Shelton’s Chief of Staff.
engineering, going back to the earliest days of the chapter. Anthony Thomp- son (Mu 1979) was one of the first African Americans to receive a dual architecture and engineering degree. Ronaldo “Nick” Nicholson (Mu 1980) received a BS in civil engineering. KU’s Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Academy (CEAE) elected Nicholson as a member. KU CEAE honors KU’s most distinguished engi- neering alumni. Brother Nicholson is a Life Member, a member of the Alexan- dria Fairfax (VA) Alumni Chapter, and past Grand Chapter Advisor of the Year.
Grand Polemarch Shelton on Mu Chapter:
“I had so many fond memories at Mu Chapter that it is hard to single out one or even a few. Some of my best memo- ries are rated to my days as a Scroller. Our Dean of Pledges was Brother Rick Suttle, who was also my teammate on the KU Basketball team. As a Scroller, he asked my line (K.S. Styx) to do so many interesting things but always emphasized that we should have fun and enjoy our time together. As a Nupe, we had tons of fun at chapter events that are not celebrated anymore. We had a black tie Kappa
Mu Chapter has a long history of brothers that studied and majored in
THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL-WINTER 2020 | 15
Publishing achievement for more than 105 years
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