My Brothers,

     I have had a number of Alumni and Undergraduate members to inquire about Chapter Advisors, how they are chosen, what attributes do we look for in making that decision, and why aren't advisors disciplined when derelict in their duties. I found these inquiries very interesting and decided to focus on it as a subject for this month's newsletter. Our Constitution & Statutes defines Undergraduate Advisor as "A sustaining alumni member appointed by a Province Polemarch to assist one or more undergraduate chapters with the management of their affairs and the maintenance of good relations with college authorities." It further states that the duties of an alumni advisor shall include:

1. Attending undergraduate chapter meetings at least once a month.
   • As most of us realize this is one of the areas that requires the advisor to travel to the chapter's meeting place which in some instances will require traveling over long distances in excess of 50 to 100 miles. I'm of a school of thought that being there, in their company, is mandatory for true supervision. I can remember countless times when undergraduates complained about not being able to meet privately and attempt to meet without the advisor being present. If you are dealing with matters in which you feel the advisor should not be present, then the matters probably are illegal or fail to meet the muster as they relate to our Constitution, Statutes, and Fraternity Regulations.

2. Examining accounts payable and receivables monthly.
   • This is an area where I still feel that our advisors truly are not as vigilant. Our undergraduate chapters are taking on events where gross expenses and income from the one event may exceed the total annual operating budget of some of our alumni chapters. They are entering into complex contracts dealing with the simple booking of space for parties to securing entertainers for live performances. Some of our undergraduate chapters have activities that take place over multiple days. Undergraduate chapter finances will soon emerge as a focus area within advisors training, getting the undergraduate chapters the best financial advice without usurping their authority to take on activities is going to prove to be a fine line that advisors will need to walk in the near future. This newly emerging area of concern will also bring our legal committee to task, instructing the advisors as to how to best supervise/give instruction to these undergraduate chapter's activities from a legal perspective, the proper review of contracts, and the administrative steps that chapters need to take to ensure that if and when undergraduate chapter events fail, these undergraduate members can be protected from civil liability (keeping the chapter's corporate veil from being pierced).

3. Supervising activities relating to initiation.
   • The Pittsburgh State University case in the state of Philadelphia has made it very clear from where I sit. Advisors who lack the proper knowledge with respect to our Membership Intake and Orientation Program, advisors who fail to attend chapter meetings and other chapter activities, advisors who fail to properly oversee chapter Intake activities will be subject to lawsuits, and will probably lose.

4. Making recommendations concerning financially delinquent members, and

5. Performing such other duties required of him by the college or the Fraternity.

     And finally, it states, "Alumni advisors shall not usurp the responsibilities and authorities of undergraduate chapters for managing their, affairs, consistent with college regulations and the Constitution, Statutes and Fraternity Regulations."

     With that said I'll share a few real life stories that will probably touch on many if not all the questions I've received on this topic, and will also provide you some insight as to my views with respect to undergraduate chapter advisors. If you recall when I began my service in the capacity as Province Polemarch one of the initial tasks we undertook was to review the membership history of each and every chapter. We determined which ones were under minimum standards, how long they had been in that predicament, and assess the chances of them coming back into compliance. Once we completed the assessment we sent notice to those chapters not in compliance informing them that they had a year to get back into compliance or face revocation. One of those chapters was an undergraduate chapter in the state of Kansas. I'll never forget the phone call from that Polemarch and the degree of urgency in his voice. He was truly concerned about his Chapter. We talked for over an hour about his chapter's dilemma. This undergraduate chapter Polemarch basically concluded that their advisor was not providing them the assistance they needed, that he failed to fulfill the his advisor duties as outlined in our Constitution, Statutes, and Fraternity Regulations. He very rarely attended chapter meetings and they interfaced with each other maybe twice a semester. This undergraduate chapter Polemarch asked if I would assign them a new advisor. Ironically, this advisor had been the focus of the previous Province Polemarch in the past. As a matter of fact, my predecessor wanted to remove him sometime in the past but was advised against doing so by his executive operating assistants. Why? The Province Polemarch was the past Vice Polemarch of the supervising alumni chapter, and his executive operating assistants advised him that removal of this individual as advisor would cause him some political repercussions locally, so he decided to keep him intact. Now that it was my problem to deal with we reviewed the undergraduate chapter's operating history, specifically the years in which that advisor was assigned to supervise that chapter. What we found was that from the time that advisor was assigned to that chapter they had been below the minimum standard in each of those years, they were late every year or did not send in their officer report at all, they failed to attend CRWLC 90 percent of the time, etc., etc. etc. This chapter was in shambles, administratively. Well to make a longer story short, I got back with that undergraduate chapter Polemarch and informed him of our research, and further I told him to give me a name of an alumni member that he felt he could work with to turn his chapter around, he did and the rest is history. Two years later this undergraduate chapter hosted our CRWLC, and did an outstanding job. The relationship they have with their advisor is one we can cherish. By the way, it seems that the executive operating assistants for the Past Province Polemarch whom they told not to remove this guy because of possible political backlash were right; when I removed the advisor in question his chapter raised hell, and even challenged my authority to appoint advisors. ALUMNI CHAPTERS DO NOT OWN UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS, AND I JUDGE ADVISORS BY HOW WELL THEIR CHAPTERS PERFORM.

     There's an undergraduate chapter in the state of Missouri that had consistently requested that I remove their advisor for a few years. I mean every semester, every CRWLC, every Province Council meeting, every time I was in the company of this undergraduate chapter they complained about this advisor. At one point in time the alumni chapter Polemarch began to side with the undergraduate chapter, I was perplexed. The advisor in question had received certification via our advisor training course, whenever I interacted with him on issues related to the undergraduate chapter he was always professional, and performed up to the standards to which I hold advisors. It got to a point where I even questioned myself as it related to whether I had the wool pulled over my eyes. Well, one day I got a call from an alumni member informing me that the undergraduate chapter in question had been accused of illegal pledge type activity, and that someone had been injured. Our investigation found the allegations to be true, and we took the course of action prescribed under our rules for disciplinary action and dealt with the situation. The most interesting thing was that not only was the advisor right in this case, when we reviewed his interactions administratively with the chapter he had the best-kept records we've seen of any advisor, to date. I'm just thankful that I did not give in to the pressure and replace this guy. He did well for Kappa. Administratively speaking, he is good risk management.

     In another story that stands out in my memory, some allegations surfaced against an undergraduate chapter in the State of Missouri and eventually our investigation proved the allegations to be true. Of course, in this instance, the advisor insisted that nothing had occurred because if anything was going on his boys would tell him truth. This advisor went so far as instructing the undergraduate chapter members not to attend their hearing. At one point the advisor of this undergraduate chapter met with the Grand Polemarch to have me removed from office. Ironically, our Grand Polemarch asked him to explain his position, and the more he talked the more apparent it became that this advisor lacked knowledge as to what our procedures were for membership intake. By this time the Grand Polemarch asked him point blank to explain what his duties were as an advisor and what were the procedures with respect to membership intake. The advisor could not tell him what our procedures were, the Grand Polemarch ended the meeting, the advisor left the room, and I received about a 40 minute inquiry as to why I had appointed an advisor to an undergraduate chapter who lacked the proper knowledge as to what were the Fraternity Regulations governing how an undergraduate chapter conducts and participates in the Fraternity's Membership Intake and Orientation Program. Of course, I fired the advisor on the spot. BEING THE ADVISOR MEANS KNOWING THE FRATERNITY RULES AND REGULATIONS, ESPECIALLY AS THEY RELATE TO MEMBERSHIP INTAKE.

     There is an undergraduate chapter in the state of Oklahoma whose advisors are also employed with the university. This chapter decided to host a social affair off campus and the undergraduate chapter did everything by the book. They planned the event at a duly called chapter meeting, they turned in the insurance form to International Headquarters, they arranged security, and they did all the right things. A fight occurred at the event, there was some minor damage to the establishment, but later that night the crowd from the party looted a business establishment some ten miles away, no Kappas were involved. Yet the effect of the actions of this mob, some ten miles away which included no Kappas, led to the chapter being disciplined by the university and ironically, the university punished the advisor since he was a university employee. Of course my position was that we would fight the university on behalf of the undergraduate chapter and the advisor. I was pissed to say the least. But in this particular instance the advisor requested that we stay out of the fray for now and allow him to handle the matter under his own terms. And he achieved a final resolution of the matters to his satisfaction. BEING AN ADVISOR MEANS EVEN WHEN THE CHAPTER DOES THINGS RIGHT THINGS CAN GO WRONG, AND YOU WILL GET BLAMED (YOUR HEAD IS BLOODIED BUT UNBOWED).

     As you look at all these stories you can clearly see that advisors require training and support. Our Advisor Training Program consists of 8 to 16 hours of training and certification on an annual basis, and I believe our program is the best in Kappa. Brother Elmer Crumbley, our Advisor Trainer, has lifted our advisors and their certification to a defensible level in any court of law. Our advisors now leave our C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference not only fully trained and certified, but also secure within their own minds that they have been prepared properly for the responsibility entrusted to them on our front lines. They actually enjoy their training, and they are committed to doing the best job possible for Kappa Alpha Psi, our Province, their local chapter, and more importantly the undergraduate chapters they are supervising. BEING AN ADVISOR MEANS YOU ARE ON KAPPA'S FRONT LINE, TRAINED ADVISORS ARE OUR BEST DEFENSE!!!

Yours in the Bond,
Adolphus M. Pruitt, II
Province Polemarch
Middle Western Province
Polemarch@KAPsiMWP.com

Since initiation, I think we all have cited the familiar refrain, "K-A-Psi till the day I die." This is not merely a cliché. The phrase embodies the commitment and dedication we promised to devote to our noble clan when we raised our right hands and took the oath. It also, however, misstates a faulty assumption that once a member, always a member, and, absent death, we can display the coat-of-arms and colors with impunity or without any threat of repercussions: because WE ARE NUPES!!! Not so fast my brothers, there is a catch called trademark infringement.

The official emblems of Kappa Alpha Psi are intellectual property (IP) that is protected by the United States trademark statutes. Our durable Grand Chapter General Counsel, Brother Cleo Thomas, has ensured that all the official IP of Kappa Alpha Psi is registered with the appropriate authorities and guarded by the law of the land. The official insignia is the property of Grand Chapter and members are granted PERMISSION to use and wear it, but the right to do so is not irrevocable. In other words, we are LICENSED, in a sense, to wear the official imprimatur of Kappa Alpha Psi, and Grand Chapter can revoke that license when appropriate to do so.

Take, for instance, the case of Phi Delta Theta (PDT) that was reported in the November 2002 edition of Fraternal Law. PDT suspended the charter of its University of Virginia chapter after a serious hazing incident related to excessive alcohol consumption. Subsequently, several members of the suspended chapter started a new local fraternity called Phi Delta Alpha (PDA) but continued to use PDT's registered trademarks, including its crest and other emblems.

In March 2002, PDT filed suit for unlawful use of a trademark, unfair competition, and conversion (theft) of a trademark. After a few months and a lot of paid legal fees, the case settled and PDA was enjoined from using any PDT protected IP. Other details of the settlement are confidential but the speedy resolution of the matter indicates the defendants realized the law is well settled in this area and that discretion is the better part of valor when looking at expansive legal bills and an almost assured loss in court.

Grand Chapter has recently resolved to go after those who misuse our intellectual property, including unauthorized vendors and former members who are suspended or expelled. This is a wise move by Grand Chapter to protect what is so valuable to members who do the right thing, ALL THE TIME. Taking this action also avoids a waiver of our IP rights that would result if we allow unauthorized use on a consistent basis.

So the phrase, "Once a Kappa, Always a Kappa," does have its limitations but only when brothers engage in senseless acts of stupidity, not tolerated by civilized society. Otherwise, you are my brothers for life and probably even after that. But, we will have to wait and see about the after-life part.

On another note: The parents of one of the young ladies who drowned in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles are suing Alpha Kappa Alpha for one hundred million dollars (I spelled it out because too many zeros confuse me). The parents claim the drowning was the result of a hazing incident but the AKAs deny it. The ladies of pink and green have said they have no chapter on the campus where the young lady went to college but the parents claim the chapter is city-wide and applicants come from many schools in the L.A. area. I will keep you informed on how this case develops. It could get ugly.

Until next time, I am . . .

Yours in the Bond,
Reuben A. Shelton (Past Province Polemarch)
General Counsel
Middle Western Province
GeneralCounsel@KAPsiMWP.com

By Berry H. Pitts, III - Province Historian

     January is the month we honor, revere, and celebrate the ten Founders of our great fraternity. We celebrate our Founders not only out of respect, but primarily to acknowledge them for their boldness, courage, fortitude, and insight in establishing Kappa Alpha Psi in 1911.

     Let us remember that our fraternity, which is based on achievement, was created during an era in which African Americans living in these United States suffered under the thick umbrella of segregation, lynching, and Jim Crow. None of our Founders, or for that matter any other African Americans, were expected to achieve at anything except menial labor.

     As we celebrate Founders' Day - let us not forget the 10 men whose vision made this fraternity possible: Founder Elder Watson Diggs - Founder Ezra D. Alexander - Founder Byron Kenneth Armstrong - Founder Henry T. Asher - Founder Marcus Peter Blakemore - Founder Paul W. Caine - Founder George W. Edmonds - Founder Guy Levis Grant - Founder Edward G. Irvin - and Founder John Milton Lee. Not only did these 10 men of achievement establish our fraternity under what one can best be described as trying circumstances - they left us a road map so that our fraternity could operate into perpetuity.

     Happy New Year to all! May your year be fulfilled spiritually as well as financially, and may you and your family be blessed with continued and future success.

Yours in the Bond,
Berry Pitts
Middle Western Province Historian
Historian@KAPsiMWP.com

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Political Korner - Politics 101

by Terry S. Milan
In my last article, I asked the question, "What can we do to help our good Kappa brothers who would run for office?" In order to help a Kappa brother running for office we need to understand the basics of the political process. Brother Thomas J. Brown offered the following opinions on the political process.

Brothers,

     As we recover from a grueling election season of 2002 a number questions arise. Such as where was the Black vote in 2002? Will our civil liberties be taken away in the name of Homeland Security? Will President Bush nominate a federal judge(s) that are insensitive towards minorities? How many African-American will die in a Middle East war action? These questions will be answered over time, however the question of were are members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity on this debate. Well like most people in this country were are depending on others to carry the mantle for us.

     Over the years a number of brothers have served as torchbearers on the national scene to insure we have political representation and freedom of choice. Luminaries such as Brothers Lerone Bennett, John Conyers, Leon H. Sullivan, Reverend Ralph David Abernathy, Carl Stokes, Louis Stokes, Lewis W. Clymer, Carl R. Johnson, Tom Bradley, Walter Fauntroy, Wellington Webb and Tavis Smiley.

     These brothers started their political careers by participating in local community efforts. We must now begin grooming future leaders on public policy at the local level. Most of the work of public policy is done behind the scenes and those behind the scene volunteers generally make things happen and rise to future leadership roles.

     The key to achieving a public policy making position is to develop a foundation of service at the local level. Make sure you are known in your community and that your service is not self-fulfilling or a quest for power. Public servants must stay humble and honest.

     Future leaders of today need to insure they have a very good relationship with local voters are knowledgeable and informed of issues and willing to work long hour for the good of the community. Most people who rise to public policy positions start by being active in the community or through employer projects that serve the community. Take an active part in working in non-paying public volunteer roles. This can be done by serving on School Board Committees, Social Service Boards, Neighborhood Task Forces, Local Planning Boards, and Political Action Committees.

• School Board Committees: Most every School Board looks for concerned parents and residents to help them shape their District. This is done through planning task force for New School sites, Bond Referendums, Long Range Plans, Activities Committees, Curriculum Changes, etc. Seek out these opportunities.

• Social Service Boards: This area is in need of capable qualified people who can bring various levels of intellect, expertise and resources that will assist someone with improving their Quality of Life. Social Service boards generally need financial resources and technical assistance not readily available to Not for Profit corporations. Some examples of these boards are local Social Services Agencies, Developmentally Disabled Agencies, Food Pantries, Public Housing and Economic Development Agencies, etc.

• Neighborhood Task Forces: Most neighborhood task force are formed because of very specific issues that have caused great concern to the local neighborhood. These groups provide the most personal gratification because the issues are immediate to you and your neighborhood. This requires that you know your neighbors and make yourself available. Most importantly have something to offer besides rhetoric.

• Local Planning Boards: Most local planning groups or Boards are usually appointments by a local official. These positions usually serve as good stepping stones to elected office. These types of boards are where you learn about various political ideologies and who are the political power brokers.

• Political Action Committees: These committees are very much like neighborhood groups except that the are generally politically motivated. They offer great risk and even greater reward. These groups require almost blind loyalty and dedication, however the causes are most often of great social, political or economic impact.

     As you review these examples see were you fit in or how you may help someone serve.

     Everyone is not cut out for the rigors of Public Office, however we are capable of being involved in assisting our community make decisions that affect our future.

     Remember Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was founded on a principle that Service to the Community is the responsibility of each member. The more brothers we have serving in public positions the greater influence we will have as community leaders. This insures us of always having a voice on issues that affect us and shape our country. Many people paid a severe price for us to have the freedoms we all enjoy. Don't take our freedoms for granted. Be a part of making your community better.

Thomas J. Brown
Epsilon Eta - 1973

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Visit Our Virtual Museum

The Middle Western Province Virtual Museum is slowly but surely growing. The site is designed to preserve and display documents, photos and other articles of historical significance about chapters in our province, as well as our province-at-large. For this project to be successful and grow even more, we ask each of you to examine your archives in search of items that would be appropriate for inclusion in the museum. Many chapters are not yet represented here. Our highest priority at the moment has to do with the kinds of items that MUST be digitized for permanent keep before they might be destroyed by deterioration or otherwise lost forever.

Obviously a work in progress, we will eventually provide "captions" for items currently archived in our museum that are not self-explanatory. As you submit items for inclusion, we ask that you provide an accompanying explanation where appropriate. For instructions on how to submit documents and photos in a suitable format, please contact our Museum Curator at Museum@KAPsiMWP.com.

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WE HAVE IT!!!

You've seen it! You've wanted it! You've asked for it! WE HAVE IT! The OFFICIAL 75th Grand Chapter Souvenir!

Members who were fortunate enough to attend the last Grand Chapter Meeting in Cleveland received what has been cited as "THE BEST" souvenir ever offered by our fraternity. None were available for sale at that meeting, nor have they been offered since then. The supply was supposedly exhausted. BUT, we found more, and purchased ALL of them.

These cases are GUARANTEED to be the ORIGINAL and OFFICIAL issue. They are all BRAND NEW in unopened boxes. And, we have the LAST and ONLY cases available ANYWHERE! We are your SOLE SOURCE and the supply is limited. First come, first served!

The multi-functional case offers:

• Four zippered compartments accessible from the exterior
• One zippered interior compartment
• 20 interior sections and slots of varying sizes
• Cushioned compartment with velcro stabilizer for laptop computer
• Two fully-stitched, cushioned handles
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Heavy-duty wheels for mobile use
• Full-length, collapsible, "secret" handle in zippered compartment
• Heat-embossed Coat-of-Arms
• Deep crimson, washable exterior
• It's a briefcase, travel case, computer case, you name it
• GUARANTEED ORIGINAL, OFFICIAL and NEW!

Mine has served me well. In normal, everyday use for more than a year, I have sometimes carried more than 35 pounds of cargo in it. Other than normal wear on the rolling surface of the sturdy wheels, an occasional damp cloth has kept the case looking just like new. You'll get many years of enjoyment with this case, and display your fraternity pride by carrying it.

The cost is only $95 with FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the continental United States. Get yours today. Send your personal check or money order to:

Middle Western Province Headquarters
636 N.E. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

OR . . . you may use your Visa or Mastercard by contacting us at Emporium@KAPsiMWP.com. Order today while supplies last.

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Visit the Middle Western Province EMPORIUM

Our province EMPORIUM offers quality Kappa paraphernalia that may be ordered via e-mail. Shipping is FREE in the continental U.S. for most items, with prompt delivery assured. Shop for yourself or purchase gifts for others.

CLICK HERE to visit the EMPORIUM

     Omicron Pi, the newest chapter in the Middle Western Province, was chartered on the campus of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, on January 24th.

     "What a glorious day for the Middle Western Province and Kappa as a whole, to give birth to another outlet for Achievement," stated Province Polemarch Adoluphus M. Pruitt.

     The charter members are Brothers Patrick Cook - Polemarch, Marcus Barnett - Vice Polemarch, Myron Bradford - Keeper of Records, Kenneth Grant - Keeper of Exchequer, Nicholas Dogan - Strategus, and Christopher Dehart-Reed - Lt. Strategus.

     When asked about his feelings, Omicron Pi's Polemach, Brother Patrick Cook, stated, "It is amazing to be part of the history of this chapter and have a small part of all those who will achieve in Omicron Pi and in Kappa."

     Omicron Pi is the first Greek letter organization of any sort, fraternity or sorority, to be recognized on the University Colorado-Colorado Springs campus. "It is a pleasure and an honor to have the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity on our campus. I am sure this is the beginning of a prosperous relationship, and I am looking forward to the future," said Dean of Students, Dr. Ron Wizner.

The Muskogee Alumni Chapter made a pledge of $1,000 to Cherokee Elementary School. The chapter has adopted this school of which the principal is a widow of a deceased member, Brother Albert Haynes.

Brother Harold Aldridge, Chapter Polemarch Cedric Johnson, Mrs. Haynes, Brother Curtis Brackeen, and Brother Vernell Redo

By Cory Glass - Omaha Alumni Chapter Reporter

With a handshake, it is complete.

Members of the Omaha Alumni Chapter and the Alpha Eta Chapter met Saturday morning, December 14, 2002 to discuss and reach agreement on the Alumni Chapter-Undergraduate Chapter Cooperation Agreement.

The agreement took discussions over a three-week period of time. In the end, both chapters felt that the time invested and discussions held were great for each of the chapters. The discussions during the weeks and finally at the signing date built a spirit of fraternity in which both parties felt that a meaningful dialogue built on mutual trust and respect have been established.

Those taking part in this signing date were Polemarch Michael A. Foster, Keeper of Records and Exchequer Keidrick L. Jones, Jason A. Crumbley, Robbie Lovercheck, all of the Alpha Eta Chapter, and Omaha Alumni Chapter members Polemarch Edgar Moore, Keeper of Records James L. Williams, Jr., Alpha Eta Chapter Advisor Allan J. Slaughter, Norman Long, Roscoe C. Harris and Elmer J. Crumbley.

Members of both chapters gather to witness the signing.

Significant language came from members of the undergraduate chapter themselves. The chapter committed to maintaining a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average. Severe sanctions would be placed on Brothers not meeting this minimum standard. Those sanctions included, among other things, not being able to take part in meetings or planning sessions. The chapter vowed to maintain decorum in line with society's "reasonable person standard" both individually and as a body.

After the Cooperation Agreement was signed, Omaha Alumni Chapter's Keeper of Exchequer Roscoe C. Harris immediately wrote a check to International Headquarters for the insurance premium for the Alpha Eta Chapter.

Both chapters look forward to many years of continued dialogue and working side by side in a true spirit of Brotherhood.

     Our Brother Paul Webb of the Tulsa Alumni Chapter will be honored (along with others) as an outstanding Tulsa community servant during Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Iota Zeta Chapter's 38th Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship Luncheon. They solicit your presence at the luncheon to support Brother Webb and Alpha Iota Zeta Chapter's scholarship program. You may, if you wish, present Brother Webb with tokens of gratitude, etc. when he is presented by the Sorority. The Luncheon will be February 8, 2003 at the Double Tree Hotel Downtown in Tulsa, beginning at 11:00 am. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, you may contact the Basileus of Alpha Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Ms. Renea Lyles, at 918-669-3453 (office) or 918-584-3634 (home). Congratulations, Brother Webb!

The 81st Middle Western Province Council Meeting will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska on March 27-30, 2003. The pre-registration fee is $150 for alumni members, $100 for undergraduate members, and $100 for Silhouettes. The pre-registration deadline is February 28th. After that date, the registration fee for alumni members will be $175, and the cost for undergraduate members and Silhouettes will remain at $100.

Your cooperation in the pre-registration process is vital for our planning purposes so that we may be well prepared for a successful Council Meeting. Those who register after the February 28th deadline cannot be guaranteed a souvenir, nor can we guarantee that there will be sufficient meals available for you.

Act now! Reserve your souvenir and meals by sending your pre-registration fee TODAY! Please mail your check or money order to our Province Headquarters at:

Here are the specifics about the host hotel . . .

• Holiday Inn Lincoln - Downtown
• 141 North 9th Street - Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-1311
• Reservations: 402-475-4011
• Fax: 402-475-4366
• Website: www.holiday-inn.com/lincolnne
• For group rate, notify reservation center of "Group Block under Kappa Alpha Psi" NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 28TH!!!
  • Single/Double: $89.00 + tax
  • Suites: $139.00 + tax
• Directions:
  • From East: Take I-80 west to Lincoln. Once in Lincoln, take exit 401-A (Downtown, 9th St) and proceed to the hotel on the corner of 9th and "P" Streets.
  • From West: Take I-80 east to Lincoln. Once in Lincoln, take exit 401-A (Downtown, 9th St) and proceed to the hotel on the corner of 9th and "P" Streets.
  • From South on Hwy 77: Take the "O" St exit east to 10th Street. Turn left onto 10th Street to "Q" St and turn left. Go to 9th St and turn left, stay in the far right lane, the hotel is on the right a block ahead.
  • From South on Hwy 2: Follow the road (as it will turn into 10th St) to "Q" St and turn left. Go to 9th St and turn left, stay in the far right lane, the hotel is on the right a block ahead.
  • From Lincoln Airport: Take West Adams road to Cornhusker Highway. Follow Cornhusker Highway for approximately two miles to interstate 180-South. Proceed south 1 mile and the hotel will be on the right side of the street at 9th and "P" streets.
• Tentative Schedule of Events.
• Contact Middle Western Province for additional information.

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Spring C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference

     The Spring C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference (CRWLC) will be held on February 7-8, 2003, hosted by the University of Missouri Chapter, the Delta Omega of Kappa Alpha Psi, in Columbia, Missouri. The Delta Omega Chapter Polemarch, Brother Jeffery Oliver Beckham, Jr., and the Polemarch of Columbia Alumni Chapter, Brother Robert Duke Weaver, are looking forward to showing us the hospitality of both of these recently reactivated chapters.

Jeffery Oliver Beckham, Jr. Delta Omega Polemarch

Robert Duke Weaver Columbia Alumni Polemarch

     The weekend will begin with a Cluster Initiation on the evening of Friday, February 7th, which will take place on campus at the Gaines-Oldham Black Culture Center at 813 Virginia Avenue. Chapters interested in participating in that initiation should familiarize yourselves with the Membership Intake Flow Chart and the 2002 and 2003 Kalendars of Events. The clock is already ticking, brothers!

     The conference will begin on Saturday morning (the 8th) in Tate Hall which is situated next to the Jesse Hall Administration Building. The conference registration fee is $25 and includes lunch which will be served at Reynolds Alumni Center. A map of the campus may be viewed at http://map.missouri.edu/francis_quad.html.

     All work and no play? On the contrary, there will be a social event on Saturday night which will be announced as you check in at the conference. So brothers should come ready to party.

     The host hotel for the conference will be the Drury Inn in Columbia at 1000 Knipp Street (off I-70 and Stadium Drive). For reservations, call 573-445-1800 and mention that you are with the "Kappa Alpha Psi Leadership Conference" to get the special room rate of $59.99 plus tax. This rate is for rooms that will accommodate from one to four people.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some chapters of our province have not yet complied with the requirement that specific officers must attend the CRWLC in order that the chapter may be certified or retain its certification. The officers who must attend the conference are the Chapter Polemarch, Vice Polemarch, Keeper of Records, Keeper of Exchequer, Membership Intake Chairman, and Undergraduate Chapter Advisor. These officers may attend either the Fall conference that was held on October 19th in Wichita or the upcoming Spring conference on February 8th in Columbia. So that there will be no confusion about your chapter's compliance, a full list of the members who registered for the October 19th conference may be viewed at http://www.kapsimwp.com/Reports/CRWLC0210.html.

     If your chapter's required officers were not in attendance as registered delegates at that conference, they MUST be in attendance as registered delegates in Columbia. It is important to note that mere "attendance" at the Fall conference without "registering" for that conference does not suffice. We know, for example, that there were some members who were at the conference in Wichita but who did not register or pay the $25 registration fee for the conference. In those instances, without proper registration and payment of the registration fee, they were NOT counted as having attended the conference. You should check YOUR chapter's list of those who were in attendance to determine which officers MUST travel to Columbia for the next conference.

Questions regarding the Cluster Initiation may be directed to the Province Polemarch at Polemarch@KAPsiMWP.com.

Questions regarding which officers of your chapter were counted as registered delegates at the Fall CRWLC may be directed to the Province Keeper of Records and Exchequer at KeeperOfRecords@KAPsiMWP.com.

Questions regarding the agenda for the conference may be directed to Brother Glenn L. Ellis, our Province CRWLC Chairman, at CRWLC@KAPsiMWP.com.

Questions regarding directions, local access or other logistics may be directed to Brother Andre Thorn, Delta Omega Chapter Advisor, at 573-882-4088 (W), 573-424-2695 (C), or DeltaOmegaAdvisor@KAPsiMWP.com.

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Are YOUR Province Dues Delinquent?

     All Province Dues were due on or before October 1st, and became delinquent after November 30th. You may pay your dues by sending a check to our Province Headquarters, or you may charge your dues on your Visa or Mastercard via e-mail or by telephone at 405-CD-KAPPA (235-2772). Our mailing address is:

Middle Western Province Headquarters
636 N.E. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

     The cost of annual dues is $30 for alumni members or $15 for those undergraduates who may still be in school beyond the date of graduation that was anticipated when they were initiated. Brothers, please don't wait until Spring. Send your dues NOW!

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Province Life Membership

     The Middle Western Province now offers a Province Life Membership that is available to the first 100 members who pay the one-time fee of $600. Participants are absolved from the payment of Province Dues for life. The Province Life Membership Program does not absolve participants from their obligation to pay Grand Chapter and Local Chapter Dues and/or assessments. Each Province Life Member will receive a lapel pin, certificate, and numbered identification card.

     A Subscribing Life Membership Program is also available for an initial payment of $230, with a payment of $230 in the second consecutive year, and a final payment of $200 in the third consecutive year.

     Payments may be charged to your Visa or Mastercard, or you may send your personal check or money order to our Province Headquarters at:

Middle Western Province Headquarters
636 N.E. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

     Questions may be directed to our Province Keeper of Records & Exchequer.

     We now have nine fully paid Province Life Members. Congratulations to our brothers whose names will forever be engraved in the archives and history of the Middle Western Province . . .

• 001 - Elbert Dean Brown, Sr. (Denver)
• 002 - Mark G. Brown (Denver)
• 003 - Elbert Dean Brown, Jr. (Denver)
• 004 - William E. Hines (St. Louis)
• 005 - Isaac Dowdell (Colorado Springs)
• 006 - James A. Freese (Kansas City)
• 007 - Webb A. Tarrant (Denver)
• 008 - Marcus R. Hatley
• 009 - Bertram Alfred Bruton (Denver)

     We also have seven (7) members who have entered the program as Subscribing Life Members. They will each receive a Province Life Membership number in the chronological order in which they are paid in full. These brothers are to be commended for making their permanent financial commitment to our province. They are . . .

• John Fitzgerald Baker (Colorado Springs)
• Martin N. Davis (residing in Pawtucket, Rhode Island)
• Glen Anthony Fields (Colorado Springs)
• Lafayette Lockhart, Jr. (Kansas City)
• David John Miller (Langston)
• Kenneth Arnez Nunley (St. Louis)
• Howard E. Palmer, Sr. (residing in Saint Peters, Missouri)

BROTHERS, there are only 84 Province Life Membership slots remaining. Act now!

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Chapter Invisible?

     Brothers, we now have a CHAPTER INVISIBLE page on our province website, and we need your assistance in making it more accurate. We request that you review that site and provide updates to our Province Keeper of Records and Exchequer. Please help us fill in the blanks and also provide us with any additional brothers to be memorialized.

We have a limited number of souvenirs from the 79th Province Council Meeting that are now available for sale. The carry bags may be purchased for $25 each, plus $6 for postage and handling. Orders via e-mail may be sent to our Province Keeper of Records & Exchequer, or by postal delivery to our Province Headquarters at 636 N.E. 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

The Middlewesterner is a publication of the Middle Western Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. All submissions welcome. Opinions expressed are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect the views of the officers and members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at any administrative level. This publication is produced and funded by the Middle Western Province. It is independent and in no way connected with or funded by any other administrative level of the Fraternity. Adolphus M. Pruitt, II ~ Province Polemarch ~ Polemarch@KAPsiMWP.com Freddie D. Frazier, III ~ Province Reporter ~ Reporter@KAPsiMWP.com Submissions to Kappa Alpha Psi, 636 N.E. 36th St., OKC, OK 73105 or Send E-Mail

E-Mail Addresses
   The technology of the Internet has become more than a luxury in the year 2002. Business and personal communication is now "defined" by an E-mail address and connection to the World Wide Web. Our province is clearly committed to the maximum use of this medium, and we can only be successful with your help. Should you change your E-mail address, please remember to notify us as soon as possible. And please help us identify every other member of our province who may have access to this technology. Spread the word!