- Kappa Alpha Order
Kappa Alpha Order
last = Kappa Alpha Order
first =
title = Undergraduates
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/undergraduate/
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ]
History
Kappa Alpha Order was originally founded as Phi Kappa Chi on December 21,
last = Zeta Zeta Chapter - Wingate University
first =
title = The Beginning…
url=http://www.ka-zetazeta.com/page.php?page_id=4348
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] Soon after the founding, the local chapter of
last = Shelton
first = Todd
title = Our Kappa Alpha Heritage
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/resources/varlet_materials/varlet_kaheritage.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] Within one year, the fraternity's ritual would be expanded upon and given a new vision by "practical founder",
KA is one-third of the
last = Sigma Nu Fraternity
first =
title = The Virginia Fraternities & The Lexington Triad
url=http://www.sigmanubsc.com/index_files/Page704.htm
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] Robert E. Lee, whose ideals of chivalry and gentlemanly conduct inspired the founders, was designated the "Spiritual Founder" [cite web
last = Kappa Alpha Order
first =
title = The mission of Kappa Alpha Order
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/resources/varlet_materials/missionstatement.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] of the Order by John Temple Graves at the 1923 Convention.
The Definition of a Gentleman
cquote|The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman.
The power which the strong have over the weak, the employer over the employed, the educated over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly--the forbearing or inoffensive use of all this power or authority, or a total abstinence from it when the case admits it, will show the gentleman in a plain light.
The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He cannot only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past. A true man of honor feels humbled when he cannot help humbling others.|30px|30px|
National Office
The Kappa Alpha Order Administrative Office is located at Mulberry Hill, in Lexington, Virginia. Mulberry Hill is located on the western edge of Lexington, Virginia, is one of the town’s chief historic houses, forming a scenic backdrop for the Lexington Historic District and Washington and Lee University. It is documented that Mulberry Hill is where Robert E. Lee spent his first night in Lexington, after arriving to take over as president of Washington College. [cite web
last = Shelton
first = Todd
title = Knight Commander's Message, Fall 2004
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/ka_journal/2004_archive/2004_3fall/kaj0304_kcmessage.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] Mulberry Hill is a Virginia Historic Landmark,and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. [cite web
last = Shelton
first = Todd
title = Mulberry Hill, Part One: History
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/ka_journal/2004_archive/2004_3fall/kaj0304_mulberryhill.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] The offices for the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation are also housed here.
Member Programs
Number I's Leadership Institute
The I’s Leadership Institute is an intensive informational and educational retreat set at a Christian conference center. The focus of the Institute is to educate and empower the Number I’s to understand their role and responsibility as the chapter’s highest elected officer. In addition, they are taught to recognize the tools and support systems provided, and to understand the standards and policies of operating an active chapter of Kappa Alpha Order. [cite web
last = Rowson
first = Scott
title = 2008 Number I's Leadership Institute
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/undergraduate/2007NLI_final.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ]
The Crusade
The purpose of The Crusade is to provide members with educational opportunities throughout their collegiate experience. The emphasis placed on academic excellence, community service, teambuilding and leadership.
This is done over the member's active membership service, and is broken up into 4 phases (usually coinciding with 4 years of undergraduate classes). The Crusade's four phases are: [cite web
last = Kappa Alpha Order
first =
title = The Crusade
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/undergraduate/the_crusade/crusade_generalinfo.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ]
*Voyage for Brotherhood - This phase encompasses the new member education program.
*Honor Bound - The second phase of The Crusade is wrapped around an in-depth study of the Kappa Alpha Laws and the customs of the Order.
*Quest for Leadership - The chief purposes of the third phase are to provide members with leadership skills and to educate them on social issues.
*The Journey Beyond - The final phase of The Crusade, has been designed to allow members to focus on activities that will prepare them for life after college.
Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF)
Established in 1982, the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation provides grants for educational programs of the fraternity, such as the National Leadership Institute and Province Councils, and provides scholarships to deserving graduate and undergraduate students. KAOEF funds these programs with donations contributed by KA alumni. [cite web
last = Kappa Alpha Order
first =
title = What does the KAOEF do?
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/ka_journal/2003_archive/2003_1spring/kaoef_descrip.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] In 2006, KAOEF awarded $93,000 to 73 members to further their studies. [cite web
last = Kappa Alpha Journal
first =
title = What does the KAOEF do?
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/repository/assets/pdf/winter0607KAJ_final.pdf
accessdate = 2008-01-06 |format=PDF]
Kappa Alpha Journal
The Kappa Alpha Journal seeks to reflect the Kappa Alpha experience by presenting news of active and alumni chapters, individual members, and the national organization; by addressing current issues facing the Greek system and the Order; by educating and entertaining those interested in the welfare of Kappa Alpha; and by serving as a historical record. The Journal has been published since 1879. [cite web
last = Kappa Alpha Order
first =
title = The Kappa Alpha Journal
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/ka_journal/
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ]
Members of the Kappa Alpha Order are entitled to a free subscription to The Kappa Alpha Journal if initiated within the last ten years, between the years of 1936 and 1951, or are a member of The Loyal Order. Members initiated between 1936 and 1951 are guaranteed a lifetime subscription to the KA Journal. [cite web
last = Rowson
first = Scott
title = The Kappa Alpha Journal Subscription Policy Explained
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/ka_journal/renew_subscription.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ]
The Loyal Order
The Loyal Order is an alumni program for alumnus members of Kappa Alpha Order. The National office uses the money from Loyal Order memberships to help defray the cost of distributing the KA Journal, as well as other alumni resources. Benefits of membership include a subscription to "The Kappa Alpha Journal" and member identification. [cite web
last = KAO
first =
title = The Loyal Order
url=http://www.loyalorder.org/
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ]
The Ideals of Kappa Alpha Order
The members of Kappa Alpha Order pride themselves on a tradition of chivalry and of the values of the gentleman. This is reminiscent of a romanticized version of the Knights of the Crusades. This all culminates into a modern college fraternal experience. A member of Kappa Alpha Order strives to offer reverence to both God and woman, as described in the motto. Further, the idea that "Excellence is our Aim" further emboldens members to always apply themselves to self-improvement, realizing that you should always continue to strive for excellence. Finally, being that the organization is an Order, members typically have an idea of the above values before joining. Kappa Alpha does not intend to change anyone, rather bond together those men who have these simliar values so that they may experience brotherhood, and pursue improvement, with one another.
ymbolism
The colors of The Order are traditionally Crimson and Old Gold. The colors represent the blood sacrificed and treasures spent in defense of our country.
The flowers of the Order are the crimson rose and the magnolia blossom. The crimson rose represents masculine might and the white magnolia blossom represents purity. The flowers of the Order, and a ribbon featuring the Order's motto adorn the bottom of the crest. [Citation
year = 2005
title = The Varlet
publisher = Kappa Alpha Order
edition = 2005]
The crest itself is representative of several things. The hand holding the axe is representative of the continuing power of the Knight Commander and of the Order. The Helmet was, at one time, a symbol used by the Knight Commander of the Order. The badge is featured at the center of the crest, and the lions on either side represent different things each. The lion on the left, looking away, symbolizes "regardant", which encourages humbleness and an abstinence from several things in life. The lion on the right, facing inward, symbolizes "rampant",cite web Motto
last = Shelton
first = Todd
title = Insignia and Publications
url=http://www.kappaalphaorder.org/resources/varlet_materials/varlet_insigniapublications.asp
accessdate = 2008-01-06 ] which encourages a boisterous life and one of want and need. The design of the crest, featuring both lions, suggests that a balance is needed in life.
