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Introduction
The Phoenix (AZ) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is not just the name of our award-winning chapter; it is a name that has become synonymous with achievement, leadership, integrity and unparalleled community service. Members of our chapter and Kappas across the Valley of the Sun leave no stone unturned when it comes to making a positive impact in the community we serve and in the lives of the young men we mentor.
First and foremost, I am honored to be elected the new Polemarch of the Phoenix Alumni Chapter. From our first Polemarch, who took office in June 1947, through today, the Polemarchs, officers and general members have led the Phoenix Alumni Chapter with an unyielding commitment to achievement summed up by the ancient Greek phrase: αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν – which is generally translated in English as, “Ever to Excel.” This is the Phoenix Alumni Chapter legacy that has been passed on from Polemarch to Polemarch, and with the continued support and sage counsel of the Men of Kappa, I gladly accept.
Accomplishments Last Year (2014-2015)
Last year was a challenging, yet successful year for the Phoenix Alumni Chapter. Some of our key accomplishments include, among others, the following:
- hosting our National Founders’ Day event in Phoenix, Arizona,
- producing one of our most profitable Annual Black and White Balls to date,
- our Kappa League Program winning the Jay Crosby Award (2nd Place Diamond Award) at the 82nd Grand Chapter Meeting, and
- finishing the year with a larger than average budget surplus.
All members of the chapter should be proud of these and many other accomplishments, which demonstrate our continuing drive to excel.
Main Focus This Year (2015-2016)
Our focus this year is to continue building upon our legacy of achievement, leadership, integrity and unparalleled community service that has been our hallmark for the past 68 years. To this end, we will clearly communicate our vision, mission and core values at the chapter level. Additionally, we will ensure that these items are in complete alignment with their counterparts at the national level. The following includes a high-level overview of our chapter’s vision, mission and core values for this upcoming year:
Vision: Our vision is to be the preeminent leadership development organization for young men within our community, especially in support of our fraternity’s motto of achievement in every field of human endeavor.
Mission: Our mission is to help young men in our community become values-based leaders where they excel in high school, college and in their chosen fields of human endeavor.
It is especially important to note that the Phoenix Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. works within the community to foster an environment where young men, no matter their race or ethnic origins, may pursue these high ideals in support of their lifelong contributions to the betterment of society at large.
Core Values:
How members of an organization interact with their constituencies and each other is a direct reflection of the organization’s health and overall civility. With this as a backdrop, our core values include the following components:
- mutually shared respect, support and trust (no matter a member’s financial standing in the bond),
- a lifelong honor of, and commitment to the ideals of servant leadership and community service,
- continuous pursuit of personal and intellectual growth, and
- embracing diversity at every opportunity.
Our Founders summed up these and similar core values under the auspice of Phi Nu Pi, where brotherly love takes precedence.
Conclusion
The Phoenix Alumni Chapter will continue its award-winning ways with each member doing his part in support of our vision, mission and core values. As members of our community, it’s important for all of us to give back in some way, regardless of whether we belong to a fraternity or not. I welcome all members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (i.e., active or inactive, financial or non-financial) within the Valley of the Sun to join us in support of our cause. Just like the great men in American history, and in the history of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., it is especially important for men of achievement (no matter their color or ethnicity) to be role models in their communities and to recognize the importance of giving back. By doing so, we will continue our legacy of αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν – “Ever to Excel” – by demonstrating that like Christ, we live to serve and not be served.
Respectfully,
Milton Mattox, Ed.D, MBA, BSEET
Polemarch
Phoenix (AZ) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/Jh_Vtktp-e0″ title=”Polemarch’s 2015-2016 Video Message”][/vc_column][/vc_row]