Achievements for 2018-2019
The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni chapter was quite successful during the 2018-2019 year. Here is a brief recap of our most recent success from 2018-2019:
· Continued to support Kappa Leaguers and the Kappa League Development Program
· Received the Jay Crosby Award (Outstanding Guide Right Chapter of the Year-Large) during the 84th Grand Chapter Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
· Awarded $1,000 Scholarships to deserving high school and college students
· Recognized five outstanding Women of Achievement for their community service
· Donated $1,000 to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
· Coordinated the Easter Egg Hunt
· Initiated five new members, the “KaptivAting Psilence,” in March 2019
· Sponsored a New Year’s Eve Party
· Sponsored the AAYI Kappa Boat Ride
· Fed families in the Feed the Literacy Program of Ypsilanti
· Provided a donation and participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
· Sponsored Thanksgiving Baskets and Adopt a Family at Christmas
· Sponsored a Men’s Fellowship Healthcare Breakfast
· Sponsored a Big Brother Big Sister Bowling event
· Continued to support the Meals on Wheels Organization by delivering food
Top Achievements, Leadership, and Service to the Community
- The Chapter introduced the First Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket programs in 1958.
- Under the leadership of Brother Robert L. Gordon, the Silhouettes Organization was established in 1973.
- The Chapter’s first Black & White Ball was held in 1974.
- The Chapter hosted its first Annual Golf Tournament in 1979 at the University of Michigan Golf Course.
- Brother Robert L. Gordon reached the pinnacle of our Fraternity when he was elected as Grand Polemarch at the 1982 Conclave in Detroit, Michigan.
- In 1989, the Chapter sponsored its first College Fair for high school and middle school students at Ypsilanti High School.
- The Chapter hosted and co-sponsored the First Community Easter Egg Hunt with the Silhouettes in 1989. In 1991, the Chapter partnered with other Black Greek and local organizations. The Chapter has participates in co-sponsoring this event every year.
- The prestigious Jesse A. Rutherford Humanitarian Award was established in 1978. This is the Chapter’s highest award. This achievement is bestowed upon a Brother for meritorious service to our community and Fraternity.
- In 1983, the Chapter organized its first free pancake breakfast at the Perry Child Development Center in Ypsilanti.
- In 1983, the Chapter established a Kappa League Program for qualified high school male students.
- The Outstanding Brother of the Year Award was renamed in 1984 in honor of Charles E. Beatty, Sr., a charter member of the Chapter.
- In the years 1984 through 1993, the Chapter hosted an Annual Tennis Tournament at Eastern Michigan University for skilled and novice players.
- The Chapter won the Ann Arbor City Softball League and Tournament Championship in 1986 and the Basketball Championship in 1989.
- In 1989, the Chapter co-sponsored the first joint United Negro College Fund fundraiser with the Detroit, Pontiac, and Southfield Alumni Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. as partners.
- In 1989, in partnership with the Silhouettes, a comprehensive tutorial program was established at Perry Child Development Center-Ypsilanti.
- In 2007, in partnership with Washtenaw Intermediate Schools, the Chapter initiated a program whereby backpacks and other school supplies were provided to community students.
- In 2005, the Chapter initiated a Meals on Wheels Program to support families in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti communities.
- The Chapter was selected Northern Province Chapter of the Year for 1977, 1978, 1979, and 2013.
- The Chapter hosted the Northern Province Conference in 1979, 1989, 2004, and 2014. All were identified as being the best in the Province.
- On October 18, 2008, the Brothers of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Distinguished Chapter at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Ann Arbor.
- The Chapter has donated more than $209,000.00 to support community endeavors such as: Ann Arbor Community Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, SOS, and Black College Tours.
- The Chapter has sponsored and financially supported a revolving undergraduate student loan program.
- The Chapter’s Scholarship Program has donated more than $75,000 to high school and middle school students. The Chapter’s Silhouettes have provided funds to support the Kappa Scholarship Program.