As the Denton-Lewisville (TX) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. embarks on another fraternal year, we recently came together for our annual retreat on August 24, 2024, at the Southwest Courthouse in Flower Mound, Texas. This year’s retreat was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of brotherhood, a time for strategic planning, and a moment to renew our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a fraternity.
Building on Tradition
Our chapter's retreat has always been a cornerstone event, providing a vital opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for the year ahead. This year was no exception. With a packed agenda that included sessions on Robert’s Rules of Order, effective meeting strategies, and the Membership Training Academy (MTA) process, the retreat was designed to equip our members with the tools needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Key Highlights
One of the standout moments of the retreat was the session on how to recruit and support the Guide Right Program, led by Brother Marcus Taylor. His presentation underscored the importance of mentorship and alumni engagement in supporting our young Kappa Leaguers. The strategies discussed will undoubtedly shape our approach to fostering the next generation of leaders.
Brothers Randall Hawthorne and Virgil Davis (Chapter Parliamentarian) also delivered a comprehensive session on Robert’s Rules of Order and effective meeting strategies. Their insights on maintaining order, achieving consensus, and ensuring that all voices are heard will be instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of our chapter meetings. The session provided valuable takeaways to help us conduct more productive and organized meetings throughout the year.
Brother James Dunn’s session on the importance of committee event participation reminded us of the critical role that active involvement plays in our fraternity's success. His message was clear: our fraternity’s achievements rely on the collective efforts of every member. WE NEED YOU!
Another decisive moment came during Brother Vivyon Bowman's moving talk on brotherhood. His words resonated deeply with all in attendance, emphasizing the importance of unity, mutual support, and the enduring bonds that make our chapter more than just an organization but a true brotherhood. His talk served as a reminder of the values we all share and our commitment to one another.
Awards and Recognitions
The retreat also featured several awards ceremonies to honor the outstanding contributions of our brothers:
Committee Awards
The Civic Action Committee Chairman, Brother Ray Adkins, presented plaques to the following brothers for their outstanding contributions to the committee:
Brother Kevin Smith
Brother Herb Ashford
Brother Kevin Fredricks
Brother Frank Daniels
Brother Samuel Arney
Brother Douglas Jackson
Committee and Chapter Excellence Awards
Brother Frank Daniels Jr. recognized the following brothers for their exemplary service to the committee and chapter excellence:
Brother Kevin Smith (Participation)
Brother Herb Ashford (Voter Registration)
Brother Kevin Fredricks (Benevolence Committee)
Brother Kevin Smith (Lt. Strategus)
Brother Douglas Jackson (CAC Advisor)
Chapter Awards
Chapter Polemarch Steve Johnson presented the Chapter Awards:
Senior Kappa Award: Awarded to Brother Lowell Kyle and Brother Ray Marsh.
Community Service Brother of the Year Award: Awarded to Brother Kevin Fredricks.
Good Ol’ Kappa Spirit Award: Awarded to Brothers James Dunn and Samuel Arney.
Officer of the Year: Awarded to Brother Brandon Barnes, with special recognition to Brothers Kevin Smith, Ray Adkins, and Herbert Ashford.
Newcomer of the Year: Awarded to Brother Terry Mouton, who also won the raffle prize of $160, which he generously donated to the Kappa League to sponsor the dues for a needy Kappa Leaguer.
Kappa of the Year: Awarded to Brother Marcus Taylor.
These awards are a testament to our brothers' dedication and hard work, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to the chapter.
A Spirit of Brotherhood
Beyond the informative sessions, the retreat was a time for fellowship. Whether during the lunch catered by Brother Ray Adkins or the informal discussions that took place throughout the day, the sense of brotherhood was palpable. These moments of connection are what make our chapter strong—they remind us that we are more than just a fraternity; we are a family.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward into the 2024-25 fraternal year, the energy and insights gained from this retreat will be our driving force. We have set ambitious goals for ourselves—expanding the Guide Right Program, enhancing our financial stability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the chapter. With the commitment and dedication of our members, I am confident that we will achieve these goals and continue to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Your Voice Matters
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the retreat and contributed to its success. Your involvement and feedback are invaluable as we strive to make each year better than the last. To ensure we continue to improve, I encourage you to fill out the post-retreat survey that has been shared via email. Your insights will help shape the future of our chapter and our events.
In conclusion, the 2024-25 retreat was a reminder of why we do what we do. It was a celebration of our shared values, a time to strategize for the future, and an affirmation of the bonds that unite us as brothers. I look forward to the year ahead and to the continued success of the Denton-Lewisville Alumni Chapter.
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