by Robert E. Lee, President of Washington
College, 1865 to 1870
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 Ð the forbearing or inoffensive use of all of 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.
KA traces its beginning
to 1865, when four men at Washington College, in Lexington,
Va., decided to bind their friendship by a "mutual pledge
of faith and loyalty."
Our founders sought to create
an organization rooted in the highest ideals of the time.
Those same traits of honor, chivalry, and gentility have
remained timeless throughout the ages and are the core
of Kappa Alpha.
Kappa Alpha Order provides a way of life significant to
the development of young men.
Emulating chivalric ideals and genteel ethics, KA translates
these timeless philosophies into the mainstream of American
colleges and universities. These gentlemanly traits are
the hallmark for men who have chosen our unique lifestyle.
The philosophy of the Order is that the acquisition of
knowledge and the development of character are the great
goals of life. Through fellowship and brotherhood, KA
seeks to teach young men to be leaders; to be brave, self
reliant, and to continually strive to better themselves.
From the very beginning, Kappa Alpha was designed to
be an adjunct to and promoter of higher education.
Our primary focus is to ensure the academic achievement
of all our chapters and members. This philosophy is consistent
with a founding principle that the acquisition of knowledge
is of the greatest importance. In fact, to be initiated,
each member must have at least a cumulative 2.25 average,
although some chapters often set even higher standards.
In addition, many chapter scholarship programs are reinforced
with incentives from the Kappa Alpha Order Educational
Foundation (KAOEF). Among the highest national fraternities
in giving, the Foundation annually awards over $100,000
in scholarships to deserving students.
Fraternities will help you find your niche on campus .
. . be your home away from home . . . offer resources to
help you achieve your academic goals . . . encourage you
to get involved in campus organizations . . . let you play
on that winning intramural team . . . and give you a group
of friends that will cheer you on when you're successful
and who will support you when the going gets tough.
Through many experiences of brotherhood, Kappa Alpha presents
incredible opportunities for growing, meeting challenges
and building leadership. Should you decide that Greek life
is for you, choosing a fraternity is one of the most important
decisions you will make in your college career.
You have a serious challenge before you, because if you
join Kappa Alpha you are not just another fraternity man.
There is a direct obligation incumbent upon you as a KA,
and you cannot do less than aspire to excellence. Kappa
Alpha has enjoyed a rich heritage. Many men share in this
way of life and its commitment to excellence. Its influence
cannot be weighed or measured.
For our members, there is nothing more substantial or
real than the vows they have taken, the strong bonds of
brotherhood they have developed, and the personal growth
they have achieved. Living together, growing together,
and learning about each other in a positive and healthy
environment, is what Kappa Alpha is all about.
After you've weighed all the benefits of joining a greek-letter
organization, we invite you to take a close look at Kappa
Alpha Order and make excellence your aim.
Kappa Alpha Order - Gamma Omicron Chapter - Lambuth
University - 339 North Fairgrounds - Jackson, Tennessee - 38301
