Of the one hundred fifty-eight participants, twenty were members of Georgia College’s KA chapter. Dance Marathon raised over $25,000 this year—on a campus of only six thousand students—$1,230 of which was contributed by KA. This year’s event was held in honor of one of their special-initiate brothers, Austin Childers (Epsilon Nu – Georgia Coll. ’11), who has a mitochondrial disease, and has depended upon The Children’s Hospital for the majority of his intensive medical care in recent years. Austin came to the event and shared his miracle story along with his mom and dad, both of whom are educators in Macon. Chris Childers (Epsilon Nu – Georgia Coll. ’82) is a charter member and founder of the chapter.

“Rarely do we (student organizations) have an opportunity to give back in a way that has such a huge local impact. It’s a lot easier to get the guys motivated when they can see the results of their efforts at work in our own local communities, and in this case, our own chapter.” says KA Philanthropy Chair Thad Thompson.

All in attendance had a great time and were proud to be a part of what has become Georgia College’s most successful student fundraiser for several years running. For more information, visit (and “like”) Georgia College Miracle’s Facebook page.

Dance Marathon events are held on college campuses all across the country. For more information, visit Children’s Miracle Network’s national Dance Marathon website.

ABOVE: President Ross Sheppard presenting check to Brother Austin Childers
(brothers and pledges in the background; Chris Childers far right).

To view a full promo video of the Dance Marathon at Georgia College, click here.

Check out what this is all about at www.mockconvention.com.

The Washington and Lee University Mock Convention is a quadrennial tradition in which student delegates attempt to predict the presidential nominee of the political party currently out the of the White House; this year, the Mock Convention will try to select the Republican primary candidate.

Billed as the nation’s most accurate mock convention since its inception in 1908, W&L’s convention cannot claim to be the oldest such exercise; Oberlin College has one that dates back to pre-Civil War days. Nevertheless, for consistent accuracy—and eye-filling opulence—the Mock Convention simply has no peer. With 18 correct predictions in 24 attempts, and only two errors since 1948, the convention has been described by Time as the “biggest and boomingest” of all amateur gatherings. Newsweek, not to be outdone, promptly dubbed it, “the most realistic” student conclave. It has been applauded on the floor of the U.S. Senate as an “outstanding practical experiment in politics.” And as media interest grows steadily in anticipation of an upcoming convention, W&L has received coverage ranging from the Washington Post to live gavel-to-gavel broadcasts on C-SPAN. The Washington and Lee campus is looking forward to “getting it right” in 2012.

Originally written by Shanae Giles, FMU Patriot Staff Writer
Republished with permission by the FMU Patriot
www.patriotnewsonline.com
January 26, 2012

FMU Student Body President W.R. “Cody” Simpson III. will soon serve his new position as Secretary of State for the South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL) for the 2012-2013 year.

With his new position, Simpson will have new responsibilities. He will help the student governor with any tasks as needed, help reappoint each Delegation, aid the Election and Awards Committee, and serve as a member of the Judicial Selection committee to appoint four Associate Justices and two Alternate Associate Justices.

During last year’s fall session, Simpson served as a delegate with nine others to represent FMU for the first time in decades. Their performance at this session earned them an award “in recognition of cohesion and activity.”

“We showed that even though we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into, and we weren’t very experienced on how the process works, we came in, and we acted, and we put on that we knew,” Simpson said. “We took any challenge, and that’s how we’re taught here at Francis Marion. I’ll go up to bat for anybody, and they’d do the same for me.

Simpson is still currently serving as a Senator as well as Secretary of State.

Simpson expressed how thankful he is for the delegates who were with him, saying that gaining this position would not have been possible if it weren’t for them and support from his friends and family.

“I guess it’s where people take you,” Simpson said. “If they think you can do it, then do it.”

As a freshman, Simpson was the Appointments and Elections Chair and the President Pro Temp of the Senate. He said if he enjoys his new position, he’ll stick with it or he may run for governor.

Simpson serves in many organizations on campus including Student Body President and a member of FMU’s chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order. He offered his advice for students striving for leadership positions, saying a common mistake is caring about what people think of them.

“What I learned is that sometimes you just have to make those steps, [and] those choices,” Simpson said. “And sometimes you have to realize that if you’re doing the best you can…you’ve got to stand behind your decision.”

Simpson encourages students to attend SGA meetings in UC 218 and offer their opinions. He also welcomes students to meet with him one-on-one.

“I have an open door policy that if a student does have a problem, or if that would like some change, or they would like to have more programs on campus, I’m here to help them,” Simpson said.

The SCSL is a student government association involving schools across the state. South Carolina is divided into districts, and universities from each district are allotted delegates from their SGAs based on the size of their university.

Students create bills on certain issues, bills go to the Senate, then to the House of Representatives, and if it is passed by both, it is sent to the governor to either sign or veto during either the fall session in Columbia or the spring session in Myrtle Beach.

For students interested in becoming a part of SGA, there are four openings for SCSL. The application process opened Monday, Jan. 16 and is due by Wednesday, Feb. 1 to student affairs.

Originally written by Shanae Giles, FMU Patriot Staff Writer
Republished with permission by the FMU Patriot
www.patriotnewsonline.com
January 26, 2012

NCAA Division I FBS/FCS First Team      

OFFENSE
Center—William Vlachos, Kappa Alpha Order-University of Alabama

Division I FBS/FCS Offense Honorable Mention
Tackles/Guards: Max Travis, Kappa Alpha Order-Presbyterian College;

Division I FBS/FCS Specialists
Kickers: Spencer Benton, Kappa Alpha Order-Clemson University;

NCAA FBS/FCS Honorable Mention Head Coaches
Paul Johnson, Kappa Alpha Order-Georgia Tech;

NCAA Divisions II/iii-NAIA First Team

OFFENSE
QB—Adam Neugebauer, Kappa Alpha Order-West Virginia Wesleyan College
Lineman-John Fitzgibbons, Kappa Alpha Order-Washington & Lee
Center—Kyle Pettit, Kappa Alpha Order-Georgetown College, KY

DEFENSE
Back—Jake Pelton, Kappa Alpha Order-Washington & Lee University

NCAA Divisions ii/iii Offense Honorable Mention
Quarterbacks: Shawn Shelton, Kappa Alpha Order-William Jewell College;
Running Backs: Luke Heinsohn, Kappa Alpha Order-Washington & Lee University;
Tackles/Guards: Matt Byrd, Kappa Alpha Order Georgetown College KY;

NCAA Divisions II/III-NAIA Defense Honorable Mention
Linebackers: Nelson Windebank, Kappa Alpha Order-William Jewell College;
Backs: Mike Hartford, Kappa Alpha Order-Washington & Lee University;

NCAA Divisions II/III-NAIA Specialists
Kickers: Peter Alston, Kappa Alpha Order-Washington & Lee University;

About the 2012 NIC All-American Football Teams

The North-American Interfraternity Conference is pleased to announce first teams and honorable mentions for NCAA Division I FBS/FCS and NCAA Divisions II-III/NAIA. Among honorees are Lou Groza Award winner Randy Bullock of Texas A&M, Remington Award finalist Wiliiam Vlachos of #1 Alabama, NCAA leading punter Shawn Powell of Florida State and Division II passing leader Adam Neugebauer of West Virginia Wesleyan. Nominations were submitted by fraternity headquarters, Greek advisors and sports information directors. Additional research was also done by selector Jay Langhammer.

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 magistrate over the citizen, 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 himself when he cannot help humbling others.

--from Lee's own handwriting found in his well-worn military satchel by Rev. J. William Jones after he died.

TODAY, let us all remember these words and treat everyone, approach all situations, with this definition in mind.

A TOAST TO ROBERT E. LEE

With unbroken regularity and with unfailing reverent tenderness Kappa Alpha Order celebrates the Nineteenth Day of January.

Upon that day Robert E. Lee was born in Virginia.

Upon that day was really born the Creed and matchless ritual for Kappa Alpha Order.  For when Lee was born the inspiration for the Creed was born.

Lee himself, living, loving, labouring perfectly in daily sight of those young men, was the proof and indication of the belief that it was possible for a living man to live up to the loftiest level of all human ideals. And in Lee was proved to Ammen’s eyes in the ideal and the realization of flawless manhood.  The ideal and the example of perfect creed met and mingled in one man.

Samuel Z. Ammen wrote almost alone the initiatory observances of the Kappa Alpha Order, and his name will abide in its annuals while the Order lives.

Robert E. Lee inspired and visualized in actual living the matchless customs of our fraternity, and his name will live in our hearts and in human history forever.  Ammen was the practical Founder, and for more than a half century has held the heart of Kappa Alpha; Lee was the spiritual Founder.  Let us speak it hear tonight.  It will not pluck one leaf from the laurels of Ammen.  There is neither need nor room for another star in the diadem which history has fashioned for Lee:  But the spirit of Lee inspired the spirit of Ammen; the Life of Lee had fired the heart of Ammen; the fingers of Lee has touched the fingers of Ammen that wrote the Creed.

Brothers will you please rise.

Knights, Gentlemen, Brethen:  The Toast – water only.

Lift high your glasses here tonight, and in the liquid spotless as his fame, let us pledge for all time the SPIRITUAL FOUNDER OF KAPPA ALPHA ORDER – ROBERT EDWARD LEE OF OLD VIRGINIA!

Everyone together – ROBERT EDWARD LEE – Drink!

Send us your Convivium pictures for The Kappa Alpha Journal and the KA:Blog.

Submitted Story #1
Cody Wade (Gamma Xi – Lamar)

August the 13th of 2010 was possibly the worst day of my life. What should have been a joyous occasion turned tragic within a blink of the eye. I had recently gotten engaged to the girl of my dreams 6 months earlier so you can imagine the long days and nights of sitting up planning every small detail to its finest sharpened feature. On top of this Trini (my fiancé) was just about to graduate from nursing school which I was happy and very thankful for. We had been living at our new house near Beaumont, TX for about 2 weeks. Trini left our house that afternoon to go to her graduation pinning ceremony. She came into the living room where I was taking a nap, getting my energy for the evening of well anticipated events. She gave me a kiss told me she loved me and went to garage got in her car and left. Little did I know it would be the last time I would ever talk with her or hear her say I love you lovey.

About an hour later, I woke up, took a shower, got dressed, got her some flowers and began to head to Houston for her ceremony. About 45 minutes into my travels I was detoured from highway 90 back to I-10; the Harris county sheriff’s department had the road blocked off so I took the detour thinking very little other than hoping everyone was alright. For some reason I felt the need to call Trini at this point and ask her if she made it there alright, we always had this unspoken rule with one another that if we were going somewhere without the other we always called an let the other we had made it there okay, and it just hit me I had not heard from her in almost 2 hours. As unusual as this was, I told myself that she was probably just excited and had her phone either off or not with her at the moment.

I arrived at the graduation excited for my “sweet pea” this being her pet name I had called her for more than 4 years now. I arrived at my seat to find her parents and siblings and my family and sister waiting, anticipating the start of the ceremony. I quickly took my seat and said my hello’s and I missed you’s. We sat there for a good bit of time before the ceremony started. Once the ceremony started all the students from Trini’s class started walking down the aisles from the back to the stage. We all were very puzzled; none of us could find Trini, you could see the look painted on all our faces.

It was not like her to not show up for something, especially something like this. I remember this detail all too well; her mother turned to me and said, “The accident?” I sprang from my chair and darted to the parking lot. My mother and father called for me to slow down and wait. I ran down the first row of cars, Trini’s car was not there. I checked the second row and the third and the fourth with nothing to show for my efforts. I started calling everyone I knew who lived by the accident site. I got a hold of my good friend Damon and he was able to tell us that all he knew was a nursing student was involved in the accident and that one of the people from the accident was being life flighted. I thought to myself, “O dear lord please no, Trini is hurt and she needs me I have to get to her.” So off we went to the hospital, my dad drove quickly but as carefully as he could drive his big F 250 power stroke thought the never ending Houston traffic.

We approached the hospital when dad’s phone began to ring. He answered it and immediately pulled over, which I found very unusual; my dad could talk and drive I had seen him do it a 100 times before. Why did he pull over this time, didn’t he know what kind of hurry we were in? My dad hung up his phone and took a long, deep breath. I thought I noticed him starting to tear up which I found puzzling; I had known my dad my whole life and I had never seen him cry. Oh my God I thought please no, and that’s when he said it. “Son, you know I love you and that’s why it kills me to tell you this but, that was mark (a friend of the family and my boss) and he just told me he knows for a fact that Trini did not make it out of the scene”. I said, “What are you saying dad?”, as I was completely taken off guard. “She died on impact of the crash”, he told me, trying to hold back his tears, trying to keep his calm that all gentlemen strive to maintain in times of trouble. I, on the other hand, refused to accept what he said, not thinking it was possible.

All of us who loved her knew what kind of nice, loving, pure woman she was. Why of all days would God take Trini from us now? I had a lot of trouble with this later in life until I realized that God did not put the alcohol into the guy that hit her. God did not choose to take her that day but rather it was an act of man. Men we cruel lumps of clay that must be formed into something useful or forever stand ideally by as a mound of dirt. The next few days felt like one long one between the lack of sleep, the tears, arranging a funeral, attending it, and not having my one true love in my life anymore. I felt like I may go insane. That is why I thank God every day for this organization. If it were not for the comforts of some of my brothers, in particularly my big brother, Eric Christenson, I promise you I would probably not be here today to write this story. When I say my prayers at night I end them with thank you for brotherhood because it saved my life dear lord.

I find it funny that I haven’t looked at this website in over 2 years and today I just so happen to find this on our website; God truly is amazing to me sometimes what he lays before us. I am literally sitting in a court house at the trial of the boy who killed my love, and I am having a rough time with it. Sharing this story is in some small way a comfort to me because if one person reads this and #1 does not drink and drive because of it or #2 calls some old brothers they haven’t talked to in awhile or had a petty argument with and keep up some communication with them and Trini’s legacy will live on through them. Maybe one day, if they have a tragedy, they will have someone who will save their life just as my big brother did. Eric, if you ever read this I hope you understand how much you and the brothers mean to me. I love you all very much and look forward to many more baseball parks with you guys.

----

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mac'n At the 'Drome: A Concert Film Experience Benefiting Mac Leaphart

Saturday, Jan. 28 at The Hippodrome Theatre Charleston, SC

Contacts:

Ben Bounds ben@follywoodrocks.com 843-408-6439

Joel Frank joelfrankus@yahoo.com 843-607-3024

On January 28, musicians of both local and national value will be sitting in for beloved singer/songwriter, Mac Leaphart, and performing his songs at The Hippodrome. Benefiting a man who has successfully made a career out of connecting with people through his music, proceeds go to Mac in his ongoing recovery from a serious car accident and recent surgery to remove a tumor from his brain. A unique experience of camaraderie and good will, performances of the Greenville native and longtime Charleston and Columbia resident's music set against a visual narration of the event on the Theatre screen gives life to Mac’s story and his significant impact on those around him.

The concert features collaborative performances by Mark Bryan (Hootie and The Blowfish), Danielle Howle, Five Way Friday, John Wesley Satterfield, Joal Rush, Doug Jones (Craven Melon), Luke Cunningham, Greg Payne (The Piedmont Boys), Ryan Bonner, Lindsay Holler, and more very special surprise guests. Reid Stone and Guilt Ridden Troubadour featuring members of Mac Leaphart’s current band “Mac Leaphart and My Ragged Company” will be the acting house band and musical conductors for the night’s celebration.

The doors open at 6:30 pm with food concessions provided by Home Team BBQ, a full bar and acoustic music in the lobby. The concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Theatre and will last until 10 pm. A live auction will take place directly after the concert in the upstairs lobby as well as the continued enjoyment of food, beverages, and more live music by Five Way Friday and John Totaro’s Classic Woodies until 12 a.m. Garage parking is available as well as free parking in the open lot adjacent to the venue. Tickets may be purchased online at charlestonhippodrome.com. Advanced tickets are $17, and Day-of tickets are $20.

The Hippodrome, formerly the Imax Theater, now hosts special events as a Charleston, SC based venue. The venue provides the community with a fresh perspective and a downtown location for hosting performing arts and social events. Accommodating both private and public occasions, The Hippodrome is located at 360 Concord St., Suite 100 next to the South Carolina Aquarium.

For more information, visit www.macleaphart.com and www.follywoodrocks.com.

--

Ben Bounds

Follywood Productions

P.O. Box 151

Folly Beach, SC 29439

Top ten (10) things every KA could do today on the 146th anniversary of the founding of Kappa Alpha Order:

10. Recommend a potential member for spring recruitment or next fall recruitment.

9. Read your latest edition of The Kappa Alpha Journal cover to cover.

8. Don’t have The Journal, join The Loyal Order or become Forever KA.

7. Call an old pledge brother or chapter brother and reconnect with him today. Get on goKA to find them and their contact information!

6. Read the newest edition of The Varlet online! Learn five new things about KA.

5. Make a year-end gift to the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation.

4. Contact your province commander to volunteer with a chapter next year.

3. Pick up a great book on Robert E. Lee or re-read his Definition of a Gentleman.

2. Update your contact information with the Order and your chapter: log-on to goKA for access to your official profile.

1. Put on your Official Badge, gather with one or more KAs and raise a toast to 146 years of Kappa Alpha Order values, history, and experience!

And nine (9) more things:

9. Try to attend a Convivium in January. Or plan one!

8. Plan a trip with friends or brothers to Lexington, Virgina, the home of Mulberry Hill our National Administrative Office and the birthplace of the Order.

7. Make a contribution to the Order’s national philanthropy the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

6. Join an Alumni Chapter or begin to start a new one!

5. Like the Order on Facebook, follow the Order on Twitter, and join the LinkedIn Alumni Group.
*Like our post on the founding **tweet and tag @kappaalphaorder  **post a job on LinkedIn

4. Read the past blogs on www.kappaalphaorder.org.

3. Suggest a campus for Kappa Alpha Order to explore for a new chapter.

2. Wear a KA lapel pin or shirt or other paraphernalia today.

1. Take a moment of silence to remember and honor KAs in the United States Armed Forces (and all US service men and women) who have given the supreme sacrifice in our 146 years. If eligible join, or refer a brother to the Military Division of Kappa Alpha Order.

Got your own suggestions? Send them to us!