During the 79th Convention and Brotherhood Weekend held at The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona, The Cullowhee KA Alumni Chapter of North Carolina was recognized as the William E. Forester Alumni Chapter of the Year. Robert A. “Bobby” Byrd, Jr. (Delta Alpha–Western Carolina ’71) was present to receive the award from Knight Commander Simmons. The William E. Forester Alumni Chapter Award is given in memory of William E. Forester, Former Executive Director, Executive Vice President, and Archivist, to recognize the most outstanding Alumni Chapter.
The alumni chapter has been a stalwart for KA for several years. As of June 30, they had 122 dues-paying members. They produce a lengthy monthly newsletter, and in between special announcements. In addition to their annual meeting, their board of directors meets regularly in person and on Zoom. In fact, they have 10 committees actively engaged within the chapter. Their annual Lake Party event in Mooresville draws hundreds of members and their families. As they move to help restore the Delta Alpha Chapter at Western Carolina University, they have been in weekly contact with the Alumni Advisory Committee and National staff. In both 2019 and 2020, they won the Athletic Department’s Greek Alumni Challenge and to date have raised more than $750,000 for athletics. Alumni are positioned throughout campus involvement, including the Board of Trustees, president and members of the Catamount Club, Foundation board, College of Business advisory board, alumni association board, and more than a dozen past board members of other entities.