A powerful tribute to brotherhood and enduring friendship continues to make a meaningful impact at the University of Mississippi. The Charles Walker Kelly, Samuel Clayton Kelly, and Bryant Mason Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship Endowment—established to honor three beloved Kappa Alpha Order brothers—has again provided crucial support to undergraduate members of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter.
Formed by KA brothers and friends of the honorees, the endowment recognizes the legacies of Charles “Walker” Kelly, Samuel Clayton Kelly, and Bryant Mason Wilbanks, three KA brothers from Madison, Mississippi, who tragically lost their lives in a 2011 car accident while returning to Oxford. Their spirit of loyalty, leadership, and brotherly love lives on through this scholarship, which helps selected KA undergraduates pursue their dreams at Ole Miss.
Honoring the Past, Supporting the Future
At a spring 2025 recognition ceremony hosted by the University of Mississippi Foundation, three Kappa Alpha brothers were announced as the newest recipients of the memorial scholarship:
- Jack Beaird ’22, a junior from Dallas, Texas, majoring in Business and Entrepreneurship, expressed heartfelt appreciation:
“I’m extremely honored to receive this scholarship. It will allow me to stay focused and remain committed to honoring the families who make this support possible… I want to leave a legacy of being a good friend and simply trying to make at least one person’s day just a bit better.”
- Will Dukes ’24, a freshman Finance major from Brandon, Mississippi, reflected on what the scholarship means to him:
“Receiving the Kelly, Kelly and Wilbanks Scholarship award is a very special milestone for me… This scholarship allows me the opportunity to continue my enrollment here at Ole Miss which will also open the door for many other professional and academic opportunities.”
- Clayton Mahaffey ’22, a junior from Madison, Mississippi, studying Banking & Finance and Real Estate, connected the award to a larger sense of purpose:
“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me… I concluded that our goal is to reflect the love of Christ and share his image with others… To me, this scholarship is a reminder to live each day to the fullest and make it meaningful by serving and loving others as Christ did.”
Each of these recipients was chosen for their strong character, leadership, academic commitment, and alignment with the values exemplified by the three memorialized KA brothers.
A Lasting Legacy
More than just financial assistance, the Charles Walker Kelly, Samuel Clayton Kelly, and Bryant Mason Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship Endowment represents a powerful act of remembrance and brotherhood. For those who knew Walker, Clayton, and Mason, the scholarship is a meaningful way to preserve their legacies while investing in the future of Kappa Alpha Order at Ole Miss.
“These men were just outstanding in every sense,” said Lee Selmon (’84), a close friend and KA brother. “This endowment is a way to remember them while helping others experience the same opportunities they treasured at Ole Miss.”
The scholarship fund—managed by the University of Mississippi Foundation—has grown to over $500,000 thanks to the generosity of KA alumni, friends, and the Madison community. It continues to be a source of strength, service, and support for the Alpha Upsilon Chapter.
To make a contribution to the memorial scholarship fund, visit or contact the University of Mississippi Foundation.
