WEDNESDAY
For the fourth time the Order gathered at the Hotel Roanoke to hold a Convention. Knight Commander King V. Aiken, Jr. welcomed the official family, our province and national volunteers, KAOEF trustees, the staff, and families, for a kickoff reception and dinner on Wednesday at The Regency Room. Following the reception, Former Knight Commanders and their roses enjoyed a dinner in the Virginia Room inside the Hotel Roanoke.
THURSDAY
Thursday played host to the “Values in the Valley” Center, a trade show style and Shenandoah-themed registration that showcased vendors and partners. Live music was provided by country artist Tucker Wilson (Delta Lambda–Middle Tennessee State ’22). Spouses and guests enjoyed a trip to Black Dog Salvage, home of the DIY Network’s “Salvage Dogs!” television show.
That afternoon, Knight Commander Aiken called the 81st Convention to order. Officers from the Roanoke Police Dept. presented the colors, Tucker Wilson sang the National Anthem, Mason L. Kay (Zeta Phi–High Point ’22), son of Former Knight Commander Darren Kay, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dwain P. Knight (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin ’04) gave the invocation. Province Commander Darron E. Franta (Gamma Tau–Sam Houston State ’90) welcomed everyone to Ammen Province and Roanoke. Executive Director Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87) read letters of greeting from Virginia Governor Glenn Younkin, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (Nu–Auburn ’78), Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves (Alpha Mu–Millsaps ’93), South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (Rho–South Carolina ’67), Roanoke Mayor Joseph Cobb, and U.S. President Donald Trump. He also read a letter from Former Knight Commander William E. Dreyer, who was unable to attend. Knight Commander Aiken presented the Faculty Advisor of the Year Award posthumously to Charles D. Ramser (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’80.) He also presented the Alumnus Advisor of the Year Award to Steve Acosta (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’80), and the William E. Forester Alumni Chapter of the Year Award to Jason Smith (Delta Eta–Arkansas State ’94) and Morris Hoffman (Delta Eta–Arkansas State ’90) of the Northeast Arkansas Alumni Chapter. He then presented multiple Knight Commander’s Commendations to Ahmed Ezzaki (Beta Kappa–Maryland ’20), Harry Hood (Delta Omicron–Clemson), Maddux Larsen (Zeta Delta–Nevada), Larson Looney (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi), and Ben Schneider (Epsilon Delta–Texas A&M). Knight Commander Aiken then presented the Award for Fraternal Excellence to Rohsaan “Ro” Settle, Associate Dean and Director of the Dean of Students Office at Virginia Tech. Knight Commander Aiken presented the Accolade for Interfraternal Service to Chris Hancock on behalf of the late Dr. Thomas Goodale. Dr. Goodale served as Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Executive Director for seven years, as well as holding the position of Dean of Students at Iowa State University and the University of Florida.
Knight Commander Aiken delivered his Biennial Report which highlighted successes in academics, membership, and leadership education, as well as reviewing the recognition of service and leadership among alumni and active members. He also recognized the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation and praised the fundraising success of its Crimson & Gold Campaign.
The perfunctory business of assignments and business of committees rounded out the affair, and then the Convention was called into Executive Session to receive a particular report and hear the reading of a historic 1913 letter from Dr. Samuel Zenas Ammen, our Practical Founder, which was read by Former Knight Commander Dr. Idris Traylor.
That night, the KAOEF’s 28th Annual Bid for Brotherhood (B4B) was held at the Taubman Museum of Art. The evening grossed approximately $150,000 to support leadership education programs, internship programs, and scholarships for our Active Members.
FRIDAY
The entire Convention and all guests enjoyed a full day in historic Downtown Lexington, beginning first with a Model Initiation at University (formerly Lee) Chapel, then with guided tours of the town’s many landmarks that stand as cornerstones of the Order’s heritage. Kappa Alpha Order’s Educational Foundation’s George C. Marshall Circle Luncheon, held at the George C. Marshall Foundation, saw attendees gathered in the very halls honoring one of KA’s finest and America’s greatest soldiers and statesmen. Crimson and Gold Society members were welcomed at the Gin Hotel, where the Crimson and Gold Lounge opened in the Juniper Lounge, offering fellowship, refreshment, and fraternal conversation. At Mulberry Hill, the Order rededicated its Veteran’s Memorial in a moving ceremony, paying tribute to the sacrifice and service of those who have worn the uniform of our nation, including Allen Greer. That evening, undergraduates remaining in Lexington enjoyed a special Brotherhood Dinner at Mulberry Hill. Meanwhile, those traveling back to the Hotel Roanoke attended the Crimson and Gold Society Dinner in the Crystal Ballroom. Together, these moments reflected the seamless blending of tradition, reflection, and celebration that marked the day.
SATURDAY
Saturday kicked off with the Province Breakfast followed by the meeting of the Legislative Committee, Resolutions Committee, and Finance Committee. During the KAOEF Leadership Lecture Luncheon, Walter “Sonny” Deriso (Delta–Wofford ’65) presented a remarkable oration. The Alumni Conferences and Undergraduate Conferences then followed.
At Convention Meeting II, the committee reports were all received and adopted unanimously, thanks to the steady leadership of Former Knight Commanders James R. Estes and Darren S. Kay of the Finance Committee, Ben W. Satcher of the Resolutions Committee, and David M. Warren and C. Douglas Simmons III of the Legislative Committee. The Convention then marked a historic transition of leadership as King V. Aiken, Jr. (Kappa–Mercer ’83) concluded his term and Senior Councilor James M. Schmuck (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’69) was elected the 43rd Knight Commander. L. Blair Bailey (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’88) was elected Senior Councilor, with Derick S. Close, Malcolm H. Liles, David T. Martineau V, Robert H. Wall, and Erik Showalter elected as Councilors. That evening, brothers and guests gathered for the Crimson & Gold Society and Knight Commander’s Accolade Reception in the Crystal Ballroom, a Convention Reception in the Roanoke Foyer, followed by the official Convention photo taken in front of the North Entry Foyer. Finally, all gathered for the Knight Commander’s Installation Banquet. The KA Chorus, directed by Rob Wall (Tau–Wake Forest ’88) filled the hall with song. Knight Commander Schmuck was formerly installed and delivered his 1st Address. The 81st Convention ended in unity, sending all delegates forward uplifted by the values, traditions, and brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Order.
Awards and Recognition
Faculty Advisor of the Year
Charles D. Ramser (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’80), Faculty Advisor for the Gamma Omega Chapter at Midwestern State University. Awarded posthumously, accepted by Tom Jones
Alumnus Advisors of the Year
Steve Acosta (Beta Sigma–Southern California ’80)
Alumnus Advisor for the Beta Sigma Chapter at University of Southern California
William E. Forester Alumni Chapter Award
Northeastern Arkansas KA Alumni Chapter
Knight Commander’s Commendations
- Ahmed Ezzaki (Beta Kappa–Maryland ’23)
- Ben Schneider (Epsilon Delta–Texas A&M ’23)
- Joseph “Harry” Hood (Delta Omicron–Clemson ’22)
- Maddux Larsen (Zeta Delta–Nevada ’23)
- Larson Looney (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’22)
Award for Fraternal Excellence
Rohsaan Settle, Associate Dean and Director of the Dean of Students at Virginia Tech
Accolade for Interfraternal Service
Thomas Goodale, former Sigma Alpha Epsilon Executive Director, former Dean of Students at Iowa State University and the University of Florida. Awarded posthumously, accepted by Chris Hancock
Service to the Order Award
Zeta Theta Chapter–James Madison, Model Initiation Team
Epsilon Eta Chapter–Virginia Tech, Model Initiation Team
44th Executive Council
From left to right:
Erik T. Showalter (Gamma Alpha–Louisiana Tech ’02) Councilor
Robert H. “Rob” Wall (Tau–Wake Forest ’95) Councilor
L. Blair Bailey (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’88) Senior Councilor
James M. “Jim” Schmuck (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’69) Knight Commander
David T. Martineau V (Alpha Upsilon–Mississippi ’88) Councilor
Derick S. Close (Alpha Omega–North Carolina State ’78) Councilor
Malcolm H. Liles (Gamma–Georgia ’71) Councilor *
*Not pictured
