The Alpha Chapter Of Kappa Alpha Psi: 5 Shocking Facts About The Birthplace Of The Nupes In 2025
Few institutions carry the weight of history and contemporary controversy quite like the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As the original chapter of the esteemed organization—founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University (IU)—it is the very birthplace of the "Nupes," one of the most influential fraternities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), also known as the "Divine Nine." In late 2025, the chapter finds itself in a fascinating and complex state, balancing a century of achievement with a very public disciplinary challenge that has put its activities on hold.
Tracing its roots back to a time of profound racial isolation for Black students at IU, the Alpha Chapter was established to create a bond of brotherhood and a standard of high achievement. Today, as of December 20, 2025, the chapter's current status is a dramatic juxtaposition of its historical mission and recent institutional challenges, making its story one of the most compelling narratives in Greek life.
The Foundational Pillars: Biography of the Ten Founders
The Alpha Chapter is inseparable from the Ten Illustrious Founders who established Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on the campus of Indiana University. Their vision was to create a fraternity based on the principles of honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor, a revolutionary concept given the pervasive racial climate of the early 20th century. The list below represents the foundational 'alumni' of the Alpha Chapter.
- Elder Watson Diggs (1883–1947): The principal founder and first Grand Polemarch (National President). He was a distinguished educator and a major force in the early growth of the fraternity.
- Byron Kenneth Armstrong (1890–1980): He helped formulate the fraternity's constitution and was instrumental in selecting the motto. He later earned advanced degrees and had a career in education.
- Ezra Dee Jenkins (1889–1959): Served as the first Vice Polemarch of the Alpha Chapter. He was a prominent figure in the early discussions that led to the fraternity's founding.
- Charles Henry Diggs (1891–1938): Brother of Elder Watson Diggs, he was a charter member who contributed significantly to the chapter's initial structure.
- Marcus Peter Blakemore (1889–1959): A successful businessman who became the first Keeper of Records of the Alpha Chapter. He helped finance many of the fraternity's early endeavors.
- Paul Waymond Caine (1891–1931): Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he helped establish the fraternity's early business practices.
- Guy Levis Grant (1891–1973): A dental surgeon by profession, he was a steadfast pillar of the fraternity in its formative years.
- George Wesley Edmonds (1890–1962): A key contributor to the fraternity’s early meetings and organizational efforts.
- Henry Archer Canty (1892–1928): Though his life was cut short, his commitment was vital to the chapter's establishment.
- Edward Giles Irvin (1893–1982): The youngest of the founders, he was a journalist who helped document the early history of the fraternity.
1. The Shocking 2025 Status: Hazing Suspension and Cease and Desist
In a major development that has reverberated across the Greek life community, the Alpha Chapter at Indiana University has faced significant disciplinary action from the university administration. The chapter has been placed on a "cease and desist" order and subsequently suspended following an investigation into allegations of hazing.
This suspension, which was confirmed after a period of investigation and a year-long cease-and-desist order, has effectively halted all chapter activities on the IU campus. The disciplinary action is not an isolated incident; records indicate the chapter was already on an elevated disciplinary probation from August 2024 to the end of December 2025 for a range of violations, including alcohol, controlled substances, endangering others, and hazing. For the Alpha Chapter, the birthplace of the entire fraternity, this status represents a challenging period of institutional reflection and re-evaluation of its operational standards in line with national and university guidelines.
The suspension is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle within the NPHC and the broader Greek system to eradicate hazing, a practice directly at odds with the fraternity's core value of "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor." The current status on the eve of the 2026 academic year suggests a complete reset is necessary before the chapter can regain official recognition at Indiana University.
2. The Historic 2025 Founders Day: A 114th Anniversary Milestone
Despite the disciplinary challenges, the significance of the Alpha Chapter's founding date remains paramount for the entire fraternity. January 5, 2025, marked the 114th anniversary of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. This date, celebrated globally by "Kappas" or "Nupes," is a time for reflection on the pioneering spirit of the Ten Founders who established the organization in 1911.
The anniversary serves as a powerful anchor to the fraternity's history, reminding members of the struggle against racial isolation and the commitment to academic excellence that defined its beginning at Indiana University. While the Alpha Chapter itself could not host official campus events due to its suspended status, the national celebration underscored the enduring legacy that originated from its creation.
The Founders Day celebration in 2025 was especially poignant, as it highlighted the fraternity's resilience and its continued mission to inspire Black achievement, even as its founding chapter navigated a period of intense scrutiny and institutional probation. The focus shifted to the national organization's ongoing work, including its Guide Right youth program and other philanthropic efforts, which are the true measure of its impact.
3. A Major Corporate Partnership: Elevating Black Leaders with Kelley School of Business
In a powerful counter-narrative to the disciplinary news, the national organization of Kappa Alpha Psi has forged a significant and recent partnership with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. This collaboration is a direct and modern manifestation of the fraternity's core principle of "Achievement."
The partnership is specifically designed to increase diversity in corporate leadership and the business landscape. It involves the creation of a dedicated fellowship program, which aims to provide resources and opportunities for future Black leaders within the business sector. This initiative leverages the prestige of the Kelley School—one of the nation's top business schools—with the vast network and commitment to excellence embodied by Kappa Alpha Psi.
The establishment of the Kelley fellowship program is a testament to the fraternity's enduring influence and its commitment to fostering equity and inclusion. This initiative ensures that the legacy born at Indiana University continues to impact the highest levels of professional achievement, guiding young men toward success in the competitive corporate world and directly addressing the challenges of underrepresentation in executive roles.
This partnership, announced in the same period as the Alpha Chapter's institutional challenges, showcases the dual reality of a historic organization: a founding chapter grappling with internal issues, while the national body continues to execute high-level, impactful programs that advance its mission on a global scale.
4. The Historical Context: Birth in a Crucible of Racism
The founding of the Alpha Chapter cannot be understood without acknowledging the hostile environment at Indiana University in 1911. The Ten Founders, led by Elder Watson Diggs, faced profound social and academic isolation.
At the time, Black students were largely ostracized from campus life and mainstream organizations. Kappa Alpha Psi was not simply a social club; it was a necessity—a sanctuary and a mechanism for survival and success. The founders established a fraternity that demanded high moral and academic standards, providing a supportive brotherhood that was otherwise denied to them. This historical context is vital, as it underscores the original intent of the chapter: to promote a culture of achievement and leadership in the face of systemic adversity. The very existence of the Alpha Chapter is a triumph of perseverance and a foundational moment for all of the Divine Nine.
5. The Alpha Chapter's Enduring Legacy and Future Outlook
Despite its current suspension, the Alpha Chapter’s historical significance as the progenitor of Kappa Alpha Psi remains unshakeable. It is the spiritual home for hundreds of thousands of "Nupes" worldwide. The chapter's eventual return to good standing at Indiana University will be a closely watched event, symbolizing the fraternity's ability to self-correct and uphold its standards.
The future of the Alpha Chapter is tied to its ability to fully embrace the spirit of its founders—a spirit of "Achievement" that is both honorable and exemplary. By adhering to the principles of integrity and service, and by leveraging the positive momentum of national initiatives like the Kelley School of Business partnership, the Alpha Chapter can once again become the beacon of excellence it was created to be, ensuring its legacy for another century.
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