History of Kappa Alpha Psi

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated was founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, by ten visionary students who set out to build a brotherhood grounded in scholarship, service, and the achievement of its members in every field of human endeavor. The fraternity was originally organized as Kappa Alpha Nu before being renamed Kappa Alpha Psi later that same year.

Early brothers of Kappa Alpha Nu — later renamed Kappa Alpha Psi — at Indiana University, Bloomington.

The Founders

Kappa Alpha Psi was founded by a group of ten men whose vision established a fraternity built on brotherhood and achievement:

Elder Watson Diggs

Known as "the Dreamer," the scholarly writer whose vision first inspired the founding of the fraternity.

Byron K. Armstrong

A philosophy and sociology scholar recognized for his outspoken, imaginative leadership.

Guy Levis Grant

A devoted historian and charitable leader who helped preserve the fraternity's early records.

Marcus P. Blakemore

A man of deep faith who gave decades of service to education, church, and community.

Ezra Dee Alexander

An educator who went on to earn his medical degree and serve as a physician.

John Milton Lee

A tireless advocate for the fraternity's growth who pursued medical studies.

Henry T. Asher

A minister's son who became an educator devoted to youth and higher education.

Edward Giles Irvin

The youngest founder at 17, later a journalist, entrepreneur, and civic leader.

George W. Edmonds

Served as the fraternity's first Corresponding Secretary at its founding.

Paul Waymond Caine

An entrepreneurial spirit known for his business skill and warm hospitality.

The founders of Kappa Alpha Psi were mostly students and young professionals with backgrounds in medicine, law, education, engineering, business, dentistry, journalism, and military service.

Growth Into an International Fraternity

What began as a single chapter at Indiana University has grown into an international organization spanning hundreds of undergraduate and alumni chapters across the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond. Kappa Alpha Psi is one of the founding member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the umbrella body of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities known as the "Divine Nine."

Guided by its motto, "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor," the fraternity continues to advance a legacy of leadership, scholarship, and community service through initiatives like the Kappa League, Guide Right, and countless community service programs carried out by chapters like our own here in Lewes, Delaware.