Kappa Upsilon Alumni Foundation - Black and Old Gold | Kappa Upsilon Alumni FDoundation

Established on March 1, 2024, the Kappa Upsilon Alumni Foundation emerges as a distinct, tax-exempt entity, operating independently from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This charitable and educational organization dedicates itself to procuring and prudently managing financial resources. Our primary mission is to underpin the endeavors of the Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. by funding educational programs, scholarships, community service initiatives, and leadership development opportunities. We commit to fostering a culture of philanthropy and service, thereby extending the legacy and values of the fraternity through sustained support and engagement with alumni and the broader community.

Our Mission

The Founding of

Kappa Upsilon Chapter

It was during the administration of Brother Louie Jenkins, President of the Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., that the vision of establishing an undergraduate chapter in the City of Jacksonville, Florida, became a reality.

During the Fall Semester of 1974, on the campus of Edward Waters College (EWC), Brother John W. Lee, EWC Athletic Director and Coach, began meeting with young men who had expressed an interest in becoming members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brother Lee was soon joined in this effort by Brother Walter Ware, Jr., EWC Student Recruiting Officer and longtime Dean of Pledges of the Upsilon Lambda Chapter.

Recognizing the growing interest among the young men, Brother Ware brought the matter before the Upsilon Lambda Chapter. President Louie Jenkins subsequently appointed Brother Wendell P. Holmes, Jr., to investigate the requirements and process for establishing an undergraduate chapter in Jacksonville.

Brother Holmes began researching the necessary procedures for submitting an application to charter an undergraduate chapter. He ultimately presented a proposal at the Florida State Convention calling for the establishment of an undergraduate chapter that would serve young men attending four-year institutions of higher education in the Jacksonville area, with Edward Waters College serving as the chapter's home institution.

At the time, the proposal took into consideration the accreditation status of Edward Waters College, as well as the relatively small Black male student populations at Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. Those populations were not sufficient to sustain viable undergraduate chapters on each campus. The proposed structure would therefore provide an opportunity for qualified male students from all three institutions to pursue membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., regardless of race, subject to the Fraternity's membership requirements and vetting process.

Brother Holmes further proposed that the new chapter be established as a Metropolitan Chapter, allowing eligible students from Edward Waters College, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Florida to seek membership through a single undergraduate chapter based in Jacksonville.

The proposal was approved by the Florida State Convention and forwarded to the Southern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Southern Region subsequently approved the request and authorized the traditional membership intake process. Brother Walter Ware, Jr., was appointed Dean of Pledges.

To assist with the preparation and education of the prospective members, Brother Ware enlisted several young Alpha Brothers who were recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Brothers Benny Moore, Sr., Samuel Eaves II, Ralph Jones, David Perry, and George Cooper assisted with instruction in Fraternity steps and songs, as well as study sessions and other aspects of the membership preparation process.

Following approval by the Southern Region, the proposed Charter was forwarded to the National Headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where it received additional approval.

The Charter Line

Fourteen young men were ultimately vetted and approved for membership into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Upon successfully completing the nine-week pledge process on April 19, 1975, these fourteen men became the Pearls of Kappa Upsilon Chapter:

James Harper
Roy Baker
Earl Brooks
Clifford Hilliard
Joseph Smith
Benjamin Clark, Sr.
Henry L. Mitchell
Jerome Perry
Rueben Warren
Nathan Nesbit
Frederick Jones
Larry Griffin
Lester Brown
Curtis Whitley

Their achievement marked a significant milestone in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Jacksonville and established a lasting undergraduate presence in the city.

Since April 19, 1975, generations of young men interested in the ideals, principles, and traditions of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. have pursued membership through Kappa Upsilon Chapter, entering the Fraternity at the undergraduate level and continuing the legacy established by its charter members.

On October 20, 1975, the National Office officially approved Kappa Upsilon Chapter, formally establishing the chapter as an official chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The establishment of Kappa Upsilon Chapter was the culmination of the vision, persistence, and collective efforts of Brothers Louie Jenkins, John W. Lee, Walter Ware, Jr., Wendell P. Holmes, Jr., and the many Brothers who contributed to the development and preparation of the chapter's first members. Their work created a foundation upon which generations of Alpha Men would continue to build.