Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated
Founded on January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University, the Ten Founders united with a shared vision of dignity, scholarship, and mutual support. Their resolve to create a brotherhood rooted in excellence laid the foundation for one of the most distinguished fraternities in history.
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Elder Watson Diggs
Elder Watson Diggs was born in 1883 and died in 1947. He pursued a career as an educator and journalist and later served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army during World War I. As one of the founding members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Diggs played a major role in the fraternity’s early leadership and organizational development. His professional life and military service reflected a strong commitment to discipline, service, and leadership, values that influenced the fraternity during its formative years.
Byron Kenneth Armstrong
Byron Kenneth Armstrong was born in 1890 and died in 1980. He was an accomplished scholar and educator whose academic pursuits shaped much of his professional life. Armstrong dedicated his career to teaching and scholarship, holding positions in multiple states. His intellectual background and emphasis on structure and long-term planning helped reinforce the fraternity’s focus on scholarship, governance, and academic excellence.
Ezra Dee Alexander
Ezra Dee Alexander was born in 1892 and died in 1971. He became a physician and devoted his professional life to medicine and community service. As a founding member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Alexander supported the fraternity’s early growth and governance. His career as a medical doctor reflected the fraternity’s ideals of discipline, achievement, and service to others.
Henry Tourner Asher
Henry Tourner Asher was born in 1892 and died in 1963. He pursued careers in education and law, becoming both an educator and an attorney. Asher’s academic and legal training contributed to the fraternity’s emphasis on leadership, responsibility, and organizational stability. His professional life demonstrated a commitment to intellectual growth and public service.
Edward Giles Irvin
Edward Giles Irvin was born in 1893 and died in 1982. He worked as a journalist and entrepreneur, engaging in media, business, and civic initiatives throughout his life. Irvin’s professional versatility and innovative mindset supported the fraternity’s early visibility and expansion. His work reflected the fraternity’s encouragement of initiative, creativity, and achievement beyond the collegiate environment.
Guy Levis Grant
Guy Levis Grant was born in 1891 and died in 1973. He became a practicing dentist and balanced professional success with sustained involvement in the fraternity. Grant contributed to preserving the history, traditions, and institutional memory of Kappa Alpha Psi. His lifelong dedication helped ensure continuity and respect for the fraternity’s legacy.
Paul Waymond Caine
Paul Waymond Caine was born in 1891 and died in 1922. He was an entrepreneur and author whose life, though brief, had a lasting impact on the fraternity. Caine played an important role in the early organization and expansion of Kappa Alpha Psi, helping support the establishment of additional chapters. His professional pursuits reflected initiative, resilience, and dedication to advancement.
Marcus Peter Blakemore
Marcus Peter Blakemore was born in 1889 and died in 1959. He pursued careers in engineering and dentistry, demonstrating professional adaptability and technical skill. Within the fraternity, Blakemore helped reinforce standards of professionalism, discipline, and ethical conduct. His career embodied the fraternity’s values of achievement and integrity.
John Milton Lee
John Milton Lee was born in 1890 and died in 1958. He served in the United States Army during World War I and later engaged in various business and civic endeavors. Lee’s military service reflected courage and discipline, while his postwar activities emphasized leadership and community involvement. His experiences strengthened the fraternity’s connection to service and resilience.
George Wesley Edmonds
George Wesley Edmonds was born in 1890 and died in 1962. Due to family responsibilities, he was unable to complete his formal education, yet he remained an important member of the founding group. Edmonds worked to support his family and community throughout his life. His story represents perseverance, sacrifice, and the collective effort behind the founding of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.