SOCO Nupes logo Colorado Springs (CO) Alumni Chapter

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

The Ten Founders

The Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. established a legacy rooted in Achievement, brotherhood, scholarship, honorable leadership, and service.

Their vision created a Bond that continues to shape men, strengthen communities, and uphold Achievement in every field of human endeavor.

The Bond

Men of Vision, Purpose, and Achievement

The Ten Founders built more than a college organization. They created a brotherhood with standards, symbols, purpose, and a continuing call to leadership.

Their legacy remains central to the identity of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and to every chapter that carries the Bond forward.

Founder Directory

Use these links to move directly to each Founder biography.

Founder Elder Watson Diggs
Founder

Elder Watson Diggs

The Dreamer

Elder Watson Diggs was one of the chief architects of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was known for vision, discipline, scholarship, and deep commitment to the growth of the Fraternity.

Diggs served as the first Grand Polemarch and helped guide the early direction of the Fraternity. His work helped shape standards, ceremonies, organizational structure, and the spirit of achievement.

The Fraternity remembers him as “The Dreamer” because he saw what Kappa Alpha Psi could become before that vision had fully taken form.

Read Official Biography
Founder Byron Kenneth Armstrong
Founder

Byron Kenneth Armstrong

The Scholar and Builder

Byron Kenneth Armstrong was one of the leading intellectual and creative forces behind Kappa Alpha Psi. He brought imagination, conviction, and a strong academic mind to the founding group.

Armstrong played a major role in developing early Fraternity elements, including the motto, Coat of Arms, badge, and broader organizational identity.

His contribution reflects scholarship, bold thought, and institutional vision. He helped give Kappa Alpha Psi a lasting public identity and disciplined internal culture.

Read Official Biography
Founder Ezra Dee Alexander
Founder

Ezra Dee Alexander

The Physician and Servant Leader

Ezra Dee Alexander represented service, professional achievement, and dedication to community. He pursued education with purpose and became a physician.

Alexander served in the medical field for many years and also gave service through the military. His career showed the practical meaning of Achievement through public service and medicine.

His life reflects the standard that success should carry responsibility.

Read Official Biography
Founder Henry Tourner Asher
Founder

Henry Tourner Asher

The Educator and Advocate

Henry Tourner Asher was known for dependability, service, education, and advocacy. He supported youth, higher education, religious affairs, and equal rights.

Asher pursued education across several institutions and built a career tied to learning, service, and public contribution.

His Founder legacy reflects consistency, humility, and service.

Read Official Biography
Founder Marcus Peter Blakemore
Founder

Marcus Peter Blakemore

The Man of Faith and Service

Marcus Peter Blakemore brought faith, confidence, and service to the founding group. His life reflected concern for community, education, church service, and uplift.

His service extended beyond Fraternity life into broader community work. He represented a model of manhood connected to duty, belief, and care for others.

His legacy reminds Brothers that Achievement includes character, compassion, and service.

Read Official Biography
Founder Paul Waymond Caine
Founder

Paul Waymond Caine

The Entrepreneur

Paul Waymond Caine was known for business skill, practical service, and support of the early Fraternity. He worked as an entrepreneur, caterer, and chef.

Caine’s contribution shows that every movement needs men with practical skills, reliability, and the ability to build support around a shared goal.

His legacy reflects industry, brotherhood, enterprise, discipline, and useful service.

Read Official Biography
Founder George Wesley Edmonds
Founder

George Wesley Edmonds

The Early Organizer

George Wesley Edmonds entered Indiana University in 1910 and became one of the ten men who founded Kappa Alpha Nu.

Edmonds served as Corresponding Secretary in the incorporation record. His participation reflects the administrative and organizational work needed to formalize the Fraternity.

His legacy honors commitment to organization, record keeping, and early brotherhood.

Read Official Biography
Founder Guy Levis Grant
Founder

Guy Levis Grant

The Historian and Preserver

Guy Levis Grant was known for charitable work, professional achievement, and preservation of Fraternity history.

Grant became a dentist and practiced for many years. He also played a major role in preserving and protecting the history of Kappa Alpha Psi.

His legacy is tied to history, service, and professional excellence.

Read Official Biography
Founder Edward Giles Irvin
Founder

Edward Giles Irvin

The Young Visionary

Edward Giles Irvin was the youngest of the Founders. He brought energy, civic awareness, and entrepreneurial spirit to the founding group.

Irvin served as part of the Fraternity’s Incorporation Committee, helping complete the formal work needed to establish Kappa Alpha Nu.

His legacy reflects initiative, public service, and leadership.

Read Official Biography
Founder John Milton Lee
Founder

John Milton Lee

The Scholar, Soldier, and Builder

John Milton Lee was a scholar, soldier, organizer, and loyal worker for the growth of Kappa Alpha Psi.

Lee served as Secretary in the Articles of Incorporation and helped establish key chapters. His work supported early expansion and strengthened the Fraternity’s structure.

His legacy reflects loyalty, courage, service, and commitment to the Bond.

Read Official Biography

The Bond Continues

Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor

The legacy of the Ten Founders continues through brothers who lead, serve, mentor, and uphold the standard of Achievement. Their vision remains alive wherever the Bond is strengthened and the community is served.