The Ten Founders
The Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. established a legacy rooted in Achievement, Brotherhood, scholarship, honorable leadership, and service.
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. His leadership helped move the organization from an idea among college men into a structured national brotherhood.
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 that still defines Kappa Alpha Psi. He also gave serious attention to education, writing, and leadership development.
His influence remains central to Kappa history. The Fraternity remembers him as “The Dreamer” because he saw what Kappa Alpha Psi could become before that vision had fully taken form. His legacy represents purpose, order, discipline, and the belief that Achievement must guide every field of human endeavor.
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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. His ideas helped shape the identity, symbolism, and expansion of the Fraternity.
Armstrong played a major role in developing early Fraternity elements, including the motto, Coat of Arms, badge, and broader organizational identity. His work reflected a desire to build more than a campus organization. He helped create a standard that could guide men across generations.
His legacy lives through the symbols and ideals that members continue to honor. Armstrong’s contribution reflects scholarship, bold thought, and institutional vision. He helped give Kappa Alpha Psi a lasting public identity and a disciplined internal culture.
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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, building a career that reflected discipline and commitment to others.
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, medicine, and personal responsibility. He stands as an example of how professional excellence can serve a larger community mission.
His life reflects a standard Kappa Alpha Psi continues to lift up: success should carry responsibility. Alexander’s legacy connects scholarship, health service, military service, and brotherhood.
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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. His life reflected quiet strength and steady commitment.
Asher pursued education across several institutions and built a career tied to learning, service, and public contribution. His background showed strong discipline and a belief in preparing young people for higher purpose.
His Founder legacy reflects consistency, humility, and service. Asher’s example reminds Brothers that leadership does not always require noise. Steady work, strong values, and commitment to others build lasting impact.
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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. He contributed to the Fraternity through personal character and committed support.
Blakemore’s path showed the importance of spiritual grounding and civic responsibility. 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. Blakemore helped shape a brotherhood where personal success and community duty remain connected.
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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. His talent and resourcefulness helped support the Founders during the early organizing period.
Caine’s contribution shows that every movement needs men with practical skills, reliability, and the ability to build support around a shared goal. His work helped strengthen the foundation of Kappa Alpha Psi during a critical early period.
His legacy reflects industry, brotherhood, and useful service. Caine’s example shows that Achievement includes enterprise, discipline, and willingness to help build something larger than oneself.
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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. His role placed him within the original circle that helped bring the Fraternity into existence.
Edmonds served as Corresponding Secretary in the incorporation record. His participation reflects the administrative and organizational work needed to turn the Fraternity from an idea into a formal institution.
His legacy honors commitment to organization, record keeping, and early brotherhood. Edmonds helped secure the foundation that allowed Kappa Alpha Psi to grow beyond one campus and become a national organization.
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Guy Levis Grant
The Historian and Preserver
Guy Levis Grant was known for charitable work, professional achievement, and preservation of Fraternity history. He carried strong family responsibility early in life and developed a record of discipline, service, and perseverance.
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 work helped ensure that future generations could understand the Fraternity’s origins and honor the men who built the foundation.
His legacy is tied to history, service, and professional excellence. Grant reminds Brothers that institutions survive when men protect their records, tell their story, and live according to their purpose.
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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. His life included work in journalism, business, religious service, and community leadership.
Irvin served as part of the Fraternity’s Incorporation Committee, helping complete the formal work needed to establish Kappa Alpha Nu. His role showed maturity and responsibility beyond his age.
His legacy reflects initiative, public service, and leadership. Irvin’s example shows that age does not limit impact when purpose, discipline, and service guide the work.
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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. He was known for idealism, dedication, and commitment to the Fraternity during the early years.
Lee served as Secretary in the Articles of Incorporation and helped establish key chapters. His work supported early expansion and helped strengthen the Fraternity’s structure beyond the Alpha Chapter.
His legacy reflects loyalty, courage, and service. Lee helped carry the Fraternity’s early vision forward and showed how commitment to Brotherhood can help build lasting institutions.
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