KAPSI ConnectThe Ten Founders
On January 5, 1911, ten visionary men at Indiana University Bloomington founded Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
The story of Kappa Alpha Psi begins with ten men who shared a common vision: to create a brotherhood built on the fundamental purpose of achievement. Meeting in the early months of the 1910–1911 academic year at Indiana University, these ten founders forged a bond that has endured for over a century and inspired more than 150,000 men to carry their legacy forward.
Elder Watson Diggs
"The Dreamer"
Born December 23, 1883, in Christian County, Kentucky. The visionary leader who conceived the idea of the fraternity. His guiding principle was "ACHIEVEMENT in every field of human endeavor."
Diggs served as Permanent Chairman and devoted his life to building the fraternity's foundation and ideals. His vision of a brotherhood dedicated to achievement has inspired generations of Kappa men across the globe.
The Men Who Built the Brotherhood
Byron Kenneth Armstrong
Sergeant-at-Arms
"Boomski"
Born April 8, 1892, Westfield, IN
A dedicated organizer who earned a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and went on to a distinguished career in education and scholarship.
Guy Levis Grant
Founder
Born April 9, 1891, New Albany, IN
Practiced dentistry for over 50 years in Indianapolis, becoming one of the city's most respected dental professionals.
Marcus Peter Blakemore
Founder
"Blakie"
Born January 3, 1889, Franklin, IN
A World War I veteran who served his country with honor and helped establish the fraternity's early organizational structure.
Ezra Dee Alexander
Founder
"Dee"
Born July 18, 1891, Bloomington, IN
Practiced medicine for nearly 50 years, serving his community with dedication and compassion throughout his career.
John Milton Lee
Secretary
Born September 7, 1890, Danville, IN
An idealist and tireless worker, Lee was instrumental in documenting and preserving the fraternity's founding principles and early history.
Henry Tourner Asher
Founder
Born June 30, 1890, Owensboro, KY
The son of a Baptist minister, Asher brought a deep sense of moral purpose and spiritual conviction to the fraternity's founding ideals.
Edward Giles Irvin
Founder
Born August 13, 1893, Spencer, IN
The youngest founder at just 17 years of age, demonstrating remarkable maturity and vision beyond his years.
George Wesley Edmonds
Founder
Born August 13, 1890, Vanderburgh County, IN
An integral part of the founding group who helped establish the fraternity's values and organizational framework.
Paul Waymond Caine
Founder
Born May 17, 1890, Greencastle, IN
An entrepreneur and chef who embodied the fraternity's spirit of achievement in every field of human endeavor.
Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor
The legacy of these ten founders lives on in every chapter, every program, and every brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Their vision of a brotherhood dedicated to achievement continues to inspire and transform lives across the globe.
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