On Friday, Sept. 16, members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus to celebrate the milestone of their 100-year-old chapter. Accompanied by family and Eta Chapter supporters, the gentlemen dedicated a 2,000-pound granite stone to the University as a symbol of the strength of the Kappa Alpha Psi as the first historically African-American fraternity at Nebraska. Local and national officers spoke proudly of the sustainable force that the fraternity provided to the community and student life for the past century.

“It means a lot to be a part of such a historic chapter in our fraternity's history,” said senior Justin Humphrey. “The men of Kappa Alpha Psi have done a lot for this University and it's special for us to be recognized for that.”

Since the Eta Chapter’s founding in 1916, the organization has enjoyed members’ successes in athletics, politics, law, the arts, architecture, business, music and education.

“For over 100 years, the Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has assisted in the recruitment, retention and subsequent graduation of many male students, specifically men of color,” said Linda Schwartzkopf, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Schwartzkopf shared confidence that the accomplishments of alumni as well as the organization’s past successes provide encouragement to undergraduate members.

“The organization’s long and meaningful presence on the Nebraska campus will provide inspiration for the great challenges of the future.”

Placing a symbol on the Nebraska campus was the dream of alumnus Albert Maxey, a 1958 Kappa initiate. Now the rock with a plaque containing the history of the Eta Chapter sits at the south entrance to the Nebraska Union.

“The Kappa rock is definitely a big deal for not only Kappa Alpha Psi but for the rest of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) as well,” said Humphrey. “With such a great location in front of the Union, the Kappa rock could be a first introduction to Black Greek Letter Organizations for a freshman who may have not been aware of such a thing.”

Humphrey was quick to point out that the number of African Americans on campus is steadily growing and he sees the rock as being timed perfectly for the re-emergence of Divine Nine organizations.