Band fraternity Kappa Kappi Psi (KKPsi) celebrated 100 years of “musicianship, leadership, service, and brotherhood.” These pillars have guided the group since its founding on Nov. 27, 1919.
To mark this milestone, the 2019 biennial national convention for KKPsi and sister sorority, Tau Beta Sigma, was held at Oklahoma State University—where it all began—from July 16 to 20, 2019. Tau Beta Sigma was also founded at Oklahoma State but in 1946.
Formal convention activities, which included keynote speakers and various performances, ended a day early compared to past years, so that the final day could be devoted to the centennial; however, the centennial’s influence was felt throughout the event.
“This convention was special because we did spend so much time talking about our history and talking about our values, which I think helped us springboard into our next century,” says Marco Krcatovich II, KKPsi national president.
The centennial celebration included a rededication of the fraternity’s national monument, a trip to a Stillwater cemetery—where certain noteworthy members are buried—and a visit to the national headquarters to peruse the archives.
The day ended with the Centennial Alumni Band premiering a new commissioned piece, “Centurial Exultation” by Kevin Walczyk, to a packed crowd.
“That was after spending a long day in the sun,” says Steve Nelson, national executive director of the two organizations. “It was 100 degrees that day, and we still had [over] 900 people, … so I was really pleased with that.”
Krcatovich emphasizes the importance of both organizations and the impact that they have on members’ lives. “For students, I think it creates a sense of community and a sense of shared values—the diligence, the dedication, the willingness to work hard, and to care about each other,” he says.
After 2019, attention will turn to Tau Beta Sigma’s 75th anniversary, which occurs in 2021.
