The committee determines winners of chapter awards including The Achievement Awards, the highest honor conferred by Philadelphia Alumni including: John N. Williams Undergraduate Award, The Polemarch’s Family Legacy Award, Dr. Alvin N Vaughn Award for service, Joseph M. Grier Spirit Award and our award for members of the community who have served meritoriously the Humanitarian Award.
The Achievement Awards also convenes committees to handle submissions on behalf of the Chapter for awards presented under the auspices of the Grand Chapter, Northeastern Province and Philadelphia Alumni Chapter.
Joseph M. Grier
Entrepreneur, salesman & master networker Joseph Moore Grier was born in Baltimore, MD and raised in Harrisburg, PA. Upon graduating from Harrisburg High School (John Harris Campus), he matriculated at Mansfield University, where he majored in Public Relations and was active in varsity sports, student government and the campus radio station. Joe was the PResident of the Black Student Union, Second Vice President of the PA Black Conference on Higher Education, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989. While at Mansfield, he was initiated into the Lambda Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in 1988.
During Joe’s lifetime after college, he used his public relations, sales and marketing skills to leave a mark on the entertainment & media industries with and for the likes of Boys II Men, Grover Washington, Jr., NFL Films, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Academy Award nominated movie “Amistad” and many more. Committed to service, he served as President/CEO of the Greater 69th Street Wildcats Athletic Association, Chairman of the Philadelphia Branch Board for the American Red Cross, Director of Public Relations for the Urban League Young Professionals and Guide Right Chairman for the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. When not engaged in community efforts, Joe fotne served as a motivational speaker for high school and college students throughout the Commonwealth, stressing the concept of “self-determination”. He was the recipient of various community and professional leadership awards and citations.
Dr. John N. Williams
In the history of Kappa Alpha Psi in Philadelphia, one of the major forces is Brother John N. Williams. He served as the Polemarch of the Lambda, Delta Eta and Philadelphia Alumni Chapters. The 1959 Grand Conclave was held in Philadelphia while he was Polemarch. Brother Williams edited the booklet for the 30th Anniversary of the Lambda Chapter in which he included stories about the founding of Lambda along with a history of its life from 1920 to 1950. Under the chairmanship of Brother Williams, The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter operated free guidance and counseling clinics at many Philadelphia recreation centers. Brother Williams formed a high school club whose members were encouraged to pursue a college education. He was a coordinator of the Housing Committee, member of the Northeastern Province Board of Directors , the Province Keeper of records and Exchequer. Brother William’s dedication and diligence was rewarded on his being the first member of Kappa Alpha Psi to receive the Elder Watson Diggs Award.
Joseph N. Williams
Joseph N. Williams was a May 1949 initiate of the Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Joe was one of four Kappa brothers and never hesitated to tell anyone how proud he was of that fact. During Joe’s undergraduate experience he was known as “The Businessman” because he was always exploring ways to make Lambda and Delta Eta Chapters financially stable. In addition to holding the Keeper of Records and Keeper of Exchequer offices he was the perennial chairman of most of Chapters’ fundraising and social events.
Joseph N. Williams became a dedicated real estate professional and served for many years Executive Administrator of the Philadelphia Board of Revision of Taxes. Using his real estate prowess, Joe played a pivotal role in the acquisition of the North Philadelphia properties which became the site of the International Headquarters of Kappa Alpha Psi.
As a young Kappa Joseph was actively involved in the development of Guide Right activities for the undergraduate chapters. As a result he had great concern about the educational and social well being of our youth. He never missed an opportunity to counsel any young person about all of the positive things in life that could happen if you have a decent education and quite often he provided financial support.
Dr. Alvin Vaughn
Dr. Alvin Vaughn was known as an excellent educator, mentor, communicator, and a devoted member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Vaughn was born on July 28, 1939. Brother Vaughn earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in distributive education.
Brother Vaughn became a member of the Delta Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. in 1961. Brother Vaughn also received a doctorate from the International Graduate School in administration. Brother Vaughn was the first African American to serve on the Cheltenham Township School Board from 1978 to 1987. He was known as “The King of E-mail” because of his ability to keep people in touch with ideas, events and community causes. Brother Vaughn served several community organizations and supported local causes in education and commerce.
Polemarch’s Legacy Award
The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Polemarch’s Legacy Award is given to a Kappa Man and his family who have demonstrated a strong belief that leadership is derived by service to others and service leaves a lasting impact upon those who are touched by their efforts.
The awardee and his family’s endeavors will have demonstrated the ability to assist the aims and purposes of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter service efforts throughout the community and within the fraternity. This award was established by Past Polemarch Robert (Bobby) Hunter, Jr.