Mu Kappa History

Pre-Installation

The KKP Colony at Grand Valley began in the fall semester of 2007 through the efforts of President Kyan Kiogima and Director of Athletic Bands, Kevin York. Mr. York is an honorary member of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Texas Tech University, the Beta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, Texas Tech, and an alumni of Grand Valley State University.

Preliminary meetings for the colony occurred in October of 2007, with over 30 prospective members. Early activities included a bottle drive and a supplemental cleanup of the Performing Arts Center. The colony completed its first degree ceremony, performed by the Zeta Epsilon Chapter from Michigan State University, on December 7th of 2007.

Over the next few months, the colony worked to complete the documentation necessary to become a chapter. These steps included the assembly of a committee for the Membership Education Plan, headed by Vice President Katie Chapman, and a committee for the Petitioning Document, headed by former Secretary and colony member Logan Merkey. At a later date, the work of the Petitioning Document was turned to Historian Brandon Warzybok. Both committees were responsible for the completion of their tasks.

The colony’s first participation in NCD, the National Central District convention, took place in Indianapolis, Indiana through April 4 - 6 of 2008. This was the colony's first experience with other chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi, and the reception was most memorable. The District Convention offered the colony a needed boost of confidence and encouragement that came with our warm reception. Members of 8 chapters pledged to be in attendance for the eventual installation of the colony. President Kyan Kiogima was granted the right to sit on the executive board for the District (albeit without voting powers). Members were able to meet privately with KKP President Dr. Malinda Matney and Colonization director Derrick Mills, both of whom were immensely influential and helpful in answering questions. The ongoing controversy involving the question of hazing within Kappa Kappa Psi highlighted the need for efficient leadership, strong morality, and sincere respect for others. These values sit at the heart of what it means to be a brother in Kappa Kappa Psi.

On April 20th, 2008, the GVSU Colony was initiated with its second degree ceremony by our brothers and friends in the Zeta Epsilon Chapter. With this event, the colonization period was coming to an end. The end of the school year and the many different paths of colony members put an unfortunate halt to the progress of the colony. The first weeks of the proceeding school year represented a low ebb for the colony. One officer resigned while another was declared invalid for failure to adhere to national standards. The situation for the colony was grim, to say the least.

Foruntaly, in the last week of October in 2008, members of the GVSU colony traveled to Michigan State University to visit Zeta Epsilon members for advice and encouragement. Members returned energized with a renewed sense of direction and resolve.

Installation

The Mu Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi was officially installed at Grand Valley State University on April 18th, 2009. After two long years of preparing documents, holding meetings, raising money, and performing service projects, the GVSU colony became a chapter of thirty members. Yet, as the seasons changed, membership dwindled to a chapter of fifteen. All were dedicated to seeing this process to the end and becoming active members of the fraternity. The installation was only possible with the help of Kappa Kappa Psi National President Dr. Malinda Matney, Past National President & ZE Sponsor Mr. Mike Osborn, Marc Renaud, Katie Ghyra, and the rest of the Zeta Epsilon Chapter at Michigan State University. The colony was led by Founding Fathers President Kyan Kiogima and Vice President Katie Chapman, and Secretary Nichole Race, Treasurer Keith Brown, and Historian Brandon "Chiefumz" Warzybok. Our sponsor, Grand Valley Director of Bands, Barry Martin; the Voice of the Laker Marching Band, Tom Yackish; and Kevin York were also invaluable to the completion of the colonization process.

The Mu Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity, was founded at Grand Valley State University on April 18th, 2009. It is our purpose to serve the Grand Valley Bands in any way possible. We strive to make our Music Department the best that it can be.