The Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation proudly hosted its inaugural Celebration of Achievement Gala on July 3, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. The black-tie event brought together distinguished leaders, sponsors, and community members under the inspiring theme: “Celebrating and Supporting Our Youth and Honoring Our Military.”
The Gala marked a historic milestone for the Foundation as it recognized the outstanding achievements of young scholars and honored distinguished military service members for their commitment to excellence, leadership, and community.
“This evening was more than a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the impact we can create when we unite to support the next generation and honor those who have served our nation with distinction,” said Michael J. Dubose, President of the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners whose unwavering support made this historic event possible.”
2025 Scholarship Awardees:
- David Bickham – Sarasota, Florida
- Samuel Draper III – San Antonio, Texas
- Loyal Flanders – Swansea, Illinois
- Jacob Fletcher – Rancho Cucamonga, California
- Ebenezer Mahteme – Castro Valley, California
- Timothy Purnell – South Holland, Illinois
- Solomon Ruff – Baldwin, New York
- Braelyn Starks – Pine Bluff, Arkansas
- Kwabena Tyus – Washington, DC
- Nicolas Watkins – Edmond, Oklahoma
- Dillon Watt – Addison, Texas
- Jaden Watt – Addison, Texas
- Gabriel Westry – Decatur, Georgia
- Nyic’Quavayion Willis – Grambling, Louisiana
2025 Military Honorees:
- John Milton Lee “First to Fire” Memorial Award for Military Service and Achievement: Major General Anthony Henderson, United States Marine Corps
- General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Memorial Award for Military Cadet Achievement: Cadet DeAndre Macri, Texas A&M ROTC (Air Force)
- Dr. F. George Palmer Memorial Award for Outstanding Military Veteran: Lieutenant General Kevin Vereen, United States Army, Retired
- Grand Polemarch’s Distinguished Military and Veteran Service Award: General Dennis Via, United States Army, Retired
The evening featured dynamic entertainment from The Franchise Band, remarks from esteemed leaders, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle, and special presentations by the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Chairman of the Celebration of Achievement Committee, Donald C. Bland, reflected, “This gala embodied the Foundation’s mission of service and achievement. It was an honor to uplift our youth scholars and military heroes who inspire us to continue this vital work.”
The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors:
Founders Sponsor
Senior Kappa Affairs Committee
Title Sponsors
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Eastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Foundation Sponsors
AARP
Community Sponsors
The National Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Diamond Sponsors
Michael J., Elizabeth, and Alexander Dubose, Esq.
Visa
Achievement Sponsors
Michael Adkinson & Linda Downing-Adkinson
A. Ronald Berryman & Jacqueline Berryman
Terry Blount
William Donan
Donald Frieson
Cain Hayes
Martin L. Hubbard
Dwayne Murray, Esq.
Shirley Pinckney (in honor of William Pinckney)
Darrell Searcey
The Bland Family Trust
Decator (GA) Alumni Chapter
Councilman Kevin Robinson & Dr. Michele Halyard and Lonnie Williams, Esq. & Kelli Williams, Esq.
Huntsville Alumni Senior Kappas
Mahogany Xan Communications
Wells Fargo
East Central Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Middle Eastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Middle Western Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Northern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
South Central Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Southeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated & Southwestern Foundation
Western Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Leadership Sponsors
James Simms
THE SIX, INC.
Celebration Event Sponsors
Fred Adkins
Dr. & Mrs. J.C. Campbell
Lt. Cody Mitchell
Walter & Kay Oliver
Regions Bank
Williams Income Tax Service, Inc.
Phoenix (AZ) Alumni Chapter
Woodbridge (VA) Alumni Chapter
Individual Sponsors
Mr. & Mrs. Roosevelt Dawkins, III
William Greene
Tony & Nicole Jarrett
Harry R. Murphy
CSU Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success
Salisbury (MD) Alumni Chapter
Foundation Supporters
Eastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Southern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Additional gratitude goes to corporate partners, community organizations, and individual donors whose generosity supports scholarships, mentorship, and transformational opportunities nationwide.
