"Commitment to Excellence"

    In 1961 Kappa Alpha Order expanded to Texas Tech University by recognizing a local organization, Nu Fraternity, as a provisional chapter. ON September 22, 1961, the provisional chapter was charted as Gamma Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha. Its charter was signed by Knight Commander William McLeod Frampton, Jr., and was presented at banquet ceremonies by KA's Executive Director at that time, William E. Forester. At the time of charting Gamma Chi was located within Walsh Province. Walsh Province was merged with Hammer Province and a portion of Mikell Province in May 1974, to create the Howard Palmer Locke Province, in which Gamma Chi remains today. Since the date of its chartering, Gamma Chi has continued to grow in size and in quality to position of leadership and respect at the university, in the community, and within the Kappa Alpha Order.

    Over the years, Gamma Chi has created an enviable record of service to Texas Tech and to the Lubbock community; has distinguished itself in intramural athletics; has developed as outstanding social program; implemented philanthropic and service projects; and has consistently been highly rated among fraternities at Texas Tech University for its scholarship record. The chapter has conspicuously contributed to the life of the university in leadership positions in every area: four Presidents of the Student government, three Vice Presidents of the Student Association, an Editor of the University Daily; a Station Manager of KTXT, the student radio station; many members each year of the Student Senate; Justices and Cabinet; officers of the Interfraternity Council; Tech Cheerleaders; members of the Board of Students Foundation; members and officers of many honorary fraternities, societies and associations; large numbers if brothers have been listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities ;  brothers have worked locally or in Washington D.C., while they were actives as aides for Congressman and Senators of the United States; two brothers served as National Vice Presidents of the Texas Future Farmers of America. In every area, Kappa Alpha at Texas Tech has shown it's "commitment to excellence."

    In intramurals athletics, Gamma Chi has consistently has an outstanding record, always placing among the top teams in each area of competition and its has also been the proud recipient of the coveted University Intramural Blanket. One especially interesting aspect of Gamma Chi's intramural history occurred in the 1978-1979 season. In basketball the KA "A" and "B" teams won their divisions in the playoffs, and thus the two KA teams played each other in the all-Greek finials. This was the first time in the history of Texas Tech that both teams of a single fraternity have played for the title in a competitive sport.

    Gamma Chi has also been a leader within Kappa Alpha. In 1971, a group of men in the Chapter and the advisor developed the Council of Honor, a special course of study and discussion of the laws and rituals of Kappa Alpha, with a formal induction ceremony for those who qualify for membership through their study. The Council of Honor has now become an officially recognized program  of KA nationally, with Councils operating in almost three-quarters of the Chapters across the country. 

    The chapter has been a leader within Kappa Alpha in other ways. Twice Gamma Chi has been honored by being named the recipient of the prestigious Hoover Award, identifying its as the most outstanding chapter in the Order that year. The chapter has also earned 10 Ammen Awards for Chapter Excellence, signifying that in each award year Gamma Chi was among the eight top ranked KA Chapters. Five National Publications Awards have been presented to Gamma Chi to recognize the Chapter's newsletter. Also, 4 Gamma Chi brothers have been initiated at the model initiation at the National Convention or National Leadership Institute. These brothers were initiated before representatives of all the chapters of the Order, alumni, all Province Commanders, National Staff, members of  the Executive Council and the Knight Commander.  This was a great honor for the brothers and for the chapter. The brothers David & Daniel Wagner, Mickey Massey, and the Honorable Larry Combest, member of the Congress of the United States, who was initiated in Washington D.C. in the summer of 1986 as a KA and a member of Gamma Chi.

 Many Gamma Chi alumni have distinguished themselves in business, the professions, and the military. It should also be noted that three alumni of the Chapter are currently in public service: Larry Combest is a member of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, Harvey R. Hildebrand is a member of the House of Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Texas, and Alan Moody is County Attorney for Edwards County, Texas.

          By: Dr. Idris Rhea Traylor, Jr.