Known as “The Dreamer,” Elder Watson Diggs was the visionary founder of Kappa Alpha Psi. Born in 1883 in Kentucky, he became the fraternity’s first Grand Polemarch and wrote the lyrics to the Kappa Hymn. A decorated World War I officer, educator, and community leader, Diggs was instrumental in shaping Kappa’s foundation — from its Constitution and Coat of Arms to the launch of its national journal. He was the first African American to earn a degree from Indiana University’s School of Education, later receiving his master’s there in 1944. The Elder Watson Diggs Award and Memorial at IU honor his lifelong dedication to achievement and service.

A bold scholar and creative force, Byron K. Armstrong co-founded Kappa Alpha Psi and was known affectionately as “Boomski.” He created the fraternity’s motto and helped design its Coat of Arms and badge. A graduate of Indiana University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan (Ph.D.), Armstrong held faculty and dean positions at institutions across the country and later worked as Personnel Director at Chrysler for over two decades. He established multiple chapters and served as the fraternity’s first Grand Strategus and fifth Grand Historian. The Byron K. Armstrong Scholars Award honors his legacy of academic excellence and achievement.

A quiet yet towering force in philanthropy and preservation, Founder Guy Levis Grant was a World War I veteran, dentist, and lifelong servant of Kappa Alpha Psi. Born in New Albany, Indiana, he earned both an A.B. in chemistry and a D.D.S. from Indiana University, practicing dentistry for over 50 years. Grant helped establish the Beta and Indianapolis Alumni Chapters and served 16 years as Grand Historian, later honored as Grand Historian Emeritus. His dedication to documenting Kappa’s legacy laid the foundation for the Fraternity’s official written history. The Guy Levis Grant Award honors undergraduate members for meritorious service.

Known affectionately as “Blakie,” Founder Marcus P. Blakemore was a quiet yet committed visionary devoted to service, education, and faith. Born in Indiana in 1889, he attended Indiana University and later earned his D.D.S. and M.S. in Prosthetic Dentistry from the University of Pittsburgh—becoming the first Black graduate to do so. A World War I veteran and dedicated church member, Blakemore helped wire the first Black home in Bloomington with electricity and co-funded Kappa’s incorporation. He chartered the Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter and practiced dentistry for 35 years. His legacy reflects integrity, sacrifice, and craftsmanship.

Affectionately known as “Dee,” Founder Ezra D. Alexander was a charismatic leader and lifelong servant to medicine, education, and Kappa Alpha Psi. Born in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1891, he earned both his A.B. and M.D. degrees from Indiana University and served in the Army Medical Corps during World War I. A practicing physician in Indianapolis for nearly 50 years, Alexander also served on the Grand Board of Directors for 22 years and helped establish the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter. He dedicated the official Kappa flag in 1957 and remained deeply committed to the fraternity until his passing in 1971.

A visionary and early idealist, Founder John Milton Lee was known for his scholarly mind, deep loyalty, and relentless drive. Born in 1890 in Danville, Indiana, he studied pre-med at Indiana University and later attended both the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. A decorated World War I artilleryman, Lee was part of the first Black artillery regiment to fire in combat and served as a Sergeant First Class. He was instrumental in founding the Epsilon, Lambda, and Philadelphia Alumni Chapters, and served as Kappa Alpha Nu’s original Secretary. A pioneer in business and civic life in Philadelphia, his ashes rest at the Fraternity’s International Headquarters.

A steadfast advocate for education, equality, and youth empowerment, Founder Henry T. Asher was a scholar, war veteran, and legal mind. Born in 1890 in Owensboro, Kentucky, he earned his B.A. from Indiana University, an M.A. from the University of Minnesota, and later an LL.B. from Detroit College of Law. Asher served in World War I and later worked in education, real estate, and public service in Detroit. One of the fraternity’s first three freshman initiates, he helped build its early legacy in Michigan. His lifelong commitment to civic and fraternity life endures as a testament to humility and achievement.

Founder Edward G. Irvin was a visionary journalist, decorated war hero, and dedicated civic leader. Born in Spencer, Indiana, in 1893, he was the youngest of Kappa Alpha Psi’s 10 founding members and served on its Incorporation Committee. Irvin was a World War I combat medic awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and later received two Distinguished Service Awards from Presidents Truman and Eisenhower. His career spanned journalism, business ownership, and community organizing. A long-time member of the Chicago Alumni Chapter, Irvin was honored with the 24th Laurel Wreath. The Edward Giles Irvin Award is named in his honor, recognizing top undergraduate chapters.

A founding member of Kappa Alpha Nu, George W. Edmonds was known for his wit and quiet mystery. Born in 1890 in Knight Township, Indiana, he became one of the fraternity’s first initiates and served as its original Corresponding Secretary. After leaving Indiana University in 1911, Edmonds spent his life working in coal mines and on railroads, serving as a union leader in his community. Lost to the fraternity for decades due to record discrepancies, his burial site was rediscovered in 1978. Though his time with Kappa was brief, his legacy as one of the Ten Founders remains honored and intact.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and warm demeanor, Founder Paul W. Caine was a skilled chef, caterer, and trailblazer in business. Born in Greencastle, Indiana in 1890, he studied business at Indiana University and played a key role in feeding and supporting his fellow Founders. Though he withdrew from school after a fire, Caine went on to open catering companies, restaurants, and even published a culinary book, Artistic Dishes. He helped establish several early undergraduate chapters and organized the Chicago Alumni Chapter’s “Kappa Kastle.” Caine’s legacy lives on through his service, innovation, and dedication to Kappa Alpha Psi.