The History of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity

Our Modern History and Beginnings Revisited

The history of Kappa Psi from 1993 to 2011 was collected and carefully edited in this latest edition of our history. The material for this latest edition was first collected and edited by then Grand Historian, Dr. Kali Weaver, and presented to the brothers on a CD at the 54th Grand Council Convention in Clearwater Beach, Florida. In 2009, the editing was taken over by Grand Historian, Mr. Michael Cournoyer. This edition was then printed before the 55th Grand Council Convention in San Francisco and was available for purchase there by the brothers. In 2015 the electronic edition was made available.

“I am honored to share a few thoughts with you about the changes and growth I have seen in the Fraternity since the publication of The History of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity in 1992. Our history is in continual progress. The initial contributors are no longer living. The outcome is always “under construction” and as Grand Historian Emeritus I truly understand and appreciate the contributions of our current scribes and contributors.

There is a mystique about Kappa Psi as it has transcended from Society Kappa Psi to Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. There is a sense of pride and reverence as we trace the steps of our forebears from the prep schools of New England to the pharmacy schools and colleges of today. I will restrict my words to the period from 1992-2011.

Did you know that our beloved fraternity has chartered 25 collegiate chapters and 15 graduate chapters since 1992? This growth in chapters is unprecedented since the era following the conclusion of World War II when members of the military were returning home and enrolling in record numbers in colleges of pharmacy. Over the past 20 years the number of pharmacy schools has increased from approximately 80 to 125 to increase the supply of pharmacists.The leadership of our fraternity has aggressively taken advantage of this opportunity. This increase in chapters and members is phenomenal.

In 1993 Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Foundation was officially incorporated. Beginning in 1995, contributions have provided scholarships on an annual basis. Approximately 100 deserving brothers have taken advantage of this opportunity and are receiving financial support that did not exist prior to 1992. (We did have a loan program for several years.)

Over the past two decades we have witnessed the Centennial edition of our fraternal publication, The Mask, and several of our collegiate chapters have now celebrated their 100th anniversary. The Central Office has moved from Oklahoma City to Weatherford, Oklahoma to Richardson, Texas. We continue our tradition of exhibiting and hosting a reception at the annual meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association.

On a somber note many of our brothers including six Past Grand Regents have gone on to the Grand Agora. Fond memories of the times we spent together prevail.

I’ll close with a quote from one of my mentors, Brother Glen Sperandio. “Those who make history seldom take the time to properly record it; and all too often the value of historical data is not fully appreciated even by those who write it”. Read and enjoy.

Dewey D. Garner
Grand Historian Emeritus”