Rho Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Alumni Association creates scholarship endowment for APSU students
By: Emily Evans October 17, 2024
Members of the Rho Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Alumni Association present a scholarship check to APSU during the Homecoming 2023 football game. The gift was recently converted into an endowment for APSU students.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Rho Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Alumni Association recently made a generous donation to convert the Rho Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Scholarship to an endowment for Austin Peay State University students.
"The greatest legacy to leave behind is one of helping others, and we thank the brothers of the Rho Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Alumni Association for making that their legacy," APSU Vice President for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy Kris Phillips said.
To qualify for this scholarship, students must be sophomores with a 2.75 GPA in any major. Recipients must also show cultural diversity and be a member of an underserved population, with preference given to African American students.
“This scholarship embodies the fraternity's mission to empower students to achieve academic success and become leaders in their communities, whether it's work, school, church, or home,” said Omega Psi Phi alumni LaVar Jamison. “We are thrilled to support the academic endeavors of Austin Peay State University students."
Jamison added that the scholarship further emphasizes the fraternity’s commitment to education and connection to Austin Peay.
“It is our aim to always uphold our second Cardinal Principle of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., which is scholarship,” he said. “APSU has given so much to so many and helped us develop lives that would not have been possible without the friendships and education we received while enrolled at Austin Peay. Because of this we wanted to leave a legacy that ensured the next generation had the ability to enjoy the same enriching experience as we did at the Peay.”
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on Nov. 17, 1911, at Howard University by three undergraduate students and their faculty advisor. It is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college. The Cardinal Principles of Omega Psi Phi are Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. The fraternity's motto is "Friendship is Essential to the Soul." The alumni brothers of the Rho Kappa Chapter established this endowment as an educational opportunity for African American students with financial need and to uphold the fraternity's second Cardinal Principle of Scholarship. It is their hope that their alma mater may continue to prepare the next generation of leaders to leave a legacy of being a Bridge Builder.
Endowments are permanently restricted funds managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The amount of each scholarship award may vary and will be determined based upon the value of the endowment and the Foundation spending plan.
To establish an endowment or support other fundraising initiatives, contact APSU Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy at 931-221-7127 or give@apsu.edu.