alpha upsilon continues to lead on campus...by: jackson maddox '16 alpha upsilon welcomes 85...

THE HOUSE ON THE HILLT H E N E W S L E T T E R F O R A L P H A U P S I L O N C H A P T E R O F K A P PA A L P H A O R D E R AT O L E M I S S - W I N T E R 2 017

Alpha Upsilon Continues to Lead on Campus By: Jackson Maddox '16

Since its inception in 1865, Kappa Alpha Order has strived to produce men of excellence. This year we are proud to announce Alpha Upsilon Chapter holds multiple leadership positions at Ole Miss, setting a precedent for the leadership our chapter has become known for in its 116 years of involvement at the university. Saxon Nelson '14, Wade Meena '14, Grayson Giles '14 and Miller Richmond '14 continue Alpha Upsilon's legacy in 2016-2017.

Saxon Nelson, outgoing chapter president, holds two of the five leadership positions held by members of Alpha Upsilon. When asked about his motivation, Saxon had this to say,

"Undoubtedly, my leadership roles on campus would not be possible without the support of KA. While I have always been drawn to campus involvement, without the encouragement of my brothers, I would lack the confidence to pursue these positions."

Wade Meena, former recruitment chairman, is now president of the Business School. When asked about his experiences at KA and on campus, Wade explained, "As a rush chairman last year, I gained the confidence to navigate social situations which led me to run for president of the Business School. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to lead the Business School, as well as represent Alpha Upsilon Chapter. None of this would be possible without the support of my great brothers at KA."

In November, Alpha Upsilon donated $20,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The MDA, Kappa Alpha Order's National philanthropy, fights to free individuals - and the families that love them - from the harmful effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases so they can live longer and grow stronger.

(L to R): Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, Hon. James D. "Jimmy" Maxwell, II '94 (inductee), Art Spratlin, Jr. '85 (President, Alpha Upsilon Chapter House Corporation) and David Krouse '85 at the Irwin Province Court of Honor ceremony held October 6, 2016, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Saxon Nelson '14Senior Class President

Grayson Giles '14ASB Treasurer

Wade Meena '14Business School President

Miller Richmond '14ASB Cabinet Chief of StaffASB Legislative Counsel Chief of Staff

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Presentation of Largest Chapter Donation to MDA 2016 Court of Honor Ceremony

A Letter from the Outgoing Number I

A Letter from the Incoming Number I

THE HOUSE ON THE HILL W I N T E R 2 0 17

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It has been my honor to serve as Number I of Alpha Upsilon this past year. During my tenure, we prospered as a chapter. We hosted the most sought-after social events on campus while keeping academics and philanthropy our main priority. We raised substantial amounts of money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well as the Kelly Kelly Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship. Once again, we achieved a chapter GPA above 3.0, ranking among the highest of all IFC chapters. We continued our legacy of campus involvement with numerous positions held by Alpha Upsilon members including Mr. Ole Miss, 2017 Class President, Business School President, ASB Treasurer, ASB Senators, ASB Executive Assistant and many more.

I am greatly appreciative for this rare opportunity. I learned so much and grew through my service to the chapter. I am especially thankful for my Executive Committee and the numerous active members and alumni who were so supportive throughout the past year. Without you, we would not have experienced our many successes.

As always, Dieu et les Dames.

Fraternally, Saxon F. Nelson '14

I am extremely thankful to have been elected Number I of the best chapter at the University of Mississippi. This year, the men of Alpha Upsilon will strive to achieve nothing less than complete success. Shortly after being elected, I spoke with the chapter regarding my vision. I told them, "It is one thing to be the best in everything we do for one year and it is another thing to be the best in everything we do for four years. It is a much larger accomplishment, however, to be the best in everything we do for one, two, three, or maybe four consecutive decades."

The only way to accomplish sustained success is to reproduce incredible leaders year after year. We will begin our track to sustainability this year by creating a renowned active alumni group.

My executive committee and I will work to create a standard to follow; I want the future leaders of Alpha Upsilon to have systems in place they can take over and improve, rather than recreate.

I hope every aspect of our chapter, including alumni, parents and active members, will enthusiastically receive our vision. I am thrilled to see what the future holds for Alpha Upsilon, and can assure you I will personally do everything in my power to make our chapter successful.

Fraternally, Hayden Poer '15

Saxon Nelson '14

Hayden Poer '15

Outgoing Chapter Officers 2015-2016

Number ISaxon Nelson '14

Gulfport, [email protected]

Number IIPayne Horan '14

Grenada, [email protected]

Number IIIMatt Earwood '14

Belden, [email protected]

Number IVWilliam Mayo '14

Oxford, [email protected]

Number VJeffrey Holt '14

Biloxi, [email protected]

Number VIWalker Robertson '14

Madison, [email protected]

Number VIIKyle Thigpen '15

Jackson, [email protected]

Number VIIIBreland Parker '15


Number IXChandler Telfer '15

Brentwood, [email protected]

Incoming Chapter Officers 2016-2017

Number IHayden Poer '15


Number IIJordan Coopwood '15

Cleveland, [email protected]

Number IIIWilliam Peaster '15

Yazoo City, [email protected]

Number IVJohn Austin Jones '15

Vicksburg, [email protected]

Number VBrooks Krouse '15

Oxford, [email protected]

Number VIGrant Thames '15


Number VIIChandler Telfer '15

Brentwood, [email protected]

Number VIIIBreland Parker '15

Madison, MS [email protected]

Number IXAnderson Smith '15Mountain Brook, AL

[email protected]

Communication support and assistance provided by OmegaFi.(800) 276-6342 | omegafi.com


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Formal Recruitment 2016 ... A Success! By: Jackson Maddox '16

Alpha Upsilon Welcomes 85 New Brothers!

This year's formal recruitment was led by rush chair, Blake Maum '15, and the rush team consisting of John Austin Jones '15, Matthew Mazzanti '15, Robert Mounger '15, Charles Silva '15 and Jamison Wilbanks '15.

According to Brother Mounger, "This year's rush team was dedicated to preserving the standard of excellence Alpha Upsilon has upheld for so many years by building a quality pledge class of outstanding young men. We achieved this goal by hosting parties, having meals at the house and bringing Potential New Members to various events on campus, including RUF (Reformed University Fellowship), tailgates in the Grove and sporting events."

John Austin Jones '15Blake Maum '15

Charles Silva '15Robert Mounger '15

Matthew Mazzanti '15

Jamison Wilbanks '15

Harriman AbernathyOxford, MS

Jones AlbrittonKnoxville, TN

Tyler AndersonNew Orleans, LA

Reed AtkinsBirmingham, AL

Mayson AtkinsonTampa Bay, FL

Blake AullTampa Bay, FL

Will BeasleyNashville, TN

Patrick BeeneMonroe, LA

Jackson BentonHattiesburg, MS

Mason BlackwellMontgomery, AL

Will BoatrightNashville, TN

Crayton BowieOxford, MS

Collin BriggsCoppell, TX

Ridge BrohaughMadison, MS

Andrew BrownTyler, TX

Joshua BrownVicksburg, MS

Parker BryanNashville, TN

Ethan BuroffEl Dorado, AR

Price ButcherNew Orleans, LA

Henry CountissMeridian, MS

Robert CrislerJackson, MS

Wes CrockettMadison, MS

Michael DeauvilleSan Jose, CA

Ty DeemerMontgomery, AL

Griffin DraughnMadison, MS

Bryce EcholsMemphis, TN

Will FarishLexington, KY

Will FordJackson, MS

Creed FranklinJackson, MS

Russell GammonMadison, MS

Gage GilesMadison, MS

Greg GwinnPocatello, ID

Peyton HarrisonJackson, MS

Brennan HillMadison, MS

Harrison HoganTampa Bay, FL

JC HughesMadison, MS

Henry JeffriesArgyle, TX

Will JordanSearcy, AR

Keaton KennedyRidgeland, MS

Coleman KillorinColumbus, MS

Dennis KingBatesville, MS

Ben-Moss LauderdaleRaymond, MS

Sam LawBirmingham, AL

Joey LewingMadison, MS

Branden LivingstonMadison, MS

Blake LoCiceroMadisonville, LA

Tyler MangoldHazlehurst, MS

Lee MeenaJackson, MS

Chase MiddletonClarksdale, MS

Jay MobleyWaynesboro, GA

Gus MorganOxford, MS

Griffin NealShreveport, LA

Win NelsonHattiesburg, MS

Sim PatrickMacon, GA

JJ PowersTampa Bay, FL

JC PrideJackson, MS

Stuart RiserLittle Rock, AR

Sam RotenburgBaton Rouge, LA

Taylor RotoloBaton Rouge, LA

Braxton RuderMemphis, TN

JP SealyShreveport, LA

Wilson ShanahanMontgomery, AL

Ethan ShellhaasAlbany, GA

Reid SimmonsRuston, LA

Hunter SmithMemphis, TN

Stuart SmithMadison, MS

Gino SorrissoEnterprise, AL

Reynolds SpencerNashville, TN

Taylor StoryMemphis, TN

Fallon SullivanFuquay-Varina, NC

Cole SwayzeJackson, MS

Richard SwiftColumbus, GA

Boltin TeeterAlpharetta, GA

Walker ThomasMcDonough, GA

James TravisValdosta, GA

Diggs TruittNashville, TN

Hunter TubbsTampa Bay, FL

Jack TurnerOxford, MS

Trace WaltersHattiesburg, MS

Ward WalthalMemphis, TN

Garrett WardelTampa Bay, FL

Adam WeekleyTampa Bay, FL

Richard WillsFlorence, KY

Carter WindhamShreveport, LA

Job WoodruffFayetteville, AR


Last October, Hurricane Matthew destroyed several communities along the east coast. The men of Kappa Alpha Order, Alpha Upsilon Chapter, helped Hurricane Matthew victims in Lumberton, North Carolina, by donating 288 backpacks filled with various school supplies. Brother John Grantham '14, a Lumberton native and senior at Ole Miss, led the effort.

Grantham quickly realized the severity of the devastation that struck his hometown. He felt compelled to assist the hurting community and sought help from his fraternity brothers. Alpha Upsilon was able to provide school supplies for every student at West Lumberton Elementary School. "Being able to make such a positive impact on so many kids' lives in such a terrible disaster speaks volumes of the character of guys we have here at KA,"

Grantham said. "None of this would have been possible without the overwhelming amount of help and support I received from my fraternity brothers in organizing this backpack drive."

Thanks to a generous donation from Kirk Brothers Automotive in Greenwood and the KA Philanthropy Fund, the chapter was able to raise enough money overnight to purchase the backpacks. After placing the order for the backpacks, the chapter started a Tilt campaign to raise money for the school supplies. The campaign, which was shared with fellow Ole Miss students via social media, successfully raised $1,400 in one week.

West Lumberton Elementary School was hit hardest by the hurricane and became KA's primary focus. After backpacks were

distributed at West Lumberton, more than 100 more backpacks were distributed to other schools in the Lumberton area. "It is refreshing to see so many guys who are so eager to assist in circumstances like this," said Saxon Nelson '14, KA Chapter President. "Places and disasters can seem so far away and unrelated to Oxford, but when a brother is affected, it strikes a chord."

Big Bad Breakfast…Pit Master…Lamar Lounge…Taylor Grocery…The Coup De Ville…The Kappa Alpha Order. You may be wondering what all of these Oxford destinations have in common. If so, the answer is one fine man, Mr. Rusty.

Born and raised in Oxford, Mississippi, Mr. Rusty, his wife and fifteen year old daughter still reside in the town where he continues to add to his legacy and create new memories with his family. From becoming a chef, to opening restaurants, to now cooking at the KA house and mentoring the men of Alpha Upsilon, Mr. Rusty has had quite the life.

Mr. Rusty just wrapped up his first semester at the KA house, creating a name for himself and becoming a mentor to the brothers of The Order. When asked what he likes most about working at the KA house, Mr. Rusty said, "I really love all of the guys who come through this fraternity - I appreciate that they appreciate me."

The Order at Ole Miss sure is lucky to have such a good man working in the kitchen preparing meals and being a friend to all of the guys. In the one semester he has been at the house, he has already made a profound impact and everyone is glad to have him around. The KA house is a better place because of him, and it is blessed to have him on staff.

Alpha Upsilon Assists Victims of Hurricane Matthew By: Brooks Krouse '15

Get to Know Mr. Rusty, KA Chef By: Michael Deauville '16


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Carly Volz, a member of Kappa Delta sorority from Houston Texas, was given the title of Kappa Alpha Rose at this year's Rose Ball.

"Being announced as the KA Rose," Carly said, "will always be a special memory for me from my college experience. I cherish each friendship I have within the fraternity and appreciate the gentlemen of Kappa Alpha Order naming me their Rose. It is a huge honor."

2016 Kappa Alpha Rose By: Jackson Maddox '16

Carly Volz, 2016 KA Rose

Cole Putman: Mr. Ole Miss By: Mack Hubbell '16

THE HOUSE ON THE HILL

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This past September, hundreds of students gathered outside the Lyceum eagerly anticipating the results of Homecoming elections. As they were announced, one by one, the crowd would cheer and celebrate. However, everyone was waiting for the "big one" - this year's Mr. Ole Miss. And none more anxiously than one of our own, Cole Putman '14. He stood, arms locked with the members of his campaign team, patiently waiting - and then it came:

"Last, but certainly not least, for Mr. Ole Miss, with 57% of the votes: Cole Putman."

Cole is one of the most involved, well-known and loved members of this fraternity and the Ole Miss family. Cole is a social work major from Brandon, Mississippi, an Orientation Leader and Coordinator, the co-founder of Ole Missions, and served as Philanthropy Chair for Kappa Alpha his sophomore year. He is also the ASB Director of Freshman Council and First-Year Experience, is active in Reformed University Fellowship and gave a beautiful rendition of "Part of Your World" at last year's Ole Miss Idol auditions.

And now, officially, he is Mr. Ole Miss.

Cole described his campaign as one that looked very different from the Mr. Ole Miss campaigns in the past. "We ran this campaign not on the usual platform of what I have done at Ole Miss or that I deserved it," Putman said. "We ran it on the idea of 'Forward Rebels'

- That we could turn this personality election into something that could truly move the student body forward. We ran it off the idea that it was not really about me, and people bought in. 57% percent of them did."

Cole also conveyed his true motives in deciding to run for Mr. Ole Miss. "I ran for Mr. Ole Miss because of my love for the University of Mississippi and a desire to see a culture of kindness and inclusivity promoted on it."

When asked about his main goal during his time at Ole Miss, Cole simply responded, "I want to make others feel at home here, and I want to see them succeed in a place where they feel at home."

Cole also wanted to vocalize how much he appreciated his KA brothers throughout the entire campaign. He believes "brotherhood looks a lot like helping in small, tangible ways" and said he "felt KA's support like that - in small ways that made a big difference." He described one occasion that especially stuck out to him: "I remember it was midnight, and I hadn't gotten my sign moved yet. It had to be moved to the Union by the morning, and I had no truck to get it there. All it took was me asking one brother, just one, for help and it was moved in an instant."

Cole Putman - a man of God, a man of his community and a man of the Order.

Congratulations Cole, we are so proud of you!

New rush chairs include Reid Watson '15, Pat Williams '15, Anderson Helton '15, George Hart '15, Drew Philips '15 and Jonathan Ellis '15. They can be reached at [email protected].

Cole Putman '14

Recruitment 2017Save the Date Parents and Alumni WeekendMake plans now to join Alpha Upsilon Chapter on April 21 - 22, 2017!

FRIDAY, APRIL 21Parents and Alumni Event at The Chancellors House Hotel Roof Top 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22Mothers Club Meeting at the KA House 10:00 a.m.

Open House at the KA House 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Parent and Alumni Tailgate behind left field 2:00 p.m.

Ole Miss Baseball Game vs. Missouri 4:00 p.m.

This weekend will be a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet other parents and visit with the current brothers of KA at Ole Miss while cheering on the Rebel baseball team.

Visit kaolemiss.com for more information.

Questions? Please contact [email protected]

1990s KA alumni gather before the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Georgia Southern Eagles on November 5, 2016.

Number I, Saxon Nelson '14, with his family and his 'other mom' Housemother Connie Bohlke at the 2016 Parents & Alumni Reception. (L to R): Steve, Sophie, Belinda and Savanna Nelson, Connie Bohlke and Saxon Nelson

Do you know of special distinctions, honors, etc.? Contact Brooks Krouse '15 at [email protected] for recognition of yourself or a fellow KA in the next newsletter.

Alumni in the News


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PO Box 2187Columbus, GA 31902-2187

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alpha upsilon continues to lead on campus...by: jackson maddox '16 alpha upsilon welcomes 85...

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