Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has found a new home.

The fraternity’s new location is at 837 Greenbrier Road. The Kappa house is the first black fraternity house on Greek Row.

The NIU Kappa Alpha Psi chapter has been in existence since 1968. There are 17 members in the house, the largest count held at 28 members last year.

The fraternity is a social fraternity open to all majors. The national alumni and undergraduate membership is approximately 280,000.

Prospective members go through a pledging process, need at least a 2.5 GPA, and are evaluated personally. Characteristics such as the leadership ability are taken into account.

The president of Kappa Alpha Psi is Nairobi Evans. Evans is an economics major with a business administration minor.

Evans has been a Kappa since the 1992 spring semester. This is the first time Evans has held the position of president and he said he hopes to see an increase of participation on this campus.

“I would like to see more student involvement … an increase of school spirit,” Evans said.

When asked about how it feels to be the only black fraternity on Greek Row, Evans said, “It’s no big deal.”

However, Evans feels the house is an important symbol for the NIU black community. “Being that we are the only black fraternity on Greek Row, we want to feel that this house provides a social outlet for the entire black community.”

He adds further, “The house is open to all people. We don’t discriminate. If you want to come hang out with us, come. We’re pretty fun guys!”

It is evident that Evans is pleased with the progress that he has seen the fraternity make in the past three years. He has seen the house grow from two members in 1990 to 17 members and a house this semester.

“The house is currently in the process of rebuilding. We would like to get involved in more charities, sponsoring speakers, etc., but we can’t spread ourselves too thin … . We can only concentrate on certain things right now.”

Kappa Alpha Psi does make time for philanthropic events such as their “Guide-Right” program and minority tutoring. The Guide-Right program is a program developed to steer kids from low income neighborhoods on the right path. Members talk to the kids and serve as role models.

Evans credits the fraternity for helping him cope with college life and difficult situations he has faced. “It makes life a little easier. They are people I can rely on and get support from,” Evans said.

Mark Chapman, a fellow Kappa Alpha Psi member adds, “There is a strong sense of brotherhood.” Chapman joined Kappa Alpha Psi because of prestigious positions held by many Kappa Alpha Psi alumni.

Evans thanks the black community for past support shown and encourages the continuance of such support.

“I would like to see more student involvement … an increase of school spirit. The house is open to all people. We don’t discriminate. If you want to come hang out with us, come. We’re pretty fun guys!”

Nairobi Evans

Kappa Alpha Psi president