Kappa Kappa Psi - Alpha Chapter

Oklahoma State University

Serving the OSU Bands and Striving for the Highest Since 1919

History Snippets

Snippet #3 - "What We Can Expect" by Harry Kugel, taken from the May 1924 issue of The Baton.

Steve Nelson:  "One of the things that I've found while reading the early Batons is that they seemed to need a lot of "filler" to round out the publication.  This is understandable when you think how few chapters there were.  You'll see quite a few quotes from literature on music and what it means.  Jokes and other humorous articles were often also included.  In addition, there are a number of articles like this one, prophesying on the future of KKPsi and exhorting the membership the endure the sacrifices of a small, unwieldy organization."
 

WHAT WE CAN EXPECT (BATON, Vol. 4, No. 1, May 1924)

    We are accustomed to thinking that the development of things worthwhile come about only gradually.  A condition which suddenly springs into being as a toadstool, has a life as brief and a value as durable.  It is not this brief satisfaction that we are seeking.  We have a greater and ultimate view in mind, and we are willing to make our present sacrifices on the strength of our faith and conviction in later success.

    This attitude we hold of our fraternity.  We know that it is still young and therefore requires greater attention along certain  lines.  The operative machinery is new and certainly not yet complete, and as we analyze its four years of existence we are quite forcibly convinced that the progress has been rapid enough.  The development we feel, is of a sound and permanent nature.  We feel it to be such not wholly because of its steady progress but because of he motives inspiring its creation and the principles upon which it was founded.  A true fraternity must have the principle of service imbedded in its system - service that exists not for the sake of formality but service that comes from its members because they are impelled and inspired to act in such a way; and service that extends beyond the fraternity wall.  Why should a fraternity confine itself to its own circle?  Or why be elated over its something that others do not possess?  Our true mettle will be apparent not by what we say especially, but by what we do.  While a fraternity has definite objects within its own circle, it too owes a duty to those about it.  Its name is suggestive of its nature, and while it is intended primarily for those within, it does not necessarily exclude those without.  The true fraternity endeavors to co-operate, to recognize and esteem the principles of other organizations as well as its own, and to extend a helping hand rather than altogether ostracize itself from the less fortunate.

    This has been the aim of Kappa Kappa Psi.  As it is still young it is handicapped, and that is only to be expected.  The members consider that as a necessary beginning, and they have the utmost faith in its success.  A great captain in the automobile industry was asked what one dominant factor made for his great success and he replied, "Faith."  Faith in spite of all the difficulties and discouragements was his faith, and it had a wonderful meaning.  Faith thus far has made for the success of our fraternity, and faith will continue to make it progressive.  We must not feel depressed nor must we be overconfident, but take what we have with an excellent optimism for the future and say that the field is open and that we are going to make the best of it, and as we put in so may we be able to take out in the way of enjoyment and satisfaction.

HARRY KUGEL, Alpha Chapter