Different Connections, Common Values: A Kappa Alpha Order Tradition

Submitted by Ed Pappas ’66

For over thirty years, a group of Bethany College fraternity brothers from Kappa Alpha Order (1965-1967) have journeyed many miles for semi-annual reunions where they share life experiences and renew fraternity bonds.

They travel by car and plane from distant places in N.Y., N.J., Pa., Ill., Ohio, W.Va., Tenn., N.C., S.C., and Texas.

Weekend-long reunions are thoughtfully planned twice a year in areas like Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Williamsburg, Va.; Bethany, W.Va.; Baltimore, Md.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Clemmons, N.C.; Charleston, S.C., and San Antonio, Texas.

The semi-annual reunions often revolve around local area tours, area festivities, antique shopping, and sharing good food and beverage. Evenings are filled with laughter, song, and a “tipping of the glass” to absent brothers.

All relish in telling of their college days and misadventures while pouring through the yearbooks…reminiscing to the tunes of the ‘60s.

Often, they are accompanied by spouses who politely laugh and sigh during the required retelling of college stories that grow larger with each gathering. Cameras click endlessly, capturing every significant moment so that memories may be shared into the distant future.

Brothers are now mostly retired from working careers that involved large and small corporations, entrepreneurships, banking, investments, and radio and television. Most are still engaged in service to non-profits and other forms of voluntary civic engagement.

Stories and pictures of children and grandchildren are heartedly shared and received. All are emblazoned by the telling of their children’s accomplishments, each holding promise for a bright future.

Group and one-on-one discussions are a constant during the weekend, involving family, health, career, and events of the day. Some are accompanied by expressions of laughter, bewilderment, irritation, and sadness. All are accompanied by mutual respect, admiration, and comfort.

The toughest moment of each reunion is in the leaving to head back home. Hugs are given all around while the promise of yet another reunion is highly anticipated.

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of “Bethany Today Magazine.” Explore the full issue for more stories that celebrate the Bethany community.