01/19/2019
Each year the active and alumni brothers of the Kappa Alpha Order assemble in Convivium, a traditional feast and evening of brotherhood and celebration. The first Convivium was founded by Samuel Zenas Ammen in 1868 to celebrate the founding and the great success of KA after the new structure and ritual provided for the perpetuity and growth of the Order. We are gathered here this evening to honor those great men who, more than a century and a half ago, in 1865 founded our Order at Washington College, now Washington and Lee University. These men inspired and created the richness of our ritual, the philosophy, values and ideals that make us brothers, and which provide a compass to guide us through a life well lived.
Brothers, please rise. Let us raise our glasses of pure water and toast our Founders: James Ward Wood, Stanhope McCelland Scott, William Nelson Scott and William Archibald Walsh. Samuel Zenas Ammen, author of our matchless ritual, selector of our symbols, and architect of the structure of Kappa Alpha Order. And, Robert Edward Lee, an incomparable gentleman, innovative educator, leader of men, and great American, who, during his Presidency of Washington College during our founding awed and inspired all of his students to greater character and achievement.
Brothers, will you please rise.
Brothers, lift your glasses high in toast to these gentlemen and mentors, creators of our Kappa Alpha Order. TO OUR FOUNDERS.
EVERYONE TOGETHER – “TO OUR FOUNDERS”
Convivium Toast,
Authored by Former Knight Commander Dr. Idris R. Traylor Jr. (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech '70)
