Your proverbial knight in shining armor may not be arriving on his trusty white steed these days, but some men on campus are trying to prove that chivalry is far from dead.
The members of the Kappa Alpha Order, Gamma Gamma chapter, at The University of Memphis devote much of their time and energy to serving as gentlemen to the women on campus. You can find them every Monday night at both entrances to the Pan Hellenic building, opening doors for the sisters attending their weekly sorority meetings.
“We do it to show the ladies here on campus that we respect them and that we truly care,” said Brandon Brasfield, vice president of Kappa Alpha.
The national motto of Kappa Alpha is “Dieu et les dames,” or “For God and Women,” according to Chapter President Kyle Eaton.
“We try to live by this and opening doors on Monday nights is just a small example,” Eaton said.
“Kappa Alpha Order seeks to create a lifetime experience that centers on reverence to God, duty, honor, character and gentlemanly conduct,” as inspired by their spiritual founder, according to the national mission statement, and this behavior is reflected daily in the lives of Kappa Alpha’s on campus, members said.
The gentlemen have not missed a single Monday of opening doors from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and it is a tradition they intend to continue.
“We make sure that this is a priority and the ladies come first,” said Kappa Alpha member Brian Hunt. “It is important, it even comes before intramurals — we will miss a game to help these ladies.”
Member Thomas Stevens agreed. “It is a big part of being a KA.”
Without a doubt, they get a lot of interesting reactions from passersby. From confusion, to utmost gratitude, the women definitely notice.
“They really practice what they believe in and live by what they stand for,” said Jennifer Miller, a longtime friend of many of the brothers and member of Sigma Kappa.
“You really get spoiled by these guys,” added sophomore and sorority member Elizabeth Worsham. “They are perfect gentlemen and great friends.”
Sorority member Mandy Donnell was first impressed with the Kappa Alphas when her sorority participated with them during Homecoming 2002.
“They are true gentlemen and are always there when you need them,” Donnell said. “At first you feel overwhelmed when you walk in a room and they all stand up, but after awhile it makes you feel special.”
