Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Members of the Gamma Epsilon Alumni Association (GEAA), representative of alumni of Tuskegee’s Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. as well as Kappa brothers from other chapters who also graduated from Tuskegee, celebrated the university’s 2026 Homecoming by announcing $1,001,911 in support of the GEAA Tuskegee University Endowment.
“We are deeply grateful for this transformational financial support from alumni who are truly committed to Mother Tuskegee and to ensuring students have the support, mentorship and freedom from financial burden to move successfully forward into the world,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, Tuskegee University President and CEO.
The Gamma Epsilon Alumni Association is a global network of more than 700 members committed to supporting Tuskegee University and advancing the legacy of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, known as the Lighthouse Chapter.
GEAA leaders are excited about how the endowment will pay dividends for many generations to come but they also remain focused on what young Black men seeking a college education need most urgently right now.
In addition to its endowment-building efforts, GEAA has contributed more than $60,000 in student scholarships and helped clear outstanding financial balances for multiple Tuskegee students.
“GEAA is committed to doing our part to help young Black men get to college, remain in college, and successfully graduate,” said Christopher Williams, GEAA president. “We recognize the challenges and barriers that young Black men face. One of the most powerful ways we can help change narratives, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for future generations is through education.”
GEAA is also hands-on through an ongoing mentorship, pairing undergraduate members with alumni mentors based on their career interests, professional aspirations, and individual development needs. The relationships provide mentees with support on topics related to academics, stress management, career decisions, and life beyond college.
“We create a safe and supportive environment where our young men have someone they can turn to for guidance, encouragement, and the benefit of shared experiences,” Williams said.
In addition, GEAA conducts virtual and in-person workshops designed to equip students with real-world skillsets include resume development, interviewing techniques, networking and financial planning – advancing the key pillars of Tuskegee’s student success model which is squarely centered in preparing students to being candidates of choice for employers in an increasingly competitive and complex global economy.
A Collective Investment in Tuskegee’s Future
The milestone also demonstrates the power of organized alumni giving and the meaningful role alumni associations and fraternity networks can play in strengthening HBCUs.
Sam Sealy ’80, GEAA Endowment Chair, pointed out that Booker T. Washington’s mission for the institution was firmly rooted in the same idea, that self-determination and the commitment of the Tuskegee community must be the university’s sustaining force.
“This became my mission after seeing the billionaire and philanthropist, Robert Smith, take care of student loan debt for a Morehouse graduating class,” he said. “My response became, ‘“Why do we have to wait for a billionaire?’ This was not easy but I believe we can do great things through community.”
The association plans to continue engaging alumni, fraternity members, and friends of Tuskegee University in philanthropic initiatives that expand the endowment, support scholarships, and strengthen educational opportunities.
“Our organization is most excited about what the endowment will make possible in the years
ahead—10, 20, and 50 years from now. We believe the endowment will likely double, triple, and grow in value, creating opportunities for students for generations to come,” said Greg Kight ‘84.
Importance of a College Experience
“Beyond the degree itself, the college experience exposes young men to new perspectives, relationships, challenges, and opportunities that help shape them into men of character, perseverance, and achievement,” said Williams.
This idea is also reflected in Tuskegee’s Renaissance Era mindset.
“GEAA’s focus on supporting the full human development of these young men is critical,” said Dr. Brown.
“Yes, we are training our students to be technically excellent in any discipline they choose but the greater goal of a Tuskegee education is that it will create highly-skilled graduates who are also well-rounded critical thinkers and good citizens. Tuskegee graduates are people who are seeking a life of purpose where they will use their gifts to enrich not just themselves but the communities around them.”
GEAA leaders agree that a college education strengthens the fabric of communities.
“When more Black men pursue and complete college, it supports the future of families. College completion contributes to more financially stable families, and it helps build stronger communities and a stronger country,” Kight said.
Living Proof
“I am living proof of what happens when someone invests in another person’s future, and I believe we have a responsibility to create those same opportunities for the generations coming behind us,” said Patrick Davis ’03.
He arrived on Tuskegee’s campus without the financial resources to fully cover his tuition, and room and board, but people rallied to identify scholarship opportunities to keep him moving forward.
“What made the greatest difference in my ability to persevere and graduate from Tuskegee University, it comes down to one simple but powerful thing: people who believed in me,” he said.
For Henry W. Davis, III, who earned Tuskegee degrees in 1981 and 1983, this million-dollar milestone is also a testament to those who came before, especially the perseverance of the student leaders who founded Kappa Alpha Psi on the campus of Indiana University in 1911 under extreme resistance and threats of violence fueled by racism.
“These were God-fearing, serious minded young men who possessed the imagination, ambition, courage, and determination to defy custom in pursuit of a college education and careers,” said Davis, noting that these attributes remain central to the fraternity’s identity today.
One of twelve children, Davis was the first in his family to graduate from a four-year college. He earned scholarships to attend Auburn University and the University of Alabama, but he chose Tuskegee instead.
He credits his membership in the Tuskegee Gamma Epsilon Chapter as part of what developed him to be elected Vice President of the Student Government Association and selected by then President Luther Foster as the student representative to the Board of Trustees, an esteemed leadership council he now serves on himself, elected in 2017.
“We all have been blessed and nurtured by Mother Tuskegee,” he said. “It energizes you beyond the highest of heights to truly know where we come from. It is an honor and privilege to have this enormous opportunity to give back.”
© 2026 Tuskegee University
