History of The Stamford (CT) Alumni Chapter

The esteemed charter members were:

Dr. Edward Allen, Joseph Arnette, Jr., George Evans, Dr. Romele Howard, Jerome Lee, Dr. Roy Lee, Dr. Dennie Simons, Thomas Smith, Ed Strayhorne, and Dr. Leroy Vaughn.

These founding brothers also established the chapter’s inaugural leadership structure:

• Polemarch: Ed Strayhorne
• Vice Polemarch: Dr. Dennie Simons
• Keeper of Records & Exchequer: Joseph Arnette, Jr.
• Strategus: Jerome Lee

In its formative years, chapter gatherings were hosted in members’ homes, fostering a close-knit bond that laid the foundation for its enduring fraternal culture. With growth, the chapter transitioned its central activities to the historic Yearwood Community Center in Stamford. During this period, the Silhouettes played an invaluable role—serving as ambassadors, extending hospitality, and supporting social and civic initiatives that enriched the chapter’s outreach.

Today, the chapter’s membership continues to reflect a distinguished cross-section of professional excellence, encompassing leaders in medicine, law, education, corporate enterprise, public service, and entrepreneurship.

Educational Leadership and Community Impact

From its inception, the Stamford Alumni Chapter has been steadfast in its dedication to empowering youth and addressing the evolving needs of the broader community. Guided by the Fraternity’s enduring commitment to “achievement in every field of human endeavor,” the chapter has delivered a portfolio of impactful programs, including:

• Academic Excellence and College Access: Implementing robust college readiness initiatives, including SAT preparation workshops and specialized academic enrichment programs.
• Comprehensive Youth Development: Facilitating holistic youth development through dedicated mentorship, leadership training, and critical character-building activities.
• Sustained Community Philanthropy: Executing annual charitable endeavors, such as the distribution of Thanksgiving food baskets and organizing winter holiday toy drives.
• Scholarship Investment: Demonstrating significant philanthropic commitment by awarding over $250,000 in college scholarships to deserving students.

Throughout the decades, the chapter has forged meaningful partnerships with local institutions—among them Yale New Haven Hospital, Bridgeport Public Schools, New England Donor Services, BOYS, Inc., area faith institutions and the Yearwood Center—to expand programmatic reach and maximize community benefit.

A hallmark of the chapter’s service is its dynamic Guide Right and Kappa League Program, administered through a collaborative partnership with the Stamford Alumni Diamond Foundation, a 501(c)(3) philanthropic entity. Together, these bodies have cultivated pathways of support, leadership, and academic enrichment for young men across Fairfield County.

Historically, the chapter played a vital coordinating role in the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Afternoon of Jazz beginning in 1978, contributing volunteer leadership to a signature event that provided scholarships for high-achieving students of color nationwide.

Recognition, Leadership, and Milestones

The Stamford (CT) Alumni Chapter has established a distinguished reputation within the Northeastern Province
 of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Its sustained excellence in leadership, service, and organizational efficiency was formally recognized when the chapter was honored as the Northeastern Province
Small Chapter of the Year in 2018 and 2019.

The chapter also proudly served as the fraternal home of Brother Rodney Adkins, the esteemed 2017 Laurel Wreath Laureate, the Fraternity’s highest honor bestowed for exemplary achievement and service.

Over the years, the chapter has hosted prominent province-level meetings and events, and several of its members have been appointed to influential leadership roles within the Northeastern Province
—further cementing Stamford’s legacy as a chapter of distinction, integrity, and unwavering service.