“"Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi"”
Founding Father of Kappa Kappa Psi
A. Frank Martin earned the nickname **"Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi"** — a testament to his deep connection to the fraternity's identity and his monumental contributions.
A. Frank Martin is credited as the **author of the Ritual of Kappa Kappa Psi**. Very few revisions have been made to his original vision, meaning his words and concepts have endured for over 100 years.
After being the local Vice President at Oklahoma A&M, Martin was elected as the **first Grand President of Kappa Kappa Psi** (1919-1922), serving for 3 years during the critical founding period.
Martin was the only founding father with "Education" as his major, making him uniquely qualified to shape the fraternity's educational mission and philosophy.
While most founding fathers played brass instruments, Martin played the **saxophone** — bringing a different tonal color and perspective to the band.
Martin wasn't just a musician. His college activities included: - Social Editor - Student Senate - Bandmaster (1919-1920) - Managing Editor of the Redskin yearbook - Vice President of Education Society
During World War I, Martin joined the Navy and played in a band in New Orleans—the same band where William H. Coppedge also served! They bonded through shared military musical experience.
After leaving Oklahoma A&M following his Grand Presidency, Martin had a stellar career: - Music Director at Columbia University - Member of Phi Mu Alpha - Reorganized Long Island University's Music Department - Helped colonize the Beta Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi - Served as District IX (Northeast) Counselor/Governor
Martin lived to be 87 years old and was even more active in his later years: - Returned as the **Third Executive Secretary** (1939-1964) - Served the fraternity for 45+ years in various capacities
While Scroggs had the vision, Martin had the structures. His Ritual, Constitution work, and organizational frameworks became the bones of the fraternity that still stand today.
While Scroggs had the vision, Martin had the structures. His Ritual, Constitution work, and organizational frameworks became the bones of the fraternity that still stand today.
Key moments in the life of Frank
14 events across 1 era
A. Frank Martin is the architect of Kappa Kappa Psi's spiritual and ceremonial foundation. His Ritual established the fraternity not just as an organization, but as a community with shared values and sacred practices.
Martin's 45+ years of service to the fraternity—from founding member to first Grand President to Executive Secretary—make him one of the most instrumental figures in KKPsi history. His work as "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" continues to shape every initiate who goes through the Ritual he created over a century ago.
The fraternity's identity, its ceremonies, its organizational structure—all bear the fingerprints of A. Frank Martin's thoughtful design and leadership.