Founding Father of Kappa Kappa Psi
William H. Coppedge, along with Clyde Haston, designed the **iconic Kappa Kappa Psi Badge** that members have worn with pride since 1919. This visual symbol of membership is one of the most enduring artifacts of his work.
Coppedge played the **French horn** — a sophisticated, mellow instrument that brings warmth and depth to the ensemble. His musical background influenced his design sensibilities.
At the local level, Coppedge was elected as **Sergeant of Arms**, a position that traditionally carries both practical and ceremonial responsibilities.
Coppedge served on three separate committees during the fraternity's founding year: - **Fraternity Pin Design and Coat of Arms Committee** (Chair) - **Ritual Committee** (with Frank Martin and Col. F.D. Wickham) - **Degree Oaths Committee** (with Frank Martin and Asher Hendrickson) This shows his widespread trust and involvement in foundational decisions.
During World War I, Coppedge joined the U.S. Navy and served in a military band in **New Orleans**, where he reunited with fellow founding father A. Frank Martin. They bonded through shared military musical experience.
After leaving Oklahoma A&M, Coppedge eventually became a retired member of the **Auburn University staff**, establishing himself in Alabama academia.
Coppedge had a deep personal belief in the fraternity's mission. He famously stated that the Fraternity was the **"Heart of the Band."** This captures his philosophy that the organization at its core is about band culture and community.
Coppedge lived long enough (until 1975) to see the fraternity through decades of 20th-century growth, witnessing the transformation of his badge design as it was refined over time.
Coppedge eventually settled in Auburn, Alabama, representing the geographic spread of founding fathers beyond Oklahoma.
The badge he designed has remained substantially unchanged for over 100 years — a testament to the quality and thoughtfulness of his design work with Haston.
The badge he designed has remained substantially unchanged for over 100 years — a testament to the quality and thoughtfulness of his design work with Haston.
Key moments in the life of William
8 events across 1 era
William H. Coppedge's contributions to Kappa Kappa Psi were multifaceted and enduring. His work on the Ritual Committee helped establish KKPsi's spiritual foundation, his design of the badge created the fraternity's visual identity, and his personal philosophy that the fraternity is the "Heart of the Band" captured the organization's mission.
Like Haston, Coppedge's badge design work is his most visible legacy — worn by hundreds of thousands of initiates since 1919. But his multiple committee roles during the founding period show he was a trusted and valued contributor to every aspect of the fraternity's establishment.
Coppedge represents the broader vision and practical commitment that transformed a local college organization into a national fraternity.