“"The Founder"”
Founding Father of Kappa Kappa Psi
William Scroggs' birthday fell on **November 27th** — the exact same date that Kappa Kappa Psi received its official charter! This makes his birthday eternally connected to the fraternity's founding date.
In the fall of 1919, while other band members were content with the status quo, William Scroggs alone conceived the revolutionary idea of creating a national fraternity exclusively for college bandsmen. No one else in the band had this vision.
Rather than acting on his own idea, Scroggs was wise enough to present it to authority figures first: - He confided in A. Frank Martin (President of the Band) - He then approached Professor Bohumil Makovsky (Director of Bands) - This strategic approach ensured institutional support from the very beginning
Scroggs didn't just dream—he acted. He arranged a secret conference with Professor Makovsky and A. Frank Martin to select the other nine charter members. This shows his leadership quality of bringing the right people together.
Scroggs was unanimously elected as the **first President** of Kappa Kappa Psi at the local level—a testament to how his peers respected his leadership.
While serving as the first local President, Scroggs also held the national position of **National Editor and Assistant Secretary**, showing he was invested in both chapter and national success.
Scroggs lived to be over 90 years old (born unknown, died March 14, 1984), giving him decades to witness the fraternity's growth and expansion.
After his time at Oklahoma A&M, Scroggs had a successful career and eventually settled in California. He maintained connection to the fraternity while building a life in the West.
In honor of William Alexander Scroggs, Kappa Kappa Psi created the **William A. Scroggs Founder's Trophy**, ensuring his memory is celebrated in perpetuity.
Despite being THE founder, Scroggs was humble enough to call in A. Frank Martin as Vice President and Bohumil Makovsky as the guiding force. True leadership recognizes when to elevate others.
Despite being THE founder, Scroggs was humble enough to call in A. Frank Martin as Vice President and Bohumil Makovsky as the guiding force. True leadership recognizes when to elevate others.
Key moments in the life of William
11 events across 1 era
William Alexander Scroggs is remembered as the visionary founder who had the courage to dream of a national fraternity and the wisdom to seek support from those who could help him achieve it. His idea, born from a desire to unite college bandsmen, has touched the lives of thousands of musicians across multiple generations.
The William A. Scroggs Founder's Trophy ensures that his legacy lives on within the fraternity, and November 27th will forever connect his birthday to the birth of Kappa Kappa Psi.