Kappa Phi Epsilon
Encyclopedia
Kappa Phi Epsilon, or Kappa Phi, is the largest Christian social fraternity
in the State of Florida. The mission of Kappa Phi is to expand beyond general men's ministry and to be a fraternity which uniquely focuses on engaging both the Greek communities and Christian communities with their outreach and involvement. Since its founding at the University of Florida
in 2004, Kappa Phi has initiated nearly 200 brothers.
, Robert Kirkham, William Morgan
, John Wesley
, and George Whitefield
and their organization became known as the Oxford Holy Club.
It was in this search for Christian brotherhood that the vision for fraternal Christian fellowship made its way to the University of Florida
with the re-establishment of the traditions and principles of the Oxford Holy Club under the Greek letters of Kappa Phi Epsilon in 2004 by six men: Paul Kayiales, Eric Waters, Josh Czupryk, Joseph Caltabellotta, Gary Bernau and Lexy Semino. The men of Kappa Phi Epsilon seek to be equipped to reach and influence the Greek
community, while being internally focused on discipleship and passion for Jesus Christ.
Kappa Phi Epsilon is a social fraternity firmly founded on Jesus which seeks to provide young men with lifelong fellowship and discipleship. Christian men are welcomed to seek after God, just as the Oxford Holy Club did, using biblical Christian
principles to provide a firm foundation for the social and leadership training of collegiate men.
, Kappa Phi Epsilon seeks to be equipped to reach and influence the Greek community, while being internally focused on discipleship and passion for Jesus Christ. Brothers are trained to make a difference in the world for the gospel and be better husbands, fathers, and leaders in their church and community for the glory of God. The fraternity verse is Ecclesiastes 4:12, which states: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
community.
for the benefit of Danny Wuerffel
's Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans, Louisiana
.
Christian Organizations: FCA
Leadership, Campus Crusade for Christ
Leadership, Gator Wesley Foundation, Gator Christian Life Leadership, Young Life
Leadership, St. Augustine Catholic Student Ministries, Christian Campus House Leadership, BCM
Leadership
Leadership Organizations: Florida Blue Key
Leadership Honorary Society, Florida Blue Key Speakers Bureau Leadership, Gator Growl
Leadership, UF Student Senate, UF Student Government Cabinet, Freshman Leadership Council, Reitz Union Board of Managers, ACCENT Speakers Bureau Leadership
Athletics: University of Florida
club baseball team, UF soccer team, UF rugby team, UF water polo team, UF rock climbing team, UF club fencing team, Pride of the Sunshine Fightin' Gator Marching Band
Honors and Professional Organizations: Honors Ambassadors, President of Institute of Industrial Engineers
, Tau Beta Pi
Honors Society, Chi Epsilon
Honors Society, Florida Leadership Academy (Warrington College of Business
), Architecture College Council
Engineering Graduate School, Georgetown University
School of Law, Cornell Law School, University of Chicago
Graduate School, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
, University of Texas at Austin
Graduate School, University of Florida Levin College of Law, and University of Florida
International Business Program.
Alumni have also gone on to participate in several prestigious organizations, including:
Kappa Phi Epsilon has three types of fraternity membership: pledges, active members, and alumni members.
attendance and focused Bible studies.
Christian fraternity
class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"While the traditional social fraternity is a well-established mainstay across the United States at institutions of higher learning, alternatives - in the form...
in the State of Florida. The mission of Kappa Phi is to expand beyond general men's ministry and to be a fraternity which uniquely focuses on engaging both the Greek communities and Christian communities with their outreach and involvement. Since its founding at the University of Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
in 2004, Kappa Phi has initiated nearly 200 brothers.
Foundation
Kappa Phi Epsilon traces its inspiration to Oxford University in 1729. At the oldest English-speaking university in the world, five young men came together for Christian brotherhood, accountability, academics, service, regular prayer, Bible reading, and fasting until 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. These men were Charles WesleyCharles Wesley
Charles Wesley was an English leader of the Methodist movement, son of Anglican clergyman and poet Samuel Wesley, the younger brother of Anglican clergyman John Wesley and Anglican clergyman Samuel Wesley , and father of musician Samuel Wesley, and grandfather of musician Samuel Sebastian Wesley...
, Robert Kirkham, William Morgan
William Morgan
-Australia:* William Morgan , Premier of South Australia, 1878–1881-England:* William Morgan , town clerk in Birmingham, England...
, John Wesley
John Wesley
John Wesley was a Church of England cleric and Christian theologian. Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, as founding the Methodist movement which began when he took to open-air preaching in a similar manner to George Whitefield...
, and George Whitefield
George Whitefield
George Whitefield , also known as George Whitfield, was an English Anglican priest who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain, and especially in the British North American colonies. He was one of the founders of Methodism and of the evangelical movement generally...
and their organization became known as the Oxford Holy Club.
It was in this search for Christian brotherhood that the vision for fraternal Christian fellowship made its way to the University of Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
with the re-establishment of the traditions and principles of the Oxford Holy Club under the Greek letters of Kappa Phi Epsilon in 2004 by six men: Paul Kayiales, Eric Waters, Josh Czupryk, Joseph Caltabellotta, Gary Bernau and Lexy Semino. The men of Kappa Phi Epsilon seek to be equipped to reach and influence the Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
community, while being internally focused on discipleship and passion for Jesus Christ.
Kappa Phi Epsilon is a social fraternity firmly founded on Jesus which seeks to provide young men with lifelong fellowship and discipleship. Christian men are welcomed to seek after God, just as the Oxford Holy Club did, using biblical Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
principles to provide a firm foundation for the social and leadership training of collegiate men.
Mission
Focusing on fellowship, discipleship, and allowing brothers to live out practical ChristianityChristianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, Kappa Phi Epsilon seeks to be equipped to reach and influence the Greek community, while being internally focused on discipleship and passion for Jesus Christ. Brothers are trained to make a difference in the world for the gospel and be better husbands, fathers, and leaders in their church and community for the glory of God. The fraternity verse is Ecclesiastes 4:12, which states: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Service
Kappa Phi Epsilon aims to create a spirit of service within the fraternity and holds 15-20 service projects each semester. Kappa Phi also partners with at least four local churches each semester, providing set-up, clean-up, worship, youth counseling, tutoring, and providing for any church needs. The brothers seek to be a resource which churches can reach out to when they need assistance. This desire has enabled the fraternity to become known for its service in the local community. The fraternity also works with many local sororities in joint service projects to serve throughout the GainesvilleGainesville
Gainesville is the name of several places in the United States of America:*Gainesville, Alabama*Gainesville, Florida, largest municipality with this name*Gainesville, Georgia*Gainesville, Missouri*Gainesville , New York...
community.
Philanthropy
Kappa Phi holds an annual philanthropy titled "Showdown in the Swamp" each spring at the University of FloridaUniversity of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
for the benefit of Danny Wuerffel
Danny Wuerffel
Daniel Carl "Danny" Wuerffel is a former American college and professional football player who won the 1996 Heisman Trophy and the 1996 national football championship while playing college football for the University of Florida. After graduating from Florida, he played for four National Football...
's Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
.
Leadership
Kappa Phi Epsilon seeks to equip men to become leaders on their campuses and throughout their communities. Brothers are expected to pursue the glory of Jesus Christ by entering into leadership positions throughout their campuses. Active members of Kappa Phi, throughout their undergraduate careers, have held leadership positions in:Christian Organizations: FCA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a non-profit interdenominational Christian organization founded in 1954 and that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. It falls within the tradition of Muscular Christianity. Although established by evangelical Protestants, the concept has...
Leadership, Campus Crusade for Christ
Campus Crusade for Christ
Campus Crusade for Christ is an interdenominational Christian organization that promotes evangelism and discipleship in more than 190 countries...
Leadership, Gator Wesley Foundation, Gator Christian Life Leadership, Young Life
Young Life
YoungLife is a worldwide, non-profit, Evangelical Christian organization. YoungLife consists of many branches of ministry , but most commonly the name "YoungLife" refers to the outreach arm of the organization directed toward high school students...
Leadership, St. Augustine Catholic Student Ministries, Christian Campus House Leadership, BCM
Baptist Student Union
The Baptist Student Union is the traditional name of a college-level organization that can be found on many college campuses in the United States and Canada. As the term BSU became associated with other organizations, many local ministries changed their name...
Leadership
Leadership Organizations: Florida Blue Key
Florida Blue Key
Florida Blue Key is a student honor and service society at the University of Florida. It is often written and referred to by the initialism "FBK."This organization was started at the University of Florida in 1923 under the presidency of Albert Murphree...
Leadership Honorary Society, Florida Blue Key Speakers Bureau Leadership, Gator Growl
Gator Growl
Gator Growl, produced by Florida Blue Key, is a student-run pep rally at the University of Florida that was founded in 1932. It marks the culminating moment of Homecoming Week at the university. Designated the largest student-run pep rally in the world, the show is held annually in Ben Hill Griffin...
Leadership, UF Student Senate, UF Student Government Cabinet, Freshman Leadership Council, Reitz Union Board of Managers, ACCENT Speakers Bureau Leadership
Athletics: University of Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
club baseball team, UF soccer team, UF rugby team, UF water polo team, UF rock climbing team, UF club fencing team, Pride of the Sunshine Fightin' Gator Marching Band
Honors and Professional Organizations: Honors Ambassadors, President of Institute of Industrial Engineers
Institute of Industrial Engineers
The Institute of Industrial Engineers is a professional society dedicated solely to the support of the industrial engineering profession and individuals involved with improving quality and productivity...
, Tau Beta Pi
Tau Beta Pi
The Tau Beta Pi Association is the oldest engineering honor society in the United States and the second oldest collegiate honor society in America. It honors engineering students who have shown a history of academic achievement as well as a commitment to personal and professional integrity...
Honors Society, Chi Epsilon
Chi Epsilon
Chi Epsilon is the national civil engineering honor society in the United States. It honors engineering students who have exemplified the "principles of scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability...in the civil engineering profession." There are currently 136 chapters, of which 130...
Honors Society, Florida Leadership Academy (Warrington College of Business
Warrington College of Business
The Warrington College of Business Administration is the business school at the University of Florida. About 6300 students are enrolled in classes, including undergraduates and graduate students, including Master of Business Administration and Ph.D.-seeking students.Undergraduate programs include...
), Architecture College Council
Notable Alumni Involvement
Members of Kappa Phi Epsilon have gone on after their time as an undergraduate to attend: Harvard Law School, Harvard Graduate School, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
Engineering Graduate School, Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
School of Law, Cornell Law School, University of Chicago
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was founded by the American Baptist Education Society with a donation from oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller and incorporated in 1890...
Graduate School, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Pritzker School of Medicine
The Pritzker School of Medicine is the M.D. granting unit of the Biological Sciences Division of the University of Chicago. It is located on the University's main campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, and matriculated its first class in 1927...
, University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
Graduate School, University of Florida Levin College of Law, and University of Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
International Business Program.
Alumni have also gone on to participate in several prestigious organizations, including:
- Corps Members in the Teach For AmericaTeach For AmericaTeach For America is an American non-profit organization that aims to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting the nation's most promising future leaders to teach for two or more years in low-income communities throughout the United States...
™ program - Intern at United States SenateUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
in Washington, DC. - Lieutenant in the United States ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, serving abroad in IraqIraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
- Surface Warfare Officer in the United States NavyUnited States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, serving abroad in JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
- Lieutenant in the United States Air ForceUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
- Detective in the Miami-Dade Police DepartmentMiami-Dade Police DepartmentThe Miami-Dade Police Department , formerly known as the Metro-Dade County Police Department , Dade County Public Safety Department and the Dade County Sheriff's Office is a Limited Service County Police Department serving Miami-Dade County, Florida's unincorporated areas, although they have...
- Several other notable companies, including T. Rowe PriceT. Rowe PriceT. Rowe Price is a publicly owned Investment firm, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1937 by Thomas Rowe Price, Jr.. The company offers mutual funds, subadvisory services, and separate account management for individuals, institutions, retirement plans, and financial...
, Lockheed Martin AeronauticsLockheed Martin AeronauticsLockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is a major unit of Lockheed Martin with headquarters at Fort Worth, Texas.Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is also based in Marietta, Georgia and Palmdale, California. Palmdale is home to the Advanced Development Programs , informally known as the "Skunk Works"...
, General ElectricGeneral ElectricGeneral Electric Company , or GE, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation incorporated in Schenectady, New York and headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States...
, J.C.Penney Corporate, etc.
Organization
Kappa Phi Epsilon is a college organization, hierarchical in nature with initiated members being eligible to become alumni members after they graduate.Kappa Phi Epsilon has three types of fraternity membership: pledges, active members, and alumni members.
Fellowship
Kappa Phi Epsilon is a self-described "Christian leadership development organization." They seek to accomplish this through multiple strategies including discipleship, required churchLocal church
A local church is a Christian congregation of members and clergy.Local church may also refer to:* Local churches , a Christian group based on the teachings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee, and associated with the Living Stream Ministry publishing house.* Parish church, a local church united with...
attendance and focused Bible studies.