Clemson University’s Kappa Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. made history recently when it became the first historically Black fraternity to be named a Chapter of Distinction by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The honor, bestowed to just 122 chapters nationally since 2002, recognizes excellence in chapter operations, campus and community engagement, and dedication to the fraternity experience.
“This recognition represents a defining moment for our undergraduate membership and reflects the continued excellence, leadership, and national impact of our chapters,” says Daniel Nixon, national director of undergraduate and university affairs for Kappa Alpha Psi.
Clemson’s chapter demonstrated consistent leadership, achievement and impact throughout the course of the 2025-26 academic year. This past year, fraternity members — in partnership with others — helped raise more than $105,000 in support of the Students Helping Students Fund which addresses food insecurity through the provision of campus meal plans.
Additionally, one of the chapter’s members, Victor L. Mattison Jr., holds the highest-ranking undergraduate position as the organization’s junior grand vice polemarch. In his role, he helped organize meetings and trainings for regional officers, and participated in the organization’s executive committee. He was one of 60 undergraduates nationally to earn the title of Kappa Fellow after completing the organization’s Undergraduate Leadership Institute and LEAD Kappa program. Mattison earned his undergraduate degree in physics from Clemson in May.
“We are very proud of the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi for achieving this incredible milestone,” says Trish Robinson, assistant dean of students and director of Clemson’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “The members of the organization have a demonstrable record of excellence inside and outside the classroom, and have been an exemplary chapter that reflects the overall quality of students we have throughout Fraternity and Sorority Life at Clemson.”
Clemson’s Kappa Lambda Chapter chartered in 1980 and is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
