Striding confidently along the pathways on campus, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity President Ron Atkinson gladly accepts questioning glances, amused smiles and even a few inquiries about his formal attire as a normal part of his participation in the affectionately termed “Pretty Wednesday.”

In an attempt to both raise awareness about the newly formed fraternity, and to boost the confidence of the six current Kappa Alpha Psi members, Atkinson, a senior, requested that his brotherhood dress in their Sunday best on an additional day of the week.

“This is something that sets us apart,” Atkinson said. “It does get us noticed, but we don’t shy away from that attention.”

Although they don’t yet have a communal house, or a fraternity father, the self-described gentlemen of Kappa Alpha Psi make their allegiance known using the simple combination of a bow tie and an attitude.

“We want people to take what we do and how we treat others, and equate that deed to the fraternity,” Atkinson said. “We achieve, and we do it wearing a tie.”

By making the transition from basketball shorts and t-shirts to dress pants and ties, fraternity members also made an adjustment in attitude. Director of Multicultural Affairs Ron Holden said the combination of attention and self-assurance made the dress-up days a success.

“On a campus where you wear pajamas to class, when you see a bow tie, it garners attention,” Holden said. “Any time you get a compliment on something you’ve invested your time in, the confidence flows into other aspects of your life.”

Though initially reluctant to spend additional time in front of the mirror every Wednesday morning, junior Robert Woodall finds his new image motivates him to give a similarly pleasing performance in every aspect of his day.

“We dress for success,” Woodall said. “I took the time to dress up, so I might as well feel just as good about what I’m doing the rest of the day.”

Atkinson also hopes that by putting the spotlight on Kappa Alpha Psi members, people will associate their dress code and gentlemanly acts with the fraternity.

“We want to reshape the way people look at minorities, and the lack of respect for self and appearance,” Atkinson said. “We’re breaking the mold.”

Atkinson said the bond shared by the men of Kappa Alpha Psi is deeper than just an image.

<br/>Although the fraternity is redefining "Hump Day" across campus, it is also continuing a tradition of dressing up for the nationally nicknamed "pretty boys of K-Psi."Although the fraternity is redefining "Hump Day" across campus, it is also continuing a tradition of dressing up for the nationally nicknamed "pretty boys of K-Psi."
Although the fraternity is redefining “Hump Day” across campus, it is also continuing a tradition of dressing up for the nationally nicknamed “pretty boys of K-Psi.”

“When you put on a tie, you have a different mentality about yourself,” Atkinson said. “I think it’s a testament to what we are.”