Service & Brotherhood in Pasadena Since 1961
Pasadena Alumni
Kappa Alpha Psi
Rose City Nupes
Revered Founders
January 5, 1911
How, what, when & why we haven’t looked back since
Chartered March 17, 1961
Pasadena (CA) Alumni Chapter had its chartering Ceremony and banquet at the Marino House, San Marino California. The Western Province Polemarch, Brother Charles J. Sudduth, of Berkeley, California, acted as the Grand Chapter Representative and issued the Charter on its behalf. The Vice Grand Polemarch, Brother Thomas Bradley, Esq.,
installed the newly elected officers.
Brother Judge Bernard Jefferson of Los Angeles was the speaker for the evening. The theme of his speech was “Individual and Chapter Achievement” with a major focus on chapter participation in community improvement programs. “The idea of an Alumni Chapter in Pasadena has been talked about by Kappa’s in the Pasadena area for more than many years. This is a great achievement with this year being the Golden Anniversary of
Kappa Alpha Psi.”
Welcome to RoseCityNupes1961
"The diamond in the Crown City"
Kappa Alpha Psi recognizes our leaders (chapters, provinces & IHQ) as Polemarch. Essentially the Polemarch is the President.
polemarch (/ˈpɔːləˌmɑːrk/, from Ancient’s Greek: πολέμαρχος, polemarch) was a senior military title in various ancient Greek city-states (poleis). The title is derived from the words polemos (war) and archon (ruler, leader) and translates as "war leader" or "warlord".
Welcome to another great year at RoseCityKAPsi. We’re getting ready for a busy schedule of social activities, volunteering opportunities and philanthropy. Our focus is always giving back to the community, and we’re constantly looking for new and meaningful ways to do so. Take a moment to explore our website to learn more about us.
As a sign of deference and brotherhood both Brother Nolan Polemarch & Past chapter Polemarch, President of Tournament of Roses and 2023 Metro Keynote speaker Gerald Freeny brings greetings to all.
2023 LA Metro Founders Day G. Freeny Keynote
Back to our roots of fraternity, brotherhood, love & achievement…One Keppa
Gerald Freeny used his vast experience as president of the Tournament of Roses combined with his deep love for Kappa and a life of altruism to deliver a Keynote message that was well received and appreciated by brothers all neophytes to 72 years plus the Bond.
Kappa In The Community
The Soul of the San Gabriel Valley
Meet our new leadership...Kappa Alpha Psi's 35th Grand Polemarch
Jimmy McMikle
Moments from our past that have set the foundation as Kappa (Passadena Alumni & our brothers) builds towards the future. "Cornerstones of achievment build monumentes of greatness."- J. Johnson
Curtis R. Silvers Jr. To Wear the Elder Watson Diggs Honor
The 122nd EWD Awardee...Curtis R. Silvers Jr.
2022 Black Infant Health Drive Throughg & Drop Off reaches higher
HA huge Kappa, thank you to all who supported our efforts.
2023 Black History Parade maintains the Dr. Bolton tradition of leading the chapter.
John Lewis (D9-Sigma) dedicated his life to paving the way so you and I can have ease of access to vote, civil rights and basic fundamental rights as promised in the constitution. He gave all so we can have some.
Diamond ♦️ Life
The 76th WPC was a place to receive the fruits of our conjoined labor as the "Rose City Nupes" won both for best scrapbook and community service. Bravo to the brothers.
Helpful tips in troubling times
Who cares for the ones who provide and care for other? Often Black & Brown men get overlooked when it comes to self care. Here are some simple tips to keep your diamond bright and tight.
Dave & Busters Arcadia on Jan 2 Rose Bowl watch party in the VIP
Satisfaction Guaranteed
News & Information
The place to get updates and details for Kappa in Pasadena
Oxy Nupes
Scholastic Achievements/Oxy Nupes
Hidden in the North West area of Los Angeles, close to Pasadena is a Liberal Arts College with a very rich history. Chartered in the early 80’s, the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter on campus proudly wear the letter ΛΡ. Lambda Rho (if you didn’t know…now you know!)
Lunch with Lew- 3rd Friday each month at noon (note that due to Conclave in Tampa, in July Lunch with Lou is the second Friday at noon)
Educator-Coach-Mentor and a Pasadena Legend
Beloved and revered senior Kappa Lou Underwood has a standing lunch date on the third friday of each month for Kappa brothers. If you would like to "lunch w/ Lou” call (626) 257-7932 and leave voice message at least 48 hours porior and your RSVP will be confirmed. Location and any additional details will be given upon your RSVP. Cost is $10.
Kappa League News & Information
Have you seen KL TV?
Current Pasadena Alumni Kappa League members are encouraged to follow Kappa League (KL) TV on YouTube and check here for updates and events as we navigate through Covid19 rules and safety. It's been tough. Thank you KL young men (Families too) for your patience, resilence and understanding.
Those interested in Kappa League, you are also welcome to subscribe to KLTV.
Back with a bang! Our first charter day post pandemic and our keynote speaker knocked it out the park.
July 12, 2025
Papa Leo’s pride…
Achievement in every field of human endeavor:
Some pictures don’t need words. When Brother Leonardo Cablayan and his grandson attended the Dave & Busters fund raiser dressed in matching jacket vests it was a wrap for best picture of the day Leo & Parker made a statement.. “Yo Baby Yo” to Leo and to Parker…”you look marvellous”
Tampa Bay becomes Kappa Bay in July
January 1, 2025
This is your News article. It’s a great place to highlight press coverage, newsworthy stories, industry updates or useful resources for visitors. Add a short summary, include links to relevant content and choose a great photo or video for extra engagement!
Living the dream...
Words from a Founder
highlights & spot lights
Founder Edward Giles Irvin shares his account of our grand fraternity from our infancy, growth and expansion.
"The Diamond in the Crown City" beyond Pasadena, we support our brothers in the Wild Wild West…Western Province
Pasadena represented strong at the Upsilon Centennial Gala held at The Luskin Hotel Ballroom on the campus of UCLA.
“…we give full honor, and revere our noble brother dear”
Pasadena, CA 91103
(333) Phi-NuPi
Chapter Officers
The many hands that work to ensure the legacy of Kappa in Pasadena
Jayson A. Johnson
Brother Jayson A. Johnson is an Upsilon initiated brother in the Spring of 1984. Jayson has served in a number of positions, offices and when asked where he feels he has made the gratest impact, Jayson simply said..."as a member". A recent retiree from the Los Angeles Fire Department, Jayson has made good on his promise to step up in Kappa when he stepped down from LAFD. Jayson continued by saying "I enjoy the fellowship and brotherhood. Pasadena is where I was born, grew up and its in my soul." We look forward to seeing Jayson put his style and touch on the chapter." When asked about his vision, the newly installed Polemarch said "I see Pasadena continuing the pace set by great men who came before me, we live at the intersection of tradition & innovation."
Diamond Spotlight Brother
Brother Lew Underwood...."Coach"
Every year, we carefully pick new members for our pledge class - smart, caring, energetic individuals who will represent our Business Fraternity with pride and exemplary character traits. We are excited to welcome each and every member, and are happy to provide endless opportunities for friendship, leadership and scholarship.
Coach Lewis Underwood
Pasadena Alumni Initiate 1990
Classic Lew...Behind the wheel of his classic Vet sporting the Nupe plate. A tradition in the Black History parade.
Of all of the places and on all of the fields, few have the cache of “The Grand Daddy of them all” The Rose Bowl. Not Chicago Soldier Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, even Super Bowl can’t hold up the legendary Rose Bowl. If you are from Pasadena and attended either Pasadena High School or John Muir the two words that can get a family divided …Turkey Tussle No better place to cement your legend, than on the iconic field where legends live. The 1976 Turkey Tussle was the culmination of a decade of frustrations, but let me take you back and fill in the gaps so you can fully appreciate another Pasadena Alumni pillar, and this quarters DSB (Diamond Spotlight Brother)
Learns from Coach Eddie Robinson
Coach & Educator
Lew grew up in Pasadena as an only child. Not having brothers or sisters made the camaraderie of team sports more appealing. A John Muir class of 1953 graduate and having a strategic mind made football a perfect fit for and by playing for another gridiron legend the Great Coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling University seemed to blaze the trail for Lou. Coach Underwood graduated from Grambling in 1960. Knowing that coaching wasn’t enough to build a career, Lou continued his education and received his master’s in Education from BYU Brigham Young University in Utah.
Professional Achievements
"Walk with kings and not lose the common touch"
The branches of the teaching tree reached many schools and on each campus Lew Underwood Coached, taught, counseled, mentored, and guided countless young people, specifically young men who may have not had a father figure or positive male around…they found such an image in Lew. Passing leagues and Watts Summer games would learn of what appeared to be a bottomless pit of talent coming from the San Gabriel Valley/ Pasadena area. Lew taught and coached at PHS, Monrovia HS, Marshal HS, but the crown jewel of his impressive resume is the 1976 John Muir victory returning the bell back to 1905 Lincoln Ave…JMHS. It had been 10 years…a decade and the class of 1977; s homecoming victory ranks just below the achievements of another Muir alum…. Jackie Robinson (or so it felt at the time). To this day some forty-four years removed, there are some who refer to that victory and that win as “that team”.
Coach, Brother, Father, Husband, Nupe
Special Bonds
As rich as the traditions on New Years Day, Lew Underwood has his personal touch throughout the Pasadena Alumni DNA. It is with great pleasure that we honor and spotlight this bright diamond brother. Here's to who?... Here's to Lew.
Before he was coach…
Tote the rock Cat!
Before Lew was Coach of the Mustangs, he was a Mustang playing baseball and football. By looks of these pictures...Lew was a beast! After his Mustang years Lew took his talent and skills to Grambling where he learned from the great Coach Eddie Robinson “Coach Rob” was a mentor to Coach Underwood.
If you’d like to learn more about our members, simply get in touch.
That team…
The 77’ Mustangs
Video credit to Rose City Pictures
As fate would have it, charter Member George Jones’s son Ronnie “white shoes” Jones was on the 77’ Mustangs and was so moved by the part Coach played in his experience he produced the video you just watched. Good job “shoes”…good job.
Dedicated in part to another member of the fabled 77’ Mustangs,
#50/Juggy my brother Jeff Johnson Rest in power.
Upcoming Events
9:00Pasadena Shopping Center 2nd Fl Com Room9:00Pasadena Shopping Center 2nd Fl Com Room, 615 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA9:00Pasadena Shopping Center 2nd Fl Com Room, 615 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103, USABrother Anderson Pollard was initiated into Kappa December 10, 1947 out of the famed Epsilon Chapter and is one of the twenty charter members of the Pasadena Alumni Chapter. Brother Pollard will be lifted and acknowledged for his many contributions in life, professional, fraternal and community.