More Spotlights!

Winter Coat Drive 2024-25

The Bloomington-Normal Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated recently held a heartwarming coat drive that exemplified their commitment to service and community uplift. With the generous support of local residents, the chapter collected over 100 coats to help individuals and families stay warm this winter.

The donated coats were distributed to three vital organizations in the community: the Bloomington Salvation Army, Abundant Life, and a local school. These organizations work tirelessly to support those in need, and the coats will provide essential warmth and comfort during the colder months.

“Our fraternity’s motto is ‘Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor,’ and this coat drive is a testament to how collective efforts can make a significant difference in our community,” said Prentice Brooks, Polemarch of the chapter. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who contributed.”

This initiative reflects Kappa Alpha Psi’s ongoing dedication to service and underscores the power of collaboration in addressing local needs. The chapter hopes to continue making a positive impact in the Bloomington-Normal area through future service projects and community events.

Bed Blitz

The West Bloomington Revitalization Project Bed Blitz gives local youth (ages 5-18) a twin-size bed frame, a brand-new mattress, sheets, pillows, a blanket or quilt, laundry detergent, books, a hygiene kit, and a teddy bear. This entire kit is given away for free thanks to the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsors like State Farm Neighborhood Assist®, Sherman’s and The Elks Club. This will be our 8th year, the last 2 years we have given away about 350 beds to local children here in Bloomington/Normal.

​The Bed Blitz acknowledges that families may have different needs, so we provide 3 different options:

  • Full bed set: frame, mattress, sheets, pillows, detergent, etc.

  • All but frame: mattress, sheets, pillows, extras but NO frame

  • Frame and mattress only

Source - https://www.westbloomington.org/bed-blitz

Stevenson Nicholson

Brother Nicholson’s journey began on June 29, 1989, at 12:00 AM when he was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. through the Bloomington-Normal Alumni Chapter. He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a Life Member of the North Central Province.  

Brother Nicholson worked tirelessly in the local chapter serving as Undergraduate Advisor, Keeper of Records, Vice-Polemarch, and Polemarch. Additionally, he chaired various committees within the chapter. His commitment to the Brotherhood deepened when he was afforded the opportunity to serve on the North Central Province Board of Directors through election; later as Senior Vice-Polemarch through election; and was appointed in October 2001 as the 26th North Central Province Polemarch. As Province Polemarch, he often reminded the membership to “work hard then play hard” and was renowned for his “swift gavel.”

In his thirty-three years as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Brother Nicholson has attended every Province Council meeting, and has missed just two Conclaves. It was with great pleasure that he chartered the Harvey Markham Alumni (IL) and the Richton Park Alumni (IL) Chapters. During the 2011 Centennial Celebration Brother Nicholson was the chairman of the 100th Fund which raised over one million dollars.

His work is not limited to Kappa Alphas Psi Fraternity, Inc., he was an advisor to the Board of the Community Cancer Center, Normal, Illinois, a Big Brother, Bloomington, Illinois; a mentor with the Boys and Girls Club, Bloomington, Illinois; and a mentor in Unit 5 School District in Normal, Illinois. Brother Nicholson is a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, Bloomington, Illinois, where he has served as a Trustee and a member of the Church Expansion Committee. 

He is the father of two children, Tim and Erica Nicholson, has a daughter-in-law Marianna Ruiz, three grandchildren: Elicia, Mako, and Neon Nicholson. His extended family includes his long-time partner Michelle Celestine and her children Jordan Harris and Robert Celestine. 

Brother Nicholson graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics. He retired from State Farm in 2020, after a career of thirty-nine years in various computer science, training, and project management positions. He enjoys and delights in travel and time with his family and friends. 

Brother Nicholson credits his experience in the Bond for reinforcing in him what he learned from his parents: a positive, prayerful attitude, and above all, that together we will reach these heights. 

His guiding philosophy in his church, family, and in the Bond is servant leadership. One of his favorite mantras is a quote from Lionel F. Artis, our 6th Laurel Wreath wearer “We are servants at your command just how well we do our job depends largely in the way which you hold up our arms.”

Adopt-a-Mile

The brothers of the Bloomington-Normal Alumni Chapter maintain a 1-mile stretch near the campus of Illinois State University which also includes Dr. martin Luther King, Jr. Park.

Several times a year, brothers and family members come together to enjoy this community effort.