AMERICUS — Merriam-Webster defines “fraternity” as “the quality or state of being brothers.” The Kappa-Kappa Chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) lost one of their “brothers,” Judge John Harper, in 2004 due to a congenital heart defect. On July 29, 2016, the brothers of Kappa Sigma helped his legacy live on. An endowed scholarship in Harper’s name was fully funded thanks to a gift of $10,500 from the fraternity.
“The alumni of the Kappa-Kappa Chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity are extremely pleased that the scholarship in honor of Judge John V. Harper is now endowed,” said Jeff Benton, a Kappa Sigma and GSW alumnus representing the fraternity. “We have been very fortunate to receive tremendous support for this scholarship from our alumni, the Harper family, Judge Harper’s friends, the GSW Foundation and the Americus community. This scholarship would not be possible without the tireless dedication of some very committed volunteers. We appreciate all those that have helped bring this to fruition.”
A number of Kappa Sigma fraternity alumni were on hand for the check presentation. They included Benton, Mark Blalock, Kyle Kennon, Milton Sutherlin, Donny Wall, Rusty Whaley, and current Kappa Sigma and GSW Student Government Association President Bryce Benton, the son of Jeff Benton. The GSW Foundation is grateful for the group’s commitment to endowing this fund.
“The bond illustrated to their friend Judge John Harper by the members of Kappa Sigma is clearly visible in the endowment of this scholarship,” said GSW Foundation Executive Director Reda Rowell. “They were committed to seeing Judge Harper’s name live on forever at Georgia Southwestern through this scholarship, and now it will.”
Harper was a 1981 graduate of Georgia Southwestern and was a well-respected member of the Americus community where he served as a Superior Court Judge in the Southwestern Judicial District. The scholarship honoring his name will be given to members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity who are in good standing with the university and the fraternity and have demonstrated leadership. Though earnings from the endowment will not be available until one year from now, this donation will provide the funds necessary for the scholarship to be granted in Fall 2016.
For additional information, call the GSW Foundation at (229) 931-2014.