2019 Elder Watson Diggs Petition for John F. Burrell

2019 Elder Watson Diggs Petition for John F. Burrell

John Fitzgerald Burrell Elder Watson Diggs Award Petition

Byron Kenneth Armstrong (1892-1980)

Elder Watson Diggs (1883-1947)

Edward Giles Irvin (1893-1982)

Guy Levis Grant (1891-1973)

Ezra Dee Alexander (1891-1971)

Marcus Peter Blakemore (1889-1959)

George Wesley Edmonds (1890-1962)

Paul Waymond Caine (1891-1931)

John Milton Lee (1890-1958)

Henry Tourner Asher (1890-1963)

Those ten men gave birth to a great concept, the idea that if we are going to be brothers, let us be brothers in the best terms that we know. If we are going to bind together, let it be around something that is strong enough to hold us; if we are going to sing, let us sing about something that we will have a lasting refrain; if we drink a toast, let it be of some- thing beyond the trivial and the vulgar. Let us exalt the theme of achievement.

Dr. Samuel Proctor ( from the Story of Kappa Alpha Psi)

ELDER WATSON DIGGS AWARD PETITION John F. Burrell

Foreword by Earl T. Tildon, Chairman Publicity & Publications Commission 96 th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee

Photo Courtesy of Ivan T. Mote

Why Kappas Mentor Earl T. Tildon Winter Park Alumni Chapter Elder Watson Diggs Awardee #96 Chairman, Publicity & Publications Commission y Kap as Mentor Earl T. Tildon Winter Park Alumni Chapter Elder Watson Diggs Awardee #96 Chairman, Publicity & Publications Commission

March 5, 2019 March 5, 2019

treasure to make sure that every step he took in Kappa was productive and that Kappa was the beneficiary of his body of work. And now I am honored that the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter has plucked from among its choicest flowers, the name John Burrell, to follow my good friend and Brother Dr. Frank S. Emanuel, who received the 92nd Elder Watson Diggs Award in 2009. This recognition by Jacksonville Alumni is evidence that they realize that our beloved Founder, Elder Watson Diggs dreamed that there would be brothers who would earn the privilege to be considered for the highly coveted “Elder Watson Diggs Award”. Jacksonville Alumni recognizes that Brother John Burrell has labored in the Kappa vineyard and that he is eminently qualified to be considered for the Elder Watson Diggs Award in 2019. When I received a letter from the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter asking me to submit a letter of recommendation for Brother John Burrell, I rejoiced that I have the opportunity to know that they agree with me that one of my “Kappa sons” is worthy to wear the medallion that I so proudly wear. I know that Brother Burrell did not work seeking awards in the fraternity; instead I know that the Elder Watson Diggs Award seeks brothers who meet the highest standards of our fraternity. I know that if Brother Burrell is fortunate enough to join the high achieving brothers who wear the Elder Watson Diggs medallion, he will join me in demonstrating that the journey in Kappa doesn’t end after kneeling to receive the award, but continues as we mentor other Kappas and young people everywhere. The joy of receiving the award continues as we share with others what the meaning of Phi Nu Pi looks like through the optical lens of a Kappa who is blest to wear the Elder Watson Diggs Award. Fifty-eight years ago I joined the Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter, where I had the opportunity to meet and witness what a great Kappa looked like, how a great Kappa acted, and how a great Kappa achieved. I met our 15th Grand Polemarch, Dr. William Henry Greene. Brother Greene was an ordinary brother who achieved extraordinary things. He was the brother who wrote “Kappa of My Dreams”, believing that there would be brothers who would answer to the call, brothers who would know our laws and be dedicated to the cause, and believed optimistically that Grand Polemarchs may be chosen by drawing straws. He believed that such brothers would be the “Kappas of His Dreams”. Brother John Burrell continues to make our ten Founders and thirty-three Grand Polemarchs proud, and as a proud mentor who has seen great Kappas over the last 62 years, I can’t wait to see John kneeling at the altar in Orlando, Florida, knowing that Kappa Alpha Psi is better because it chose John without compromise, based on merit as required for this award. treasure to make sure that every step he took in Kappa was productive and that Kappa was the beneficiary of his b dy of work. And now I am honored that the Jacksonvill Alumni Chapter has plucked from among its choicest flowers, the am John Burrell, to follow my go d friend and Brother Dr. F ank S. E anuel, who received the 92n Elder Watson Diggs Awa d in 2009. This recognition by Jacksonville Alumni is evidence that they realize that our bel ved Founder, Elder Watson Diggs r amed tha there would be brothers wh would earn the privilege to be considered for the highly coveted “Elder Watson Diggs Award”. Jacksonville Alumni recognizes that Brother John Burrell has labored in the Kappa vineyard and that he is eminently qualified to be considered for the Elder Watson Diggs Award in 2019. When I received a letter from the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter asking me to submit a letter of recommendation for Brother John Burrell, I rejoiced that I have the opportunity to know that they agree with me that one of my “Kappa sons” is worthy to wear the medallion that I so proudly wear. I know that Brother Burrell did not work seeking awards in the fraternity; instead I know that the Elder Watson Diggs Award seeks brothers who meet the highest standards of our fraternity. I know that if Brother Burrell is fortunate enough to join the high achieving brothers who wear the Elder Watson Diggs medallion, he will join me in demonstrating that the journey in Kappa doesn’t end fter kneeling to receive th awar , but continues as we mentor other Kappas and y ung people ev rywhere. The joy of receiving the award continu s as we sh e with others what the meaning of P i Nu Pi looks like through th optical lens of a Kappa who s bles to we the Elder Watson Diggs Award. Fifty-eight years go I j ined the Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter, where I had the opportunity to meet and witness what a great Kappa looked like, how a great Kappa acted, and how a great Kappa achieved. I met our 15th Grand Polemarch, Dr. William Henry Greene. Brother Greene was an ordinary brother who achieved extraordinary things. He was the brother who wrote “Kappa of My Dreams”, believing that there would be brothers who would answer to the call, brothers who would know our laws and be dedicated to the cause, and believed optimistically that Grand Polemarchs may be chosen by drawing straws. He believed that such brothers would be the “Kappas of His Dreams”. Brother John Burrell continues to make our ten Founders and thirty-three Grand Polemarchs proud, and as a proud mentor who has seen great Kappas over the last 62 years, I can’t wait to see John kneeling at the altar in Orlando, Florida, knowing that Kappa Alpha Psi is better because it c ose John without compromise, based on merit as required for this aw rd. Yours in the Bond,

Mr. Thomas L. Battles, Jr. Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated 2322-24 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Subject: Elder Watson Diggs Award Petition Reference: John F. Burrell Mr. Thomas L. Battles, Jr. G and Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated 2322-24 North Bro d Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Subject: Elder Watson Diggs Award Petition Reference: John F. Burrell member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity since 1955, and clearly understood the value of reaching out to young men (especially African American boys) to provide some upward mobility support through one-on-one mentoring. W hen I served as Illustrious Potentate of Mecca Temple 10, Prince Hall Shriners in Washington, DC, I started a mentoring program at the John Philip Sousa Middle School. I had been a hen I served as Illustrious Potentate of Mecca Temple 10, Prince Hall Shriners in Washington, DC, I started a mentoring program at the John Philip Sousa Middle School. I had been a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity since 1955, and clearly understood the value of reaching out to young men (especially African American boys) to provide some upward mobility support through one-on-one mentoring. During y years of reaching out to young men t share in their learning processes I met a young Kappa brother, John Burrell in 2000. I s w i John a person who was passionately dedicated to Kappa Alpha Ps Fraternity, Inc. and unequalled i his work ethic and passion to assist young Kappas in their pat s of upward mobility. As Chairman of the Publicity and Publications Commission I was able to observe John in his assignments working to bring new initiates into the fraternity safely. He worked tirelessly, always moving aggressively to get the job done for Kappa. I saw great potential in John and learned how receptive he was to constructive criticism and counseling, and how rapidly he learned and applied learning to proactivity for Kappa. These laudable attributes that John exhibits continues to this day as he proactively assumed the mantle as Chairman of the National Membership Training Academy, and now taken the position of Executive Director at a critical time in the history of the fraternity. For Kappas mentoring is not geared exclusively to children or participants in our Guide Right Program’s Kappa League, but for any person at any level who yearns to “achieve in every field of human endeavor”. Brother John Burrell accepted me as an elder in whom he could confi e, learn from, and be encouraged to communicate with me regularly more than one and a half decades, making Kapp better and me prouder day-by-day. I saw in J hn a willingness to move beyond ordi ary perfor- mance; I saw in Jo n a young man who mirrored what every Kappa envisioned as th char cter of our revered Founders. I a young K ppa who wa willing to sacrifice time, effort and During my years of reaching out to young men to share in their learning processes I met a young Kappa brother, John Burrell in 2000. I saw in John a person who was passionately dedicated to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and unequalled in his work ethic and passion to assist young Kappas in their paths of upward mobility. As Chairman of the Publicity and Publications Commission I was able to observe John in his assignments working to bring new initiates into the fraternity safely. He worked tirelessly, always moving aggressively to get the job done for Kappa. I saw great potential in John and learned how receptive he was to constructive criticism and counseling, and how rapidly he learned and applied learning to proactivity for Kappa. These laudable attributes that John exhibits continues to this day as he proactively assumed the mantle as Chairman of the National Membership Training Academy, and now taken the position of Executive Director at a critical time in the history of the fraternity. For Kappas mentoring is not geared exclusively to children or participants in our Guide Right Program’s Kappa League, but for any person at any level who yearns to “achieve in every field of human endeavor”. Brother John Burrell accepted me as an elder in whom he could confide, learn from, and be encouraged to communicate with me regularly more than one and a half decades, making Kappa better and me prouder day-by-day. I saw in John a willingness to move beyond ordinary perfor- mance; I saw in John a young man who mirrored what every Kappa envisioned as the character of our revered Founders. I saw a young Kappa who was willing to sacrifice time, effort and W

Yours in the Bond,

Earl T. Tildon

2076 Dobson Street · Clermont, FL 34711 · 352.432.3119

Earl T. Tildon

2076 Dobson Street · Clermont, FL 34711 · 352.432.3119

ELDER WATSON DIGGS AWARD PETITION

JOHN F. BURRELL

Contents i. Executive Summary

Petition Application

1 1 1 2 3 3 4

Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI

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Part VII

Character References 5 Areas of Achievement: Athletic Training 10 Areas of Achievement: Kappa Alpha Psi 41 Other Contributions 72 Resolutions 76 Letters of Support 80 Awards 107

KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC. ELDER WATSON DIGGS AWARD PETITION JOHN F. BURRELL

i. Executive Summary

Growing up in the small town of Vicksburg, Mississippi—known for being one of the two turning points of the Civil War in the Union Army’s favor—only to be followed by the Red Shirts, who worked assiduously to suppress Black voting, Black leadership (they ran the Black-elected Sheriff out of town) and the progress of Blacks, serves as a stark backdrop to my formative years and that burning, unquenchable desire to awaken within me the high ideal of achievement. Hills, bluffs, magnolia trees, antebellum homes and tourists juxtaposed the history of this thriving community. I knew early on that I wanted to be a Vicksburg High School Gator and attend college at the University of Southern Mississippi. Education was key to me, but more specifically, while in high school, I knew that one day I was going to become a certified athletic trainer. Working for what you wanted is all I knew. Two jobs during the summer of high school and college was a must. My humble upbringing was tough and simple. If you wanted it you must work for it. This became the essence of who I am. See a goal. Work for that goal. Achieve that goal. Move to the next goal. Applying my resolute determination to Kappa Alpha Psi®, I can look back on a particular phone call and subsequent meeting with Dr. Frank S. Emanuel. The subject of the meeting was the Membership Orientation Intake Process (MOIP). He had just come back from a meeting with the Council of Province Polemarchs that fleshed out MOIP. Brother Dr. Emanuel tapped me to facilitate these changes in the Southern Province and the rest is history. I had the passion to give my best, and over time, I understood that when someone taps you to do a task, your work product reflects on them as much as it does you, so you must bring your best to the task always. Over the years, I learned that having high standards will carry you along way.

84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING PHILADELPHIA, PA

I work hard for Kappa Alpha Psi® because I cannot do any less. I’ve had the opportunity of working with brothers that have exacting standards and a will to see Kappa at the top. Shortcuts cheapen our standards and excuses weaken our brand. “All in” really means “all in” When you consider that membership selection is the life line of Kappa Alpha Psi’s® survival. I’ve had 15 years of experience to help guide us down the tracks with some major repair along the way. When I reflect on Vicksburg and its history, its momentum toward progress is powered by people unshackled by the past. When I reflect on my youth and what that unquenchable desire toward achievement has inspired in my professional life’s work, I can see good can come from the humblest of beginnings. When I reflect on how amazing it is to volunteer for five consecutive Grand Polemarchs as a part of their administrations, I can reap the psychic benefit of knowing that time, talent and treasure replaces all negative energy, that positive outcomes is joy to my soul, and the impact of my labors pays forward the confidence that each of them has placed in me. I am grateful for the testaments to my leadership and character that follow this narrative and I am thankful for your consideration of my Elder Watson Diggs Award petition.

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Character References Norma S. White, 25 th International President Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Marisa Burnett, MS, ATC, LAT Director of Outpatients & Community Service

Robert R. Sefcik, ATC, Executive Director Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program

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Norma Solomon White DHL

April 3, 2019

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Norma Solomon White

25th International President [email protected] (904) 864-5715

Mr. Thomas L. Battles, Jr. Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated

2322-24 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Dear Mr. Battles:

It is my honor and extreme pleasure to recommend John F. Burrell for the Elder Watson Diggs Award, a thirty year plus member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, initiated at the University of Southern Mississippi and Charter Member of the Bossier City Alumni Chapter. John was the 34th Polrmarch of the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter where I had the privilege of meeting him during the time I was International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. He served as Chairman and member of numerous committee in the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter and was the Kappa Man of the Year. He was also Executive Director of the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation. Before that time, he served as Chairman, Southern Province MOIP Committee; Member, Southern Province Planning Committee; Chairman, Southern Province Achievement Committee; Member, Southern Province Board of Directors;

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Member, Southern Province MTA Committee; and is a Southern Province Charter Life Member. Nationally he has served on the Alumni Chapter National Reclamation Committee; Chairman, National MIOP/MOIP Committee; Chairman, National/ Province/Local Chapter Participation National MTA; and Member, Membership Intake Task Force. He is a Kappa Alpha Psi Life Member and Southwestern Province Charter Life Member.  He gives Þnancial support to the Kappa Alpha Psi Founder’s Club, the Centennial Capital Campaign 2011 and is a member of the Million Dollar Club. He is also a Charter Life Member of Middle Western Province and the Eastern Province. John is an active member of the NATA-District 3 and District 9, Florida Athletic Trainer’s Association; Member, Professional Football Athletic Trainers’ Society; Member, Executive Committee PFATS; Member, Florida Board of Athletic Training; and Leadership 25 Year Member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) His professional experience includes: Head Athletic Trainer, Alcorn State University; Assistant Athletic Trainer, Shreveport Pirates (Canadian Football League; Assistant Athletic Trainer, Jacksonville Jaguars (National Football League); Head Athletic Trainer, Washington Redskins (National Football League); Head Football Trainer, Omaha Nighthawks (United Football League); CertiÞed Football Trainer, University of Florida/ Bone and Joint Center; Interim Deputy Executive Director, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Executive Director, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Mr. Burrell has been actively involved in professional and community service organizations and activities for more than thirty years and has made signiÞcant achievement and contributions to society. He is a team player, an administrator, a motivator, an innovator and exhibits great skills in communication and interpersonal skills and possesses the leadership qualities as established by your Founders. Feel free to contact me if you desire additional information.

Sincerely.

Norma Solomon White

3315 W. Edgewood Avenue / Jacksonville Florida 32209

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Marisa Brunett, MS, LAT, ATC Board of Directors, National Athletic Trainers’ Association -District IX Director To Mr. Thomas L. Battles, Jr. Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated

2322-24 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Subject: Elder Watson Diggs Award Petition Reference: John F. Burrell

Please accept this letter of recommendation for consideration of Mr. John F. Burrell, LAT, ATC for the Elder Watson Diggs Award. I have had the pleasure to know and work with John in Florida for many years. I first met John while serving together on the Florida Department of Health’s Board of Athletic Training where he displayed the utmost professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm in his role as a board member. John was very passionate in progressing the profession of Athletic Training in the state of Florida, while at the same time looking out for the public’s safety. Through our work on the board together, John extended his services further to The Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida, Inc “wherever we could use him”. John assisted in speaking, as well as in establishing contacts for speakers to participate at our annual clinical symposium. His willingness to serve on top of a very demanding NFL professional schedule as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Jacksonville Jaguars further showed John’s commitment to serve. Many colleagues have noted John’s outgoing and welcoming personality in all that he does. John has lead in many areas throughout his career. His desire, hard work and commitment in the pursuit of continuing to provide athlete safety in the professional and high school settings, as well as to assist moving the athletic training profession forward in areas that did not have access to athletic trainer’s in the past is to be commended. It is without reservation that I recommend John F. Burrell, LAT, ATC based on his significant achievements and contributions within the field of athletic training, in addition to his selfless service to the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to receive the distinct honor of the Elder Watson Diggs Award.

Respectfully,

Marisa Brunett, MS, LAT, ATC

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Mr. Thomas L. Battles, Jr. Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated 2322-24 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Subject: Elder Watson Diggs Award Petition Reference: John F. Burrell

Dear Mr. Battles:

I am humbled to submit to you a letter of professional recommendation for Mr. John Burrell for the Elder Watson Diggs Award through Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. I have known John for the past eleven years in my role as the Executive Director of a non-for-profit community sports injury organization serving kids and schools in Jacksonville, FL. John has been a vital part of our sports safety efforts within our urban core schools serving high school aged kids. His leadership abilities have significantly contributed to the development and valuation of the certified athletic trainer as an integral part of the secondary school environment locally here in Jacksonville, Florida. Through his labors (volunteer efforts) John has assisted our organization in creating a solution to a void within our public school system and developed a plan for resolution within a five-year period. Mr. Burrell is a professional offering impeccable qualities and superior work ethic. Through his efforts young kids in our community have received an NFL quality experience in high school. John is a tremendous presence in our local efforts in making Jacksonville a safer place to play. Please let me know if you require any additional information. I offer my highest recommendation for Mr. John Burrell for the Elder Watson Diggs Award.

Sincerely, Robert R. Sefcik Executive Director

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Areas of Achievement Significant achievement or contributions, other

than monetary, within a field of endeavor, objectively measured in terms of the nature and extensiveness of such achievements or contributions, and the acclaim from a representative professional, commercial, industrial, technical, religious, scientific, governmental, or labor organization.

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84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING PHILADELPHIA, PA

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Career in the Field of Athletic Training

Brother John F. Burrell, ATC, has excelled in the field of athletic training and was recognized with his 25th Year membership pin by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) in 2012. He has been a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) for 29 years and has worked as an Athletic Trainer Certified in various settings such as high school, clinical, collegiate, and professional. According to the >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144

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