Kappa Alpha Psi whips up activism, community service with 'Pie-a-Nupe' fundraising

By: Angelique Latham

The men of Kappa Alpha Psi are always up for an adventure, but this time, they’re diving into community service. Despite the effect social distancing has had on student life due to COVID-19, some fraternities have still found a way to bring people together. 

As part of KappaVision, a week of community-driven events dedicated to financial literacy, table talks and gender equality, the last day, “Pie-a-Nupe,” turned into a virtual fundraising drive that, funnily enough, was exactly what it sounds like. 

According to Ernest Moore, a fourth-year in biology, Pie-a-Nupe isn’t just about friendly fun — it’s about raising money to serve the next generation. 

“It’s usually a fundraiser for the chapter, and a portion of the proceeds go to the community programs,” Moore said. 

Although not a native Ohioan, Moore said by joining the Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha, he’s seen Columbus’ unique brand of activism in action. 

The Nupes get pied. Credit | Apha Kappa Psi.

“Coming here as a student, I was not aware of the specific areas in Columbus that needed assistance. For example, while the election was going on I worked with our alumni chapter in Columbus to help get people registered to vote around the Kappa house, which is located on Mount Vernon,” Moore said. 

Armed with only clear, thin ponchos, Moore was even chosen as the first victim to be bombarded with the pies — paper plates filled to the brim with whip cream — and by the crowd no less. 

Unfortunately for the “Nupes,” there were plenty of outlandish requests. “I gotta get hit by three pies!” Moore said. 

Alexander Ushry, a fourth-year in finance, was only the second victim to be selected and by request of one donor, hit as hard as humanly possible. 

Ushry said that although this was the first time the fraternity hosted the event, in the future he hopes to provide students on campus with more educational, interactive and impactful programs.   

“We are able to work closely with the communities that have been experiencing hard times, we observe things that are going on that are impacting the community in a negative way, and we do our best to provide the necessary tools needed to head in a positive direction,” he said.