Founded on May 13, 1961 by a much beloved professor in the College of Pharmacy, Robert Beamer, the Gamma Xi chapter of Kappa Psi at the USC College of Pharmacy stands as one of the oldest and largest pharmacy fraternities in the nation. With a mission focused on developing leaders who are passionate about community service and fostering lifelong professional connections, Kappa Psi offers student pharmacists more than just a social organization.
“I like to teach and be involved, and Iʼm all about being with the organization that pushes for philanthropy and community service. That is the core pillar of the organization,” says Keaton Allison, Class of 2026, who served as immediate past president.
Under Allisonʼs leadership, the fraternity coordinated numerous service initiatives, including partnerships with the Salvation Army, nursing home visits, and hurricane relief fundraisers that raised more than $3,000. The chapter also raised more than $10,000 for the St. Baldrickʼs Foundation by shaving their heads to support fundraising for childhood cancer research.
Current president Matthew Rollings, Class of 2027, was drawn to Kappa Psi for its sense of community and leadership opportunities.
“I joined Kappa Psi for the brotherhood and community. I saw a group of people who cared about each other and that I could relate to as they were experiencing the same things as me with school,” says Rollings.
Rollings sees Kappa Psiʼs impact extending beyond campus. “Kappa Psi plays a major role in shaping future generations of pharmacists. The sense of purpose that the organization gives its members and the leadership development it provides help brothers in both personal and professional success.”
Faculty co-advisor John Holladay, ʼ92, ʼ97, hopes to encourage alumni to reconnect with the fraternity. “These student pharmacists are engaging and eager to connect for career mentoring opportunities and general fellowship,” says Holladay.
Along with co-advisor Jordan Ballou and Holladay’s guidance, the chapter benefits from both national Kappa Psi connections
and local alumni relationships. The fraternity continues to emphasize its founding
principle: once a brother of Kappa Psi, you remain a brother for life.
Alumni: To reconnect with the Gamma Xi chapter of Kappa Psi, email John Holladay at hollada2@cop.sc.edu.
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Student Experience