Alumni Spotlight: Meet Justin Jensen

Justin Jensen

Alumni Spotlight

MEET JUSTIN JENSEN

• Home chapter – Beta Kappa @ Bowling Green State University

• Initiation period – Spring 2014

• Graduation date – May 2018

• Major or study concentration – Film Production

• Main Instrument – Tuba

• Current profession – Chapter Field Representative w/ Kappa Kappa Psi National Headquarters

• Current city – Stillwater, OK

Why did you join KKPsi or what drew you KKPsi? – "I was originally drawn to KKPsi because people in my section told me that I would be a good fit for an honorary band fraternity which is something that I didn’t think I would be good enough for at the time. When I saw the opportunity to join an organization of people that all loved the same things I did in addition to also bettering the band program it was an easy choice to make."

What positions or responsibilities did you hold in your chapter? – "In my chapter I held the position of Parliamentarian. It was the one position I held within the chapter but I also served as NCD Vice President of Programs."

Name a favorite memory from your Active membership. – "One of my favorite memories would have to be my first National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky in 2015. It was an eye-opening experience to get to see how much the fraternity does on a national level. It gave me perspective on how much we really do for the band program. I also got to meet so many different brothers and sisters that I now have the pleasure of working with today. (Shameless Plug: Go to NatCon 2019 on July 16-20 and celebrate KKPsi’s centennial, it will be really fun!)"

How has KKPsi helped you in the "real world"? (professionally or personally, or both)  – "Currently, it has helped with almost everything as CFR. It has also taught me how I want to present myself as a professional and how to effectively communicate my message to people I talk to whether it be brothers or anyone outside of the organization. It taught me to be passionate about everything that I do."

What are you most looking forward to as a member of the NCDAA? - "I looking forward to getting to know many brothers from the NCD that are still just as passionate about Kappa Kappa Psi as they were when they were an active member."

Name one thing you want to get out of the NCDAA. – "I would want to forge new bonds with alumni that I didn’t have the opportunity to meet while I was Active."

Name any of your personal social media accounts that you would like people to connect with you. – "Add me on Facebook or on Twitter @jstnjensen13."

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Brother Nicki Schmidt

Nicki Schmidt

Alumni Spotlight

Meet Nicki Schmidt

• Home chapter – Beta Kappa @ Bowling Green State University

• Initiation period – Spring 2015

• Graduation date – May 2016

• Major or study concentration – Graphic Design

• Main Instrument – French Horn

• Current profession – Graphic Designer

• Current city – Bowling Green, OH

Why did you join KKPsi or what drew you KKPsi? – "I actually didn't go out for KKPsi until I was a Junior. I spent my first couple years of college being very shy and introverted. When I joined the uniform committee for marching band my sophomore year, I met people from both KKPsi and TBS, this was my first experience with these band organizations and I thought it was awesome that a group of people could help the bands so much. The next year I was leadership of my section in marching band, which helped me get out of my shell more and I finally had the courage to go out for KKPsi. I loved the being able to meet people outside of my own section that loved band as much as I did. It was a very welcoming experience and I wouldn't change it for the world."

What positions or responsibilities did you hold in your chapter? – "I was the Fundraising Committee Head my final year as an active. When I came in as fundraising chair, our chapters funds were very low. I held different fundraisers such as our Marching Band Clothing Sale, bake sales, restaurant fundraisers, convention merchandise, and we saw a definite increase in our funds that year. It was awesome to see that I was able to contribute something to my chapter."

Name a favorite memory from your Active membership. – "One of my favorite memories would have to be building a halloween gingerbread house with my Big and Little! The first weekend after I got my little we went to a band outreach at a high school, and then went to my Big's apartment and we built a Halloween themed gingerbread house. We had so many laughs that night, and it was a great bonding experience for all of us. We failed at making the gingerbread house stand so we just smashed it and then ate all the black icing!"

How has KKPsi helped you in the "real world"? (professionally or personally, or both)  – "Kappa Kappa Psi has helped me learn the importance of teamwork. In KKPsi we work as a team to provide the best we can for the bands, it is never an individual effort. This also applies to my job environment working with my coworkers, providing the best work and product we can for the customers.  More personally, KKPsi has helped me gain confidence in leadership and trust. I was able to grow as a person being around a group of people who share the same interests and values as I do. I am more confident in myself and the work that I do because of the support I received from my brothers during my time being active. I could never be more thankful for that."

What are you most looking forward to as a member of the NCDAA? – "I am looking forward to connecting with other Alumni brothers. I still stay connected with the family that are active and still in college, but I think that having an alumni association is a great way for graduates to still stay connected with brothers even if they don't have any connection left with their home chapter." 

Name one thing you want to get out of the NCDAA. – "To continue my experience as a brother and be able to make new connections with other KKPsi alumni, and continue to grow my knowledge from new experiences."

Name any of your personal social media accounts that you would like people to connect with you. – Instagram: @Schminkz

Name any other contact information that you are willing to share. – "I do have a website that features my graphic design work: www.nickischmidtdesigns.com as well as my design work email nicki.schmidt.designs@gmail.com."