Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. (NAK) welcomed more than 100 brothers from across the country Feb. 27 through March 1 for a Founders Weekend gathering, a three-day celebration of brotherhood, leadership and philanthropy anchored at the Founding Chapter at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
The weekend began Friday evening with a welcome mixer hosted by the Founding Chapter alumni, setting the tone for connection across generations.
“Founders Weekend is about bringing brothers home,” said Vidal Gonzalez, a Founding Chapter alumni representative. “It’s an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on our roots and recommit to supporting the next generation of leaders.”
Saturday’s programming featured the Nu Member Symposium (NMS), led by the National Executive Board (NEB), alongside the Founders Cup Golf Tournament hosted by the National Alumni Association (NAA). The symposium brought together 52 attendees, including active members and alumni, with representation from chapters across the brotherhood. The event achieved a high survey response rate, with feedback indicating near-universal satisfaction with the content and no major program concerns.
Workshops focused heavily on fundraising and philanthropy strategies, leadership development, risk management, diversity and inclusion, and NAK history. Attendees including multiple chapter presidents, educators and executive officers reported strong intent to implement what they learned, from launching improved fundraisers to strengthening chapter operations and alumni engagement. The most frequently cited highlight was the opportunity to connect with brothers from other chapters and hear stories from alumni and founding members.
A particularly meaningful presence throughout the weekend was original founding father Alberto Salazar, who attended the welcome mixer, delivered remarks and shared NAK history during NMS, participated in the Founders Ball and joined brothers at the Sunday barbecue. For many new members, the opportunity to hear directly from a founding father and witness his continued involvement underscored the living legacy of the fraternity.
“Our goal with the NMS is to ensure every new brother understands the responsibility and opportunity that comes with wearing our letters,” said Jose Francisco Rivera, associate vice president of programs for the NEB. “We’re building leaders who will serve their campuses and communities long after graduation.”
Organizers noted that the only consistent suggestions for improvement were logistical, including event length, room temperature and pacing, with many attendees stating they would attend future national events.
The Founders Cup Golf Tournament earlier in the day brought together alumni and undergraduates in a spirited competition that emphasized camaraderie and continued engagement beyond college. The tournament champions were Rolando Suarez and Sergio Andrade. Proceeds from the event support the NAA’s annual scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate NAK brothers. A full list of participants and final scores can be found here.
The weekend also marked the culmination of NAK’s inaugural NAK Day of Giving and Week of Giving during the 2025–2026 academic year. Held Feb. 23–28 and concluding at Founders Weekend, the first-ever national fundraising effort raised more than $5,200, marking a historic milestone in the fraternity’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact. Leaders said the initiative connected NAK’s mission to a broader national spirit of generosity while reinforcing a culture of giving across chapters and alumni.
Saturday evening concluded with the Founders Ball, a formal gala hosted by the NAA. The program included a cocktail hour, opening remarks and dinner, Founding Chapter recognition and a joint national message before closing and an evening celebration. The event highlighted the fraternity’s history while underscoring its vision for the future.
During his remarks, Sergio Andrade, CEO of the NAA, emphasized the importance of sustained alumni engagement beyond milestone events.
“Networking shouldn’t stop after graduation,” Andrade said. “The NAA’s KANNECT app is the platform our alumni should be using to build lifelong professional and personal connections. I encourage every brother to join the NAA and engage through KANNECT so we can continue creating meaningful opportunities for one another.”
Andrade added that alumni membership dues directly fund scholarships for undergraduate and graduate NAK brothers, reinforcing the cycle of support across generations. Alumni interested in joining the NAA and accessing KANNECT can learn more at kannect.nakalumni.org.
“Seeing more than 100 brothers come together throughout the weekend speaks volumes about the strength of our bond,” said Carlos Mendoza, NAK national president and CEO. “Founders Weekend isn’t just a celebration of our past, it’s an investment in our future.”
On Sunday, the weekend closed with a brotherhood barbecue hosted by Founding Chapter alumni, offering a more informal setting for fellowship and reflection.
Omar Gonzalez, president of the Founding Chapter, said the weekend left a lasting impression on undergraduate members. “Having alumni return and share their experiences reminds us that NAK doesn’t end at graduation,” he said. “It challenges us to lead with purpose now, knowing we’re part of something bigger.”
Founding Chapter alumni advisor David Rodriguez reflected on the weekend’s long-term impact.
“When alumni show up, it sends a message,” Rodriguez said. “It tells our undergraduates that this brotherhood lasts well beyond college and that we’re committed to mentoring, investing in and holding each other accountable to the standards that built NAK.”
Organizers said the strong attendance, leadership representation and engagement throughout the weekend demonstrate continued growth and momentum for the fraternity as it enters another year of service, leadership and brotherhood.
Organizers also recognized the volunteers who made the weekend possible. From the NEB, those efforts included Jose Francisco Rivera, Carlos Mendoza, Jose R. Lara, Israel Garcia, Manuel Zavala, Leo Velazquez and Abel Morelos. Representing the NAA were Sergio Andrade, Juan Aguilar, Steven Valdez and Soa Vang. From the Founding Chapter, support was provided by Omar Gonzalez, Vidal Gonzalez, Raul Solis, Juan Mendoza, Jacob Farewell and Alberto Salazar. Leaders noted that the collaboration across national, alumni and undergraduate teams was critical to the weekend’s success.
Photos of Founders Weekend 2026 can be found here.
The fraternity’s next national program will be NAKfest in Greeley, Colorado, hosted by the Sigma Chapter at the University of Northern Colorado from June 12-14, 2026, as brothers from across the country gather once again to strengthen bonds and advance the organization’s mission.
To learn more about NAK, please visit www.nualphakappa.org. Alumni interested in joining the NAK National Alumni Association and supporting scholarships and future engagement initiatives are encouraged to visit www.nakalumni.org.