09/01/2026
NUPE OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER 2026 - Brother John Hertie Smith
For September 2026, the Maywood–Wheaton (IL) Alumni Chapter proudly recognizes Brother John Hertie Smith as our Nupe of the Month in appreciation of his exceptional commitment, steadfast leadership, and invaluable service to our Chapter, the North Central Province, and the communities we serve.
Brother Smith is a Fall 1983 initiate of the Gamma Beta (ΓΒ) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Western Michigan University. He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.
Professionally, Brother Smith enjoyed a distinguished career as an executive with Canon USA, consistently exemplifying achievement and excellence before his retirement.
Within the Maywood–Wheaton (IL) Alumni Chapter, Brother Smith faithfully served as Reclamation Chairman, where his strategic leadership, organization, and relentless commitment to reconnecting brothers contributed to consistent year-over-year membership growth. Under his leadership, the Chapter earned North Central Province Reclamation Awards, a testament to his passion for strengthening the Bond and bringing brothers home to Kappa.
Brother Smith currently serves as a member of the Chapter Board of Directors and as the North Central Province Reclamation Chairman, where he leads Province-wide reclamation initiatives with the same tenacity, accountability, and brotherly concern that have characterized his service at the Chapter level.
Service Beyond the Chapter
Brother Smith’s commitment to service was especially evident during the Chapter’s summer break when he took the initiative to identify and lead a meaningful community service project benefiting the Bolingbrook Community Closet, a nonprofit organization that provides free clothing, shoes, and accessories to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
Through Brother Smith’s leadership and coordination, the Chapter delivered approximately 1,100 new and gently used clothing items to the Community Closet. The tremendous donation helped establish an entire men’s clothing section, including suits, dress shirts, slacks, shoes, and accessories for men in need.
But the brothers did more than donate.
Under Brother Smith’s leadership, Chapter members also volunteered their time to sort, organize, hang, and categorize the clothing, helping prepare the items for distribution to individuals and families throughout the community.
What began as Brother Smith’s initiative became another powerful example of what can happen when the Brothers and Service come together with purpose.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Brother John Hertie Smith for his leadership, initiative, and extraordinary commitment to service. Whether reclaiming brothers to the Bond, providing leadership throughout the North Central Province, serving on our Board of Directors, or answering the needs of the community, Brother Smith continues to exemplify the ideals and fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Congratulations, Brother Smith, our September 2026 Nupe of the Month!
Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.
