Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. (NAK) recently hosted its second NAKfest since the pandemic – a powerful, high-energy weekend that brought together undergraduate and alumni brothers from across the country. For many, it felt like a long-awaited family reunion. This year’s gathering also marked the debut of the Nu Member Symposium (NMS), an innovative national program designed to empower new brothers through leadership, education, and cultural pride.

More than 140 alumni and undergrads attended NAKfest and more than 75 newly crossed brothers and potential new members attended NMS. NAKfest participants included brothers from the following chapters: Founding, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Iota, Kappa, Xi and Omicron. Other chapters also were present as supporters of the event and weekend.

Kappa Chapter brings NAKfest to Northern California and reunites the brotherhood 

This year’s NAKfest event was hosted by the Kappa Chapter at the University of California, Davis (UCD), in partnership with the National Executive Board (NEB). Held from April 4th and  5th, the two-day event featured a welcoming dinner, a sports competition, and a night social that brought generations of brothers together in celebration. 

For alumni – who now number over 3,500 nationwide – NAKfest was a reminder of the lifelong bond formed through NAK. For undergrads and especially new members, it was a powerful introduction to the national brotherhood and a moment of cultural affirmation. 

“NAKfest is more than a reunion – it’s a reminder of who we are and why we joined,” said NAK’s Associate Vice President of Programs, Jose Francisco.

NAKfest traditions were alive and well as chapters faced off in a friendly bracket-style sports tournament featuring flag football, soccer, and cornhole. After a long day of competition and brotherly cheer, the Kappa Chapter emerged as the 2025 NAKfest Champions – defending their title for the second year in a row.

Winners of NAKfest 2025: Kappa Chapter. (Photos: Abel Morelos)

“Hosting and winning NAKfest on our home turf made the experience unforgettable,” said Joahan Urdiano, one of the Kappa Chapter leaders. “But more importantly, we showed what it means to lead with pride and purpose.”

Undergraduates Urdiano, Josue Piña, Joshua Melendez and Elias Stimson, and alumni Johnny Sanchez, co-led planning efforts with support from their chapter and alumni, managing everything from venue logistics to community outreach.

“As a first-gen student, this weekend reminded me why NAK matters,” Urdiano said. “It’s about community, culture, and brotherhood – something we will carry beyond college. Our alumni showed us that by their representation in numbers.”

Nu Member Symposium: Empowering new brothers

Held alongside NAKfest on April 6, 2025, NMS brought a new dimension to national programming. Focused on academic excellence, operational integrity, and fraternity leadership, the inaugural event delivered high-impact sessions to help new members thrive in all aspects of life. More than 75 newly crossed brothers and potential new members attended NMS at UCD. 

More than 75 newly crossed brothers and prospective new members attended NMS at UC Davis.

NAK’s AVP of Southern Education and NMS organizer Leo Velazquez, emphasized the importance of this new initiative.

“The Nu Member Symposium is our investment in the future of the fraternity,” said Velazquez. “We want our brothers to become leaders not just on campus, but in their families and communities.”

Session highlights included:

  • Academic and personal success by AVP of Academic Standards Mario Mejia
  • Business operations and compliance by VP of Business Operations Jose R. Lara
  • Robert’s Rules of Order by President & CEO Carlos Mendoza
  • Chapter development by AVP of Southern Education Leo Velazquez
  • NEB Q&A panel, moderated by AVP of Communications Abel Morelos

“It is important that our newly initiated brothers and potential new members get acquainted with their NAK leaders,” said Velazquez. “We want them to know that they are seen, supported, and valued for being a NAK. After this weekend, we hope they feel confident in leading at their campuses as NAKs.”

NMS attendees had the opportunity to practice conflict resolution skits with NAK President Mendoza. 

Concluding NMS, attendees were invited to share their feedback through a post-event survey. Among the 60 respondents, the results reflected strong enthusiasm and impact:

  • 73.4% rated the overall quality of the event as positive
  • 75% found the information relevant to their personal and professional development
  • 86.7% felt the presentations were clear and effective
  • 80% found the workshop materials helpful
  • 86.7% said they are likely to apply what they learned to their own lives

These insights reinforce the value of NAK’s national programming and the brotherhood’s continued commitment to growth and leadership.

Looking ahead: NAK Convention 2026

During the opening night of NAKfest, President and CEO Mendoza announced a bold new direction: starting in 2026, NAK will consolidate its major national programs – including NAKfest, the National Leadership Development Conference (NLDC), and others – into a single NAK Convention, co-hosted with the NAK National Alumni Association (NAA).

“Consolidating into one national event will deepen our unity and make the experience more accessible for all brothers,” Mendoza said.

This new model aims to streamline costs, strengthen planning, and build a holistic four-day experience that blends brotherhood, leadership development, and cultural celebration. Planning for a united NAK Convention with the NAA will begin in late summer, with a nationwide volunteer committee forming soon.

“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Mendoza said. “But as we grow and evolve as a national organization, we must also innovate. Imagine a convention that celebrates everything NAK stands for in one unforgettable weekend. We’re building a new tradition – together.”

As the brothers departed Davis, energized and inspired, one thing became clear: the future of Nu Alpha Kappa is bright, united, and ready to grow. Whether through legacy events like NAKfest or bold new ventures like the NAK Convention, NAK continues to uplift Latino culture, first-gen identity, and lifelong brotherhood.

NAKfest and NMS committee members included brothers from the Kappa Chapter and NEB. They included Jose Francisco, Velazquez, Mendoza, Urdiano, Piña, Melendez, Stimson, Sanchez, Morelos, Lara, Sandro Aguilar, Roberto Campos, Christian Martinez, Othoniel Figueroa and Daniel Garcia. 

NAKfest and NMS were covered via NAK’s Instagram account. To see the recap of events, follow NAK on Instagram. Learn more about NAK’s national events here. For questions, feedback, or comments, please contact neb@nakinc.org.

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Abel Morelos
Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc.
Associate Vice President of Communications
communications@nakinc.org