Fraternity brothers at Kennesaw State University are rallying around the memory of Harrison Olvey, their fallen brother, by raising funds for a scholarship established in his honor. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the Eta Delta chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity has taken to activities such as car washes to gather contributions for the scholarship, which aims to commemorate Olvey's life and legacy.
Less than a year after graduating from Kennesaw State University, Olvey was tragically killed during his shift as a valet in Buckhead when he confronted a car break-in. Hosting their first annual Harrison Olvey Week from April 22-27, the fraternity has planned a series of philanthropic events including a volleyball tournament and cookout, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. During the incident on September 3, Olvey encountered Randy King, who allegedly shot him without warning, and is now facing multiple murder charges.
Members of Pi Kappa Phi have expressed deep shock and heartbreak over the loss of Olvey. "When we all found out last year what happened to him, we were all in shock," Josh DeFrank told FOX 5 Atlanta. His fraternity brothers remember him fondly and see this scholarship fund as a means to preserve his memory and contribute to the community in a manner they believe Olvey himself would have endorsed.
Autumn Ernst, the mother of the late KSU grad, has found the gesture of his fraternity brothers profoundly touching. "It touches my heart so much that they want to remember Harrison, it still makes me cry every time I think about it," she told FOX 5 Atlanta. In light of the upcoming events and King's court appearance, she said witnessing her son's accused killer made her stomach turn.
The event series aims to honor Olvey's memory by not only raising funds for the scholarship but also by supporting the fraternity's national philanthropy, the Ability Experience, which supports individuals with disabilities. Interested parties wishing to contribute to the Harrison Olvey Memorial Scholarship can do so by visiting donate.pikapp.org, filling out the donation form, and specifying the tribute as "In Memory of Harrison Olvey."
