2024 Fricker Cup - Cincy Style adds new traditions, memories and scholarship funds

Under a bright, sunny sky with 17 mph winds and temperatures hovering around 68°F, twenty alumni and four undergraduates teed off Saturday September 7 at noon at the Beckett Ridge Golf Club north of Cincinnati, Ohio in the 2024 edition of the Fricker Cup.  

The prize? Immortality: Having your name and that of your partner inscribed on the trophy and being able to touch the cup with you bare hands without invoking the curse of Fricker!

This year's tournament saw Brad Storts IC '89  and Ed Kendall IC '89 finish with the lowest score among the alumni, 13 under par. This is their first Fricker Cup victory having played in several tournaments. 

This year was the first year that a team of undergraduates was invited to play. The Chapter's current Grand Master, Luke King IC'22, Grand Master of Ceremonies Will DeMuessy IC '23, past Grand Master of Ceremonies, Tanner Thompson IC '22, and Parker Fromin IC '22.  They played well enough to finish in first and 6th place and said they can't wait to compete as alumni to get their names on the Fricker Cup!     

Grand Master of Ceremonies, Will DeMuessy won the closest to the pin contest on Hole #10 which was also a split the pot hole with 1/2 the $480 in proceeds going to the Chapter's Scholarship fund via the Brian McDowell Named Scholarship started last year. When fully funded at $25,000 it will deliver an annual $1000 scholarship to Theta-Upsilon members.  Alumni are encouraged to make tax-deductible donations using this link. 

2021 Fricker Cup Champion Ed Kessler IC '86 won the longest drive.  Two-time Fricker cup Champion Wes Bren IC '85  won the longest putt on #18. Bren and his partner, Matt Smith IC '87  also won a consolation prize for have the worst score of the afternoon, 3 over par Net 75. They apologized for their group slowing up play that afternoon, noting golf takes longer when you hit more 28 strokes than par!    

This year's memorable and successful event was planned by the The Fricker Cup Planning & Rules Committee of John Henry IC '85, Brad Flinders IC '86, Brian Harding IC '86, Ed Kessler IC '87, Jeff Meek  IC '87, and Frazer Donaldson IC '88. 

The first Fricker Cup was played at Hueston Woods course near Oxford in 2014, ten years ago.  Ever since, with the exception of 2020 due to Covid two alumni have had their names added to the impressive trophy.  This years format was a partner scramble, with each partner needing to contribute at least 6 drives. A boisterous awards ceremony followed the round at the club house that also featured a table full of Kappa Sigma memorabilia brought by Michael Schoedinger IC '86.

The undergraduates in attendance enjoyed seeing the old Bononia Docets and photos and were pleasantly shocked to learn the truth of Eddie Fricker's identity.    

Like previous Fricker Cups, KSTUAA hosted an alumni gathering Friday night open to all Theta-Upsilon alumni whether they were participating in the golf tournament or not. A large group of over 25 alumni and guests gathered at Voodoo Brewery and later at Twin Peaks at David Bouve's suggestion.  The group met at Twin Peaks (lots of TV with College football on) after the Fricker Cup Saturday evening and again additional alumni joined the group.  

Craig Izzo IC '88 & Frazer Donaldson IC '88 finished with a 69

Nathan Varnum IC '87 & Mark Loisel IC '87 finished with a 62

Michael Schoedinger IC '86 & Jeff Meek IC '87 finished with a 67

Brad Flinders IC '86 & David Bouve IC '86 finished with a 68

Dan Wehrman  IC '90 & Brian Olah IC '91 finished with a 63

Brad Storts IC '89  and Ed Kendall IC '89 finished with a winning 59  

Ed Kessler IC '87 and John Henry IC '85 finished with a 65

Bill Beringer IC '89 and Brady Fening IC '89  finished in second place with a 62

Geoff Aurini IC '85 and Peter Kanistros IC '83 finished with a 71

Wes Bren IC '85 and Matt Smith IC '87 finished in last place with a 75

KSTUAA Board Votes to adopt 3 Great Aims and Creates Two New Chairs/Committees

The KSTUAA Board met August 25 and voted to adopt what it is calling its Thee Great Aims. Essentially these three statement provide more detail and structure to guide our Alumni Association. 

Aim One:  Inclusivity: Engage All of our Theta-Upsilon Alumni

We seek to reach and connect with all of our alumni and celebrate them and their contributions.

Our Objectives & Initiatives

• Alumni database – we seek to have accurate info on 100% of our members
• Volunteers from all eras
• Hall of Fame & communications celebrating achievements across the spectrum e.g. Public Service
• Maintaining Composites and Library of contributions, history 

Aim Two: Living Kappa Sigma “For Life…”

We seek to provide and support opportunities for Alumni to reconnect, engage with other Alumni and Kappa Sigs undergraduate and outside of Theta-Upsilon.

Our Objectives & Initiatives

• Hosting in-person Events (Reunions, Open House, Homecoming, Charter Day, Happy Hours, Fricker Cup)  
• Host virtual events (e.g. Cossa Challenge & contexts)
• Regular Communications (Social Media, eNewsletters etc.)
• Memorial Fund to honor
• Promote Volunteer opportunities

Aim Three:  Build on our Good Legacy by Supporting our Chapter

We seek to support the undergraduates and the Theta-Upsilon Chapter and promote its growth as a model for Fraternity.)

Our Objectives & Initiatives 

• Chapter Advisory Council and its Programs and involvement 
• Professional Networking (Alumni Docent Program)  
• Promote Financial Giving (e.g. SAJ/Endowment Fund & KSTUAA project donations & dues) 
• Support the Theta Upsilon Housing Company & related initiatives
• Promote good relations with Miami, Kappa Sigma and Oxford community

In addition the KSTUAA Board voted to create two new chair positions/roles with in the Board:

• The Archives Chair is responsible for collecting information, photos and memorabilia that reflect Theta-Upsilon’s history and find ways to display it physically at the chapter or digitally on-line.  For example, the composite reprints and items like the original Star & Crescent pin for the trophy room. The Archives Chair will also maintain the Family Trees with information gathered by the Records team and share this electronically. He will publish stories of historical interest on the website and in the newsletter and ensure that the information about Chapter officers, awards and volunteers is accurate on the website.  The Archives chair will work with other committees to secure donations to make this all happen.
  
  
• The Hall Of Fame Liaison has two primary objectives: 1. to engaged the HOF Nominating Committee and support its efforts to secure open and representative nominations, a fair election of an inductee, and help coordinate with the Chapter and the Events committee a respectful and quality induction ceremony and celebration and  work with the Communications teams to publicize the activity and 2. to provide updates and service directly to the HOF inductees at least twice a year as a special group of alumni interested in Theta-Upsilon (for example a conference call with updates about the chapter and KSTUAA)

KSTUAA President, Clay Hunt will be appointing board members in to these roles and alumni interested in supporting the Archive purpose are encourage to reach out to Clay to be added to the committee.   KSTUAA is also looking for additional alumni to assist in the planning of events and the communications program.  Please let Brad Mikes know if you are interested. 

 

Theta-Upsilon Chapter and Alumni Recognized for Outstanding work

 

Theta-Upsilon delegation pose for a photo at the Awards Reception at the 2024 Leadership Conference in New Orleans. L-R: Brothers Wes Bren IC '85, DGM; Emmett Jones IC '22, UAC Area 3; Quinn Sippola IC '22, AA Phi-Delta Chapter; Luke King IC '22, Grand Master; David Weygandt IC '22, Master of Ritual; Andy Zuchowski IC '94 AA Phi-Epsilon Chapter.

Theta-Upsilon Chapter wins the Founders' Award for Chapter Excellence for the third year in a row

Alumni and Undergraduate members also recognized for outstanding efforts as Kappa Sigma celebrates a record-breaking year. 

July in the Big Easy provided an opportunity for the Supreme Executive Committee to celebrate a great year, provide training for undergraduate members and recognize Kappa Sigmas and chapters for excellence. 

Another first!  Brother Jones named Undergraduate of the Year!

For the first time in the Chapter's 57 year history, one of our members was named Undergraduate of the Year for Area 3: Emmett Jones IC '22 who graduated this May. Brother Jones served as Grand Treasurer during the Colony period, as Grand Master in the reinstated Chapter's first year and served in roles of Pledge Program conductor and Champion Quest (Recruiting) Chair since. Emmett was elected last year at the Grand Conclave as Chapter's first-ever UAC (Undergraduate Advisory Committee) delegate for Area 3.  In this role, Emmett represented many districts and Chapters at the SEC meetings and assisted the SEC, Commissioners, HQ Staff and Endowment Fund Trustees with multiple priorities. Brother Jones also received a "Distinguished Service Commendation" for his efforts with the SAJ Weekend of Giving. 

Chapter Awards

The Theta-Upsilon Chapter was recognized with a F.A.C.E. Award (Founders’ Award of Chapter Excellence) for the 3rd year in a row. The Miami Chapter was one of only 29 Chapters (~top 10%) recognized based on it achievements in recruiting, scholarship, philanthropy, ritual proficiency and support of the Endowment Fund. 

The Chapter also was recognized for Academic Excellence with a Silver Bowl Award, for achieving 100% of the members having at least one Ritual Proficiency and for its recruiting in Champion Quest.

For the full list of Chapter Awards see:  
https://www.kappasigma.org/leadership-conference-chapter-awards-2023-2024/ 

Undergraduate Awards          

Chapter awards come from great leadership and Theta-Upsilon members were also recognized:

• Outstanding Grand Procurator Award: Harris E. Brotman IC '22  
• Outstanding Grand Scribe Award : Luke R. Hastings IC '22
• Outstanding Grand Treasurer Award: Luke R. King IC '22
• Master of Ritual: David Weygandt IC '22
• Undergraduate of the Year for Area 3: Emmett Jones IC '22 

For the full list of Undergraduate awards see: 
https://www.kappasigma.org/leadership-conference-individual-awards-2023-2024/

Theta-Upsilon Alumni Recognized          

Theta-Upsilon alumni were also recognized for their service to Order including:

• Outstanding Assistant Alumnus Advisor Award: Jay Cavender  IC '80, serving at Theta-Upsilon
• Outstanding Alumnus Advisor Award: Andy Zuchowski IC '94 serving at Phi-Epsilon Chapter, Ohio University.
• Outstanding Assistant District Grand Master Award: David Brinkman IC '80, serving Northern Ohio District
• Outstanding District Grand Master Award: Wesley Bren IC '85, Southwest Ohio District 

For the full list of Volunteer awards see: 
https://www.kappasigma.org/leadership-conference-individual-volunteer-awards-2023-2024/

KSTUAA Annual Meeting, Elections & Theta-Upsilon at SEC Meeting in Cleveland

Patrick Reedy IC '89 and Emmett Jones IC '22 join KSTUAA Board

The KSTUAA Board convened for its annual meeting in Oxford during Miami Alumni Weekend on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Chapter House at 406 E. Withrow Ave with Brothers Clay Hunt IC '90, Jim Lewis IC '74 & Wes Bren IC '85 onsite and other members attending via Zoom. 

President, Clay Hunt presided over the meeting that saw an amendment to the by-laws allowing for the KSTUAA Treasurer to serve beyond a sixth year if an audit is conducted and Elections of a slate of six board members for a 2 year term and filling a vacancy for an unfinished term as well as elections of the four officers.

While the Board was sorry to see the departure of Brother Craig Stichtenoth IC '72 who had served on the Board since 2016 and for many years as the KSTUAA Secretary and for Bill Beringer IC '89, it was also excited to welcome HOF 2017 inductee Patrick Reedy IC '89 and past Grand Master of the rechartered Theta-Upsilon Chapter, and the Chapter's first UAC representative Emmett Jones IC '22.  

Elected to the Board to serve two-year term ending in June 2026 were:

• Brad Mikes ’82; HOF 2023
• Wes Bren ’85; HOF 2017
• Chris Elder ’85; 
• Mike McNally ’86;
• Shawn Isham ’92;
• Emmett Jones ’22;

Elected to the Board to serve an unfinished term ending in June 2025 was:

• Patrick Reedy ’89; HOF 2017

Elected to serve one-year terms as officers ending in June 2025 were:

• President: Clay Hunt
• Vice-President: Mark Rowland
• Treasurer: Jim Lewis
• Secretary: Emmett Jones

Additional information about the KSTUAA Board can be found on the KSTUAA Board page (see link on right)

KSTUAA hosted an Open House at the Chapter beginning at 11:30 which saw local alumni and those as far away as Texas (Mark Cross IC '74) and Virginia (Jim Lewis IC '74) in attendance!  The current Grand Master of the  Chapter, Luke King IC '22 also attended welcoming Alumni and jumping in to the Corn Hole Tournament and helping his team win.

Other Alumni in attendance in addition to the three KSTUAA Board members included CAC members: Jay Cavender IC '80, Jay Puccio IC '82 and Dave Walker IC '88; Theta Upsilon Housing Company Board member Michael Behrens '89 and Mark Cross.

Theta-Upsilon well represented in Supreme Executive Committee Meeting held in Cleveland Ohio honoring current WGS, Dan Tierney  

The SEC convened its regular meeting in Cleveland, Ohio in honor of the Worthy Grand Scribe Brother Dan Tierney of Theta-Nu Chapter (Ashland) in his fourth year of service. All the chapters of Ohio were asked to send a representatives to give a report. 

Theta-Upsilon was well represented with Kirt Sippola IC '22 giving the Chapter update. Emmett Jones IC '22 who had just graduated and gave his last UAC Area 3 report.

Dave Brinkman IC '80, ADGM for Northern Ohio was in the meeting. So was Quinn Sippola IC '22, AAA soon to be AA at the new Penn State-Behrens chapter and Wes Bren IC '85 serving as Southwest Ohio District Grand Master. 

Photo: Seated SEC and the three Ohio DGMS with Ohio Chapter members and volunteers standing behind. 

Up Next...  

Several delegates of the chapter and the DGM will be attending the Kappa Sigma Leadership Conference in New Orleans July 26-27.

Alumni are encourage to register for our next event: the Fricker Cup, September 7 in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

KSTUAA closes books on FY 2024 - Over 150 Alumni donated

June 1 is the start of the new fiscal year for KSTUAA (and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity) and as the KSTUAA Board takes a look back, 2023-2024 (FY24) will go down as the most active and most generous to-date in Theta-Upsilon's 57 year history with more than 150 Alumni donating to support the the activities of KSTUAA and/or the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Endowment Fund!  

For the first time ever, we had Alumni from every decade donate! 
60s (13);
70s (13)
80s (64)
90s (49),
00s (3)
10s (1) 
and 2022 (9) donated!

Theta-Upsilon Alumni raised the bar during the annual Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of giving by donating $17,930 through the campaign and another $25,000 to create an annual  $1000 Scholarship in Cliff Browne's name!  Additional donations were made to start a second scholarship in Brian McDowell's name.  See our February posting February post for more details. 

While most of the donations went directly to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund other donations came in to support KSTUAA activities including $3,772 for additional meeting chairs for the Chapter that now exceed 100 members. About $1500+ in dues and donations came in to help cover expenses for the Alumni Weekend Open House, Homecoming, the Hall of Fame Induction and John G. Tower Award ceremonies, the printing and mailing of the Fricker Report to Alumni initiated from 1967-1977 the Fricker Cup, a "Senior to Alumni" transition celebration event and prizes for several virtual events as well as expenses for other services like web URL fees.  

In total KSTUAA ran a deficit of about $664 this fiscal year, primarily because of some glitches with planned participation levels with the Fricker Cup and Homecoming. KSTUAA has a small reserve to cover this and is working to make changes to ensure future years continue to operate with a surplus.  Details about KSTUAA expenditures can be provided by the the KSTUAA Treasurer by emailing us. 

The KSTUAA Board wishes to sincerely thank our alumni who were so generous this year and ask that alumni continue to step up this year so that FY 2024 is not an amazing exception but the beginning of a sustainable pattern reflecting the quality and character of the Theta-Upsilon Chapter's alumni.  

Here is the list of Alumni donating during 2024 Fiscal Year  (Our 57th Anniversary)

(June 1, 2023-May 31, 2024)

154 Alumni 

** indicates an Alumnus that has also given in previous years

Founders Club >$5,000

Jim Lewis '74 ** KSTUAA Board, Treasurer, Housing Company Board, HOF 2022 

Brian Eckman '91 **

 

Chrysoloras Club $2,500-$4,999

Wes Bren '85 ** KSTUAA Board, CAC, HOF 2017, DGM

Emerald Club $1,000-$2,499 

Bill Slouffman '67 **

Chris Elder '85 ** KSTUAA Board

John Henry '85 **

Chris Broome '89 ** CAC

Clay Hunt '90 ** KSTUAA Board, President

Erik Seeny '90 **

Patrick Surdy '91 ** 

Erik Marx '92

Robb Warren '92 **

Jeff Kotalik '94

 

Ruby Club $500-$999 

Richard Schaefer '67 **

Michael White '84 **

Michael Schoedinger '86 **

Matthew Smith '87 ** Housing Company Board (President)

Jason Rammes '88 **

Dr. Bruce Perry '89

Aaron Hartung '91 **

Jonathan Wills '91

Mark Storts '92 **

Peter Benoist '92 **

Charles Perry '93 **

Andrew Zuchowski '94 ** KSTUAA Board, AA (OU) 

 

Diamond Club $250-$499

Robert Fete '68 **

Craig Stichtenoth '72 ** KSTUAA Board

Sandy Rosenbluth '73

Brad Mikes '82 ** KSTUAA Board, HOF 2023

Rick Sippola '85 ** Housing Company Board, HOF 2000, HOF Nom Com Chair

Scott Richardson '86 ** Housing Company Board

David Buckley '87 **

James Rimmel '87 **

Joseph Bial '88 **

Aaron Ort '89 **

Guy Bradley '89 **

Chad Hague '89 **

Erik Christman '90 **

Ken Marquardt '90 **

Tim Storer '90 **

Steven Herron '91

Dan Ledman '91 **

Alexander Mason '91 **

Blake West '91 **

Sachin Parulkar '92

Oliver Rutherford '92

Salim Kafiti '93

Thomas Grusecki '08

Charles McGrew '22 

 

Star and Crescent Club $100-$249 

Steven Conn '67 **

Bob Coons '67 **

Chuck Hess '67 **

Tom Wenning '67 **

John (Tim) Willis '68

Donald "Lee" Gore '72 **

Dave Vuicich '72 **

John Jahoda '73 **

Norman Witzler '74 **

William Broderick '80 ** HOF2000

Jay Cavender '80 ** CAC, AAA-GS

David Brinkman '81 ** CAC, HOF 2017, ADGM

Christopher Connolly '81 **

Scott Hamilton '81 **

Tim Solt '81 **

Keith Zurawski '81 **

Pat O'Brien '82 ** HOF2000

Bill Wagner '82 

Mark Rowland '83 ** KSTUAA Board, Vice President

Charles Wonderlic '83 ** HOF2017

Ed Bennett '85 **

Dave Bouve '86 **

Mike McNally '86 ** KSTUAA Board

Robert Miller '86 **

Larry Rosinski '86 **

Dr. Timothy Dawson '87 **

Ed Kessler '87 **

Jeffrey Meek '87 **

Craig Izzo '88 ** CAC

John McCarley '88 **

Jeffrey  Slovak '88 **

David Walker '88 ** CAC

Michael Behrens '89 ** Housing Company Board

Bill Beringer '89 ** KSTUAA Board

Jeffrey Bieber '89 **

Jonathan Fritz '89

Patrick Reedy '89 ** HOF 2017

Michael Robbe '89

Brad Storts '89 **

Preston Belding '90 **

Robert Merkle '90

Michael Darkoch '91 **

Tyge Fourtner '91 **

Michael Helfand '91

Scot Havrilla '91

Avani Kanubaddi '91 **

Brian Olah '91 **

Greg Poulos '91 **

Thomas Clarke '92 **

Robert Dittrich '92 **

Colin Donovan '92 **

Shawn Isham '92 ** KSTUAA Board

Charles Smolky '92

Christopher Veneklasen '92 **

James Schisler '93 **

Troy Dankworth '94 **

John DeRose '94 **

Matthew Henning '03

 

Caduceus Club $26-99

George Duffield '67 **

Alan Higgins '67 ** HOF 2022

Richard Relyea '67 **

Donald Turner '67 **

Doug Buse '68 **

Ted Newill '72

John Jahoda '73 **

Joel Benson '74 **

Mark Cross '74 **

Jim Cary '74

Stephen Wilhelm '81 **

Terry Maggard '82 **

Patrick O'Brien '82 ** HOF 2000

Dr. James Puccio '82 ** CAC

Geoffrey Aurini '85 **

Troy Davis '85 **

Mark Heppner '87 **

Joseph Turner '87 **

Brady Fening '89 **

Rob Robinson '89**

Mark Wiltrakis '90 **

Chris Ferritto '91 ** Housing Company Board

Christian Essman '92 **

Chad Gibson '92 **

Matthew Dixon '94 ** AAA

Matthew Burge '99

Dace de la Foret '99

Nick Griffith '00 HOF2012

Matthew Alfano '14

Hunter Arthurs '22 ARM

Fernando Romero '22 ADGM

Quinn Sippola '22 AA

Grant Szykowny '22

Member $25

Fred Becker '74

James Patton '75 ** CAC, HOF 2017

Brad Flinders '86 **

Brian Harding '86 **

Jim McGonagle '87 **

Tim Ruppelli '87 **

John Schoger '87 **

Frazier Donaldson '88 **

Scott Rich '89 **

Scott Solsvig '92 **

Abdul Avdiu '22 KSTUAA Board

Ryan Hood '22

Will Stout '22

Chase Talbot '22 

Two inductees named to 2024 Hall of Fame

Please join us in extending congratulations to Brother Charles "Chuck" Hess, 1967 initiate and founding member of Theta-Upsilon and Brother Christopher Broome, 1989 initiate as the 2024 inductees into the Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame! 

Their induction will be held in Oxford during the Homecoming Weekend this September 28, 2024. Friends and Brothers are encouraged to come and join in the celebration!

With this announcement, nominations of other deserving alumni can be made by filling out this HOF Nomination form. 

For a listing and bios of the members of the Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame, please see the HOF page on this site. 

KSTUAA also voted to permit Brother Robert "Bob" Coons to be considered for induction into the 2023 HOF Class.  The HOF Members voted unanimously to receive Bob into the Hall of Fame after he was recognized last year as our Chapter's first John G. Tower Award winner 

Christopher Broome

Brother Christopher Broome, IC ‘89 is the President of Draper, Inc - a 700 employee company with ~$220 Million in revenue. He has made many significant contributions to Kappa Sigma including currently serving on the KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council and the community.

As an undergraduate Brother Broome served as the Alumni Relations Chair and was the first President of the Miami Student Federal Credit Union.  He graduated with honors in 1992 with a bachelor’s in business administration and a minor in European History.

In 2019, Chris became president of Draper, Inc a private company established in 1902 as an innovative manufacturer of spring-roller window shades to address the sun’s heat and glare at schools and colleges in the Midwest. Draper, Inc has grown to be a world-class manufacturer of shading, audiovisual, and athletic facility solutions serving commercial and residential markets. 

Brother Broome joined the company in 1994 and progressed through various managerial roles. Chris was instrumental in broadening Draper's international reach, setting up offices in England and Hong Kong, starting a manufacturing facility in China, and acquiring companies in Sweden. As a descendant of the owner, Chris takes particular pride in the company's commitment to its employees, maintaining a no-layoff policy throughout its 120-year history.

Brother Broome has also been very involved with the efforts of KSTUAA to help our Chapter making many important donations supporting several Chapter House renovation projects and most recently outfitting the Chapter with customer fitted fire-rated blinds to avoid $1000s of fines threatened by the Oxford Fire Department and a new projection screen to help with chapter meetings. 

He has answered the call to help giving his time numerous times for more than a decade, helping with the Alumni-led initiation of a pledge class in 2015 when the Chapter was suspended, working as the Chairman of one of the four Chapter Restart committees in 2017 and being an inaugural and active member on the KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Committee.

Chris has served on the Board of Directors of local Boys and Girls Club and coached youth soccer and directed the local club and was recognized as the Indiana Youth Soccer Travel Boys Coach of the Year in 2009.  Chris has been married to his wife, Jill, for 27 years and has two children: son, Mitchell, graduated from Miami in 2021; daughter, Molly is a senior at the University of Kentucky.

Chris' leadership and generosity have left a lasting impact on his company, community and the Kappa Sigma fraternity, embodying the spirit of service and excellence in the Star & Crescent.

Charles “Chuck” Hess

Brother Charles “Chuck” Hess, IC ‘67 was a founding member of the Star & Crescent Fraternity which became the Theta-Upsilon Chapter. Brother Hess was one of the trail blazers that recognized that hazing didn’t make for a strong brotherhood in contrast to other Miami fraternities at that time and establishing a legacy exemplified by academic achievement, friendship and personal commitment for the 1200+ members that would follow. 

As an undergraduate Chuck served as the House Manager and as Social Chairman for a time and graduated from Miami University in the summer of 1967 with a degree in Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering.  

Having been part of the Air Force ROTC at Miami, Brother Hess joined the Air Force after graduation. Intending to become a pilot, Chuck decided changed his focus to aircraft maintenance and was assigned to the 2951st Combat Logistics Support Squadron (CLSS) where he supported operations in Taiwan, Okinawa, Vietnam and Thailand. He earned the rank of Captain and became Chief of Maintenance for the 2951st CLSS and received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.  

Brother Hess served six years in the Air Force and concluded his final months as squadron commander, Budget Officer, Security Officer, Safety Officer, and Special Projects Officer.  He received the following accolades during his active duty:  National Defense Service ribbon, Vietnam service ribbon, Expert Marksman ribbon and the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service. 

Following his military service, Chuck returned to the industry of his undergraduate studies and accepted a position with Western Kraft Paper Company (acquired by Weyerhaeuser in 2002) working as a process engineer in the Technical Department for a mill in Oregon. He was promoted to pulp mill foreman and soon the Technical Superintendent over R&D, Quality Control and Environmental Compliance.  After this he became the mill’s first and only double Superintendent adding business administration responsibilities, serving four years before become the company’s Technical Director and assigned to assist the Corporate Engineering Department where he led the effort to install the companies first 24 million watt jet engine gas turbine generators and the a new mill in South Carolina.  

Chuck served on the National Air and Stream Improvement Committee (NASIC) for paper mills for 12 years working with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on preventative and remediation efforts. He also served six years on the Board of the Western Kraft Credit Union. 

Brother Hess has stayed active in his local church, Tigard United Methodist Church, serving in numerous roles.  He chaired the church finance committee for six years, the church’s endowment committee, served as a church trustee, and is still very active in the church’s outreach program that serves meals to over 400 needy community members each week. 

Brother Hess is probably best known among Kappa Sigma circles for his passion, hobby and achievements in private aviation. As documented in an article in the January 2022 edition of the Fricker Report , Chuck is a licensed pilot who has built two planes, including one that won first prize in 2014! 

He also achieved the Wright Brother Master Pilot Award for flying more than 50 years without an airspace violation or mishap!  The award, given by the Department of Transportation’s FAA is rare even among commercial pilots.  Chuck has flown over 55 years without accident, incident or violation.    

HOF process:

Nominations were gathered from alumni through a Survey Monkey form last year. That information was provided to the HOF Nomination Committee who spoke to the nominees and built out profiles that were then provided to the 26 HOF Inductees from 2000-2023 who voted for 2 inductees!

KSTUAA would like to thank the members of this year's HOF Nomination Committee: George Duffield IC '67; Fernando Romero IC ’22 and Rick Sippola IC '85, Chairman for their work compiling the information.

KSTUAA is seeking additional alumni to serve on the Nominating Committee. We would like to have an alumnus from each decade on the committee to help us identify deserving alumni from every decade. Please email us at KSTUAA@gmail.com if interested. 

ALL ALUMNI CAN SUBMIT NOMINATIONS. Nominations of deserving alumni can be made by filling out this HOF Nomination form. please see the HOF page on this site for criteria and the names of those already inducted. 

Generosity of Alumni Making an Impact

Our Alumni rallied in four different efforts to assist our Chapter this Spring: Brothers from five decades increased the Chapter's Scholarship Leadership Endowment Fund during the SAJ Weekend by $17,930, Alumni raised $25,000 to create a $1000 Scholarship in Cliff Browne's name and are starting a second scholarship in Brian McDowell's name;  Brother Broome stepped up to provide a new screen, shades and professional installation for the Chapter Meeting room and Alumni raise money through contests to purchase 24 additional chairs to accommodate a chapter that has grown to 115 members!! 

Theta-Upsilon Alumni respond in impressive fashion for the second year as the Fraternity breaks all expectations  SAJ Weekend of Giving 

The Kappa Sigma Fraternity's biggest annual fundraiser the Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving kicked off Friday March 1, 2024 and when it ended at midnight it had broken not on previous record but all expectations raising $1,279,710 from 18,414 gifts!  The former record from the previous year was $793,876. 

Like last year, several of the KSTUAA Board Members have issued challenge Matches to get the ball rolling.  

• Brother Wes Bren IC '85 will donate $500 when we see Five First-Time Donors this year.  (Completed. We have had over 15 first-time donors)
• Brother Jim Lewis IC '74 will match every donation from fellow 1970s Theta-Upsilon Alumni up to $1000  (Completed.)
• Brother Chris Elder IC '85 will match every donation from fellow 1980s Theta-Upsilon Alumni up to $1000 (Met. Alumni from the 1980s have donated over $7600 in this campaign!!!)
• Brother Wes Bren IC '85 will donate $500 when we see Five Theta-Upsilon Alumni initiated from 1996 to 2015 make donations this year  (Completed. We had exactly Five Alumni from 99,00, 03 & 08 step up with over $500 in donations) 
• Brother Jim Lewis IC '74 will match every donation made by Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame inductees up to $1000 (Completed. Hall of Fame Members contributed over $3,150 in donations)

By the end of the weekend, Theta-Upsilon Alumni, undergraduates and friends had made 202 donations and the 19th highest total in North America of $17, 929.75.  While on the SAJ weekend scoreboard Theta-Upsilon was only in 19th place and second in Ohio behind Theta-Omicron, Theta-Omicron Chapter who raise $25,544.18, if you included the money raised at the same time for Cliff's Scholarship, Theta-Upsilon would be in 7th place with $39,504.75 raised.

The real benefit is that through this generosity the Alumni donated enough to raise the annual total scholarships awarded each year to six $500+ and one $1000 scholarship (Cliff Browne II)! 

During SAJ Weekend of Giving, One hundred precent of each donation can be directed to our Chapter.  Follow this link for the Theta-Upsilon page:  https://donate.sajgiving.com/amb/SAJ2024MiamiOh

100% of the Theta-Upsilon undergraduate members and pledges contributed $10.34 or more. 

KSTUAA would like to thank all who donated, especially our own alumni:

Steve Conn IC '67

Bob Coons IC '67 - Tower Award 2023

George Duffield IC '67

Chuck Hess IC '67

Thomas Wenning IC '67 HOF 2027

Richard Schaefer IC '67

Bill Slouffman IC '67

Robert Fete IC '68 

John (Tim) Willis IC '68

Don Gore IC '72*

Ted Newill IC '72*

Craig Stichtenoth IC '72

David Vuicich IC '72

John Jahoda IC '73*

Sandy Rosenbluth IC '73*

Jim Lewis IC '74 HOF 2022

Joel Benson IC '74

Mark Cross IC '74*

Norman Witzler IC '74

Jim Cary IC '77

Jay Cavender IC '80

David Brinkman IC '81 HOF 2017

Christopher Connolly IC '81

Steve Wilhelm IC  '81

Patrick O'Brien IC '82 HOF 2000

Brad Mikes IC '83 HOF 2023

Mark Rowland IC '83

Charlie Wonderlic IC '83 HOF 2017*

Geoffrey Aurini IC '85

Ed Bennett IC '85

Wes Bren IC '85 HOF 2027

Chris Elder IC '85

Troy Davis IC '85

John Henry IC '85

Chris Scocos IC '85

Rick Sippola IC '85

Scott Richardson IC '86

Mike McNally IC '86

Rob Miller IC '86

Michael Schoedinger IC '86 HOF 2000

Tim Dawson IC '87*

Jeffrey Meek IC '87

Joe Turner IC '87*

David Buckley IC '87*

Ed Kessler IC '87

James Rimmel IC '87

Matthew Smith IC '87

John McCarley IC '88

Jason Rammes IC '88

Jeff Slovak IC '88

David Walker IC '88

Christopher Broome IC '89

Brady Fening IC '89*

Aaron Ort IC '89

Patrick Reedy IC '89 HOF 2017

Clay Hunt III IC '90

Greg Poulos IC '91*

Shawn Isham IC '92*

Matt Dixon IC '94

Andrew Zuchowski IC '94

Matt Burge IC '99*

Dace de la Foret  IC '99*

Nick Griffith IC '00 HOF 2017

Matthew Henning IC 03

Thomas Grusecki IC '08*

Matt Alfano IC '14*

Fernando Romero IC '22

Quinn Sippola IC '22

Charlie McGrew IC '22

List will be updated shortly.

Brothers Rally to create a new $1000 Annual Scholarship in honor of Cliff Browne II to begin this Fall!

A week before Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving, Brothers primarily from the initiation years of 1989-1994 started donating to a new Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund account that will provide a $1000 annual Scholarship to a Theta-Upsilon member. The Award is activated once $25,000 has been donated to the account.  Thanks to a matching gift of $5000 and the generosity of two dozen brothers the account exceeds reached $21,575 by March 6.  

Brother Chris Ferritto will use funds from the original GoFundMe account created shortly after Brother Cliff Browne IC '91 joined the Chapter Celestial to cover the remainder and activate the Scholarship for THIS Fall.  

With the Cliffe Browne II Named Scholarship fully funded Brother Ferritto will use the remaining funds from the Go Fund Me account to start a second Named Scholarship in the name of Brian McDowell IC '91 who joined the Celestial a a year after Cliff.

To donate to the Cliff Browne II Scholarship click here. All donations are tax deductible.

KSTUAA would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated, especially our own alumni:

Aaron Hartung

Alexander Mason

Andrew Zuchowski

Anne and George Bolen

Avaninder Kanubaddi

Blake West

Bradley Storts

Brian Eckman

Bruce Perry

Chad Gibson

Charles Perry

Charles Smolky

Christopher Veneklasen

Christopher Broome

Clay Hunt

Colin Donovan

Dan Ledman

Ed Kessler

Erik J Marx

Erik Christman

Erik Seeney

Guy Bradley

Jamie Schisler

Jason Rammes

Jeff Kotalik

Jeffrey Bieber

Jeffrey Slovak

John and Aurora Bolen

John Robinson

John De Rose

Jonathan Fritz

Jonathan Wills

Ken Marquardt

Mark Wiltrakis

Mark Storts

Michael Behrens

Michael Darkoch

Michael Robbe

Michael Helfand

Oliver Rutherford

Patrick Reedy

Patrick Surdy

Peter Benoist

Preston Belding

Rob Merkle

Robb Warren

Robert Dittrich

Sachin Parulkar

Salim Kafiti

Scot Havrilla

Steven Herron

Thomas Clarke

Timothy Storer

Troy Dankworth

Tyge Fourtner

Wesley Bren

Axia Consulting Inc.

More to be reported as we get updates

Brother Broome's Generosity Helps the Chapter   

Last spring, the Oxford Fire Department took issue with the wood panels the Chapter had used for 44 years to create privacy during meetings. They threatened to fine the chapter $500 per window if spotted and cited building codes about items attached to "walls." Rather than waste time and money fighting it in court we turned to a Subject Matter expert... our own Chris Broome IC '89 who is president of the Draper Company who in fact manufactures window coverings and blinds and screens for companies and institutions including Miami University.  Brother Broome's generosity led to the donation of new fire-rated blinds for the windows and doors and the services to professionally measure and install them!  He also provided a projection screen to fit the space that the Chapter is now taking advantage of with Chairmen inserting slides and photos into their reports.  Attendance and focus has never been higher according to the Grand Master!   

Brothers Rally to Purchase an additional 24 meeting chairs to accommodate the growth in the Chapter    

KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council has been asking alumni to donate to KSTUAA cover the costs of 26 new chairs as the Chapter grows from the current 80 members to 117!   The total bill is $3,872.27.   The chairs are designed for durability.   KSTUAA Approved using the proceeds from the Super Bowl Squares and the Cossa Challenge to fund this project. To date KSTUAA has received $3,185.  The Cossa Challenge and other donations need to cover teh remaining $687.27