Alumni Rally to Donate $50,000 on SAJ Weekend of Giving 2025

Posting updated March 16

Alumni Rally to Create Another Named Scholarship with record-breaking generosity in the SAJ Campaign!  

The 2025 Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving was the most exciting one to date for Theta-Upsilon as more than 260 gifts poured in during the weekend resulting in $51,002 raised, twice the amount to establish a named scholarship in honor of Brother Dave Ledman IC '81 who joined the Chapter Celestial in December 2024.  

KSTUAA Board voted to nominate him as our "Beloved Brother" candidate for the 2025 Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving campaign, Feb 28 - March 2. In the program when $25,000 is raised a new $1000 annual Scholarship is created.  In the event a chapter raises $50,000 during the weekend, the annual scholarship amount will double to $2,000. All amounts raised shy or in excess of $25K or  $50K will be directed to the existing Chapter Scholarship Fund to benefit specifically Theta-Upsilon undergraduates. Donations can be made starting at midnight February 28 until Sunday March2 at midnight. 

As a result of our efforts Theta-Upsilon  rated #2 in contributions in the country, #5 in total number of donations and First in Ohio generating 57% of the state's $88,750 in donations.  Ohio was 4th in the nation in the number of donations behind, Texas, California and Louisiana.

100% of the Undergraduate members and pledges donated $10.24 to the effort.  Chapters receive 5 bonus points for for FACE for being at 100% in an effort intended to promote life-time of donations. 

More than $5000 was donated by Brother Ledman's family colleagues and friends. 

KSTUAA thanks the brothers that participated in $4000 in Challenge Matches!  

Three Alumni created Challenge Matches to encourage donations from ALL our Theta-Upsilon Alumni. These matches were all met generating over $8000 in donations! 

• 2:1 Match for Alumni from the 70s:  Brother Jim Lewis IC '74 will match every donation two to one from fellow 1970s Theta-Upsilon Alumni up to $2000. HAS BEEN MET 3/1 THANK YOU!!
  
  
• 1:1 Match for Alumni from 1988-1991:  Brother Chris Broome IC '89 will match every donation from Theta-Upsilon Alumni initiated from 1988-1991 up to $1000 total. HAS BEEN MET 3/1 THANK YOU!!

• 10 First Time Donors Challenge:  Brother Wes Bren IC '85 will donate $500 when there are 10 first time donors to the Theta-Upsilon Chapter. HAS BEEN MET 3/1 THANK YOU!!

• Five Donations 1996-2015:  Brother Wes Bren IC '85 will donate $500 when Five Theta-Upsilon Alumni initiated from 1996 to 2015 have made donations this year. HAS BEEN MET 3/1 THANK YOU!!

KSTUAA has added the names of all donors to the donor page on our website and updated this post below. A list of donors can be seen in real time on the Campaign site itself. To visit the Theta-Upsilon Campaign page visit this link:  donate.sajgiving.com/amb/DaveLedman 

Thank you to the Alumni that donated! 

Donations came in from 90+ alumni representing EVERY decade that Theta-Upsilon has existed! (Alumni participated from 54% of the years where we had initiation classes.)  

1967

Robert Coons

Thomas Wenning

1968

Robert Fete

John Willis

1972

Dave Vuicich (70s 2:1 Match)

Ted Newill (70s 2:1 Match)

Craig Stichtenoth (70s 2:1 Match)

Donald Gore (70s 2:1 Match)

1973

John Jahoda (70s 2:1 Match)

1974

Jim Lewis (70s 2:1 Match)

1977

James Cary (70s 2:1 Match)

1978

Robert Pollock (70s 2:1 Match)

David Ciochetty (70s 2:1 Match)

Mark Hollern (70s 2:1 Match)

1979

Mark Morgan (70s 2:1 Match)

Kevin Libert (70s 2:1 Match)

1980

Bill Broderick

Dave Brooks

Tim Corman

Dave Mort

Jay Cavender

Randall Shoker

1981

Christopher Connolly

Jeffrey Davis

Scott Gregory

Scott Hamilton

John Hargreaves

James Hughes

Timothy Solt

Joe Williams

Keith Zurawski

Lou Antonelli

Edward Bash

David Brinkmani

1982

William Wagner

Patrick O'Brien

Brad Mikes

Jay Puccio

1983

Mark Rowland

Mark Gates

Dave Mirolli

1984

Mike White

1985

Geoff Aurini

Ed Bennett

Wes Bren

Chris Elder

John Henry

Chris Scocos

Rick Sippola

1986

Mike McNally

Rob Miller

Scott Richardson

Mike Schoedinger

Dave Bouve

1987

Mark J. Heppner

Mark Loisel

Jeff Meek

John Schoger

Matthew Smith

Jon Stevens

Joseph Turner

1988

Jason Rammes (88-91 Match)

Matt Weaver (88-91 Match)

Jeff Slovak (88-91 Match)

1989

Guy Bradley (88-91 Match)

Patrick Reedy (88-91 Match)

Aaron Ort (88-91 Match)

Chris Broome (88-91 Match)

Jeff Bieber (88-91 Match)

Bill Beringer (88-91 Match)

Barrett East (88-91 Match)

Chad Hague (88-91 Match)

1990

Erik Christman  (88-91 Match)

 Preston Belding (88-91 Match)

Timothy Storer  (88-91 Match)

Clay Hunt  (88-91 Match)

1991

Jonathan Wills (88-91 Match)

1992

Erik Marx 

1994

Andrew Zuchowski

Matt Dixon

1998

Michael Kuhnell (96-15 Challenge)

Joseph Pesci (96-15 Challenge)

Roland Weissman (96-15 Challenge)

2003

Matthew Henning (96-15 Challenge)

2008

Thomas Grusecki Jr. (96-15 Challenge)

2015

Zach Patton (96-15 Challenge)

2022

Fernando Romero 

Nathan Zobrist

Quinn Sippola

Emmett Jones

Brother Dave Ledman

Brother Ledman was a leader, mentor, and lifelong supporter of the Theta-Upsilon Chapter. His impact on the Chapter was profound, serving as Grand Master, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and Grand Scribe during his undergraduate years. As an Alumnus, he continued his dedication to Kappa Sigma, serving on the Theta-Upsilon Housing Corporation board, where he played an important role in paying off the Chapter’s Withrow Avenue property loans.

Beyond his leadership, Dave embodied the Brotherhood, camaraderie, and spirit of Kappa Sigma. His love for golf led him to organize the annual Salt Fork Golf Trip, a tradition he started in 1992 that brought together generations of Brothers for competition, laughter, and unforgettable memories. His legendary sense of humor and dry wit made him the life of any gathering, whether on the golf course or among his closest friends.

Dave graduated from Miami University in 1984 with a degree in Economics before earning his law degree from The Ohio State University in 1987. He built a highly successful law practice, demonstrating the same dedication and sharp intellect that made him a standout leader in Kappa Sigma. 

 

 

The 2025 Fricker Report has been published and its BIG!

We got a little carried away! But the good news is we have published profiles of 44 Alumni in this 42 page full color online issue!  No one said you need to read it ALL, but we bet you'll find something on interest in it! https://bit.ly/FrickerReport2025

Chapter publishes a new Kappa Signal!

The February 2025 issue features an updates and photos on Rush, the Teddy Bear toss charitable event and profiles the EC and the Scholarship award winners.  Click here to see it.   

Super Bowl Squares to Drive Winning Renovation for Chapter House!

Win up to $1000 and help support Chapter Excellence! 

The 2025 edition of the KSTUAA Super Bowl Squares offers a prize pot worth $1000! 

Just $20 per square. Secure your Super Bowl Square today!!!

Helping our Chapter  
The KSTUAA portion (half of proceeds) will help fund the work to complete the brand new Conference/Trophy Room in the Shoe Box. See the write up in the January 12 post and the latest photo here of work in progress.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni over the last year we have raised of $27,500 for this project, but more is need to pay for the project which is expected to cost about $34,000 in total.  (The Commercial grade table, chairs, display cabinets, monito and sound bar/video camera have cost almost $23,000. Additional materials, lighting, security and labor to date have raised the total to $30,000. Additional work will require another $4000)

The room will be/is operational in time for Rush 2025 and the boys are very excited!  

 

The Kappa Sigma Super Bowl Squares Game Format:
The Kappa Sigma Super Bowl Squares is our simple take on a perennial favorite where alumni can pick squares with two numbers that reflect all the possible combinations of the last digit in any score. Pick the square that matches the AFL and NFC teams scores during a quarter end and you are a winner!!! 20% of the prize will be awarded to the winner in each of the first three quarters and 40% of the prize money will be award to the alumnus matching the final score!

Instructions:
Send us the game squares you want e.g. A1, C7, F5, I2, J10 and email to KSTUAA@gmail.com. (Squares are awarded based on the first to reach us, based on email sent times with dues paying Alumni getting priority on ties) Duplicate choices will be assigned nearest open spot by KSTUAA.

The Tables showing available squares will be updated each day: CLICK HERE to see the Table of Available Squares (May need to "right click to download" if it doesn't display)

Make payment with PayPal here. $20 per square for anyone that has paid KSTUAA Dues (so if you haven't paid dues add the $25 KSTUAA Alumni dues) If you already have paid Dues... THANK YOU and its just $20 a square.) You can also use Venmo (@KSTUAA) or personal check. 

Aren't sure if you'd paid your Dues? Check the Donor's page for the list of current donors  and confirm your status (Alumni that have paid KSTUAA dues are highlighted in a light green color). 

Remember extra donations go to pay for this great project. Please be generous!

Grab a beer and see who else shows up when Bracket Master Mikes will pick the column and row numbers Live on Zoom Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 PM ET the day before the big game! 

Then enjoy Super Bowl LIX and win up to $1000 happily knowing you are helping our Chapter!

We will post this years winner here. 

Good Luck and AEKDB

A record Eight Theta-Upsilon members receive scholarship awards from the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund in December!

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni over the last several years during Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend and those alumni that have become Jackson Men our Theta-Upsilon account in the endowment fund has grown to over $80,435.17 which produces one $500+ scholarship for ever $12,500 (six this year) and we have two additional named scholarships for $1000 each.

 

Our members fill in an applications and the process is managed by the Endowment funds with the awards being announced December 10 (Founders Day.) 

Eight very deserving undergraduates from our Theta-Upsilon Chapter received monetary scholarship wards from the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund this fall.

• Brother Andrew Rossi IC '2, Grand Procurator, Past Scholarship Chair - Winner of the $1000 Clifford Browne II Named Scholarship
• Brother Luke Hastings IC '22, Past Grand Scribe, Past Alumni Relations Chair - Winner of the $1000 Brian P. McDowell Named Scholarship
• Brother Ben Bayler IC '23, 
• Brother Mark Colavita IC '22,
• Brother Ryan Kellogg IC '24, Grand Treasurer
• Brother Patrick Miller IC '22, Past Grand Master, Past AGC Chair
• Brother Zachary Sharpe IC '24,
• Brother Michael Skidmore IC '24,

Alumni are reminded that during Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving 100% of donations go to the designated chapter.  Our alumni have been amazing!  Please check out some of the details. 

If you would like to help get the word out to make sure this year's campaign is another success, contact Wes at KSTUAA@gmail. 

KSTUAA votes to honor Dave Ledman in SAJ Weekend of Giving 2025

The KSTUAA Board voted to submit the name of Dave Ledman '81 who joined the Chapter celestial in December to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund as our "Beloved Brother" candidate for the 2025 Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving, Feb 28-March 2. 

The program introduced last year enables chapters to apply all the donations from the weekend to create an annual $1000 scholarship in the brothers name. To create an annual $1000 Scholarship, $25,000 must be raised. Last year 16 new annual scholarships were created through this program in its first year. Theta-Upsilon created two similar $1000 annual scholarships in the name of Brother Browne and McDowell last year but not through the "Beloved Brother" Program.     

Brother Ledman served the Chapter as Grand Master, Grand Master of Ceremonies and Grand Scribe. As an alumnus, Dave also served on the Theta Upsilon Housing Company board for multiple years and was one of the officers that guided the process of paying off the loans for the Withrow Avenue properties.  

Dave was an avid golfer and organized an annual golf trip to Salt Fork State Park for fraternity brothers in the Cleveland area starting in 1992. His brothers fondly remember the beautiful locale which featured ridiculous difficulties and the phrase "get forked" when you have been invariably ambushed by one of its many pitfalls.

It is perhaps no surprise then that Dave was also a winner of the KSTUAA 2016 Fricker Cup (along with Brother Rick Sippola '85) held in Cleveland and appropriate that he become the first ever victim of the Eddie Fricker Switcheroo Card on the first hole! The odd-ball rule forced Dave to play Brother Scott Hamilton's ball that had been shanked and landed 25 feet left of the tee-box behind some shrubbery while Scott was free to play Dave's beautiful drive in the fairway! Such is the love shared by pledge brothers of the 1981 pledge class.  

After graduating from Miami in 1984, Dave went on to complete his law degree from The Ohio State University Law School in 1987. After working for a big litigator in Cleveland, Dave started his own firm handling a wide variety of cases all over Ohio while simultaneously taking on a diverse array of transactional work for countless clients.  

KSTUAA extended its sympathy on behalf of all Theta-Upsilon by sending flowers to his wife Aly. Additional details about Dave and services can be found on legacy's website.  

Work on Trophy/Conference Room Begins 

The KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council finalized its selections this fall and contracted with the TUHC contractor to complete work on an important amenity to the Chapter House, a small Conference Room/Trophy room designed to promote Chapter Excellence.

In the old formulation of the Chapter House where the Stone House at 404 E. Withrow was recognized as a Fraternity House, there was a room with a trophy case and a large room at the back of the house that prompted KSTUAA to raise money to create a conference room in 2012.  However the loss of the Charter and later the Oxford property designation of the facilities as a "fraternity" when the Stone House was renovated into two apartments and Shoe Box was leased to Crossroads Church resulted in these common areas being lost.

The new Trophy/Conference room will be located in the Shoe Box in an old "triple" near the TV Lounge that Alumni helped furnish in 2022.   The room will support small meetings and studying, video conference meetings between the EC and advisors and alumni. It will also be used to to display the Charters from 1967 and 2022, the Hall of Fame Plaque, other awards and memorabilia etc. One of the trophy cases will hold more historical artifacts like the original Star & Crescent Fraternity pin, early documents and awards etc and the second display case will include current day chapter awards from Kappa Sigma and Miami. The room will feature a combination lock and security camera to discourage theft and vandalism.     

Alumni have been asked to make donations to help finish the project which will be about 90% done before 2025 Rush. and the KSTUAA Board designated funds raised in the 2025 Super Bowl squares and Cossa Challenge to fund this project and the work of the CAC. Donation of any amount are welcome and may be made as directed on the Dues, Donations & Funding page.

To date several alumni have been very generous and have donated or promised donations to help us close the gap on the funds needed to complete the project. (see list below) 

Images: (Top) Slide documenting the plan for the project. (Middle) the rendering of the Executive committee conference table, two display cases. The room will also display the Charters and other awards. (Bottom) Work in December including newly painted walls (same color green used in Charlottesville.) 

Thank you to the following alumni for their recent donations to fund this project:

• Chuck Hess '67 HOF 2024
• Alan Higgins '67 HOF 2022
• Tom Wenning '67 HOF 2012
• Jim Lewis '74  HOF 2022, KSTUAA Board, Treasurer, Housing Company Board
• David Ciochetty '78 HOF 2022
• Charles Wonderlic '83 HOF 2017
• Wes Bren '85 HOF 2017, KSTUAA Board, CAC, DGM
• Mark Heppner '87 
• Chris Broome '89 HOF 2024, CAC

New HOF Nominating Committee Begins Work for 2025 

The 2025 HOF Nominating Committee has begun work processing nominations submitted by December 15, 2024 for consideration for election for induction into our Hall of Fame. 31 Alumni have been inducted since it began in 2000. 

The while the criteria remains the same to focus on contributions to their profession, community or to the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Theta-Upsilon Chapter as alumni (not as undergraduates) the process was updated in 2022 so that the HOF Nominating committee now collects nominations and creates comprehensive profiles for use by the inducted members of the Hall of Fame to vote on. 

Annual recognition will be scheduled for Homecoming weekends except during the 5 year reunions. A plaque displaying these inductees has been created will be displayed in the Chapter house as a reminder to undergraduate members that their oath to live by the ideals of the Star and Crescent extends beyond college.  

KSTUAA in an effort consistent with its first Great Aim: Inclusivity-Engage All of our Theta-Upsilon Alumni worked hard to recruit members from multiple decades resulting in this years committee representing six decades!  It is our aspiration that this will promote more nominations from all our alumni of those deserving recognition.  To date alumni from 1967-2002 have been inducted.      

Thank you those that volunteered to serve as HOF Nominating Committee members for 2025: 

• Rick Sippola ’85 Chairman,
• George Duffield ’67,
• Dave Vuicich ’72 
• Christian, Essman '92 
• Thomas Grusecki Jr. '08
• Gabe Johnson '22
• The Alumni Relations Chair: Evan Love '24

  

       

KSTUAA Publishes Big Brother/Little Brother Family Trees with New members!

The tradition of assigning Little brothers began with the Star & Crescent Fraternity in the spring of 1966. The practice continued within the Theta-Upsilon Chapter through the Chapter’s 55 year history. 

Brother Matt Weaver IC '88 compiled the first Family Tree depiction of the Big-Little brother relationships in 1992 for the 25th Anniversary using information preserved in the minutes and other records from the first 25 years. Information was updated as part of the 45th and 50th celebrations. Additional research into the colony period led to several updates to this original information. 

KSTUAA has sought, with limited success to collect missing information to place all 1300+ members and affiliates into the right location of the trees. we are missing most of the data from 1994-2012.  For this we need help from Alumni to confirm and extend so it can be properly displayed here.  What information we have is displayed on the “Disconnected Tres” at the end.

You can contact us at KSTUAA@gmail.com or update your contact information here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z58PY3G

With the restart of the Chapter on February 26, 2022 The Kappa Sigma Theta-Upsilon Alumni Association (KSTUAA) considered various options and voted to support this tradition for the new Colony and to honor the original founders by grafting the new members of the fall of 2021 Colony class to a 1967 Founding Member.  Members of the winter pledge class in 2022 were assigned a Big Brother to restart the tradition which continues to this day.  

Click here for PDF with the latest updates.  

Big Turnout for Homecoming 2024, KSTUAA approves its 3 Great Aims

Homecoming 2024 saw over 20 alumni back to celebrate Kappa Sigma at Miami! Alumni from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2022+ were back to celebrate Brotherhood and enjoy fellowship, BBQ and good times. Highlights included the Hall of Fame inductions of Brother Chris Broome IC' 89 and Chuck Hess 1967 founder. KSTUAA President, Clay Hunt IC '90 kicked off the program with some inspiring comments followed by the Chapter's Grand Master, Luke King IC '22 sharing an update for the Chapter. Rick Sippola IC ‘85 was the emcee of the HOF induction.

Nominations for 2025 HOF inductees can be made now through Dec 15. For more details about the HOF Program see the HOF webpage.

KSTUAA Communications and Event Chairman, Brad Mikes IC '82 collaborated with the Chapter’s Alumni Relations chair, Luke Hastings IC '22 to organize a great event for all in attendance.

The Theta Upsilon Housing Company board held its annual meeting at the Chapter. Board members including President Matthew Smith IC '86, Treasurer Jim Lewis IC '74, Rick Sippola and Dave Walker IC '88 met with the Chapter's Housing Chair discussing occupancy rates and other facility issues.

TUHC is seeking additional Alumni to join the Board. Anyone with experience in one or more of these areas would be a bonus:

• Real Estate
• Property Management
• Accounting & Tax
• Strategic Planning
• Raising capital

The KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council met with the Executive Committee. Brothers David Brinkman IC '81, Jay Puccio IC '82, Craig Izzo IC '88, Chris Broome IC '89 and Fernando Romero IC '22 led a discussion based on the feedback gathered during the Star & Crescent Conversation (member 1-on-1 calls) and about other issues related to the Chapter's strong member growth. The Chapter stands at 98 members and is set to initiate 7 more this fall and this growth and size places new stresses for leadership, housing and brotherhood on our Chapter. The CAC is also looking for additional alumni within 2 hours of Oxford to join its team of eight to help our chapter excel. While the weather was gray and wet, it didn't stop the fellowship or Miami who wearing blue in honor of Western College prevailed over UMass Dom Dzioban kicked a career-long 47-yard field on the last play of regulation and then hit from 43 yards in overtime to give Miami (OH) a 23-20 win over Massachusetts. KSTUAA has targeted effort to make Homecoming a big event ever year. Start talking to alumni about attending next year!

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. 

Alumni rally again to create a $1000 per year named scholarship in Brian P. McDowell's name 

Started in the spring of 2024, Alumni rallied to raise the $25,000 needed for a perpetual scholarship through the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund.  KSTUAA Board wants to thank the alumni and family members that made this possible.  Here is a list of those that contributed:

• Alexander Mason
• Blake West
• Brady Fening
• Christopher Veneklasen
• Christopher Broome
• Christopher Ferritto
• Colin Donovan
• David Batch
• David Torborg
• Erik Seeney
• Fricker Cup 2024 Hole Contest
• Gregory Poulos
• James Lewis
• Jason Rammes
• Jonathan Wills
• Kenneth Marquardt
• Kenneth Mc Dowell
• Mike Short
• Oliver Rutherford
• Patrick Surdy
• Preston Belding
• Robb Warren
• Steven Herron
• Thomas Clarke
• Timothy Storer
• Troy Dankworth

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

 

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/