Generosity of 120 Alumni supports multiple projects as KSTUAA closes the books on FY26

Theta-Upsilon alumni from almost every eras donated money to support our Fraternity, Chapter and Alumni Association.  

The Kappa Sigma Theta-Upsilon Alumni Association (KSTUAA) collected $13,370 in event fees (Fricker Cup, Super Bowl Squares and Cossa Challenge) annual dues ($25) and donations this year. 

Major expenditures included the Fricker Cup ($4,818), The Homecoming / Hall of Fame Induction ($2,468) Prizes for Super Bowl and Cossa ($731) and over $350 in PayPal and Venmo fees and Alumni Weekend Open House ($200).  

KSTUAA also hosted the 4th annual Senior Appreciation and Welcome to Alumni Status Event (see the photo below) and sent flowers on behalf of the Fraternity to the family of through our Memorial Fund.  The CAC also sent gift cards and a hand written note to thank each of the volunteers serving our Chapter ($150.)   

KSTUAA also asked alumni to donate to to the Theta Upsilon Housing Company to purchase badly needed Water Softeners. Oxford water is notoriously hard and the calcium reports will cause premature expenses to anything that has water flowing through it!   We recruited five alumni to donate $5000 as a matching gift and so far have collect $2000 in donations. We are $3000 short of the match!  The total cost for equipment and installation is expected to be $25,000, so we need alumni to step up to help close the gap. See the link above for more info. 

As always, KSTUAA President, Clay Hunt and Treasurer extraordinaire, Jim Lewis is happy to answer your questions and provide more details if needed. 

The biggest areas of donation this fiscal year, over $38,000 was to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund!   

The largest portion of donations were made to support the expansion of the the Kappa Sigma Headquarters in Charlottesville as part of the Legacy at the Lawn Campaign which has raised $10 Million of its $15 million goal and during December's FIVE Campaign when our Alumni reached our Chapter's $5000 goal!   Brother Emmett Jones IC '22 served as the Chapter's ambassador rallied over 20 Brothers from the Rechartering class of 2022 to donate $500 for a SAJ Plaza paver. Meanwhile the Pledge Class of 1985 rallied to raise $2500 to be able to place "snausages" on the naming plate of a "Theater Chair" in the new Snowberger auditorium.  Brothers Michael Schoedinger IC' 86 and Rob Miller IC' 86 rounded out our Five Campaign Giving with SAJ Plaza paver donations. Earlier in the summer, Brother Chris Broome IC '89 made a significant donation to cover our Chapter Archive and a Legacy Locker.  District Grand Master, Wes Bren IC' 85 also donated during the Grand Conclave to the Grand Master Legacy wall.   

The next significant area of donations was for our Chapter's Scholarship Fund during the annual Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving.  This year's total was $15,842 was helped by the generosity of  4 brothers who created $4000 in matching gifts thanks to Brothers Jim Lewis IC '74, Wes Bren IC '85, Michael Schoedinger IC '86 and Clay Hunt IC '90.  If you are interested in providing a challenge match in this year's campaign, contact Wes Bren, District Grand Master. 

In addition, Brother Jim Lewis contributed to his Jackson's Man balance and made the Jackson's Chapter Contribution for the Chapter, and Kappa Sigma Volunteers, Dave Brinkman, Jay Cavender, Ed Bennett, Wes Bren, Emmett Jones Fernando Romero, Luke King, Nathan Zobrist added to the total through their Kappa Sigma Annual dues ($55.)

Almost half of this year's donations came from alumni initiated in the eighties with the next largest group being the our most recent alumni!     

• 1967-69: 8 alumni donated
• 1970-79: 5 alumni donated, 1 for the first time
• 1980-89: 58 alumni donated, 1 for the first time
• 1990-99: 22 alumni donated, 6 for the first time
• 2000-2009: no alumni donated
• 2010-2017: 2 alumnus donated for the first time
• 2022: 25 alumni donated! 15 for the first time!

The donations above reflect donations made not only to KSTUAA (501-c-7) they also include donations made to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund (a tax-deductible 501-c-3 entity) mostly during Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving. 

KSTUAA maintains a positive reserve sufficient to fund next year's events and an anticipated mailing in support of our 60th Anniversary in the Spring of 2027!         

Thank you to all the Alumni who donated during 2026 Fiscal Year!!! 
(June 1, 2025-May 31, 2026 - 59th year)
** indicates an Alumnus that has also given in previous years

Light Green indicates dues or donation to KSTUAA or KSTUAA Project.

Grey indicates donation to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund etc. but that KSTUAA dues were not paid.  KSTUAA Board voted to display all donations we have information for in our donors page to better reflect the generosity of our alumni.    

Founders Club >$5,000

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

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

Chris Broome '89 ** CAC, HOF 2024 

  

Chrysoloras Club $2,500-$4,999

Emerald Club $1,000-$2,499 

Bill Slouffman '67 **

Chris Elder '85 ** KSTUAA Board

Robert Miller '86 ** AAA (Wright State Colony)

Michael Schoedinger '86 ** HOF 2000

Jason Rammes '88 ** Housing Company Board

Clay Hunt '90 ** KSTUAA Board, President  

 

Ruby Club $500-$999 

William Broderick '80 ** HOF 2000

Jay Puccio '82 ** CAC 

Rick Sippola '85 ** HOF 2000, HOF Nom Com Chair

Matthew Garvic '86 **

Matthew Smith '87 ** TUHC President

Colin Walker '88

Christopher Veneklasen '92 **

 

Diamond Club $250-$499 

Robert Fete '68 **

Jay Cavender '80 ** CAC, AAA-GS

Scott Hamilton '81 **

Brad Mikes '82 ** KSTUAA Board, HOF 2023

Mark Rowland '83 ** KSTUAA Board 

John Henry '85 ** HOF 2025

David Renz '85 **

Chris Scocos '85 **

David Buckley '87 ** 

Matthew Weaver '88 **

Robb Warren '92 **

  

Star and Crescent Club $100-$249 

Robert Coons '67 **HOF 2023

Alan Higgins '67 ** HOF 2022

Tom Wenning '67 **HOF 2012

Doug Buse '68 ** 

Tim Willis '69 **

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

Christopher Connolly '81 **

Timothy Solt '81 **

Keith Zurawski '81 ** 

Geoff Aurini '85 **

Ed Bennett '85 **

Mike McNally '86 ** KSTUAA Board

Scott Richardson '86 **

Larry Rosinski '86 **

Ed Kessler '87 ** 

Jeffrey Meek '87 **

Nathan Varnum '87 **

Craig Izzo '88 ** CAC, HOF 2025 

Bill Beringer '89 **

Guy Bradley '89 **

Aaron Ort '89 **

Robert Merkle '90 **

Tim Storer '90 **

Patrick Hallagan '91

Brian Olah '91 **

Patrick Surdy '91 **

Shawn Isham '92 ** KSTUAA Board

Ryan Rubin '97

Cole Condon '98 

Emmitt Jones '22 ** KSTUAA Board, DGM South Texas

Grant Szykowny '22 **

   

Caduceus Club $26-99

George Duffield '67 **

Craig Stichtenoth '72 **

Bob Biederrman '76 

Jim Cary '77 **

Mark Heppner '87 **

Scott Phillips '87 ** 

Joe Turner '87 **

Jeffrey Slovak '88 **

Patrick Reedy '89 ** KSTUAA Board, HOF 2017

Brad Storts '89 **

Preston Belding '90 **

Jonathan Frankmann '91 **

Robert Dittrich '92 ** 

Ryan Egli '98

Michael Kuhnell '98

Luke Massey '98 

Joseph Pesci '98 

Abdul Avdiu '22 ** KSTUAA Board

Zachary Clemons '22

Mark Colavita '22

Cole Davis '22

Ryan Heuser '22 

Ryan Hood '22 **

Luke King '22 AAA-GP

Charles McGrew '22 ** 

Kian Metcalfe '22

Patrick Miller '22

Jake Mumper '22

Fernando Romero '22 ** CAC, AAA-GMC (OSU)

Brian Schmidt '22 KSTUAA Board

Kirt Sippola '22

Quinn Sippola '22 **

Will Stout '22 **

Chase Talbott '22 

John Taylor '22

Nathan Zobrist '22 ** AAA-GP    

  

Member $25

Mark Cross '74 **

Lou Antonelli '81 ** HOF 2012

Michael White '84 **

Dave Bouve '86 **

Brad Flinders '86 **

Brian Harding '86 **

Mark Loisel '87 **

James McGonagle '87 **

Tim Ruppelli '87 **

Jonathan Stevens '87 **

Frazer Donaldson '88 **

Kurt Ebling '88 **

Steve Hughes '88 **

Ed Kendall '89 **

Daniel Rich '89 **

Daniel Wehrman '90 **

David Torborg '93 ** 

Matthew Dixon '94 ** AAA (OU)

Andrew Zuchowski '94 ** AA (OU) 

Paul Lynch '11

Daniel Yoho '11

Tanner Thompson '22

Kyle Zevchik '22

Cody Payne '24 

 

Other Donations

Edward Bash '81 **

Hunter Arthurs '22 ** CAC 

KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council hosts the 4th Annual Senior Appreciation and Welcome to Alumni Status Event

KSTUAA hosted the 4th Annual Senior Appreciation and Welcome to Alumni Status event on April 19 at the Pinball Garage in Hamilton, Ohio.

Brother James C. Puccio organized the event that included nine of the graduating seniors. The purpose of the event is to thank the soon to graduate seniors for keeping Theta-Upsilon growing and to encourage them to be involved as Kappa Sigmas for life!  

Alumni and volunteers included Jay Cavender (AAA & CAC) The Party Bro (CAC), Chris Ferritto and Wes Bren (DGM, KSTUAA, CAC).

Open House & KSTUAA Annual Meeting Saturday June 13, 2026

Theta-Upsilon Chapter Alumni are encouraged to stop by the Chapter House, Saturday June 13 (during Alumni Weekend 2026) for the KSTUAA Annual Open House. Take a tour of the facility, see the composites we've installed and how the Grand Ole Shoe Box is fairing. KSTUAA Board holds its annual meeting and board elections Saturday afternoon.

You'll find Alumni & KSTUAA Board members uptown as early as Friday night. Let us know you are coming and we'll text you our location to join us on our visit! Email us at KSTUAA@gmail.

Alumni Weekend is a great time to reconnect with friends and classmates and even bring young ones you want to introduce to one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. With students away, parking is available and cheap housing options exist with the university.

KSTUAA Annual Meeting is at 4:00 PM the same day

KSTUAA Annual Meeting and Elections is scheduled for the afternoon.  It's not too late to volunteer to serve. Brother McNally is seeking a replacement so he can step down.  

Terms expiring June 2026

• Brad Mikes ’82; Communications & Event Chair, HOF 2023
• Wes Bren ’85; Chapter Advisory Council Chair, HOF 2017
• Chris Elder ’85; 
• Mike McNally ’86;  is seek a replacement 
• Shawn Isham ’92;
• Emmett Jones ’22; Secretary

Nathan Varnum IC '87 has been nominated to fill Chris Elder's spot. Chris has served on the KSTUAA Board since our founding in 2012. Nathan is returning to the board after a year on the CAC having served on the KSTUAA Board several years at our founding.

Progress made but Alumni are still $3000 short of $5K Match  

KSTUAA Board asks all alumni to step up and help us buy badly needed Water Softeners for the Chapter House and avoid adding to our line of credit!

Thank you to those that have donated to this Project so far...

$5000 Matching Gift   

Jim Lewis IC '74 
Rob Miller IC '86  
Jeff Bieber IC '89 
Jay Rammes IC '88 
Chris Broome IC '89

Donors to :date 

1967 
Alan Higgins  
1977 
Jim Cary 
1980 
Jay Cavender
1981 
Scott Hamilton
1985 
Ed Bennett

Wes Bren
Chris Elder

Chris Scocos
Rick Sippola
1987 
Nathan Varnum
1988 
Colin Walker

Matthew Weaver
1992 
Robb Warren

Theta-Upsilon Plays Big Role in Helping Bring Back Alpha-Sigma Chapter at the Ohio State University

68 students of Ohio State University were initiated into Kappa Sigma on Sunday, April 26 thanks in huge part to Theta-Upsilon Alumni and members.

Theta-Upsilon alumni Ed Bennett IC '85 and Fernando Romero IC '22 who are serving as AAAs for Alpha-Sigma, played critical roles in making sure we had a facility prepped for the ceremony. Our chapter came with 2 installation teams. Brother Wes Bren IC '85 serving as the DGM orchestrated and managed the 140+ person operation that operated in two buildings and initiated pledges in 8 different rooms! Brother Bren, serving as ADGM and as DGM has been involved with the Alpha-Sigma Alumni and the Interest Group and Colony process since the chapter was closed in 2020.

Six chapters provided initiation teams and 15 Volunteers from all over Ohio including the past WGS, Dan Tierney were involved in the days activities. The Executive Director of Kappa Sigma, Bradley Bailey drove in from Charlottesville. Six alumni from Alpha-Sigma were present to witness and participate in the rechartering of the longest lived chapter in Ohio! 

Members, volunteers, and some parents of members gathered for a reception and banquet at the Ohio State faculty club. Brother Bailey MC’d , brother Tierney gave the Keynote… presentations were made by the DGM, Bren; the Alumnus Advisor Brother Mark Earley, and the chapter’s Grand Master Walter Tidenberg III.

KSTUAA hosted the 4th Annual Senior Appreciation and Welcome to Alumni Status even

KSTUAA hosted the 4th Annual Senior Appreciation and Welcome to Alumni Status event on April 19 at the Pinball Garage in Hamilton, Ohio.

Brother James C. Puccio organized the event that included nine graduating seniors. The purpose of the event is to thank the soon to graduate seniors for keeping Theta-Upsilon growing and to encourage them to be involved as Kappa Sigma’s for life!  Alumni and volunteers included Jay Cavender(AAA & CAC) The Party Bro (CAC), Chris Ferritto and Wes Bren (DGM, KSTUAA, CAC).

Two elected for Induction into Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame

The Kappa Sigma Theta‑Upsilon Alumni Association is proud to announce the two brothers elected for induction into the 2026 Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame: Dr. Jay Puccio IC ’82 and Chris Ferritto IC ’91.

Their achievements reflect the highest ideals of our Order and exemplify the purpose of the Hall of Fame — to honor alumni whose professional accomplishments, service to Kappa Sigma, and impact on their communities stand as a model for all brothers.

Nominations can be made by any alumnus and are processed by the KSTUAA HOF Nominating Committee. Voting is conducted by current Hall of Fame members.  

Each non-reunion year two brothers are elected for induction at Homecoming in Oxford. This year’s inductees represent decades of leadership, generosity, and commitment to others.

---

Dr. Jay Puccio IC ’82

A Lifetime of Service Through Dentistry, Community Leadership, and Devotion to Theta‑Upsilon

Not straying far from Oxford, Dr. Jay Puccio ’82 has amassed decades of professional excellence, community impact, and hands‑on fraternity service — always hands‑on, always humble — that have made him a pillar of the Theta‑Upsilon brotherhood as an alumnus.   

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of The Ohio State University Dental School, Jay has built The Middletown Dental Group/All About Smiles into a thriving practice known for expanding access to care. His innovative in‑house dental plan has enabled countless uninsured patients to receive affordable treatment — a program that has resulted in $50,000–$60,000 of donated dental care each year. His professional honors include induction into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society, and recognition from the Association of Endodontics.

Jay’s commitment to service extends far beyond his practice. He has been a wrestling coach, Boy Scout leader, church volunteer, and President of the Middletown Jaycees, where he helped raise more than $30,000 for local charities. His leadership has touched youth programs, faith communities, and civic organizations across Middletown.

Within Kappa Sigma, Jay has been a dedicated and reliable alumnus serving on the KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council since its formation in 2019.

His contributions to Theta-Upsilon include:

• Organizing the 40th alumni reunion in 2007 that rekindled the interest in alumni engagement that resulted in the formation of KSTUAA
• Personally repairing furnaces, water heaters, and infrastructure at the Stone House
• Supporting chapter security upgrades, house projects, and work sessions
• Fabricating the first set of wooden ritual induction items for installation and still used by the chapter
• Participating in CAC's Star & Crescent Conversations
• Planning the 2024 and 2026 Senior transition to Alumni Status event for KSTUAA  

Chris Ferritto IC ’91 
Business Leader, Housing Corporation Stabilizer, and Champion of Brotherhood

Chris Ferritto has built an impressive career marked by growth, leadership, and the ability to elevate organizations through vision and teamwork.

As President of the Builder and Multifamily Division at America’s Floor Source, Chris leads half of the company’s national revenue. In his first year, he and his team grew revenue from $95 million to $115 million. His earlier career at Shaw Industries saw him become the top Builder Specialist in the country, earning six Territory Manager of the Year awards. He later served as Regional Vice President, overseeing a region that grew to $180 million annually across seven states.

Chris also co‑founded Redbrick Group LLC with his pledge brother, the late Cliff Browne, demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive and his commitment to honoring brotherhood through shared ventures.

But Chris’ most transformative impact on Kappa Sigma came through his leadership of the Theta Upsilon Housing Company (TUHC) during one of the most challenging periods in chapter history.

After the chapter closed in 2016, Chris became President and sole board member of TUHC after the unfortunate passing of the previous president, founding Theta-Upsilon member, Tim Johnson IC '67.  The TUHC was without a tenant and any prospects of one given the condition of the properties not being rentable and Tim's illness made an orderly transition impossible. 

Under Chris' leadership:

• The Chapter property was stabilized and maintained during the chapter’s absence through the financial assistance of AEKDB LLC 
• TUHC signed a triple‑net lease with Crossroads Church, resulting in $180,000 in renovations to the Shoe Box
• A $450,000 loan was secured to renovate the Stone House creating two apartments that began an income stream while we waited for the Chapter to be restarted.  The Stone House housed the president and Vice-President of the Theta-Upsilon Colony in 2021 providing a center of operations for recruiting.
• The Housing Corporation expanded to include new alumni board members
• The chapter returned in 2022 and began using the property immediately for rush, resulting in the number of members needed to secure a charter   

Chris also led fundraising efforts to establish endowed scholarships honoring Cliff Browne and Brian McDowell through a Go Fund Me campaign. These moneys were transferred to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund where they provide two $1,000 awards annually. 

His community involvement includes years of service to his church, leadership of an annual golf outing fundraiser, and support for the St. Jude Dream Home program — including participation in the St. Jude Marathon Weekend in Memphis.

Chris’ leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the chapter’s future make him a deserving inductee into the Hall of Fame.

Make plans to join us as we honor two exemplary Brothers

The induction ceremony will take place during Homecoming Weekend September 26, 2026 in Oxford. All undergraduates, alumni, families, and friends are be invited to celebrate these two outstanding brothers.

Dr. Jay Puccio and Chris Ferritto embody the values of our Order and the purpose of the Hall of Fame. Their professional accomplishments, service to Kappa Sigma, and dedication to their communities reflect the very best of Theta‑Upsilon. Congratulations to our 2026 Hall of Fame inductees. 

For a list of all inductees and more information about the process, please see the Hall of Fame Page on the menu at the right.  A.E.K.Δ.B.

Five to be inducted at the 60th Anniversary Celebration

As 2027 is our 60th anniversary KSTUAA is organizing a weekend reunion for April 30-May 2 that will include a Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame induction of five members.  

Any alumnus can submit a nomination using this form until December 15, 2026. All nominees of previous years will be automatically be included in the nomination process. 

If you are interested in serving on the HOF Nominating Committee who pull together information for the election please email KSTUAA@gmail. We seek to represent each of the decades on this committee as well as including the Alumni Relations Chair from the Chapter in the process.

We would like to thank members of this year's team:  

Rick Sippola ’85 Chairman,

George Duffield ’67,

Dave Vuicich ’72 

Christian, Essman '92 

The Alumni Relations Chair: Sam Zobrist '25,

Z-Man wins Cossa Challenge for the 4th Time!

The 2026 Cossa Challenge brought some extra excitement with Miami University taking their historic undefeated regular season into the Big Dance and winning their first game in the play-in game but alas running out of gas in the first round. 

In the Cossa Challenge, Brother Zurawski IC '83 achieved his 4th win out distancing himself from Cossa by 58 points by selecting Michigan to win it all!  Tim Solt won the consolation prize coming in closest to Eddie Fricker who both picked UConn.

The event generated additional Annual dues for KSTUAA to fund important programs and generated about $800 to assist with the purchase of Water Softeners.

The campaign for Water Softeners continues as Theta-Upsilon Alumni are still a long way short of the $5000 match and the estimated $20,000 that we expected is needed.  Please follow the links to donate to this important upgrade to our Chapter House.

  

  

KSTUAA urges donations to purchase two Water Softeners

While the uptown water tower has long since vanished from Oxford, the white crust from the hard water remains a challenge for residents, especially those at 406 E. Withrow St.

KSTUAA seeks $15,000 in donations to help purchase two water softeners.

The KSTUAA Board voted February 22 to devote the proceeds of the years Cossa Challenge to the Housing Company to raise awareness of a needed project that Theta Upsilon Housing Company is planning: Installation of Water Softeners.

As most of you remember, Oxford, Ohio, is notorious for its extremely hard water, often exceeding 20 grains per gallon due to the region’s limestone-rich groundwater. 

Without a water softening system, these high mineral levels lead to rapid scale buildup inside plumbing, water heaters, and appliances, significantly shortening their lifespan and increasing maintenance costs! Installing a softener is a proactive investment that protects the property’s infrastructure from internal corrosion and ensures tenants don't face constant issues with clogged showerheads, inefficient heating, or mineral-stained fixtures.

We estimate needing $15,000-25,000 for the purchase and installation. The installation faces some space challenges in the Shoe Box.  If you have expertise, resources or connections we could be utilizing, contact Brother Bren through the KSTUAA@gmail email address.

The Cossa Challenge is expected to deliver $861.25, so we have a lot of ground to make up.

To help encourage donations five alumni have stepped up to create a $5,000 gift when we exceed reach $5,000 (not including the Cossa Challenge pot).  

Your donations of $50, $250, $500 or more will add up quickly and keep the progress moving forward and help fund this project! 

Donations can be made by: Paypal or Venmo

Checks can be made out to KSTUAA, memo line should read "Water Softener" and mailed to: James Lewis at:

Thank you to those that have donated to this Project

The Boards of KSTUAA and TUHC would like to thank the following alumni for helping us with the match. To date we've raised $1,187 towards the $5000 match. 

$5000 Matching Gift  

Jim Lewis IC '74 

Rob Miller IC '86  

Jeff Bieber IC '89 

Jay Rammes IC '88 

Chris Broome IC '89

1967 

Alan Higgins 

 

1977 

Jim Cary 

1980 

Jay Cavender

1981 

Scott Hamilton

1985 

Ed Bennett

Wes Bren

Chris Elder 

Chris Scocos

Rick Sippola

1987 

Nathan Varnum

1988 

Colin Walker

Matthew Weaver 

 

1992 

Robb Warren

Donors to this effort will also be listed on our Donors page link on the right.

Cossa Challenge Kicks off for the 12th Time  

This annual tradition started over in 2015 years ago, provides our Theta-Upsilon Alumni a virtual competition for bragging rights in picking the winners in the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament.  KSTUAA created its own tournament in 2020 when the COVID pandemic cancelled the NCAA Tournaments. Videos of  our competition can be found on our YouTube Channel.

Winners have included:

Clay Hunt in 2025

Wes Bren in 2024

Pat O'Brien in 2023

??? in 2022

Keith Zurawski in 2021, 2016? 2015?

Brad Storts in 2020 (Luke Meissner was the champion Team in the 60 second challenge)
*We are searching a our archives for the winners of the other years.

 

Who will win it this year?