55th Anniversary Brings 200 Kappa Sigmas together for an Amazing Weekend in Oxford!!

 

As those that attended the weekend know, the 55th Anniversary Celebration was the biggest and most fun reunion in our history! 

Brothers returned from over 20 states and Europe and from as far away as Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maryland and Connecticut!  Some Brothers returned for the first time in over 35, 45 and 55 years! There were several last minute surprises with attendees! 
It also featured the return of six Founding members and two from the first pledge class from 1967!

This was the first time the brand new undergraduate chapter had experienced the alumni in full force and as their latest issue of Kappa Signal points out they were duly impressed by the fellowship and the display that Kappa Sigma is not for a college term only... but for life!     

Friday Kicks off the Fun

The weekend kicked off Friday morning,  with the Fricker Cup MMXXII featuring a new team concept that brought more excitement and drama to the beloved annual golf tournament. The Red Team captained by Brad Flinders IC '86 prevailed over the White Team captained by John Henry IC '85 in a match decided by only 5 holes! Winning the trophy for the second time on the same course was the team of Scott Rich '89 and Tim Ruppelli '87 who won 5 years ago at the 50th anniversary.   Details and photos are found on a separate post below.  

Friday evening featured a private reception for the Hall of Fame inductees and members, 1967 Theta-Upsilon Chapter Founding members,  KSTUAA board members, TUHC board members, AEKDB LLC  and members of the Chapter's Executive Committee at Sorriso Osteria & Bar followed by a All-Alumni private event at the left Field Tavern at 7:00 PM. The celebrations continued deep into the night at various establishments uptown. 

Saturday Adds Meaningful Recognition

Saturday's events began with the KSTUAA Brunch at Marcum Center and the Hall of Fame induction of Brothers Alan Higgins, Initiation Class 1967 (Founder); James Lewis, Initiation Class 1974; and David Ciochetty, Initiation Class 1978. Detailed bios can be found on the HOF Page on the website.  

KSTUAA President, Clay Hunt IC '90 welcomed the 90+ guests in attendance. Members of the Chapter provided the blessing and Chapter Updates before introducing Brother Rick Sippola IC '85 to emcee the HOF inductions.  

Outside in the hallway Kappa Sigma memorabilia was on display. 

Moving Chapter Ceremony

Following the brunch, most of the the alumni attended a Chapter meeting in an adjoining room for a moving Celestial Service and Model initiation.  The Chapter's Executive Committee, led by Grand Master Emmett Jones IC '17 opened the meeting in Bologna's Form. 

The Celestial Service included reading the names of 17 Brothers that have joined the Chapter Celestial since the 50th Reunion. KSTUAA Vice-President, Mark Rowland '83 read the names of those initiates from the 1960's, 70's 80's, 90s and even 2013 as well as mentioning their service to the Chapter and Fraternity. This short ceremony remains a moving tribute and appreciated by all in attendance.

The Model Initiation featured Brother Rick Sippola IC '85 as the initiated and his son, Quinn Sippola IC '17 as the conductor in a reversal of the installation ceremony on February 26, 2017 where Quinn was honored as the first initiate of the rechartered Theta-Upsilon Chapter for his key role in starting the interest group and serving as the Grand Master of the the Colony.

The initiation also featured the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Brother Jacob Higgins IC '17 performing the ceremony entirely from memory and thereby earning his second Ritual Proficiency award.  The other officers participating in the meeting/initiation included Fernando Romero IC '17, Grand Procurator; David Weygandt IC '17, Grand Treasurer; Gabe Johnson IC '17, Grand Scribe.             

While weather forecast all week had shown severe weather as a significant risk, the afternoon weather could not have been more perfect for the outdoor catered event.   Alumni and undergraduates played cornhole and Euchre, with many Alumni introducing the card game to many of the undergraduates for the first time!  

Another highlight of the event was the two kegs brought by Frazer Donaldson IC '88 the owner of Elmhurst Brewing Company in Chicago, Il featuring some of his award winning products! Julius Squeezer Hazy IPA & Helles Lager were great compliments to the BBQ set by the caterer and the talk of the evening. Wine donated by KSTUAA Board Member, Mike McNally IC '86 was available as well as a full bar. (Operated by the caterer to comply with State laws and Kappa Sigma event regulations.)   

Music requested in the registration reminding alumni of Kappa Sigma and college played as a playlist in the background. Colorful banners designed Brother Chad Zimmerman IC '91 hung on the pipe stanchions that created a secure border for our guests. 

A huge Thank You to everyone that made this event possible! 

A huge Thank you goes out to the KSTUAA 55th Anniversary Planning  Team, chaired this year by Shawn Isham IC '92.  The committee began planning work more than a year before the event!  Other members on the committee included Brothers Jim Lewis IC '74, Brad Mikes IC '81, Wes Bren IC '85,and Andy Zuchowski IC '94. A shout out to Shawn's wife Lisa for her help and to Matt Dixon IC '94 for his assistance.

Thanks also to the KSTUAA Board Members that assisted in preparations and on the day of the event. The planning Committee was also helped by the Miami University Alumni Association and especially by Mark D. Macechko, Senior Director, Alumni Relations who had also helped us with the 50th Anniversary. 

Additional photos are available on Social Media. Please see our Facebook Group.

 

KSTUAA Annual Meeting & Elections

The KSTUAA Board convened its Annual meeting Sunday, June 26 via Zoom and held elections and conducted new business.

Elections of KSTUAA Board Members
The following alumni were elected to the KSTUAA Board for a two-year term expiring June 2024:

• Craig Stichtenoth IC ’72
• Brad Mikes IC ’82
• Wes Bren IC ’85
• Chris Elder IC ’85
• Mike McNally IC ’86
• Shawn Isham IC ’92

Brother William Beringer IC ’89 was elected  to the KSTUAA Board filling an unexpired term expiring June 2023.

Elections of Officers 

The following alumni were re-elected to a one-year term expiring June 2023

• President: Clay Hunt IC ’90
• Vice President: Mark Rowland IC ’83
• Secretary: Craig Stichtenoth IC ’72
• Treasurer: James Lewis IC ’74

New Business

The KSTUAA Board adopted the following calendar proposed by the Event and Communications Committee. Alumni are encouraged to participate in these events as they are able. 

• October 8, 2022 - Homecoming Weekend – co-sponsor an open house with the Chapter. 
• December 2022 – College Football pool (no entry fee)
• February 12 – Super Bowl Squares split the pot contest
• March 3-5 Promote Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving: Goal exceed $5600
• March 12 – Cossa Challenge/NCAA Bracket split the pot contest
• March 31/April 1 – Local Charter Day celebrations across the country
• June 10, 2023 – Miami Alumni Weekend Open House 
• ***the next Fricker Cup will be announced later and scheduled in the 2023 calendar year.

And to adopt the following communication objectives:

• Publish the Fricker Flash each month with coinciding articles on www.kstuaa.org
• Submit The Caduceus articles 
• Forward the Chapter’s Kappa Signal with the Fricker Flash or as a separate email 

Other Announcements and reports

It was announced that Brother David Walker IC '88 has agreed to join the KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council.

It was also announced that the Board of the Theta Upsilon Housing Company has changed and now includes brothers:   Chris Ferritto IC '91, President; John Schoger IC '87, Vice-President; Matthew Smith IC'87, Secretary; Jim Lewis IC '74, Treasurer; Mike Behrens IC '90; Matthew Cohen IC ‘98.  The TUHC Board is meeting regualrly over the summer as the seek to ready the house for occupancy in August.

KSTUAA Treasurer reported that Fiscal 2022 Deposits equaled $61,731.80 (primary from 55th Event registration fees and donations to the CAC Chapter House Refurbishment fund) and Disbursements of $39,024.50 (primarily for the 55th Event.) Additional details can be requested by emailing the KSTUAA Treasurer.   

The next Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2023 in Oxford, Ohio during Miami's Alumni Weekend.

Bren second to serve as DGM

 

Brother Wesley C. Bren IC '85 was appointed District Grand Master for Southern-Ohio District by the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Supreme Executive Committee on June 1, 2022. 

Bren becomes the second alumnus from Theta-Upsilon Chapter to serve in this role. Brother Michael L. Hayes IC '72 was the first of the chapter's alumni to serve as DGM in Ohio from 1980-1982. 

He also becomes the second Bren to serve as DGM in Ohio, as his father, Brother Donald J. Bren, an alumnus from Gamma-Xi '49 Denison University served as DGM from 1970-1971.

Brother Bren served Theta-Upsilon Chapter as Grand Master and Alumni Relations Chairman as an undergraduate member where he organized the 20th anniversary celebration and published several Kappa Signals.

He served as Assistant District Grand Master, Volunteer Development for Southern Ohio since 2015 helping to plan and deliver training to all volunteers in Ohio and also Great Lakes District Conclaves. He was recognized as Kappa Sigma ADGM of the Year in 2021.  

Bren also served as Alumnus Advisor for the Theta-Upsilon Chapter (2013-2016 & 2020-2022) where he was the driving catalyst for Theta-Upsilon's reinstallation. He also served as the Alumnus Advisor for the Nu-Psi Chapter at the University of Cincinnati (2017-2018) where his his son Andrew was a 2017 founding father at the chapter and served as Grand Procurator. Kappa Sigma runs deep in his family!

Bren is a Jackson Man and a financial donor to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund through SAJ Weekends in March.

He was recognized by the Chapter as the "Brother of the Year" in 1992 for his efforts restarting the an Alumni Association and organizing the 25th Anniversary Celebration.  

In 2011 he became a founding board member of the newly establish KSTUAA (Kappa Sigma, Theta-Upsilon Alumni Association) and has served as its president until 2018. He has served on the Communication and Events Committee as the main author of the Fricker Report, Fricker Flash and other communications, helped with the planning of the 45th, 50th and 55th Anniversary Celebrations and was the co-creator with his little brother, Brad Flinders IC '86 in creating and organizing the annual Fricker Cup golf tournaments. He is currently serving as the Chair of the Chapter Advisory Council, the second standing committee within KSTUAA. He was inducted into the Theta-Upsilon Chapter’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

Bren follows Brother Matthew Charnas, Alpha-Sigma '04 who has served as DGM for 9 years and turns over the Alumnus Advisor responsibilities to Brother Garett Reinhart, Nu-Psi, University of Cincinnati, '17 who served as Grand Master and Grand Treasurer as an undergraduate and served last year as the Assistant Alumnus Advisor - Grand Treasurer for Theta-Upsilon. 

As District Grand Master of Southern-Ohio, Brother Bren will be working with the volunteers and Executive Committees of five chapters: Gamma-Xi (Denison University); Theta-Omicron (Muskingum University); Theta-Upsilon (Miami University); Nu-Psi (University of Cincinnati) and Tau-Mu (Capital University). He is also working with the Alumni of Alpha-Sigma (The Ohio State University) with a dormant chapter.   

Brother Bren graduated from Miami University with a B.F.A. in 1988 and from the University of Cincinnati with an M.B.A. in 1997. Professionally, he works at Oracle as a pre-sales consultant for customer experience and cloud applications. He has lived in Cincinnati with his wife Charlene since 1988 and in addition to Andrew has two married daughters and a redtick coonhound that occasionally accompanies him on Kappa Sigma related calls! 

Fricker Cup MMXXII tees off with new format at the 55th Anniversary

Red and White Team Members pose for group photo after an exciting competition at Hueston Wood Golf Course. The Red Team won by only 5 holes. (Click photo to see larger image)

Friday, April 29, 2022 began as an overcast day in the mid-50s typical of spring in Oxford, Ohio but as the competition of the Fricker Cup warmed up so did the weather resulting in a near perfect afternoon of 70 degrees and a win for the 25 members of the Red Team! 

This year, KSTUAA introduced a new team element (like in the Ryder Cup) to the “Two-Person Best Ball” tournament. While Brothers still picked their partner, the Captains selected the pairings in March to create the 2 vs 2 match play format.  The new format still awarded the pair from the winning team with the best Net Score as the Fricker Cup MMXXII Champions with their names engraved on the Fricker Cup Trophy!  

Winning the trophy for the second time on the same course was the team of Scott Rich '89 and Tim Ruppelli '87 who won 5 years ago at the 50th anniversary. There winning net score was also the best from both teams with a Net Score of 61. (The Score card for all teams is shown below)

This more complicated scoring was made easy with the use of the Golf Genius app, courtesy of the help of a golf pro from the home course of Rule Committee member, Brad Flinders '86. The app captured the raw scores and automatically calculated the net scores and the team scores (1 point for winning a hole, 1/2 point for a tie) and providing an electronic scoreboard throughout. 

In the end the tournament was really close with the Red Team winning by only 5 holes! The team was captained by former Miami Golf Team stud, and two-time Fricker Cup Champion Brad "Gordo" Flinders who had suggested doing a team format after the successful conclusion of the previous 2021 Fricker Cup.  

Red and White shirts were ordered for each team member and embroidered championship towels were awarded to the winning team to complete the effect.

"The towels turned out great," said Rules Committee Chairmen, Wes Bren '85. "I was really hoping the Red Team would win since I only ordered enough for one team!"

Winning the course prizes were:

Longest Drive #14: Troy Dankworth

Closest to the pin #16: Brad Flinders

Longest Putt #18: Bob Dittrich

Additional photos and videos of the event can be found in this Google drive courtesy of undergraduate member, Kyle Zevchik who volunteered his Friday on 12 hour notice to take photos and videos from the course all day.  The KSTUAA Board forward him a Kappa Sigma Store gift certificate in appreciation. 

What's Next?

Brother Bren who organized the first and subsequent seven Fricker Cups and most of its unique traditions like the Fricker curse (only those that win can touch the trophy with their bare hands-which is why the trophy has two white gloves inside the cup) and the Eddie Fricker Switcheroo Card, has announced he was stepping down from being Rules Committee Chairmen.  

White Team Captain, John "Slug" Henry '85 has volunteered to lead the Fricker Cup Rules Committee and organize the 2023 event.   Other Rules Committee Members include former Fricker Cup winners: Brad Flinders, Brian Harding '86, and Ed Kessler '87. Other alumni interested in helping are encouraged to contact one of these members.  Updates will still be communicated to all alumni through KSTUAA communications.

Brothers/Teams Participating:

Bold indicates former winners of the Fricker Cup. ** indicates a two time champions of the Fricker Cup 

Italics indicates a alumnus filling in for a player unable to make the tournament.

Chris Ferritto & Chad D Gibson (Red) vs Bob Dittrich & Shawn Isham (White)

Dan Wehrman & Brad Storts (Red) vs Keith Zurawski & Jeff Bieber (White)

David Say & Tim Storer (Red) vs Rick Sippola & Lou Antonelli (White)

Scott Rich** & Tim Ruppelli** (Red) vs Jim McGonagle & Joe Turner (White)

Ed Kessler &  Michael Lunt (Red) vs Mark Loisel & Nathan Varnum (White)

Brad Flinders** & Brian Harding  (Red) vs Dave Bouve & Brett Howell (White)

James Rimmel & Wes Bren** (Red) vs Jeff Meek & Michael Schoedinger (White)

Tom Wenning (67 Founder) & Steve Middleton (67 Founder) (Red) vs James Puccio & Terry Maggard (White)

Mark Downey & Dave Buckley (Red) vs Bill Beringer & John Henry (White)

Patrick Reedy & Chad Hague (Red) vs Frazer Donaldson & Chris Seiple (White)

Erik Seeney & Mark Wiltrakis (Red) vs Troy Dankworth & Brian McDowell (White)

Brian Olah & Steve Wolgemuth (Red) vs Tom Clarke & Colin Donovan (White)

Clay Hunt (Red) vs Matthew Smith & Brett Binkley (White)

Also playing at Hueston Woods but not in the tournament:

Martin McCarthy & Scott Richardson 

Dave Mirolli & Peter Kanistros & our newest alumnus Hunter Arthurs who graduated in December 2021!

Scores from the Fricker Cup MMXXII

    

Thank you to all our 2022 Donors!

Thank you to all the alumni below who have contributed this year to support the legacy of Kappa Sigma at Miami University!

Our most recent Fiscal year (June 1, 2021-May 31, 2022) was a success on so many levels and with so many achievements! 

We saw our colony grow to 59 members and be reinstalled as a chartered chapter on February 26! Then we had 140+ Alumni and guests celebrate the 55th anniversary of our original founding on April 1, 1967.

Along the way we asked our alumni to support Theta-Upsilon's philanthropic event in the fall (Worldwide Run & Ride for the Oxford Clinic) helping them raise almost $6000 as the world began to ease out of a global pandemic, Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving which raised $10,835 for our Chapter's Endowment Fund account (12th most in the country) that supports annual scholarships for our members and to support our Chapter refurbishment fund which surpassed our initial goal and raised $34,500+ to help us buy meeting chairs and a couch and chairs for the new 2nd floor lounge in the Shoebox and other improvements over the summer.  This in addition to our normal requests to help support communications and events that bring our alumni together. 

Meanwhile your fellow Alumni on the Theta Upsilon Housing Company worked this spring to secure financing for renovations on the Shoebox and secure zoning use as a Fraternity House for the Shoebox (Stone House will remain zoned for "apartments" for the time being. (long story...) 

But all totaled, over 140 alumni (25 for the first time) donated.  While we recognize that there are things that make this last year exceptional, we hope that we continue to see similar commitment each year to support our chapter and efforts to make Kappa Sigma the pride of Miami University! 

A sincere Thank You, to everyone listed below who donated this fiscal year!     

A list of donors for the current fiscal year is listed on our website. 

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

2021-2022 Donors

Founders Club >$5,000

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

 

Chrysoloras Club $2,500-$4,999

Wes Bren '85 ** KSTUAA Board, CAC, HOF 2017, ADGM, AA

Chris Elder '85 ** KSTUAA Board

Chris Broome '89 ** CAC

 

Emerald Club $1,000-$2,499

Doug Buse '68 ** CAC

Rick Gehring '76 **

Dave Ciochetty '78 ** HOF 2022

Charlie Wonderlic '83 ** HOF 2017

Mike White '84 **

Rick Sippola '85 ** HOF 2000

Michael Schoedinger '86 ** HOF 2000

Jason Rammes '88 ** CAC 

Clay Hunt '90 ** KSTUAA Board, President

Dr. Drew Osborn '91

 

Ruby Club $500-$999

George Duffield '67

Alan Higgins '67 ** HOF 2022

Patrick O'Brien '82 ** HOF 2000

Dr. James Puccio '82 **CAC

David Mirolli '83 **

Chris Seiple '88

Andrew Zuchowski "94 ** KSTUAA Baord

 

Diamond Club $250-$499

Steve Conn '67 **

Tom Wenning '67 ** HOF 2017

Keith Zurawski '81 **

Ed Bennett '85 **

John Henry '85 **

Rob Miller '86 **

Scott Richardson '86

David Buckley '87 **

Timothy Dawson '87 **

James Rimmel '87 **

Patrick Surdy '91 **

Tom Clarke '92 **

Colin Donovan '92 **

Chris Veneklasen '92 **

Jamie Schisler '93

 

Star and Crescent Club $100-$249

Robert Coons '67 **

Gary Olmon '69

Craig Stichtenoth '72 ** KSTUAA Board, Secretary

Mark Cross '74 **

Mark Morgan '79 **

Jay Cavender '80 ** CAC, AAA-GS

Scott Hamilton '81 **

Terry Maggard '82

Brad Mikes '82 ** KSTUAA Board

Troy Miller '83 **

Mark Rowland '83 ** KSTUAA Board, Vice President

David Chambers '84

Geoffrey Aurini '85 **

Chris Scocos '85 **

Dave Bouve '86 **

Matt Garvic '86 **

Craig Izzo '86 ** CAC

Mike McNally '86 **KSTUAA Board

Larry Rosinski '86 **

Brett Binkley '87 **

Mark Heppner '87 **

Mark Loisel '87 **

Jeff Meek '87 **

Nathan Varnum '87 **

Joseph Bial '88

Frazer Donaldson '88 **

Mark Downey '88 **

John McCarley '88 **

David Walker '88 **

Bill  Beringer '89 **

Jeffrey Bieber '89 **

Chad Hague '89 **

Aaron Ort '89 **

Timothy Storer '90 **

Jonathan Frankmann '91

Aaron Hartung '91 **

James Regruth '91

Brian Olah '91 ** 

Mark Sullivan '91

Robert Dittrich '92 **

Shawn Isham '92 ** KSTUAA Board

John DeRose '93 **

Charles Perry '93

Matthew Dixon '94 **

Yulee Newsome '97 HOF 2017 

Caduceus Club $26-99

Chuck Hess '67

Dave Vuicich '72 **

John Wilson '75

Richard Kramer '79 **

Kevin Libert '79 **

Tim Corman '80 **

Dave Mort '80

Randall Shoker '80 **

Lou Antonelli '81 ** HOF 2012

Stephen Wihelm '81

Mark Householder '82 ** KSTUAA Board

Peter Kanistros '83 **

Troy Davis '85

Brad Flinders '86 **

Brian Harding '86 **

Brett Howell '86 **

Martin McCarthy '86

Ed Kessler '87 **

Michael Lunt '87 **

James McGonagle '87 **

John Schoger '87 ** Housing Company Board (Vice-President)

Matthew Smith '87 **

Joseph Turner '87 **

Michael Behrens '89 **

Patrick Reedy '89 ** HOF 2017

Scott Rich '89 **

David Say '90 **

Erik Seeney '90 **

Dan Wehrman '90 **

Chris Ferritto '91** Housing Company Board (President)

Tyge Fourtner '91

Daniel Ledman '91

Avani Kanubaddi '91 **

Alexander Mason '91 **

Brian McDowell '91 **

Chad Zimmerman '91

Christian Essman '92 **

Chad Gibson '92 Housing Company Board

Drew Mantel '92

Mark Storts '92 **

Steven Wolgemuth '92 **

Troy Dankworth '94

 

Association Member (Dues) 

Steve Middleton '67 ** HOF 2000

Rich Relyea '67 **

Dave Bradley '68

Chuck Belser '72

Don Welsh '72 **

John Jahoda '73 **

Jonathan McKnight '77 **

Rob Pollock '78

Rob Solt '78 **

Bob Taylor '79 ** HOF 2000

Ed Bash '81 **

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

Christopher Connolly '81

Timothy Solt '81 **

Trey Smith '85 **

Tim Ruppelli '87

Brad Storts '89 **

Mark Wiltrakis '90 **

Other Donations

 

Please note: To encourage giving more broadly to help our Chapter, donations to the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, The Endowment Fund, the Jackson's Men program and to the Theta-Upsilon Chapter's philanthropy efforts (A Greater Cause and Military Heroes), and donations to the Cliff Browne Memorial Brotherhood Scholarship will be recognized by KSTUAA in donor totals each year. If you are current on KSTUAA annual dues, please contact the KSTUAA Treasurer about recognizing these additional efforts to support Kappa Sigma.

Jackson's Men Donors

The Jackson's Men Program of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity is the Endowment Fund’s most popular and innovative giving recognition program. Half of all donations received to this program go to your chapter scholarship fund the remainder funds the work of the Fraternity.  For more information see: https://ef.kappasigma.org/jacksons-men/