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.