Homecoming events and meetings underscore progress

It was a very busy Homecoming in 2023, with the Hall of Fame Induction, Presentation of the Tower Award, the Theta Upsilon Housing Company Board holding its annual meeting including elections, the KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council meeting with the Chapter Executive Committee and the other Homecoming festivities!

Matt Smith Elected President of Housing Company in Annual Meeting

The Theta Upsilon Housing Company (TUHC) Board held its annual meeting inside the Chapter House at 406 E. Withrow. A an important order of business was the expansion of the Board and election of new officers.  Brothers Rick Sippola and Scott Richardson to the board joining Matt Smith, Jim Lewis, John Schoger, Chris Ferritto, Michael Behrens and Matt Cohen. 

Brother Smith was elected president, succeeding Brother Ferritto who has served as president after Brother Tim Johnson who joined the Chapter Celestial in 2018.  Brother Ferritto stepped in during the darkest days for the Housing Company when the Charter had been lost, no rental income was available, and the basement of the Stone House frequently would fill with over a foot of water. Chris negotiated the lease with Crossroads Church that brought investment to the Shoe Box and enough rental income to prevent the Housing Company from selling either property.    

Brother Sippola was elected vice-president succeeding Brother John Schoger who joined the Housing Company Board shortly after Chris and who played a key role along with Chris in guiding changes to the Stone House and eventually the re-opening of the Shoe Box to the Chapter.

Brother Lewis was elected to serve as treasure for another term and Brother Smith will retain the responsibilities of the Board secretary for the time being.

The Board met with the Grand Procurator and the House Manager to gather their input and thoughts.  

TUHC Board is seeking a few more alumni to join its Board as it continues its mission to manage the properties.  Alumni interested can email KSTUAA@gmail.com or contact Matt Smith directly.  

Hall of Fame Induction and John G. Tower Presentation Bring Meaningful Moments to Homecoming Weekend. 

KSTUAA president, Brother Clay Hunt was the master of the ceremony held in Heritage Hall inside the Shriver Center where 50 undergraduate and over 25 alumni and guests attended a brunch and presentations.

After Clay introduced the honored guests and alumni including three members of the original 1966 Star & Crescent Fraternity and Founding members of the Theta-Upsilon Chapter in 1967, Brothers Alan Higgins who traveled from Florida, Bob Coons from California, Don Turner of Cincinnati and one member of the first pledge class in the Fall of 1967, Brother Richard Relyea who traveled from Seattle, WA  the invocation was performed by Brother David Weygandt, a founding 2022 member and the Former Grand Treasurer.

Original 1967 Founders pose with Members of the rechartering Class of 2022

Following the brunch, The Grand Master, Patrick Miller IC'22 provided an update on the Chapter.  Brother Emmett Jones IC '22, the former Grand Master and colony treasurer who is currently serving as the Undergraduate Advisory Committee (UAC) Area 3 member provided an update on the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Brother Rick Sippola IC '85, Chairman of the the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee introduced the HOF process and the 2023 inductee, Brother Brad Mikes IC '82. Brother Mikes shared several stories from his time as Grand Treasurer and from serving on the KSTUAA Board since its founding in 2012.

Brother Wes Bren IC '85, was introduced as the District Grand Master of Southwest Ohio and provided the history of the John G. Tower Distinguished Alumni Award and shared several accomplishments of Brother Robert Coons that led to his winning the award; the first time for a Theta-Upsilon Alumnus.  Brother Bren then introduced Brother Alan Higgins IC '67 who was Bob's freshmen year roommate to share a few stories before Brother Coons shared several stories of the accomplishments of people he mentored.

The ceremony was closed with some profound and inspirational remarks by Brother Hunt and group photos were captured to commemorate the event before alumni gathered back at the Shoe Box for fellowship.

Submit Hall of Fame Nominations Now.
Nominations Close December 15  

Alumni are reminded to submit the name of brothers they would like like to be considered for the Hall of Fame through this online form. 

Additional details about criteria, the process and who has been inducted to date can be found on the HOF page from the links on the right.     

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Members of the Hall of Fame (seated and second row) pose for photo
with alumni who traveled in to participate in Brad Mikes induction (seated center.)  

KSTUAA College Bowl Contest begins shortly  

The KSTUAA Communications & Events Committee is once again sponsoring the KSTUAA College Bowl Game Challenge to encourage some fraternal fun among our alumni. The winner will receive engraved Kappa Sigma barware.

There is no entry fee for your first pick.

Alumni that have paid annual dues (still only $25) or made additional donations can submit two additional rows of selections to improve their chances of winning. (thanks to the 35+ alumni that have paid dues already this year!)

Donations will also be accepted above dues and will go toward buying additional chairs for the chapter.  KSTUAA purchased 80 back in 2021 and the Chapter membership is expected to exceed 110 by this spring! 

Dues or donations can be made electronically or via check. Details at www.kstuaa.org.

Winning the KSTUAA College Bowl Game Challenge:  Each time you pick the winner of a bowl game, you will get a point for each person that picked the loser of that game. 

To request a bracket, email “Bracket Master, Brad Mikes” at KSTUAA@gmail.com and good luck!   

Volunteers Still Needed   

Alumni are needed for the Alumni Docent Program (professional networking/mentoring), to serve on the Chapter Advisory Council, KSTUAA Committees, the Housing Company Board and as Kappa Sigma Chapter volunteers.  If you are at all interested in learning more email us at KSTUAA@gmail.com.

Homecoming Revived! Return to Oxford, October 21.

With a Chapter back on campus and new alumni traditions, Homecoming Weekend takes on a new feel!

The Miami University Cheerleaders will be welcoming alumni back to Homecoming!

For years, Homecoming Weekend has been largely ignored by alumni. 

New energy and planning promise to rekindle new life into this annual tradition making it a great annual tradition for Alumni to use to reconnect with friends and brothers, introduce children to Miami University and sons to Kappa Sigma!

Hall of Fame Induction Brunch

The linchpin of the weekend will be the Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame Induction Brunch. KSTUAA moved to process where instead of inducting 5+ alumni at the 5 year re-unions the Alumni will induct one alumnus each year in a ceremony during Homecoming weekend with Chapter members and alumni present.

This year, long-time KSTUAA Board Member and Communications and Events Chair, Brother Brad Mikes IC '82 will be inducted during a brunch in the Shriver Center.  Alumni can register until the deadline of October 15:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023HOFBrunch    

You can see who else has been inducted into the Hall of Fame using the link on the right.  Alumni can also nominate deserving Brothers for consideration for next year's induction using this nomination form before December 15, 2023. (Alumni that have been nominated in previous years remain in the list of consideration.)  

Special Recognition at Brunch: Our First Ever Tower Award Recipient

The 2023 HOF Brunch will be also feature the recognition of our own Brother Robert Coons, a founding member from the 1967 class  as a recipient of  the US Senator John G. Tower Distinguished Alumni Award, considered one of the highest honors Alumni can receive within the Kappa Sigma Fraternity for his exceptional career as a track coach and work in the community.  

The cost of the HOF brunch is $25 per person with some of the proceeds assisting the Chapter. Alumni that haven't already paid their annual KSTUAA Alumni Dues of $25 will be asked to contribute that which will help pay for other aspects of the weekend.  View this page to see if you have already paid this fiscal year (starts June 1.) 

Payments can be made through paypal  or venmo @KSTUAA. or check. 

The work of the Alumni plays a new role

The Theta Upsilon Housing Company Board will begin holding its Annual Meeting during Homecoming weekends beginning in 2023.  If you have any interest or availability to support the Fraternity in this important role please reach out to Matt Smith, TUHC Secretary via KSTUAA@gmail.com.

Likewise the KSTUAA CAC (Chapter Advisory Council) will meet with members of the Executive Committee on Homecoming weekend.  If you are interested in interacting directly with Chapter members and working to help the Chapter reach out to Wes Bren via KSTUAA@gmail.com.     

Recent Graduates return and restart a tradition 

Organized by KSTUAA's youngest board member, Brother Abdul Avdui IC '22 (graduation May 23) recent graduates and any other alumni interested can participate in a tour of all the old establishments in a Oxford Pub Crawl. 

The full schedule: 

Miami football has not posted the game time. Once it does we might make some small adjustments to the following schedule and will inquire about interest in securing a block of tickets.

• (9:30-11)  Donuts Coffee & Juice at the Chapter house at 406 E. Withrow
• (11-1)  Hall of Fame Induction Brunch Shriver Center 
• (1-4) Tailgate at Chapter House for the afternoon - Cornhole, euchre etc.
• Pub Crawl (organized by Recent Grads) late afternoon or evening
• Possible Cookout in back of the Stone House dependent on variables of game time and interest       

Please make plans to come and reach out to other Alumni. We don't need to wait 5 years for a reunion. 

Robert A. Coons Awarded John G. Tower Distinguished Alumnus Award

Bob Coons becomes the first Theta-Upsilon Chapter Member to receive this prestigious award and will be honored at Homecoming October 21. 

Brother Robert (Bob) Coons has been awarded the US Senator John G. Tower Distinguished Alumni Award, considered one of the highest honors Alumni can receive within the International Fraternity. 

Established in 1995, this award honors “Kappa Sigma Brothers who have shown a commitment to their business, family, church, philanthropy, and community activities.”  It is named for the late Brother John G. Tower, U. S. Senator from Texas, who served on the Kappa Sigma Supreme Executive Committee for six years and was Worthy Grand Master from 1971-73.

Brother Coons, a March 31, 1967 initiate was one of the original founding members of the group at Miami University of Ohio that started the Star & Crescent Fraternity that became the Theta-Upsilon Chapter.  Bob’s interest in starting a new fraternity exemplified by true brotherly fellowship, absent of hazing some twenty years before the State of Ohio first outlawed the practice has left a proud legacy of brotherhood for more than 1,200 Kappa Sigs at the home of the Miami Triad.  He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

He began coaching as a volunteer at Talawanda High School in Oxford while still a Miami student. He began his professional teaching and coaching career in Bakersfield, California in 1967 and distinguished himself in a life of service as a coach and educator for over 39 years and continues in service as a community member and volunteer coach to this day.

In 1976 he was hired as the head coach for the women's track team and as an assistant coach for the men’s track team at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB.) He founded and coached the CSUB men’s and women's cross country team and remained a coach at CSUB until 1989 when he resumed coaching track and cross country at Bakersfield High where he was a teacher until retiring in 2006 but he continued to coach in a volunteer capacity (now 56 years.)

Brother Coons coached 19 national champions and 16 national record-holders and more than 130 All-Americans at the collegiate and high school level and was named California Coaching Alliance Coach of the Year in 1996. At CSUB the women’s track team held top 5 ranking in the National Championships from 1981-1983. The women’s cross country team won the Western Regionals in 1979 and maintained a Top 20 National ranking for four years. At Bakersfield High School he helped coach four California State Championship Track Teams, 13 CIF Valley Championships and 7 Runner-Up titles. His impact includes coaching over 50 student athletes who have gone on to coach at the high school and collegiate levels.

Bob’s investments in youth and the community have extended beyond the track and school.  He has been influential in providing comfort and aid to the poor and underprivileged, gang-members as well as visiting and mentoring migrant inmates, and serving as a lay leader and church council member at Emmanuel Lutheran.

The recommendation letters with additional details on Bob's community service can be reviewed here!  The KSTUAA Board and Kappa Sigma Members across the country celebrate Bob for his commitment and service for over 50 years! 

Alumni are encouraged to celebrate Bob's achievement during Homecoming weekend during the Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame induction ceremony and brunch. 
To register:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023HOFBrunch  

CSUB Women's track team with 11 All-Americans and 6 national record holders

CSUB Men's track team.

74th Grand Conclave Brings Many Firsts for Theta-Upsilon!

Photo: Members of the Theta-Upsilon Chapter (undergraduate and alumni) pose with awards and the Supreme Executive Committee at the "Finest Hour" Banquet. 

The 74th Biennial Grand Conclave of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, held in Charlottesville, VA resulted in many achievements for our Theta-Upsilon Chapter only seventeen months after its re-chartering! 

• The Chapter's first-ever UAC (Undergraduate Advisory Committee) delegate
• The Chapter's first-ever Opal Level Jackson Men donor
• The Chapter's first-ever Master of Ritual
• The Chapter's first-ever Kappa Sigma Fellows nominee
• The Chapter's first-ever Grand Conclave Intern

A sixth first-ever was approved at the SEC meeting at conclave and will be announced shortly.

In addition the Chapter members and alumni were recognized with numerous awards (several of these are first-ever awards too) and reflect the across the board effort to make Theta-Upsilon Chapter the Pride of Miami University and within Kappa Sigma Fraternity and its 300 Chapters and colonies.  

• Founders Achievement for Chapter Excellence (FACE)
• Outstanding Grand Procurator Award: Fernando Romero IC '22  
• Outstanding Grand Scribe Award : Gabriel Johnson IC '22
• Outstanding Grand Treasurer Award: David Weygandt IC '22
• Outstanding Alumnus Advisor Award: Garett Reinhart (Nu-Psi Chapter IC '17)
• Outstanding District Grand Master Award: Wesley Bren IC '85 

These awards come in a year that saw the Chapter raise more than $12,425 for the Oxford Free Clinic as part of the community A Greater Cause Campaign and  $16,600 for the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign and the alumni, members and friends donate $25,818 to the Chapter's Scholarship Endowment Fund (3rd highest amount within Kappa Sigma last year) and receive three Scholarship Leadership Awards for members and recruit a record number of pledges in single year of 44!

Alumni are encouraged to mail their notes of congratulations to the officers and Chapter at 406 E. Withrow Street, Oxford Ohio 45056. Contact KSTUAA if you prefer to email your congratulations or post to their Facebook page.    

Past Grand Master/Grand Treasurer becomes Theta-Upsilon's first UAC member.

Brother Emmett Jones IC '22 of Pickerington, Ohio will serve Area 3 (Central US) Chapters and Districts as the Undergraduate Advisory Council member. There are 5 UAC members elected by conference delegates and attend SEC (Supreme Executive Committee) meetings throughout the year. They play a key role in communicating to and from Chapters in the districts. Brother Jones began his campaign for this sought after position in the winter of the past year and reached out to members in each of the 12 districts.  

Brother Jones will be serving as the Chapter's Champions Quest (Recruiting) Chair this fall, having served in numerous leadership roles.

Photo: Emmett (middle) discusses Fraternal strategy with Past Worthy Grand Masters 

2022 HOF Inductee becomes Theta-Upsilon's first Opal Jackson's Men level donor.

Brother James Lewis IC '74 attended the Grand Conclave this summer and increased his commitment to the Jackson's Men program that feed the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund to the Opal Level. Only nine members of Theta-Upsilon have become Jackson's Men to-date and Brother Lewis become the first to become the first at this level.  Brother Lewis also serves as Treasurer of KSTUAA and the Theta Upsilon Housing Company and has been instrumental with his matching gifts during the last two years of SAJ Weekend of Giving to drive the record breaking results.   

Photo: Brother Lewis (left) and Brother Bren IC '85 pose for a photo in front of the Paramount Theatre where the Grand Conclave was held July 26-30 in Charlottesville, VA.  

The Chapter's first ever of Master of Ritual is recognized at the Grand Conclave.

Fernando Romero IC '22 of Zargoza, Spain who graduated this May and who served two terms as Grand Procurator (receiving Outstanding Grand Procurator Awards for both terms) and who was initiate #2 during the restart effort has led the way with his work memorizing the secret work of the order, earning the coveted Master of Ritual pin #826. The Fraternity honors Master of Rituals with a complimentary pass and room at the Grand Conclave. Following close behind Brother Romero are two members that have completed 5 of the 6 ceremonies and 100% of the Chapter members have memorized at least one ceremony. 

Photo: Brother Romero (right) poses with a Brother CJ Elston of Theta-Xi Chapter,  Trine University with their pins and framed certificates. Both brothers have agreed to serve as volunteers in the new Southwest Ohio District as ADGMs helping with the restart of the Alpha-Sigma Chapter at the Ohio State University.

Past Grand Master, Kappa Sigma Intern, Theta-Upsilon Legacy and Initiate #1 in the Restart of Theta-Upsilon is honored as a Kappa Sigma Fellow.

Quinn Sippola IC '22 of Mentor, Ohio who graduated this May was one of just 10 graduating members from across the country honored as a Kappa Sigma Fellow!  Fellows are nominated for their potential for the potential Fraternity leadership shown in their undergraduate experience and brought in early to the Grand Conclave to meet with fraternity leaders to discuss and interview for various positions. Quinn was offered a position at IHQ but will be serving as a volunteer in Northern Ohio near his hometown.  

Quinn served as the colony's first Grand Master and worked last summer as an intern at Kappa Sigma International Headquarters and was the student we recruited out of high school to help us restart the Theta-Upsilon Chapter.    

Photo: Brother Sippola (left) and DGM, Wes Bren pose for a quick photo before the first Conclave session began.  Interesting fact, Brother Bren and Quinn's dad (Rick Sippola IC '85) were pledge brothers in 1985. 

First-ever Grand Conclave Intern get's a unique opportunity to meet VIPs and expose them to Theta-Upsilon.

Brother Scott Roney IC '22, a senior volunteered to work as an intern at the Grand Conclave this summer in exchange for room and board for the week and the chance to participate. Brother Roney was given a special assignment to transport VIPs throughout the weekend using the Vice-President External Affairs, Leo Brown's vehicle (no pressure.)  Brother Roney received a glowing report handling the responsibility with the energy and enthusiasm he is known for within the Theta-Upsilon Chapter.   

Photos: Brother Roney had the opportunity to support many of the VIPs with transportation during the week including 2023 Kappa Sigma Hall of Honor recipient, past Kappa Sigma of the Year and Past Worthy Grand Treasurer,  Brother Martin Petersen. 

 

 

Thank you to our 2023 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, 2022-May 31, 2023) was a success on so many levels and with so many achievements! 

We saw our Theta-Upsilon Chapter grow to 83 members. They secured a Founders Award for Chapter Excellence (FACE) for first year Chapters and are posed to win their second FACE award this July at our Grand Conclave in Charlottesville. We saw several other firsts in individual awards and honors and will see several more this summer!   

Along the way we asked our alumni to support Theta-Upsilon Chapter's philanthropic event in the fall (Worldwide Run & Ride for the Oxford Clinic) helping them raise almost $12,425. 

Our Alumni showed up big time during Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving which raised $25,818 for our Chapter's Endowment Fund account (3rd most in the country!!!) The 197 gifts support the annual scholarships for our members.  For more details and a list of all that rose to this year's challenge see our March post.  

Meanwhile your fellow Alumni on the Theta Upsilon Housing Company worked this past summer to make sure our members could move into the Shoebox for the first time in over five years! KSTUAA with the CAC also raised money for several Chapter House improvements.  

Almost 60 alumni (2 for the first time) supported KSTUAA's efforts by participating in the Super Bowl Squares, Cossa Challenge or by making outright donations. These funds supported alumni events, the printing and mailing of the Fricker Report and our undergraduates.   

A sincere Thank You, to everyone listed below who donated this fiscal year and to those that gave during the SAJ Weekend of Giving!     

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

** 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

Chrysoloras Club $2,500-$4,999
Chris Elder '85 ** KSTUAA Board

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

Emerald Club $1,000-$2,499

Bill Slouffman '67 **

Peter Kanistros '83 **

Michael White '84 **

Davis Bouve '86 **

Chris Broome '89 ** CAC

Andrew Zuchowski '94 ** KSTUAA Board 

 

Ruby Club $500-$999 

Bob Coons '67 **

Richard Schaefer '67 **

Scott Hamilton '81 **

Brad Mikes '82 ** KSTUAA Board

Dr. James Puccio '82 **CAC

Geoffrey Aurini '85 **

John Henry '85 **

Michael Schoedinger '86 ** HOF 2000

Stephen Dattilo '87 

Mark Loisel '87 **

Jay Anderson '89 **

Clay Hunt '90 ** KSTUAA Board, President

Diamond Club $250-$499
Jay Cavender '80 ** CAC, AAA-GS
Scott Richardson '86 **
Matthew Smith ' 87 ** Housing Company Board (Secretary)
Aaron Ort '89 **
Gregory Poulos '91
Thomas Clarke '92 **
Chris Veneklasen '92 **

Star and Crescent Club $100-$249
Craig Stichtenoth '72 ** KSTUAA Board, Secretary
Lou Antonelli '81 ** HOF 2012
Keith Zurawski '81 **
Mark Rowland '83 ** KSTUAA Board, Vice President
Ed Bennett '85 **
Rick Sippola '85 ** HOF 2000
Craig Izzo '86 ** CAC
Mike McNally '86 ** KSTUAA Board
Mark Heppner '87 **
Ed Kessler '87 **
Nathan Varnum '87 **
Michael Behrens '89 ** Housing Company Board
Patrick Reedy '89 **
Timothy Storer '90 **
Jonathan Frankmann '91 **
Colin Donovan '92 **
Shawn Isham '92 ** KSTUAA Board
Robb Warrren '92 **

Caduceus Club $26-99
Dave Vuicich '72 **
Patrick O'Brien '82 **
Larry Rosinski '86 **
Joseph Turner '87 **
Jason Rammes '88 ** CAC
Bill Beringer '89 **
Chris Ferritto '91** Housing Company Board (President)
Alexander Mason '91 **
Patrick Surdy '91 **
Bryce Freymark '92
Mark Storts '92 **
David Torborg '93 **
Matthew Dixon '94 **

Association Member ($25 Dues)

To encourage KSTUAA alumni dues and 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), any donations to the Cliff Browne Memorial Brotherhood Scholarship KSTUAA will recognize those amounts donated in totals above. 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/

To encourage our alumni to contribute to this important fund KSTUAA will list Alumni that have contributed to the program here.

Theta-Upsilon Chapter's Jackson's Men
Michael Hayes '72
David Vuicich '72 - Ruby
Jim Lewis '74 - Diamond
David Brinkman '81 - Pearl
Wes Bren '85 - Ruby
Dr. Bruce Perry '89
Clay Hunt '90 - Ruby
Frank Hallagan '91

KSTUAA seeks to triple the number of Alumni Docents available!

Brothers Kyle Zevchik and Alumnus Matthew Garvic met in person when Kyle was
attending the Great Lakes District Conclave in Pittsburgh.

The "Alumni Docent" program is one of the crown jewels of the Theta-Upsilon experience! 

We are not aware of a single fraternity in all of North America that systematically matches a pledged/new member with an alumnus from a similar major, in a profession of interest or locality so that the undergraduate can start their professional networking!

As the Chapter has grown and is expected to continue to grow, KSTUAA seeks to triple the number of alumni available as Docents. (Click to sign-up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZB37YGQ)

The program was introduced by the KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council (CAC) during the Colony phase in the fall 2021 and remains popular with alumni and undergraduate members. What make this possible is two surveys online surveys/forms the CAC creates: one that every new pledge fills out that provides information about his major, career interests, hometown, hobbies and other information and second one for alumni indicating heir previous major, current and previous occupations, companies and interests.

A member of the CAC then matches each undergraduate with an alumnus that most closely matches the interest or background. Once the matches are complete the CAC provides each other's contact information and some initial profile information to make it easy to start a conversation. The undergraduate member is asked to initiate contact and schedule an initial phone conversation. 

The alumnus will share whatever insights they can and if possible help the undergraduate network with other professionals in the area of interest.

Alumni, please sign up now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZB37YGQ 

Please see the FAQ below for answers to common questions. 

Thank you to the following alumni that have already signed up!

IC 1967 Founding
Bob Coons
Tom Wenning

IC 1967
Chris Collins

IC 1969

Gary Olmon

IC 1971
Rick Kennedy

IC 1972
Craig Stichtenoth
Dave Vuicich

IC 1973
John Jahoda

IC 1974
James Lewis

IC 1975
John Wilson

IC 1978
David Ciochetty

IC 1979
Jeff Van Treese

IC 1980
John Cassanos
Dave Mort
Jay Cavender

IC 1981
David Brinkman

IC 1982
Brad Mikes
Terry Maggard
Jay Puccio

IC 1983
Carter Ledbetter
Mark Rowland
Charlie Wonderlic
Mark Gates
Peter Kanistros

IC 1984
David Chambers

IC 1985
Ed Bennett
Wes Bren
Troy Davis
Chris Elder
John Henry
Rick Sippola

IC 1986
Matthew Garvic
Mike McNally
Rob Miller
Scott Richardson
Larry Rosinski
Mike Schoedinger
Jeff Brown
Dave Bouve
Doug Baker

IC 1987
Mark J. Heppner
Ed Kessler
Mark Loisel
Jeff Meek
Jim Rimmel
Thomas Sarty
Steven Siple
Matthew Smith
Nathan Varnum
Lane Williams
David P. Buckley, Jr.

IC 1988
Jeff Anderson
Joseph Bial
Frazer Donaldson
Mark Eckman
Craig Izzo
John McCarley
Eric Peiffer
Matt Weaver

IC 1989
Jeff Aluotto
David Batch
Jeff Bieber
Chris Broome
Barrett East
Chad Hague
Patrick Reedy

IC 1990
Greg Adler
Preston Belding
Erik Christman
Jim Eglseder

IC 1991
Michael Darkoch
Brian Eckman
Chris Ferritto
Tyge Fourtner
Patrick Surdy
Tim Moerschel
Brian Olah

IC 1992
Tom Clarke
Colin Donovan
Christian Essman
Chad Gibson
Chris Veneklasen
Robb Warren
Shawn Isham
Chuck Smolky
Steve Wolgemuth

IC 1994
Michael Duffy
Jeffrey Kotalik

IC 1995
Jason Kimmel
Brad Vornholt

IC 1996
Chris O'Brien

IC 2000
Nick Griffith

IC 2011
George Charles
Greg McCarthy

FAQ

Is this an “Alumni Big Brother” Program?

Not exactly, but there are some similarities. We purposefully don’t want to confuse the two programs. The focus of this program is on “career-interest networking.” While we hope this promotes friendly fraternal bonds that last a lifetime, the focus is connecting undergraduates with alumni from the same major or career interest to help them as they investigate and start their professional careers.

How much time are you expecting from Alumni?

Just a phone call to start. You’ll get introduced, learn a little bit about each other and if you have some connections or ideas about what might be helpful to him and his professional objectives share those. We’d love to see the alumni reach out once a year to check in, but that isn’t mandatory. Maybe you will have some additional ideas or contacts that would be helpful. We are sure he will appreciate you helping him with introductions to other people in the field of interest.

Can I introduce the undergraduate to non-Kappa Sigs in his field of interest?

Yes!!!!!!!!!!! That is exactly what this is about! Networking! It starts with a Theta-Upsilon Alumnus that is willing to get to know the undergraduate a little bit, understand his interests and goals and then being a helpful brother and providing ideas and warm introductions to contacts you have. Maybe that is another Kappa Sig, but more likely it will be someone in your list of 100s of contacts you’ve made over time. It will be up to the undergraduate to pursue the connections from there. The Docent program gives our members an helpful start.

How do we get connected and will I get some information about the member beforehand?

When there is a match, a member of the CAC will send you a profile of the member (pledged member in most cases.)  It will include a photo and information like hometown and interests. We will be providing your information to him too so you will both have a head start on the conversation. We will ask the member to reach out to you and schedule a time to speak.

I am retired, do you really want me?

Yes. We want you if you ever held a job! You will have perspective about the industry and about being successful that will benefit the undergraduate. It’s okay if your professional network is not as active. The conversation is great practice and there are other benefits of the undergraduate getting to meet and speak with an alumnus.

I am just starting my career, do you really want me?

Yes. Undergraduates will benefit from interacting with alumni just starting out!  That is probably one of their primary concerns.. “How do I get hired without having a lot of experience?” If you are employed, you already made that leap! 

What if he changes majors or his interests really aren’t in my wheelhouse?

We will be attempting to match undergraduate interests to alumni that have or are working in the field of interest. Failing that we will try to match undergraduates based on majors. In some, circumstances there wont be a good match, for example some majors and professions are new. In those cases, we are likely to match based on hometown if we can. The success of this program will not be about finding an exact match but rather that fact that we pair an inexperienced undergraduate member with an alumnus that has professional experience! You likely know people that the undergraduate might benefit from meeting. It might be a friend of a friend that brings the real valuable connection that helps the member.

What does the alumnus get out of this?

We hope that you will find the opportunity to meet a new generation of Kappa Sigs enriches your own Kappa Sigma experience and adds credence to the idea that our fellowship is not for a college term only but for life. We hope that the interaction might prompt in person connections when you visit Oxford whether for Homecoming, our 5-year anniversaries or one of those trips just-passing-through. This investment in the next generation will continue our legacy and make the Chapter stronger.

I signed up before but haven't been matched?

This is normal. We will assign undergraduates based on whatever comes through as interests.  That can be random. We are glad you signed up and will reach out to you as soon as we have someone interested in your profession, industry or major.   

What should I do if my information changes/needs updated?

Please just fill out a form with your new information and check the "Update My information Box" https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZB37YGQ
 

Theta-Upsilon is part of a Record Breaking SAJ Weekend

Theta-Upsilon Brothers donated a chapter-best $25,818.32 for the 2023 Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving! 

While this placed Theta-Upsilon in third place among Chapters across North America, it more importantly added two more Scholarships Leadership Awards next year, bringing the total available to the chapter to five! A video message of the three award recipients was featured on the Chapter's Campaign page.

Theta-Upsilon was a key part of a record breaking campaign for Kappa Sigma and its Endowment Fund. Worthy Grand Master, Adam Merillat reported in a communication to volunteers with his appreciation for the accomplishments:  

• Record number of Gifts: 16,441

• Record dollars raised:  $793,876

• Record number of Undergraduate Participation

• Record number of 100% Participation by Chapters

• Record number of Districts with 100% Undergraduate Participation

100% of the Theta-Upsilon undergraduate members contributed the minimum $10.34 or more, winning several challenges and adding donations from the Worthy Grand Scribe, Worthy Grand Procurators and other volunteers.  Grand Master, Patrick Miller served as the Chapter's Undergraduate Ambassador and finished #14. Former Grand Master, Emmett Jones was invited to travel and help with the fundraising at SAJ command central. 

Theta-Upsilon received 197 gifts in total, 10th most in the country.  About 60 were first time donors to the weekend!  Brothers Jim Lewis IC '74, Chris Elder IC '85 and Wes Bren IC '85 set the giving in motion by making matching challenges. The initiative was enthusiastically embraced by brothers and Theta-Upsilon jumped up to third place on the first day of the campaign and never lost it as the amount kept growing as alumni donated on Saturday and Sunday. The total was 150% more than the 2022 year and represents the 6th year the amount has grown.

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

Bob Coons IC ‘67

Alan Higgins IC ‘67

Bill Slouffman IC ‘67

Gary Moyer IC ‘67

Richard Schaeffer IC ‘67

Thomas Wenning IC ‘67

Robert Fete IC ‘68

John Willis IC ‘68

Craig Stichtenoth IC ‘72

Dave Vuicich IC ‘72

Don Welsh IC ‘72

Joel Benson IC ‘74

James Lewis IC ‘74

Norman Witzler IC ‘74

Scott Leonard IC ‘77

David Ciochetty IC '78

Robert Pollock IC ‘78

Mark Morgan IC ‘79

William Broderick IC ‘80

Marlin Jay Cavender IC '80

David Brinkman IC ‘81

Chris Connolly IC '81

Scott Hamilton IC ‘81

Chris Hanessian IC ‘81

Steve Wilhelm IC ‘81

Mark Householder IC ‘82

Bradley Mikes IC ‘82

Patrick O’Brien IC ‘82

James Puccio IC ‘82

Mark Rowland IC “83

Mike White IC’84

Peter Kanistros IC '84

Edward Bennett IC ‘85

Wes Bren IC ‘85

Troy Davis IC ‘85

Chris Elder IC ‘85

John Henry IC ‘85

Rick Sippola IC '85

Trey Smith IC ‘85

David Bouve IC ‘86

Matt Garvic IC ‘86

Kirk Helberg IC ‘86

Tom Lunt IC '86

Mike McNally IC’86

Rob Miller IC ‘86

Scott Richardson IC ‘86

Larry Rosinski IC ‘86

Michael Schoedinger IC ‘86

Brett Binkley IC ‘87

Stephen Dattilo IC ‘87

Timothy Dawson IC ‘87

Mark Heppner IC ‘87

Ed Kessler IC ‘87

Mark Loisel IC ‘87

Mike Lunt IC ‘87

Jeff Meek IC ‘87

James Rimmel IC ‘87

Tom Sarty IC ‘87

Jonathan Stevens IC ‘87

Joseph Turner IC ‘87

Nathan Varnum IC ‘87

David Wasshausen IC ‘87

Jeff Anderson IC ‘88

Joseph Bial IC ‘88

Craig Izzo IC ‘88

Jay Rammes IC ‘88

David Walker IC '88

Matt Weaver IC ‘88

Bob Wiegand IC ‘88

Jay Anderson IC ‘89

Bill Beringer IC ‘89

Michael Behrens IC ‘89

Christopher Broome IC ‘89

Patrick Reedy IC ‘89

Erik Christman IC ‘90

Clay Hunt IC ‘90

Aaron Hartung IC ‘91

Colin Donovan IC ‘92

Tom Clarke IC ’92

Erik Marx IC ‘92

Chris Veneklasen IC ‘92

Michael Kucera IC ‘94

Matt Dixon IC ‘94

Andrew Zuchowski IC ‘94

Hunter Arthurs IC ‘22

Thank you for your generous support, Brothers! 

A.E.K.D.B.