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.
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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with alumni who traveled in to participate in Brad Mikes induction (seated center.)
KSTUAA College Bowl Contest begins shortly
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.
