Young Alumni Win 2025 Fricker Cup!

Fricker Cup 2025: A Record-Breaking Day in Columbus

The 11th annual Fricker Cup brought together 44 enthusiastic participants on a stunning September afternoon at Safari Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio — marking the largest turnout for a non-reunion year event. A special shoutout goes to the twelve recent graduates (Classes of 2022–2025) whose presence plus a dozen more first time participants helped set this new record! 

The event pulled in Brothers from beyond Columbus including some from elsewhere in Ohio and Indiana, many brothers from Chicago, one from Atlanta and one from Spain!

The great weather at the Safari Golf Club was a huge relief for those that remember the last time the event was held in Columbus (Dublin Weather Greets the 2018 Fricker Cup Participants!) 

The tournament, first held in 2014, has become a cherished tradition — and this year’s contest delivered a thrilling finish worthy of Fricker lore.

New Champions Crowned. 

Brothers Jacob Mileski IC ’22 (Charter Class) and Paxton Thompson IC ’22 claimed their first Fricker Cup victory with a net score of 63 — 13 under par. Their win, by a single stroke over three-time champions Scott Rich IC ’89 and Tim Ruppelli IC ’87, marks the first time post-rechartering alumni have earned the honor of touching the Cup without invoking the Curse of Fricker.

Winners Mileski and Thompson surrounded by
the Fricker Cup Rules Committee

Daniel Yoho IC ’11 playing in the tournament won both closest to the pin contests including the split-the-pot hole with $420 in going to support the Chapter's Scholarship fund (Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving in March 2026.) 

Seventeen Alumni also responded to the call to become or update their Alumni Docent profiles (A professional networking program for our undergrads. See details here.  Create your own profile here.) The event registration also included KSTUAA Dues which helped raise another $1000 for KSTUAA which will help cover a part of the Homecoming/HOF Induction expenses on September 27, 2025.  

Winning the longest drive was 2016 Fricker Cup Champion Rick Sippola IC '85.   

Jon Stevens IC '87  won the longest putt. 

Partners, Mike White IC '84 and Clay Hunt IC '90 won a consolation prize for having the worst score of the afternoon, 15 over par Net 87.  The team was congratulated for playing fast and not getting bogged down in slow play like previous winners.  

This year's memorable and very successful event was planned by The Fricker Cup Planning & Rules Committee of John Henry IC '85, Dave Bouve IC '86, Brad Flinders IC '86, Brian Harding IC '86, Ed Kessler IC '87, Jeff Meek IC '87, and Frazer Donaldson IC '88 and helped by local host: Brad Storts IC ’89.

A special shout out also goes out to Brother John Schoger IC '87 who not only supervised the split-the-pot hole but also on the day of the event organized a group PowerBall purchase with the estimated jackpot of $1.79 Billion with the caveat of using $20 Million to purchase a new Chapter House! Alas none of the groups tickets came up with the 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, 17pb   

Next year’s event is currently planned for Cleveland with the following 2027 event happening during the 60th Anniversary reunion in Oxford.  Check back on the Fricker Cup page for more details.

The first Fricker Cup was played at Hueston Woods course near Oxford in 2014, eleven years ago.  Ever since, with the exception of 2020 due to Covid two alumni have had their names added to the impressive trophy.  

This years format was a partner scramble, with each partner needing to contribute at least 6 drives. The event started with a lunch at the facility and a boisterous awards ceremony followed the round at the club house.

Like previous Fricker Cups, KSTUAA hosted an alumni gathering Friday night open to all Theta-Upsilon alumni whether they were participating in the golf tournament or not. A large group of over 25 alumni and guests from three decades gathered at The North Market in Dublin.  

Friday evening event at the North Market provided the opportunity for
non-golfers to celebrate brotherly fellowship with those that had travelled in for the Fricker Cup.

After the Fricker Cup, Saturday evening alumni joined the group at several establishments in the Dublin area.  Brother Ed Bennett IC ’85 brought one of his pumpkin rolls to share at the end of the evening. The recipe is based on a John Henry family recipe that Ed learned about while still an undergraduate and has been making annually for family and friends ever since!  It was a sweet finale to a weekend full of camaraderie, competition, and tradition.

Winners Mileski and Thompson surrounded by other recent graduates.

McGonagle & Turner finished 2 over, Rich & Rupelli finished in second at 8 under

Harding & Zevchik finished 3 under; Flinders & Bouve also finished 3 under

Loisel & Varnum  finished 1 over; Kessler & Stevens finished
tied for fourth place at 6 under

Payne & King finished -5 under;
Mileseki & Thompson finished in first place at 9 under

Donaldson and Izzo finished 3 over;
Bren & Arthurs finished even in 15th place

Heuser & Romero finished 4 over;

Ebbling & Hughes finished 3 under

Zuchowski & Dixon finished 6 over

Storer & Merkle finished tied for 4th place at 6 under

Renz & Henry finished 3 under;
Sippola & Antonelli finished 1 over

Lynch & Yoho finished 3rd place with 7 under

K. Sippola & Q. Sippola finished 3 under

Hunt & White finished 15 over in 22nd place.

Theta-Upsilon continues its award winning streak!

 

Theta-Upsilon Chapter wins the Founders Award for Chapter Excellence for the fourth year in a row

Alumni and Undergraduate members also recognized for outstanding efforts as Kappa Sigma celebrates a another exceptional year. 

The 75th Grand Conclave was held July 22-22 in Las Vegas, Nevada electing the Supreme Executive Committee for the next biennium and an opportunity to celebrate a great year, provide training for undergraduate members and recognize Kappa Sigmas and chapters for excellence.

The Theta-Upsilon Chapter was recognized with a F.A.C.E. Award (Founders’ Award of Chapter Excellence) for the 4th year in a row. The Miami Chapter was one of only 33 Chapters (~top 10%) recognized based on it achievements in recruiting, scholarship, philanthropy, ritual proficiency and support of the Endowment Fund.  The Chapter also won awards for Academic Excellence, Recruiting, Ritual and Intramural Achievement! (A full list can be found here ) Three officers and four alumni also received awards.

A list of all the awards the Chapter has received can be found using the link on the right.  The following is the list from 2025. Congratulations to the members, alumni and volunteers that made this another successful year!

• Founders Award of Chapter Excellence
• Silver Bowl Award (Academic excellence)
• 100% Ritual Proficiency
• Champion Chapter (Recruiting Excellence)
• Intramural Achievement Award 
• Outstanding Grand Procurator Award:  Mark Shapiro IC '22  
• Outstanding Grand Scribe Award:  Kyle Hendricks IC '22
• Outstanding Grand Treasurer Award:  Nicholas Otto IC '22
• Outstanding Assistant Alumnus Advisor Award: Jay Cavender IC '80 
• Outstanding Assistant Alumnus Advisor Award: Daryll Rardon (Beta-Nu) 
• Outstanding District Grand Master Award: Wesley Bren IC '85 
• Distinguished Service Commendation: Emmett Jones IC '22

Above from Left to right:  Brothers Wes Bren IC '85 DGM Southwest Ohio District with Grand Scribe Andrew Wierman IC '23, Grand Master Kyle Hendricks IC '23 and Emmett Jones IC '22 DGM South Texas District. 

Below: Photos from the Grand Conclave

Make plans to be part of the Homecoming Weekend including the induction of Brothers John Henry IC '85 and Craig Izzo IC '88 into the Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame

KSTUAA & Chapter Homecoming events are Saturday, Sept. 27. Game time is 3:30 p.m.

See the latest details on our private groups on Facebook and Linkedin. For links to these groups use the Links and Resources link at the right   

Opportunity for Grand Masters to be part of the Fraternity Headquarters with the "Grand Master Legacy Wall at the Lawn."

A special opportunity for Theta-Upsilon Grand Masters was introduced at the Grand Conclave: "Grand Master Legacy Wall at the Lawn."  Click the photo below for the details. Proceeds are tax deductible and support the expansion of the headquarters and provide an opportunity for you to share your part and that of Theta-Upsilon in the Kappa Sigma legacy for future visitors to see.

There are also Naming rights to rooms and features still available. Any alumnus (not just GMs) can contribute through other donations opportunities like the "Honor Role of the 12th Gate" and purchasing stones and bricks in the SAJ Plaza.  For more information see the Legacy at the Lawn website.  All donations to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund are recognized on our list of Donors (providing you tell us.)

Fricker Cup Details Announced - KSTUAA Board Elections

The 2025 Fricker Cup is fast approaching, and it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in Kappa Sigma’s storied tradition of camaraderie and competition.

Alumni from all eras are invited to dust off their clubs, find a partner, and register now for a weekend that promises more than just golf—it’s a celebration of brotherhood, banter, and the kind of memories that only the Fricker Cup can deliver. Whether you’re a seasoned contender or a first-time participant, this is your chance to be part of something truly special.

For over a decade alumni have traveled in from across the country to participate. Previous tournaments have seen everything from dramatic playoff finishes, unforgettable laughs, and enough friendly trash talk to fill the back nine. This year’s event, Saturday, September 6 in Columbus, Ohio will be no exception, with the same blend of competition, camaraderie, and post-round festivities that make it a highlight of the alumni calendar.

But the Fricker Cup isn’t just about golf—it’s about rekindling the bonds of brotherhood as Kappa Sigmas from Miami University! 

Don’t wait until the last minute—grab a partner and lock in your spot! Registration is open now! All the details, including registration links and tournament history, can be found on the official Fricker Cup page -use the link on the right. See you in Columbus!

2025 Miami Alumni Weekend Open House hosted by the KSTUAA Board saw alumni attend from as far away as Texas, Virginia and Michigan and alumni from 1970 (Jim Fitsimmons IC '70  not pictured) to recent graduate Luke King IC '22! Initiation years represented: 1970, 1974, 1980,1982,1985, 1986,1988, 1997, and 2022.

Annual Meeting returns 5 Board members and welcomes Brian Schmidt IC '22

The Kappa Sigma Theta-Upsilon Alumni Association held its annual meeting including elections on June 7 during Miami Alumni Weekend. Board Members reelected to a two year term included James Lewis IC ’74, Mark Rowland IC ’83, Patrick Reedy IC ’89, Clay Hunt IC ‘90 and Abdul Avdiu IC ’22 and elected for his first term Brian Schmidt IC ’22.  The Board member represent four decades of Theta-Upsilon and hail from 6 different states: California, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia!  Stepping down from the board was Andrew Zuchowski IC ’94 with the appreciation and thanks of the board.  

The board then reelected Clay Hunt as president, Jim Lewis as Treasurer and Emmett Jones as Secretary and elected Patrick Reedy as Vice-president.

The Board also approved a motion to prioritize updating our contact/mailing list this fall in advance of the 60^th Anniversary reunion to be scheduled April 30-May 2, 2027. The personal effort by Board members is related to the first two of the 3 Great Aims approved at the 2024 KSTUAA Annual meeting.

• Aim One:  Inclusivity: Engage All of our Theta-Upsilon Alumni: We seek to reach and connect with all of our alumni and celebrate them and their contributions.
• Aim Two: Living Kappa Sigma “For Life…” We seek to provide and support opportunities for Alumni to reconnect, engage with other Alumni and Kappa Sigs undergraduate and outside of Theta-Upsilon.
• Aim Three:  Build on our Good Legacy by Supporting our Chapter. We seek to support the undergraduates and the Theta-Upsilon Chapter and promote its growth as a model for Fraternity.)

Alumni can help by updating your information on this form. 

Theta-Upsilon alumni seen at Happy Hours in Dayton and Columbus

Jim Hammond IC '79 (third from left) and Wes Bren participated in a Kappa Sigma Happy Hour in Dayton, Ohio June 26. The event was set up by District Grand Master Bren as Kappa Sigma seeks to expand a colony at Wright State University this Fall.

Ed Bennett IC '85 & Wes Bren IC '85 seated on right and KSTUAA president Clay Hunt IC '90 participated in a Kappa Sigma Happy Hour in Columbus, Ohio June 27. The event was set up by District Grand Master Bren as Kappa Sigma seeks to restart the Alpha-Sigma chapter at the Ohio State University in the Spring.

Generosity of 134 Alumni seen as KSTUAA closes the books on FY25

The last year, the generosity of our Alumni (and some friends) donated $50,000 to create an annual $2000 Scholarship in Brother Dave Ledman's name. We also saw the completion of the Trophy/Conference Room inside the Chapter house thanks to participation in the Super Bowl Squares and Cossa Challenge contests and some sizable donations by several alumni!

While KSTUAA chose not to print and mail a newsletter this year often one of our largest annual expenses, we did organize and invest in several in person events including the Hall of Fame Induction at Homecoming, the Open House during Miami Alumni Weekend and the Fricker Cup in Cincinnati. In addition the KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council also organized or third annual Senior Recognition & Welcome to Alumnus Status Event (See photos and info below.)  

Over half of this year's donations came from alumni initiated in the eighties with the next largest group being the 90s with almost 25%.     

• 1967-69: 7 alumni donated
• 1970-79: 15 alumni donated
• 1980-89: 72 alumni donated, 7 for the first time
• 1990-99: 32 alumni donated, 3 for the first time
• 2000-2009: 2 alumni donated
• 2010-2017: 1 alumnus donated for the first time
• 2022: 5 alumni donated, 1 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 finished the year having collecting almost $21,700 in donations, event/contest fees  and member dues etc. and spending almost $39,500 with the biggest expenditure being the remodeling of the Trophy/Conference room (about $34,000!) KSTUAA had been raising money for this project in recent years and had some reserve going back to the donation made by Denison's Alumni in 2012! About $4,500 was spent on events and $500 from our Memorial Fund in tribute to members that have joined the Celestial. There were multiple in-kind gifts made that were not recorded in the KSTUAA as a deposit. Where possible, we attempted to recognize those in the list of donors.  

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!  Specific details can be provided by request of the KSTUAA Treasurer, Jim Lewis or you can contact Board Members.       

Thank you to all the Alumni who donated during 2025 Fiscal Year!!! 
(June 1, 2024-May 31, 2025 - 58th 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.  

Founders Club >$5,000

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

Chris Broome '89 ** CAC, HOF 2024

 

Chrysoloras Club $2,500-$4,999

Jeffrey Davis '81

Michael White '84 ** 

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

Michael Schoedinger '86 ** HOF 2000

Emerald Club $1,000-$2,499 

Chuck Hess '67 ** HOF 2024

Randall Shoker '80 **

Lou Antonelli '81 **

Edward Bash '81 **

Scott Gregory '81

James Hughes '81

Timothy Solt '81 **

Joseph Williams '81

Patrick O'Brien '82 **

Mark Rowland '83 ** KSTUAA Board, Vice President

Chris Elder '85 ** KSTUAA Board

Mark Loisel '87 **

Erik Seeney '89 **

Clay Hunt '90 ** KSTUAA Board, President

Alexander Mason '91 **

Patrick Surdy '91 **  

Jonathan Wills '91 **

 

Ruby Club $500-$999 

Alan Higgins '67 ** HOF 2022

Tom Wenning '67 ** HOF 2012

David Ciochetty '78 ** HOF 2022

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

Scott Hamilton '81 **

Brad Mikes '82 ** KSTUAA Board, HOF 2023

Jay Puccio '82 ** CAC

David Mirolli '83 **

Charles Wonderlic '83 ** HOF 2017

John Henry '85 **

Dave Bouve '86 **

Mike McNally '86 ** KSTUAA Board

Matthew Smith '87 ** Housing Company Board (President)

Erik Christman '90 **

Dr. Robb Warren '92 **

David Torborg '93 **

Thomas Grusecki '08 ** 

 

Diamond Club $250-$499 

Robert Fete '68 **

Dave Vuicich '72 **

Robert Pollock '78 **

Kevin Libert '79 ** 

Timothy Corman '80 **

Keith Zurawski '81 **

William Wagner '82 **

Ed Bennett '85 **

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

Robert Miller '86 **

Jeffrey Meek '87 **

Jon Stevens '87 **

Jason Rammes '88 **

David Batch '89 **

Timothy Storer '90 **

Steven Herron '91 ** 

Oliver Rutherford '91 **  

Andrew Zuchowski '94 ** KSTUAA Board, AA (OU)

  

Star and Crescent Club $100-$249 

Bob Coons '67 ** HOF 2023

Doug Buse '68 ** CAC

John (Tim) Willis '68 **

Donald "Lee" Gore '72 **

Edward "Ted" Newill '72 **

Craig Stichtenoth '72 **

Mark Hollern '78 ** 

Mark Morgan '79 **

Dave Brooks '80 **

William Broderick '80 **

Jay Cavender '80 ** CAC, AAA-GS

Christopher Connolly '81 **

John Hargreaves '81

Arthur Hall '82

Mark Gates '83

Christopher Scocos '84 **

Geoffrey Aurini '85 **

Scott Richardson '86 **

Larry Rosinski '86 **

Mark Heppner '87 **

John Schoger '87 **

Craig Izzo '88 ** CAC

Jeff Slovak '88 **

Matthew Weaver '88 **

Jeffrey Bieber '89 **

Guy Bradley '89 **

Chad Hague '89 **

Aaron Ort '89 **

Patrick Reedy '89 ** KSTUAA Board

Preston Belding '90 **

Kenneth Marquardt '90 **

Robert Merkle '90 **

Blake West '91 **

Colin Donovan '92 **

Erik Marx '92 **

Shawn Isham '92 ** KSTUAA Board

Mike Short '92 **

Thomas Clarke '92 **

Christopher Veneklasen '92 **

Troy Dankworth '94 **

Matt Dixon '94 ** AAA (OU)

Joseph Pesci '98

Matthew Henning '03 **

Zachary Patton '15

 

Caduceus Club $26-99

John Jahoda '73 **

Mark Cross '74 **

Scott Leonard '77 **

Dyke Mort '80 **

Troy Davis '85 **

Ed Kessler '87 **

Mark Loisel '87 **

Joseph Turner '87 **

Nathan Varnum '87 **

Frazer Donaldson '88 **

Bill Beringer '89 **

Barrett East '89 **

Brady Fening '89 **

Chris Ferritto '91 **

Gregory Poulos '91 **

Charles Perry '93 **

Michael Kuhnell '98

Roland Weissman '98

Emmett Jones '22 ** KSTUAA Board

Fernando Romero '22 **

Quinn Sippola '22 **

Nathan Zobrist '22

 

Member $25

Fred Becker '74 **

Peter Kanistros '83 **

Brad Flinders '86 **

Ed Kendall '89 **

Brad Storts '89 ** 

Daniel Wehrman '90 **

Brian Olah '91 **

Abdul Avdiu '22 **

Other Donations

Jim Cary '77 **

Chad Gibson '92 **

CAC organizes the third annual Senior Recognition & Welcome to Alumnus Status Event  

Third annual Senior Recognition & Welcome to Alumnus Status Event was held at Third Eye Brewing in Hamilton Ohio on Sunday April 6.  The event is designed to celebrate graduating seniors, encourage them to become life-long active alumni and to demonstrate that reality with alumni from the region.  

About 20 seniors participated and 15 alumni including Clay Hunt, President of KSTUAA, Chapter Advisory Council Members: Chris Broome, Jay Cavender, Jay Puccio and Wes Bren, Theta Upsilon Housing Company Board Member Mike Behrens and other alumni from the region including several of which went to Oxford afterwards to speak in a Career panel session with the Chapter (Jeff Meek, Mike Behrens, Kurt Jacobsma and Brady Fening.)  

The event which included a beer tasting was led by Will Stout IC '22 who is the Distribution Manager for Third Eye and who served as AAA-GP this past semester.  Several other AAAs were present include Jay Cavender and Daryll Rardon and DGM Wes Bren. 
 

Great opportunities to Connect in 2025!

Save the dates!

Miami Alumni Weekend 2025 
June 6-8 (Register now-details below)

Fricker Cup MMXXV in Columbus, Ohio
September 5-6

Homecoming 2025 & HOF Induction
September 27
(special notice for pledge classes of 1985 and 1988 you have Brothers being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Make plans to be there!)

Next up: June 7 Alumni Open House during Miami University Alumni Weekend 2025

All Miami alumni are invited to celebrate Alumni Weekend 2025, June 6-8 and Theta-Upsilon Chapter Undergraduates and Alumni are encouraged to stop by the Chapter House around noon for our 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.

You'll find Alumni & KSTUAA Board members uptown as early as Friday night as the KSTUAA Board holds its annual meeting and board elections Saturday afternoon.

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.

There are multiple events available at no charge for Alumni but that you must register for like the Toasted Rolls at Lewis Place Saturday morning from 8 - 9:30 a.m. and the State of the University Address with President Crawford Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Armstrong Student Center, Wilks Theater. There are special events and gatherings for Alumni graduating 5, 10, 25, 50 anniversaries (2020, 2015, 2000, 1975).

There is no fee to register for Miami Alumni Weekend (they request an option donation) and there are some events available through registration which have costs like the Bourbon Tasting hosted by the Class of 2000.

The KSTUAA Open House is free to all alumni and guest. We’d appreciate knowing who is coming so we buy enough and not too much of everything for the open house. Guests, spouses and families are welcome.

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Miami Registration deadline, Friday, May 19

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More details including the complete schedule

Housing options can be found here

Some events available through registration on the Miami Alumni page:

Class of 1975 Campus Tour

Friday 3 - 4 p.m.

Buses will load from Bishop Circle and will return to Bishop Circle

Event is complimentary but registration is requested

Class of 1975 Golden Anniversary Celebration

Friday 6 - 9 p.m.| Armstrong Student Center, Fritz Pavilion - 3rd Floor

Fee & Registration required

Bourbon Tasting hosted by the Class of 2000

Friday 7 - 8:30 p.m. | Marcum Conference Center

Fee & Registration required

Class of 2020 Mixer

Friday 7 - 8:30 p.m. | RedZone

Fee & Registration required

Annual Toasted Roll 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk

Saturday 7:30 a.m. | Route Details TBD

Fee & Registration required

Toasted Rolls at Lewis Place, Open House

Saturday 8 - 9:30 a.m. | Lewis Place

Event is complimentary but registration is requested

Kids Slant Walk Cinnamon Dash

Saturday 9:30 a.m. | Slant Walk Gates to Thobes Fountain

Event is complimentary but registration is requested

State of the University Address with President Crawford

Saturday 11 a.m. | Armstrong Student Center, Wilks Theater

Event is complimentary but registration is requested

Generations Reception in Shade Family Room

Saturday 2 p.m. | Shade Family Room

Event is complimentary but registration is requested

34th Performing Arts Wine Tasting with Jack Keegan

Saturday 2 - 5 p.m. | Oxford Community Arts Center

Fee & Registration required

Miami Merger Gathering at Upham Arch

Saturday 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Upham Arch

Event is complimentary but registration is requested

MiamiFest Uptown!

Saturday 7 p.m. Start (Headline Entertainment at 8 p.m.) p.m. | Uptown Park

Event is complimentary but registration is requested

Fricker Cup MMXXV - Columbus Ohio
Details and registration links will be posted on the Fricker Cup page   

Hall of Fame Induction
Details about Saturday's induction will follow later this summer.
Alumni are encouraged to make plans for housing now. 
More info about the 2025 inductees... 

Two nominees announced for induction into 2025 Hall of Fame

Please join us in extending congratulations to Brother John Henry, 1985 initiate and Brother Craig Izzo, 1988 initiate as the 2025 inductees into the Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame! 

Their induction will be held in Oxford during the Homecoming Weekend this September 27, 2025. Friends and Brothers are encouraged to come and join in the celebration!

With this announcement, nominations of other deserving alumni can be made by filling out this HOF Nomination form. 

For a listing and bios of the members of the Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame, please see the HOF page on this site. 

John Henry

John’s career is marked by leadership roles in high-impact organizations. He spent nearly a decade as a Senior Director and partner at Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), one of the top global firms specializing in Bankruptcy & Turnaround. During his tenure, he served on the Executive Committee of the Corporate Performance Improvement practice, led the Chicago market, and managed a team of over 50 professionals. His time at A&M also provided him the privilege of working with several fraternity brothers as clients.

Before A&M, John held executive roles at Aon Corporation, a Fortune 200 insurance brokerage firm. At the Chicago headquarters, he was involved in international business operations, a role that took him to more than 40 countries and 38 states. Along the way, he often found opportunities to connect with brothers, sharing meals or drinks during his travels.

John’s passion for service shines through in his dedication to various charitable causes beyond Kappa Sigma although his work often intersects with his fraternity ties, making his efforts even more meaningful.

Brother Dave Buckley IC '87 introduced one charity close to John’s heart, The Cradle, an adoption agency in Evanston, IL.  John first met his two children here and has been an advocate and active speaker for open adoption, helping families navigate this impactful process. 

John is also deeply committed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), now known as Breakthrough T1D. Having lived with type 1 diabetes for over 54 years, John has worked to raise funds and awareness for research into potential cures and innovative treatments. His involvement with the JDRF Gala Fundraising committee, inspired by Hall of Fame member Patrick Reedy, contributed to raising over $4.5M annually during his active years. Though he doesn't expect a cure in his lifetime, John’s efforts aim to ensure future generations can overcome this disease.

Another charity John was active in supporting was St. Michaels Episcopal Church in the early 2000s. Brother Dave Buckley who had been newly appointed Head of the Vestry at St. Michaels asked John’s to serve in his former role as Treasurer assuring John that this would "be an easy job.” 

John navigated a tough $400K shortfall in the budget amidst the .com bubble burst and donors reducing their giving. But with perseverance and dedication Brother Henry navigated the Church's financial situation although John said reducing church staff did take an emotional toll on him.

John’s expertise with financial hardship and bankruptcy was also pivotal for Theta-Upsilon and in particular the Theta Upsilon Housing Company who owned two run down properties without any tenants/income since the chapter lost its Charter in spring of 2016. KSTUAA voted to call on Chapter's alumni to preserve the ownership of the houses for a future return and organized several web presentations that summer. John responded and alongside Rick Sippola with the legal help of Dave Buckley created AEKDB LLC in September of 2016. AEKDB LLC created a means to financially prop up the Housing Company until a commercial loan could be secured to start renovating the Stone House and Crossroads church was secured as a tenant for the Shoe Box. Without John Henry's leadership and the financial commitments of several other Brothers in AEKDB LLC,  the Theta Upsilon Housing Company would have been forced to sell the properties.

More recently Brother Henry served briefly as the Alumnus Advisor to the Upsilon-Upsilon colony at Illinois State, where his son had pledged and helped them secure a chapter house. Unfortunately, his tenure was cut short by a hazing incident that led to the colony being removed from campus. 

John's story begins in Middletown, OH, where he grew up as the middle child of a middle-class family. He says his journey out of mediocrity was shaped by his enduring friendships and experiences as a lifelong member of the Theta-Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Sigma. Brotherhood has been a constant in John’s life, influencing both his professional relationships and his charitable endeavors. 

He cherishes his memories of good times and laughs while on campus and from the 30+ years afterwards with alumni brothers.  John remembers that he had two paddle questions - one was to name all of the positions he had in the house (he served as GMC and as multiple chairs) and to name just 10 of his 20 nicknames.

Craig Izzo

Craig's career reflects a commitment to excellence and leadership across diverse industries. Since 2008, he has served as a corporate Vice President at Scotts Miracle-Gro. In his role as Vice President of Global Procurement, Craig oversaw a team of 54 associates and managed annual purchases exceeding $1 billion. His responsibilities spanned supplier selection, relationship management, category sourcing strategies, and commodity hedging—all critical components of the company’s supply chain management.

Craig’s journey at Scotts Miracle-Gro included the previous role of VP Finance at the $2.5 billion consumer products powerhouse. His leadership has consistently contributed to operational efficiency and strategic growth. 

Before joining Scotts, Craig honed his financial expertise at Ernst and Young as a senior manager in mergers and acquisitions, Intel Corporation as a Senior Financial Analyst, and KPMG as a Senior Auditor.

Craig’s academic credentials further underscore his dedication to professional growth. After graduating from Miami University, he earned an MBA in Finance from Indiana University, solidifying his foundation for a successful career in corporate leadership.

Craig's connection to the Theta-Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Sigma runs deep, both as an undergraduate and alumnus. He served as both the Assistant House Steward and as House Steward living in the house for 2 years. 

As an alumnus he assisted in the initiation of the pledge class in 2015 that had to be performed by alumni due to the members injunction because of hazing allegations and a pending Membership Review.  

With this background of the loss of the Charter in view, and his experience with his sons being involved in Theta-Chi, Craig has played a key role as a founding member of the Chapter Advisory Council, a standing subcommittee of KSTUAA started in June 2019 to provide Theta-Upsilon Alumni input and support to the colony and eventual Chapter.  

Craig has been actively engaged for the past 6 years, providing valuable contributions in reestablishing Theta-Upsilon as a vibrant fraternity within the Miami Greek community. Craig helped draft the annual member review process called "Star & Crescent Conversations" which provide CAC members an opportunity to engage on "Fraternity culture" topics with all the members in 1-on-1 discussions (no small time commitment with 90-120 members to talk to!).  As an active CAC member he has helped provide alumni leadership at Homecomings, and has encouraged donations to projects helping improve the facilities. 

Craig’s commitment to supporting others extends beyond Kappa Sigma.  Craig actively contributed to his local community through years of coaching youth athletic teams. From baseball to soccer, his dedication to mentoring and developing young athletes highlights his focus on fostering growth and opportunity.

He exemplifies the spirit of brotherhood on a personal level too. For example, Craig took a personal role in helping the son of another alumnus transition to life at Miami University, introducing him to his own sons who were attending Miami at the time. 

Craig Izzo's story is one of leadership, service, and commitment to the fraternity and his life serves as a testament to the values of fraternity, friendship, and excellence.