Generosity of Alumni Making an Impact

Our Alumni rallied in four different efforts to assist our Chapter this Spring: Brothers from five decades increased the Chapter's Scholarship Leadership Endowment Fund during the SAJ Weekend by $17,930, Alumni raised $25,000 to create a $1000 Scholarship in Cliff Browne's name and are starting a second scholarship in Brian McDowell's name;  Brother Broome stepped up to provide a new screen, shades and professional installation for the Chapter Meeting room and Alumni raise money through contests to purchase 24 additional chairs to accommodate a chapter that has grown to 115 members!! 

Theta-Upsilon Alumni respond in impressive fashion for the second year as the Fraternity breaks all expectations  SAJ Weekend of Giving 

The Kappa Sigma Fraternity's biggest annual fundraiser the Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving kicked off Friday March 1, 2024 and when it ended at midnight it had broken not on previous record but all expectations raising $1,279,710 from 18,414 gifts!  The former record from the previous year was $793,876. 

Like last year, several of the KSTUAA Board Members have issued challenge Matches to get the ball rolling.  

• Brother Wes Bren IC '85 will donate $500 when we see Five First-Time Donors this year.  (Completed. We have had over 15 first-time donors)
• Brother Jim Lewis IC '74 will match every donation from fellow 1970s Theta-Upsilon Alumni up to $1000  (Completed.)
• Brother Chris Elder IC '85 will match every donation from fellow 1980s Theta-Upsilon Alumni up to $1000 (Met. Alumni from the 1980s have donated over $7600 in this campaign!!!)
• Brother Wes Bren IC '85 will donate $500 when we see Five Theta-Upsilon Alumni initiated from 1996 to 2015 make donations this year  (Completed. We had exactly Five Alumni from 99,00, 03 & 08 step up with over $500 in donations) 
• Brother Jim Lewis IC '74 will match every donation made by Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame inductees up to $1000 (Completed. Hall of Fame Members contributed over $3,150 in donations)

By the end of the weekend, Theta-Upsilon Alumni, undergraduates and friends had made 202 donations and the 19th highest total in North America of $17, 929.75.  While on the SAJ weekend scoreboard Theta-Upsilon was only in 19th place and second in Ohio behind Theta-Omicron, Theta-Omicron Chapter who raise $25,544.18, if you included the money raised at the same time for Cliff's Scholarship, Theta-Upsilon would be in 7th place with $39,504.75 raised.

The real benefit is that through this generosity the Alumni donated enough to raise the annual total scholarships awarded each year to six $500+ and one $1000 scholarship (Cliff Browne II)! 

During SAJ Weekend of Giving, One hundred precent of each donation can be directed to our Chapter.  Follow this link for the Theta-Upsilon page:  https://donate.sajgiving.com/amb/SAJ2024MiamiOh

100% of the Theta-Upsilon undergraduate members and pledges contributed $10.34 or more. 

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

Steve Conn IC '67

Bob Coons IC '67 - Tower Award 2023

George Duffield IC '67

Chuck Hess IC '67

Thomas Wenning IC '67 HOF 2027

Richard Schaefer IC '67

Bill Slouffman IC '67

Robert Fete IC '68 

John (Tim) Willis IC '68

Don Gore IC '72*

Ted Newill IC '72*

Craig Stichtenoth IC '72

David Vuicich IC '72

John Jahoda IC '73*

Sandy Rosenbluth IC '73*

Jim Lewis IC '74 HOF 2022

Joel Benson IC '74

Mark Cross IC '74*

Norman Witzler IC '74

Jim Cary IC '77

Jay Cavender IC '80

David Brinkman IC '81 HOF 2017

Christopher Connolly IC '81

Steve Wilhelm IC  '81

Patrick O'Brien IC '82 HOF 2000

Brad Mikes IC '83 HOF 2023

Mark Rowland IC '83

Charlie Wonderlic IC '83 HOF 2017*

Geoffrey Aurini IC '85

Ed Bennett IC '85

Wes Bren IC '85 HOF 2027

Chris Elder IC '85

Troy Davis IC '85

John Henry IC '85

Chris Scocos IC '85

Rick Sippola IC '85

Scott Richardson IC '86

Mike McNally IC '86

Rob Miller IC '86

Michael Schoedinger IC '86 HOF 2000

Tim Dawson IC '87*

Jeffrey Meek IC '87

Joe Turner IC '87*

David Buckley IC '87*

Ed Kessler IC '87

James Rimmel IC '87

Matthew Smith IC '87

John McCarley IC '88

Jason Rammes IC '88

Jeff Slovak IC '88

David Walker IC '88

Christopher Broome IC '89

Brady Fening IC '89*

Aaron Ort IC '89

Patrick Reedy IC '89 HOF 2017

Clay Hunt III IC '90

Greg Poulos IC '91*

Shawn Isham IC '92*

Matt Dixon IC '94

Andrew Zuchowski IC '94

Matt Burge IC '99*

Dace de la Foret  IC '99*

Nick Griffith IC '00 HOF 2017

Matthew Henning IC 03

Thomas Grusecki IC '08*

Matt Alfano IC '14*

Fernando Romero IC '22

Quinn Sippola IC '22

Charlie McGrew IC '22

List will be updated shortly.

Brothers Rally to create a new $1000 Annual Scholarship in honor of Cliff Browne II to begin this Fall!

A week before Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving, Brothers primarily from the initiation years of 1989-1994 started donating to a new Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund account that will provide a $1000 annual Scholarship to a Theta-Upsilon member. The Award is activated once $25,000 has been donated to the account.  Thanks to a matching gift of $5000 and the generosity of two dozen brothers the account exceeds reached $21,575 by March 6.  

Brother Chris Ferritto will use funds from the original GoFundMe account created shortly after Brother Cliff Browne IC '91 joined the Chapter Celestial to cover the remainder and activate the Scholarship for THIS Fall.  

With the Cliffe Browne II Named Scholarship fully funded Brother Ferritto will use the remaining funds from the Go Fund Me account to start a second Named Scholarship in the name of Brian McDowell IC '91 who joined the Celestial a a year after Cliff.

To donate to the Cliff Browne II Scholarship click here. All donations are tax deductible.

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

Aaron Hartung

Alexander Mason

Andrew Zuchowski

Anne and George Bolen

Avaninder Kanubaddi

Blake West

Bradley Storts

Brian Eckman

Bruce Perry

Chad Gibson

Charles Perry

Charles Smolky

Christopher Veneklasen

Christopher Broome

Clay Hunt

Colin Donovan

Dan Ledman

Ed Kessler

Erik J Marx

Erik Christman

Erik Seeney

Guy Bradley

Jamie Schisler

Jason Rammes

Jeff Kotalik

Jeffrey Bieber

Jeffrey Slovak

John and Aurora Bolen

John Robinson

John De Rose

Jonathan Fritz

Jonathan Wills

Ken Marquardt

Mark Wiltrakis

Mark Storts

Michael Behrens

Michael Darkoch

Michael Robbe

Michael Helfand

Oliver Rutherford

Patrick Reedy

Patrick Surdy

Peter Benoist

Preston Belding

Rob Merkle

Robb Warren

Robert Dittrich

Sachin Parulkar

Salim Kafiti

Scot Havrilla

Steven Herron

Thomas Clarke

Timothy Storer

Troy Dankworth

Tyge Fourtner

Wesley Bren

Axia Consulting Inc.

More to be reported as we get updates

Brother Broome's Generosity Helps the Chapter   

Last spring, the Oxford Fire Department took issue with the wood panels the Chapter had used for 44 years to create privacy during meetings. They threatened to fine the chapter $500 per window if spotted and cited building codes about items attached to "walls." Rather than waste time and money fighting it in court we turned to a Subject Matter expert... our own Chris Broome IC '89 who is president of the Draper Company who in fact manufactures window coverings and blinds and screens for companies and institutions including Miami University.  Brother Broome's generosity led to the donation of new fire-rated blinds for the windows and doors and the services to professionally measure and install them!  He also provided a projection screen to fit the space that the Chapter is now taking advantage of with Chairmen inserting slides and photos into their reports.  Attendance and focus has never been higher according to the Grand Master!   

Brothers Rally to Purchase an additional 24 meeting chairs to accommodate the growth in the Chapter    

KSTUAA Chapter Advisory Council has been asking alumni to donate to KSTUAA cover the costs of 26 new chairs as the Chapter grows from the current 80 members to 117!   The total bill is $3,872.27.   The chairs are designed for durability.   KSTUAA Approved using the proceeds from the Super Bowl Squares and the Cossa Challenge to fund this project. To date KSTUAA has received $3,185.  The Cossa Challenge and other donations need to cover teh remaining $687.27  

2024 Events Calendar for Alumni

KSTUAA Communication & Events Committee announces another great year of events for 2024!!!

Under the able leadership of Hall of Famer and Bracket Master Brad Mikes, Theta-Upsilon Alumni have opportunities to connect virtually and in person at some great events!

Here’s what we have scheduled for 2024 so far.

• Feb 11 - Super Bowl Squares Contest – Split the pot with KSTUAA’s portion going to purchase an additional 24 meeting chairs for the undergraduate Chapter. (more details below)
  
  
• Feb 17 Kappa Sigma Happy Hour – Detroit, MI - Kappa Sigma Chapters and Volunteers from the region participate in the Great Lakes District Conclave with a Happy Hour reception Saturday Night. Contact Wes Bren for more details.
  
  
• March 1-3 Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving – 100% of your tax-deductible donations to the Endowment Fund goes to our Chapter’s Scholarship Fund! Last year, Theta-Upsilon Alumni shocked Kappa Sigma, finishing with the 3rd highest total of donations! This year we seek to stay in the top 10!
  
  
• March 17 - The Cossa Challenge!!! KSTUAA’s 10th annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Bracket Challenge is back and starts Selection Sunday, March 17 and runs to the Championship Game April 8. Split the pot with KSTUAA’s portion going to purchase an additional 24 meeting chairs for the undergraduate Chapter.
  
  
• April 1 - Regional Charter Day events. Check out Social Media Groups on Facebook and Linkedin to see where Kappa Sigma Happy Hours
  
  
• April 20 - KSTUAA Appreciation & Senior Transition Event in Cincinnati – CAC hosts an event for the graduating seniors and volunteers to thank them for their leadership and to encourage them to be involved as alumni. Contact Wes Bren for more details
  
  
• June 8 - Theta-Upsilon Open House/Miami Alumni Weekend. A great weekend to be back at Miami. The University opens up dorms for cheap over night lodging. KSTUAA will hold its annual open house from 11:30-2:00 at the Chapter House at 406 E. Withrow before its annual meeting. Interested in joining the board and being part of the effort to plan events and support the Chapter, contact KSTUAA President, Clay Hunt.
  
  
• July 26-28 - 2024 Kappa Sigma Fraternity Leadership Conference – New Orleans. Check out what is happening with Kappa Sigma on the National stage - Contact Wes Bren for more details.
  
  
• Sept 6-8 KSTUAA Fricker Cup – Cincinnati, Ohio - (First weekend after Labor Day) More details to follow.
  
  
• Fall TBD - Miami Homecoming and Theta-Upsilon Hall of Fame Induction, Fall 2024 Join us for a great weekend back in Oxford and help us celebrate the accomplishments of our newest inductee!
  
  
• Dec 10 Founders Day Celebrations (and surrounding weekends. More details to come.)
  
  
• Dec TBD College Bowl Contest – Expect changes coinciding with the new play-off format.

In addition, KSTUAA produces monthly e-newsletters (Fricker Flash) and an annual newsletter, The Fricker Report. Please help us support our ability to support these events with your dues and donations. For a full description of the the ways you can help financially see our post from 2023. 

Win up to $1000 and help our Chapter -- Secure your Super Bowl Square today

The 2024 edition of the KSTUAA Super Bowl squares just got bigger with a prize pot worth $1000!

Just $20 per square!!

Helping our Chapter 
The KSTUAA split goes to buy additional meeting chairs for the Chapter. The chapter has grown to 84 members and expects to add another 30-40 members in the Rush that starts this week! In 2022 KSTUAA purchased 76 black meeting Chairs. KSTUAA has ordered 24 more chairs to help keep pace with the growth. The total cost is $3,872.27. So far we have only raised $366.56 so we need donations in addition to brothers buying squares to get this bill paid.

Photo from 2022 and the original order to 76 black meeting chairs. Chapter Advisory Council voted to purchase 24 more chairs (approximately $125 per chair). 

The Game
The Kappa Sigma Super Bowl Squares is our simple take on a perennial favorite where alumni can pick squares with two numbers that reflect all the possible combinations of the last digit in any score. Pick the square that matches the AFL and NFC teams scores during a quarter end and you are a winner!!! 10% of the pot will be awarded to the winner in each of the first three quarters and 20% of the pot will be award to the alumnus matching the final score!

Instructions:
Send us the game squares you want e.g. A1, C7, F5, I2, J10 and email to KSTUAA@gmail.com. (Squares are awarded based on the first to reach us, based on email sent times with dues paying Alumni getting priority on ties) Duplicate choices will be assigned nearest open spot by KSTUAA.

The Tables showing available squares will be updated each day: CLICK HERE to see the Table of Available Squares (May need to "right click to download" if it doesn't display)

Make payment with paypal here. $20 per square for anyone that has paid KSTUAA Dues (so if you haven't paid dues add the $25 KSTUAA Alumni dues) If you already have paid Dues... THANK YOU and its just $20 a square.) You can also use Venmo (@KSTUAA) or personal check. 

Aren't sure if you'd paid your Dues? Check the Donor's page for the list of current donors and confirm your status. Remember extra donations go to pay for chairs project.

Grab a beer and see who else shows you for the Zoom Happy Hour, Saturday, February 10 at 1:00 PM ET the day before the big game when Bracket Master Mikes will pick the column and row numbers Live! 

Enjoy Super Bowl LVIII and win up to $1000 happily knowing you are helping our Chapter!

We will post this years winner here. Last years winners are listed here: 

Good Luck and AEKDB

Four Theta-Upsilon members receive scholarship awards from the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund.

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni over the last several years four very deserving undergraduates from our Theta-Upsilon Chapter received monetary scholarship wards from the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund this fall.

• Brother Emmet Jones IC '22, UAC Area 3, Past Grand Master, Past Grand Treasurer, Current Rush Chair
• Brother Mark Colavita IC '22, (holder of 5 Ritual Proficiencies)
• Brother Luke Hastings IC '22, Past Grand Scribe
• Brother Harris Brotman IC '22, Past Grand Procurator.

Last year, during Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving when 100% of donations go to the designated chapter our alumni were amazing and donated the third most of all Chapters in the country with $25,818 197 gifts. 60 alumni donated for the first time and we had the 10th highest participation. For more details about last year’s success see our March 2023 posting. 

If you would like to help get the word out to make sure this year's campaign is another success, contact Wes at KSTUAA@gmail. 

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.     

.

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