History and Evolution of Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Manuel Chrysoloras

A Greek scholar and diplomat who introduced Greek literature and philosophy to Renaissance Europe.

Bologna, Italy

The site where Chrysoloras taught at the University of Bologna, one of the world's first universities.

The Renaissance and Brotherhood

Chrysoloras' students formed a secret society in Bologna for protection against corrupt officials, laying the foundation for Kappa Sigma.

Baldassare Cossa

A corrupt governor of Bologna, later Pope John XXIII, who exploited students, forcing them to form protective brotherhoods.

Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda

Two towers in Bologna symbolizing the strength and vigilance of the brotherhood.

The Greek Influence

The use of Greek language, philosophy, and secret traditions influenced the formation of the fraternity.

William Grigsby McCormick

Leader and primary founder, later named the only 'Most Worthy Grand Master.'

George Miles Arnold

The first Grand Master of the fraternity and its key early organizer.

Edmund Law Rogers, Jr.

Helped create the fraternity's early insignia, later a successful actor.

Frank Courtney Nicodemus

Later became a successful businessman in Baltimore.

John Covert Boyd

Played a role in the foundation of the American Red Cross.

46 East Lawn, University of Virginia

The historic site where the five friends founded Kappa Sigma.

The First Ritual

Created by the founders, it has remained mostly unchanged since 1869.

The Original Badge

A simple five-pointed star with a crescent, later redesigned by Edmund Law Rogers, Jr.

1872

Expansion to Duke University, marking Kappa Sigma's growth beyond UVA.

1873

Additional expansion to Washington & Lee University.

Stephen Alonzo Jackson

Played the most crucial role in transforming Kappa Sigma from a local fraternity to a national organization.

1876 Grand Conclave

The first national convention of Kappa Sigma, organized by Jackson.

The 'Halo' of Jackson

His vision ensured Kappa Sigma's endurance and growth.

1878 Constitution and Ritual Revisions

A structured governance model was created.

1885

Jackson's death, but his vision and leadership principles lived on.

1901

The adoption of Kappa Sigma's crest and coat of arms.

1919 Centennial Celebration

Marking 50 years of the fraternity.

1929

Surviving the Great Depression, while other fraternities declined.

1986

Creation of the Endowment Fund to provide financial aid to students.

1995

Kappa Sigma Service Initiative launched.

2000s-Present

Continued expansion to over 320 active chapters worldwide.

Finis K. Farr

Historian who chronicled much of Kappa Sigma's early growth.

W.F. Page

Introduced the first structured recruitment strategy.

Charles H. Eldridge

Created new chapter organization methods.

Robert Redford

Actor and filmmaker.

Jerry Jones

Owner of the Dallas Cowboys.

Ted Turner

Founder of CNN.

Sam Donaldson

Renowned TV journalist.

Louis Zamperini

Olympian and WWII hero (Unbroken).

John G. Tower

U.S. Senator from Texas.

Alan R. Mulally

Former CEO of Ford Motor Company.

The Badge

The star and crescent symbol worn by members.

The Colors

Scarlet, White, and Emerald Green.

The Flower

Lily of the Valley.

The Crest

Features a shield, cross, and star.

The Handshake

A secret fraternity identifier.

The Star and Crescent Maxim

A defining statement of Kappa Sigma values.

Grand Master

The leader of each local chapter.

Grand Procurator

Manages discipline and risk.

Grand Master of Ceremonies

Oversees ritual and initiation.

Grand Scribe

Maintains records and communication.

Grand Treasurer

Manages chapter finances.

Supreme Executive Committee (SEC)

Governs the national fraternity.

A Greater Cause Initiative

National service campaign.

Military Heroes Campaign

Supports veterans.

Habitat for Humanity Partnership

Chapters help build homes.

Scholarship-Leadership Awards

Academic financial aid.

Brothers in Action Program

Personal development training.

Founder's Day (December 10)

Celebrating the fraternity's origins.

Grand Conclave

A national convention every two years.

Black & White Formal

A major social event.

Brotherhood Week

Strengthening member connections.

Rush & Recruitment

The process of selecting new members.

Pledge Education Program

Teaching new members about Kappa Sigma.

Big Brother Program

Mentoring for pledges.

Chapter Retreats

Strategic planning and bonding events.

Scholarship Programs

Encouraging academic success.

Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund

Provides scholarships.

Minimum GPA Requirement

Members must maintain academic excellence.

Alumni Associations

Keeps members engaged after college.

National Networking Opportunities

Career and personal support.

Legacy Membership

Special status for family members of Kappa Sigma brothers.

Manuel Chrysoloras (1355-1415)

A Greek scholar invited to Italy to teach Greek literature and philosophy at the University of Bologna.

The Italian Renaissance Influence

Chrysoloras' teachings inspired a group of students to form a secret society for mutual protection against Baldassare Cossa.

Baldassare Cossa (1370-1419)

A tyrant who taxed and exploited university students.

Torre degli Asinelli & Torre Garisenda

Two towers in Bologna that symbolize the strength, protection, and vigilance of the fraternity.

Greek Foundations

The fraternity's values of fellowship, leadership, scholarship, and service trace back to the Greek classical ideals taught by Chrysoloras.

William Grigsby McCormick

Leader of the founding group and later honored as the only 'Most Worthy Grand Master' of Kappa Sigma.

George Miles Arnold

The first Grand Master of Kappa Sigma and an essential figure in organizing the brotherhood.

Edmund Law Rogers, Jr.

Designed the original badge and was a successful actor under the stage name Leslie Edmunds.

Frank Courtney Nicodemus

Later became a prominent Baltimore businessman.

John Covert Boyd

Served as a U.S. Navy Surgeon and was instrumental in establishing the American Red Cross.

December 10, 1869

The fraternity was founded at 46 East Lawn, University of Virginia.

The First Ritual

The original initiation ceremony created by the founders has remained largely unchanged.

The Badge

A crescent with a five-pointed star, later improved by Edmund Law Rogers, Jr.

The Star & Crescent Maxim

Defines the values and moral expectations of Kappa Sigma members.

The 'Saturday Night Zeta' (1872)

An informal but historic meeting where Stephen Alonzo Jackson presented his vision to expand the fraternity nationally.

Stephen Alonzo Jackson ('The Golden-Hearted Virginian')

The most influential Kappa Sigma, responsible for transforming Kappa Sigma from a local fraternity into a national brotherhood.

1872 - Expansion to Duke University

Kappa Sigma spread beyond Virginia for the first time.

1873 - First Expansion Beyond UVA

Washington & Lee University becomes the second new chapter.

First Grand Conclave

Organized by Stephen Alonzo Jackson, establishing a governing body for the fraternity.

Death of Jackson

The fraternity's greatest leader passed away, but his principles remained the guiding force of Kappa Sigma.

Official Crest & Ritual Updates

The fraternity finalized its crest and strengthened its ritualistic traditions.

The Grand Conclave

A national convention to establish policies and govern the fraternity.

The Supreme Executive Committee (SEC)

The highest governing body of Kappa Sigma.

Grand Master (GM)

The president of a local chapter.

Grand Procurator (GP)

The vice president, responsible for discipline and risk management.

Grand Master of Ceremonies (GMC)

Oversees rituals and new member education.

Grand Scribe (GS)

Handles chapter documentation and communication.

Grand Treasurer (GT)

Manages the chapter's finances.

District Grand Masters

Regional officers overseeing multiple chapters.

Alumni Advisors

Graduates who provide guidance to active members.

50th Anniversary

Major national celebration.

Surviving the Great Depression

While many fraternities collapsed, Kappa Sigma thrived.