The origins of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity can be traced back to
the city of Bologna, Italy around the year 1400. At the University of
Bologna, a teacher by the name of Manuel Chrysoloras founded an
ancient society of students with five of his most devoted disciples.
The society was founded for mutual protection against the corrupt
governor of the city, Baldassare Cossa, who would often have
students of the University physically attacked and robbed in the
streets.
The students used secret words and signs to protect their ranks
from betrayal. These forms and rituals became the basis of their
organization. It embodied their ideals and allowed for both the
safety of their members and the strong unity of the society.
the city of Bologna, Italy around the year 1400. At the University of
Bologna, a teacher by the name of Manuel Chrysoloras founded an
ancient society of students with five of his most devoted disciples.
The society was founded for mutual protection against the corrupt
governor of the city, Baldassare Cossa, who would often have
students of the University physically attacked and robbed in the
streets.
The students used secret words and signs to protect their ranks
from betrayal. These forms and rituals became the basis of their
organization. It embodied their ideals and allowed for both the
safety of their members and the strong unity of the society.
"My Colors Fade...For Want of Wearers"
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The society slowly grew to large numbers, taking in those
students who desired the protection it could offer. With a
strong foundation in the loyalty and quality of its members,
the ancient order grew into a strong organization. Over
time, its strength and unity transformed the order from a
protective society against Cossa into something much
greater --- a true brotherhood.
History holds that the society continued to grow and spread
to the great universities of Europe. It is believed that this
continued throughout much of the Renaissance. However,
by the middle of the 19th century, the Order was barely
active. It was time that the tradition established by
Chrysoloras and his disciples at the dawn of the
Renaissance to reach America.
students who desired the protection it could offer. With a
strong foundation in the loyalty and quality of its members,
the ancient order grew into a strong organization. Over
time, its strength and unity transformed the order from a
protective society against Cossa into something much
greater --- a true brotherhood.
History holds that the society continued to grow and spread
to the great universities of Europe. It is believed that this
continued throughout much of the Renaissance. However,
by the middle of the 19th century, the Order was barely
active. It was time that the tradition established by
Chrysoloras and his disciples at the dawn of the
Renaissance to reach America.
In the mid 1800s, an American traveler in France, while dining with
his host was alluded to the secret order that once existed at the
University of Bologna. His further inquiry into this matter led to a full
revealing of that order's teachings and purpose. It was this
knowledge that served as the seed for the American founding of
Kappa Sigma.
On December 10, 1869, five students at the University of Virginia
met in 46 East Lawn and founded the Kappa Sigma Fraternity in
America. William Grigsby McCormick, George Miles Arnold,
Edmund Law Rogers, Frank Courtney Nicodemus, and John Covert
Boyd later become known as the Five Friends and Brothers. They
took the traditions of the ancient order in Bologna and created a
fraternity that aimed to continue in its noble cause, that of unending
brotherhood.
In that same year, the original five searched for others who would
complement their diverse personalities. They initiated two more in
that first year, Samuel Isham North and John Edward Semmes. The
following year, two of the original five left the University, as did
Semmes, leaving its future in the hands of Brothers Arnold, Boyd,
Rogers and North. They initiated three more into the order that year.
On Saturday, March 18, 1871 the entire active membership,
consisting of seven, met to initiate William Cornelius Bowen. Little
did they know, it was the work of this Saturday night would ensure
the future of the fraternity. Bowen was the only member to return to
the University the following year, and it was placed in his hands to
prevent the work of the original five from fading away.
his host was alluded to the secret order that once existed at the
University of Bologna. His further inquiry into this matter led to a full
revealing of that order's teachings and purpose. It was this
knowledge that served as the seed for the American founding of
Kappa Sigma.
On December 10, 1869, five students at the University of Virginia
met in 46 East Lawn and founded the Kappa Sigma Fraternity in
America. William Grigsby McCormick, George Miles Arnold,
Edmund Law Rogers, Frank Courtney Nicodemus, and John Covert
Boyd later become known as the Five Friends and Brothers. They
took the traditions of the ancient order in Bologna and created a
fraternity that aimed to continue in its noble cause, that of unending
brotherhood.
In that same year, the original five searched for others who would
complement their diverse personalities. They initiated two more in
that first year, Samuel Isham North and John Edward Semmes. The
following year, two of the original five left the University, as did
Semmes, leaving its future in the hands of Brothers Arnold, Boyd,
Rogers and North. They initiated three more into the order that year.
On Saturday, March 18, 1871 the entire active membership,
consisting of seven, met to initiate William Cornelius Bowen. Little
did they know, it was the work of this Saturday night would ensure
the future of the fraternity. Bowen was the only member to return to
the University the following year, and it was placed in his hands to
prevent the work of the original five from fading away.
Bowen worked quickly the following year to find others who
were worthy to wear the badge of Kappa Sigma. He, along
with his first initiate, Goodwin Williams, began searching for
new members who could fulfill the expectations of the
founding brothers. Brother Semmes returned to the University
that spring, and discovered that Bowen had added five new
brothers to the order.
The next year, 1872, marked a milestone in the history of
Kappa Sigma. Three new initiates were welcomed into the
brotherhood, including Thomas Wright Strange. The
members of the chapter, known now as the Zeta chapter,
decided that they wanted one additional member that year.
Thomas Strange introduced the name of Stephen Alonzo
Jackson, a name that will forever find a place in the hearts of
every Kappa Sigma.
were worthy to wear the badge of Kappa Sigma. He, along
with his first initiate, Goodwin Williams, began searching for
new members who could fulfill the expectations of the
founding brothers. Brother Semmes returned to the University
that spring, and discovered that Bowen had added five new
brothers to the order.
The next year, 1872, marked a milestone in the history of
Kappa Sigma. Three new initiates were welcomed into the
brotherhood, including Thomas Wright Strange. The
members of the chapter, known now as the Zeta chapter,
decided that they wanted one additional member that year.
Thomas Strange introduced the name of Stephen Alonzo
Jackson, a name that will forever find a place in the hearts of
every Kappa Sigma.
Following practices which are still emphasized in Kappa Sigma today,
Stephen Alonzo Jackson was chosen for initiation into the order in 1872
despite of personality conflicts and selfish preferences. It is hard to
believe that he was almost not allowed into the order, and his
importance to the order cannot be understated.
On an autumn night in 1872, Jackson was initiated into the order. From
the moment of his initiation, he began his work as a great leader in the
order of Kappa Sigma. He helped in every aspect of the chapter
operations, and later became Grand Master of the Zeta chapter at the
University of Virginia.
Jackson's contributions to the fraternity stretch far beyond chapter
leadership. He was given the nickname, "the Golden-Hearted Virginian"
because of his undying love and devotion to Kappa Sigma. During his
membership, he expanded and revised the ritual of Kappa Sigma, the
common bond which unites all brothers. He created the Supreme
Executive Committee (SEC), which now serves as the governing body of
the Kappa Sigma Fraternity on a national level. Jackson also introduced
the idea of a frequent, national convention of all Kappa Sigmas, a
practice now continued by the bi-annual Grand Conclave, and
characterized the event as "The Finest Hour" of Kappa Sigma.
Stephen Alonzo Jackson was chosen for initiation into the order in 1872
despite of personality conflicts and selfish preferences. It is hard to
believe that he was almost not allowed into the order, and his
importance to the order cannot be understated.
On an autumn night in 1872, Jackson was initiated into the order. From
the moment of his initiation, he began his work as a great leader in the
order of Kappa Sigma. He helped in every aspect of the chapter
operations, and later became Grand Master of the Zeta chapter at the
University of Virginia.
Jackson's contributions to the fraternity stretch far beyond chapter
leadership. He was given the nickname, "the Golden-Hearted Virginian"
because of his undying love and devotion to Kappa Sigma. During his
membership, he expanded and revised the ritual of Kappa Sigma, the
common bond which unites all brothers. He created the Supreme
Executive Committee (SEC), which now serves as the governing body of
the Kappa Sigma Fraternity on a national level. Jackson also introduced
the idea of a frequent, national convention of all Kappa Sigmas, a
practice now continued by the bi-annual Grand Conclave, and
characterized the event as "The Finest Hour" of Kappa Sigma.
These innovations in ritual and government helped to transform Kappa
Sigma from a small, local fraternity at the University of Virginia into the
international fraternity it is today. He worked with his chapter and friends
at nearby university to establish new chapters of the growing order.
Jackson's passion for the success of the fraternity still influences its
actions to this day. Evidence of his work can be seen in the many
milestones that Kappa Sigma has reached to this day. His ideals for
recruitment and expansion can be seen in the 289 campuses that have
hosted chapters of the order and the over 250,000 men who have been
initiated into the order since its conception.
Jackson's vision for the future, which inspires many of our actions to this
day, was summed up in his "Apples of Gold" speech given at the Grand
Conclave, 1878. The following passage serves as a mission for the
fraternity and a goal for its members, past, present, and future: "Why not,
my Brothers, since we of today live and cherish the principals of the
Kappa Sigma Fraternity, throw such a halo around those principles that
they may be handed down as a precious heirloom to ages yet unborn?
Why not put our apples of gold in pictures of silver? May we not rest
contently until the Star and Crescent is the pride of every college and
university in the land!"
Sigma from a small, local fraternity at the University of Virginia into the
international fraternity it is today. He worked with his chapter and friends
at nearby university to establish new chapters of the growing order.
Jackson's passion for the success of the fraternity still influences its
actions to this day. Evidence of his work can be seen in the many
milestones that Kappa Sigma has reached to this day. His ideals for
recruitment and expansion can be seen in the 289 campuses that have
hosted chapters of the order and the over 250,000 men who have been
initiated into the order since its conception.
Jackson's vision for the future, which inspires many of our actions to this
day, was summed up in his "Apples of Gold" speech given at the Grand
Conclave, 1878. The following passage serves as a mission for the
fraternity and a goal for its members, past, present, and future: "Why not,
my Brothers, since we of today live and cherish the principals of the
Kappa Sigma Fraternity, throw such a halo around those principles that
they may be handed down as a precious heirloom to ages yet unborn?
Why not put our apples of gold in pictures of silver? May we not rest
contently until the Star and Crescent is the pride of every college and
university in the land!"
Grand Masters 1974 - 2006 |
Chapter History
The History of the Lambda-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma
The Lambda-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma was originally chartered on October 5, 1973, and
became the first national fraternity at the university that was then named Georgia College.
The history of Lambda-Xi goes back further than this though. In 1971 a group of young men
decided to join together and organize the first social organization in the history of the college.
These young men founded Pi Beta Alpha. This group was very active in campus and
community activities and also demonstrated excellence in academics and intramural sports. A
group of Kappa Sigma Alumni noticed this local fraternity and talked with them about becoming
a national fraternity. During August 1973 the alumni of Kappa Sigma in the Milledgeville area
sponsored a fish fry for the members of Pi Beta Alpha. The alumni were interested in sharing
their experiences in Kappa Sigma with them. The members of Pi Beta Alpha realized that
Kappa Sigma was like no other fraternity. It had a tradition --- a tradition of proud men sharing
brotherhood.
Pi Beta Alpha voted to become a part of this tradition. After becoming a colony of Kappa
Sigma, this young colony was very determined to prove its worth and become a chapter of
Kappa Sigma. On March 29, 1974 the first national fraternity was chartered at Georgia
College. The birth of Lambda-Xi was the beginning of something great. Listed below are the
founding fathers of the Lambda-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma:
James Earl Boothe
Patrick Lee McCullough
Bert Lee Brown III
Gary Alan Nutt
Cecil Gary Brown, Jr.
David Albert Payne
John Athon Cagle
William Luther Perry
Floyd Paul Comer, Jr.
William Ray Poe III
Douglas Issac Davis
Randall Pierce Smith
The History of the Lambda-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma
The Lambda-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma was originally chartered on October 5, 1973, and
became the first national fraternity at the university that was then named Georgia College.
The history of Lambda-Xi goes back further than this though. In 1971 a group of young men
decided to join together and organize the first social organization in the history of the college.
These young men founded Pi Beta Alpha. This group was very active in campus and
community activities and also demonstrated excellence in academics and intramural sports. A
group of Kappa Sigma Alumni noticed this local fraternity and talked with them about becoming
a national fraternity. During August 1973 the alumni of Kappa Sigma in the Milledgeville area
sponsored a fish fry for the members of Pi Beta Alpha. The alumni were interested in sharing
their experiences in Kappa Sigma with them. The members of Pi Beta Alpha realized that
Kappa Sigma was like no other fraternity. It had a tradition --- a tradition of proud men sharing
brotherhood.
Pi Beta Alpha voted to become a part of this tradition. After becoming a colony of Kappa
Sigma, this young colony was very determined to prove its worth and become a chapter of
Kappa Sigma. On March 29, 1974 the first national fraternity was chartered at Georgia
College. The birth of Lambda-Xi was the beginning of something great. Listed below are the
founding fathers of the Lambda-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma:
James Earl Boothe
Patrick Lee McCullough
Bert Lee Brown III
Gary Alan Nutt
Cecil Gary Brown, Jr.
David Albert Payne
John Athon Cagle
William Luther Perry
Floyd Paul Comer, Jr.
William Ray Poe III
Douglas Issac Davis
Randall Pierce Smith
Stanley Michael Dominy
Randall Kevin Taylor
James Robert Findley III
Jack Newton Thornhill
Micheal Carey Johnson
Stephen Robert Thurmond
George Mark Leaptrot
Mario Tito Trejo
Burgess Herbert Lee, Jr.
Randy Lanier Whitfield
Richard Marion Long
Randall Kevin Taylor
James Robert Findley III
Jack Newton Thornhill
Micheal Carey Johnson
Stephen Robert Thurmond
George Mark Leaptrot
Mario Tito Trejo
Burgess Herbert Lee, Jr.
Randy Lanier Whitfield
Richard Marion Long
1973 (colony) Randy Whitfield
1974 Gary Brown
1975 John Cagle
1976 Gary Brown
1977 Tom Torrance
1978 Jay Harrington
1979 Bill Terry
1980 Patrick Bentley
1980 Larry Garrett
1981 Gary Thrower
1982 Phillip Bell (Current WGP)
1983 Barry Walker
1984 Greg Roche
1974 Gary Brown
1975 John Cagle
1976 Gary Brown
1977 Tom Torrance
1978 Jay Harrington
1979 Bill Terry
1980 Patrick Bentley
1980 Larry Garrett
1981 Gary Thrower
1982 Phillip Bell (Current WGP)
1983 Barry Walker
1984 Greg Roche
1985 David Bell
1986 Derek Marchman
1987 Terry Barrett
1988 Scott Skipper
1989 Wesley Carroll
1990 Raines Newberry
1991 Dan Graham
1992 Scott Stefano
1993 Joe Stroud
1994 Bobby Buzzell
1995 John Anthony
1996 Cory Taylor
1997 David Varnedoe
1986 Derek Marchman
1987 Terry Barrett
1988 Scott Skipper
1989 Wesley Carroll
1990 Raines Newberry
1991 Dan Graham
1992 Scott Stefano
1993 Joe Stroud
1994 Bobby Buzzell
1995 John Anthony
1996 Cory Taylor
1997 David Varnedoe
1998 Chuck Manning
1998 Kyle Kirk
1999 Stephen Coxen
2000 Adam Bedgood
2001 Brit Treadway
2002 Chris Whitley
2003 Gary Virden
2004 Nick Stephens
2004 Steven Prance
2005 Pat Cleary
2006 Johny Ricks
1998 Kyle Kirk
1999 Stephen Coxen
2000 Adam Bedgood
2001 Brit Treadway
2002 Chris Whitley
2003 Gary Virden
2004 Nick Stephens
2004 Steven Prance
2005 Pat Cleary
2006 Johny Ricks
| Chapter Celestial In honor of our brothers that have passed into the sleep that fadeth not away. Semper Brothers - AEKDB |
Jay Horne
Mike Avant
David Avant
Evan Luke
Mike Avant
David Avant
Evan Luke
Jack Thornhill
Gary Nutt
Pat McCullough
David Goodman
Gary Nutt
Pat McCullough
David Goodman
