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Beta Sigma Chapter History

The Beta-Sigma chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Washington University in St. Louis was founded on November 22nd, 1902 by six original members: H. F. Parker, Wm. B. Latta, Robert Funkhouser, Oscar Kilby, Dan C. Goodman, and Sargent F. Jones. The first fraternity at the University to move out of the dormitories into our own house - by 1907, membership had grown to 17. Forced to relinquish our charter in 1939 due to many of our members serving our country during WWII, we returned to campus in 1946, and built the newest and most modern building on campus in 1951. The chapter house was an experiment in postwar construction that utilized excess battleship steel in the house's exterior walls and floors thanks to Beta Sigma alumnus Norman J. Stupp and his family's company, Stupp Brothers Bridge and Iron Co. The house enjoyed the honor of being one of the safest and sturdiest structures in the entire St. Louis metropolitan area until its demolition in 1995, when we vacated our house to make way for the Law Building, and moved to our current location - House #7 on Fraternity Row. On June 30, 2001, the University excercised a buy-out option in our lease, and we have since rented the building from the school. Kappa Sigma at Wash U boasts the largest active brotherhood and consistently has one of the largest pledge classes.

Kappa Sigma History

Kappa Sigma Fraternity was originally founded as a secret society of students at the University of Bologna in the year 1400. The group was founded by Manuel Chrysoloras, a Greek Scholar, who taught at the University. In that day of city-states, the group's initial purpose was mutual protection of its members against physical attack and robbery by the unscrupulous governor of the city, Baldassare Cossa. In 1400, Chrysoloras and his five disciples formed a society for mutual protection which inspired the Ritual and beliefs of modern day Kappa Sigma. Kappa Sigma in America was founded on December 10, 1869, as five students attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville gathered in William Grigsby McCormick's room at 46 East Lawn and planted the seed of Brotherhood.

Five Friends and Brothers

George Miles Arnold	John Covert Boyd	William Grigsby McCormick	Frank Courtney Nicodemus	Edmund Law Rogers

Philosophy

Kappa Sigma's ideals are centered around its four cornerstones: fellowship, leadership, scholarship, and service. A Kappa Sigma is charged to present himself as a friend, brother, and protector to any in the order and to defy any tyrant who seeks to take property, liberty, or life. Kappa Sigmas are expected to subscribe and live by the oath of the order, the Star and Crescent:

"The Star and Crescent shall not be worn by every man, but only by him who is worthy to wear it. He must be a gentleman ... a man of honor and courage ... a man of zeal, yet humble ... an intelligent man ... a man of truth ... one who tempers action with wisdom and, above all else, one who walks in the light of God." (E. Bradford Holbrouk Jr., Sigma '63)

The goal of all Kappa Sigmas is to be a better man. The champion quest developed by the "Golden Hearted Viriginian" Stephen Alonzo Jackson charges no brother to rest contentedly until the Star and Crescent is the pride of every college and university in the land.

Stephen Alonzo Jackson

Joining Kappa Sigma provides opportunities for fellowship, fun and personal growth that you simply can't get elsewhere. Over 220,000 men have joined and enjoyed the unmatched experiences, involvement and lifelong Brotherhood that Kappa Sigma offers.

Take the lead. In Kappa Sigma, Brothers learn to get involved in their communities and take the lead when something needs to be done. Countless Brothers, including senators, governors and CEOs, have stated that Kappa Sigma gave them the leadership skills they needed to succeed.

Kappa Sigma helps men excel in the classroom. From its earliest beginnings in Renaissance Italy, Kappa Sigma has existed to promote scholarship to its members. Over $250,000 is awarded each year by the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund to Brothers who demonstrate success in scholarship and leadership. At the chapter level, Brothers help Brothers learn about the campus, provide advice on professors and classes and help study for class assignments.

Helping others is part of being a Kappa Sigma. Brothers spend thousands of hours working in their communities and raising thousands of dollars for worthy causes each year. From organizing park clean-ups to serving as Big Brothers to organizing charity rock concerts, Kappa Sigmas work hard for their causes. College is fun, but only service to others gives men the great feeling of knowing they've helped someone and made a difference.

Notable Alumni

Jefferson Davis was honorarily inducted into Xi chapter in honor of his son's decision to stay with and tend to his brothers during an epidemic, a decision that would lead to his death. Kappa Sigma has produced two Nobel laureates, an astronaut, four senators, eight congressmen, seven governors, a deputy prime minister, and many successful businessmen.

A.E.K.D.B.