Kappa Sigma - Epsilon-Alpha Articles Feed

Greek Gods 2011

Frank Simpson — 2011-11-29 23:01:00 -0600

The men on Kappa Sigma won Greek God and Goddess on Monday for the first time in years. Our winning band performance and dance routine can be found on the facebook group and soon youtube

BIG AND LITTLES HAVE BEEN REVEALED

Frank Simpson — 2011-10-23 21:21:00 -0500

*Note* Big brothers, it is primarily your responsibility to transition your little(s) from pledge to active, be a point of contact for Q&A's, ensure they are keeping on top of their studies but at the same time getting them out to events, and making sure they are prepared for the pledge exam (make sure your littles are coming out to pledge ed). Remember - if your lose contact and your little does not end up initiating, you will go the year without one. That being said, it IS a 2-way street. Littles, do not hesitate to contact your big whenever you have any questions and concerns. Make sure you exchange numbers!

Bigs and littles for fall 2011

Adam Bertrand - Jafar Ahmed, Oliver Bilodeau
Bryan Launier - Makoto Honda-McNeil, Alain Clark
Eric Howg - Prafull Shrestha, Tanner Hughes
Frank Simpson - Rishabh Sahdev, Wamiq Hussain
Jake Brand - Geoffrey Paquette, Khang Vo
Kenton Falls - Hosam Elsayed, Conor Friesen
Mark Wang - James Chen, Max Chou
Michael Langevin - Kevin Arulmaran, Marcel Rho
Richard Luong - Dat Le, James Tao, Shez Kassam
Theodore Lee - Kevin Chen, Andrew Seidl
Warren Chung - Adriano Aschenbrenner, Luke Telidetzki, Mark Rhyason

Bouquet the tree

Study time

Frank Simpson — 2011-10-05 19:34:00 -0500

With midtems on the horizon and some in the rearview mirror study sounds like a good idea. Now for a limited time kappa sigma will be hoasting a study night every wednesday (oct12th-dec7th) in ED-164 (education building room 164) from 6:00pm-8:00pm..... if you are hard core and want to study at 6am we will not stop you.

Kappa Sigma welcomes another 7!

Warren "Man Candy" Chung — 2011-10-04 10:16:00 -0500

Congratulations to the following fine young men

Rishabh Sahdev

Shez Kassam

Wamiq Hussain

Oliver Bilodeau

Prafull Shrestha

James Chen

Kevin Arulmaran

who successfully pledged to the Epsilon-Alpha Chapter of Kappa Sigma on Monday, October 3rd, 2011.

The pledging of these 7 men bring our fall 2011 total up to a whopping 20! This is not only a chapter record, but this makes us the most successful and preferred fraternity at the University of Alberta.

Epsilon-Alpha Welcomes 13 New Pledges

Warren "Man Candy" Chung — 2011-09-20 10:32:00 -0500

Congratulations to the following men:

Luke Telidetzki (Pledge president)

Makoto Honda-McNeil

James Tao

Conor Friesen

Marcel Rho

Jafar Ahmed

Hosam Elsayed

Dat Le

Andrew Seidl

Alain Clark

Kevin Chen

Mark Rhyason

Max Chou

Who became successful Kappa Sigma pledges on September 19th, 2011 (first round pledging). The brotherhood welcomes you!

Kappa Sigma at the University of Alberta is still seeking active, outgoing, men who are looking to make waves in the Greek community and enrich their university experience.

Our next round of pledging will take place on Monday, October 3rd, 2011. Please come out to some of our events if you are interested in learning more and meeting our actives.

September 21^st (Wednesday) – Dodgeball at 8:00 p.m., wings with alumni at The Rack (contact Sean)
September 22^nd (Thursday) – Soccer at Lister Fields at 10:00 p.m.
September 23^rd (Friday) – Poker night at The House at 8:00 p.m.
September 24^th (Saturday) – Alumni birthday party at the alumni house at 8:00 p.m. (11847 Saskatchewan Drive, contact Sean or Props)
September 26^th (Monday) – Pledge project at 5:30 p.m., Open meeting at The House at 6:00 p.m.
September 29^th (Thursday) – Soccer at Lister Fields at 9:00 p.m.
September 30^th (Friday) – Toga Party at Dinwoodie Lounge at 8:00 p.m. (meet at The House first)
October 3^rd (Monday) – Second round of pledging at The House at 6:15 p.m.

Contacts:

Warren Chung (President) - 780-999-9966

Sean Blanchard (Alumni House Manager) 780-977-6020

Recruitment Week

Warren "Man Candy" Chung — 2011-09-09 12:17:00 -0500

Recruitment Notification

Hi everyone,

I hope you had a great first few days of classes! Kappa Sigma's recruitment week started off on Monday September 5th, and we have since met a bunch of great guys!

Keep coming out to some of our events to get to know our members a little bit better, as well as learn what we're all about!

Upcoming events include (please see for details as location and times may have changed):

-Ultimate Frisbee on Sunday, September 11th from 2pm to 5pm at Garneau Field (109st 86 ave)

-Flag football with the Alpha Psi sorority on Tuesday, September 13th from 630pm onwards at Garneau Field (109st 86ave)

Hope to see you out there!

Warren

Message from the President: Recruitment Calendar Posted

Warren "Man Candy" Chung — 2011-07-25 22:46:00 -0500

Greetings!

After conversing with chapter, we have determined a calendar of events for our recruitment period starting in September. Please click on the "events" link on the sidebar to your left to view it. As you can see, the month is absolutely packed with fun events that appeal to almost anyone! I have added a small blurb in each event's description along with a contact number of the individual assigned to running it.

If you have issues or concerns regarding any of these events, or would like some more information before making the decision to attend, please do not hesitate to text or call my personal cell phone at 780-999-9966. I will be happy to answer your questions promptly.

Please note that the time of day and location of each event is subject to change. Just in case changes ARE made and we haven't been able to reflect them on this website, it is good practice to call the event organizer or myself to confirm the details (unless another active member has contacted you a couple of days before the event).

Thanks for your time and I hope to see you out!

Warren

Update on the main event

Frank Simpson — 2011-03-08 21:10:00 -0600

cocktails 5:30

Dinner (sit doen not buffet) 6:30

Awards, presentations, and speakers to follow

Dance following; ending at 2am

Kappa Sigma Formal

Frank Simpson — 2011-02-03 15:20:00 -0600

The time is nigh when actives, the alumni; the young and the wise come together for the annual formal. So come one and all, catch up with your friends and brothers, make new friends, and meet the current stock of men who are proud to call themselves Kappa Sigma.

This year we are lucky enough to get a room at the Faculty club (on the University of Alberta campus) on March 19^th. The event will be running from 5:30-9:30 with cocktails at 5:30, followed by the buffet supper, awards and keynote speaker. There will be a dance running 9:30 until about 2am, so save some energy and brush up on your skills. Since there will be a dance bring your wife/ girlfriend/ or that good looking sorority girl you had your eye on for years.

As we are still smoothing out the last of the details for the evening, the ticket prices are still to be determined, but we are trying to work at around $40 a ticket.

Tickets will be available through brothers Eric who can be reached at howg@ualberta.ca, and Warren who can be reached at chungwarren@hotmail.com, or if you have any questions regarding the event contact any of the actives.

Alumni Dominate Actives in Football

John Tillner — 2010-09-23 14:59:00 -0500

The Annual football game between Kappa Sigma pledges, actives and Alumni took place last Sunday in cool rainy weather, and the young, cocky students learned another humbling lesson on the road to growing up. They learned that age and experience will always triumph over youth and vigor. This hard earned lesson took the form of a 7 touch-down to 2 touchdown first half on Sunday afternoon.

After the half-time the teams were re-distributed and as much more even and ( for the active chapter) enjoyable game followed. A BBQ preceded and followed the game and there was a chance for some of the "old men" to meet this years chapter and pledges.

19th Summer Golf Tournament a Success!

Josh Ibach-MacKeen — 2010-06-30 17:00:00 -0500

Tournament organizer Duane Bohne (right) and visiting Kappa Sigma Endowment fund representative Joe Kirchgassner getting out on the Green.

June 19 marked the 19th annual Kappa Sigma Alberta Golf Tournament where the North faced off against the South in a day long event that brought lots of old friends togeather for a much anticipated summer ritual.

Fathers and sons Showed up to try and claim the trophy this year. There was an Evans Family foursome as well as a Baydusa team in the running. (Ihor and son Nathen Baydusa in the middle).

Friends and brothers gathered at the end of the day to recall some amazing shots and 1 or 2 really bad ones and to make plans for next year. Duane has announced that he needs a younger Kappa Sig to work with him organizing the 20th tournament next year and take over the event after that, he wants to free up the time he spends organizing the event to work on his short game.

Breakfast was well attended with only a couple of late arrivals (we won't mention your names Mike and Nathen)

Viviane Forest Strikes Gold in Vancouver

Patrick Ross — 2010-03-18 18:38:00 -0500

On February 10, 2010, Kappa Sigma was privileged to host Paralympic Alpine skiier Viviane Forest at our first annual Paralympic Gala.

It is with the memory of her speech at the Gala fresh in mind that the brothers of the University of Alberta chapter of Kappa Sigma would like to congratulate Viviane on winning her first gold medal of the 2010 Paralympic games.

Despite suffering a groin injury early in competition, Viviane has -- to date -- won bronze, silver, and gold medals, with two more events yet to come.

Her victory, won amidst adversity, serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. It comes as Kappa Sigma prepares to make a robust and ongoing commitment to Paralympic Sport in Canada.

Details on Kappa Sigma's Paralympic program will be released on Kappasig.ca as they become available.

Kappa Sigma Raises $1300 for Paralympic Sports!

Patrick Ross — 2010-02-12 13:55:00 -0600

The 2010 Kappa Sigma Paralympic Gala has come and gone, and the brothers of Kappa Sigma are proud to announce that it has been a tremendous success!

The event hosted more than 80 guests at Fiore's Cantina, and raised more than $1300 for the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Edmonton's own Paralympic Sports Association, and direct benefits to help send Paralympian Viviane Forest to Vancouver!

Kappa Sigma would like to thank Fiore's Cantina, Tim Vant, the Paralympic Sports Association, United Cycle, Coca-Cola, Critical Control Solutions, University of Alberta Athletics, Donna Chabot, and the Tire Warehouse for their generous support of this event.

Kappa Sigma is also proud to announce that we will be hosting this event again next year!

Stay posted for details.

Tim Vant's Two Minute Chef

Patrick Ross — 2010-02-09 20:58:00 -0600

Kappa Sigma alumnus and Fiore's Cantina restauranteur Tim Vant teaches how to make Fruscetta Alla Fiore.

For more of Tim's creations, come see him at Fiore's at Fiore Cantina (8715 109th Street)!

2010 Kappa Sigma Paralympic Formal -- Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Patrick Ross — 2010-02-04 16:13:00 -0600

With the 2010 Kappa Sigma Paralympic Gala only one week away, we are proud today to announce that Viviane Forest will be our keynote speaker at this event.

Viviane won multiple Gold Medals at the 2010 IPC World Cup in Austria, and won gold medals in goalball at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney and the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.

Kappa Sigma looks forward to cheering Viviane on in the 2010 Paralympic games.

Kappa Sigma Paralympic Gala Selling Out Fast!

Patrick Ross — 2010-01-28 22:31:00 -0600

Tickets for the 2010 Kappa Sigma Paralympic Gala are selling fast!

As of Thursday, January 28, our initial block of 80 tickets has already sold out!

Thanks to the generosity of Fiore's Cantina and brother Tim Vant, a block of an additional 20 tickets has been opened for this event!

Tickets are $15, include dinner and dessert afterward, and can be claimed by contacting brother Patrick Ross by phone at 306-821-7328, by email at pross@ualberta.ca, or through this event's Facebook page.

Time is running out to secure YOUR place at this fantastic evening.

Kappa Sigma would like to thank Fiore's Cantina and the Northgate Centre M & M Meat Shop for their generous contributions to this event.

This is a Robert Steadward Legacy Project event.

Epsilon Alpha Hosts Paralympic Gala

Josh Ibach-MacKeen — 2010-01-22 03:16:00 -0600

Kick off your Spring Formal season with Kappa Sigma, as we raise money in support of Canadian paralympic athletes!

On Thursday, February 11th, 2010, Fiore's Cantina will host a semi-formal gala. Tickets are available for $15, and will cover dinner (courtesy of Fiore's Cantina) and dessert (courtesy of the Northgate Centre M & M Meat Shop).

5$ from each ticket will be donated to the Canadian Paralymic Committee to support paralympic sports across Canada.

Tickets for this event are limited, so be sure to invite friends, and RSVP early to secure YOUR place at this fabulous event!

Kappa Sigma would like to thank Tim Vant, the Northgate Centre M&M Meat Shop, and Cineplex Theatres for their generous contributions to this event.

This is a Robert Steadward Legacy Project event.

Chapter Tresurer wins scholarship

John Tillner — 2009-12-16 14:22:00 -0600

Epsilon‐Alpha Warren A. Chung Unnamed Scholarship $ 1,000.0

I am pleased to announce that the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund
has completed its scoring of applications for the 2009 Scholarship
Leadership Awards. Over 815 outstanding young men across the country
applied this year for awards, and the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund once
again distributed $250,000 in scholarships. Out of the 815
applications, 45 Brothers were given named awards in the amount of
$2,500. Additionally, 90 young men were given $1,000 awards and another
90 were given $500 awards. Beyond that, 171 applicants were awarded a
Certificate of Merit. These 396 Brothers represent the brightest that
Kappa Sigma has to offer, and we are proud of their accomplishments.
Each of these individual Brothers have been notified today via e-mail of
their award with instructions for receiving their check. Each winner is
listed in the attached document. Please join me in celebrating their
accomplishments!

Founders Day lunch a Sucess!

John Tillner — 2009-12-15 18:23:00 -0600

Brothers of the Epsilon-Aloha chapter met at brother Tim Vants off-campus restaurant Fieore for food, fellowship and to celebrate Founders Day.

The brother who travelled the greatest distance to attend was Keith Burant who lives in the Carribbean.

A cross section of Alumni from the 1940's,50's, 60's showed up.

With an initiation date of 1949 Ed Trott (feft) held seniority at the table.

80's,90's and current undergraduates all took some time to come in from the record cold-snap for a hearty meal .

and a chance to re-new old friendships and meet the latest initiates in chapter. For more pictures go to the photo gallery!

Frat House Dwellers Turn Tables on Burglars

Patrick Ross — 2009-12-06 01:32:00 -0600

David Ingram, KBMT 12 News

Police say two men who tried to burglarize members of the Kappa Sigma Frat House in the 500 block of Pipkin are behind bars after they were caught in the act.

Shortly after 9 p.m. Monday police were called to Frat House about a burglary in progress. While officers were on the way they were told that the residence had the suspects in custody. When patrolmen arrival they arrested Kevin Matthew Citizen, 20, and Phillip Michael Thomas, 23, both of Beaumont.

Three witnesses said they found Citizen and Thomas burglarizing their frat house and confronted them. Both suspects had guns and held the victims at gunpoint until the residents of the frat house realized the guns were just BB Guns. They overpowered the suspects and held them until police arrived.

Citizen and Thomas were booked for Aggravated Robbery with a $50,000 bond. Thomas also had a warrant for Fail to Comply with Sex Offender Registration.

12 News Reporter Liz McKernan has the story.

"I looked over and saw this massive shadow just kind of move, and I ran downstairs because I'm thinking there's somebody in the house, and I've got to get them out of here" said Joe Jefferson, who helped his fraternity brother capture two suspected robbers.

"There Is Nothing Here Worth Your Life" is posted up inside the Kappa Sigma frat house, a warning that two armed robbers didn't see when they barged inside hoping to get their hands on some goods. They likely were also not counting on meeting with a fraternity member who was also a marine back from serving two tours in Iraq.

"He had the gun about that far away from me - when I looked at it, I could see it was a BB gun" said Raymond Knight.

Knight knew exactly what to do to survive, so he tackled one of the suspected robbers to the ground.

"I had my legs wrapped around him, had his head tucked underneath my arm and was lifting - choking him out"

The other man went to run out the back door, but was trapped when he realized there was no way over the fence. Police arrived just two minutes later, arresting the two men.

From what Raymond's assailants' said, it appears the gunmen were down on their luck.

"He kept pointing it in my face saying times are tough - and I know this because I'm broke!" said Raymond.

"It being the holiday season, I think people are trying to provide for their families and just want an easy way out" said Ofc. Randy Stevens with the City of Beaumont Police Dept.

But it didn't stop these brothers from getting swift justice, and protecting what's closest to them.

"I'm definitely going to make sure that we try and keep everyone in the house safe, and that everybody outside of the house knows that this is not a safe place to come in and try and rob" said Jefferson.

http://www.kbmt12.com/news/local/78221192.html

Kappa Sigma Enlists in the Salvation Army!

Patrick Ross — 2009-11-24 14:06:00 -0600

The brothers of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity are proud to announce their involvement with the 2009 Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign!

Brothers Brian Launier, David Robinson, Eric Howg and Patrick Ross will be lending a hand at Kingsway Garden Mall and West Edmonton Mall on the following dates:

November 28, 2009 - Eric Howg - Kingsway Garden Mall, 2PM - 5PM

December 1, 2009 - David Robinson - West Edmonton Mall, 5PM - 8 PM

December 2, 2009 - Eric Howg - West Edmonton Mall, 5PM - 8 PM

December 5, 2009 - Patrick Ross - West Edmonton Mall, 11AM - 2PM; Brian Launier - West Edmonton Mall - 2PM-5PM

Alumni brothers of Kappa Sigma are cordially invited to come out, support the active brothers of Kappa Sigma, and give generously to this outstanding cause.

All Kappa Sigma Brothers Are Cordially Invited to Founder's Day Luncheon

Patrick Ross — 2009-11-17 15:35:00 -0600

On December 10, 2009, all Alumni brothers of Kappa Sigma are cordially invited to attend a Founder's Day luncheon, to be held at Fiore's Cantina (located at 8715 109 Street NW).

Seating will begin at 11:30, with brothers invited to drop in before hand to meet brothers of Kappa Sigma -- past and present. Lunch will formally begin at 12:00.

Kappa Sigma would like to thank brother Tim Vant for hosting this event.

Seating at Fiore's is limited, so brothers are asked to RSVP as soon as possible.

UND Kappa Sigma Fights Homelessness

Patrick Ross — 2009-11-17 14:10:00 -0600

James R Johnson, Grand Forks Herald

National Homeless Awareness Week has inspired two first-time events in Grand Forks.

Each year, the week before Thanksgiving in the United States is highlighted to raise awareness of the plight of America’s homeless. While cold weather is coming and many families are gathering for the holidays, there are countless thousands who have no home in which to gather. Not to mention the working poor, those who have a roof over their heads, but who are just able to afford rent.

Several members of UND’s Kappa Sigma fraternity slept out in front of their house Friday night and plan to do so again tonight to remind people that many others are doing so for real. Several fellow Kappa Sigmas from the University of Minnesota have come to Grand Forks to take part. They are taking donations, and all proceeds will go to local food shelves.

“We have had no source of which to ask for boxes or tents,” said Joe Slaughter, who organized the event along with Kappa Sigma. “We camp with what we have at the house. For most of us, that means a tarp and sleeping bag.”

The event is the first of what Slaughter hopes is a long tradition for UND and the community.

“We have a small fire, so many can keep their hands warm and roast marshmallows,” Slaughter said. “We also have hot apple cider.”

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/140971/

Kappa Sigma Proudly Announces the Initiation of Six New Brothers

Patrick Ross — 2009-11-09 12:55:00 -0600

The University of Alberta chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity is proud to announce the addition of six new members to its chapter.

On Sunday, November 8th, Kappa Sigma added brothers Eric Howg, Edmon Rotea, Kenneth Rodas, Diego Villalpando, Scott Dick and Ken Yau to the roles of Epsilon Alpha Chapter.

Congratulations gentlemen!

The brothers of Epsilon-Alpha would also like to thank our brothers from Lethbridge, Calgary and Kamloops for their help with our initiations and hope that they enjoyed CIFC!!

Epsilon Alpha Wins First Volleyball Game!

Josh Ibach-MacKeen — 2009-10-28 19:07:00 -0500

With an amazing display of feat and unmatched skill, the Epsilon Alpha chapter has won its first Intramurals Volleyball game!

Let this come as a stern warning to future competitors in the "just for fun" league...

(The other team didn't show up.)

"Where the Wild Things Are" Event Postponed

Patrick Ross — 2009-10-16 15:42:00 -0500

Due to circumstances beyond Kappa Sigma's control, the Where the Wild Things Are event at Scotiabank Theatre WEM will be postponed pending the selection of a new date.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Kappa Sigma Supports the Campus Food Bank!

Patrick Ross — 2009-09-22 23:46:00 -0500

The brothers of Kappa Sigma were proud to support the Campus Food Bank on September 22, 2009 by helping out at a BBQ in Main Quad.

Brothers Kevin Dupuis, Brian Launier and Patrick Ross were on hand at the event. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, the event featured free hot dogs and Coke products. Donations were collected for the Campus Food Bank.

Kappa Sigma would like to thank Coca-Cola and the Campus Food Bank for another great opportunity to help out on campus.

Where The Kappa Sigs Are

Patrick Ross — 2009-09-17 18:24:00 -0500

Kappa Sigma is proud to announce that on Saturday, October 17, we will be partnering with Scotiabank Theatres at West Edmonton Mall for a benefit for the Raise a Reader foundation.

Kappa Sigma will be collecting old children's books at screenings of Where the Wild Things Are. Those attending the film will receive a special incentive for bringing in books to be donated to local families in need.

More details will be announced as they become available.

This is a Mike Evans Legacy Project event.

New Alberta District

John Tillner — 2009-09-15 09:30:00 -0500

Alberta becomes Its own district. HQ has recognized that there are vast geographical challanges attached to the concept of Alberta and BC sharing a district. As a result Alberta was recently declared a seperate District, and Mike Evans was named District Grand Master. The DGM has responsibility for ensuring that his chapters maintain the high standards set for our Fraternity, but also works with those chapters to foster growth, and intra-district co-operation. Mike is a long-time Alumnus volunteer, He has served Epsilon Alpha as the AA, as well as Assistant District Grand Master for several years.

Kappa Sigma Fall Rush Begins!

Patrick Ross — 2009-08-30 17:52:00 -0500

The brothers of Kappa Sigma are proud to announce that their recruitment for Fall 2009 is now underway!

If you're ready to take the Kappa Sigma journey, the brothers of Epsilon Alpha are proud to present the following events as your opportunity to come and see what it's all about!

Check out our events section!

Monday, August 31st & Tuesday, September 1 - Come see us at the U of A Clubs Fair in the Butterdome

Wednesday, September 2 - Come see us at the outdoor Clubs Fair in Main Quad

Saturday, September 5 - Kappa Sigma's Welcome Barbecue! Come meet the brothers of Kappa Sigma and enjoy a meal on us. Meet at the Students Union Building at 12:00.

Tuesday, September 8 - Kappa Sigma Games Night! Come relax with the brothers and play some board games. Meet at the Students Union Building at 7:00.

Also Tuesday, September 8! - Flag football with the fabulous ladies of Alpha Psi! Meet at the Students Union Building at 7:00.

Saturday, September 12 - Frisbee Golf at Rundell Park! Come out to Rundell Park for a fun-filled Saturday afternoon! Pickups at the Students Union Building at 1:00.

Friday, September 18 - 007 Lasertag! Dress up as your favourite Bond character (or not) and come out for a round of lasertag. Pickups at the Students Union Building at 7:00.

Monday, September 21 - Open Meeting! By now you've seen how the brothers of Kappa Sigma play. Now come and see how we conduct the business of the Order! Pickups at the Students Union Building at 5:00.

Come out, find out what Kappa Sigma is all about, and get an education, not just a degree.

Greek recruiting a process not to be missed

Patrick Ross — 2009-08-27 17:59:00 -0500

Chris Smith

I was at Tanner’s in Overland Park this summer with a recent Kappa Sigma graduate, enjoying a beverage and a Royals game when something kind of funny happened.

Noticing we were both wearing Baker gear, a 40-ish man, who was undoubtedly First Team All-Moustache and at least Honorable Mention All-Mullet from 1985, approached us.

He explained he was a Baker grad and then eagerly asked us if we were members of a fraternity. After my buddy replied “Kappa Sig,” the man stuck out his hand, grinning from ear to ear, and offered the official Kappa Sigma handshake. Taken by surprise, my friend stammered for a second – as if trying to remember the things he was taught as a pledge – and then produced the unique greeting. (Don’t worry, Kappa Sigs, I won’t go into greater detail).

Please don’t take offense greek brothers, but I must admit that I giggled during the exchange. I don’t think I’ve had a secret handshake since my 7th grade touchdown celebration. And that was cooler, mind you, because it involved a dirty bird dance and a chest bump.

Anyway, upon reflection I realized the entire thing was pretty cool. I came into Baker four years ago with some incorrect predispositions about fraternities. In fact my knowledge of the system revolved around “Animal House,” and I just couldn’t see myself saying, ‘Thank you sir, may I have another?’ to a fellow man. But by all inside accounts, and what I’ve personally seen during my college career, paddling doesn’t exist (unless you get on Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity President Zack Rockey’s bad side), and fraternities can be a great way to meet friends for life.

I don’t regret many things about my four years at Baker, but I do regret not rushing. I’m not saying I would have joined a fraternity – the soccer team for me was a fraternity in itself – but I absolutely recommend going through the rush process. At a small school like Baker, knowing a lot of different people and having a variety of friends will drastically improve your experience.

Plus you might just learn a new handshake.

Reproduced from Baker Orange, Baker University Student Newspaper

John Tillner Honoured for 10 Years of Service

Patrick Ross — 2009-08-26 15:31:00 -0500

How do you spell dedication?

Epsilon Alpha Alumnus Advisor John Tillner knows how -- with 10 years of volunteer service to his chapter.

On July 24, 2009, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity honoured brother Tillner for his 10 years of Service at its Bi-Annual Conclave in San Antonio, Texas.

If actions truly speak louder than words, the example set by brother Tillner has spoken volumes.

The brothers of Epsilon Alpha would like to thank John Tillner once again for his time and dedication over these past ten years.

Boulder, Colorado Fraternity Goes Solar

Patrick Ross — 2009-08-25 13:52:00 -0500

Fraternity houses are not know for being eco-conscious. Most fraternities are known for their partying and campus irreverence than for their commitment to the environment.

Elephantjournal.com found at least one college fraternity in Boulder, Colorado that was bucking the trend. The Kappa Sigma Fraternity has added solar panels to the fraternity house.

One fraternity member that was interviewed thought adding the solar panels was merely common sense. According to him Colorado’s rebates meant that the cost of the solar panels was reduced by 50 percent. The reduction in the cost of the solar panels meant that the fraternity would see a return on their investment much sooner than previously, making solar panels a wise investment in addition to an environmentally friendly choice.

Rebates have increased recently on the national level as well as in many states. These rebates reduce the price such that “it just makes sense” for more people to go solar. For most people, adding solar panels was seen as too expensive because it would take too long for the energy savings to pay for the improvement.

Just as the Kappa Sigma fraternity in Boulder, Colorado found adding solar panels to be the smart thing to do, other college fraternity and sorority houses depending on their location, should also consider adding solar panels. Fraternities and sororities have to watch costs just like every other organization. Adding green features like better insulation and more energy efficient light fixtures to the houses tend to have a high capital cost but the possess benefits which will be reaped for years.

Solar panels just like computers and large screen TVs, are beginning to see an increase in sales because of more affordable pricing due to rebates. As the price of solar panels goes down, more people and organizations will buy them because the panels will save them money and increase the value of their buildings.

We are beginning to see a shift away from those environmental activists who can afford to buy solar panels to a broader segment of society who are buying them “just because it makes sense.”

Article reproduced from Tech.Blorge.com

[Edited by J. Ibach-MacKeen]

Kappa Sigma raises $400 for Stollery Children's Hospital

Patrick Ross — 2009-08-24 16:42:00 -0500

There may be only one thing that makes a Dairy Queen Blizzard taste even better: knowing that the money is going to a fantastic cause.

Brothers Patrick Ross and Matty McComb recently had the privilege of helping out at the Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day at the Westmount Dairy Queen.

Selling Stollery balloons for $2 apiece, brothers Ross and McComb managed to help raise approximately $400 for the Stollery Children's hospital. This was a Brent Akins Legacy Project event.

Founding Father Dies

John Tillner — 2009-08-21 14:27:00 -0500

Dr. Robert E. Folinsbee (1917-2008) was instrumental to the formation and early success of the Epsilon-Alpha chapter at the University of Alberta. While attending the university in the 1930s, Bob Folinsbee was an early member of the literary society Alpha-Tau, later invited to charter as a chapter of Kappa Sigma. Graduating with his B.Sc. in 1938, Folinsbee missed the chartering of Epsilon-Alpha by one year. Moving to Minnesota to continue his education, he was awarded his Ph.D. in geology in 1942. Brother Folinsbee spent the next several years with the Geological Survey of Canada before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

After the war, “Dr. Bob” spent a brief period of time at Harvard University before returning to the University of Alberta to teach in 1946. Bob was elected chair of the Geology department in 1955. Seven years later, in 1962, Brother Folinsbee was formally initiated as its 404^th member into the chapter that grew out of his efforts to enhance undergraduate fellowship twenty four years previously. His nephew, Robert A. Folinsbee, was in the same pledge class. Bob’s son, John, would also join the chapter two years later in October 1964.

Bob Folinsbee played the role of counsellor and guide to chapter for many years after his initiation, attending numerous rush functions and special events. After leaving the Geology chair in 1969, Bob was elected to many prestigious posts, including President of the Geological Society of America (1975-76) and the Royal Society of Canada, the highest honour available to Canadian academicians.

After continuous service to the community in his home province of Alberta, Brother Folinsbee moved to Ontario where he spent the remainder of his days. His contribution to his field, to his community and to the Epsilon-Alpha chapter was immense. He inspired generations of Kappa Sigmas over more than thirty years of active involvement.