Kappa Sigma Sigma
| Kappa Sigma Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΚΣΣ | |
| File:Kappa sigma sigma.jpg | |
| Founded | May 10, 1916 University of Redlands |
| Type | Social fraternity |
| Motto | A kappa sig nunquam mendums A Kappa Sig never falters |
| Colors | Green, and Gold |
| Symbol | Shield and Crescent |
| Patron | Dan Isham |
| Headquarters | 1235 Sylvan Blvd. Redlands, California USA |
| Website | http://www.kappasigmasigma.com/ |
ΚΣΣ (Kappa Sigma Sigma) is a local fraternity which was founded in 1916 at the University of Redlands. The fraternity headquarters is known as the "Bird House" and it is located at 1235 Sylvan Blvd. Kappa Sigma Sigma currently has 25 active members and a well organized alumni association of over 1,000. Kappa Sigma Sigma is the only Greek organization at the U of R which has never lost its charter.
History
Kappa Sigma Sigma was founded on May 10, 1916, by seven students at the University of Redlands. The seven founders met in the dental office of Dr. W. H. Heacock in the Fischer Building and seriously agreed upon the formation of the new fraternity which would have high ideals and be helpful to the school. It is significant that the early gatherings of the group were opened with a Scripture reading and a word of prayer. Leonard Cooper was elected as the First President and was an energetic and diplomatic leader. The first important move was the securing of Sawyer Hall as the first fraternity house. "Mother" Sawyer was the first and only house mother of Kappa Sigma Sigma. During this period the official colors were selected and the pin was designed by Fred D. Fagg, Jr. The grip, password, and whistle were adopted November 14, 1916.
Pledge Process
Kappa Sigma Sigma is known for its very difficult and secretive pledging process. The founders are credited with the drafting of the process and it is the responsiblity of the Pledgemaster to ensure it is strictly adhered to. Those who complete the intensive program and enter into active membership are regarded as an elite group of men. The Spring Pledge Class of 2006 saw its numbers dwindle by thirty percent in the first week alone.
On November 25, 2006 the active chapter initiated four men into their noble order. This small pledge class was led by Brother Chris Tucker and consisted of two pledges who are both of the Skarbek legacy.
Notable Kappa Sig's
The fraternity has produced many notable individuals including:
- Warren Christopher - former U.S. Secretary of State
- Vern and Robert Stater - founders of fortune 500 company Stater Brothers
- Fred D. Fagg, Jr. - former president of the University of Southern California
- Judge Pat Morris - mayor of San Bernardino, California.
Alumni Association
Kappa Sigma Sigma have very active alumni whose activities include the Rendezvous, the Buck of the Month Club, the Directory, and others. The Rendezvous is undoubtedly the highlight of alumni activities. This is a huge gathering of all Kappa Sigs, past and present. This day of fellowship is highlighted by the dinner where awards and presentations are given and where one may truly see fraternal spirit. The alumni always show interest in its active chapter as is demonstrated by the financial assistance the circle receives. Many house improvements have been financed by the alumni for the benefit of the active chapter.
The Bird House
Construction of the Bird House began in 1953 after the members of Kappa Sigma Sigma secured a $10,000 loan. The house sits on an elegantly landscaped two acre lot in the middle of fraternity row at 1235 Sylvan Blvd. The property includes such ammenities as a volleyball court, horseshoe and bonfire pits, outdoor cooking facilities, and plenty of room for social gatherings. A seasonal creek known as the Zank runs through the estate and a wooden bridge provides a passable crossing.
As of June 2006 the Bird House has been closed because of a renovation on fraternity row. This reconstruction project was necessitated because of the poor condition of the neighboring Alpha Gamma Nu and Chi Sigma Chi fraternity houses which had fallen into such disrepair their very existence was a major liability to the University of Redlands. Kappa Sig’s are known to pride themselves on the condition of their fraternity headquarters and for a number of years it has been the only inhabited house on “the row”. The Men of Kappa Sigma Sigma currently reside in a temporary house until construction commences in January 2007.
Recent History
Kappa Sigma Sigma has a long tradition of producing student leaders who excell in both academics and athletics. In the last year alone six Kappa Sig's have served as elected A.S.U.R. Senators (Chris Tucker, Alex Strand, Rusty "Pale Boner" Walker, Jason O'Donnell, Andrew McGraw, Troy Campbell), two competed at the national level in Water Polo and Swimming (Ian Calpin and Alex Strand), and Jason O'Donnell was elected as University of Redlands Student Body President for the 2005-06 school year.
On November 21, 2006 Kappa Sigma Sigma received a fine of $300 because of an incident that occurred during Greek Presents. It was voted and agreed upon by Greek Council that Pledge Chris Scott committed a "distasteful act" during his part of the performance. Director of Greek Life Mark Hartley agreed that the offence occurred when Chris Scott failed to kiss the hand of Delta Kappa Psi sorority president Brooke Talia Szabo after he presented her with a long-stemmed rose. The fine was levied after more than three hours of deliberation and the insistance for even stiffer penalties by Brooke Szabo.