Kappa Sigma Fraternity Celebrates Sesquicentennial Anniversary at 2019 Grand Conclave  A contingent of Tau Chapter alumni and actives attended the 72nd Biennial Grand Conclave held July 24 - 28 in Charlottesville, VA, home of Kappa Sigma Fraternity’s International Headquarters. More than 1,500 members from 320 chapters and colonies located throughout the United States and Canada participated.

Jake Kinnear ’17, Jim Pritchett ’71, Roy Markum ’69, Mike Sharpe ’79, Bill Zwiener ’73, Noah Trapolino ’17, Ben Broughton ’16, and Willie Madden ’84

Jim Pritchett ’71 was awarded the Distinguished Service Commendation by the Supreme Executive Committee of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the 2019 Grand Conclave. Pritchett served as TKSEF chairman from 2011 through 2018 and was chosen Tau Man of the Year in 2013.

TKSEF Chairman Bill Zwiener ’73 stands next to the newly dedicated statue immortalizing Stephen Alonzo Jackson, regarded as the most important man in Kappa Sigma history. Located on the campus of the Kappa Sigma headquarters, the statue is surrounded by names of brothers who contributed to the construction of the plaza where the statue stands.

Addressing the Hazing Issue

Tau Chapter Grand Master Ben Broughton ‘16 introduced Shawn Cumberland.

An important segment of the Grand Conclave was devoted to addressing the serious issue of college fraternity hazing. Shawn Cumberland, father of Tau active Nicky Cumberland ’16, spoke to this issue at the General Session held July 26. Nicky died from injuries he sustained as a result of a car accident following another student organization's event last fall where he had been hazed. Mr. Cumberland has been active in helping pass legislation at both the state and federal levels to increase penalties for those found guilty of hazing. Tau Chapter’s leadership has been working with Mr. Cumberland to further their shared goals to prohibit hazing and prevent future tragedies from occurring. TKSEF Board Chairman Bill Zwiener will outline new measures to be taken in a letter soon to be distributed to alumni, parents and actives.

Shawn Cumberland presented a moving tribute to his son, Nicky, at the General Session.

TRIBUTE TO NICKY

Navy SEAL Mark McGinnis Delivers Inspiring Message to Kappa Sigma Delegation

U.S. Navy SEAL Commander and Tau brother Mark McGinnis encouraged his Kappa Sigma brothers to serve others, face demanding challenges, and be a part of causes bigger than themselves. Later in the week, two SEALs parachuted down to the Kappa Sigma crowd with 150th anniversary flags.

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Jim Pritchett ’71, Roy Markum ’69, and Bill Zwiener ‘73

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Ron Holsey, Past Worthy Grand Treasurer, Mic Wilson, Executive Director, and Toby Taylor, Past Worthy Grand Master

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