Kappa Sigma - Indiana University

Traditional Founding 

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.

American Founding

Kappa Sigma in America was founded one chilly evening in the fall of 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. For many weeks the bonds of friendship had drawn these five together; now the need became clear for a formal structure to contain their feelings. Thus, not only did the Founders formalize their friendship, but they also created a fraternity steeped in the traditions of the past and dedicated to the Pursuit of Learning. The new brothers recorded their bond in a Constitution and in an Oath which set forth the ideals and principles to all Kappa Sigmas today.

Beta-Theta Chapter History

Kappa Sigma was originally chartered as the Mu Prime chapter in 1887 at Indiana University, and later recolonized as the Beta-Theta chapter in 1900.  The chapter has been active on campus ever since.  Currently, Kappa Sigmas are located in their third chapter house.  Beta-Theta moved into its first house on Third Street, known as "The Grainary" in 1926. Later, the chapter moved into a larger house located at 1411 North Jordan in order to compensate for the boom in students during the 1960s.  The chapter just finished construction on its newest house, still located at 1411 North Jordan, in May of 2006.  The house is one of the largest and most expensive in the country, and will ensure that the chapter can grow for many years to come.

Over the years, Kappa Sigma has produced many successful brothers.  From campus leaders and athletes, to CEOs and entrepreneurs, the Beta-Theta chapter of Kappa Sigma is known for developing strong leaders. 

The following are famous Kappa Sigma alumni from Indiana University:

Dr. John W. Ryan is considered one of the leading education administrators in the country.  Dr. Ryan served as President of Indiana University from 1971-1987 and Chancellor of the SUNY system from 1996-1999.  He is currently President Emeritus at Indiana University.

Col. Ronald J. Webb served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was held a prisoner of war in Hanoi for nearly six years. After his release, he continued his career in the Air Force and earned two Silver Stars before retiring as a colonel in 1985. President Ronald Reagan appointed him a special assistant to the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and President George H.W. Bush appointed him FAA aviation assistant to the Secretary of Transportation.

Todd Wagner  co-founded Broadcast.com in September of 1995, and as CEO led the company to becoming the leading destination for audio and video programming on the Internet.  Yahoo! purchased the company for 5.7 billion dollars in 1999.  He is currently CEO of 2929 entertainment, through which Mr. Wagner and business partner Mark Cuban own 100% of of Rysher Entertainment, Landmark Theaters, and Magnolia Pictures Distribution, and also hold an interest in Lions Gate Entertainment.