Dear Tau Chapter Alumni,

On behalf of the active membership of Kappa Sigma at the University of Texas, it is with great pleasure that I report the many successes of Tau Chapter during this past year.  With its great history and strong legacy, we are working hard to continue Tau’s excellence on the UT campus.  I can say with confidence that all will be happy with our efforts to move the chapter forward.

The chapter worked hard this year to initiate 39 new members. The class is an excellent group of men from Texas, California, Louisiana, and New York who make strong additions to the chapter, which comprises 127 men.

Last semester the chapter scored in the top five of fraternities and maintained a G.P.A. greater than the All-men’s Campus Average. In addition to academics, the Tau chapter organized several intramural teams in flag football, soccer, basketball, and softball. Our flag football team finished in 2nd place after a hard-fought championship game. 

The Tau Chapter began a new era of charitable giving with a fundraising event held at Guero's Taco Bar on May 10, 2010. The Chapter raised $810, with all proceeds going to Mobile Loaves & Fishes (http://www.mlfnow.org/site/PageServer), an Austin-based charity dedicated to providing food, clothing and dignity to those in need. The Chapter extends a special thanks to Tito Beveridge, Rob & Cathy Lippincott, and Dr. Denton Cooley for supporting this event. This is the first of more community outreach projects for the Chapter. We plan to organize at least one philanthropic project each semester to help those who are struggling in our community. Next semester, new members will provide weekly tutoring sessions to elementary and middle school students needing help with their school work. 

The Tau chapter of Kappa Sigma boasts several student leaders involved in various organizations on campus including Undergraduate Business Council, Liberal Arts Council, Silver Spurs, Texas Cowboys, and multiple career organizations and honors societies.

The Fall 2010 recruitment process began with the annual Texas Independence celebration and Round Up. The opening of the new Lodge as well as a strong group of State and City Rush Captains promise great results for the Fall 2010 Pledge Class. “We look forward to an excellent summer rush with potential for one of the biggest, best pledge classes in recent years,” –Matthew Ziemnicki, Head Rush Captain.

The Fall Parents’/Alumni Weekend was a huge success with a record number of attendees. Dinner at the Thistle Café, the football tailgate, and the Tau Man of the Year presentation provided excellent opportunities for undergraduates, alumni, and parents to get to know each other and share their Kappa Sig experiences. Thank you very much to the parents and alumni who planned and participated in the event.

Overall, the chapter is excited by the progress on the new Lodge and looks forward to the grand opening. We are maintaining our good standing with the University and National Chapter and pride ourselves on being one of the only fraternities not on probation. We appreciate our alumni’s dedication and support and hope our actions reinforce our gratefulness and reflect the values we have come to learn and embrace in Kappa Sigma.

Fraternally,

Preston Munster

Grand Master