Kappa Sigma
History of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity
The origins of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity can be traced back to the city of Bologna, Italy around the year 1400. At the University of Bologna, a teacher by the name of Manuel Chrysoloras founded an ancient society of students with five of his most devoted disciples. The society was founded for mutual protection against the corrupt governor of the city, former pirate Baldassare Cossa, who would often have students of the University physically attacked and robbed in the streets.
The students used secret words and signs to protect their ranks from betrayal. These forms and rituals became the basis of their organization. It embodied their ideals and allowed for both the safety of their members and the strong unity of the society.
The society slowly grew to large numbers, taking in those students who desired the protection it could offer. With a strong foundation in the loyalty and quality of its members, the ancient order grew into a strong organization. Over time, its strength and unity transformed the order from a protective society against Cossa into something much greater, a true brotherhood.
On December 10, 1869, five students at the University of Virginia met in 46 East Lawn and founded the Kappa Sigma Fraternity in America. They took the traditions of the ancient order in Bologna and created a fraternity that aimed to continue in its noble cause, that of unending brotherhood.
History of the Omicron-Phi Chapter
The Omicron-Phi Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity was founded on Saturday, April 14, 2007. On this day 27 men moved from pledges to initiates of the fraternity and received their charter. The chapter began as a colony in March 2006 when twenty-one of the twenty-seven founding fathers pledged to the Fraternity. From this point forward they sought to achieve their goals through the four pillars of Kappa Sigma: fellowship, leadership, scholarship, and service.
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