What do two of our brothers who graduated in 1973 and 2011 have in common? James and William Curto have a bigger relationship than just being Kappa Sig brothers – they are also father and son.
Although there is a nearly 40-year gap between their college experiences, their time as undergraduates were similar in many ways. Both men took on leadership positions within the fraternity. James ’73 even served as Grand Master for a period of time.
“I sought the Grand Master role because I thought I could make a positive difference in how we were running the house,” he explained. “As GM, I knew I liked having a leadership role.”
Similar to James’s willingness to lead his chapter, William ‘11 became a founding father at Kappa Sigma, helping to reinstate the chapter at Denison. When asked what it feels like to be a founding father to his father’s fraternity, William believes “it’s great to share a new kind of bond.”
“I was already involved with several organizations, but I wanted to start something new and meet a new group of people,” William he added.
The Gamma Xi Chapter has been suspended since 2006, but with the help of William and his friends, the chapter was brought back to life. James is “very proud of his [son’s] effort” and knows how important the fraternity is to his own life.
“As freshmen, we were told that fraternity membership was a lifelong thing and that this would provide a home base when visiting Denison years after graduation – that this could enhance a continuing connection to the university,” James said.
Both James and William agree on the essential role that alumni play to the chapter. They understand that this chapter is young and growing, but still upholds the same ideals that the original chapter did.
“With the right resources, we can improve Denison’s atmosphere for both our members and the entire campus,” said William on encouraging alumni to participate in the chapter.
Without any doubt, Kappa Sigma has affected this father and son duo in a positive way. They both agree that their lives would be different if they hadn’t joined. William said he would never have met the group of 50 great guys he became brothers with. James sees the impact as stretching even beyond his great friendships.
“Among other things, I learned to run a small enterprise – even if it was a fraternity house. Purchasing, cleaning, paying the cook, collecting the bills from the brothers, dealing with discipline, and so forth,” James explained.
Together, the Curtos look back at their experiences with Kappa Sigma fondly. Their years at Denison were a big part of their life, and they wish future Kappa Sigmas the same success. While William urges them to “be smart,” James wants them to relish in their undergraduate time.
“Treat all fairly. Savor your friendships and continue them after graduation. Try to study now and then,” he said. “I had a great college experience at Denison and being a member of Kappa Sigma was a big part of this.”
Today, both father and son are living under the same roof. William is newly engaged and searching for post-graduate jobs in the Chicago area. James is running the family business of an assisted-living center in suburban Chicago – a business that he co-founded.
Reconnect with James at (708) 246-2167 and William at [email protected].