Don Bren passed away January 19, 2017.

One of the four pillars of Kappa Sigma is Service. Among the many facets of Don’s life was the service he gave to the Gamma-Xi chapter. Don, class of ’52, was one of many brothers from the early 50’s that will always stand out, in my mind, as a standard for which all Kappa Sigmas should strive. Don served on the Gamma-Xi House Corporation and Alumni Board for over 50 of his 86 years. Brothers Richard Bonesteel and Irv Harlamert still serve along with friend of the Board, Richard Hotaling. I have often said that the secret to long life is serving on the Gamma-Xi Board.

The following is an excerpt from the history of Kappa Sigma. Read the entire article at kappasigmadenison.com.

“The seeds of the revival of Gamma-Xi Chapter were planted in January 2007 by a letter from Richard S. Bonesteel ʼ52, secretary of the Gamma-Xi Alumni Association Board of Trustees, to Dr. Samuel J. Thios, Denison Vice President for Student Affairs, requesting an opportunity to recolonize the chapter during the 2007-2008 school year and after the three-year suspension. Dr. Thios responded in February, warning that Sigma Alpha Epsilon had attempted a revival, but that the joint effort of their national headquarters and Denison alumni had yielded only four interested men. He stated that the university currently had a closed expansion policy for fraternities, but that if that policy changed, preference would be given to fraternities that had strong Denison alumni support.

It’s almost Presidents Day, the date when we honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of the greatest men to have led our country.

We found this photo of the brothers of Kappa Sigma in our archives. Does it bring back any memories for you? Share them with us by submitting an update here. Also, we know you have old photos from your Kappa Sigma days lying around; be sure to share your throwback pictures with us by clicking here to submit an update. 

Martin Luther King Day is this Monday, Jan. 16. In addition to honoring the late Civil Rights icon, the holiday doubles as a national day of service. As King said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”

Service is a big part of the purpose of any fraternity, particularly Kappa Sigma, which helps countless others every year with programs like “A Greater Cause” and the “Military Heroes Campaign.” In addition, Kappa Sigma brothers at chapters throughout the country perform numerous service projects throughout the year.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Did you make a pact with yourself to spend more time with the family? To read more? Travel more? Maybe your resolution involves keeping in better contact with your fraternity brothers. Whatever it is,