Re-founding a fraternity on a college campus is no simple feat. Imagine planting a seed of community and brotherhood that you may not fully reap the rewards of yourself. Instead, you help it take root, grow, and flourish into a proud organization. That is what the members of the Kappa Sigma (KΣ) fraternity, along with the brothers of other recently re-founded fraternities on campus, are working toward.
Kappa Sigma’s Delta-Rho Chapter has a long history at Franklin & Marshall. Originally founded on June 1, 1928, the chapter has initiated more than 1,500 members. However, in the fall of 2019, the chapter came under investigation after the college received allegations of hazing against its new pledges. Following this investigation, F&M decided to suspend the fraternity for two years in 2021, a penalty that ultimately stretched to four years, since the chapter was found responsible for hazing. Now, after years away, Kappa Sigma and the Delta-Rho Chapter is making its return to campus, aiming to build a new generation of brothers.
Kappa Sigma itself is one of the largest fraternities in North America. Founded at the University of Virginia in 1869, it now has more than 280 active chapters across the United States and Canada. Like many other Greek organizations at F&M, it emphasizes the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.
The reinstatement process means interested students have the chance to become Founding Fathers of the Delta-Rho Chapter. In practice, that role involves helping to set the culture, traditions, and standards of the fraternity for years to come. In other words, it is the students on campus who will ultimately shape the identity of Kappa Sigma here at F&M.
Sophomore Yanick Brock is one member of our community trying to re-establish Kappa Sigma. Brock already has a vision for Kappa Sigma: “to blossom into a place for people of good character helping each other and others wherever they can.”
Brock’s father is a F&M Kappa Sigma alum, and he says that “seeing the fraternity my father was part of come back gives me another feeling of connection, not only with him but with the school as well.”
Senior Aryan Tibrawalla shares that in common with Brock, since his father is another F&M Kappa Alum, and they were brothers during their time here. Tibrawalla says that “I want future brothers to inherit a tight-knit community that uplifts each other, pursues excellence, and serves others selflessly.”
For both Brock and Tibrawalla, it’s more than simply rebuilding a fraternity. It’s about strengthening campus community, honoring family connections, and leaving behind a legacy for future Diplomats. As the Delta-Rho Chapter takes root again, its Founding Fathers hope it will flourish into a brotherhood defined by character and service.
Senior Zach Long is the News Editor. His email is zlong@fandm.edu.