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Kappa Sigma Store Blog

Kappa Sigma Founders' Day

Founded in 1869 at the University of Virginia, with headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia, Kappa Sigma is the largest college social fraternity in the world. The organization boasts over 200,000 living members, including 17,000 undergraduate members in 305 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Kappa Sigma members strive to embody the Four Pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service. In pursuit of these qualities, many brothers have achieved great success after their time in the fraternity.


Craig D. Melvin

Melvin was born in Columbia, South Carolina and later attended Wofford College to study government, where he joined Kappa Sigma. He began his career as a journalist by first working for NBC affiliate WIS-TV in Columbia, starting as a reporter and being promoted to news anchor. Much of his work at WIS-TV concerned issues of education and homelessness. In 2011 Melvin joined MSNBC as a daytime news anchor, and to this day continues to cover major news events in the country. 


James “Jimmy” Buffett

Born in 1946, Jimmy Buffett has built a successful career as an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, actor and businessman. Early in his life, he received a bachelor's degree in history from University of Southern Mississippi, where he also joined Kappa Sigma. Later on he became widely known for his signature “island escapism” music style and especially the hit song “Margaritaville”, which later inspired a record label, retail chain, restaurant chain, and other business ventures of the same name.


Addison “Mort” Walker

Walker was best known for his original comic strip Beetle Bailey, which began running in 1950 and continues to be published today, even after Walker’s death in 2018. Beetle Bailey is about a lazy soldier named Private Bailey, and the humorous happenings on his fictional army base. The early strip featured characters modeled after Walker’s Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers from his time at the University of Missouri. Walker was president of his Kappa Sigma chapter. 


Anthony A. Sadler

Sadler is known for his heroism during the 2015 Thalys train attack, where he and friends stopped a gunman armed with an AKM assault rifle and prevented any deaths. He received a Secretary of Defense Medal of Valor for his actions, as well as France’s Knights of the Legion of Honour, which is the country’s highest decoration. He later portrayed himself in the Clint Eastwood movie, The 15:17 to Paris. Before these events, Sadler joined Kappa Sigma at California State University.


Louis S. Zamperini

Zamperini was an American World War II veteran and Olympic distance runner. He finished 8th in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and in 1941 joined the United States Army Air Forces. During a search and rescue mission, Zamperini’s plane malfunctioned and crashed into the ocean, where he and two other crewmates drifted at sea for 47 days. They eventually landed on Japanese occupied islands and were captured as prisoners of war, where Zamperini endured extreme hardship and torture due to his status as an Olympian. In his later years after being released, the movie Unbroken was made about Zamperini’s inspiring story. Before these events, he was a Kappa Sigma brother at the University of Southern California.


Edwin P. Hubble

Born in 1889, Hubble was a prominent American astronomer. His early academic career was spent at the University of Chicago, which he graduated from in 1910 as a Kappa Sigma brother and with a bachelor of science. He proved the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way, and provided evidence that the recessional velocity of a galaxy increases with its distance from the Earth, a property known as Hubble’s Law, which implies that the universe is expanding. The Hubble Space Telescope, which has orbited Earth since 1990, was named in his honor. 



We think Kappa Sigma is a classic, which is why we make quality, unique apparel and other greatly priced products to celebrate it. Embrace tradition or keep it trendy – we’ve got a large assortment to choose from. Check out our collection of Kappa Sigma gear here!

Kappa Sig 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Kappa Sig 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

When it comes to holiday shopping for your favorite Kappa Sig, look no further than us, their official store. From our large assortment of unique and high quality items to our 30+ years of experience in the Greek market, we know the best gifts this season for each and every Kappa Sigma member. Check out our festive guide to making Christmas perfect this year!

 

Reverse Weave Hoodies:

What Kappa Sig doesn’t love a classic Champion Reverse Weave hoodie!  For the classic Kappa Sig, try our Natural Champion Reverse Weave Sewn on Hoodie, it’s got a blend of stylish and simple, blending our top rated sewn ons with the top quality brand of Champion. There’s so much high quality to appreciate! 

Ornament: 

The perfect addition to any Kappa Sigma tree - need we say more? Choose for the classic limited edition version or go a step further and personalize it for your favorite Kappa Sig!


Basketball Jersey: 

On or off the court, there’s so much to love about this classic and retro black basketball jersey. It’s a trendy gift for the sporty Kappa Sig and a fun way to rep their letters in any context!


Khaki Duffel: 

Not only is this khaki duffel the perfect size for a visit home, but anyone will be impressed with just how much stuff they can fit in this stylish duffel. It’s engraved with Kappa Sig in a trendy leather patch and has a classic retail feel that endures. 


Comfort Colors Tees:

A Kappa Sig favorite, there’s a style for everyone in our Comfort Colors tees. Outdoorsy Kappa Sig? Check. Patriotic? Check. Urban? We got that too. Explore all the colors and designs find the perfect fit for your Greek. 


**Due to supply chain issues, some tees may be substituted for similar quality brands**


Embroidered Beanies: 

Moms, you’ve been keeping your Kappa Sig warm for years, don’t stop now! We have some top quality beanies in several fun styles! Decorated with classic embroidery, these will last for winters to come.


Sewn On Letters: 

THE staple for every Kappa Sigma and we, their official store, have the best in the business! Not only do we have some classic styles, we also have some unique designs like our stars and stripes and our camo sewn ons


Crest Hat: 

Every Kappa Sig loves their crest and what better way to render it than in high quality embroidery. This hat comes in 4 different color options and it’s a classic option that every Kappa Sig should have! 


Don’t sleep on these great items! Order now and be ahead of the curve and get everything in time to get them under the tree. Need more options? Check out our catalog that features more of our holiday favorites!

5 Summer Closet Essentials

5 Summer Closet Essentials

Our team has been talking about all things summer for months and now summer is almost here FINALLY! We have been compiling our favorite summer trends and decided we just had to share with you what we think every Kappa Sig should have in their closet for summer. So let's jump into the 5 summer essentials we know you will be loving for summer 2021!

Ali’s Pick: Retro Letter Hoodie

Ali’s Why: I love a retro moment and you guys definitely love a retro moment based on how many retro designs you buy from us! And honestly, is it really possible to have too many hoodies in your closet? I don’t think so!

This is the same blank that we use for our best-selling sewn-on letter hoodies  except this time, instead of embroidering the Kappa Sigma letters on, we printed them! Just imagine wearing this hoodie to a bonfire this summer or snuggled up watching a movie at the drive-in. It’s simple, which I love, and it goes with everything, which I know you will love!

Kyla’s Pick: Color Block Rain Jacket 

Kyla’s Why: You are probably thinking that a rain jacket is very summery, but look at this rain jacket! It has bold colors and all the patriotic vibes you could want. It screams the perfect summer rain jacket! Here in Indy the rain picks up in the summer months and I am always grabbing for a cute insta worthy rain jacket that also isn’t going to have me overheating! 

This rain jacket is great for lake weekends, a cool summer night bonfire, or even hiking! It will be the perfect translation piece into fall and you’ll be wanting to make sure you pack it when you head back to campus. A jacket you can transition into multiple seasons is the perfect closet essential. I love the simple embroidery on the left chest and personally I live for any reason to buy something that is subtle patriotic. I promise this unexpected summer must have will be one that you are grabbing for all year and even when you are on campus! 

Plus, it will pair perfectly with any of your favorite Kappa Sig Comfort Colors Tees or one of the Retro Ball Caps that Emily loves!

Emily’s Pick: Retro Ball Cap 

Emily’s Why: During the summer, you can almost always find me in a ball cap, whether I’m heading out on a hike or to relax on the beach. Ball caps have both versatility and functionality - shielding my eyes from the sun, smoothing over a bad hair day, adding something fun to an outfit - the possibilities are endless! I especially love the embroidered, vintage detail on our Retro Ball Cap. It gives it that well-loved, effortless feel while still being trendy. Though this hat comes in 3 classic colors, I’m reaching for our vintage blue, a perfect shade that looks good on everyone. 

Ryan’s Pick: Comfort Colors Yellow Hot Rod Short Sleeve Tee 

Ryan’s Why: I've chosen the Comfort Colors Yellow Hot Rod Short Sleeve Tee as my summer must have item because what else makes you think of summer more than palm trees and a drive in a classic car! This is the perfect option for your next beach day or summer cookout. Enjoy the sunshine and warm summer weather in your Hot Rod Tee!

Becca’s Pick: Nike Classics Visor

Becca’s Why: After being shut indoors through winter and a chunk of spring, summer is the time to get outside and really soak up sun, so my summer top pick would be our Nike visor! Totally your preference on which color to go for, but this visor is such nice quality since it's such a well known brand. It’ll keep the sun out of your eyes but also let your head breathe! 

Besides, this visor can go between fun summer activities and look classy the entire time. Golf courses straight to dinner with friends, then back out on the town, you’ll be reaching for this visor over and over.

We know that no matter which of these 5 items you snag that you won't be disappointed. Make sure to let us know which of the summer essentials you will be adding to your closet!


Meet the Team: 
Ali - Graphic Designer
Ryan - Chief Marketing Officer 
Kyla - Customer Service
Becca - Graphic Designer
Emily - Summer Intern 

Founding Fathers

Founding Fathers

With fathers day right around the corner, we couldn’t pass up the chance to take a look at the 5 founding fathers of Kappa Sigma. Each has impacted and left a legacy that we all still feel today. So let's get to know each of them a little better! 

William Grigsby McCormick: While attending the University of Virginia, he and 4 friends in his room 46 East Lawn founded Kappa Sigma. He left the University in 1870 to travel with his brother to Europe. He started his career working for McCormick Brothers & Findlay, and then started his own business selling insurance and real estate. He eventually formed a partnership that would create McCormick & Company to trade commodities on the Chicago Trade Board. In 1855 he joined the New York Stock Exchange. He and his wife Elenor, had 7 children!

George Miles Arnold: His time spent at the University of Virginia he studied Latin, French, and Mathematics. He is cited to have played an important role in the history of the fraternity since he wrote the constitution and served as the first Grand Master of Zeta Chapter. Before he withdrew from the university he started his studies in medicine, and continued his studies at the Medical College of New York. He lived and worked as a doctor in New York with his wife Minnie whom he had 8 children with, his son Robert Miles Arlond went on to join the Gamma-Zeta Chapter while he studied at New York University. 

Edmund Law Rogers, Jr.:The descendant of Martha Washington was a Baltimore native. Before attending the University of Virginia, he attended James Kinner Academy in Baltimore where he was classmates with Frank Courtney Nicodemus. He studied architecture and also developed an interest in acting while attending the University of Virginia. His interest for acting developed into a career in Stage Acting, he is noted to be a popular lead & supporting actor of his time. He succeeded Arnold as Grand Master of the Zeta Chapter. 

Frank Courtney Nicodemus: The lifelong Baltimore student attended James Kinnier Academy before attending the University of Virginia. In 1870 he joined his fathers business and left the University of Virginia. He and his father formed an investment and brokerage firm iof J.C Nicodemus & Son. Only four years later he formed the firm F.C Nicodemus & Company, a manufacturer of boilers, engines, and machinery. He also held the position as the Treasure of the Baltimore Post Office. His grandson Charles Nicodemus was a special initiate of Kappa Sigma and was initiated at the opening of the international headquarters in 2007. 

John Covert Boyd: The Surgeon and Medical Director in the United States Navy Medical Corp and one of the incorporators of the American Red Cross.  Born in South Carolina he spent his childhood at a private school in Charleston before attending the University of Virginia. He only spent 2 years at the University of Virginia studying medicine; he transferred to the University of the City of New York. He became a professor in the Navy Medical College where he compiled a book of instruction for medical officers.  In 1905 he was appointed by President Roosevelt as one of the Board of Incorporators of the American Red Cross. 


It is no surprise that with these 5 founding fathers setting the precedent for every brother that joins Kappa Sigma after them. Choosing Kappa Sigma is more than joining a fraternity; you are joining a family. It is a life changing decision that thanks to these five friends and founding fathers will change your life.

Finding Your Perfect Graduation Stole

Finding Your Perfect Graduation Stole

Graduation is upon us and soon you will be putting on your graduation robes and caps to make your final walk at commencement.  However, have you considered the option to wear a graduation stole that brings some of your personality out while embarking on your walk? A stole  can be worn to represent your different interests or involvement while on campus.  Deciding to wear a graduation stole that represents your fraternity is a way to add a little bit of meaning to the traditional cap and gown worn during commencement. It is also a way to pay tribute to the last four years you’ve spent becoming part of the brotherhood of Kappa Sigma while you were  on campus. We know the importance of being able to proudly wear your letters while you walk in commencement, so let's talk about our three different graduation stoles and help you find your big day!

Kappa Sig Pick Your Own Colors Graduation Stole:

With this stole the sky’s the limit, you have complete creative control with this stole! You get to add a bit of fun and personality to your graduation style. These stoles are decorated with your letters and with the ability to be  customized with your chapter, school, or even your favorite colors. With endless options, we are confident that you will be able to find a combination that makes you the star of commencement. 

via GIPHY

Embroidered Crest Graduation Stole: 

Just like Kappa Sigma this stole is all about tradition!  With the classic design featuring your crest and colors, you are able to elevate your traditional cap and gown. We love the embroidered touches that make it stand out from your standard Kappa Sigma stole. Our team with over 30 years of embroidery experience will make your stole at time of purchase, ensuring nothing but quality and perfection. 

Kappa Sig Embroidered Crest Graduation Stole

Kappa Sigma Graduation Stole: 

Nothing says “classic” like the traditional Graduation Stole. It is decorated with your letters and colors while also marking the graduation year. You get to proudly bring a piece of Kappa Sigma with you during graduation. This stole, like your time spent on campus, is one that you will be able to look back at and remember the place you were when you put it on and made your final walk. 

Kappa Sig Graduation Stole


We do not take it lightly when creating these stoles and are certain that they will forever be a part of your story. That is why we take quality and craftsmanship so seriously. We know that when you look at your stole years from now it will transport you back to the moment in time you received your diploma. So no matter which of the three stoles you decide to wear during commencement, we know that you will be able to proudly showcase and pay tribute to all you have learned and the memories you have created with Kappa Sigma the last four years.