“Even without an active chapter, Kappa Sig Penn State exists in our strong alumni network” – Edward Gorkes
Posted February 1st, 2006
Current Situation
Over the course of the Fall semester, the active chapter has had two alcohol related violations that have prompted the chapter, of their own volition and in accordance with Alpha Delta and International By-Laws, to expel members for charges related to these violations. As a result, the active chapter membership has dropped to the point where continuing as an active chapter has become untenable.
The prospect of having so few members living in the chapter house prompted the Association board to decide on November 30, to close the chapter house effective December 19, 2005, and advise the active members to find alternative housing.
The Chapter is in the process of formalizing a decision to disband and voluntarily return its charter to IMH. The members view the Chapter as no longer viable given the low membership, the related morale issues and the likelihood of serious SEC sanctions expected in January related to the alcohol infractions, probably including pulling of Alpha-Delta’s charter.
Looking Forward
It is our plan for Alpha-Delta to re-colonize and return to full active status after 3-4 years. To make sure that happens, we are taking steps to safeguard the Association’s assets.
The physical plant issues facing the chapter and the Association are significant, and to some extent the Association’s finances will dictate our future options. Nonetheless, we do have a very valuable asset in the property in State College, and we intend to leverage that asset to provide a foundation for the resurgence of Kappa Sigma at Penn State in the future.
If we would have to sell 255 Highland, we would be in a better financial situation than many of the other houses at Penn State to rebuild or renovate an existing structure because of the value of the property in State College. Approximately 10 houses are going through major renovations and the Association is working hard to make sure that Kappa Sigma remains competitive.
While this may seem like a shock or scare, it is a great opportunity for Kappa Sigma. We can now fully analyze our situation, recruit new and better men, and set the stage for a new house and financial stability for 100 more years in State College. Other houses at Penn State, including Kappa Delta Rho recently, have gone through similar situations and have come out of it stronger than ever!
Keeping Alumni Connected
Even without an active chapter, Kappa Sig Penn State exists in our strong alumni network. Thanks to generous alumni contributions over the years, we’ve built a strong communications program. Alumni participation is more important now than ever as we strive to keep our alumni base connected and begin planning for the chapter’s return to campus.
We will still be holding Homecoming and Blue-White events. In addition, you will continue to receive The Alpha-Delta News, event and email announcements. Our website, www.kappasigpsu.com, will still be available to you as a source of information and a way for you to stay in touch with old friends.
Our neighbor’s, Skull House, went through the same thing several years ago. Their alumni association and alumni relations program is stronger than ever!
We will be arranging a general alumni meeting, prior to any final decision, to review our options concerning the property. You will be notified by mail with the date and time of this meeting and we highly encourage all interested alumni to attend.
AEKDB,
Edward D. Gorkes ’79, President