KAPPA SIGMA TAU CHAPTER University of Texas at Austin
KAPPA SIGMA TAU CHAPTER University of Texas at Austin
The Tau Chapter of Kappa Sigma, founded at The University of Texas in 1884, is an elite brotherhood of young men who strive for excellence in leadership, personal growth, and service to others. The bonds of Kappa Sigma brotherhood are not for a college term only, but for life.
"The Star and Crescent shall not be worn by every man, but only by him who is worthy to wear it."
Kappa Sigma has a strong presence on the UT campus. Our members are active in leadership organizations, Texas Silver Spurs, and intramural sports. In addition, we proudly cheer on our Longhorn teams, participate in Round-Up, and enthusiastically celebrate Texas Independence Day. True to the Kappa Sig culture, we enjoy a vibrant social life.
The Parents Association hosts several parent/son events throughout the school year to celebrate the extended Kappa Sigma family, and raise funds to enhance the amenities of the fraternity house and lodge.
The Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation, organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes under the laws of the State of Texas.
The Tau Man of the Year is awarded annually by the Tau Trustees to an alumnus who has excelled in his professional pursuits, exemplified strong character, and provided exceptional support to the Tau Chapter brotherhood.
Kappa Sigma Tau Chapter recognizes outstanding leadership and service to others through annual awards and scholarships that are given to exceptional Tau Chapter undergraduates.
The Tau Chapter has produced more Kappa Sigma International Men of the Year than any other Chapter. Tito Beveridge, owner and founder of Tito's Handmade Vodka, is the most recent recipient, honored in 2017.
The Tau Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity was chartered on September 18, 1884, as one of the first three fraternities established on the University of Texas campus. The original fraternity house was the first fraternity house built west of the Mississippi.
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Tau Chapter Parents' Weekend and Tau Trustee Reunion is a special time for UT Kappa Sigs and their families. It's a time to enjoy the spirit of belonging to one of the finest fraternities in the country, steeped in the proud Longhorn tradition of UT Austin. It's a time to recognize those who have accomplished extraordinary things and inspire those whose futures lie ahead. It's a time to share memories and meet the new faces who will carry on Tau Chapter's much-storied legacy.
Keeping with tradition, this year's celebration, held November 11 and 12, was fun, festive, and beautiful. Parents' Night at the Kappa Sigma Lodge featured a BBQ buffet, the annual Kappa Sigma Silent Auction, live music provided by the band River Bend, and even a mechanical bull!
On Saturday, we honored our Tau Man of the Year, celebrated other outstanding Tau Chapter leaders, met the 2022 Pledge Class, and enjoyed an excellent Mexican food buffet. May we be blessed to have this tradition continue for many years to come.
The Tau Chapter and alumni celebrated Bill Zwiener '73 as Kappa Sigma Tau Man of the Year on November 12. Bill is co-owner and founder of one of the state's leading petroleum land management companies, Jones & Zwiener, founded in 1987.
Bill has been Tau Trustee Chairman since 2018 and has served multiple terms on the Trustee Executive and Nominating Committees. He was chosen by Tau Chapter actives for the Frank Erwin Award in 2020 for his outstanding leadership and support.
"As chairman of Tau Trustees, Bill has led by example, giving countless hours for the betterment of our Chapter actives and pledges," said pledge brother and past Tau Man honoree Joe Bailey '73, "all while running one of the top Oil & Gas land management businesses in Texas."
"Bill has a heart of gold and is always ready with a helping hand," said Tau brother John Eidman '72. "He loves his family and friends and can always be counted on. He unselfishly gives his time and resources to support Kappa Sig and deeply deserves this recognition."
Tau brother and past Tau Trustee Chairman Jim Pritchett '71 said, "Bill has committed his time and treasure to Tau, serving in numerous roles as an active, board member, Tau Trustee, and Chairman. He defended the Chapter to National when it lost its charter and has become a trusted mentor to many of our young men. He embodies the Star and Crescent and is a man of God."
Bill earned a BBA in Petroleum Land Management from UT Austin in 1977. He and his wife, Jeanie, live in Austin on Lake Travis. They have four sons: Russell, a pediatric gastroenterologist, who lives with his wife, Jaime, and their three daughters in New Orleans; Zach, head brewer for Community Brewing Company, who lives with his wife, Kat, in Dallas; and Shane and Garrett, both Los Angeles-based actors.
Tau Man of the Year honoree Bill Zwiener '73 (center) with past honorees: Reggie Tuck '69, (2018); Mike Sharpe '79, (2020); Loren Singletary '67 (2021); Hagen McMahon '63 (2010); and Wade Kilpatrick '67 (2011).
The Tau Trustees and Tau Chapter send their deepest appreciation to the Parents' Association for planning and hosting Parents' Weekend and Tau Trustee Reunion 2022. It was a wonderful celebration of the Tau Chapter brotherhood and the Kappa Sigma family.
PHOTO: From left: Susan McMahon (Message & Media); Kelli Blanton, Parents' Association President; Linda Cerasuolo, Merchandise Chair; Leslie Crossman and Janet Jong, Silent Auction Co-Chairs; and Shawn Jackson and Allison Diano, past Parents' Association Co-Presidents.
View and Download Your Parents' Weekend and Tau Trustee Reunion Photos
Warren Residence Hall Tour
Official residence of The University of Texas Kappa Sigma Tau Chapter
The bonds of Kappa Sigma brotherhood begin in college and last a lifetime. For the Tau Chapter, those bonds are celebrated and strengthened each year through the Kappa Sigma Tau Chapter Golf Tour. Our annual tournaments allow us to reconnect with old Kappa Sigs and meet new ones -- actives, their parents, and Kappa Sigma friends -- men and women from all over the country.
Golf is a game well suited to Kappa Sigs. It's challenging, competitive, social, and fun. And, like the Tau Chapter itself, our tournament tradition has endured through difficult times, facing rainouts, low turnouts, course cancellations, snow, and, more recently, the pandemic.
The Tau Chapter Golf Tour was launched in 1985 with its flagship event -- The Tau Open, a two-day, four-person scramble held in Lakeway, just west of Austin. More than 20 teams played in the inaugural tournament on the beautiful Yaupon and Live Oak courses, and that tradition has continued with team numbers increasing over the years.
In 2008, the Denton Cooley Tau Classic was added to the tour as a one-day, four-person scramble held in Houston. Dr. Cooley emceed the event and played every year until his passing in 2016. Since then, several of his family members have participated in his honor. The Cooley Tau Classic was first held at the historic Memorial Park golf course but is now played at Gus Wortham, the original Houston Country Club.
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