CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

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Dear Tau Alumni & Parents, 

I'm proud to report that we are continuing the strong growth trajectory started by our previous leadership several years ago. In 2021, we initiated a record number of pledges for the second year in a row, a trend we hope to repeat this year.

Prior to senior graduation, the Tau Chapter had 151 active members, ranking us as the sixth-largest fraternity at the University of Texas.

Kappa Sigma has a vital presence across campus, with members active in various organizations and business fraternities.

Ten of our active brothers are members of the Texas Silver Spurs. In addition, I was honored to serve Silver Spurs as Spring Jam Chair this season. Collectively, we raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Neighborhood Longhorns Program.

Our philanthropy chair, Tristan Zheng, coordinated efforts with the Alpha Phi sorority to co-host the annual Heart of Texas Cookout. Kappa Sigma's portion of the proceeds benefitted our designated charity, Horns for Heroes.

Along with Beta Upsilon Chi, we hosted the third annual Nicky Cumberland Classic, an annual golf tournament to honor Tau brother Nicky Cumberland '16, who passed away in 2018. All proceeds benefit the Nicholas Antonio Cumberland Scholarship Fund.

We also participated in Round-Up, helping raise money for a variety of local Austin charities.

And, in sports news, the Kappa Sigma intramural softball team won the fraternity league championship!

In April, we were honored to have Russell Zwiener MD '01 as our distinguished alumnus guest speaker. Dr. Zwiener shared his incredible journey from the event that inspired him to become a doctor through the many challenges he overcame to get where he is today -- serving as a top-ranking pediatric gastroenterologist at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans. It was a special evening that made us all proud to be Kappa Sigs.

Tau Chapter has a bright future thanks to the support of our wonderful alumni and parents. We send a special note of gratitude to Matthew Ziemnicki, our alumni advisor. "Ziem," as he's known to his brothers, has been a mentor and good friend to all of us, and we're lucky to have him.

Warren Residence Hall and the Kappa Sigma Lodge continue to serve as a beautiful residential, social, and fraternal environment for Kappa Sigs during our time at UT Austin.

A huge shoutout is due to House Director Ernie Taliaferro, executive chef Dennis Fenn, assistant chef Dylan Fenn, and porter Aubrey Brown for all they do for us. They go the extra mile for us and do so with warmth and good humor.

As most of you know, Ernie had a health crisis earlier this year. He has now fully recovered and is extremely grateful for the outpouring of Chapter support during his illness and recovery. Ernie is dear to us, and we wish him all the best for continued good health. 

We realize that our good fortune would not be possible without your financial support, guidance, and encouragement. So -- on behalf of the Tau Chapter of Kappa Sigma -- thank you!

A.E.K.D.B.,

Jack Smith '19
Grand Master
Kappa Sigma Tau Chapter