History
The origins of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity can be traced back to the city of Bologna, Italy around the year 1400. At the University of Bologna, a teacher by the name of Manuel Chrysoloras founded an ancient society of students with five of his most devoted disciples. The society was founded for mutual protection against the corrupt governor of the city, former pirate Baldassarre Cossa, who would often have students of the University physically attacked and robbed in the streets.
Kappa Sigma in America was founded one chilly evening in the fall of 1869, as five students attending the University of Virginia in
Charlottesville gathered in William Grigsby McCormick's room at 46 East Lawn and planted the seed of Brotherhood. For many weeks the bonds of
friendship had drawn these five together; now the need became clear for a formal structure to contain their feelings. Thus, not only did the
Founders formalize their friendship, but they also created a fraternity steeped in the traditions of the past and dedicated to the Pursuit of
Learning. The new brothers recorded their bond in a Constitution and in an Oath which set forth the ideals and principles to all Kappa Sigmas today.
The Gammi-Chi chapter of Kappa Sigma was founded at Kansas State University on June 7, 1919.