Apples of Gold Spring 2013

THE NEWEST GENTLEMEN

KAPPA SLAP! aside our pride to take a slap in the face with a plate of numerous horrific items. The idea for the event was sparked by the Kappa Pledge Class event, Kappa Fear Factor, which took place in the Spring 2009 semester. The pledge class would blend up numerous rancid items (including live goldfish) and drink it for donations to the chap-ter. Since the event caused a wave of vomiting pledges, Adelphi deemed it as “hazing.” “I had to eat crickets and mayo in whipped cream,” said GMC Rob Carroll. “It was so disgusting, but it was our idea and we wish we could’ve continued doing it.” Since it was ended, current fundraising chair Connor Mahan brought Kappa Slap to campus. He started the event in the Fall 2013 semester, and put on another successful Kappa Slap in the spring. “We put together a gross combina-tion of food to be slapped against our brother’s faces,” said Mahan. “There was cat food, bar-beque sauce, ketchup, mustard, frosting, syrup, tartar sauce, sardines, jelly, tomato sauce, peanut

butter, sour cream, and a bunch of other nasty items.” Brothers who manned up to partake in the event lined up outside the UC, as paper plates filled with food combinations were taped to giant fly-swatters and smacked against their face. Broth-ers charged $1 per condiment, and it resulted in dry heaving and ears filled with cat food. “I got Kappa Slapped many times,” said former GP Jeff Blaine. “It’s easily our grossest fundraising event of the year, but it’s almost worth it when we get to see the other brothers get hit.” “I’ve had a lot worse in my eye,” said Adelphi’s iconic gay sex symbol and brother Kevin Rohle. “But at least this goes to a good cause.” Our spring semester Kappa Slap raised us around 140 dollars toward the Omicron-Ep-silon chapter, which went toward formal and other event’s put on by the chapter. We plan on continuing the Kappa Slap tradition by doing it at least once a semester, and continuing to raise money for our chapter.

THE Apples Of Gold OF OMICRON-EPSILON

At Adelphi UniversityK∑

MAY 2012 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Initiation weekend was probably one of the craziest weekends I have ever had. It all started when we left from Elm at like 2 in the morning and crammed ourselves into a van to leave for headquarters in Virginia. Everyone was exhausted and tired but somehow most of us managed to stay awake and just chill the entire way there. All pledge process, brothers would say that we would become incredibly. Yet on the 10 hour drive, we may have liter-ally learned more about each other than we did the last 6 some weeks. Every one of us had some crazy story or event to tell and this al-lowed us to continue to strengthen that bond we began to form from the day we signed our bids. We finally arrived to Virginia at approxi-mately 10 a.m., cramped and worn out yet just being at headquarters made you put that

that at the back of your mind. We were lead into a room by KC and told to wait there until we were summoned. Slowly, one by one, each of my pledge bros was pulled out of that room, mak-ing me curious and a little nervous as to what was happening with each one that was taken. I sat there so long that Santiago was running low on kappa sigma related questions to ask. Eleven pledge bros were taken before me leaving just Malik and me. By that time, it was Weiss and Ted who were in charge of watching us, and they were asking us questions about who was on the EC at certain points of Kappa Sigma. At this point, I was praying to be taken from the room and when Lucks came to get me, I couldn’t wait to leave. Then I was initiated which was the most unique experiences I will ever have. It is honestly a surreal feeling because as you get initiated, you realize that you finally made it through pledging and can actually call yourself a brother of Kappa Sigma. The feeling of being congratulated by all the other brothers makes all the struggles of pledging worth it. Once Malik was finally initiated, we got to look around the Kappa Sigma museum. Then we went back to hotel, got dinner at a really good buffet and just

partied the rest of the night. Sunday morning came a little too quick, but we all got back on to the bus and got on our way to 46 East lawn, University of Virginia which is where every-thing literally started. We all looked around, awe struck by the campuses mere size and by see-ing the room where the founding fathers once resided 144 years ago. Then we finally got back into the van, ready for the trip back and to start a new chapter in our lives as the Pi class of the Omicron-Epsilon chapter of Kappa Sigma.

Written by: Amit Telwala, pi

Kappa Slap, which is easily the smelliest fun-draising event on campus, took place again inearly April. Brothers within our chapter set

Written by: John Franklin, Nu

SENIOR REFLECTION

THE Apples Of Gold OF OMICRON-EPSILON

The Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Adelphi UniversityK∑

DECEMBER 2012 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

HQ ROUND 2

THE Apples Of Gold OF OMICRON-EPSILON

At Adelphi UniversityK∑

MAY 2013 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

When I first arrived, 4 long years ago, at Adelphi I had a sense that I would do a fra-ternity, for no other reason than to say that I did. I met and got to know a few broth-ers in various organizations and in the Spring semester of 2010 I couldn’t say for sure which way I would go. The moment I decided, I remember, sitting next to Kevin Vilbig and I asked him “when is rush?” The look of happiness in his eyes was unreal, and for good reason.It’s something said so often of every brother of Kappa Sigma that it almost sounds cli-ché, but my time spent as a brother and Grand Procurator of this Omicron Epsilon chapter has made me a better man. I have never known pride and joy like I have look-ing at the brotherhood

that has come into this chapter. Whether from seeing the growth in my little broth-ers, accomplishments of my Executive Committee or the general feeling of broth-erhood of the members at large I can safely say I’ve never felt such pride and joy.With graduation no longer something I can worry about in a few years, or a few semesters, or even a few months I don’t think about “leaving”. No matter where I go, whether it’s back to Connecticut, or any-where else in the world I will carry the let-ters of Kappa & Sigma with me. I will never be more than a phone call or a Facebook message away from any of my brothers, ac-tive, alumni or yet to be initiated because this is something you give your life to.

Written by: Jeffery Blaine, Lambda

Saturday, April 20th, 2013 marked 369 days since the last time the rest of the members of the Mu Pledge Class and I last saw eyes on the beautiful sight that is the Kappa Sigma Frater-nity Headquarters, located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This day a little more than two years ago was a special day; it was in fact the day that my pledge brothers and I were initiated into the Most Preferred Fraternity in the World, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.Our first time in the great state of Virginia was a whirlwind. Arriving in the morning to the sight of a gargantuan, four-pillared structure with the red and green letters seeping through brick was epic. Seeing a building that we’ve read about throughout pledging amidst a pool of clouds, standing high atop a lush, green-grassed hill was a sight the ages. After a long day spending time with my pledge brothers and Brothers alike and viewing all kinds of incredible history, by the af-ternoon, the sun pierced through the sky, cast-ing a glimmer of sunlight through the red and green shadowed building. By the time business was done, the weather outside seemed to even outweigh the incredible feeling of pride that ran through the blood of all of my pledge brothers

and i. Embracing the brotherhood and rejoicing with my new Brothers of Kappa Sigma outside our home fort was a sight that will truly never be forgotten by all of my pledge brothers and I.Arriving once again this past spring was a whirl-wind for different reasons. Ready to embrace the new members of the Pi Pledge Class, Brothers and I drove through the night, through an in-credible storm was challenging and daunting to say the least. However, similarly to our entrance soon after arriving as a pledge of Kappa Sigma, once we all arrived, the sun shown brightly across the radiantly highlighted green grass on the hill on which our Headquarters rested. Af-ter yet another long afternoon, this time as a Brother, I wouldn’t help but have a feeling very similar to that which I first felt in this great state. Despite, this pride not being quite the same as when which I first sported my Kappa Sigma let-ters for this first time, the nostalgia with which this repeat visit created brought about an excite-ment with which I have not felt in quite some time. It was an honor being in the presence of the Headquarters of the Fraternity which has given my pledge brothers and I so much not only in college, but in life this past spring weekend. Until next time!

Written by: Joe Weiss, Mu

K.C.’S KORNER

THE Apples Of Gold OF OMICRON-EPSILON

The Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Adelphi UniversityK∑

DECEMBER 2012 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

THE Apples Of Gold OF OMICRON-EPSILON

At Adelphi UniversityK∑

MAY 2013 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

I’m very fortunate to have a unique perspective on the evolution of the Omicron Epsilon Chap-ter -- one I don’t think any other Brother has. I became the Faculty Advisor shortly after the Chapter was established and over the years that followed, I’ve seen us change and grow -- from the Alphas and Betas to the Omicrons and the Pis.The other day it struck me how different the Greek landscape at Adelphi is from the earliest days in our Chapter’s history. When Omicron Epsilon was colonized, we were the only game in town. looking back now, it’s hard to believe that was once the case. But before long, PSK received their charter and with it, competi-tion among fraternities was born. For a while, Kappa Sigma and PSK had a (mostly) friendly rivalry and the two organizations shared social and political influence on the Greek system and on Adelphi itself. Having PSK as a competing

fraternity was an essential part of our growth -- by not allowing us to rest on our laurels and serving as a constant reminder to push our-selves in achieving excellence in fellowship, leadership scholarship and service. After sev-eral years of Kappa Sigma and PSK standing to-gether alone, other fraternities came into being, one after the other. This dramatically changed the Greek landscape at Adelphi by introducing unprecedented challenges in recruiting the best pledges, maintaining the highest GPAs, raising the most money, having the best parties, win-ning the most sports, having the most political influence and more. No longer was it a matter of simply being better than PSK -- there was ZBT, Pi Lambda Phi, DSP and Delta Chi to con-tend with. It’s easy to think that this changed environment would hurt our Chapter, making us long to return to the early days. But while it’s much harder for us to be on top than ever before, when the Greek system thrives, Kappa Sigma thrives. Ultimately, the chartering of these new fraternities will only benefit Kappa Sigma, by giving us motivation, partnering and collaboration opportunities, and a chance to demonstrate, by comparison, why we are the most preferred fraternity in the world.

A few weeks ago, the annual Greek Gala Awards Ceremony was held and the Greek Week Cham-pions were announced. Though it was a closer race than in any year past, Kappa Sigma edged out the competition and was named the winner. After the awards ceremony, we had an EC meet-ing and several EC members brought the huge Greek Week Champions trophy to the meeting and placed it in the center of the table. At one point during the meeting, I found myself day-dreaming and my gaze shifted to the base of the trophy. That’s when I saw it: on brass plates at the trophy’s base, the names of the Greek Week Champions from years past were engraved. Si-lently, in my head, I read the names. Kappa Sig-ma. Kappa Sigma. Kappa Sigma. Kappa Sigma. And under that was a new brass Sigma. And under that was a new brass plate with no name yet engraved, waiting for this year’s champions: Kappa Sigma. Then it dawned on me... while the rules of the game have changed, our mem-bership has changed and the entire the Greek landscape has changed, Omicron Epsilon has remained the same extraordinary Chapter we were when we were established in 2005. The best, the brightest, the ones to beat -- Second To None.

Written By: K.C. Rondello Eta

The above quote has no greater truth than when in relation to the three years that I have been part of Kappa Sigma. I rushed in the Spring semester of my Freshmen Year. I noted the presence Kappa Sigma had in the campus community. They were everywhere; in CSI, SGA, SAB, as RA’s, OL’s, and I wanted to devel-op into the kind of person that could eventu-ally take on such roles. I knew that joining such an influential organization would advance my leadership skills as well as my sociability. I was privileged to receive a bid, and became part of the Kappa Pledge Class on Feb-ruary 27, 2010. It was an odd pledge class at its inception. However, after a huge wake up call, we were urged to tap into our true potential. After our initiation on April 24, 2010, we were charged to take up the monumental task of be-

being the pledge class that replaced the Deltas. The Deltas were the most senior pledge class, with highly respected individuals. We had to dig deep and make a name for ourselves, as well as assist our Chapter in its efforts to get off Sanc-tions. Immediately, several of my pledge broth-ers were elected to chair positions. One Ray-mond Hughes, was in charge of recruiting the Lambdas, the class that was large enough to get us off sanctions. Brothers like Robert Carroll and Alex Lucks ascended to EC positions in the following year. To date, we are the only pledge class whose active and alumni brothers have all served as a committee chairman or on the EC, and we are the only pledge class currently to have all active brothers at 100% ritual proficien-cy. In all honesty, the Kappas have completed the goal set out for us.

FAREWELL KAPPASWritten by: Kieran Persaud, Kappa

But enough toting our achievements, I would now like to mention a more “coincidental” aspect of my time in Omicron-Epsilon. I’ve always believed that things that were meant to be would happen, and that certain events would occur to allow you to “seize the day”. The Kap-pas were fated for greatness, and the time that we were initiated was opportune for our success over the past years. My ten pledge brothers and I took the opportunity we got, allowed it to change our lives, and prospered from it. I am honored to have spent my time with the one organization that single-handedly defined my college experience, and with the gentlemen who collectively showed me the meaning of brotherhood.

“If you get an opportunity, take it. If it changes your life, let it. No one said it was going to be easy. They just said it would be worth it.”

A SENIOR REFLECTON

THE Apples Of Gold OF OMICRON-EPSILON

The Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Adelphi UniversityK∑

DECEMBER 2012 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

THE Apples Of Gold OF OMICRON-EPSILON

At Adelphi UniversityK∑

MAY 2013 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Rounding the corner of my senior year, I stand on this campus that shaped me into who I am. I nev-er would have guessed what my final results would have been if I was talking to my Freshman year self. To describe myself, I am a white twenty-two year old kid originally from Upstate New York, A Brother of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, a Division II College Swim-mer, Homecoming King, Campus Leader, and Future Nurse. Those are descriptions of myself that will make great conversation topics but are they really what I am? How did I get myself into those positions? Oth-ers have achieved all of these aspects of life before me, however this combination is what makes me unique.I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that we all have destinies that may be the same but not one journey is alike. To quote my favorite movie Hedwig and The Angry Inch “And when I think of all the people I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me”. While being a sexual innuendo, I take it pretty serious to think that so many people have impacted me that I must have impacted other people in the process. I want everyone to know that they are a leader. We all have people that follow in our footsteps. Some people have more than one leader that they aspire to be more like. Even our leaders were followers at some point.

Some are devoted to us like friends or family. Other followers disappear when disappointed or let down leave us and follow someone else. It’s boring to think that we are all in a straight line and that we are forced to stay in that one line. Roles tend to switch and I think it is a normal part of growth that our followers one day become leaders. Looking back on my beginnings as a Gay Man I started telling people my interest in men with just one person who I thought would lead me as I told other people. However they managed to tell what seemed like everyone and the next day I was left feeling mortified forced to carry on by myself for a bit. I found others eventually and I pulled the same stunt as them and identified myself as Bisexual be-cause that’s what everyone else was doing. I kept it from my family and only told my close friends be-cause I was afraid of what people would think of me. At the time I wished I wasn’t gay and could just fit in. I couldn’t change the gay part so I pushed the opposite way and went through what I call a lapse in fashion sense. I had a Goth phase where I had chains, skulls, straps everywhere and everything was black. Even went as far as dying my hair from blonde to black. My friends at the time were dressing the same and I gained some friends this way and that made it feel all the more normal. During this phase I am not sure if I lost friends because I was gay or my bold fashion statement. I received a number of hateful comments, ended friendships, and to my knowledge only one rock and one beer bottle thrown at me on different occasions (They missed both times). So I got off pret-ty well in my opinion. Eventually I accepted what I was and my wardrobe

started filling with color and jeans. I joke that I stepped out of the closet to make room for some fabulous clothes. With that pain I experienced I can now look back and laugh because I am happy and accept what I am. With my experiences I was able to lead plenty of gays coming out and accepting themselves like I did. Some went on seeking advise from other people be-cause I wasn’t giving them what they actually wanted (sex). For the most part people started following me listening to what I had to offer. This role is ongoing and my usual conversations involve quotes and re-peating myself. So after all the “Born This Ways” and “It Gets Better” I tell them to just have faith and you don’t have to do it today but don’t hide forever. This goes to anyone who is having trouble and don’t know what to do because of what “may happen”. Imagine for second you are Charlie in The Chocolate Factory; you have made it this far what seems like the end. However, you are now on Willy Wonka’s Won-kavator that can take you anyway imaginable. When you hit that red button and fly out the glass you are now flying over your life to look back at the journey and make sure to appreciate the view. We are all at this imaginary party and they formed a Conga Line where we follow people who once went through similar troubles in hope of an answer and then hop off to form another line and be the leader for others. We may get the answers we want but we may not; either way make sure you enjoy the ride. You are all leaders, which makes you all important. One last quote that I learned during my time pledg-ing Kappa Sigma Fraternity “Diligence should be your watchword. Whatever you do, do well, and may success attend your efforts.”

Written By: Kevin Rohle, lambda

AEKDB