Kappa Sigma is one of the largest college social fraternities in the US, with nearly 300 chapters. Bentley’s chapter was founded in 2008, and here at Bentley, Kappa Sigma has built a reputation that challenges the typical fraternity stereotypes. While philanthropy is a requirement for all Greek life on campus, it is embedded in the Kappa Sigma brotherhood. These brothers go above and beyond, and serving the community is in their blood.
Their service initiatives include semester blood drives, environmental cleanup at Prospect Hill, volunteering at the Western Greenway 5K, and delivering coffee and donuts to the police department on 9/11. The fraternity’s primary philanthropic focus is their national Military Heroes Campaign, which aligns with what the Director of Philanthropy, Jack Mccomiskey describes as “our fraternity having a deep-rooted appreciation for the military.”
These are just some of their yearly events. One thing that puts them above other fraternities is that when one of their brothers was diagnosed with cancer, the brothers stepped up. The current Vice President, who was Secretary at the time, Cam Barberia, said, “My fellow officers and I agreed that we would organize the largest fundraiser our chapter was capable of,” and they did just that.
The Director of Philanthropy stated that they “raised $12,000 and it was one of their fraternity’s proudest moments in a time of sadness.” They not only raised money for his treatment, but they did it in the most thoughtful way possible by all shaving their heads so he would feel included. This fundraiser shows how considerate these brothers are, and Vice President Cam said that this fundraiser showed how they “truly are brothers in heart throughout life, willing to help out those in their darkest moments.”
While this was a one-time fundraiser, they made an impact in the community and on their brother by being able to help him through his hardship. Kappa Sigma has multiple fundraisers to make sure that everyone in need can receive help. These events go a long way towards helping others, and the impact extends beyond immediate recipients.
As a student who donated blood at their campus drive last semester, I can personally attest to how their initiatives create lasting change. What began as a one-time donation has evolved into me donating platelets or blood regularly, and that helps countless patients. Without Kappa Sigma organizing that initial opportunity, I might never have discovered this way to make a difference.
So, look beyond the social events and Greek letters because the true essence of Kappa Sigma’s brotherhood reveals itself in action. These brothers demonstrate daily that service isn’t an obligation but a choice they eagerly embrace. Their willingness to support each other, whether it is shaving their heads in solidarity or organizing yearly, their goal is to help people. As President Teddy Pfeifle says, “It’s gratifying, and it changes people’s lives,” and “everything we do, we can see the results and know we’re making an impact.”
As they continue to grow their philanthropic footprint on campus, these brothers challenge us all to reconsider what fraternity life can represent. Through blood drives that create lifetime donors, environmental cleanup efforts that preserve the local environment, and fundraisers that save lives, Kappa Sigma proves that service isn’t just what they do, it’s who they are.
