UAFS Kappa Sigma Earns Top Awards

Written By: Ian Silvester

Men of Omicron-Tau, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith chapter of Kappa Sigma, returned home from the fraternity’s national leadership conference with more hardware than anticipated. 

The fraternity received its first-ever FACE Award (Founders’ Award of Chapter Excellence) at the conference, joining 27 other chapters recognized this year with the highest honor given to individual chapters. 

Chapter alumni advisor and UAFS alum Mikey Edgar said he was elated to see the chapter receive recognition for its accomplishments over the past years. To win a FACE award, chapters must demonstrate a commitment to their community through volunteer work and fundraising, as well as to have a strong recruitment of new members. 

At the leadership conference, Omicron-Tau, led by chapter president, senior Gerrit Standridge, found out their work resulted in an even greater award: The Founders’ Circle Award. 

“The Founders’ Circle Award is the benchmark award in the Kappa Sigma Fraternity,” said Isaac Lipscomb, supreme executive committee member and worthy grand procurator. “(The award) recognizes outstanding chapter management, achievement, and program development in all areas of the operation. The UAFS chapter was one of eight chapters internationally to receive this recognition, proving they are in the top 2% of chapters across the globe.” 

Along with this distinction, the UAFS chapter won awards for Outstanding Grand Master, Grand Master of Ceremonies, Grand Scribe, Alumnus Advisor, a 100% Ritual Proficiency Award, and a fall Academic Excellence Award. Additionally, the chapter was recognized as one of the most improved in their district. 

Of the awards and distinctions, Arkansas District Grand Master Geoff Flemmons, said he is excited to see what is next for the chapter, calling it a shining example for the entire fraternity. 

“I am extremely proud of the Omicron-Tau chapter for their success this year. What started as a challenge to be better than the rest ended in a historic year. The Kappa Sigma chapter at UAFS not only exceeded expectations, but put themselves on the map on an international level,” Flemmons said. “With amazing support from UAFS faculty, alumni, and the community, I have no doubt it will be another extraordinary year.”

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• UAFS Greek Life
• Awards
• Kappa Sigma