Dear Tau Alumni & Parents,

Although we're living through challenging times these days, there's still much to feel good about as Kappa Sigs at The University of Texas. In the past year, we initiated a pledge class of more than 40 outstanding young men. We were able to expand our campus leadership, continue our philanthropic involvement, and celebrate an incredibly successful alum, Tom Chambers, as Tau Man of the Year 2019. We've made several improvements to the property, including one that holds a special place in our hearts. And, we feel that our relationship with alumni is as strong as it's ever been. 
First, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to assure you that we are taking every precaution possible to keep our members safe. We have suspended table seating for meals, and all food is now served in take-out boxes to "grab and go," with social distancing fully enforced. There is no hanging out around the property, the lodge is closed for the time being, and the staff is working diligently to keep the residence hall and grounds clean.

We are grateful to the medical workers on the frontline who are putting their own lives at risk to save others who have fallen ill from the pandemic. To give back and show our gratitude, we have partnered with Austin EMS Association to raise funds. All donations will go directly to families of medics who are affected by the virus. The Tau Chapter has raised more than $11,000 to date. We ask all of you who can to please make an online donation today to this very worthy cause.
We have participated in several community service and philanthropy events over the past year. On 09/11, several members visited Austin area fire stations to deliver food. In February, we teamed up with Alpha Phi to host the Heart of Texas Cookout. We raised money and had a great time serving food and selling shirts at the event. We are now focused on the COVID-19 fundraiser and are enthusiastic about the opportunity to help those in need. With the help of fellow greek organizations on campus, our parents, and Tau alumni, we hope to make a significant impact in our community.
Flanking two Austin firefighters are Taylor Kleck ’19, Hunter Hensey ’19, Nick Martin ’19, Grant Schaffer ’19, Alejo Orvananos ’19, Nick Cerasuolo ’19, Jacob Philip ’19, Jack Smith ’19, and Cameron Long ’19. 
Fellowship is one of the four pillars we practice as Kappa Sigs, and we had a great year of social events before the semester was cut short. Kappa Sigma has a strong presence in several intramural sports. The Kappa Sigma Basketball League was enjoying full Chapter participation this semester. In February, we hosted 80's in Aspen , turning the lodge into a ski resort for a fun evening that brought a great turnout. We are participating in an online NBA 2k tournament, finding ways to stay in touch and engage with each other while practicing social distancing. 

We are in excellent standing with The University. In February, Chapter officers completed the "Ladder of Risk" program. This four-hour workshop instructs fraternity leaders on established risk management guidelines and how best to implement risk management plans, policies, and practices. The instruction reinforced what we are already doing well and made us aware of new steps we can take to recognize and mitigate potential risks in the future. 

We are active in on-campus leadership with a Tau member serving on the Interfraternity Council's executive board. Our numbers are strong among the most respected organizations on campus. Our Chapter grade point average is 3.32, placing us close to the top of Interfraternity Council rankings.
We've made some significant improvements to our 26th Street property. The house is full for the 2020-2021 school year, and as a result, the Housing Corporation funded an outdoor kitchen project. Construction is temporarily halted due to present circumstances, but once it is complete, it will be a new area for members to grill, enjoy meals, and hang out. 

To honor the memory of four Tau brothers lost to us while they were actives, we raised money and commissioned a mural that is now displayed on the wall facing the lodge entrance. We're really happy with the finished work that celebrates the lives of Gabe, Calvin, Nicky, and Landon.
And now, we turn our focus to Rush 2020. Fortunately, we started early this year, holding a rush event in February. It went quite well, and we were able to meet several good rush candidates. Given our current circumstances, all rush communications are now online. We are texting and calling rushees to get to know them as best we can without face-to-face gatherings. We have put together a document that is simple to send out to potential rushees to give them some background on our Chapter. We will also engage the Tau Chapter website more to reach out and share information with prospects and their parents and show the true value of being a Kappa Sig.
Dallas area alumni event held February 20: Anthony Thomas, Fall Grand Master of Ceremonies; Matthew Flaherty, Alumni Chair; Mike Sharpe, alum and TKSEF officer; Garrison Taska, Grand Master; Steve “Cowboy” Murrin, alum; John Kincade, alum and TKSEF officer; Tom Chambers, Tau Man of the Year 2019; and Gene Henk, alum.
There are many reasons for us to look forward to the future with confidence. We take great pride in being members of Kappa Sigma at UT and know that none of this would be possible without your incredible support. On behalf of the Tau Chapter, I thank you. 
AEKDB,

Grand Master 
Kappa Sigma Tau Chapter 

2019 Pledge Class 
Matthew Allen, Houston, TX
Jake Ashenden, Richardson, TX
Asher Bai, Houston, TX
Luke Blasig, San Antonio, TX
Walker Bunch, Houston, TX
Max Calvert, Dallas, TX
Nick Cerasuolo, Houston, TX
Ryan Chiang, Dallas, TX
Chase Clemens, Dallas, TX
Gabe Colasante, Rye Brook, NY
Kevin Conroy, Spring, TX
Price Diharce, Kerrville, TX
Nick Eastman, Oak Point, TX
Joe Eichstaedt, Minneapolis, MN
Jacob Filip, Hockley, TX
Matthew Flaherty, Austin, TX
Drew Fowler, The Woodlands, TX
Kolton Fowler, Deer Park, TX
Cooper Freedle, Kerrville, TX
Michael Hansen, Houston, TX
Hunter Hensey, Houston, TX
Mike Hildner, Austin, TX
Austin Howard, Bellaire, TX
Taylor Kleck, San Antonio, TX
Asher Kniering, Frisco, TX
Harry Licata, Boulder, CO
Cameron Long, Spring, TX
Broderick MacDonald, Dallas, TX
Nick Martin, Coppell, TX
Ian McIntosh, Austin, TX
Brian Mulligan, Lubbock, TX 
Will Norris, Dallas, TX
Alejo Orvananos, Houston, TX
Jon Overman, Dallas, TX
Karl Pitkin, San Antonio, TX
Grant Shaffer, Austin, TX
Andrew Short, Tyler, TX
Jack Smith, Houston, TX
Abhi Sridhar, Plano, TX
Adhrit Srivastav, Houston, TX
Sam Vrana, Dallas, TX