This weekend, Kappa Sigma hosted three District Conclaves, bringing together more than 600 Brothers from the Great Lakes, Northern Plains, and Carolinas regions, respectively, for a weekend of leadership development, fellowship, and collaboration.
District Conclaves serve as critical regional leadership events that connect Brothers with neighboring Chapters and provide accessible, high-impact training. While many undergraduates may not have the opportunity to attend a Grand Conclave, Leadership Conference, or other international leadership event, District Conclaves ensure that essential education, officer development, and values-based training reach Brothers where they are.
Weekends like these continue to strengthen our Chapters, elevate our standards, and build the future leaders of Kappa Sigma.
12th Annual Great Lakes Conclave
Cincinnati, Ohio – Hosted by the Nu-Psi Chapter (University of Cincinnati)
The 12th Annual Great Lakes Conclave was held in Cincinnati and hosted by the Nu-Psi Chapter. Undergraduate Brothers were joined by local and regional volunteers from the Northern Ohio, Southwest Ohio, Southeast Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Michigan, Eastern Canada, Indiana/Illinois, and Kentucky Districts.
Notable guests included Worthy Grand Master of Ceremonies Nic Snowberger (Theta-Zeta, ’01); Area 3 UAC Delegate Trevor Pollock (Epsilon-Eta); Past Worthy Grand Scribe and Volunteer Training Commissioner Daniel J. Tierney (Theta-Nu, ’99); AGC Commissioner Jonah Hartswick (Epsilon-Rho, ‘13);
Before the Conclave began, Brothers kicked off Friday evening with Fellowship opportunities for both undergraduate and alumni Brothers. The undergraduate Brothers hosted an Euchre Tournament that raised funds for the Military Heroes Campaign.
On Saturday, attendees participated in officer and leadership development breakout sessions, anti-hazing education presented by the Gordie Center, and additional training focused on strengthening Chapter operations. Alumni volunteers also received advanced planning training on fraternity initiatives and instruction on leading anti-hazing workshops within their respective Districts.
Brother Trevor Pollock (Undergraduate Advisory Committee Member for Area 3):
“It was an extremely beneficial event for all of our (Epsilon-Eta) Brothers who attended. They feel like they gained valuable knowledge and applicable solutions to bring back to our Chapter and continue to push us to be better. We also loved getting to meet and spend time with our Brothers from all around the area.”
Tim Brinkmeyer Indiana/Illinois DGM and GLC Planning Committee:
The 12th Annual Great Lakes Conclave continued its successful tradition of uniting the Districts, Chapters, and brethren in the Midwest into a think tank of better understandings, a rite mode of actions, and a projected outcome for success to undergraduates and alumni alike. A lot of fun and fellowship tied with zeal and inspirational moments to continue our diligence to realize Jackson’s mission.
Jackson Havel (BIA Chairman, 2x Grand Master at Tau-Mu):
Going to the Great Lakes Conclave has always been a highlight of my year for the past three years for a number of reasons. The networking opportunities and fellowship experiences with so many other Brothers from the region are second to none. One of my favorite parts is always getting to see Brothers from the Midwest, all from different walks of life, coming together to brainstorm ideas to help each other and grow and improve Kappa Sigma as a whole.
Above all else, going to GLC is such an impactful experience because of how much you can learn about the fraternity. Whether you are a pledge, an underclassman Brother, or the GM of your Chapter, there is no limit to the amount of helpful knowledge you can gain not only about running a Chapter and being a Kappa Sigma, but also about how these skills and experiences can better you for the rest of your life.
Second Annual Carolinas Conclave
Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Hosted by the Delta-Omega Chapter (Wake Forest University)
The Carolinas Conclave was held at Wake Forest University, where Undergraduate Brothers gathered alongside local and regional volunteers from the Western and Central North Carolina, and Eastern Carolina Districts. Special guests included Worthy Grand Master Adam T. Poe (Kappa-Mu, ‘06) and Colony Commissioner Noah Griffin (Omikron, ‘18).
Throughout the weekend, Brothers engaged in leadership programming, recruitment strategy discussions, and collaborative sessions to strengthen Chapters across the region. Undergraduate Brothers from the region leaned on each other and our Champion Quest team to build their recruitment skills, discuss plans to sustain Chapter growth year over year, and continue to raise the bar in Area 2.
Brother James Lombardo (Grand Master, Delta-Omega) reflected on the experience:
“I learned a lot at Carolinas Conclave, and it was amazing to see so many Brothers collaborating to push the standard of our Fraternity forward. We shared ideas about every facet of being a Kappa Sigma so we could bring them back to our Chapters to continue improving. Many of the brightest minds and strongest leaders from the Carolinas were there, and every undergraduate came excited and ready to work. It was an incredible experience, and I felt so welcomed by the Fellowship of our Brothers. The turnout was amazing, and I can’t wait for next year’s Carolinas Conclave.”
Sam Kern (Grand Master, Beta-Upsilon) shared:
“Attending the 2nd Annual Carolinas Conclave challenged me to think bigger about what Leadership and being a Kappa Sigma truly means. Through breakout sessions for Grand Masters, FACE, A Greater Cause, and Champions Quest, I was reminded that sustained success does not happen overnight. It requires a clear vision, high standards, and an unwavering commitment to accountability and growth.
Connecting with undergraduate and alumni Brothers across the Carolinas reinforced that long-term success is built on strong Brotherhood, intentional culture, and the motivation to continuously improve. Returning to my Chapter as Grand Master, I am committed to raising the bar, embracing new challenges, and leading my Chapter forward in the never-ending Champion Quest of Kappa Sigma. Being a Kappa Sigma is not for a day, an hour, or a college term only — it is for life. This experience instilled in me the responsibility not only to uphold that standard but also to strengthen it for those who come after me.”
Second Annual Northern Plains Conclave
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Hosted by the Beta-Mu Chapter (University of Minnesota–Twin Cities)
The Northern Plains Conclave took place at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, bringing together Brothers from across the region for a weekend of education and Fellowship. Districts represented included Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Undergraduate Brothers were joined by local and regional volunteers, Worthy Grand Scribe Matthew Bott (Kappa-Rho, ‘96), BIA Commissioner Cory Sims (Gamma-Omicron, ‘04), Legal Commissioner William Lynch (Pi-Eta, ‘08), and Ritualist Jordan Valenti (Kappa-Rho, ‘10).
Programming focused on leadership development, Chapter operations, and strengthening the bonds of Brotherhood across District lines. Saturday evening, the Beta-Mu Chapter hosted a reception at their house afterwards, allowing Brothers the opportunity to network with alumni and local volunteers from Minneapolis.
Will Hostvedt (Grand Scribe, Beta-Mu) shared:
“Despite this being only the second annual Northern Plains Conclave, it is quickly becoming one of the highlights of the undergraduate calendar. Being able to meet and connect with Brothers from all over the Midwest is truly special and demonstrates that no matter where you are, you always have a Brother right around the corner.”
Michael Mann, District Grand Master, added:
“This year’s Northern Plains Conclave was a phenomenal success. I am glad to see this conference grow and flourish as a focal point for Kappa Sigma in the Midwest. For many, this was their first time attending a fraternal event outside of their own Chapter, and they valued the opportunity to meet new Brothers from across the region. For others, it was a return trip and a testament to the positive impact of last year’s event.
I am incredibly grateful for the numerous alumni volunteers who came together to make this Conclave a success, as well as the undergraduate Brothers who made time to use this as an opportunity for personal growth and Chapter development.”
Ian O’Neill from Northern Iowa (Mu-Upsilon):
“My Chapter Brothers and I shared an unforgettable experience at the Northern Plains Conclave. Learning from our fellow Brothers across the Midwest, as well as our alumni volunteers, left us feeling ready to take action within our Chapter and make an even stronger impact in our community.”
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