Kappa Sigma Beta-Tau

08/28/2026

Today's Event -

5:00-8:00 pm - The Fox & Hound Bar & Grill
"The Junction & The Other Place"

located on Metcalfe Avenue

At 6:00 pm we will stop the music and slideshow for words from some Brothers and Toasts

Look forward to seeing ALL who can attend tonight

Livestream of 50-year Memorial Service

We will livestream the Five Friends and Brothers Memorial tomorrow morning, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Central Time.

The service will be shared through Zoom, where attendees will be able to hear the audio and view the video.

Good news: the session is set to record automatically, so we should have a complete recording to share after the event. We will also set up a separate camera to capture a higher-quality video.

Here is the meeting information: The invitation will so Caelen Rogers at person inviting you to this Zoom livestream

Rice Auditorium –
50-Year Memorial Honoring Our Five Friends and Brothers
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Start Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 pm CST

Join Zoom Meeting:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://bakeru.zoom.us/j/85861441984

Meeting ID: 858 6144 1984

One tap mobile:

+13462487799,,85861441984 # US (Houston)
+16694449171,,85861441984 # US

Join by SIP:
[email protected]

Join instructions
https://bakeru.zoom.us/meetings/85861441984/invitations?signature=cU6Ej4dq4mROCqU6GNyG8UYYKT1-BdwkpcrvBK1ivWY

We’ll miss having you with us in person, but we hope you can be part of this 50-Year Memorial.

AEKDB
Bill Phillips

08/27/2026

Get to know your Five Friends and Brothers:

Here is the 5th Brother profile for our 50-Year Memorial of our Five Friends and Brothers.

After last night's Post I was summarily called out for forgetting some other Classic nicknames from the Bridge Era brothers.

So here they are to make them Happy:

Thumper, Ing, T-Town, Willie, Joe W***y, The Stocker, Skip, Birdman, Popeye, The Schu, Big Red, Moonlick, Herm, and Jonesy

Tonight, meet:

Stuart A. McCoy

Stuart McCoy was a lifelong residence of the Overland Park area.

He was a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School in 1974. He was member of the National Thespian Society. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene on Rockhill Road.

He left a brother James Scott McCoy, his parental grandparents and his mom and dad. His mother is still with us and lives in Overland Park, KS.

Stuart left quite a legacy at the Baker University Theatre department with his photo and tribute letter displayed in the lobby of Rice Auditorium.
The Stuart A. McCoy Award is a prestigious student-voted honor presented annually by the Baker University Department of Theatre at their year-end banquet. It recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions, demonstrated outstanding talent, and positive impacted the university’s theatre community. The award is handed out in early May during the department’s awards event. It is important to note that the McCoy Award is voted on by the students and not by the faculty.

Stuart has been identified in numerous news articles and especially in the Washington Star that instead of leaping from the second-floor window he stopped to dial and call the volunteer fire department – stating the “We’ve got a fire and we’re burning” – thus saving other brothers in the house.

Many brothers were proud of the relationship that Stuart had with his Dad as he was fixture in his life. They were very close and Mr. McCoy was at the house on Saturday August 28th helping him paint and decorate his room. He was a guidance counselor at Stuart’s school, and he help Stu pick Baker University.

Dennis Domer’s eulogy shares that many brothers thank Stu McCoy for saving their lives. He discovered the fire and his last service to our chapter was his telephone call to the Fire Department. Stu was our creative talent. He brought our university theatre a keen eye for outstanding stage sets, because he built many sets during his high school days at Shawnee Mission East. He was an actor and growing in that profession. He had the was the lead actor in Summertree and in the cast of Man of La Mancha. He also had an excellent singing voice which will be missed. He helped the chapter with our annual skirts for homecoming.
He was an extraordinary man!

08/25/2026

Get to know your Five Friends and Brothers
Here is the 4th of 5 Brother profiles our 50-Year Memorial for our Five Friends and Brothers.
Tell why all the brothers back in the 70’s had such cool nicknames:
Harpo, Lance, Sloopy, Hadji, Porky, Wally Dog, Tuck, DJ, GDub, The Nose, Kingpin, The Duck or Disco Duck, ECDB, MWPF, Stan the Man, The Pikester, and many more I have forgotten.
Tonight, meet:
Stephen “Steve” Hadji Hoge

Stephen Rae “Steve” Hoge born August 6, 1955 and was buried in Prairie Village , KS. Steve had five siblings. Steve’s sister Ann Sater lives in Colorado and extends her condolences and prayers to all the brothers. Her brother really loved his time at Baker and especially the brothers in the Kappa Sigma house.

He was to continue as Grand Master or President of Beta-Tau for the fall term in 1976. He followed in the footstep of David Banks who was GM the fall semester of 1975 when house pledged 17 men. Steve carried on the strong leadership from previous GM’s of the house, very much looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Stephen (Steve) Hoge nickname was “Hadji” the adoptive brother of Johnny Quest from the Saturday morning cartoon. Just like Steve was the ultimate brother to all those he met at the Kappa Sig house.

Dennis Domer shared that he was one of only a few brothers in the history of the fraternity to be re-elected as Grand Master (GM). Steve a twenty-one, had already displayed extraordinary potential for leadership. When Steve presided over the chapter meeting, everyone knew that he was gently in charge. He worked hard during summer to make our home at Kappa Sigma a good place to live and study. Steve helped to formulate along with David Sloop a positive rush program to build upon the pledge class of 1975 as we approached rush 1976. He also helped to hire the new housemother to look after the boys.

He was one of the finest men of Beta-Tau in our history.

08/25/2026

Get to know another of Our Five Friends and Brothers:

THEODORE “TED” BAILEY

Coming from a conservative Chicago background, Baker University was a shift for him, opening his perspective to new ideas and a diverse student body.

He was just coming into his own and really starting to chart a real positive course for himself on campus and in our house leadership team. At the time of the fire, he was a Guard on the executive committee.

He had a unique sense of humor, always a constant smile, and a strong aptitude for numbers, as he was studying to become an actuary.

During his first two years at Baker and in the house, he was part of some very memorable and legendary pranks both on the giving and receiving ends.

Dennis Domer reflected on Ted “Teddy” always greeted him and others on campus with the warmest smile, and never failed to say, “Hi Mr. Domer.” Nor could you miss Ted’s razor edge mind. He spoke after careful thought. But at the same time, he possessed the energy and exuberance of youth. Ted loved Kappa Sigma and he was loyal to Baker. He was a prime example of sincerity and goodness. We placed great trust in him for he was our Master of Arms.
What a fine young man he was.

08/24/2026

Met the one and only Mark " Harpo" Morris this evening - As it says in his profile, he was an outstanding pledge trainer in tandem with Frank Harman our 1975 pledge class received the most diverse understanding of Kappa Sigma. Each having their own style of teaching and motiving our pledge class.

Mark Harrison Morris, son of Wayne and Marilyn Morris and brother of Melinda was born on June 2, 1954, in Kansas City.

He attended Cherokee Elementary, Broadmoor Junior High, Shawnee Mission West High School.

He graduated in the Spring of 1976 from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas.

Mark was an Eagle Scout and received the coveted God and Country award at Asbury Methodist Church where he was an active member. At his memorial service presided over by Rev. Alfred Hager and Alton R. Pope the song titled “Morning has Broken” was sung in his honor.

“Mine is the sunlight, Mine is the morning.
Born of the light, Eden saw play.
Praise with elation, Praise ev’ry morning.
God’s re-creation of the new day”

Mark was affectionately known by his nickname “Harpo” which really captured his endearing spirit.

In Brother Dennis Domer’s eulogy at the Baker University memorial service he shared these thoughts of Mark:

Mark, having graduated last year, was back at the house to see his brothers and help with the rush season like many other interested alumni have done over the years. With Mark there was not façade. What you saw and heard was the real Mark. With clarity of mind and purpose, made Harpo a superb pledge trainer. He too was a fine young man.

Melinda Morris Kearney – Mark’s younger sister, said of him:

I always envied Mark’s easy-going attitude and personality. He could BE… No drama, no pretentions. However, he did enjoy some dramatic adventures with his Kappa Sigma brothers! Just ask Eric Ikenberry, Mike “Lance Preston, Jim Hager and Bob Wohlsen. Who could tell the legendary stories of the one and only “Harpo”

08/24/2026

Get to know your Five Friends and Brothers

As we approach this weekend’s 50-Year Memorial for our Five Friends and Brothers, we’ll share profiles over the next few evenings so you can get to know them.
Tonight, meet:


David C. “Sloopy” Sloop

David Charles Sloop, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Sloop, was born on March 29, 1955, in Independence Corners, Kansas. David was survived by his brother Bill, and sister Susan, and at the time his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Glaettli and Mrs. Nannie Sloop of Independence.

David was a senior at Baker University majoring in mass communications and serving as Grand Secretary for the fraternity. He was also on the staff of the Baker Orange and yearbook. The prior summer David was employed at the Independence Daily Reporter as an intern in their newsroom. He also was serving as vice-president of the Inter-fraternity Council on campus.

David was affectionately known by the nickname “Sloopy” which really captured his personality, kindness, and every striving to help his other brothers in the house.

In Brother Dennis Domer’s eulogy at the Baker University memorial service he shared these insights into David:

David, “Sloopy” to us, was one of the most considerate human beings we ever knew. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. In chapter meetings he defended , often alone, those who were critized. And what sense of humor this brother had. He was serious, of course, but in the most difficult of times, David brought us cheerful words of happiness and hope. He was the Grand Scribe or Secretary, and he spent a great deal of time on our rush program. Dave’s absence will be sorely felt, but our memory of his joy and laughter. What a fine man he was.

08/23/2026

Later today we will begin posting Profiles of Our Five Friends and Brothers - so get to know them before next week's Memorial Service - August 29, 2026 in Baldwin City, KS on the campus of Baker University -

Last Tuesday night (August 18th) at the Baldwin City Council meeting, Brother Dennis Domer (initiated '62 - graduated '66) and I received a Proclamation regarding the 50-year Remembrance of our Five Friends and Brothers, as well as our upcoming events on Saturday, August 29th.

Brother Domer was working for Ken Snow at the time of the fire and gave the Eulogy at the campus Memorial service on Monday, August 30th, at the Baldwin Methodist Church.

Interestingly, two members of the City Council have connections to our house: Scott Lauridsen and Corey Venable. Scott is the brother of Lee Lauridsen, a Kappa Sigma brother, and former Baker University professor LaMonte "Monty" Lauridsen. Corey is the grandson of Coach Merle Venable, who lived across the street from the Kappa Sigma house on the night of the fire and helped rescue many brothers from the house.

Beta-Tau of Kappa Sigma Resolution
From the City of Baldwin City, Kansas


WHEREAS, on August 29, 1976, Baldwin City experienced the tragic Beta-Tau Kappa Sigma fraternity house fire; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, on behalf of all residents, extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones affected; and
WHEREAS, the City honors the courage, compassion, and bravery of the first responders, medical personnel, and community members who helped that day; and
WHEREAS, the City reaffirms its commitment to a safe, supportive, and united community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Baldwin City, Kansas, honors and remembers the loss suffered by the Beta-Tau Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity on Sunday, August 29, 1976, when the fraternity and community lost five friends and brothers: Mark Morris, Stephen Hoge, David Sloop, Stuart McCoy, and Theodore “Ted” Bailey; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes the lasting impact of this tragedy on Baldwin City, the State of Kansas, and communities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, many individuals acted heroically that night to help save fraternity members, and the Baldwin City Fire Department provided an outstanding emergency response; and

WHEREAS, the City also recognizes the dedication of the fraternity’s alumni board, national alumni, and many supporters whose generosity helped rebuild the fraternity house and dedicate the new building in May 1978, less than two years later; and

WHEREAS, the Beta-Tau Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity has been part of the Baldwin City community since February 1903 and has been located at 1215 Eighth Street since 1921; and
WHEREAS, the fraternity has been a valued part of the Baker University community, initiating more than 1,750 men and maintaining more than 900 living alumni whose contributions continue to benefit communities worldwide;


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Baldwin City:
Extends heartfelt condolences to all affected by the tragic house fire of August 29, 1976, and honors the alumni who have preserved the names and spirit of their five friends and brothers.
Recognizes that on Saturday, August 29, 2026, the fraternity, alumni board, and alumni will hold a Remembrance and Celebration of Life on the Baker University campus, including a welcome reception at Collins House and a memorial service at Rice Auditorium.

08/07/2026

03/24/2026

Only 5 Days Away !!!
Looks like the Kansas weather is going be a Flannel kind of day

1st Ever - Beta-Tau Alumni Pig Fry
Saturday March 28, 2026
Inviting:
Beta-Tau Brothers; their spouses; family members of our deceased Brothers; parents; invited guests; as well as current members and their parents
@ Tom & Teresa Young’s Estate
Address: 25680 Tonganoxie Drive – Leavenworth, KS 66048
Event Time: 3:00 – 8:00 pm

Key Event Schedule:
3:00 – 5:00 pm: Socializing and sharing stories.

5:00 – 6:00 pm: Food and drinks (Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, Coleslaw; Beer, Wine, Water)

6:00 – 6:15 pm: Welcome remarks from Alumni Board President Robert Jacobs, Alumni Advisor, Active Chapter, and others.

6:00 – 8:00 pm: Liquor tasting—Alumni are encouraged to bring a favorite bottle of liquor to share.

03/16/2026

REMINDER - REMINDER - REMINDER -
We are well on our way to meet our fundraising goal for this event:

Here are three (3) ways you can donate:

PayPal:

Venmo: -Phillips-45

Check: Make payable to "Beta Tau Kappa Sig Society"
Mail it to: PO Box 25
Mission, KS 66201 -
Please note on your check - memo area- 1st Alumni Pig Fry

1st Ever - Beta-Tau Alumni Pig Fry
Saturday March 28, 2026
@ Tom & Teresa Young’s Estate
Address: 25680 Tonganoxie Drive – Leavenworth, KS 66048
Event Time: 3:00 – 8:00 pm

Key Event Schedule:

3:00 – 5:00 pm – Gathering, socializing, and sharing stories

5:00 – 6:00 pm – Food and drinks (details will be provided soon)

6:00 – 6:15 pm – Welcome remarks from Alumni Board President Robert Jacobs, Alumni Advisor, Active Chapter, and other speakers.

6:00 – 8:00 pm – Liquor tasting: Alumni are encouraged to bring their favorite bottle to share and sample.
Final menu will be published on Wednesday...