“History is an instrument of the past, providing the astute with a compass for the future.”  We, at the Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, remember this principle when reflecting on our 117 year history of excellence.  We pursue merit in all aspects of like while remembering the more than 3000 brothers who have preceded us.  Our ascent from the humblest of beginnings in 1890, with a pledge class of only five men, to our standing today as the largest, most successful fraternity at the University of Arkansas has endowed our membership with a richer heritage of success, brotherhood, and creation.

 Xi, the oldest fraternity chapter at the University of Arkansas, was founded by Dr. Charles Richardson, and initiate of the Omicron Chapter at Emory and Henry College.  In the early decades of its existence the chapter lacked an official house and was forced to contend with anti-fraternity legislation.  This adversity created an intimacy which can only be known among brothers.  For example, from Xi’s first pledge class, John C. Futrall became President of the University of Arkansas, while William S. Goodwin became a member of the US House of Representatives.  The list of congressmen, doctors, judges, and great businessmen.

 One of Kappa Sigma’s greatest stories of brotherhood took place in 1927.  In the fall of that year, Brother Hall Douglas broke his leg on the front lawn of the house while playing football with some of his pledge brothers. Luckily, Xi was home to the Razorback football team captain Herman Boozman.  For the rest of the semester, Brother Boozman gave Brother Douglas piggy-back rides to class, carrying him up three flights of stairs to Old Main. 

 The Xi Chapter set another standard of excellence in 1931 when the red brick residence still standing today was completed.  This chapter house gave the fraternity a new position from which to prosper.  Xi exceeded all possible expectations of advancement and following the Great Depression and World War Two, Xi’s membership rose to 225. Additionally, the house was expanded to include an annex which was dedicated to those who had died in the war.  It is due to the unprecedented growth of this time that Xi received the name of “Fabulous Xi,” the name still known today.

 In 2000 Charles B. Whiteside III, a 1960 initiate and long-time Xi leader, undertook a massive development and fundraising campaign which allowed for the most extensive renovation in Xi history.  This $3.6 million expansion and modernization was financed through donations of alumni from across the United States.  Remember, at Xi, our brotherhood is for life.

 At “Fabulous” Xi,” history proves the true existence of the ideals associated with fraternal life.  These values are not simply ornaments of conversation; they are foundation upon which greatness and tradition have continuously proven themselves.  The words of one of our forbearers, Brother Stephen Alonzo Jackson, still hold true; “…we of today live and cherish the principles of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.”

The "Fabulous Xi" chapter of Kappa Sigma is the largest and most celebrated chapter of Kappa Sigma. Xi alums include U.S senators, Governors, Federal Judges, Attorney Generals, and leaders in the philanthropic and business world. We believe that the principles of Kappa Sigma, fosters success in years to come for our undergraduates.