The board of governors for TSU’s Theta Xi chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity gathered with the university’s administration, board of directors, and student chapter officers June 11 to break ground for the chapter’s new house on Kinney Street.

Local bank official David Ballinger, BSBA 1970, serves as vice president of the alumni board for the Kappa Sigma chapter, and has been involved with the plan for the new house since 2005, along with local alumni Roy Meyer and Ryan Estes.

Ballinger traced the history of the fraternity’s location on the campus since its introduction in 1965. Originating at 613 W. Pleasant St. south of the campus, it became known as the “house on the hill,” where members published a news piece called the Hilltop Breeze. The fraternity moved to 311 S. Summit St. in 1968, and then acquired the Kinney Street property in 1996.

Renovations followed until the formal building plan developed. “The goal with the improvements is to remain competitive and grow the chapter,” Ballinger said. “It’s a must to have a new, state-of-the-art facility.”

TSU President Earl D. Brooks II made a similar point. “We are excited to see fraternities and Greek life grow as our master plan develops. They are partners in the progress of the institution.”

Chapter president Chris Parrish, a senior criminal justice major, expressed appreciation for “alumni who care enough about our fraternity to raise the money for it.” He called the fraternity experience indescribable. “You just grow with everybody here. Members come in from everywhere and grow into a family,” he said.

The fraternity’s membership boasts many university leaders over the years. TSU trustees Ralph Trine, from whose family TSU will take its new name in August, Steve LaHood, Mitch Rhoads, and Jim Bock, in addition to a number of TSU Alumni Board of Governors members, are alumni.