The University of Michigan – Flint chapter of Kappa Sigma held a reception on Oct. 3 celebrating the 21 awards that the Fraternity has earned this year. Among the major awards that the fraternity won was the much sought after Founders’ Award for Chapter Excellence (F.A.C.E.) Award, which is the highest award possible for chapters of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

According to Kappa Sigma president Ahmad Dandachi, the Omicron-Rho chapter of the Fraternity was chartered on March 31, 2007 and currently has 44 members and 23 pledges. The fraternity learned that they had received the F.A.C.E. Award at the National Grand Conclave in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 31.

“I’m excited that we got it but we can’t stop there,” Dandachi said. “Our goal isn’t awards. Our goal is to maintain excellence and give it back to the community.”

Speakers at the reception included Chancellor Ruth Person, Director of Academic Advising and Career Center and Kappa Sigma faculty advisor Aimi Moss and Director of Greek Life Sara Frees.

Aside from the F.A.C.E. Award, Kappa Sigma has also received A Greater Cause Achievement Award for raising $70,670, A Greater Cause Achievement Award for donating 8,829 hours to the community and the Most Improved Chapter Ritual Proficiency Award for improving 1,700 percent from last year.

During her address, Moss gave some background information about the fraternity. According to Moss, the Kappa Sigma fraternity has more than 14,600 undergraduate members and more than 175,000 living alumni.

David Testa, Kappa Sigma’s alumni advisor, said that the fraternity should be proud of the progress they have made.

“Never have I seen this many awards after such a short amount of time,” Testa said.

During the reception, Dandachi spoke of the excellence in leadership that Kappa Sigma expects of its members.

“That excellence in leadership is excellence in service, excellence in academics and excellence in fellowship,” Dandachi said.

Mary Jo Sekelsky, vice chancellor for student affairs, expressed her excitement for Kappa Sigma’s recent honors.

“They’ve put UM-Flint on the national map,” Sekelsky said. “We are grateful for what they’re doing.”

Beth can be reached at eleblanc@umflint.edu.