Honoring a Legacy: TTU’s First Fraternity Celebrates Its Historic Beginnings

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, more than 100 alumni, undergraduates, friends, and supporters gathered on a beautiful spring afternoon at 525 North Walnut in Cookeville to celebrate a milestone in the history of Tennessee Tech University fraternities. The event commemorated the founding of the university’s first recognized fraternity - Kappa Phi Delta - and featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring the fraternity founding, the fraternity’s original home at Barbour Manor, and the establishment of the Kappa Mu Chapter of Kappa Sigma as Tennessee Tech’s first national fraternity chapter.

Lane Miller served as master of ceremonies for the afternoon, welcoming guests and providing an overview of the weekend’s activities. Current Chapter Grand Master Hunter Goins officially welcomed alumni back to the chapter house and shared updates on the current chapter, while expressing appreciation for the vision and dedication of the fraternity’s original founders.

Following Goins’ remarks, Marty Bradley presented a history and overview of the TTU Kappa Sigma Alumni Association and highlighted the association’s continued efforts to manage the home on North Walnut while preserve the legacy and traditions of the chapter.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a Q&A session facilitated by Bill Ray featuring Founder Steve Hill and several alumni in attendance. The discussion reflected on the early days of Kappa Phi Delta, including stories surrounding the fraternity’s original badge and the challenges of operating as a secret society during a time when fraternities were not officially permitted on campus.

The keynote address and closing remarks were delivered by Kappa Sigma Worthy Grand Master Adam Poe, a Kappa Mu alumnus who spoke about his fraternal experience and his pride in the performance of the current chapter, the lasting impact of the fraternity’s founding at TTU and the importance of preserving its history for future generations.

The celebration continued by commemorating the dedication of the new plaque bringing an unforgettable close to a historic day for Kappa Phi Delta, Kappa Sigma, and Tennessee Tech fraternity history.