The Zeta Chapter of KDR was born in 1920 into a campus environment where students were looking to round out their education with a social element.
The Beginning Kappa Delta Rho was unique from its inception. The fraternity
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The First KDR House at Penn State
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adopted the more stringent model of ancient Rome, striving to reach “manhood, honesty and brotherly love,” but adapting a playful joie de vivre, which characterizes the fraternity to this day. In other words, the brothers of KDR had a serious sense of responsibility, AND a serious love of life. These qualities have served the chapter well over the course of its 85-year history.
By 1925 the fraternity was moving into a new chapter house on Allen and Beaver streets.
A New House … A New Future
In 1926, land was purchased for yet another chapter house… this house would be
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Construction at 420 E. Prospect, 1933
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the house that all living brothers remember as their home away from home.
Ground was broken on June 6, 1933 at 420 E. Prospect. The cornerstone was laid July 8. In August, stained glass windows were purchased. These windows would become the icon of the KDR house, setting it apart in castle-like grandeur, and solidifying the distinctive nature of KDR. Much later, the aging and disrepair of the windows would inspire generous giving from the many brothers who passed through the doors of KDR. But in 1933, these windows glistened like gems. Brothers moved into the house in October 1933.
The architect of the new house was Clarence Bauchspies, a Penn State alumnus and renowned architect whose notable local projects included the Lewistown Hospital and State College High School. He later relocated to Florida where his projects includes the Naples Golf and Beach Club Hotel and the Collier County Free Public Library. The house is an excellent example of Tudor Revival style.
It was during the ’30s that the fraternity began its strong tradition of excellence in athletics.
The ’40s and ’50s: World War II and the post-war boom
KDR was especially strong in athletics during the ’40s. The chapter won the
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1954 Rose Formal
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intramural boxing cup with first places in four of the weight divisions, led by varsity boxer, Bill Calvert ’47. The U.S. Army used the house and many brothers left to serve in the Armed Forces. Beta Sigma Rho Fraternity occupied the fraternity house for a time.
Once KDR veterans returned from the war the house began to grow with new members enjoying the post-war boom. An army barracks ballad stayed on with the house even when the soldiers left, and became an adopted KDR song. It went like this:
Bless them all; bless them all
The long, the short and tall
Some you remember and some you forget
But bless them all!
During the ’50s, the chapter resumed many traditions that began in the ’40s, including the Wharf Rat Cotillion, and began its own traditions including the Rose Formal. Jim Buterbaugh ’55 remembers the house having the biggest parties on campus.
KDR was still prominent in sports, including basketball, wrestling and intramural boxing. The chapter also won the first place trophy in the Newman Softball League.
The ’60s and ’70s: Campus politics and the beginning of THON
During the 60’s, the chapter became active in campus politics, with brothers serving in leadership positions on Interfraternity Council and Hub Committees. Community service efforts grew as the fraternity started working with underprivileged children and
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Brothers on the stairs in 1964
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began its reputation as the largest fraternity contributor to the United Way. THON started on campus in 1973. KDRs play prominent roles in the story of how THON became the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.
Interfraternity Council (IFC) President Bill Lear proposed a dance marathon to boost IFC’s image on campus. He chose a philanthropy, the Butler County Association for Retarded Children, but warned them not to expect many proceeds, perhaps as little as $20. Thirty-nine couples were scheduled for the 30-hour competition, which boasted a prize of $300 for the winning pair. When the fundraiser finished, 17 couples were standing and more than $2,000 had been raised.
KDR entered the event the following year and raised the bar with high donations and innovative fund-raising techniques. In addition to introducing the Budman mascot, brothers teamed with Tri-Delts and started canning days earlier than other teams. KDR’s influence would help to make THON the mega-philanthropy it is today.
KDR and Tri-Delt set a new precedent for fundraising, their contribution of $1,633 adding to an astonishing total of over $10,000. They won this event, and would go on to win first place as top fundraisers for the next ten out of eleven Dance Marathons.
KDR and Tri-Delt effectively swept the awards for the first decade of THON. The chapter was represented by Key THON leaders: Don Mains ’77, Kevin Steinberg ’78 and Jim Adisey ’80.
A tragic event further sealed the bond between THON and KDR. A few weeks after 1978 THON, a group of students were driving to Hershey to deliver the check for the fundraising total to the Four Diamonds Fund. Outside of Harrisburg, the students were involved in an accident. Several students were injured and Kevin Steinberg ’78, KDR and THON leader, lost his life.
Before the 1979 THON, Overall Dance Marathon Chairman, KDR brother Jim Adisey
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Rich Sabatine cracks up Jim Bryja in 1978
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’80 encouraged the IFC to continue the relationship between THON and The Four Diamonds Fund in honor of his close friend, Kevin Steinberg ’78. Changes that he pioneered in the 1979 THON still live on, and Kevin’s legacy continues at Penn State through the Kevin Steinberg Award, given to one THON organizer each year.
Even as the chapter triumphed in THON and kept a busy social calendar, it remained focused on academic excellence. Many brothers made the Dean’s List. In 1979 the chapter received the coveted Omega Epsilon award for chapter excellence in philanthropy, academics, intramurals and leadership, proving working hard and playing hard worked well for KDR.
The chapter’s alumni relations program began in 1972 allowing alumni to communicate with each other frequently and to participate in golf outings, homecoming and other events. Alumni financial giving since 1972 has averaged more than 20% of the membership.
The ’80s: Top rating by Wall Street Journal
Dedication to THON continued and KDR sponsored the Kevin Steinberg Soccer Tournament, proceeds of which were donated to the State College Wheelchair Club.
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| A bonding moment for the 1984 pledge class |
Brothers were also active with the Second Mile Program, which benefits fatherless children.
The ’80s were marked by awards and recognition: in 1985, the chapter received both outstanding philanthropy and newsletters awards from the national fraternity and won the National Philanthropic Award six times from 1982-1986. Among Penn State fraternities, KDR ranked in the top 15 fraternities academically and was continuously in the top five in intramural sports, winning numerous IM championships. In 1989, KDR was rated the second best fraternity house out of 56 in the country by the Wall Street Journal.
Spring formals at the house were elaborate and highly attended. House projects included the building of a trophy case in Kevin Steinberg’s honor, repair of the front walkway and patio, remodeling of 2nd and 3rd floor bathrooms, and painting of exterior trim.
The ’90s: Philanthropy Continues
The chapter expanded its philanthropic activities to include Christmas parties for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and remained a top donor for THON. The House was honored in the Fraternity House lighting contest, winning first and second place in the latter part of the decade.
Like all fraternities, KDR struggled. In 1992, the charter was revoked for having a keg
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The House Illuminated
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party while on probation for hazing-related incidents. On March 28, 1993, the Alumni Board voted to go “local” and created Kappa Delta Rho Zeta. By the fall of 1993, the chapter had re-affiliated with the National Fraternity.
In 1999, a golf reunion weekend for the classes of ’78-’88 was started by Mark Pulos ’82, Jack Dandrea ’85 and John Burke ’82. Great turnout has kept the event going as alumni return each year to play the Blue Course and enjoy Happy Valley.
Homecoming also picked up steam in the ’90s, thanks to the efforts of Dusan Bratic ’68. In addition to elaborate buffet dinners, Homecoming also features transportation from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to bring alumni to the game and the house.
Making it Great Again: Living in 2000
By the new millennium, 420 E. Prospect was showing its age. The alumni board went into action and in 2003, new furniture for living room and repairs to the bathrooms improved general living conditions. But more issues remain. If the chapter
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The Tradition Continues: THON 2003
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is to continue recruiting top quality young men, it must follow the lead of other fraternities at Penn State and meet rising student housing demands. From sprinklers to internet access, the house lacks basics as well as amenities available through other student housing.
The alumni board has formed a building committee and is undertaking a $750,000 capital campaign to renovate the house to its original architectural grandeur while modernizing it for today’s student.
Similarly, there have been changes in undergraduate membership. In late 2004, the chapter was placed on provisional status following a fight with PiKA. These actions led to a positive reorganization and strategic plan for the future. The Zeta House Corporation is spearheading initiatives to turn the negative tide facing the Greek system at Penn State. Initiatives include alumni mentoring and chapter officer training workshops as well as the addition of professional management in areas like catering and house maintenance.
Working Hard and Playing Hard: Carrying KDR Traits through Life
Since 1933, the house has seen nearly 1,300 members pass through her doors.
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Penn State Spirit at KDR
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KDR members learned how to run a values-based organization while maintaining fun, active lives. Alumni repeatedly say they could not imagine their college experience or their lives after college without their KDR experience.
A large percentage of alumni have gone on to hold leadership positions like CEO, vice president, manager, attorney, doctor, captain, and engineer.
The unique blend of fun and hard work can be seen even in their professional lives. One KDR brother owns a multi-million dollar online camping superstore, Campmor. Another is on the board of the Ice
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Sporting grass skirts
on a 1963 float
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Capades. Another is the president of the Professional Golfers Association. Another owns a company that specializes in community building. Another is CEO of a successful bank, Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp, whose model is making banking fun through unbeatable service. Two KDR brothers started The Tavern. Another is a world-famous magician. A ’77 grad is Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development with HUD in Washington, D.C. Another is distinguished as a foremost innovator in computer architecture.
These brothers and a myriad of alumni like them are making lives out of leadership,
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Dave Richards, Popular with the Ladies in 1957
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community, hard work and fun.
As in all of life, KDR Penn State has ebbed and flowed. It has encountered great honor and achievement, and it has encountered adversity. It has worn the honor with humility and risen above the difficult times. Our campaign mantra is “Making it Great Again” … but could just as easily be “Keeping it as Great as it Has Always Been.”
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1970 Composite
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Some Memories from Oscar Tissue '51The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same... - Rick Baloh '91The Birth of Budman... from Steve Woodman '75The ex-GI Factor... - George Pyle '50Life and Times in the Mid-Late Sixties - Scott Bailey '69Some Vignettes of Life at Penn State KDR in the Late 1940's -Robert Calhoun '50What KDR Means to Me - Al Ofensend '54Spotlight on the 1950's -Donald Stohl '53A comprehensive history of the Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta Rho