J. Paul Boyer '78

After graduating from Upper Arlington High School in 1976, Paul enrolled at The Ohio State University.  After attending a few rush parties his Freshman year, Paul did not feel compelled to move forward with membership in a social fraternity.  However, in the summer of 1977 a few of his high school friends invited him to meet some of the men of Kappa Sigma.  Brothers Jim Botti, Craig Henderson and Leo Hernandez invited Paul and Ken Holcomb to pledge one evening at the Varsity Club in August 1977.

Coincidentally, the Alpha-Sigma chapter was undergoing a “partial recolonization” and only 18 undergraduate Brothers were invited to remain involved, reporting to an “Alumni Board of Control.”  Paul was energized to pledge Kappa Sig, believing that he and his pledge class could make a difference and bring the chapter back to prominence over the next few years.

In Spring of 1978, there were 14 active undergraduate Brothers and a pledge class of 7 men:  Paul, Doug Dawson, John Hileman, Ken Holcomb, Jon Hurst, Mike Jones and Jay Kordic.  Within 3 years, the active chapter grew to 84 Brothers and Kappa Sigma was a notable success story.  During that time, Paul served as Grand Master of Ceremonies for two consecutive terms, overseeing the initiation of 50 new Brothers.  In 1981, Paul was recognized as the Kappa Sigma “Man of the Year”.

In 1983, Paul accepted the role as Alumnus Advisor and served four years, during which the undergraduate chapter thrived. Paul received National’s Stephen Alonzo Jackson award in 1984 as an “Outstanding Alumnus Advisor.” Years later, in 1999-2000 Paul worked with a group of alumni Brothers to help address various issues facing the active chapter.  Unfortunately, the chapter did not survive and was absent from campus for three years.

In recent years, Paul again served as the GMC for a special initiation of retired Athletic Director Jim Jones, whose son Bill was a Kappa Sigma in the 1980s.  At the request of Brother Jeff Shaw, Paul created a presentation for active chapter members as well as alumni, that focused on the elements of the Christian faith that are present in the ritual as well as the pledge booklet, Bononia Docet. More recently, Paul has been an active participant and “substitute teacher” at a monthly Bible study led by Brother Mark Stier and attended by a small group of Kappa Sigma “Senior Citizens” ranging in age from 66 to 95.

Paul married his wife, Sally, in 1989.  They have three adult sons – two married, one engaged – and all currently living in Upper Arlington.  Although “retired”, Paul and Sally continue to manage a small property management business.  Paul has been involved since 2008 in Gracehaven, an organization which serves minors who are survivors of child sex trafficking.  Sally has served as a mentor to teen mothers, and also volunteers to assist a Syrian refugee family now residing in Columbus.