Kappa Sigma
Alpha-Sigma | Ohio State University
Walter Klevay, Sr. represents a remarkable combination of Kappa Sigma brotherhood, Buckeye tradition, professional achievement, and lifelong devotion to The Ohio State University. From his years as a student-athlete through decades of alumni leadership and support, his connection to Ohio State remained a defining part of his life.
Brother Walt Klevay was initiated through the Alpha-Sigma Chapter of Kappa Sigma in 1947. His undergraduate enrollment was through a football scholarship. As a member of the Buckeye football team, Klevay contributed to one of the memorable periods in the program's illustrious history, including the 1949 championship season. His athletic accomplishments earned him All-Big Ten recognition in 1950. Equally important to his football campaign and the fraternity, Klevay was active in campus life, he became a member in The Ohio Staters organization and and Sphinx, one of Ohio State's distinguished senior honorary societies.
Following graduation, Klevay would go on to build an entrepreneurial career marked by leadership across a number of businesses and industries. His many successful professional ventures included work with Handcraft Metals, HMC, Tyler, Kleco, Aviation Product Support, and Singapore Aircraft Industries. His career took him into varied enterprises and leadership responsibilities, yet his professional pursuits never diminished his commitment to his beloved Alma Mater, or his participation in university programs and events.
Klevay’s commitment became especially evident through his alumni leadership. He served as president of The Ohio State University Alumni Association in 1978 and 1979 which extended his service to the broader Buckeye community. His loyalty to Ohio State athletics, in particular football, was equally enduring: Klevay was reported to have attended every home Buckeye football game for more than 50 years—an extraordinary demonstration of sustained enthusiasm for the university and its traditions.
In the year 1989, Walt Klevay, Sr. was recognized by The Ohio State University. He was posthumously awarded the Ralph Davenport Mershon Alumni Award. This award is reserved for deserving alumni in recognition for demonstrating exceptional leadership and service to the University. As of 2025, there have only been 93 awards of its kind given by the Alumni Association to its alumni.
Klevay's devotion to Ohio State was also reflected in his philanthropy. Together with his wife, Gail, he made certain that future generations would benefit from their support of the university. Their legacy is recognized through the Walter & Gail Klevay Parlor and the Walt Klevay Dean's Conference Room. Both are everlasting reminders of a family whose relationship with Ohio State extended far beyond the years spent on campus.
Brother Klevay was born in 1930 and received his key to the Kappa Sigma Celestial in 2018. In that year, it was announced he was survived by his wife, Gail, five children, and 14 grandchildren. Two of his sons, Walter Jr. (Barney) and Theodore (Ted) were initiated into Kappa Sigma through the Alpha-Sigma chapter.
From Kappa Sigma Brother and accomplished Buckeye athlete to entrepreneur, alumni leader, and university benefactor, Walter Klevay, Sr. exemplified a lifetime of loyalty, leadership, and service. His enduring commitment to his fraternity and his university makes him a fitting and distinguished member of the Alpha-Sigma Chapter of Kappa Sigma Hall of Honor.