This Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving, March 6-8, we're asking you to make a tax-deductible donation to support a cause near and dear to the Kappa Chapter– the creation of a new Scholarship-Leadership Award named in honor of Brother Abubacarr “Buba” Darboe. 100% of your gift, in the amount of $10.34, $50.34, $150.34, $340, $3,400, or $34,000, will help fund this special scholarship.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 to establish a permanent $1,000 annual Scholarship in Brother Darboe's name that will benefit a Kappa Chapter Brother every year in perpetuity.
Abubacarr “Buba” Darboe was a Vanderbilt University senior set to graduate this spring, majoring in Economics with a minor in Business. Originally from The Gambia, he was a first-generation American who met every opportunity with purpose and gratitude. On campus, Buba earned recognition as a Crescere Aude Scholar (“Dare to Grow” merit scholarship) and poured himself into community—through First VU for first-generation students, the Black Student Association (where he served on the executive board), the Undergraduate Real Estate Club, and the Men’s Club Soccer Team, where he started at center back and was valued as a steady, trusted teammate.
In Kappa Sigma, Buba was known for the way he carried himself: calm, welcoming, and quietly dependable. He showed up for others, made new members feel at home, and had a natural gift for bringing people together without ever seeking attention. Buba lived his values consistently, devoted to his family, his faith, his friends, and his home community in The Gambia—giving more than he asked for and leading by example in character, humility, and loyalty. He died during winter break in Madison, Wisconsin, in a tragic drive-by shooting, leaving a profound absence and a legacy of genuine brotherhood.
Now is the time to rally behind this historic initiative and honor the lasting legacy of Brother Buba Darboe. Donate Now!
There is no risk to participating in this special Named Scholarship because all amounts raised shy of $25K between or over $50K will be directed to the existing Chapter Scholarship Fund to benefit Kappa undergraduates.
Scholarship-Leadership Award Applications open on September 1st every year, and winners are announced on December 10th.
2025 Donald C. Dilley Scholarship-Leadership Award Winners:
Brendan M. Schmidt Dr. James Johnson Scholarship Award
Jarrett C. Gath Chapter Scholarship Fund Awards
Gavin M. Cake Chapter Scholarship Fund Awards
Frederick Zettersten-Mansour Chapter Scholarship Fund Awards
Emmett A. Kappesser Chapter Scholarship Fund Awards
Dylan J. Goldin Chapter Scholarship Fund Awards
Deev B. Patel Chapter Scholarship Fund Awards
Cooper R. Berenblat Chapter Scholarship Fund Awards
