This Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving, we're asking you to make a tax-deductible donation to support a cause near and dear to the Beta-Epsilon Chapter– the creation of a new Scholarship-Leadership Award named in honor of Brother D. Wayne Lukas. 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 $50,000 to establish a permanent $2,000 annual Scholarship in Brother Lukas's name that will benefit a Beta-Epsilon Chapter Brother every year in perpetuity. In the event Beta-Epsilon does not reach the $50,000 threshold during the Weekend but reaches $25,000, it will automatically create a $1,000 annual Scholarship-Leadership Award. All amounts raised shy of $25K between or over $50K will be directed to the existing Chapter Scholarship Fund to benefit Beta-Epsilon undergraduates.
Few individuals have shaped the world of horse racing as profoundly as Brother D. Wayne Lukas. A 1955 initiate of the Beta-Epsilon Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Brother Lukas is not only a legend in thoroughbred racing but also a mentor and innovator whose impact extends far beyond the racetrack. Recognized as Kappa Sigma’s 2024 Man of the Year, his legacy is defined by groundbreaking achievements, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and an enduring commitment to mentoring the next generation.
Born on September 2, 1935, in Wisconsin, Brother Lukas grew up on a farm, where he developed a deep passion for horses. After earning a Master’s degree in education, he pursued a career as an assistant basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later coached high school basketball. However, his true calling led him to horse racing, and in 1968, he began training quarter horses. His immediate success—training 24 world champions in just ten years—set the stage for his transition to thoroughbred racing.
Brother Lukas revolutionized the sport with his innovative training techniques, quickly rising to prominence. As of 2024, he has won 4,934 races. His victories include four Kentucky Derby wins, seven Preakness Stakes titles—including his most recent in 2024—and four Belmont Stakes championships. In 1995, he made history by sweeping all three Triple Crown races with two different horses, a feat never before accomplished.
Nicknamed “The Coach,” Brother Lukas has mentored numerous protégés who have gone on to become leading trainers in the industry. His impact is reflected in his record-setting 20 Breeders’ Cup wins and four Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Trainer. Inducted into both the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (1999) and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame (2007), he remains the only individual to hold this dual honor.
Even after more than five decades in the sport, Brother Lukas continues to push the boundaries of excellence. His 2014 Eclipse Award of Merit recognized his lifetime achievements, and his influence on horse racing remains unparalleled. From a small Wisconsin farm to the pinnacle of the sport, Brother Lukas embodies the Kappa Sigma ideals of dedication, leadership, and perseverance.
For his extraordinary contributions to horse racing and his lasting impact on the industry, Kappa Sigma is proud to honor Brother Lukas as its 2024 Man of the Year.
The D. Wayne Lukas Scholarship-Leadership Award will be given annually to a Beta-Epsilon undergraduate member who excels in scholarship, leadership, and community service, all of which reflect the example Brother Lukas has provided.
Now is the time to rally behind this historic initiative and honor the lasting legacy of Brother D. Wayne Lukas. Donate Now!
