The Fraternity is saddened to announce the passing of brother and longtime volunteer Ed Kaplan, Connecticut, ’88. 

When his home chapter was restarted at the University of Connecticut in 2014, Kaplan’s involvement played a significant role in its success. Tapped to serve as president of the alumni and volunteer corporation, he performed the role with great passion and dedication until the time of his passing. He recruited volunteers to support the chapter and updated alumni on the growing chapter’s progress. 

He also was a devoted mentor to undergraduate members. Thanks to his guidance, the chapter quickly became a leading fraternity on campus and was recognized as one of the best SigEp chapters in the nation with two Buchanan Cups and multiple Excelsior awards. He ensured brothers not only met, but exceeded, the milestones necessary to earn a new charter. When they did, he enthusiastically organized an event to celebrate. Connecticut Alpha’s 2017 chartering banquet remains one of the best-attended in SigEp’s history.

Kaplan also volunteered at Yale and Quinnipiac. He traveled frequently to both chapters, mentoring undergrads, recruiting volunteers and raising funds to send brothers to leadership programs.

In 2018, he received the Distinguished Alumnus award, and Kaplan was also a two-time recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award.

Some of the brothers who knew him best summed up the impact Kaplan made on their lives:

“Ed was more than just our Connecticut Alpha AVC president — he was the heart and soul of our chapter, and we wouldn’t have an active chapter today if not for Ed. Loved and respected by generations of SigEp brothers going back to the 1950s, Ed was the embodiment of our cardinal principles — and fittingly, with a special emphasis on the greatest of these, brotherly love.” — Joe Langella, Connecticut ’83

“When I was an undergraduate, Ed was someone I could turn to with any question, concern, fear or joy. No matter the occasion, he’d be there to listen and help our chapter overcome its challenges. To every encounter, Ed would always bring a wealth of SigEp knowledge, an unbridled passion and a loving heart. After I graduated, Ed became my role model for what it meant to be a devoted volunteer.” — Van Auger, Connecticut ’20

“Ed Kaplan was a remarkable brother and a man whose friendship I have valued tremendously. His impact on Connecticut Alpha is huge. He has positively influenced generations of men. I will miss him terribly.” — Bill Gunn, Connecticut ’88

“Post-college, I drifted from SigEp and my brothers. But because I reconnected with Ed several years ago, I became involved in Connecticut Alpha’s reconstituted AVC and undergraduate rechartering process. Through the years, I became much closer friends with Ed and his partner, Julie, and rekindled many old friendships with SigEp alumni, which reminded me of why I joined in the first place. Ed’s boundless energy and sense of adventure were a great addition to my life, and I will never forget him.” — Larry Carboni, Connecticut ’86

Ed Kaplan laid a foundation that will support Connecticut brothers years to come. While his loss is great, his spirit continues to shine through the lives he touched.