New Orleans Saints head coach and Significant Sig Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1987, discusses what it's like to be a teacher and mentor to those he is tasked with leading.
$20 MILLION DEDICATED TO WOMEN'S CANCER RESEARCH
Huntsman Cancer Foundation President and Chief Operating Officer Susan Sheehan hugs 70th Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, after he announced that Sigma Chi International Fraternity is pledging $20 million dedicated to women’s cancer research, treatment and wellness at the Huntsman Cancer Institute during a ceremony in Salt Lake City on June 28. Read more about the historic pledge on page 53. Photo by Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News 2019
Photo by Jack Rodzik, MICHIGAN
“WE
MUST CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO ADVANCE THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF GREEK-LETTER LIFE...”
There is little doubt that in recent times the value of Greek-letter life in general has been questioned. Our university partners, along with the media, have taken an aggressive stance from suspending Greek-letter life in general to news reports stating that fraternities are outdated institutions and need to be done away with.
There is no question that due to hazing incidents, recent deaths and the national news stories that have followed, this belief exists in our society. Some of our members have let us down, and we have been complicit in allowing it to happen.
The value that Greek-letter organizations provide to members in terms of building character, lifelong friendships, the opportunity for peer-to-peer mentoring, opportunities to address mental health, support and personal and professional development far outweigh the negatives. We must continue our efforts to advance the positive aspects of Greek-letter life and eradicate the negatives.
Sigma Chi International Fraternity is committed to eradicating hazing from our chapters and Greek-letter life in general. The practice is incompatible with our values. You cannot say you believe in the concept of true brotherhood and yet participate in hazing. Each one of our undergraduate brothers must commit himself to the pledge that he will not participate in these types of activities. I charge each of them with making this pledge. To this end, I will continue the
work and charge of 68th Grand Consul Mike Greenberg, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1982 , and the Jordan Initiative to eradicate hazing from our brotherhood. Together, we will seek new knowledge on combating these activities, seek to partner with organizations and foundations aligned with our commitment, and continue our educational and restorative justice initiatives with the sole purpose of eradicating hazing.
We must raise the bar on our recruitment efforts under the banner of values-based recruiting. We must pledge members who have the potential to align themselves with our values over a lifetime. They must be committed to our organization and committed to protecting our reputation through their actions. They must see the value in becoming student and chapter leaders and be committed to philanthropy in our communities, as well as being part of something larger than themselves. Last, they must have the potential to become alumni volunteers and donors who can continue our values-based mission.
We will continue to refine our Mission 365 recruitment training program so that its curriculum is contemporary and valuable. We must continue to find men with character-based values who want to be enduring leaders. We will train more facilitators to deliver this training. We will educate our undergraduates on the basic value proposition that recruiting new members based on their alignment with the values of our Fraternity provides the best chance for us to survive and prosper in the modern university environment. We also must create value for
FALL 2019 / VOL. 138, #2
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our university partners by continuing to enhance our membership development opportunities. They will teach calculus; we will teach life skills. When our students graduate, our partnership creates an opportunity to flourish and survive in the modern world.
I personally have reaped the benefits of mentors and brothers who fostered my leadership skills. My life would not be the same without them, and I am forever in their debt. The value of creating opportunities for our adult brothers to partner with undergraduate brothers in peer-to-peer mentoring and alumni-undergraduate mentoring is invaluable. It is the basis of showing our communities what Greekletter life really is about: personal and professional development based in values and a commitment to improving our communities.
In Hoc, brothers, and guard well.
Steven Schuyler
ARIZONA 1979
71st Grand Consul
The Magazine of Sigma Chi, the official exoteric quarterly publication of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1881. Its mission is to reflect through content the Sigma Chi experience; to instill and sustain pride in the International Fraternity; to educate and entertain its undergraduate members, alumni, parents and others interested in the Fraternity; to maintain a historical record of the activities of the Fraternity and its undergraduate and alumni chapters; and to present current issues affecting the Greek-letter system, the Fraternity and its members.
EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITORS ADVERTISING SALES
Ryan Liskey Wes Holtsclaw Justin Hanen
Ashley Szatala
CONTRIBUTORS
Jay Ford, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1986
Jack Rodzik, MICHIGAN STATE 2013
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View our media kit at sigmachi.org/files/mediakit.pdf. Contact Justin Hanen at (847) 425-4413, or email justin.hanen@sigmachi.org to place an ad.
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HOW TO RECEIVE THE MAGAZINE | Undergraduate members: Undergraduate members receive The Magazine through payment of semiannual dues through their chapter. Individual copies are mailed to each undergraduate’s permanent address, and a few chapter copies are sent to the chapter editor or the chapter house. Recent graduates: The Fraternity gives each recent graduate a one-year complimentary membership in the alumni program. Benefits of this membership include four issues of The Magazine. At the end of the year, recent graduates may continue to receive The Magazine through the alumni options below. Alumni: Alumni receive The Magazine by renewing their membership in the alumni program ($35 per year) or by purchasing a Life Loyal membership ($199 or $399). For either of these, phone subscription sales at (847) 869-3655. A single copy of the current issue of The Magazine is $8.75 and can be purchased by contacting subscription sales. Past issues are $10.25 each.
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HOW TO CHANGE AN ADDRESS | Email your old and new addresses to addresschange@ sigmachi.org. You may also call (847) 869-3655, send mail to Address Changes, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201, or go to sigmachi.org > Membership > Update my contact info.
HOW TO GET PUBLISHED | Undergraduates: Each chapter editor is a correspondent for The Magazine of Sigma Chi. View deadlines and submission requirements at sigmachi. org. Chapter updates and photos must be submitted via cssigmachi.com/magazine. Please upload the original photo file from the camera. Alumni: Alumni are encouraged to submit news and stories. Tell us about your alumni chapter events, and please include photographs — alumni chapters should email us at alumni.almanac@sigmachi.org or upload updates at cssigmachi.com/magazine. If you have news about an individual alumnus, email editor@sigmachi.org or send information and photos to the address above.
HOW TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR | We always welcome your comments — both criticism and praise — about this publication. Email editor@sigmachi.org, or send mail to Editor, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.
GENERAL DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS
Summer issue: March 15 Fall issue: May 1 Winter issue: Sept. 15 Spring issue: Dec. 15
“ OUR CHAPTER MEMBERS MUST
FIRST RECRUIT VALUES-BASED LEADERS INTO THE FRATERNITY TO DRIVE ITS OBJECTIVES.
The beginning of a new academic year, for many Sigma Chi chapters, brings with it a change in leadership, as well as a renewed focus on goal setting and on teamwork to achieve the group’s objectives. For many of the undergraduate officers themselves, the year will bring their first experience leading a group of their peers and the fun and challenges that can come with it. Whether a chapter hopes to increase its new-member retention rate, improve its GPA or set a new fundraising record, its members must first recruit values-based leaders into the Fraternity to drive its objectives.
Undergraduates returning to campus in fall 2019 do so equipped with this knowledge thanks to a retooled Mission 365 recruitment training program that alumni facilitators received training on at the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop held over the summer.
Members’ feedback on the refreshed program had just begun to reach International Headquarters at the time of this writing, but early markers indicate that our facilitators and participants left the workshops feeling energized and motivated to recruit their chapter’s newest members and tackle the challenges of the academic year ahead.
In this issue of The Magazine of Sigma Chi, and in the spirit of all things recruitment, we examine the ways in which Sigma Chi coaches and executives in the NFL have used values-based character assessment to build high-performing teams, as well as how a former International Sweetheart and NFLPA-certified player agent is using her skills as an attorney to help young athletes realize their dreams of playing in the National Football League.
We hope you enjoy reading about their efforts in this issue.
Sincerely,
Ryan Liskey MARQUETTE 2010 Editor
@SIGMACHI
We are proud to announce that Sigma Chi will begin its recolonization efforts at Illinois State University during the fall 2019 semester. Do you know of an incoming or current student who would be a good fit for our colony? Direct message us his contact information or tag him below.
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY
The Sigma Chi Reach Out app is the first place to go if you or a friend need immediate help, information for on-campus resources or local off-campus resources, hotlines or if you have a questions about mental health, sexual assault, alcohol and substance abuse, or emergency care.
Sigma Chi Reach Out connects students, alumni, parents and friends who are in need with continuously updated campus and community resources, such as rape crisis centers, helplines, legal aid services, medical care providers, counseling services and emergency responders. No matter if you’re on campus, in your hometown, or visiting another school in the USA or Canada, this app is 100 percent anonymous and does not require log in information. The app to ensure that every person has strong arms around them. Never alone, reach out. Download today.
sigmachi
Congratulations to Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1999, on receiving the 2019 Significant Sig Award! Thank you to Brother Pace for the outstanding interview. We’re looking forward to another great NFL season.
BY ASHLEY SZATALA /////////////////////
W Protecting the Planet
Sam Bencheghib, LEHIGH 2019, is running from New York City to Los Angeles to encourage people to reduce their plastic consumption
hile growing up on the island of Bali in Indonesia, Sam Bencheghib, LEHIGH 2019, and his brother, Gary, often would go surfing. But when paddling in the Bali Sea to catch the waves, the pair would have to travel through various discarded plastic items littering the water.
“[We] witnessed [Bali’s] once pristine beaches get filled with plastic pollution,” Bencheghib says. The brothers started cleaning the beaches on a weekly basis 10 years ago when Bencheghib was 12 and Gary was 14. They called their efforts Make a Change Bali to inspire others locally to reduce plastic consumption.
The effect of plastic pollution on their community made a lasting impact on the Bencheghibs, and today they devote themselves full-time to educating people
on the consequences of plastic pollution and how to prevent it. Make a Change Bali has grown into Make a Change World, a media outlet that uses video storytelling to share the stories of changemakers and create positive social change.
“The Sigma Chi mission, which is to develop values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus and community, has always been something that I live by,” Bencheghib says. “At Make a Change World, our goal is to inspire positive change and improve our community and our planet. The Sigma Chi values and principles are very much in line with ours at Make a Change World.”
For his work with the organization, Bencheghib has been named the fall quarter Mark V. Anderson Character-in-Action™ Leadership Award winner.
RAISING AWARENESS OF PLASTIC POLLUTION IN WATERWAYS
Bencheghib and Make a Change World have done several expeditions to raise awareness about plastic pollution in waterways. The first was traversing down the Mississippi River in a boat made from recycled materials in 2016. Then, a year later, Bencheghib and Gary used kayaks made from plastic bottles to paddle down Indonesia’s Citarum River, which was named by Scientific American in 2013 as one of the top 10 most polluted rivers in the world but is often viewed as the worst.
“Going down these rivers, you really see the impact of plastic firsthand. Communities on these rivers are suffocating on plastic pollution,” Bencheghib says. “People rely on its water to cook and bathe. It is so devastating to see the conditions these people have to live in because of poor waste management systems, which is something we take for granted here in the U.S. since all of our trash is collected for us.”
During the brothers’ trip down the Citarum, they released videos documenting their journey and the individuals who are working to clean up the river. The videos went viral and attracted the attention of Indonesia President Joko Widodo, who met with the brothers and announced in 2018 that the river’s water should be made drinkable within seven years through an aggressive new cleanup effort led by the country’s military.
“We were hoping our videos would be seen by many, but we never expected to meet [Widodo] or even less that this expedition would turn into a seven-year job for the two of us working with the Indonesian authorities to monitor the cleanup,” Bencheghib says.
Gary Bencheghib says that trip down the Citarum was the first time he noticed his brother really grow as a leader.
“I saw a big transformation in Sam during our Citarum expedition,” he says, adding that it inspired Bencheghib to think bigger about projects that could effect change.
RUNNING NEARLY 3,000 MILES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Bencheghib is currently embarking on what he calls his Ocean2Ocean run, a fivemonth-long and nearly 3,000-mile-long trip across the United States to spread awareness of plastic pollution. He is running 20 miles a day, six days a week, from New York City on the Atlantic Ocean to Los Angeles on the Pacific Thanks to a sponsorship by Parley for the Oceans and Adidas, he also planned to wear shoes made from recycled materials during the run.
“In a time of such environmental concern, we need to talk about the solutions and innovations available to us to make our planet healthier. Therefore, we believe that no idea is too crazy since we are running out of time,” Bencheghib says. “Yes, running across the country may seem crazy, but it is an incredible opportunity to engage with as many communities as possible along my route to inspire and encourage them to protect the environment and generate less waste. I will be hosting as many educational presentations as I can at schools and universities, as well as try to get local governments along my route to sign a no plastic pledge.
“The fact that this run will be extremely physically demanding is a good metaphor to showcase the severity of the plastic pollution problem.”
Gary Bencheghib says it’s exciting to see his brother take on his first big solo project with Make a Change World.
“As an older brother, I am so proud to see Sam follow our motto that everything is possible if you dream big enough,” he says. “It is empowering to have a brother who has supported me since day one [with Make a Change World]. Up until Sam’s graduation, he would jump in as soon as he got a holiday and join me on set projects. But now I couldn’t be happier to have him jump in full-time and host his own projects.”
For each project Make a Change World does, such as the Citarum River expedition or the Ocean2Ocean run, Bencheghib uses a five-step strategy.
“Think big; no idea is crazy enough when it comes to the environment. Find local allies to team up with. Spread positivity and focus on solutions rather than the problem. Get the message out via social media and other platforms,” he says. “And last, be persistent, never give up, and, often, one adventure inspires the next.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS
A person with good character shows trustworthiness, respect and fairness to others, as well as responsibility and citizenship. Those members who go out of their way to help others and those who overcome obstacles and lead with integrity are good candidates for the Mark V. Anderson Character-in-Action™ Leadership Award.
Sigma Chi introduced the award to recognize the selfless acts of brothers. A formal recognition by the Fraternity allows non-members to appreciate the scope of the organization. For information about the award, see sigmachi.org/character
Sam Bencheghib, LEHIGH 2019, second from left, listens as his brother, Gary, far left, speaks during their trip around Bali in 2018 to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution.
A NEW BIENNIUM
Seventy-first Grand Consul Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, charts the course for the Fraternity for the next two years
as Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, embarks upon the next two years as the 71st Grand Consul, he does so having taken the slogan of his predecessor, 70th Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985 , to “Expect
More” to heart. Now, in addition to expecting more, Schuyler has an additional charge for Sigma Chis everywhere: Get involved, because the future of the organization depends upon it.
Schuyler uses himself as an example of it never being too late to become involved with the Fraternity. Although he was chapter advisor for the Arizona undergraduates for many years following his graduation and remained active in the Tucson Alumni
Chapter, it wasn’t until 2009 that he got involved at the international level and agreed to run for the office of Grand Trustee.
“Anyone aspiring to leadership, go for it. Leadership takes on many forms,” he says, adding that anyone who advances the interests of their chapter is a leader. “But don’t let it stop when you graduate. I understand if you need to take a break, but at some point, we need you back.”
Below, Schuyler shares his expectations for the organization and its members for the 2019 to 2021 biennium. The following is an excerpt of his address delivering that charge to 2019 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop attendees: “Brothers, welcome to the era of the transformational leader.
Seventy-first Grand Consul Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, talks with undergraduates on Aug. 1 during the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Why transformational leadership? Why not just leadership? It’s because leadership in today’s world is not enough. The purpose of Sigma Chi has always been about developing and improving each other through the framework of peerto-peer mentoring and brother-to-brother coaching. However, it never was meant to stop there. Rather, the point of Sigma Chi is to improve each other so that we can go out and do something with it, do something great. Something to change the world in a positive way — something to make a difference. That is why we are launching the era of the transformational leader during this biennium, and it starts today.
Over the next two years, Sigma Chi is going to do something incredible. Of course, that is just what Sigma Chi has done for 164 years. So, you may ask, what is different? Let me summarize it this way: We are going to revolutionize the way the world views the value proposition of fraternity life. The time has come for fraternities to be able to offer a truly enriching, developmental experience to every man who commits himself to a life of purpose.
Through bold and visionary leadership, Sigma Chi will breathe new life into this transformational experience we call Sigma Chi. We will help our fraternal partners as well, and in doing so, help protect our way of life.
During the immediate past biennium, Sigma Chi adopted the branding challenge ‘Expect More.’ It is simultaneously a statement of accountability and a charge. It is a reminder that the world expects more of us. It is a reminder that we should expect more of ourselves and each other. And it is a reminder that you should expect more of me as I will of you.
Transformational leaders are never idle; they are curious by nature, and they are constantly evolving and pushing the envelope to create positive, sustained change in the world. In short, they are expecting more of themselves and others around them. And that, brothers, is what we do here in Sigma Chi.
My charge to each of you is to engage with Sigma Chi and to inspire the rest of the men in your chapters to do the same. The spirit of engagement begins with one thing: a conscious choice.
There are a few things I want to ask you to focus on this year. These are areas where Sigma Chi has taken the lead in the Greek-letter world, and we can further expand our competitive edge even more if we focus on them the right way. Here are my specific targets for you:
ACADEMICS. I want every chapter to achieve academically above the allmen’s average on your campus. One hundred percent. It’s on all of us to make sure that each man attends to his academic responsibilities.
300/30. What does that mean? That means I want to see every man in Sigma Chi raise $300 annually for philanthropic causes and give minimally 30 hours
Getting to Know Steve Schuyler
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
I have lived since 1969 in Tucson, Arizona. So, I’m a desert boy, but I’m also a beach guy. I love the beach, which is obviously the antithesis of the desert.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I have spent my career in commercial real estate and real estate management. A typical day for me involves dealing with tenants and tenant-related issues, and operational issues.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I married my wife, Valerie, who is a Delta Delta Delta Fraternity member, in 1980. On Sept. 13, we celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary. I have twin sons, Jeffrey and Christopher, who are 33 years-old and are both Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity members, and I have a daughter who is five years younger named Michelle who is a Gamma Phi Beta Fraternity member. They’re all University of Arizona graduates, so we’re all Wildcats. I also have a 10-month-old granddaughter, Zoe Michelle, who is now the light of my life. I would recommend fatherhood to anyone, but I would particularly recommend being a grandparent to anyone.
of his time in service to the community. If we do that, the result is $5 million dollars in philanthropic contributions and over 500,000 hours of community service annually. Think about it: It’s raising $1 per day over the next 10 months and giving three hours of your time per month for the next 10 months. That’s it.
Sigma Chi expects more, and I know we can deliver.
LEAD. Our high-water mark for Sigma Chis serving as student body president on their campus was 30 individuals, set just a few years ago. We took a step backward this past year, but I know we can rebound. As a chapter, make a choice to get engaged in student government and lead your campus. The world needs the leadership lessons you are learning in Sigma Chi, and what better way to deliver that than by leading on your campus? Get involved in student government, Interfraternity Council leadership, be the president of a student organization, captain an athletic team — just lead. Use the lessons you’re learning here, and go out and help others.”
CELEBRATING Achievements
Sigma Chi inspires its members to lead by example, bringing Fraternity values to life. In doing so, Sigs excel in their professional pursuits. The following are brothers recognized for their achievements.
SIG ELECTED AS LOUISIANA BANKERS ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN
Patrick Biglane, MISSISSIPPI STATE 1976 , was elected in May 2018 as the 20182019 chairman of the Louisiana Bankers Association. He currently serves as president and CEO of Concordia Bank and Trust in Vidalia. The Louisiana Bankers Association was founded in 1900. The association’s mission is to help banks grow and prosper in Louisiana, and it provides bankers with professional development opportunities, revenue-enhancing products and services, and governmental relations and public advocacy.
SIG NAMED NO. 3 LAWYER IN KENTUCKY
Bill Garmer, KENTUCKY 1968 , has been named by Kentucky Super Lawyers as the No. 3-ranked lawyer in the state. He works at Garmer & Prather in Lexington as a personal injury attorney and has helped establish legal precedents in Kentucky. In one case, Garmer represented a plaintiff denied compensation following a DUI-related crash in which she was a passenger. His successful argument and the court’s ruling resulted in state adoption of the comparative system. He was inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Law Hall of Fame in 2014 and is a past president of the Kentucky Bar Association.
FORMER EPISCOPAL BISHOP NAMED A TOP ALUM OF OLE MISS
The University of Mississippi’s alumni association has named retired Episcopal Dioceses of Mississippi Bishop Duncan Gray III, 1971, a recipient of its 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award. He was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame on Oct.
4. The university said in a press release that the Hall of Fame recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their country, state or the university through good deeds or services. It added that during Gray’s tenure as bishop from 2000 to 2015, he emphasized in the church leadership development and initiatives in racial reconciliation. He also helped establish partnerships in Uganda and South Sudan and has held several national and international leadership positions.
SIG RECEIVES NONFICTION BOOK AWARD
Tom Grooms, TENNESSEE TECH 1970 , received the Texas Association of Authors Best Books for Nonfiction award in the historical category for his book, My Mission in Russia: Business Incubators, Tactics and Lessons. Grooms is founder of the Academy of Market Intelligence and is a former full-time professor. He was part of a five-person team selected to travel to closed military cities, and he was one of the architects of Russia’s economic recovery as it transitioned from a socialist economy to a free market economy. Currently, he is a full-time author.
KRACH NAMED BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR BY HARVARD
Harvard Business School Association of Northern California has named Order of Constantine Sig, Significant Sig and 64th Grand Consul Sig Keith Krach, PURDUE 1979 , its 2019 Business Leader of the Year. The former DocuSign CEO, chairman and president was recognized for his transformational leadership; impact in the areas of business, technology, education and social sectors; and philanthropic endeavors. Krach and his wife, 1997 to 1999 International Sweetheart Metta Krach, were honored with City Year’s 2018 Citizen Leadership Award in October. City Year partners with public schools in high-need communities to support students’ academic and social-emotional development.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH TO BE INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
Significant Sig Johnny Majors, TENNESSEEKNOXVILLE 1957, was inducted into the Pittsburgh Athletics Hall of Fame on Sept. 20. He was hired as head coach by the University of Pittsburgh in 1973 after the school’s football program went 1-10. In Majors’ first season, the team finished 6-5-1 and played in its first bowl game since 1956. Three years later, the team had a Heisman Trophy winner,
went undefeated and was declared a national champion after winning the Sugar Bowl. Majors left to coach Tennessee after four seasons with the Panthers and going 33-9-1. He ended his coaching career at Tennessee in 1992 before returning to coach Pittsburgh from 1993 to 1996. Majors was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
program, which focuses on creating a positive culture and climate in schools. Skinner told his local online news organization SweetwaterNOW: “I’ve just done what I believe I am supposed to do as an educator. I believe in kids. I want them to succeed, and I do whatever I can to make that happen.”
WESTMINISTER SIG RECEIVES ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Bob Muehlhauser, WESTMINSTER 1968, received Westminster College’s Alumni Achievement Award in April during the Fulton, Missouri, college’s alumni weekend. Muehlhauser retired as the Bank of America executive vice president and Banc of America Securities managing director after a career in global corporate and investment banking. He joined the Westminster College Board of Trustees in 2000 and served as board chair from 2011 to 2013. The college awarded Muehlhauser an honorary doctorate in 2014. He currently sits on the International Churchill Society Executive Committee in Washington, D.C., and is trustee emeritus of the San Francisco Zoological Society.
IOWA STATE HONORS SIG WITH DESIGN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Matt Nielson, IOWA STATE 1984, received the Iowa State University College of Design’s 2018 Design Achievement Award in October during the university’s homecoming. He serves as senior director of operations and campus planning for the National YoungArts Foundation, which is based in Miami, Florida and helps nurture accomplished young artists and assists them in their educational and professional development. Previously, Nielson was deputy commissioner for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. He is a member of the American Planning Association and serves on the university’s Department of Community and Regional Planning’s Planning Advisory Council.
TEACHER EARNS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Bradlee Skinner, SOUTHERN UTAH 2001 , was one of three teachers to be awarded the 2019 Jostens Educator of the Year award in July in Orlando, Florida. The Green River, Wyoming, high school teacher of theater and American literature was chosen out of about 6,000 schools that implement the Jostens Renaissance
LAW FIRM CO-FOUNDED BY SIG EARNS TOP AWARD
The law firm of Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Steve Thayer, ILLINOIS 1988 , was presented in November 2018 with the Best Family Office Law Firm in the U.S. award by Family Wealth Alliance. Thayer is a founding partner of Handler Thayer LLP in Chicago and serves as chairman of the firm’s Commercial Practice Group, which includes the firm’s Business and Corporate Practice, Real Estate Practice, and Sports and Entertainment Law Practice. He is a member of several bar associations and is active in many civic and social organizations, such as the Chicago Illini Club and Hinsdale Village Caucus.
MISSOURI PROFESSOR RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD
Ben Trachtenberg, YALE 2001, received in March the 2019 University of Missouri President’s Award for University Citizenship in Leadership. The President’s Awards recognize faculty across the university system’s four campuses who have made exceptional contributions in advancing the university’s mission. Trachtenberg is an associate professor of law who teaches criminal procedure, evidence, professional responsibility and trial practice. The award announcement said that while Trachtenberg served as MU Faculty Council chair from 2015 to 2017, he “displayed grace under tremendous pressure and forthrightly articulated faculty positions on sensitive issues.” He has been published in The New York Times, ABA Journal and Hastings Law Journal
Modeling The Way Forward
Sports can and often provide a convenient vehicle for analogy that professional organizations and even Fraternity chapters use to examine their own people and processes.
Whereas day-to-day interactions and operations in the business and chapter worlds often are ambiguous, each sport season has a defined beginning and end, its own language and set of rules, and each team its own fixed objective: to win.
In this issue of The Magazine of Sigma Chi, we focus on two Fraternity alumni and on a former International Sweetheart who are working in the world of professional athletics to learn how their Sigma Chi affiliation has influenced the culture they’ve established on their teams and in their organizations and, perhaps more importantly, what they’ve come to expect from themselves as professionals.
Entering his 14th season as head coach of the New Orleans Saints at the time of this writing is Significant Sig Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1987 , who, following his days as a standout quarterback on the Eastern Illinois University football team, entered the coaching profession and has since amassed more wins than any coach in Saints history, brought New Orleans its first Super Bowl championship and twice been named the NFL’s coach of the year. And yet, Payton describes his primary responsibilities as being a teacher and communicator by mentoring and modeling the way forward for the players and coaches he’s tasked with leading.
One recipient of Payton’s mentorship is Significant Sig Ryan Pace, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1999. Also an Eastern Illinois football team
alumnus, Pace worked for the New Orleans Saints organization for 14 years — eight of which included Payton as head coach — advancing from his initial role as an operations assistant in 2001 to becoming the team’s director of player personnel in 2013. In 2015, at age 37, Pace became the NFL’s youngest general manager at the time when he accepted the position with the Chicago Bears and assumed responsibility of turning the struggling franchise around. Pace began putting his system in place, and the Bears finished the 2018 season with a 12-4 record and won their division, giving Chicago its first playoff appearance since 2010 and earning Pace recognition as Sporting News’ executive of the year.
University of Alabama alumna and 2009 to 2011 International Sweetheart Alexa Stabler is likewise making a name for herself in the National Football League by advocating for its players. She founded Stabler Sports in Mobile, Alabama, and became an NFLPA-certified player agent following the posthumous induction of her father, Ken Stabler, into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2016. Bringing together her professional skills as an attorney and her personal experience as a family member of a former NFL player, she’s working to advance players’ interests and to plan for life after football.
We hope you enjoy reading about these members of the Sigma Chi family in this issue.
New Orleans Saints head coach and Significant Sig Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS
1987, embraces his roles as a teacher and communicator to support a winning culture.
Teaching Consistency
t’s the afternoon before the start of the 2019 National Football League season in New Orleans. For Significant Sig and New Orleans Saints
head coach Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1987, it’s a day filled with anticipation as his team conducts its final walk-through at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
The next night, the Saints will host the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in one of the league’s marquee opening weekend games. or a head coach who has seen his teams overcome their share of ups and downs over 14 years with the franchise — ranging from a 2006 post-Hurricane Katrina NFC Championship Game appearance and 2009 Super Bowl victory highs to his own 2012 NFL suspension and 2018 NFC Championship Game loss lows — the current challenge is guiding this year’s team to an opening week win.
“We haven’t won one of these opening games in five years, and we’ve had some really good teams,” he says. “We’ve tried to change the schedule around and look closely at what we’re doing.”
Payton’s schedule to begin the 2019 season included accepting the Significant Sig Award from his pledge brother Mark Dalton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1985, and 71st Grand Consul Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979. The recognition meant officially joining the likes of other Sig gridiron greats to receive the award, including Payton’s own quarterback Drew Brees, PURDUE 2001.
“The brotherhood is alive and well,” Payton says. “It’s humbling and a great honor. I appreciate this award and the memories. Those friendships will last a lifetime.”
BACK TO CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS
Payton’s Sigma Chi journey began during his third year on campus at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.
After two seasons as a quarterback on Eastern’s football team, Payton followed some of his friends to Sigma Chi.
“I didn’t pledge my freshman year. I was, I believe, a redshirt sophomore in football and made a bunch of good friends those first few years at Eastern. A handful of them were already Sigma Chis,” he says. “It was through the relationships of some other people that I was introduced to the Fraternity. To this day many of them remain great friends.”
Balancing academics, football and Sigma Chi came easy to Payton. He was a standout on the gridiron, finishing his college career with a school-record 10,665 passing yards and earning honorable mention All-American honors in 1986.
“You learn to prioritize what’s important,” he says. “I don’t recall it being stressful. Obviously, you’re busy but in a good way.”
As a Sig, despite not holding any official office, his leadership as an undergraduate shined through amongst his brothers.
“The process was very important to me — the brotherhood and the friendships. We were all young men that were finding our way. At the time, many of us weren’t sure what we were going to do for a living. We were in college. We knew we were going to graduate.
“Here I am coaching in my 14th year [in New Orleans] and working directly with Drew Brees, who is a Sigma Chi. I think, more importantly, [Sigma Chi is] still a people thing. Any group worth its salt is about relationships, and it’s about the people that make up that group. And that for me is what stands out.”
A CAREER IN FOOTBALL
Following his collegiate playing days, Payton spent the next two years at various times playing with the Chicago Bruisers of the Arena Football League, Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League and Chicago Bears in the NFL, among others, before turning to a career in coaching.
His pathway to New Orleans began as a position coach in the collegiate ranks, where he spent time at San Diego State University, Indiana State University, Miami University and the University of Illinois before being hired as the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterbacks coach in 1997.
After two years in Philadelphia, he joined the New York Giants first as a quarterbacks coach and later as offensive coordinator helping lead the Giants to an NFC Championship Game and appearance in Super Bowl XXXV. From there, he joined the Dallas Cowboys and was promoted to assistant head coach prior to the 2005 season.
More than any other Greek-letter organization, coaching and teaching on the gridiron has resonated with Sigma Chis. From Significant Sigs Fielding Yost, WEST VIRGINIA 1897, to Hank Stram, PURDUE 1945, and Mike Ditka, PITTSBURGH 1961, to Urban Meyer, CINCINNATI 1986, leadership skills have helped these men rise through the ranks and make an impact.
“We’re being taught, at a young age, certain leadership skills,” Payton says. “We don’t know when we’re going to apply them and to what group of people we’re going to apply them to. The job I have is easiest described as a teacher. I believe that with all my heart. Each night we’re putting together a lesson plan. The more effective teachers generally communicate more effectively. We’re in the passion business. There’s not a thing that’s ever been accomplished without passion and enthusiasm.”
In 2006, Payton received the opportunity that would change his career and help rejuvenate an entire region.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans region. Neighborhoods, restaurants, schools and hospitals were completely wiped out from catastrophic flooding. The Saints football team had to temporarily relocate to San Antonio, where it compiled a 3-13 record.
“I was hired [as head coach] in 2006, three-and-a-half, four months after Katrina,” Payton recalls. “The 2005 season I was with the Cowboys, and all of us, from afar, paid attention to the devastation that took place during that hurricane. Not in a million years did I think I’d be flying in, interviewing for a position here and getting hired.”
Along with a new quarterback in Brees, who had been released from the San Diego Chargers, Payton guided the Saints to a 3-0 record to open the 2006 season and lift the spirits of Louisiana residents. The Saints capped the year with a 10-6 mark and advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time, netting Payton unanimous NFL Coach of the Year honors.
“I would say our 2006 season was more important than our Super Bowl season of 2009 because, at that time, there was a question mark relative to the schools, the hospitals,” he says. “I can recall waiting two-and-a-half hours for some amoxicillin for my daughter. There were a lot of things at stake far more important than football. But I also recall the turnout and fan support, and we kept winning — thousands of people were at the airport when we’d fly home from an away game.
“[Football] was a place for them to go from the blue tarp roofs and the insurance challenges they had and their everyday challenges. We all took this job because we’re in the football business, but it was far bigger than football that year. It was the first time I felt — and I’d been an assistant coach prior to that for almost 17 years —that this job can in fact, at times, be much bigger than football. And I experienced that in 2006.”
In 2009, Payton netted Coach of the Year honors for the second time for leading the team to a 13-3 record, the franchise’s first NFC Championship and a Super Bowl XXIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
In 14 seasons with the Saints, Payton has posted seven seasons with 10 wins or more, an overall mark of 118-74 and, just last season, a third NFC Championship Game appearance.
Along for the entire ride has been Brees, a likely future Hall of Fame member who became the NFL’s all-time yardage and completions record holder in 2018, giving the pair the lone distinction of being the only Greek-letter head coach and quarterback on the same franchise.
“He’s a tremendous leader,” Payton says of Brees. “He’s a tremendous and tireless worker. I would say there is that pressure or expectation, even as a coach, to keep up with and provide him with the things he needs to constantly grow. He’s very meticulous.
“Here I am coaching in my 14th year [in New Orleans] and working directly with Drew Brees, who is a Sigma Chi. I think, more importantly, [Sigma Chi is] still a people thing. Any group worth its salt is about relationships, and it’s about the people that make up that group. And that for me is what stands out.”
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1987, discusses an upcoming play with quarterback Drew Brees, PURDUE 2001, during a Sept. 9, 2019, game against the Houston Texans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The Saints won 30-28 thanks to a final-minute comeback led by Brees and a 58-yard field goal to top Houston as time expired. Brees and Payton are both Significant Sigs.
it was “humbling and a great honor” to receive the award. PhotobyJayFord, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1986
“He’s someone that’s got tremendous respect in the locker room. He’s a great communicator. He’s a terrific husband and father. It’s an honor to work with him and to coach him. People will ask, ‘Do you see age?’ We’ve been together so long. We really don’t, I don’t, until I see his children, or he sees my children, and that’s the first sign it’s been a while.”
Year after year, NFL rosters change. And while Brees has been a mainstay, most of the Saints roster has experienced turnover throughout Payton’s 14 seasons. A major reason for the consistent success implemented by Payton, along with General Manager Mickey Loomis, is character-based assessment of players along with leadership and mentorship from those at the helm of the organization.
“[Character-based assessment is] our No. 1 factor in the draft and free agency,” Payton says. “The C.T.I. score — character, toughness and intelligence — is something we place a high value on. We’re in a city that can have a lot of distractions, and yet we don’t have many [issues]. We’ve got guys that are responsible. We’ve got guys that put the team first and football first and their families first. We don’t find ourselves in compromising positions because of our initial mission statement relative to what we’re looking to assemble as a team and players.”
OPENING KICK
After meeting with Sigma Chi, Payton went back to his office, where he met with his staff and finalized the team’s game plan the day before kickoff.
“It’s excitement because you know it’s a new team,” Payton says. “Twenty-five percent of the roster is different. We’ve got different coaches.”
Something as small as changing a schedule, calling a specific play, having the right leaders in place made a difference for Payton and the Saints in week one.
For the first time in five years, New Orleans was victorious in its opening game thanks to a final-minute comeback led by Brees and a 58-yard field goal to top Houston as time expired.
The 2019 season is underway, and expectations are higher than ever in New Orleans. For Payton, it’s another chapter and, hopefully, one that leads to another Vince Lombardi Trophy.
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1987, center, receives the Fraternity’s Significant Sig Award from 71st Grand Consul Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, left, and Payton’s pledge brother Mark Dalton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1985, right, on Sept. 8, 2019, at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Payton said
BY WES HOLTSCLAW, EAST TENNESSEE
Transforming the Culture at Halas Hall
Chicago Bears General Manager and Significant Sig Ryan Pace, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1999, uses character and values-based recruitment to turn a struggling franchise into a championship contender.
It’s early June in Lake Forest, Illinois, at a compound where the halls have been graced by legends but, in recent years, the franchise has been seeking a return to its years of glory. Following the 2018 National Football League season, things are looking up at Halas Hall, home of the Chicago Bears.
Under the leadership of a young, first-year head coach in Matt Nagy, and the NFL’s youngest general manager in Significant Sig Ryan Pace, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1999, the Bears climbed from a dismal 5-11 record and last place in 2017 to champions of the NFC North division with a 12-4 record.
Prior to accepting a leadership role with the Bears, Pace learned in New Orleans under the tutelage of General Manager Mickey Loomis and fellow Significant Sig and Saints’ head coach Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1987 There, Pace was part of a staff that overhauled one of the oldest rosters in the NFL through trades, free agency and the draft.
From the onset, Pace had a plan.
The first major change upon his hire in 2017 was the release of starting quarterback Jay Cutler and drafting of promising young signal-caller Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Pace also reshaped the team by acquiring standout safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, as well as by drafting free safety Eddie Jackson and running back Tarik Cohen.
The second major change, following the 2017 to 2018 season, was the alteration of the Bears coaching staff and addition of Nagy, a former Arena Football League quarterback who had found success as offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs.
And lastly, Pace shocked the football world prior to the 2018 season by acquiring Khalil Mack, the league’s defensive player of the year in 2016, in a trade with the Oakland Raiders.
Practice by practice, game by game, the pieces of the puzzle came together for the Bears.
After a 3-3 start to the regular season that included a one-touchdown loss to eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, Chicago finished the 2018 season by winning nine of its final 10 games to claim its first divisional title and playoff appearance since 2010.
A disappointing loss in the wild card round of the playoffs has the Bears hungry in 2019, and, following their success, a popular early pick by many to contend for a Super Bowl this year thanks to the work of Pace and his staff.
With the 2019 NFL season looming, Pace sat down with TheMagazineofSigma Chi after receiving the Significant Sig Award from friend and chapter brother Brian Jones, EASTERN ILLINOIS 2001, and Executive Director Mike Church, ILLINOIS 2005
What were some of the earliest memories of the Sigma Chi experience for you?
Ryan Pace: “I think growing up in Dallas and going to Eastern Illinois — it was a long way from home for me, a big adjustment for me. I started off playing football and some of the older guys on the team, some of the guys I respected the most, were Sigma Chis. They always talked about it, just the experience.
“When the timing was right for me, I decided to make that pledge. I have incredible friendships and memories from that experience, both from the football team and Sigma Chi that I carry with me now.”
What was it like balancing Sigma Chi and football, being the team captain at Eastern Illinois and being a brother in the Fraternity?
“I look back now, and I think there was a lot of value to it, just the ability to multitask [because] you have a lot on your plate. One of the things I appreciated the most was you talk about different temperaments, working with different types of people. Obviously, on the football team you have a different group of friends, and then with Sigma Chi a lot of friends I still cherish today.
“I think today in my current role, obviously, with the team you’re working with a lot of different people. One minute you might be with ownership, then the coaches, the players and the scouts. And I think the ability to work with a lot of different people with a lot of different temperaments has really helped me. I think it really started with that [Sigma Chi] experience.”
In your role working with the Saints and now as general manager of the Chicago Bears, is there a transformational leadership moment that you are most proud of in your career thus far?
“I think there are a couple. Just being associated with it, more than anything. Just being a part of a team. Being with the Saints and seeing the transformation from Hurricane Katrina to winning a Super Bowl in 2009 — Sean Payton, a fellow Sigma Chi, coming in and Mickey Loomis as general manager, and seeing how that took place, the culture change that needed to take place for that to happen.
“Now, really, here with the Bears as the years have progressed, you feel that happening here. Coach Nagy came in last year and has done an unbelievable job. I think, obviously, the player talent is important, but more so the culture, the type of teammates you have on your team and how you all come together, and that chemistry really makes a difference.
You’ve done a great job rebuilding a team that is now the defending NFC North Division champions. What have been the biggest keys to this turnaround?
“I think whenever you’re fortunate to get a job like this, there’s always a reason why, right? You know you have heavy lifting ahead of you. Sometimes that requires a little bit of time and, fortunately, we’ve had that. We’ve turned over the roster. But I think it’s the type of players we’re bringing in here. When you look at a guy like [All-Pro linebacker] Khalil Mack, who is obviously one of the hardest workers on our team and one of the best defensive players in the league, I think our younger guys see a guy like that working with that kind of attitude, and that’s infectious to your whole roster.
“We get guys who are passionate about the sport, passionate about football. That means the extra time they spend here watching film, getting their workouts, guys that enjoy being around each other. It’s really a tight-knit group. You can tell when you have that culture dialed in. And I think now we’re so sensitive to who we bring into that locker room because we have it just right.”
I know you want the best talent for the positions, but you also want guys who work hard and have character. Do those traits go a long way for a general manager?
“One hundred percent. And I think that’s been the biggest difference. It really starts with Coach Nagy and me and communicating to our staff what our parameters are for those type of players. We have certain criteria we want to hit when we’re in free agency and we’re in the draft, and we emphasize that to our staff.
“It’s something we’ve always got to stay mindful of. I think you can see peaks and valleys with teams when they get away from that. We’re going to stay mindful of that and bring in the right kind of guys that will fit our culture. Now it’s gotten to a point where our players are expecting that. If we bring in the wrong kind of guys, [the team] looks at me and at Coach Nagy and says, ‘Hey, this guy doesn’t fit the criteria and what our standards are.’ We’ve set those standards high, and it’s up to us to continue that.”
The list of football Significant Sigs is long. What does receiving the Significant Sig Award and joining those guys mean to you?
“I just have so much respect for all of those men, and knowing the backgrounds that we come from and some of the values and ideals we all carry into this that a lot of it originated with Sigma Chi. It’s just a special bond. I think it was unique in New Orleans to meet and be able to work so close with Drew Brees and Sean Payton, and we’d have these conversations, we’d talk about these things, and it just makes it special. It makes me very proud to be associated with Sigma Chi.”
“When the timing was right for me, I decided to make that pledge. I have incredible friendships and memories from that experience, both from the football team and Sigma Chi that I carry with me now.”
What were some of the values-based lessons that you learned as an undergraduate in Sigma Chi that have benefitted you throughout your career?
“I think a lot about goal setting and ideals, and, for us, you’re always striving for perfection. We’re never quite reaching that, but that’s our goal. I think about last year, we were 12-4, winning the NFC North. That’s not good enough. We have higher, loftier goals. I think about that a lot — just the ideals and goals you set forth for yourself and always reaching to attain those.”
If you were to talk to an undergraduate brother or a new graduate today, what advice would you give him?
“That’s a good question. I think more than anything just to enjoy the experience, enjoy the relationships. It’s going to come and go really fast. These are things that you’ll carry the rest of your life. I still have friends today — Brian Jones being one of them — that’s huge for me, my family, his family. I think just embrace those relationships, and those will go a long way.”
Chicago Bears General Manager and Significant Sig Ryan Pace, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1999, right, talks with head coach Matt Nagy during an Aug. 10 training camp practice at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
BY ASHLEY SZATALA
Player’s Advocate
Former International Sweetheart Alexa Stabler turned grief after her father’s death into purpose by becoming an NFL player agent
Alexa Stabler, right, is pictured with her father, Ken Stabler, at a University of Alabama football game.
It’s Saturday in late August, and Alexa Stabler is in Dallas to watch the Dallas Cowboys take on the Houston Texans in the team’s first preseason game at AT&T Stadium. As the daughter of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Ken Stabler, she’s naturally a fan of the game, regardless of who’s playing or where it’s being played.
But her trip to the Lone Star State is more about work than pleasure.
Stabler’s there to check in on Cowboys running back Jordan Chunn and his family. Chunn signed to the Cowboys in 2018 after being a star player on the Troy University football team. Backing Chunn following his collegiate athletic career and subsequent free agency was Stabler as his agent.
It’s a second job for the current lawyer and former International Sweetheart, but it’s the more personal one out of the two. Stabler became an NFL player agent in 2017 after the death of her father as a way to ensure the wellbeing of young professional athletes both during and after their playing careers.
INTERNATIONAL SWEETHEART ROOTS
Stabler, a member of the Phi Mu Fraternity, met her husband, Hunter Adams, ALABAMA 2009, as a freshman while attending a Fraternity social event at the University of Alabama.
“I was always around the Sigma Chi house and his pledge brothers, social events, football games, parties, and just everything, really,” she says.
Eventually, the men of the Alabama chapter asked if they could nominate Stabler to be their chapter sweetheart. She agreed and was soon unanimously voted into the position.
Stabler says she was humbled by the nomination but figured that would be the pinnacle of her sweetheart role. She hadn’t heard of the International Sweetheart position until the reign of 2007 to 2009 International Sweetheart Rachel Berkey ended and chapters across North America began submitting nominations for Berkey’s replacement.
The University of Alabama men explained to Stabler that several past International Sweethearts had come from their chapter and nominated her for the position. She was elected as the 2009 to 2011 International Sweetheart at the 77th Grand Chapter held in Charleston, South Carolina. Looking back, Stabler says it was one of the best experiences she has had in life.
“I was fortunate to travel to a lot of different chapters,” Stabler says. “It really gave me an appreciation for the diversity of the Fraternity, the types of men who are in the Fraternity and the different cultures across the campuses.
“That was probably my favorite part about being International Sweetheart — just the people and having a better understanding that Sigma Chi is not just one type of man, but really it’s a group of individuals with a shared sense of values and purpose.”
Stabler finished her role as International Sweetheart in 2011 and graduated from the University of Alabama with her juris doctor in 2012. Soon after, she started managing the trademark practice at the intellectual property law firm Adams started in Mobile, Alabama.
The death of Stabler’s father in July 2015 inspired her to apply her skillset as a lawyer in another professional area.
CARRYING THE FOOTBALL LEGACY FORWARD
Ken “Snake” Stabler, a quarterback and University of Alabama graduate, was picked by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1968 AFL-NFL draft. Over the years, his playing time with the team steadily increased, and in 1973, Stabler became the Raiders’ starting quarterback. He led the league in passing in 1976 and helped the team make its first Super Bowl appearance on Jan. 9, 1977; the Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14.
The accolades for Stabler’s sharp playing skills accumulated throughout his 15 seasons in the NFL. He retired in 1984 while playing with the New Orleans Saints. Stabler was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
“A lot of my memories with him are football-related because that was such a big part of his life, and because it was a big part of his life, it was a big part of my life,” Alexa Stabler says.
However, while many associated “The Snake” as a celebrated football player, even after retirement, to Stabler, Ken was just “Dad.” What she saw and the others necessarily didn’t was the physical toll professional football had taken on her father.
There was forgetfulness and chronic bodily pain. Stabler says that before her father’s death at age 69 due to complications from colon cancer, he was preparing for his third knee replacement.
“The physical effects of football stayed with him until the day he died,” Stabler says. “Seeing him go through those experiences and live with those physical challenges is something that will stick with me forever.”
“110 percent my dad is the reason I’m a player agent. I thought my skillset was best suited to being an agent to advocate on the behalf of players, to help promote their well-being and to make sure they have fulfilling and satisfying careers both during football and afterward.”
The family donated Ken Stabler’s brain to Boston University for analysis following his death. Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, was found.
“While we only knew what he had after he was gone, you could certainly see the symptoms of it while he was living,” Alexa Stabler says. “When he passed away, because we were close, I found myself in a bit of a tailspin.
“I was feeling a lot of emotions that I didn’t really know what to do with and ultimately decided I needed to channel those feelings into doing something positive, something that can help keep his memory alive and something that would make him proud.”
She became certified by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to represent clients in 2017 and founded Stabler Sports in Mobile that year.
ADVOCATING ON BEHALF OF PRO ATHLETES
“110 percent my dad is the reason I’m a player agent,” Stabler says. “I thought my skillset was best suited to being an agent to advocate on the behalf of players, to help promote their well-being and to make sure they have fulfilling and satisfying careers both during football and afterward.”
Her family agreed that Stabler Sports was a positive outlet to impact change.
“She’s a very cool-headed attorney, and that helps her handle the ego that can come in that industry and give critical counsel to her players. She’s extremely passionate about helping players who might get taken advantage of,” Adams says.
“Oftentimes, many men have singular views,” he adds. “They want to play football and make money. What Alexa does is she transforms those singular views into broader views. She makes sure they look not just at the next couple years but at the rest of their lives. She wants to help after their careers are over.”
Stabler says her job starts with forming a relationship with the player while he is in college and it looks like he has a shot of being recruited into the NFL.
“As soon as he finishes up his college season, I work with him to get into a training facility to prepare for the NFL combine, which happens every year in Indianapolis,” she explains. “It’s about an eight-week period where he trains, learns combine drills and gets into the best shape of his life. I travel to Indianapolis to go to the combine with him, talk to teams, work on his behalf and make sure he has what he needs.”
Ideally, the player is then drafted in April and starts with an NFL team. So far, Stabler has had four players play in the NFL, as well as a player who played in the former Alliance of American Football league.
Stabler says it’s hard to put into words the emotion that comes with having a player drafted.
“For the most part they’ve been working their entire lives to be drafted or picked up by an NFL team. So, I can see it’s a dream come true,” Stabler says.
“It’s such a small group of men who get to play in the NFL and an even smaller group who get drafted. I’m not a mom, but I kind of feel like a mom in that moment because I’m so proud of them and their hard work.”
Although many point out that Stabler is a minority among the many men who are agents — only about 5 percent of the roughly 830 certified NFL player agents are women, according to the NFLPA — she prefers to just be recognized for the work she does rather than her gender.
In fact, it's her work ethic with clients that first struck fitness coach and personal trainer Vince McConnell a couple years ago.
“I had met her father when I was little and always looked up to him. When one of my athletes mentioned the name Stabler, I wondered if the person was related to Kenny. Because of the generational gap, I had to explain to him who Kenny was,” says McConnell, who owns McConnell Athletics in Fairhope, Alabama, and trains several of Stabler’s clients.
The athlete, represented by Stabler, arranged a meeting between McConnell and Stabler, and the pair have since developed a close working relationship.
“I’ve been training people longer than she’s been alive, and to have that kind of mutual respect for each other and to share the same values is rare,” McConnell says.
“It’s also apparent that this isn’t someone who wants to ride the success of her father’s name. She’s in this business because this area is ripe with prospects who previously had to look outside the area for representation. Because of the quality of work she brings to clients, she’s a trusted resource for area athletes.”
Despite the praise Stabler often receives, she remains humble about her roots and the work she does as an NFL player agent.
“I firmly believe my players transform their own lives through their talent, hard work and dedication,” Stabler says. “I like to say, ‘Look, you focus on football. Let me worry about the smaller things, the distractions, people asking things from you or business opportunities.’
“I just like to act as a barrier between them and people who might not truly have their best interest at heart so that they can focus on the game, focus on their talents and transform their own lives and the lives of the people they care about.”
NFL player agent Alexa Stabler, far right, is pictured with her client, Dallas Cowboys running back Jordan Chunn, his fiancée Morgan Dime and their son, Emmitt, at the Cowboys’ preseason home opener on Aug. 24 in Dallas. Stabler attended the game to check in with Chunn and watch him play.
BY WES HOLTSCLAW, EAST TENNESSEE 2012
CAPITOL CITY CONNECTIONS
The Washington Alumni Chapter, established 33 years after the Fraternity, celebrates Washington, D.C., Sigs every non-election year with the Sigma Chi Congressional Luncheon
Whether it’s serving constituents on Capitol Hill, directing a portion of the national budget, exposing scandals through journalism or leading the fight against drug and human trafficking from abroad, on any given day in Washington, D.C., Sigma Chis can be found making a difference.
From the earliest days of the organization to the present, Sig alumni have impacted American lives as senators, congressmen, bureaucrats, lobbyists and even from the White House itself.
Whether they are Democrats, Independents or Republicans, many of these men have met and continue to meet regularly as members of the Washington Alumni Chapter — one of the longest-running alumni groups in Sigma Chi’s history, established 33 years after the Fraternity’s founding and led by sixth Grand Consul Reginald Fendall, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1864, and 10th Grand Consul and fifth Grand Historian Robert Farnham, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1864
“Washington is the center of government for our country, so due to the nature of the city and election cycles, people come and go all of the time,” says Significant Sig Stewart McLaurin, ALABAMA 1981, who is president of the White House Historical Association. “In my 30 years or so in Washington, D.C., Sigma Chis have come to Washington, some have left Washington. Some have been elected, some have been unelected. Some have come in staff positions and then moved on to other things. It’s a city where people come and go, but you’re always meeting new Sigma Chis along the way.”
Alumni in Washington gather each month for lunch on the second Thursday at the Capitol City Brewing Co., but the most significant event for Sigma Chi in the nation’s capital takes place every non-election year.
Since the early 1960s, brothers from across the Washington, D.C., metro area have gathered to celebrate brothers of achievement in and around the nation’s capital, particularly those who impact our government, with the Sigma Chi Congressional Luncheon.
CONNECTIONS
“In addition to the tradition which has gone on for decades, it is a way to recognize and honor our brothers who serve as members of Congress and also our brothers who work on Capitol Hill staffs,” says former Washington Alumni Chapter president and Order of Constantine Sig Bruce Casner, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1971. “Our 12-man delegation [at the time of the 2019 event] is the largest by far in the Greek-letter world [and includes] two senators and 10 congressmen. At any given moment, we have between a dozen or so Sigma Chi chiefs of staff, legislative directors or other important staff members.”
The Sigma Chi Congressional Luncheon has been held in various venues around Capitol Hill and is always hosted by the senior Sig member of the party that controls the majority of the House of Representatives.
On May 9, for the first time since its inception thanks to host and keynote speaker House Majority Leader and Significant Sig Steny Hoyer, MARYLAND 1963, the event was held within the same storied United States Capitol building where Founder Isaac M. Jordan, MIAMI (OHIO) 1857, represented Cincinnati and southern Ohio, where the late Significant Sig Sen. Barry Goldwater, ARIZONA 1933, made his name and where other Sigma Chis have helped pass bills and laws that have shaped the democratic republic.
Along with Hoyer, three of Sigma Chi’s congressional members spoke at the event, including Texas Rep. Significant Sig Roger Williams, TEXAS CHRISTIAN 1971; Arizona Rep. Significant Sig Ruben Gallego, HARVARD 2004; and Louisiana Rep. Significant Sig Garrett Graves, ALABAMA and LOUISIANA STATE 1994
Among the 150 attendees were Significant Sigs John Derrick, DUKE 1961, retired chairman, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings Inc., formerly Potomac Electric Power Co.; James Grimaldi, MISSOURI-COLUMBIA 1984, investigative reporter for the Wall StreetJournal whose WashingtonPost work on the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting; and Hon. John Koskinen, DUKE 1961, who served from 2013 to 2017 as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
“Washington’s unique to some extent because it’s an overgrown company town,” says Koskinen, who also was president of the U.S. Soccer Foundation from 2004 to 2008. “Everybody’s in government to some extent or works related to the government through the private sector. Thanks to the Washington Alumni Chapter, I discovered that a number of congressmen and senators were Sigma Chis. As I went around the Hill to talk about the challenges the IRS was facing [during my term], I developed a closer working relationship with [some members] that I otherwise wouldn’t have because we shared a common bond, a common background.”
A STORIED TRADITION
The Sigma Chi presence in Washington, D.C., can be traced back prior to the formation of the alumni chapter in 1888 with the birth of the Epsilon chapter at George Washington University in 1864.
Founder Jordan became Sigma Chi’s first congressional representative, setting the stage for President Grover Cleveland, MICHIGAN 1893
Following his second election to the nation’s highest office, a defeat of incumbent Benjamin Harrison and his vice presidential nominee Whitelaw Reid, who was the Delta Kappa Epsilon antagonist to six of the Sigma Chi Founders in Oxford, Ohio, a petition by the University of Michigan chapter to give Cleveland an honorary membership was approved by an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee.
Shortly following his honorary initiation, Cleveland was inaugurated into his second term wearing his Sigma Chi badge on the steps of the United States Capitol. That badge is now located in the Chuck and Kim Watson Museum of Sigma Chi at International Fraternity Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois.
To this day, Cleveland is the only president to wear a Greek-letter badge during an inauguration, according to White House historian McLaurin.
Is the fact that he wore his badge after defeating the Fraternity Founders’ nemesis Reid a mere coincidence? Perhaps we will never know.
In the years since Cleveland’s re-election, many Significant Sigs have held prominent roles in Washington, including Sigma Chi’s first U.S. Attorney General and only Supreme Court Associate Justice Frank Murphy, MICHIGAN 1912, and Secretary of State William Rogers, COLGATE 1934. There also has been one White House chief of staff, three White House press secretaries, secretaries of the Interior, War and Labor — the latter being Tom Perez, BROWN 1983, during President Barack Obama’s administration — 13 senators and more than 30 congressional representatives.
“Most of the time when you are a grown-up out in the world, you don’t know who is a Sigma Chi or not,” says Significant Sig Cody Keenan, NORTHWESTERN 2002, a senior advisor and the director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama. “One of our counterterrorism experts at the White House, about a year into our relationship, we found out we’re both Sigma Chis. Our Secretary of Labor Tom Perez is a Sigma Chi. Those are relationships I try to cultivate still. I try to hang out with those guys as much as I can.”
Washington is also a place of remembrance for Sigma Chi.
Across the Potomac River in Arlington National Cemetery lies the Memorial Monument of Founder Benjamin Piatt Runkle, MIAMI (OHIO) 1857, remembered as the most colorful and outspoken of the seven Founders.
Erected and dedicated in 1923, the Runkle Memorial Monument is located in Section 1 of the cemetery that also includes the final resting places of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the crew of the space shuttle Challenger, among others.
“We’re right across the river from Arlington National Cemetery, and the extraordinary gravesite of Benjamin Piatt Runkle is there, really a stone’s throw from
the grave of John F. Kennedy,” says McLaurin. “It’s a very special place to go on a tranquil Saturday or Sunday morning, to walk through the cemetery and over to his grave and to think, ‘Here’s a man, one of seven, who lit a flame many, many years ago that has gone through generations and still lives in me and my life.’ That’s a very inspirational thing that’s right here in Washington, D.C.”
SIGS IN WASHINGTON TODAY
The majority of Sigma Chis in the Washington area are either bureaucrats, serve in the United States military or justice departments, work in the private sector, are appointed to office or serve as lobbyists.
More than 95 of these lobbyists also lend a hand to a group — Sigs in Government and Public Affairs — whose mission is to collectively support Sigs who run for public office regardless of party by using their Sigma Chi network and contacts on Capitol Hill.
Along with legislative branch staff members, a number of brothers work throughout the executive branch of government, including a trio of Significant Sigs that includes assistant and counselor to the president Johnny DeStefano, SAINT LOUIS 2001; deputy national security advisor Stephen Pinkos, MIAMI (OHIO) 1992; and deputy associate director for the White House Office of Management and Budget John Pasquantino, NEVADA-LAS VEGAS 1984
“It’s a privilege to walk through the gates of the White House complex every day and not doubt that you’re going to try to make America a better place and the world a better place,” says Pinkos. “I’ve been fortunate to be on Capitol Hill. It’s been a varied career for me — many of the things you do in Washington build on each other. To bring those things to the president and vice president, give them advice, it’s daunting at times.”
For Pasquantino, who has served three presidents in his role, being able to connect with Sigs throughout Washington and see them contribute in all levels of government has been rewarding.
“For me, the ability to make these contacts and connect with these brothers in a host of jobs and interests here in Washington has been absolutely fascinating,” says Pasquantino, who annually hosts White House tours for alumni in conjunction with the Sigma Chi Foundation. “There’s Sigma Chis in the White House, Sigs on Capitol Hill, Sigs in the lobbying profession, people in the private sector. To see how they are contributing in all levels of government here in Washington has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a Sigma Chi.”
For more information on the Washington Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter, its monthly luncheons and the biannual Sigma Chi Congressional Luncheon, visit dcsigmachi.org.
Visit sigmachi.org/home/news/sigma-chi-podcast/ to hear the October podcast featuring the stories of Sigs in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Top row (left): Order of Constantine Sigs and Significant Sigs at the Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter’s Congressional Luncheon, 1991. (right) Significant Sig Roger Williams, TEXAS CHRISTIAN 1971, U.S. representative for the 25th congressional district of Texas since 2013. Second row (left): Significant Sig Stewart McLaurin, ALABAMA 1981, president of the White House Historical Association. (middle) Significant Sig Steve Pinkos, MIAMI (OHIO) 1992, deputy national security advisor. (right) Chris Hearn, HOBART 1967, left, and Significant Sig Barry Goldwater, ARIZONA 1932, at the Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter Congressional Luncheon, 1985. Third row (left): Significant Sig Cody Keenan, NORTHWESTERN 2002, senior advisor and director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama. (right) From left, Significant Sig Richard Wirthlin, UTAH 1953; Order of Constantine Sig Doug Temple, KENTUCKY 1967; Order of Constantine Sig Harv Silverman, NORTHERN COLORADO 1968; and Significant Sig Jim Brady, ILLINOIS 1962, at the 1984 Congressional Luncheon in Washington, D.C. Bottom row (left): Significant Sig Steven Palazzo, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 1994, U.S. Representative for Mississippi’s 4th congressional district since 2011. (right) House Majority Leader and Significant Sig Steny Hoyer, MARYLAND 1963.
SIGMA CHI IN D.C.
things to SEE things to do
National
Mall
The National Mall, a landscaped park in the downtown area of Washington, D.C., divides the United States Capitol Grounds, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and contains and borders a number of Smithsonian Institution museums and other national memorials. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has inscribed the names of over 30 Gold Star Sigs among the 58,220 Americans who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. nps.gov/nama/index.htm
Benjamin Piatt Runkle Memorial Monument at Arlington National Cemetery
The Benjamin Piatt Runkle Memorial Monument, dedicated in 1923, honors the Founder who is remembered as the most colorful and outspoken of the seven Founders. Acquiring the rank of major general, Runkle also achieved success in the legal and journalistic professions before becoming the Fraternity’s seventh Grand Consul. The Runkle Memorial Monument is located in Section 1 of the historic cemetery that also includes the final resting places of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the crew of the space shuttle Challenger, among others. The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours from April to September. arlingtoncemetery.mil
U.S. Capitol Tour
A monument and working office building, the United States Capitol is one of the most recognizable symbols of representative democracy in the world. All visitors view the historic areas of the Capitol on a guided tour, including the National Statuary Hall, which features the statue of the late Senator and Significant Sig Barry Goldwater, ARIZONA 1932. The tour does not include visiting the House Gallery, where 10 Sigma Chi congressmen serve their districts, unless your tour is offered by a representative. Hint: Contact the office of one of the Sigma Chi congressmen or your representative to see when they are offering a guided after-hours tour. Significant Sig Hon. Garrett Graves, ALABAMA and LOUISIANA STATE 1994, who once gave regular tours as a congressional chief of staff prior to taking office, recently hosted Sigma Chi officials along with his constituents during a May tour.
visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol
White House Historical Association in the Decatur House and White House Visitor Center
With a team led by Significant Sig Stewart McLaurin, ALABAMA 1981, and a board that includes 1997 to 1999 International Sweetheart Metta Krach, the White House Historical Association (WHHA) is a private, bipartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, research and education efforts of the United States’ Executive Mansion. Tours of the historic Decatur House, which houses the WHHA and the White House
History Shop, are available each Monday, except holidays, at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. The White House Visitor Center, located two blocks away on Pennsylvania Avenue, is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
whitehousehistory.org/plan-your-visit
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Although the space shuttle Discovery is the centerpiece of the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar within the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum’s second site near Washington-Dulles International Airport, the late Significant Sig astronaut John Young, GEORGIA TECH 1952, is featured prominently, as well. His NASA career is represented by 16 items in the exhibit, including pieces of the color patch experiment conducted alongside Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins on Gemini 10 and the personal hygiene kit carried by Young aboard the first space shuttle mission in 1981. The facility, which also counts a Concorde and Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird among its collection, is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas.
airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center
Places to Stay
JW Marriott Hotel
The flagship location of Marriott’s JW Marriott brand, and host to the company’s annual shareholders meeting, is located on Pennsylvania Avenue within walking distance of the White House and the National Mall. Marriott, which is led by Executive Chairman and Significant Sig J. Willard Marriott Jr., UTAH 1954, is headquartered in nearby Bethesda, Maryland.
bit.ly/1qDkPBx
Places to Shop & Dine
CityCenterDC
The mixed-use development CityCenterDC features an array of high-end retail and dining opportunities, including an outpost of New York-based dessert staple Milk Bar and stores like Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. It is owned and developed by Houston-based Hines real estate development company, which is led by founder and Significant Sig Gerald Hines, PURDUE 1948.
citycenterdc.com
ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWS
Several Sigma Chi alumni gathered Aug. 6 to present the Significant Sig Award to Carson Porter, KENTUCKY 1967. Pictured, from left, are Eastern Province Grand Praetor and Order of Constantine Sig Walt Cooner, EMORY 1974; Porter; Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Deno Curris, KENTUCKY 1962; and Significant Sig Paul Chellgren, KENTUCKY 1964.
Rick O'Hara, NORTHERN ARIZONA 1967, right, presented military service recognition pins to Mitchell Navarette, NORTHERN ARIZONA 2014, at left, and Derek Lopez, NORTHERN ARIZONA 2014, center, at the biennial Flagstaff Alumni Chapter reunion held in July. Rick recounted his experience serving in Vietnam under Significant Sig and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. George Forsythe, MONTANA 1939
Former Headquarters staff member Sherman Leibow, NEVADA-LAS VEGAS 1986, left, met with former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Significant Sig Jon Huntsman Jr., UTAH 1983, at Huntsman's Moscow residence, the Spaso House, in June. Leibow served as associate editor of publications from 1986 to 1989. Huntsman announced his resignation in August and reportedly planned to move back to Utah in October.
Sigma Chi brothers attended the Midland Children’s Rehab Center charitable golf tournament and dinner dance on June 22 in Midland, Texas. Pictured, from left, are Bill Mueller, TULSA 1969; Mike Prewit, TEXAS TECH 1976; Gary Lang, TEXAS CHRISTIAN 1976; and Kevin Foreman, TEXAS TECH 1992. Also in attendance but not pictured was Will Giraud, WAKE FOREST 2002. The Midland Children’s Rehab Center provides physical, speech, occupational and aquatic therapies as well as hippotherapy to children up to age 21 at no cost to their families.
Pictured, from left, are Lee Vardy, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 2003, James Dodds, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1999, and Order of Constantine Sig Shawn George, BRIDGEWATER STATE 1988, at the 82nd Grand Chapter held in June in Salt Lake City. Dodds and Brice Scheschuk, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1994, received the Significant Sig award at the meeting.
McGill chapter alumni and their families attend the Montreal Alumni Chapter’s third annual John Cooper Memorial Ballgame outing on June 23 at the Toronto Blue Jays game in Toronto. Cooper, MCGILL 1975, enjoyed going to Montreal Expos games and later, after moving to Toronto, Blue Jays baseball games. He entered the Chapter Eternal in 2015.
Several Sigs from the New Haven, Connecticut, area gathered together for a benefit for Erick Kulig, NEW HAVEN 2009, on July 13 at the BarCode restaurant in Orange, Connecticut. Kulig was in Stage 5 kidney failure and in need of a transplant. His girlfriend, Hayley Brown, ended up being a match and donated her kidney to Kulig. Brothers who attended the benefit, hosted by the New Haven Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter, raised nearly $7,000 for Kulig.
Detroit-area alumni and undergraduate brothers enjoyed a cookout in July at the home of Jim Tedder, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 1992, on Walters Lake in Clarkston, Michigan.
Youngstown Alumni Chapter treasurer Moe Syed, 2017, left, hands Eta Chi Consul Nate Dowell, 2021, a $250 Youngstown Alumni Chapter scholarship. The monetary award is given annually to an Eta Chi undergraduate.
We are all Sigma Chis. We choose to be Life Loyal.
The new Life Loyal Sig program provides members with an opportunity to provide additional monthly and annual support to the growth and success of our Fraternity. Combined with the Sigma Chi Foundation’s existing White Cross Trust donor society, eight levels of annual giving provide alumni greater access to Sigma Chi.
Becoming a Life Loyal Sig is as simple as contributing monthly or annually to support Sigma Chi. Giving at any level qualifies because we can all chose to be Life Loyal. All annual members receive Sigma Chi’s full slate of communications,
including TheMagazineofSigmaChi, and supporting at higher levels provides even more exclusive opportunities.
As of Aug. 19 and since the new program’s introduction on July 1, 471 brothers have chosen to become Life Loyal Sigs and have contributed $325,895.97 in support of Sigma Chi. Learn more and become a Life Loyal Sig today at sigmachi.org/lifeloyal.
Area Order of Constantine Sigs and Significant Sigs gather for a photo during the semiannual Utah Alumni Chapter luncheon on June 12 at the Salt Lake Country Club in Salt Lake City. About 150 alumni, undergraduate chapter leaders and wives of members who entered the Chapter Eternal were in attendance.
Pictured, from left, are Murray State Sigs Drew Goins, 1991; Dan Ryan, 1981; and Chris Naifeh, 2001, at a Nashville Alumni Chapter event. The group holds lunch meetings every other month, attended a Nashville Sounds baseball game in July and planned to hold its annual awards dinner in October, where the Sigma Chi of the Year will be named and Significant Sigs will be honored.
ALUMNI CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES
DECEMBER
12/22/1899 Milwaukee Alumni Chapter, 120 years
Anniversaries are listed every five years.
From left, the late Significant Sig Ab Nicholas, WISCONSIN-MADISON 1952; Andrew Stromwall, DENISON 2004; and Order of Constantine Sig Jim Huber, WISCONSIN-MADISON 1960, are pictured during the Milwaukee Alumni Chapter’s annual holiday party in December 2013.
CAMPUS CHRONICLES UPDATE
CHAPTER STATS KEY
Our chapters, by the numbers: 2019 Peterson Significant Chapter Award Winner
All-time Peterson Significant Chapter Awards
Current Undergraduates
*AsofAug.19,2019
ALABAMA Iota Iota 14 182
We have experienced a great summer recruitment period and are looking forward to initiating 55 new brothers come mid-fall. The chapter is excited to kick off the second year of the Preparation for Brotherhood program and work endlessly to reach our goal of advancing our brotherhood and strengthening fellowship among all members. ~ Tyler Howell, 2021
ALBION Alpha Pi 5 30
The chapter had yet another successful semester. Philanthropy is something we really wanted to focus on over the last few years. Doing so, our totals have dramatically increased year to year. Recruitment is a focus for the chapter this year. The chapter hopes to add diversity to its next pledge class. ~ Robert Vera, 2021
AMERICAN Kappa Rho 15 25
The brothers of our chapter are continuing to have strong bonds and high ambition. From Ryan Barto, 2020, being elected to the Executive Committee and becoming the youngest Rotary Club president, we all are living the true values of a Sigma Chi. Although it’s busy in D.C., we know how to express the spirit of youth, such as hiking up a mountain and getting a good #FlagFriday photo. ~ Conor Cawley, 2020
ARIZONA Beta Phi
27 104
The chapter had a successful 2018 to 2019 school year, highlighted by setting a school fraternity philanthropy record by raising over $54,000 during our Derby Days philanthropic event. We did so
through several fun and competitive activities, including our annual dodgeball tournament in our courtyard. We look forward to competing with our past goal to raise the bar even higher.
~ Gordon Faust, 2020
ARIZONA
STATE Epsilon Upsilon
5 71
Fall 2019 will be our first semester off of provisions, and we’re looking to increase our progress as a chapter. We are actively planning our first Derby Days philanthropic event in several years. Our chapter GPA is the highest it’s been in recent memory. Finally, our mentorship program with the Phoenix Alumni Chapter has more participants than ever before.
~ Tommy Baden, 2021
ARKANSAS STATE Theta Chi
12 55
The chapter is coming off a successful spring semester. We just completed our Derby Days philanthropic event where we raised a total of $24,633.33. This is the most our chapter has ever raised. The Greek-letter awards ceremony also was held. The chapter received highest GPA on campus, and Nick Stillwell, 2021; John Ross, 2019; and Colby Johnson, 2019, also received individual awards.
~ Nathaniel Wetzel, 2022
AUBURN Gamma Sigma
0 43
The brothers of our chapter are on a roll heading into fall 2019. Following our installation last spring, we have taken steps to ensure success in the coming school year by reinforcing our focus on academics, recruiting potential new members and making renovations to our house. With football season around the corner, excitement is in the air in Auburn.
~ Fischer Hawkins, 2021
AUSTIN PEAY Eta Xi 14 13
The chapter hopes to achieve the highest GPA among all campus organizations by establishing study hours. Brothers will come and help one another scholastically. We’re also striving for a minimum of 300 service hours through our partnership with
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. These goals require dedication and discipline. However, the chapter is ready to accomplish these objectives, being men of high ambition.
~ Reagan Hyde, 2019
BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN Chi Chi 12 59
This fall 2019, the chapter is pushing to have another successful recruitment period. We also hope to continue to improve our philanthropic efforts and other areas of involvement on campus.
~ Tony Romano, 2022
BOISE STATE Lambda Xi 4 73
Our chapter’s primary goal for fall 2019 is to raise our chapter GPA to over a 3.0. Our recent spring 2019 semester GPA was a 2.86, and we are hoping to work collectively as a chapter to aid each other in order to see our brothers succeed in the classroom as much as we can.
~ Jake Corey, 2019
BOWLING GREEN Delta Kappa 2 64
The chapter has grown tremendously in the past year. As a chapter, we were able to reach our goal of $20,000 to join the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s $20K Club for our Derby Days philanthropic event. We
hope to continue having an impact in our community and Sigma Chi as we set loftier goals for members during the coming year.
~ Brennan Conroy, 2020
BRADLEY Delta Rho 11 54
Our chapter celebrated a successful spring 2019 semester, raising nearly $13,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute through our Derby Days philanthropic event. This fall, the chapter will be celebrating its 70th anniversary. We look forward to welcoming alumni and honoring those brothers who continue to positively impact our community. This fall semester, we will primarily focus on improving expenditure and finances overall. ~ Austin Moca, 2022
BRIDGEWATER STATE Theta Zeta 11 24
At Bridgewater State University’s Greekletter awards, the chapter obtained three honors, which surpassed the amount any of the other 10 organizations received. One award was Best Alumni Relations due to the support we received during our 35th anniversary, initiations and board meetings, where endowed scholarships were received by undergraduates. We additionally received the Interfraternity Council’s member of the year and best membership development honors.
~ Darius Desnoes, 2022
Hillsdale chapter members stand with faculty advisor and Order of Constantine Sig Tom Conner, HILLSDALE 1972, with the newly awarded Scholarship Cup at spring convocation in Hillsdale, Michigan.
BRITISH COLUMBIA-SIMON
FRASER Delta Omicron 18 92
Heading into the 2019 to 2020 school year, the brothers of our chapter are looking to revamp our approach to philanthropic activities as well as our alumni engagement strategy. Additionally, to enhance the way we support our brothers’ academic journeys, we will be converting our basement into a functional study space. ~ Chris Gooding, 2020
BROCK Mu Zeta 26
The chapter continues to grow, with plans to expand our reach as Marcus Fluellon, 2021, takes charge of recruitment. We proudly welcome our new Consul Andrew Scott, 2020, wish him well in his tenure and thank founding Consul Asad Jalib, 2019, for his outstanding leadership. Seven of our members attended the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop in Bowling Green, Ohio.
~ Jonathon Fedorko, 2021
BRYANT Lambda Eta 9 70
For the first time, we reached the $50K fundraising mark through our Derby Days philanthropic event thanks to Derby Days Chairman Will Tondo, 2019. The chapter also was able to win Greek Week for the first time in years. The chapter also initiated its newest pledge class of 13 members. We had a busy summer with brothers attending Grand Chapter, the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit, Huntsman Cancer Institute recognition events and Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. ~ Cameron Lewis, 2020
BUCKNELL Kappa 7 61
The chapter had a distinguished year thanks to a successful Derby Days philanthropic event that garnered $35,000 in donations. This marks the first time that Kappa has appeared in the $20K and $30K clubs. We are looking to break into the $40K Club next year and continue to represent Sigma Chi to the best of our abilities. ~ Cooper Dolan, 2020
BUTLER Rho 18 98
This past spring, the chapter welcomed a 32-member pledge class of athletes, artists and brilliant minds, all of who completed pledgeship with an appreciation for Sigma Chi’s illustrious past and ambition to contribute to its future. Our chapter raised over $50,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute for the second consecutive year. Our sights are set on doing so for the third year in a row.
~ Jared Kohn, 2022
CAL. POLY.-POMONA Theta Sigma
14 61
With all of the accomplishments of last year, the chapter has set new standards and ever-growing goals for our members. We joined the few and proud Sigma Chi chapters to reach $50K in donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. As of this writing, we had begun working on chapter house improvement projects and hoped to finish them soon. ~ Jonah Sandhu, 2019
CAL. STATE-FRESNO Epsilon Eta
5 48
The chapter is doing well. The chapter house received many renovations over the last year, including solar panels, drinking fountains, new memorials and decorations, and improved security. We are looking forward to a great fall recruitment class due to our commitment to the Mission 365 recruitment training program and TheJordanStandard.
~ Micah Gross, 2020
A COLLEGE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Eta Beta
6 36
The spring 2019 semester was invigorating for our chapter, growing a strong brotherhood based on hard work and determination. This fall, we hope to join the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s $20K Club, tally over 500 community service hours and recruit young men who will uphold the values of the White Cross. Through our work, we strive to achieve the ideals we all cherish in our hearts.
~ Logan Whalen, 2019
CAL. STATE-SAN MARCOS Mu Beta 3 67
The chapter ended the spring 2019 semester on a high note by raising over $50,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and having Kenneth Tran, 2020, and Sweetheart Michelle Tran being elected student president and vice president of Student and University Affairs. The chapter continued its success by sending four brothers to the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit, our Consul to Grand Chapter and seven chapter leaders to the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop.
~ Ethan Shicks, 2020
CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA Zeta Kappa 52
With our new executive board, the chapter aims to progress our position at school and recruit a great fall pledge class. Our newest initiates are getting more involved since we are moving into a new house equipped with a larger chapter room, space for 35 brothers and a sand volleyball court. ~ Kyle Deardorff, 2022
CARNEGIE MELLON Lambda Pi 35
Lambda Pi held an alumni barbeque allowing numerous alumni to reconnect with many old members and meet all of our new members over food and games. We also have begun preparing for our upcoming recruitment class and Derby Days philanthropic event, where we are excited to welcome new brothers and fundraise. ~ Thomas Lappas, 2021
CASE WESTERN Beta Eta 19 42
After enjoying a relaxing but productive summer, our brothers returned to campus with aspirations of improving in academics and building upon the success of our spring philanthropic efforts. We look forward to the school year and hope to welcome another strong pledge class into the Fraternity. ~ Michael Coco, 2020
CENTRAL FLORIDA Eta Pi 12 85
Spring 2019 was full of new developments in the Fraternity. Through the hard work
and devotion of our chapter, we raised $29,975 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute, a new chapter record. Our beloved Grand Praetor, Order of Constantine Sig P.J. Stephens, WASHINGTON (ST. LOUIS) 1971, has retired, and taking his place is Glen Casel, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1991, a former Consul and Magister of our chapter. With 85 active members and 1,269 living alumni, we will continue to work diligently on the growth of our chapter as well as our community. ~ Glen Eisman, 2021
CENTRAL MICHIGAN Zeta Rho 9 67
Our chapter is looking forward to having a great fall semester, as we have a lot of momentum going in. A major goal for us is to raise our overall GPA to above a 3.0, and we are very excited to see what our sweetheart, Lauren Lewallen, does for our Fraternity as the newly crowned 2019 to 2021 International Sweetheart. ~ Erik Papandrea, 2020
CENTRE Zeta Zeta 14 40
Seven of our brothers attended the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop in August, where they were thrilled to learn and grow as leaders in preparation for the new school year. The chapter is eager to welcome our fellow alumni during Homecoming in October to see how the chapter is excelling in all aspects of its operations. ~ Collin Wells, 2020
CHARLESTON Iota Epsilon 3 82
As of this writing, the men of our chapter could not wait to begin the 2019 to 2020 school year. Our chapter planned to start the year off on a high note by raising $10,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We also are looking forward to meeting our new brothers who will be initiated this year. ~ Sean Langan, 2022
CINCINNATI Zeta Psi 17 89
The chapter is looking to have another successful semester this fall. With recruitment week two weeks into classes, we will be sure to find the strongest-suited men for our brotherhood. We also will be
rolling out a new academic plan with the goal of having our average GPA be above a 3.4. ~ Chase Morris, 2021
CLARKSON Iota Zeta 21 40
During the fall 2019 semester, the chapter is still proud to have our brother holding the position of student body president. We will be holding our annual Derby Days philanthropic events with the intention of breaking our record for the amount of money raised. In addition, we hope to welcome a strong group of leaders this fall. ~ Phillip Nackley, 2020
COLLEGE OF IDAHO Kappa Lambda
7 14
The chapter has an exciting fall semester ahead of us. Our primary goal is to continue our upward trajectory and recruit a big fall class. With two brothers who have attended the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit this summer and three more attending the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop, we are ready to meet the year head-on. ~ John Downey, 2019
COLORADO STATE Beta Tau
1 66
Our chapter increased greatly in size this year; we were able to accomplish more than previous years because of this growth. Given our predominantly young chapter members, we focused on building a strong foundation that represents Sigma Chi. We are looking forward to continuing our progress and celebrating 100 years on CSU’s campus this coming fall.
~ Peter Strouse, 2021
A
COLLEGE
IN STORRS,
CONNECTICUT Gamma Omega 7 58
This spring, we held our first Derby Days philanthropic event, and we found great success through widespread participation to support the Huntsman Cancer Institute and its tremendous efforts. We partnered with a not-for-profit organization, Positive Tracks, to match our contributions. Looking forward, we are continuing to make positive progress with the University of Connecticut toward our recognition status.
~ Kevin Dunst, 2021
CORNELL Alpha Phi 14 53
Our chapter had another successful semester. While our overall GPA did decrease, several brothers continued exciting entrepreneurial and educational projects. Almost a third of our brothers graduated this past spring, so we are now going to be having a very recruitmentheavy semester. We look forward to another great semester this coming fall.
~ Andres Antonsson, 2021
CUMBERLAND Nu 0 11
The Nu chapter’s primary goal for the fall 2019 semester is for our newly initiated Consul and Pro Consul to have a great year in their positions. We also plan to have a huge turnout for recruitment this upcoming fall with our university growing and lots of attention being brought to Greek-letter life.
~Tyler McGowan, 2022
DEPAUL Lambda Omega 2 52
This spring our chapter won seven philanthropy events around campus. We also had another successful Derby Days where we raised $19,230 for Chicago Public Schools. Furthermore, our Consul Jai Dufton, 2020, won IFC President of the Year along with our Consul-elect Nick Bavaro, 2021, winning IFC New Member of the Year. ~ Bavaro
DRAKE Theta Gamma 17 22
The chapter has been working hard locally by working with Drake’s Violence Intervention Partners for our joint event “Supporting Victims By,” which encouraged students to pledge to help end sexual violence. This event won us the joint-organization leadership award here on campus. We also hosted our annual Belize Dance Marathon to help send children in Belize to school.
~ Jack Vander Top, 2023
DUKE Beta Lambda 1 39
We hope to continue our success with our Derby Days philanthropic event, a program with which we have raised more than $15,000 for the Huntsman Cancer
Institute. We pride ourselves on giving back and hope to keep fighting cancer as much as we can this year.
~ Benjamin Leonard, 2020
EAST TENNESSEE Zeta Omega 15 54
We raised over $6,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute during our Derby Days philanthropic event and donated more than 100 books to the Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Our chapter sweetheart, Rachel Dobrozsi, was a finalist for international sweetheart. In the spring, we extended bids to 11 men, all of who accepted them and became initiated members of the chapter. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in the fall semester. ~ Bray Wilson, 2021
EASTERN KENTUCKY Eta Alpha 15 38
This semester, the chapter had a successful Derby Days philanthropic event, which included a Yeti cooler raffle, Soak a Sig, home run derby and our second annual golf scramble with proceeds benefitting the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We also elected our new executive board for the 2019 to 2020 school year. During the summer, we looked forward to a much-needed vacation on our Tybee Island formal. ~ Andrew Cobb, 2020
ELON Theta Omega N/A 64
Our chapter is determined to capitalize on our philanthropic events during the fall 2019 academic term. We want to make a strong presence on campus as soon as possible so that we can attract more supporters and recruits for the fall of 2019. ~ Luke Valdez-Rodriguez, 2021
EMBRY-RIDDLE (DAYTONA BEACH) Eta Iota 18 50
The brothers of our chapter are excited to get back to work after a long summer. With fall recruitment around the corner, our brothers are around campus identifying the best candidates to bid. Our Derby Days philanthropic event is another focal point for the chapter. Last year, we raised just shy of $11,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and we hope to do even better this year. ~ Christopher Olmo, 2021
EMBRY-RIDDLE (PRESCOTT) Kappa Phi 5 32
The chapter made significant progress in spring 2019. Our GPA average exceeded the all-male and all-fraternity average, and we were the most charitable fraternity on campus. Our goals for the fall 2019 semester are to seek better relations with alumni and continue to improve our relationship with the university.
~ Trevor Etnyre, 2019
EMORY Beta Chi 13 56
The chapter enjoyed a successful spring 2019 semester at Emory. We had a spring pledge class of 22, we initiated all those who pledged, and our chapter had our most successful year of philanthropy to date, raising over $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Last year’s Consul, Alex Dobosh, 2019, was elected president of Emory’s Interfraternity Council. ~ Charlie Mather, 2020
FLORIDA Gamma Theta 27 112
The chapter of Sigma Chi is looking forward to the new year following a strong 2018 to 2019. The past year included one of our highest Derby Days philanthropic event fundraising totals in recent memory, and with a new high-level accreditation status from the University of Florida, we are poised to cement ourselves as one of the most well-rounded chapters in the country. ~ David Kays, 2022
FLORIDA ATLANTIC Lambda Tau 3 75
In a school that has seen unprecedented growth in the past two years, our chapter aims not for quantity but for quality as we head into the new year. We plan to raise more money and be more active on campus, in the community and within our brotherhood than ever before. We’re proud to maintain our reputation.
~ Sebastian Scalera, 2020
FLORIDA GULF COAST Lambda Zeta 2 47
The men of our chapter had a successful 2018 to 2019 year and planned on making this school year an even greater one beginning in the fall 2019 semester. We
are planning on having a great week of recruitment, a successful Derby Days philanthropic event, socials and being involved with all Greek-letter-affiliated events on campus. ~ Oney Pino, 2020
FLORIDA SOUTHERN Epsilon Sigma 11 34
Our primary goal for this semester is to prepare for our first deferred recruitment. Our chapter has never gone through this process before, so we are looking forward to seeing how it helps with recruitment. ~ Maxwell Giard, 2021
FURMAN Iota Nu 15 53
This fall, the chapter is proud to say we received the Chapter of the Year award on campus. We initiated 16 new Sigma Chis. For the third year in a row, we are excited to say we raised over $20,000 through our Derby Days philanthropic event. We had a memorable weekend catching up with alumni during our chapter’s 30th anniversary. ~ Lee Gardella, 2020
GEORGE WASHINGTON Epsilon 11 102
The chapter looks to transform itself during the 2019 to 2020 school year. We will include the 20 newest in our leadership with new responsibilities, forge new relationships with organizations on campus and work to promote our values across the university. We will go from being seen as leaders in the Greek-letter community to leaders throughout our campus. ~ Jules Jacobs, 2021
GEORGIA SOUTHERN Eta Zeta 11 91
The chapter’s main goal for the fall 2019 semester is to take the recruitment and pledegship processes just as serious as years before in order to find a great new group of men to initiate into the Fraternity. The brothers are also looking forward to building their bonds through events held by the chapter. ~ Jannie Nel, 2021
GEORGIA TECH Beta Psi 17 85
Last summer, we had 12 brothers traveling all over Europe through Georgia Tech’s study abroad programs. From what we had been hearing, it sounded like the brothers
had an amazing trip but were excited for their return in August. Back in Atlanta, we were gearing up for our formal recruitment at the time of this writing and were excited for the fall 2019 semester.
~ Patrick Prestridge, 2019
GETTYSBURG
Theta 12 49
After saying goodbye to its largest-ever senior class, the chapter turned its attention toward recruiting a strong pledge class whose members exemplify the qualities found in TheJordanStandard Additionally, we became involved in the Gettysburg community through service and continued our philanthropic work for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The chapter planned to implement new plans in the fall involving service, brotherhood engagement and scholarship.
~ Owen Keenan, 2021
HAMPDEN-SYDNEY Sigma Sigma 1 40
Our chapter had an eventful summer. We praised our graduating athletes, Jack Dickerson, 2019, and Lewis Brooks, 2019, for their achievements. In the fall, we looked forward to finding the next class of brothers and planning some philanthropic events with Virginia Recovery Foundation to help strengthen our brotherhood.
~ Samuel Zohab, 2021
HANOVER Chi 18 38
Heading into the 2019 fall semester, one of our chapter’s primary goals will be to continue growing our philanthropy. This past school year, we made significant improvements in our philanthropic efforts. As we started another school year, the chapter planned to pick up where it left off by raising money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
~ Dylan Wirick, 2020
HILLSDALE Alpha Kappa 12 30
In spring 2019, the chapter received our school’s Scholarship Cup, which is given to the Greek-letter organization with the highest GPA. The chapter also volunteered at the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society and hosted a Spirit Day at a local ice cream shop, raising $1,000 for the
Humane Society. The chapter brought in four new brothers after a successful spring recruitment. Finally, the chapter sent three brothers to the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit in June.
~ Ryan Goff, 2020
HOBART Alpha Alpha 0 21
This past semester, we graduated 20 seniors but were excited to initiate five new members. During the fall, we are excited for these new initiates as well as the returning members of the chapter to step into the roles left vacated by the graduates within many organizations on campus in addition to our own chapter.
~ Joshua Andrews, 2020
IDAHO Gamma Eta 22 46
During the spring semester, our chapter managed to obtain some notable achievements. For the first time in our history, we reached the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s $20K Club along with earning more Greek-letter awards than any other chapter on our campus. Looking into the fall, we were excited to welcome our newest pledge class and hoped for another great year. ~ Luke Kawano, 2022
KANSAS Alpha Xi 9 114
Our chapter’s primary goal for the fall 2019 semester is to continue across-the-board improvement. Chapter leadership has
worked diligently planning new service and philanthropic events involving our sister sororities for the fall semester, enhancing our scholarship program through increased Big Brother mentorship programs and use of campus resources, outlining a rewarding Preparation for Brotherhood program and redefining our risk management procedures.
~ Ethan Packel, 2021
KANSAS STATE Delta Upsilon 24 72
As we prepared to begin the new school year, the chapter looked forward to showing 19 young men what it means to be a Sigma Chi. Our members also are striving to improve upon our house GPA by putting even more emphasis on furthering our academic standing at the university.
~ Logan Slead, 2022
KENTUCKY Lambda Lambda 16 84
Tucker Lovett, 2020, and Andy Flood, 2020, ran a strong campaign to be elected Student Government Association president and vice president of the University of Kentucky. Furthermore, 15 brothers participated in the 2019 DanceBlue Marathon, a 24-hour dance marathon benefiting the children and their families at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. Our team raised $15,624.19 for this incredible cause.
~ Spencer Fry, 2020
Ryan Goff, HILLSDALE 2020, stands at the summit of Snowbird mountain at the end of the first session of Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit in Utah.
KETTERING Zeta Theta A 6 34
During this academic year, we hope to continue raising money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and plan to volunteer in the community of Flint, Michigan. Additionally, we hope to recruit men of a high caliber. Last summer, we said farewell to 11 graduating brothers but are happy to see their legacies grow. ~ Jacob Squibb, 2020
KETTERING B Zeta Theta B 8 51
We are excited to start our annual Derby Days philanthropic events. We are working hard to make this the most successful Derby Days we have ever had. With the support of our brothers and all the sororities on campus, we believe that we can accomplish this goal. Even with this focus on philanthropy, we are adamant on keeping our house GPA at a competitive level. ~ Mitchell Belka, 2020
LOUISVILLE Iota Lambda 26 75
In the fall of 2019, the chapter’s primary focus is recruiting another excellent pledge
class to our brotherhood. Any alumni recommendations can be directed to our Recruitment Chairman, Alex Hood, 2019. A secondary focus is our chapter’s fall philanthropy event, Wrap Up Louisville, which collects blankets for the homeless population in Louisville. ~ Samuel Romes, 2019
LOYOLA
MARYMOUNT Iota Omega 4 63
The chapter of Sigma Chi is excited to start a new academic year. Last spring, we initiated a bright young group of men with promising potential as leaders. This fall we hope to continue our trend of initiating another group of brothers to join our ranks and pursue with us learning, justice and friendship. ~ Michael Zanini, 2020
MARYLAND Gamma Chi 16 84
The chapter is excited to announce that we have won Maryland’s President’s Cup for Most Outstanding Fraternity on campus. We must not accept complacency and look to improve our chapter in every aspect, from academics to philanthropy, brotherhood to community service, in order to reclaim this esteem and prove to
the world the value and character of true Sigs. ~ Matt Krinick, 2021
MASSACHUSETTS-AMHERST
Mu Epsilon 1 64
After a successful February and March, April came, and it was time to elect a new executive board for the fall semester. We are especially excited for and confident in our new Consul-Pro Consul pair. Consul Hunter Apteker, 2021, and Pro Consul Luke Canavan, 2020, are both incredibly driven and care deeply about our success as a Fraternity, elevating our aspirations further. ~ Griffin Seidel, 2021
MCGILL Gamma Lambda 12 48
This semester, our Tribune worked with chapter alumni to establish Gamma Lambda Connect. This program works to pair undergraduates with alumni for mentorship based on their respective career focus areas. Not only have we benefitted greatly from alumni’s advice and connections, but the program has strengthened the connection between brothers in all stages of life. ~ Tyler Pickford, 2020
MEMPHIS Epsilon Kappa 17 56
Our chapter has been preparing to reach further successes in the upcoming fall semester. We are anticipating another successful recruitment and pledging period after a strong fall 2018 pledge class of 31 new initiates. We are hoping to continue our impact in philanthropic efforts through Derby Days, intending to raise at least $20,000 for the fourth consecutive year. ~ Justin Bey, 2020
MIAMI (OHIO) Alpha 2 85
We had Homecoming from Sept. 6 to 7. It was the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1969. It was great to see alumni visit. Activities included golfing and a tailgate party. We have begun our recruitment efforts for the spring. Some events we hosted were a cookout and Monday Night Football watch party. The chapter is looking forward to its Derby Days philanthropic event and formal recruitment in the new year. ~ Drew Hornback, 2021
MICHIGAN Theta Theta
11 126
The chapter had an exceptional winter semester, achieving the highest fraternity GPA on campus, along with continued involvement in a number of university programs, including the Interfraternity Council, intramural teams and clubs. We also hosted our most successful Derby Days philanthropic event yet. Initiating 13 brothers last semester, we now have 126 active brothers. ~ Matthew Bahar, 2022
MINNESOTA Alpha Sigma
5 120
The chapter experienced another successful school year in 2018 to 2019. Our active and alumni brothers celebrated our 130th anniversary. In 2019 to 2020, we look forward to continuing our strong influence on campus with another successful Derby Days philanthropic event week and with our brothers excelling in numerous other extracurriculars at the university. We also look forward to the many upgrades planned on our two chapter houses. ~ Tyler MacDowell, 2020
MISSISSIPPI Eta
23 247
The chapter will strengthen our 162-year tradition as the standard-bearer this fall as we welcome a strong pledge class under the leadership of our recruitment chairmen. Our brothers resolve to empower each other to achieve excellence in friendship, justice and learning by fulfilling the Ritual and TheJordanStandard’s noble challenges. ~ R.G. Pickering, 2019
MISSISSIPPI STATE Gamma Upsilon 22 246
The chapter has worked relentlessly on becoming the No. 1 fraternity academically at our school. We will continue to strive for excellence in the classroom. We also want to lead our new pledge class by example and show them how a man of the standard acts at all times. ~ Taylor Reeves, 2019
MISSOURI-COLUMBIA Xi Xi 5 69
As our chapter heads into the second year of its restorative justice program, we want to show that we can make a positive
impact on our community. We have come a long way since our membership review and plan to continue making strides in the right direction to keep a healthy relationship with the university and the International Fraternity. ~ Wil Lage, 2021
MIT Alpha Theta 31 44
This spring, our chapter completed another productive semester. As always, our brothers actively participated in academic clubs, varsity sports and Fraternity culture. This summer, we welcomed the pledge class of 1969 for their 50-year reunion. Finally, we are excited to introduce Kimberly Bernard as a campus advisor to provide career guidance to interested brothers and the chapter as a whole.
~ Aaron Makikalli, 2021
MONTANA Beta Delta 3 23
During the 2019 to 2020 school year, the chapter hopes to increase the number of active members and create a stronger brotherhood. We hope to have a strong fall pledge class to help build a strong structure for the coming years.
~ Daniel Shell, 2022
MONTANA STATE Beta Rho 9 68
The 2019 school year was full of achievements for the chapter, including hosting a community blood drive, highway cleanup and our biannual car wash. This year was capped off by receiving Chapter of the Year in the Big Sky province and entering into the Huntsman Cancer Institute $20K Club for the first time in our 101-year history. ~ Brandon Baier, 2021
NEBRASKA Alpha Epsilon 10 97
Our primary goal for the 2019 to 2020 year is to reach out to our local alumni chapters and put together a couple of events where we can all get together. With our Parent’s Club, we are looking toward another Parents Weekend. ~ Colin Crayne, 2020
NEW HAMPSHIRE Lambda Sigma N/A 34
Our chapter had a strong spring semester. Our Derby Days philanthropic event was a
tough competition this year. From fall to spring, we had an increase in overall GPA. We have secured a common property that 15 bothers are living in. We look forward to welcome new brothers in the fall and strive to grow our numbers. ~ Kyle Romero, 2020
NEW HAVEN Lambda Epsilon 10 42
Our chapter ended recruitment with nine potential new members. We had our first Sigsgiving where brothers got together, each bringing their own food and hanging out. Also, we have two philanthropy events coming up to promote the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and push us to reach our goal of $50K. Finally, our chapter has its 10-year anniversary in April, which will have alumni celebrate with us. ~ Hunter Forrest, 2020
NEW MEXICO STATE Zeta Phi 4 46
The chapter wants to continue the momentum that we created last year during the 2019 to 2020 academic term. Having initiated 26 new brothers this past academic year, we want to improve our recruitment efforts. This summer we moved into a house and want to utilize it as our central hub and promote our shared brotherhood. ~ Mario Martinez, 2021
NORTH ALABAMA Eta Rho 9 32
This past spring, our brothers excelled once again. We raised $15,000 for a local domestic violence shelter, the most money ever raised by a student organization in the history of our school. We also raised our overall GPA. We looked forward to fresh leadership in 2019 to 2020 as we are more excited than ever to start the school year. ~ Zachary Perkins, 2020
NORTH
CAROLINA-CHARLOTTE
Mu Alpha
N/A 51
After our chapter’s record-breaking Derby Days philanthropic event, we prepared to improve our fundraising relationship with the Carolina Panthers football team. We also are increasingly reaching out to alumni living in the Charlotte area. This is
all with our new Chapter Advisor Davonte Belle, 2016. ~ Will French, 2020
NORTH DAKOTA Beta Zeta 5 57
Our chapter is looking forward to another successful semester this fall. We managed to finish spring 2019 with a 3.30 overall GPA, placing first among all fraternities on campus and fifth among all Greek-Letter life on campus. Our alumni will be hosting the 110th anniversary of the chapter during our campus Homecoming.
~ Cole Lathrop, 2019
NORTH DAKOTA STATE Gamma Tau 9 15
Our chapter has been fueling the fire at our school. Some recent accomplishments include Reed Petersen, 2019, being awarded a national Fulbright Scholarship for research in physics. The chapter was recognized for having the most outstanding alumni relations out of all Greek-letter life at North Dakota State. We will be focusing all efforts on recruitment coming into the next year.
~ Brookston Mathern, 2018
NORTH FLORIDA Kappa Beta 13 60
The chapter looked forward to starting the fall with a goal of extending at least 30 bids to potential new members and having at least 27 of them become new members of our chapter. We are also striving to become back-to-back Chapter of the Year award winners by improving our alumni relations, academics, community engagement and service.
~ Keith Millovan, 2021
NORTHERN ARIZONA Zeta Omicron 7 31
In the next year, the chapter will be working closely with the mayor of Flagstaff, Arizona, to make a substantial impact on our community. Our new officers are planning a year filled with philanthropic events, and we will be leading on-campus summits to help combat mental health. We are working to continuously build a foundation that will last another 50 years.
~ Slater Wellington, 2020
NORTHWESTERN Omega 11 102
Founded in 1869, the chapter recognized its 150th anniversary on June 23, celebrating the rich history of Sigma Chi. Our tradition of excellence in golf continued this year. Ryan Lumsden, 2019, received the Byron Nelson Award, recognizing the nation’s top senior men’s collegiate golfer, and the Big Ten Medal of Honor. Fellow Sig golfer David Nyfjall, 2022, represented Sweden in the Arnold Palmer Cup in June. ~ Gustav Enger, 2022
OHIO STATE Alpha Gamma 8 122
The chapter recently initiated 37 members in our latest spring pledge class to end the school year, and we are excited to get to work this coming fall as we plan to initiate a fall class, as well. We plan to impact the community positively and strengthen our brotherhood on our way to a successful 2019 to 2020 school year.
~ Justin Aslo, 2021
OTTAWA Lambda Theta 1 37
After a long exam season, the brothers of our chapter are enjoying their summer vacation. Our Consul attended Grand Chapter in Salt Lake City and created new relationships with brothers from across the continent. Additionally, one of our recently initiated brothers became a Ritual Peer during a session in Toronto. As the end of the summer approached and new adventures began, the chapter prepared for another exciting and memorable school year. ~ Ryan Van Dalen, 2021
PACIFIC Kappa Sigma
3 49
Our chapter had a fantastic year this past spring semester. We introduced a new philanthropy event where brothers were tasked to find individuals who would sponsor them to ride a teeter-totter for 28 hours nonstop. Altogether our brothers were able to raise $1,700 from the teetertotter event, along with an additional $7,000 raised from Derby Days.
~ Jacob Cunha, 2022
PENN STATE Alpha Chi 16 82
This past semester, we received a fraternity GPA of 3.31. Our goal for the fall semester is to continue our academic success and continue our efforts to be active in the community. We hope to host more engaging neighborly activities at the chapter house, such as Greek-Or-Treat where we open up our doors to the trickor-treating youth around State College, Pennsylvania. ~ Ryan Gist, 2021
PEPPERDINE Kappa Omicron N/A 33
We plan to continue to grow closer as a chapter through increased brotherhood events and activities. We also have a goal of succeeding in our recruitment process and recruiting a substantial amount of potential new members.
~ Davis Burnett, 2020
PRINCETON Sigma 2 25
The chapter celebrated a number of events and milestones in the spring semester, including the chapter’s 150th anniversary and a White Rose Ceremony in memory of President Grover Cleveland, MICHIGAN 1893. As the fall semester approaches, the chapter is looking forward to attracting a large and diverse pledge class and maintaining its strong connections with its recent alumni. ~ David Zhou, 2020
RADFORD Kappa Zeta 3 47
The chapter had a busy and productive summer. As of this writing, we were excited to send seven brothers to the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop — the most we have ever sent in our history. We look forward to having the opportunity to work with and learn from our fellow Sigma Chi leaders.
~ Mark Parios, 2020
RENSSELAER Delta Psi 15 88
The chapter received Rensselaer’s highest rating, five stars, for the eighth consecutive year due to high achievements in academics, leadership, public relations and alumni relations.
Our goal for fall 2019 is to work with our Interfraternity Council to find ways to give the Greek-letter system more anonymity from an administration that makes sweeping policy changes without input from its undergraduates.
~ Matt Bonnette, 2020
RIPON Epsilon Lambda 1 23
The chapter had another excellent spring semester. We began with 11 new brothers being initiated. This was followed by a successful Derby Days philanthropic event that raised $400 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This work, in addition to improvement in our academics, led to our chapter being awarded Chapter of the Year. We also enjoyed seeing our alumni on June 29 as part of Ripon’s Alumni Weekend celebration.
~ Adam Wronski, 2020
ROCHESTER Gamma Pi 11 55
The chapter hopes to enjoy a prosperous start to the school year by planning on implementing the concepts brothers learned at Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit and Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. Additionally, this fall our brotherhood will be cheering for Francisco Ambrosini, 2021, on the soccer pitch and our six brothers on the golf team. ~ Ryan Babineau, 2021
SOUTH ALABAMA Eta Epsilon 19 49
Previous to the summer of 2019, the chapter brought home the Dean’s Cup, Intramural award and the Campus Involvement award. For the upcoming semester, our goals are to excel in athletics, academics, service and involvement. Also, we aim to bring in new brothers who possess different temperaments, talents and convictions and who strive to live their lives by the White Cross. ~ Benjamin Baxter Ratley, 2022
SOUTH FLORIDA Theta Beta 11 71
The chapter experienced a wonderful and prosperous spring 2019 semester. The chapter experienced a successful spring
recruitment by admitting 10 new members, a direct result of earning a high GPA and being leaders on campus. Along with this, brothers have continued to get more involved on campus by raising $15,000 during our Derby Days philanthropic event. ~ Alex Armeli, 2022
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Epsilon Phi 15 68
We would like to congratulate Bryan Mathews, 2016, on his new position as Grand Praetor of the Southern Missouri province. We also recognize our Pro Consul Andrew Marler, 2020, for going to the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit and for attending the 82nd Grand Chapter in Salt Lake City in June. As of this writing, we looked forward to attending the inaugural Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. ~ Daniel Dobbs, 2021
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Alpha Upsilon 15 137
The chapter initiated 34 new brothers in February, a class containing several legacies and ranks among the highest quality of men at our school. Our renewed Derby Days philanthropic event led to us raising over $20,000 for the Huntsman Foundation. At the year-end Greek Awards, the chapter earned the University Impact and Leadership Excellence trophies, while Aaron Hobson, 2019, won scholarship financial support. ~ Andrew Jessup, 2020
SOUTHERN METHODIST Delta Mu 12 144
The brothers of our chapter are proud to report another successful year at Southern Methodist University. Recruiting over 40 new members and raising a total of $50,000 for Derby Days, the brothers of our chapter are excited for another year to continue pursuing excellence. We look forward to the future and to continually strive for the White Cross.
~ Grant Gillem, 2020
SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Theta Delta 6 9
The chapter is improving. We are extremely grateful to our generous alumni
for purchasing two houses, neighboring one another, for us so we can create a new and permanent home for Sigma Chi brothers. We remain proud of all that we have accomplished and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
~ Mason Nodurft, 2022
ST. THOMAS Iota Tau 10 16
The chapter has had several incredible opportunities this summer that will be the catalyst for a successful semester. We had the opportunity to send four brothers to the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit. We also sent 10 of our brothers to the inaugural Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. Through officer accountability and strong leadership, our chapter looks to have a bright future.
~ Trent Davies, 2020
TENNESSEE TECH Eta Delta 16 29
The primary goal of our chapter is growth. Fall 2019 recruitment is going to give us the largest class of men we have ever seen who reflect TheJordanStandard We are going to become more active on
campus and strive to improve all Greekletter life relations. We plan to grow in our community with help from our alumni.
~ Gage Bentley, 2020
TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA
Delta Theta 5 56
Last spring semester, we raised over $20,000 for the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger and hosted a suicide awareness event with Michael Zibilich, LOUISIANA
STATE 2013. With fall 2019 on the horizon, our members are eager to continue their success and have an even better semester than they saw this past spring.
~ Dylan Miller, 2020
TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION
Eta Upsilon 18 172
During fall 2019, the chapter hopes to build upon last year’s philanthropic and recruitment efforts, our chapter’s alumni engagement and the development of our brotherhood. This fall, we are excited to host what we hope will be another successful alumni weekend. We are also looking forward to the opportunity
to repeat as members of the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s $50K Club.
~ Carter Keating, 2019
TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE Zeta Eta 7 32
We have much to look forward to this coming fall semester. The chapter strives to bring in the biggest pledge class on campus containing men who possess the qualities found in TheJordanStandardand increase our overall chapter GPA. We are also looking to double the money it raised for the Huntsman Cancer Institute last year during our Derby Days philanthropic event.
~ Parker Aguilar, 2019
TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE Zeta Pi 19 33
This past year, the chapter created a showcase called Mr. Sigma Chi where a portion of the proceeds went to a local women’s shelter. We raised a chapterrecord $2,000 through our Derby Days philanthropic event. The goal this year is to continue Mr. Sigma Chi and raise over $3,000 for Derby Days and strive for a Peterson Significant Chapter Award. ~ Oscar Lara, 2020
NEW FOR FALL 2019
TEXAS-AUSTIN Alpha Nu 7 85
The chapter is gearing up for what looks to be a year of growth. The former house is in the process of reconstruction. To combat this, we’re planning many brotherhood events to make sure the bond between our brothers remains in place. In addition, the potential new pledge class that should arrive this year will be a group of leaders who will push the chapter forward.
~ Ryan Cree, 2020
TEXAS CHRISTIAN Epsilon Mu 1 92
This fall semester, the chapter has a brand-new vision and outlook. With all that we learned last year with the help of our Resident Accountability Coordinator Josh Yadkin, WASHINGTON (ST. LOUIS) 2012, we are committed to making our chapter an exemplary one. Our chapter sent the maximum number of brothers to Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop this past summer in order to cultivate a culture change. ~ Charles Calhoun, 2021
TEXAS TECH Epsilon Nu 0 33
We have regained our charter. In total we had 35 men initiated. Danny Maldonado, SOUTHERN UTAH 2017, served as chapter instillation director. Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, was the installing officer. Steve Katz, ROCHESTER 1981, Grand Praetor for the Southwestern province, was with us. We would like to give special thanks to Glen Sires, TEXAS TECH 1972, and all of the alumni who have supported us. ~ Benjamin Baker, 2020
TROY Eta Phi 14 84
We initiated six men last semester as well as are continuing our devotion to helping the community by completing well over 1,000 hours of community service. Early in the spring semester, we received the news of Nick Garrett, 2021, being diagnosed with cancer, and we raised $24,000 for him. We look forward to a strong fall semester. ~ Robert Magloire, 2019
TULANE Alpha Omicron 3 106
This semester we will be completing renovations to the downstairs area of our chapter house to create a common area for brothers to study and spend time together while also improving the living space. We will also be preparing to recruit a strong pledge class in the beginning of the spring semester. ~ Joe Stassi, 2020
TULSA Delta Omega 16 34
This past semester, the chapter saw a year of great academic performance, an exciting and impactful Derby Days philanthropic event, and we were proud to receive the Circle of Excellence award, the highest honor awarded to a Greek-letter organization at the University of Tulsa. We are looking forward to another great year starting with formal recruitment in August. ~ Barrett Barnard, 2022
UTAH STATE Gamma Kappa 9 40
For this fall 2019 semester, our members have planned to accomplish several goals. Our first goal is to increase participants
attending our fall recruitment events so we can reach our second goal of increasing our pledge class numbers. Our third goal is to raise $50,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. ~ Jake Randall, 2021
VANDERBILT Alpha Psi
14 78
We are hoping to have another successful recruitment process in the fall. Additionally, we are excited to again host officers of student government, on-campus community service groups, business fraternities and the different club sports. The past semester, our chapter broke its Derby Days fundraising record with $51,000 donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
~ Callen DiGiovanni, 2021
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH
Mu Delta N/A 14
The chapter enjoyed many successes, including contributing over 680 hours of service. We are proud of this and the impact that our chapter and brothers are making on our community. Also, Order of Constantine Sig Mark Paniccia, CONNECTICUT 1983, our chapter advisor, won the Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award. We looked forward to the 2019 to 2020 academic year; we believe it will be our best yet. ~ Colton Wolf, 2020
WASHINGTON & LEE Zeta
1 48
The brothers of the Zeta chapter are excited to begin the new school year. The chapter experienced another successful Derby Days philanthropic event last spring. Our more athletically inclined brothers were successful both on the field and in the classroom with nine named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference’s allacademic team. ~ Ryan Campoli, 2019
WASHINGTON (SEATTLE)
Upsilon Upsilon N/A 32 110
Recruitment is in full swing as we continue to recruit new members throughout the summer. Ebrima Fatty, 2020, and Clemente Varas, 2022, attended Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit, and we will
be sending several brothers to the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. We looked forward to fall quarter in hopes of reaching new fundraising goals during our Derby Days philanthropic event and welcoming a new pledge class.
~ Colin James, 2021
WASHINGTON (ST. LOUIS) Tau Tau 9 86
Our primary goal for fall 2019 is to regain Ritual certification. We plan to accomplish this through a more collaborative and holistic approach to the Ritual instead of just a few brothers working diligently on their own. Hopefully, this will lead to two excellent performances and thus certification. ~ Bryant Hales, 2021
WASHINGTON STATE Beta Upsilon 2 42
The chapter’s main goal for this semester is to continue to keep a strong relationship with our alumni, as they have greatly assisted us in helping us build a new chapter house in celebration of our 100th year on campus. We anticipate that our new chapter house will be finished by fall 2020. ~ Garrett Gluck, 2019
WEST FLORIDA Lambda Beta 7 31
We raised $3,000 in three days for the Huntsman Cancer Institute during our Derby Days philanthropic event. We also initiated three brothers. Our brothers had a wonderful opportunity to help with the Auburn chapter’s reinstallation, as brothers were able to help run the initiation. We look forward to recruitment bringing potential new members around as we plan fun events.
~ Alexander Condoroteanu-Orovean, 2019
WEST GEORGIA Lambda Phi 1 23
The men of our chapter initiated 10 new members on Dec. 1 and another member on March 8. Our philanthropic work proved good for the livelihood of this chapter and Huntsman Cancer Institute by raising $4,000 through philanthropic events. With brothers serving on the Interfraternity Council and others in chair positions, the chapter is motivated to continue being leaders around campus.
~ Adrian Sanchez, 2021
A COLLEGE IN MORGANTOWN,
WEST VIRGINIA Mu Mu 8 83
The chapter’s primary goal for the fall 2019 semester is to continue our success as a fraternity separate from the university. After disassociating from the university in August of the 2018 to 2019 academic year, our chapter has done very well. Maintaining resiliency while facing many obstacles, we have proven that a chapter can survive without the support of an institution. ~ Blake Duffy, 2020
WESTERN CAROLINA Kappa Gamma 1 24
The chapter ended the semester with our first alumni land clean-up. At the Greek-letter Awards, we earned Chapter of Excellence and Interfraternity Council (IFC) Chapter of the Year. Lincoln Barlow, 2022, was awarded Outstanding New Fraternity Initiate of the Year. Also, two brothers were sworn in on the IFC executive board for the 2019 to 2020 school year. Over the summer, Consul Brian Booe, 2021, studied in Italy. ~ Noah Queen, 2021
WESTERN CONNECTICUT Iota Eta 10 22
We are proud to have initiated our newest pledge class. As of this writing, we were sitting at around 30 brothers. Most of our brothers hold a leadership position or two, putting us at a highly active participation rate in the community, both on and off campus. We are also proud to announce our new sweetheart, Savannah Lewis. ~ Vinicius Assis, 2020
WESTERN KENTUCKY Zeta Mu 13 49
The chapter ended the spring 2019 semester on great terms. Our overall GPA was 3.029, beating our GPA from the previous semester. Thank you to our alumni for all the dedication and support shown to the chapter. We’re looking forward to another great school year in 2019 to 2020. ~ Dalton Lewis, 2021
WESTERN MICHIGAN Zeta Nu 8 71
Our chapter intends to streamline and improve in all facets that make Sigma Chi so great. Because the chapter has
grown to a larger size, we plan on being selective and only taking the best men who exemplify the traits of Sigma Chis. The chapter hopes to win a Peterson Significant Chapter Award in the coming year. ~ Eric Estvander, 2022
WESTERN ONTARIO Epsilon Omicron 13 68
Our chapter hopes to host a successful recruitment. We define success as every brother going above and beyond, whether in their role, supporting others in their roles or exemplifying what it means to be a true Sigma Chi. We will be holding a Homecoming event in town to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
~ Jack Jelinek, 2020
WINDSOR Kappa Mu
4 18
Our chapter’s primary goals revolve around recruitment and philanthropy. We hope to bring in a large pledge class of brothers with a shared vision for the future of our chapter. In addition, we hope to double our money raised toward philanthropic efforts
from the fall 2018 semester. ~ Max Soucie, 2020
WYOMING Gamma Xi 16 54
Our chapter’s primary goal for fall 2019 is to increase our community outreach and increase the impact of our Derby Days philanthropic event. We would like to start volunteering regularly as a chapter in such a way that will leave an impression on the Laramie, Wyoming, community. We also seek to expand Derby Days events outside of just Greek-letter life.
~ Nolan Major, 2019
YALE Theta Upsilon 12 40
This upcoming semester, the brothers of our chapter are dedicated to continuing to preserve the high ideals and responsibilities expected of members of the International Fraternity. We are committed to developing and maintaining a strong reputation of good character and excellence on our campus by giving back to our surrounding community.
~ Joshua Yue, 2020
COLONY UPDATES
BOSTON Sigma Chi Upsilon
We are proud to have become an official colony of Sigma Chi. Our colony has experienced a lot of progress over the past year. We have focused the majority of our efforts on community service, leadership across campus and academics. We are looking forward to progressing through colonization and reshaping Greek-letter culture at Boston University.
~ Joe Danis, 2022
COLORADO-BOULDER
Sigma Chi Omega
After moving through our first year as a colony, we could not be more motivated to become one step closer to becoming an initiated chapter. We will facilitate our growth by helping the men already part of our brotherhood to improve and by adding more men of the highest qualities. Our only option is to succeed and prosper.
~ Daniel Heher, 2021
GEORGETOWN Sigma Chi Phi
This past semester, we welcomed our newest pledge class and raised nearly $4,000 during our inaugural Derby Days philanthropic event. Our colony, now comprised of 40 ambitious young men, continues to strive toward installation. With the support of Sigs both in D.C. and across the nation, we hope to become a newly installed chapter soon.
~ Sahil Trivedi, 2021
SAN DIEGO STATE Sigma Chi Psi
Our colony’s most important goal for this year is to get chartered. Last spring, we took an immense leap in our end objective with the completion of Phase II of the expansion process. Thanks to the work of our diligent brothers, we are currently in the Formal Petition stage and are aiming to receive our charter this upcoming spring.
~ Tayza Than, 2021
OCTOBER
10/4/1924 Gamma Theta, Florida, 95 years
10/9/1999 Kappa Rho, American, 20 years
10/15/1904 Psi Psi, Syracuse, 115 years
10/28/1989 Iota Omicron, Western Illinois, 30 years
NOVEMBER
11/4/1909 Beta Eta, Case Western Reserve, 110 years 11/11/1989 Iota Pi, Marquette, 30 years
11/14/1919 Beta Upsilon, Washington State, 100 years
11/28/1894 Nu Nu, Columbia, 125 years
DECEMBER
12/2/1949 Delta Upsilon, Kansas State, 70 years
12/8/1984 Theta Nu, Alma, 35 years
12/13/1964 Zeta Iota, Pittsburg State, 55 years
Anniversaries are listed every five years.
Significant Sig Henry Bubb, KANSAS 1928, left, listens to Jack Dressler, KANSAS 1929, during the Kansas State chapter’s installation Dec. 2 to 3, 1949, at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
Welcome Auburn University
CHAPTER NAME: Gamma Sigma
INSTALLATION DATE: April 6, 2019
PROVINCE: Alabama/Gulf Coast
SIGS INITIATED AT INSTALLATION: 41
Consul Will Odom, AUBURN 2020, says the goal of bringing back Sigma Chi to Auburn University has been to be different than other Greek-letter organizations. He explains that the newly initiated brothers want to “disrupt” the pattern in which other Auburn fraternities operate and are viewed. To accomplish that goal, men of various personalities, beliefs and aptitudes are being recruited into the Gamma Sigma chapter, first founded at Auburn in 1934. The result is a close brotherhood whose members look to positively impact the campus and Auburn communities by living out the qualities of The Jordan Standard.
While operating as a colony, the Auburn Interfraternity Council named Gamma Sigma its Small Fraternity of the Year. How has that served as encouragement of what’s to come?
Winning Small Fraternity of the Year at Auburn was a big achievement for our first year back on campus. However, we know it’s only the beginning of the journey. We are excited to continue to improve and to positively change the perception of Greek[-letter] life on Auburn’s campus.
How has alumni support helped the chapter get ready for the fall semester?
Our alumni have been incredibly supportive, and we certainly would not be where we are today without their help. Most recently, they have taken an active role in helping us move back into our house and are coordinating renovation efforts over the summer.
What adversity did the colony face while trying to get reinstalled?
Our biggest goal coming back has been to disrupt the Greek[-letter] life system at Auburn and change the way that people view fraternities. Unfortunately, many of Auburn’s fraternities can be summed up in one-word descriptions and fall into certain stereotypes. We don’t want to follow this trend. Recruiting men of different temperaments, talents and convictions has always been our goal. Changing this trend has not always been easy and has been met with opposition. However, we know that it will benefit the Greek[-letter] community and the Auburn community in the long run.
How have things been different for Gamma Sigma since the reinstallation?
We have learned so much as a group since [re]installation. Obviously, the introduction of Ritual has changed a great deal for us and has given us a chance to reflect more deeply upon our values. Additionally, this fall we are moving into our house and will have 22 members live there. This is a big opportunity for us, and we are looking forward to this.
Gamma Sigma is one of the oldest fraternities on campus. What does it mean to have the chapter return?
It was truly an honor for all of us to bring back such a historic chapter. Having our alumni, some of who were students in the 1950s and 1960s, present at our [re]installation was special. Knowing how much it meant for them to have their chapter back helped keep us motivated throughout the entire recolonization process, and I’m glad I was able to share the day with them. Now, it is our job to continue to hold ourselves to the standard that our Founders set for us and to continue to make our Sigma Chi and especially Sigma Chi Gamma Sigma brothers proud.
Consul Will Odom, AUBURN 2020, stands with Chapter Advisor Brian Snyder, TROY 1985, and Coleman Kitchens, AUBURN 2019, during the Auburn chapter’s reinstallation banquet on Aug. 6 in Auburn, Alabama.
Welcome Texas Tech university
CHAPTER NAME: Epsilon Nu
INSTALLATION DATE: May 4, 2019
PROVINCE: Southwestern
SIGS INITIATED AT INSTALLATION: 33
Nickolas Blair, 2020, who was Consul during the Epsilon Nu chapter’s reinstallation, says the process of reestablishing a chapter on campus was a learning process for members. In the beginning, the men lacked understanding of how to run a fraternity and struggled to complete tasks that chapters perform annually. However, with the help of alumni, members learned the logistics of chapter operations and steadily progressed toward installation. Blair says that since becoming a chapter, the new Sigs aim to hold themselves to higher academic standards than other fraternities, engage students and Lubbock, Texas, residents through philanthropic and community events, and be leaders in other campus organizations.
Alumni have been instrumental in restoring the chapter on campus. What kind of assistance have they provided?
Alumni have played crucial parts in our efforts toward [re]installation. Aside from the support and advice they passed along to us, their efforts for fundraising and helping with logistics of chapter operations inspired us to work toward our [re]installation quickly and efficiently.
Obviously, it’s easier to join a fraternity than a colony. What does it mean to you to be part of reestablishing Sigma Chi at Texas Tech?
Being a part of reestablishing the Sigma Chi chapter at Texas Tech means so much to me and many other brothers. We all care so much about this organization that we were willing to invest time and money before we truly knew what it meant to be Sigma Chis. Personally, I’m honored that I was given the opportunity to be part of reestablishing our chapter because I was able to help mold what future members would come directly into when initiated. I’m able to say I’ve dedicated numerous hours of preparation and planning for new members to come into an established organization, with my legacy being the chapter’s [re]installation.
How did members tackle the process of reinstallation?
Many members struggled with the tasks of installation. They weren’t aware that the tasks required to complete the different phases are tasks that chapters should be performing annually. This made it difficult to complete many of the reports in a timely manner; however, once the importance of each phase was explained in detail, everyone was more than willing to help complete whatever was required in order to prevent a delay in our [re]installation.
How was the colonization process a learning opportunity for you and members?
The colonization process was a learning opportunity for me and the other chapter members because we joined this organization with the intent it would be just like
any other functioning fraternity; however, we quickly learned we had no idea how to actually run one. This process informed us of the tasks and events we were responsible for completing and holding on a year-to-year basis. It showed us there is more to the fraternity lifestyle than the basic stereotypes associated with it, and it taught us how to properly function as a cohesive unit.
How is Epsilon Nu living out the values of Sigma Chi on campus and in the community?
The Epsilon Nu chapter does everything we possibly can to portray the values of Sigma Chi onto our community. We strive to be leaders in various other organizations and clubs, as well as holding ourselves to higher academic standards than other fraternities at Texas Tech. We are constantly brainstorming ideas and events that don’t just engage students on campus, but also the entire community as a whole, and we enjoy giving back to the community that has been so supportive of our return to campus.
Consul Nickolas Blair, TEXAS TECH 2020, right, holds the Texas Tech chapter’s charter with 70th Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, during the chapter’s reinstallation banquet on May 4 in Lubbock, Texas.
Own a Part of History
Stewart McLaurin (Iota Iota ‘81 and Significant Sig), President of the White House Historical Association with Metta Grokenberger Krach (Sigma Chi International Sweetheart, 1997–99), National Council on White House History Member, invite Sigma Chi brothers and sweethearts to take 10% off the purchase of the Official 2019 White House Christmas Ornament.
sigma chi members use code Sigm4chi at www.shop.whitehousehistory.org/sigmachi through december 1, 2019
learn more about the white house historical association at www.whitehousehistory.org
The White House Historical Association is a private, non-profit educational organization founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with a mission to protect, preserve, and provide public access to the rich history of America’s Executive Mansion. The annual Official White House Christmas Ornament was first created under First Lady Nancy Reagan to provide ongoing support for the Association’s mission while bringing White House history into homes across the country during the holidays.
In 1909, the service in memoriam was officially added to the Ritual. More than a century later, the beautiful White Rose Ceremony is publicly conducted as a final honor to the life of a Sigma Chi and to recognize the brother’s entrance into the Chapter Eternal.
The White Rose Ceremony may be conducted in two ways: as part of a memorial service and at a cemetery. In both, brothers who are present don white roses over their hearts. Then, each brother places his rose on the casket. After honor is called to the name of the deceased, the words spoken by the leader of the ceremony are short, yet poignant and true to the spirt of Sigma Chi:
“In as much as our dearly beloved brother wore over his heart The White Cross of Sigma Chi, whose immaculate whiteness symbolized to us the purity of his motives, therefore,itismostappropriatethathenowbearabovehisheartouremblem;andthatwelaywhiterosesuponhiscasketintokenofthesweetmemorieswewillalwayscherish of him we loved so well.”
The service in memoriam is one of four portions of the Ritual that can be conducted publicly. It provides a brief, but powerful glance at the meaningful words of Sigma Chi to those outside of our order, showing them the importance of the bonds of our brotherhood.
Denotes Life Loyal Sig
ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIG ORAN MCNEIL, CAL. STATE-FRESNO
1953 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 28, 2019. He was 87. McNeil was born on Sept. 27, 1931, in Yosemite, California. He graduated from college with a degree in accounting in 1953 and then volunteered for the U.S. Army draft and served for 18 months in Germany. McNeil earned his certified public accountant license in 1964 and became a partner in the business Appling & McNeil in Fresno, California. In 1995, he brought his son, Kelly, on as a partner to form McNeil & McNeil. He was inducted into the Order of Constantine in 2000.
SIGNIFICANT SIG JIM AUBUCHON, PITTSBURG
STATE 1963, entered the Chapter Eternal on Sept. 1, 2017. He was 77. AuBuchon was born on Feb. 9, 1940, in Baxter Springs, Kansas. After graduating college with a Bachelor of Science degree, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served for one year in Vietnam. AuBuchon retired from the Army in 1999 with the rank of brigadier general after 36 years of active and reserve duty. In civilian life, AuBuchon was elected mayor of Pittsburg and served on several civic organizations. The Fraternity honored AuBuchon as a Significant Sig in 1998.
SIGNIFICANT SIG BILL BURLISON, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 1953 , entered the Chapter Eternal on March 17, 2019. He was 88. Burlison was born on March 15, 1931, in Wardell, Missouri. By the time of his death, he held seven academic degrees. Burlison, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was an assistant Attorney General of Missouri from 1960 to 1962 and served as Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, prosecutor from 1963 to 1968. Then, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Missouri’s 10th District and served six terms. He also was an adjunct professor in business law and American government. The Fraternity honored him as a Significant Sig in 1981.
SIGNIFICANT SIG DENNIS WHEELER, IDAHO 1964 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Feb. 26, 2019. He was 76. Wheeler was born in 1942 in Wallace, Idaho. After earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Idaho, he practiced law for several years before joining Coeur d’Alene Mines Corp. He assumed a leadership position within the company in the late 1980s. He received the first environmental conservation award given by the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers. He resigned from Coeur d’Alene Mines as CEO and chairman in 2011. The Fraternity honored Wheeler as a Significant Sig in 1993.
Sigma Chi Fraternity CHAPTER ETERNAL
Alabama
1953 John Proctor of Birmingham, AL; 6/19
1953 Thomas Marr Sr. of Mobile, AL; 5/19
1954 Bob Esdale of Vestavia, AL; 5/19
1970 Fitzhugh Jackson III of Montgomery, AL; 3/19
Albion
1945 Frank Schwarz, M.D., of Roswell, NM; 3/19
1961 Bill Butcher of Bismarck, ND; 5/19
Arizona
1957 Gordon Modrall of Corrales, NM; 5/19
Arizona State
1963 Richard Ferguson of Honolulu; 4/19
1968 Bill Hart III of Spring, TX; 6/19
Arkansas
1959 Kent Shreeve of Little Rock, AK; 4/19
Auburn
2012 Charles Bates of Gadsden, AL; 5/19
Austin Peay
1984 Thomas Cunningham of Clarksville, TN; 5/19
Ball State
1974 Rick Strang of Nappanee, IN; 6/19
1976 John Eberhardt of Prospect, KY; 6/19
1983 Michael Wood of Fishers, IN; 3/19
Beloit
1952 Donald Keane of Mount Prospect, IL; 3/19
Bowling Green
1952 Robert Wirt of Orange Park, FL; 4/19
1955 James Turner of Saint Simons Island, GA; 6/19
1959 Richard Osborne of Chagrin Falls, OH; 5/19
1959 John Sacks of Louisville, KY; 5/19
1964 Gary Kimmel of Flint, TX; 4/19
1969 James Bussman of Akron, OH; 5/19
Bradley
1948 Chuck Burgess of San Ramon, CA; 6/19
1971 Jack Casey of Conroe, TX; 5/19
British Columbia-Simon Fraser
1952 Robert Cubbon of North Saanich, BC; 5/19
Brown
1940 Joseph Resch Jr. of Warwick, RI; 5/19
1952 Roland Dunn of McKinney, TX; 5/19
Bucknell
1962 Albert McFall of Marietta, GA; 4/19
Butler
1944 Robert Kleeman of Indianapolis; 3/19
1954 M. Forrest Reehling of Lima, OH; 5/19
1956 Thomas Chandler of Titusville, FL; 6/19
1960 Duncan Davidson of Carmel, IN; 4/19
Cal. State-Fresno
1966 Michael Gilles of Lockwood, CA; 4/19
1985 Michael Price of Fresno, CA; 6/19
Case Western
1966 Wayne Podell of Breckenridge, CO; 5/19
Central Michigan
1985 Alan Schaefer of Mechanicsburg, PA; 3/19
1990 Casey Franklin of Canton, MA; 3/19
Chicago
1944 Paul Becker of Ann Arbor, MI; 5/19
Cincinnati
1948 Douglas Miller of Orange City, FL; 6/19
1951 Jerry Agin of Lebanon, OH; 6/19
1953 Bill Shalosky of Columbia, SC; 6/19
Colorado
1947 James Hoard of Austin, TX; 6/19
1949 Floyd Ingalls of Denver; 5/19
1951 Howard Haynie of Gilbert, AZ; 4/19
1956 Richard Freund of Palatine, IL; 5/19
Colorado College
1964 Charles Deaver of Franktown, CO; 6/19
Colorado State
1946 Don McCrimmon of Broomfield, CO; 5/19
Connecticut
1947 Virgil Voketaitis of Huntington, NY; 4/19
1951 Russell Hoyt of Center Harbor, NH; 5/19
Cornell
1963 Samuel Fleming Jr. of Sunapee, NH; 5/19
Dartmouth
1961 David Lashar of Pittsburgh; 5/19
Denison
1952 Robert Laven of Mishawaka, IN; 4/19
DePauw
1952 Paul Lee Jr. of Northfield, IL; 4/19
1961 Robert Barnes of Chesterfield, MO; 5/19
Duke
1937 Albert Herrick of Yarmouth Port, MA; 5/19
1946 James McKoy Jr. of Dover, MA; 5/19
Emory
1947 Thomas Sweat, M.D., of Corinth, MS; 6/19
1948 Waverly Ellsworth, M.D., of Veradale, WA; 6/19
1951 Spencer Faircloth of Sun City Center, FL; 6/19
1951 Bob Soergel of Verona, PA; 4/19
1955 Robert Milledge, M.D., of Stone Mountain, GA; 6/19
1955 Jeptha Cobb, M.D., of Mount Pleasant, SC; 6/19
1957 James Wylie, M.D., of Atlanta; 6/19
1961 William Straley of Atlanta; 6/19
1966 Kenneth McAllister of San Antonio; 6/19
1972 Ronald Poole of Jacksonville, FL; 6/19
1980 Michael Rivers of Winter Park, FL; 6/19
2002 Nic Bureau of Le Chesnay, France; 6/19
Florida
1952 Jim Saarinen of Bokeelia, FL; 5/19
1988 Stuart Monaghan of Vero Beach, FL; 5/19
Florida Southern
1978 J.J. Currie of Saint Johns, FL; 3/19
1983 James Kazanecki of Colonia, NJ; 3/19
1983 Kelly Nocco of Carmel, IN; 3/19
Florida State
1988 Alan Devney Jr. of Brownsburg, IN; 3/19
George Washington
1964 Robert Tilker of Alexandria, VA; 5/19
Georgia
1969 Richard Warner of Athens, GA; 3/19
1971 Ben McKinney Jr. of Greenville, SC; 6/19
Georgia Tech
1958 Charles Gamblin of Grant, AL; 5/19
1968 Charles Huey Jr. of Cleveland; 5/19
Hanover
1952 Edwin Winter of Pasadena, CA; 3/19
1968 Michael Hunting of Loveland, OH; 6/19
Hobart
1952 James Mitchell of Campbell, CA; 4/19
1962 Richard Hill of Green Valley, AZ; 4/19
Houston
1957 Donald Collins Sr. of Spring, TX; 5/19
1970 John O'Dell of Houston; 6/19
Idaho
1950 George Kovich of Lakewood, WA; 4/19
1966 Richard Deatley of Piedmont, CA; 5/19
Illinois Wesleyan
1954 Jim Ridenour of Baltimore; 5/19
1957 Jim Johnson Jr. of Appleton, WI; 5/19
1970 Robert Bruehl of Virginia Beach, VA; 5/19
1972 Frederick Brotherson of Morton, IL; 4/19
Indiana
1946 William Johnson of Scottsdale, AZ; 4/19
1970 Tim Worthington of Indianapolis; 3/19
1980 Kevin Smith of Carmel, IN; 6/19
2011 Alex Johnson of Paducah, KY; 4/19
Iowa State
1968 Thomas Arney of Boulder, CO; 4/19
Kansas
1949 Tony Beck of Minneapolis; 4/19
1949 Patrick Thiessen of Wichita, KS; 5/19
1959 Arthur Vogel, M.D., of Leawood, KS; 5/19
Kent State
1969 Charles Trough of Salem, OH; 4/19
1969 Jerry Drury of Louisville, KY; 5/19
Kentucky
1950 Donald Russell of Pawleys Island, SC; 5/19
1966 Allen VanOverbeke of Crestview, FL; 5/19
1983 Gregory Shellhaas of Louisville, KY; 5/19
Kettering
1975 Douglas Schenk of Moline, IL; 6/19
Lafayette
1962 Bill Patton of Lewisburg, PA; 4/19
Lamar
1960 Alfred Locke of Winter Park, FL; 4/19
Louisiana State
1946 Donald Kirk Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA; 5/19
1949 Leon Kenyon Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA; 4/19
1952 Francis Cazayoux, M.D., of New Roads, LA; 5/19
1955 John Kaiser of Baton Rouge, LA; 4/19
1957 Bernhard Bremer of Fairhope, AL; 5/19
1969 Bill Mathews Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA; 6/19
Maine
1955 Llewellyn Clark of Falmouth, ME; 6/19
1957 David Goodwin of Cape Elizabeth, ME; 5/19
1980 Shawn Brennan of Manchester, ME; 4/19
Maryland
1956 Carl Cavallaro of Richmond, VA; 4/19
1964 Harry Wilson Jr. of Elkton, MD; 5/19
1968 Charles Brown of Greenwood, SC; 4/19
1970 Jeffrey Hubscher of Sanford, NC; 6/19
Miami (Florida)
1950 Dan Killian Jr. of Bonita Springs, FL; 6/19
1974 Bob Kleinert Jr. of Deerfield, IL; 6/19
Miami (Ohio)
1947 Richard Hunsinger of Bethesda, MD; 4/19
1949 Richard Waltenbaugh of North Canton, OH; 6/19
Michigan
1945 Newell Wright of Mandeville, LA; 5/19
Michigan State
1954 Russell Olexa of Birmingham, AL; 5/19
1959 Al Grazioli of Colorado Springs, CO; 5/19
1964 John Bonner of Royal Oak, MI; 4/19
Minnesota
1953 Paul Mielke Jr. of Fort Collins, CO; 5/19
1956 Fritz Hurd Jr. of Great Falls, MT; 5/19
Mississippi State
1950 James Carter of Rolling Fork, MS; 6/19
1952 Laurence Carter of Rolling Fork, MS; 3/19
1959 James Bailey of Vestavia, AL; 4/19
Missouri-Columbia
1956 Thomas Fenner of Washington, MO; 5/19
1971 John Frerichs of Saint Louis; 6/19
1989 Bill Tyler of Huntington Beach, CA; 4/19
Montana State
1950 Miles Swan of Great Falls, MT; 6/19
1952 Richard Caruso of Livingston, MT; 4/19
1957 Arthur Allison of Coeur d’Alene, ID; 3/19
1957 David Street, M.D., of Steamboat Springs, CO; 4/19
1966 William Yunck of Whitefish, MT; 4/19
1969 Don Breeden of Bozeman, MT; 3/19
1976 John Truscott III of Billings, MT; 4/19
Nebraska
1952 Neal Prince of Fairbury, NE; 4/19
Nevada-Las Vegas
1972 Gordon Sutherland of Canandaigua, NY; 5/19
New Mexico
1941 Albert Simms II of Santa Fe, NM; 5/19
North Alabama
1976 Terry Rochester of Florence, AL; 6/19
2001 Jon Berry of Tuscumbia, AL; 6/19
North Carolina State
1990 David Carr of Pine Mountain, GA; 4/19
North Carolina-Chapel Hill
1955 Dennis Mitchell of Charlotte, NC; 3/19
Northwestern
1954 Hayes Barclay of Downers Grove, IL; 4/19
1959 James Maurer of Alpharetta, GA; 5/19
1967 Tom Ritter of Lake Forest, IL; 4/19
2013 Max Saines of West Hollywood, CA; 6/19
Ohio
1957 Thomas Callow of Aurora, OH; 4/19
1963 Buzz Ball of Athens, OH; 4/19
1973 Steven Wylie of Clarkston, MI; 6/19
1976 James Hauser of Tallmadge, OH; 3/19
1985 Steven Bourquin of Pembroke, NC; 6/19
Ohio State
1944 Eugene Yates of Anderson, IN; 5/19
1956 Henry Otto of Brutus, MI; 6/19
1981 Douglas DeLong of Painesville, OH; 6/19
Ohio Wesleyan
1960 Jim Murphy of Johnstown, OH; 5/19
1969 William Pearce of Clyde, OH; 5/19
Oklahoma
1957 George Potter of Madison, MS; 5/19
Oklahoma State
2005 Chace Jewell of Burlington, OK; 6/19
Oregon
1960 Frederic Page of Portland, OR; 6/19
1960 Dave Day of Palm Desert, CA; 6/19
1961 Arthur Dowsett of Portland, OR; 4/19
1966 Dennis Zenger of Carlsbad, CA; 6/19
Oregon State
1956 Jack Beakey of Albany, OR; 4/19
1959 Harold Berger of Hillsboro, OR; 5/19
Penn State
1958 Robert Whitmore III of Virginia Beach, VA; 5/19
1975 Robert Newcombe of Butler, PA; 5/19
1979 Mac McKeon of Stratford, CT; 6/19
1980 George Cholovich of Dalton, GA; 6/19
Pittsburg State
1963 Charles Shell of Mission, KS; 4/19
1976 Wesley Allai of Ozark, MO; 4/19
1976 Mark Loy of Pittsburg, KS; 4/19
1993 Jonathan Unruh of Blue Springs, MO; 4/19
1994 De Walker of Fremont, NE; 4/19
Pittsburgh
1953 Lloyd Fuge of Clairton, PA; 5/19
Purdue
1950 John Burgeson of Columbus, IN; 3/19
Rensselaer
1952 Norman Meyers of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; 5/19
1995 Rui Soares of Rye, NY; 6/19
Richmond
1972 Kenneth Nichols of Cortland, OH; 3/19
Ripon
1960 Michael Willson of Louisville, KY; 3/19
San Diego State
1965 David Reed Jr. of Dyer, IN; 6/19
South Carolina
1950 Bill Robinson Jr. of Easley, SC; 5/19
Southern California
1950 Raymond Brownlie of Englewood, CO; 5/19
1955 Philip Jaffe of Redlands, CA; 3/19
1986 Mark McCord of San Diego, CA; 4/19
Stanford
1954 Larry Broeren of Roseville, CA; 6/19
Tennessee Tech
1967 Jim Hicks Jr. of Cookeville, TN; 5/19
1975 Graddy Richard II of Huntsville, AL; 4/19
1987 Mark Henderson of Springfield, OH; 5/19
Tennessee-Knoxville
1947 Alfred Kinser of Kingston, TN; 4/19
1955 William DuPree Jr. of Knoxville, TN; 5/19
1961 Bobby Sherwood of Knoxville, TN; 6/19
1962 John Corcoran of Pawleys Island, SC; 6/19
1963 L.D. Moore of Cookeville, TN; 6/19
1966 Jim Hall of New Braunfels, TX; 6/19
1967 James Stansberry of Knoxville, TN; 6/19
1969 James Howard, M.D., of Atlanta; 6/19
Texas A&M-Commerce
1981 Lloyd Hickey of Bowie, TX; 4/19
Texas State
2015 Fletch Randall of San Antonio; 6/19
Texas-Austin
1945 Marvin Eickenroht of Houston; 5/19
1955 Joseph Skeen Jr. of Abiquiu, NM; 6/19
Tulane
1969 Kent Davis of Kentwood, LA; 6/19
Tulsa
1961 Jerry Jones of Granbury, TX; 4/19
1967 J.C. Kinker of Scottsdale, AZ; 6/19
1978 Michael Rekowski of Mount Prospect, IL; 5/19
Union
1945 Jim Blue of Avon, OH; 5/19
Utah
1954 Dean Lindsay of Alpine, UT; 5/19
1958 Kent Linebaugh of Salt Lake City; 5/19
1961 Jan Carlson of Montgomery, TX; 4/19
1968 John Bonnemort of Salt Lake City; 3/19
Utah State
1943 Henry Theurer, M.D., of Salt Lake City; 5/19
1957 Denny Lindsay of Salt Lake City; 6/19
Vanderbilt
1945 Henry Sharp Jr. of Mineral, VA; 5/19
1946 Henry McCall Jr. of Nashville, TN; 5/19
1950 Douglas Fisher of Franklin, TN; 5/19
1950 Charles Hailey of Nashville, TN; 4/19
1955 William Deaton of Germantown, TN; 6/19
Virginia
1950 Bill Pinner Jr. of Santa Barbara, CA; 3/19
1972 Stephen Simmerman of Bryn Mawr, PA; 4/19
Wabash
1956 Jan Schultz of La Jolla, CA; 6/19
1974 Steve Eshcoff of Fort Wayne, IN; 6/19
Washington & Lee
1954 Laurier Raymond Jr. of Lewiston, ME; 5/19
Washington (Seattle)
1941 William Price of Medina, WA; 5/19
1953 Alden Fischer Jr. of Seattle; 5/19
Washington (St. Louis)
1948 Jay Henges Jr. of Earth City, MO; 4/19
1963 Paul Isham of Lago Vista, TX; 5/19
West Virginia
1943 Michael McAndrew, M.D., of Mount Laurel, NJ; 3/19
Western Kentucky
1963 Buddy Gowens of Jeffersonville, IN; 4/19
Western Michigan
1965 William Reno of Worthington, OH; 6/19
1987 Daniel Banaitis of Waterford, MI; 5/19
1992 Jon Sappanos of South Haven, MI; 5/19
2022 Michael Guzy III of Frankfort, IL; 6/19
Westminster
1963 Mike Linihan of Naples, FL; 4/19
William & Mary
2001 Alex Divaris of Virginia Beach, VA; 4/19
Wisconsin-Madison
1973 Daryl Deneen of Eden Prairie, MN; 4/19
Yale
1992 Matthew Poggi, M.D., of Chevy Chase, MD; 5/19
A Grandcelebration
Voting delegates elected new leaders and recognized Sigma Chi award winners and donors at the Fraternity’s biennial convention this past summer
Seventy-first Grand Consul Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, delivers his acceptance speech as the Fraternity’s new international president on June 29 during the Celebration of Sigma Chi Banquet at the 82nd Grand Chapter in Salt Lake City.
The 82nd Grand Chapter, held from June 27 to 29, 2019, in Salt Lake City, marked the first time in the Fraternity’s history that its biennial convention was held in the Beehive State.
For 70th Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, hosting this past summer’s event in Salt Lake City presented an opportunity to bring the biennial celebration to the home of Sigma Chi’s preferred philanthropic partner: the Huntsman Cancer Institute. “[Hosting the event in] Salt Lake City made an ideal way to let our brothers see what HCI does and strives for and how we can play an important role in that dream [to end cancer],” he said.
Each outgoing Grand Consul selects the site of the Grand Chapter where his term will end; 584 people attended the event this year.
At the welcome reception on June 27, Salt Lake City’s heritage and culture were on display. Attendees were welcomed by Significant Sig Robert Dellenbach, UTAH 1959, general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Significant Sig David
Huntsman, UTAH and PENNSYLVANIA 1992, president of the Huntsman Foundation; and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert. Guests also listened to opera performers Charity Cooper, Isaac Hurtado, Tyler Oliphant and Celena Shafer, who began the evening by first blending in with the crowd and then made their presence known by gradually breaking into song.
The following day, the memorial service for Sigs who had passed away since the 2018 Grand Council meeting kicked off the business sessions for the next couple of days. Following the service, delegates heard from Geddings, who gave a State of the Fraternity address, and from Sigma Chi Foundation President and CEO Ashley Woods, EAST TENNESSEE 2000, who likewise delivered a State of the Foundation report and outlined the benefits and terms of the new Life Loyal Sig program. More information is available at sigmachi.org/lifeloyal.
Attendees also heard from Executive Director Mike Church, ILLINOIS 2005, who gave an update on the organization’s Key Performance Indicators and the effectiveness of its education programs. He also spoke about the Fraternity’s interfraternal advocacy
efforts with the North American Interfraternity Conference and other groups to protect the organizations’ single-sex status and students’ freedom of association rights.
Following that, Chief Marketing Officer Jay Ford, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1985, presented on the Fraternity and Foundation’s efforts to unify their branding. Ford’s presentation also gave attendees a preview of the new sigmachi.org, which launched on Aug. 6, the new design of TheMagazineofSigmaChi and upcoming social media initiatives.
Risk Management Foundation Chairman and 67th Grand Consul Dennis Santoli, CASE WESTERN RESERVE 1967, and RMF Executive Director Steve Davidson, BIRMINGHAMSOUTHERN 1996, concluded the first business session by sharing information on how the organization is working to improve life safety in Sigma Chi facilities. They also introduced Constantine Housing Initiative Chairman and Order of Constantine Sig Keith Dobrolinksy, BRADLEY 1985, who spoke of the organization’s efforts to aid house corporations in making improvements to aging properties.
NEW LEADERS AND A HISTORIC PLEDGE
Later that afternoon, on June 28, the Grand Chapter elected the following men to the Executive Committee for the 2019 to 2021 biennium: Order of Constantine Sig Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, 71st Grand Consul; Order of Constantine Sig Tim Sanderson, WESTERN ONTARIO 1985, Grand Pro Consul; Order of Constantine Sig Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, Grand Quaestor; Order of Constantine Sig Rick Lewandowski, RIPON 1975, Grand Trustee representative; Order of Constantine Sig Don Hester, BALL STATE 1981, and Asher Kalef, CAL. STATE-SAN BERNARDINO 2011, Grand Praetor representatives; and Order of Constantine Sig Bob Wilson, FORT HAYS 1981, alumnus representative.
EC undergraduate representatives Ryan Barto, AMERICAN 2020, and Carter Ray, TROY 2021, were elected to be on the EC for one year.
Additionally, voting delegates elected the following ex-officio officers to the EC for the biennium: Grand Historian and Order of Constantine Sig Mike Codina, CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO 1993, and Grand Tribune and Order of Constantine Sig Mark Quiner, WYOMING 1978 Grand Trustees and Grand Praetors were also elected. To see a full list of men elected to these offices, visit the contact section of sigmachi.org.
Individuals Honored for Their Service
Sigma Chi International Fraternity recognizes the following 2019 award winners for their contributions to advance the organization.
Alumni Chapter Excellence Award
Houston Alumni Chapter
Dr. Donald B. Ward Alumni
Community Service Award
Northern New Jersey Alumni Chapter
Dr. Henri Stegemeier Faculty Advisor Award
Tracy Scott, IDAHO 1987, faculty advisor for the Western Illinois chapter
William T. Bringham Best House Corporation Officer Award
John Ballinger, CAL. STATEFRESNO 1969, Cal. State-Fresno chapter house corporation president
Edna A. Boss Houseparent Award
Charlotte Barnachez, Oklahoma chapter houseparent
Erwin L. LeClerg Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award
Todd Larson, DRAKE 1998, St. Thomas chapter advisor
Jay E. Minton Best Alumni Chapter Officer Award
Billy Green, YOUNGSTOWN 2017
Seven Lights Alumni Award
Rocco Benedetto Jr., GEORGE MASON 1986
Richard Clawson, INDIANA (PENNSYLVANIA) 1974
Brett Collins, MEMPHIS 2004
Jim Corn, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1974
Jonathan Degner, DRAKE 1997
David Disher, OHIO 1983
Alan Hageman, WESTERN MICHIGAN 1979
Robert Loftin III, ALABAMA 1979
William Ma, WINDSOR 2009
Paul McCreary Jr., MURRAY STATE 1969
Kelly Nichols Jr., CINCINNATI 1997
Shawn Rogers, NEW MEXICO STATE 2008
Joe Santacroce, SOUTH FLORIDA 1987
Jeremy Saum, CINCINNATI 2003
Michael Sawyer, EASTERN KENTUCKY 1985
Neal Schear, CINCINNATI 1979
Arthur Smith, CAL. STATE-LONG BEACH 1967
Paul Stella, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS 1997
Dale Thomas, AUSTIN PEAY 1999
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert welcomes attendees of the 82nd Grand Chapter to Salt Lake City on June 27 during the welcome reception for the biennial event.
Sigma Chi Pledges $20 Million to Women’s Cancer Research
On June 28 during the 82nd Grand Chapter in Salt Lake City, Sigma Chi International Fraternity announced a new $20 million pledge to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF), dedicated to and used for women’s cancer research, treatment and wellness at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). This pledge follows an $11 million pledge made in 2015, the largest to date in the history of men’s fraternities.
HCI broke ground in September on the Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers. This expansion, set to open its doors in 2022, will increase inpatient capacity by 50 percent, double the institute’s wellness and survivorship services, and include “one-stop” screening and treatment services for women’s cancers.
“Sigma Chi International Fraternity is proud of our philanthropic partnership with Huntsman Cancer Foundation,” said 70th Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985. “We believe in our mantra – we are the generation to end cancer – and we are excited to be supporting women’s cancer research, treatment and wellness with this $20 million pledge.”
HCF has been the preferred philanthropic partner for Sigma Chi International Fraternity since 2005. In the past 14 years, Sigma Chi chapters across North America have raised more than $10 million for cancer research at HCI. For the 2018 to 2019 school year, chapters raised $2.3 million, the highest yearly total to date.
One out of 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, according to HCI. Sigma Chi fundraising relies on partnerships with campus sororities to help in its fundraising efforts each year. This pledge is an acknowledgement of the importance of women in members’ lives and in their fundraising efforts.
Following business sessions that day, Sigma Chis and their guests traveled to the Huntsman Cancer Institute for the sweetheart reception where Lauren Llewallen of Central Michigan University was announced as the Fraternity’s 2019 to 2021 International Sweetheart. Finalists were Rachel Dobrozsi of East Tennessee State University and Bailey Halpin of the University of Kentucky.
During the evening, attendees learned of Sigma Chi’s pledge to raise an additional $20 million for the Huntsman Cancer Institute within the next 10 years. The money raised will be used to aid the construction of the Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers at HCI.
“Sigma Chi International Fraternity is proud of our philanthropic partnership with the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. We believe in our mantra – we are the generation to end cancer – and we are excited to be supporting women’s cancer research, treatment and wellness with this $20 million pledge,” Geddings said.
HONORING SERVICE AND CELEBRATING SUCCESSES
The next morning, business sessions resumed with another historic announcement: the naming of Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003, as the first executive director of the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute. Cogdal then presented on enhancements being made to the Fraternity’s membership development programs and discussed the new Values-Based Decision Making program available this fall. Following that announcement, attendees went to the Order of Constantine Luncheon, during which members of the order’s 2019 class were recognized, along with other volunteer award winners. The Fraternity presented its awards for alumni volunteers, including the Seven Lights Alumni Award.
After the closing business session where the new Grand Officers were installed and Schuyler delivered his acceptance speech as 71st Grand Consul, Sigma Chis and their guests celebrated the 2017 to 2019 biennium at the Celebration of Sigma Chi Banquet. Geddings’ family also unveiled a portrait of him that will hang inside Sigma Chi International Fraternity Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. It is customary for a portrait of the outgoing Grand Consul to be commissioned and for it to hang inside of Headquarters as he leaves office.
After the pomp and circumstance, the night ended with the traditional serenade of “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” to guests and sweethearts.
Order of Constantine Sig Cory Rigler, MONTANA 1998, kneels to talk with 56th Grand Consul Bob Joseph, WILLAMETTE 1957, on June 28 prior to the start of the 82nd Grand Chapter’s first business session at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
Seventieth Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, hugs Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) President and CEO Dr. Mary Beckerly on June 28 following Geddings’ announcement that Sigma Chi pledged to raise an additional $20 million for HCI in the next 10 years. Money contributed as part of the pledge will be used in the construction of the Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers at HCI. The center is expected to open in 2022.
Top row (left): Lauren Lewallen of Central Michigan University, center, steps forward after having been named the Fraternity’s 2019 to 2021 International Sweetheart at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. She is shown with International Sweetheart selection committee chairman and 66th Grand Consul Wayne Tucker, BAYLOR 1985; finalist Bailey Halpin of the University of Kentucky; and 2017 to 2019 International Sweetheart Allie Hagemeyer, far right. (right) Opera singer Celena Shafer performs on June 27 during the welcome reception for the 82nd Grand Chapter held in Salt Lake City at the Little America Hotel. Bottom row (left): Seventieth Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, left, pins 71st Grand Consul Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, with the Daniel William Cooper Badge during the Celebration of Sigma Chi Banquet at the 82nd Grand Chapter in Salt Lake City. (right): Sigma Chi Leadership Institute Executive Director Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003, gives 82nd Grand Chapter attendees a preview of upcoming leadership education initiatives at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
a newforworkshop a new Era
Alumni and undergraduates converge at the inaugural Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop in early August to take home lessons that will improve how they perform their Fraternity roles
For the fifth year in a row, but for the first time in the Fraternity’s history, undergraduates and alumni gathered at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, for the inaugural Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop (TLW). The event was held from Aug. 1 to 3, 2019; 1,872 members attended it. The following divisions were represented at Krach TLW: Consuls, Pro Consuls, Quaestors, Magisters, recruitment chairmen and risk managers, as well as expansion and Ritual. Alumni took part in colony and chapter advisor training, as well as house corporation officer training. Eighteen alumni also attended the event as part of the pilot for the Fraternity’s new facilitator academy where they learned about the Values-Based Decision Making (VBDM) program, enhancements to the Mission 365 recruitment training program, and heard presentations on the organization’s strategic plan and the current Greek-letter landscape at Sigma Chi’s host institutions. Two-hundred twenty-
Grand Pro Consul and Order of Constantine Sig Tim Sanderson, WESTERN ONTARIO 1985, visits with undergraduate Sigs on Aug. 1 at the Sigma Chi Cookout event following the opening session of the 2019 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
one alumni also were in attendance to lead undergraduate sessions as facilitators, in addition to the 22 members of Team Krach and 16 Grand Praetors who led various discussion sections.
Krach TLW kicked off with its opening session at the Stroh Center arena on Aug. 1, at which Team Krach organizing committee chairman and Order of Constantine Sig Jeff Twibell, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS 1999, welcomed attendees. There were six past Grand Consuls in attendance, as well as several Executive Committee members and other Grand Officers.
Seventy-first Grand Consul Steve Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979, addressed the crowd during the opening session, saying that the 2019 to 2021 biennium will mark the beginning of an era of transformational leadership in Sigma Chi. “The purpose of Sigma Chi has always been about developing and improving each other through the framework
of peer-to-peer mentoring and brother-to-brother coaching. … The point of Sigma Chi is to improve each other so that we can go out and do something with it, do something great. Something to change the world in a positive way,” he said.
Schuyler also gave updates on the state of the Sigma Chi Foundation, as well as the progress undergraduate chapters made toward raising a record $2.3 million for the Huntsman Cancer Institute during the 2018 to 2019 academic year.
He further charged the undergraduates with completing what he calls a 300/30 challenge during the next 10 months. “That means I want to see every Sigma Chi raise $300 annually for philanthropic causes and give minimally 30 hours of your time in service to your community. If we do that, the result is $5 million in philanthropic contributions and over 500,000 hours of community service annually,” he explained.
The Fraternity hosted North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) President and CEO Judson Horras, who presented Membership Development Committee Chairman Jesse Trout, AUSTIN PEAY 2006, and Sigma Chi Leadership Institute Executive Director Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003, with the NIC’s 2019 Laurel Wreath Award for excellence in programming, recognizing Sigma Chi’s Strong Arms mental health and wellness program. “[Strong Arms] brings the issue of mental health not as a weakness but a strength to your brotherhood and helping young men deal with it,” Horras said.
International Sweetheart Lauren Lewallen also addressed crowd, and after the session, attendees headed to a cookout in the Carillon Park area of the Bowling Green campus where they enjoyed a concert by country music artist Walker Mongtomery, KENTUCKY 2020, who performed his single, “Simple Town,” and other songs.
Immediately following, undergraduates dispersed into groups for the first of four sessions centered around the Fraternity’s new VBDM program, which debuted during the workshop. The program is based on a personalized learning experience that can be tailored to the needs of chapters and individuals and uses e- and in-person learning. The program is comprised of a core curriculum and seven electives that address accountability and other challenging issues in the Greek-letter community, such as hazing, sexual respect, alcohol and drug use, social media, diversity, wellness and other topics. More information on the program is available at sigmachi.org.
Later that afternoon, alumni and undergraduates returned to the Stroh Center to hear from Parents United to Stop Hazing (PUSH) coalition members Rae Ann Gruver, Evelyn Piazza and Rich Braham, who spoke to attendees about the role fraternity hazing played in the death of their sons. They also discussed PUSH’s work to strengthen hazing laws in various states, as well as how undergraduates can keep hazing out of their chapters. “So many lives have been ruined because of hazing, but most of all, our family has to live every single day without our oldest son. … This is not the college experience we or I think any of you are looking for,” Gruver said, urging the men to take action if they witness or have knowledge of hazing at their school.
Attendees capped off the first day of the workshop with their second VBDM program session and enjoyed food, games, competitions and other activities at Sigfest that evening in the Perry Field House.
On Friday, Aug. 2, attendees focused their attention on learning skills related to
Florida Atlantic Sigs Sherrick Ervin, 2021, left, and Trevor Creamean, 2020, walk together on Aug. 3 between sessions at the 2019 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
From left, Evelyn Piazza, Rich Braham and Rae Ann Gruver of the Parents United to Stop Hazing coalition on Aug. 1 after speaking with 2019 Krach Transformational Leadership Workshop attendees at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. The parents’ sons Tim Piazza and Max Gruver died from hazing in 2017, and Marquise Braham died by suicide in 2014 after being hazed.
their specific officer division, spending time with their chapter mates and planning for the upcoming academic year and participating in their third VBDM program session. Undergraduates capped their second day of the workshop off with another night of Sigfest activities, which included the inaugural Significant Sig Stan Albeck 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament; the California-San Diego chapter won the tournament championship.
Breakout and division sessions continued on Aug. 3, as did alumni training. That afternoon, attendees returned to the Stroh Center for the Douglas R. Carlson Ritual Experience. There, a team of undergraduate Sigs guided by 20th Grand Historian and Order of Constantine Sig Eric Hansen, CINCINATTI 1989, led their peers through reenactments of the various parts of a Ritual chapter meeting. The event is named for the late 62nd Grand Consul Doug Carlson, MINNESOTA 1973, who authored The History of the Ritual in 2015 and served as the Fraternity’s 19th Grand Historian from 1981 to 1999; Carlson passed away on Aug. 29, 2017, from pancreatic cancer.
The final day of Krach TLW, also Aug. 3, capped with the closing session, in which Order of Constantine Sig Ansley Valentine, WABASH 1990, kicked off the festivities by announcing the Butler chapter as the winners of this year’s recruitment video contest. Readers can see the video at bit.ly/33FXbKL.
Next, Order of Constantine Sig Jose Tovar, SAM HOUSTON 1986, and the 2018 recipient of the William H. Carlisle Jr. Outstanding Faculty Award presented this year’s award to Jesse Trout, AUSTIN PEAY 2006
Following, Schuyler presented the International Balfour Award (IBA) to Andrew McMahon, BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN 2019, who graduated with a degree in mathematics and a concentration in leadership studies. McMahon was his chapter’s Consul, Magister and recruitment chairman. Finalists for the IBA were Oliver Page, WABASH 2019, and Andrew Pierce, NEW MEXICO 2019
After a short acceptance speech by McMahon, Twibell introduced the event’s keynote speaker: 64th Grand Consul Keith Krach, PURDUE 1979. The 1979 IBA winner and former Leadership Training Board chairman spoke about the many ways in which the
lessons he learned as an undergraduate Fraternity member have informed his successes in the business world and in his current role as Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment with U.S. Department of State.
“I got the chance to totally jump in water over my head,” Krach said of his time as a Magister, two-term Consul and time serving on the Executive Committee as an IBA winner. “It was the most transformative experience ever. … And here’s what I learned: [It’s important] to jump in water over your head because that is when you learn the most. I also was able to take from it what I call ‘the Sigma Chi toolkit.’ And that toolkit is values, the Sigma Chi values that are found in the Ritual. Those are the North Star wherever I’ve gone,” he said.
To conclude the workshop, International Headquarters Executive Director Michael Church, ILLINOIS 2005, announced the names of the two chapters that won the James F. Bash Significant Improvement Award, as well as the names of the 17 chapters that earned the Legion of Honor Award that recognizes their outstanding academic programs. The University of California-Merced chapter took home the Daniel William Cooper Award for having the Fraternity’s top academic program, in addition to $5,000 to purchase computer equipment, create a scholarship or support the chapter’s participation in leadership programs. Last, attendees learned the names of the seven chapters that won the Peterson Significant Chapter Gold Award for scoring 97 percent or higher on their annual report and the 59 chapters that took home a Peterson Significant Chapter Blue Award for scoring 90 percent to 96.99 percent.
The chapter with the highest Peterson score was the Clarkson chapter with a 98.8 percent. Following the ceremony, attendees posed for photos with their awards, thus closing out the inaugural Krach TLW.
Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop faculty members Mike McFadden, FURMAN 2007, left, and Kyle Stanley, MARQUETTE 2012, play a game of miniature golf together on Aug. 2 during Sig Fest at the 2019 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Birmingham-Southern grad chosen as Fraternity’s top graduating senior
The International Balfour Award (IBA) selection committee chose Andrew McMahon, BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN 2019, as this year’s top graduating senior on Aug. 3 during the closing ceremony of the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. Other finalists for the award were Oliver Page, WABASH 2019, and Andrew Pierce, NEW MEXICO 2019
McMahon graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, with a degree in mathematics and a distinction in leadership studies. While a member of the Fraternity’s Chi Chi chapter, he served as Consul, Magister, Recruitment Chairman and judicial board representative. He also was president of the college’s Honor Council, tutored local elementary students in math, interned as a legal assistant and visited Nepal to help deliver community health initiatives. McMahon answers The Magazine’s questions below about being honored with the award.
What does it mean to you and your chapter to be named the 2019 International Balfour Award recipient?
To me, winning the IBA is a great honor, and with it comes a fair deal of responsibility. Serving on the Executive Committee has been something I’ve been interested in since I was a freshman. I got to see my big brother in the Fraternity (Graham Spencer, BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN 2016) serve on the EC as an undergrad representative, so I am very excited for the opportunity to now myself serve. My winning this award says as much, if not more, about my chapter as it does about me. I know I would not be the person I am today, and therefore be in no position to win something as prestigious as the IBA, if it were not for the relationships I built and the experiences I had within my chapter.
To me, winning the IBA is a great honor, and with it comes a fair deal of responsibility.
I’ve ever gotten to meet — and both of who were completely deserving of this award. As for my family, in all the excitement following the award ceremony, I actually forgot to tell them until the next morning that I’d won, but I know they are very proud.
What qualities will you bring to the Executive Committee?
How did you prepare for your interviews with the selection committee during Krach TLW?
I spent a good amount of time reflecting on my experiences as a Sigma Chi and my time in college as a whole. I even picked up my NormanShield and notebook from pledgeship and briefly looked through some of the notes I had taken during pledge meetings or about literature from my pledgeship to help with this process. I also reached out to multiple people who have acted as mentors and role models for me.
What was your and your family’s reaction when they announced you as the winner?
I was of course very proud and a little surprised given how strong the other two finalists were — who, by the way, are also two of the all-around greatest guys
I am a very analytical person and enjoy having a structured approach to finding novel solutions. I believe I am an effective communicator and will be able to relate the intentions, ideas and concerns of the Executive Committee to undergraduate Sigma Chis and vice versa.
Any advice for other young men who aim to be Balfour winners at the chapter, regional or international level?
First, take your academics very seriously. We go to college to prepare for our professional lives by means of an education, so that should be the top priority (and it’s a big factor for the IBA). Besides that, get involved with groups that are meaningful to you or that you’re actually interested in. Not only will you find that you’re enjoying yourself, but you’ll also find that it is much easier to rise to leadership positions in organizations you genuinely care about. That being said, you should try to involve yourself as much as your schedule allows with your chapter, college and community.
The Sig List
1
2 3
Sigma Chi received trademark protection from the U.S. Patent Office for the letters “Sigma Chi” on Oct. 5, 1926.
While drilling on the property of the Fraternity’s Texas A&M-College Station chapter in August 1984, crews struck oil at 9,700 feet. Sigma Chi Well No. 1 soon was pumping 500 barrels of oil and 500,000 cubic feet of natural gas per day. The house corporation benefitted by as much as $6,000 a month in peak royalties while the rig was active.
Clemson University held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 23 for the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel. The chapel is named after Cadden, CLEMSON 2017, who died in 2015. A press release by the university said following Cadden’s death, his parents found a wish list that included a desire to have a building at Clemson named after him. Ken, VIRGINIA TECH 1988, and Mary Cadden, donated $1.5 million in 2016 to make their son’s dream a reality, and in less than three years, donations exceeded $7 million. PhotocourtesyofCraigMahaffeywithClemsonUniversityRelations.
Things to know, notice and tell a brother
4 5
The International Fraternity on June 28 announced a new $20 million pledge to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, dedicated and to be used for women's cancer research, treatment and wellness at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). The announcement came during the 82nd Grand Chapter in Salt Lake City. This pledge follows an $11 million pledge the Fraternity made in 2015 to HCI and is the largest to date in the history of men's fraternities.
The North American Interfraternity Conference named Sigma Chi one of its 2019 Laurel Wreath award winners for the Fraternity’s Strong Arms mental health and suicide prevention awareness education program. The award, which is presented to individuals or groups in recognition of their unique programs, community outreach or influence in the fraternal world, was presented on Aug. 1 at the inaugural Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop held in August at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Patent paperwork
Ken Cadden, VIRGINIA TECH 1988, and wife Mary Cadden
70th Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, SOUTH CAROLINA 1985, left, and Significant Sig, David Huntsman, PENNSYLVANIA and UTAH 1992.
BY THE NUMBERS
The Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
1,904
Total registrants. This is up from 1,787 registrants at the 2018 Balfour Leadership Training Workshop.
1,511
800
Number of people who attended Sigfest on Thursday, Aug. 1. There were 575 who attended on Friday, Aug. 2.
Undergraduate participants. There were 1,409 at the 2018 Balfour Leadership Training Workshop.
15
Highest number of participants a chapter had, which was the Washington (St. Louis) chapter. The Oklahoma State chapter closely followed with 14 members attending.
sixteen
398
Number of faculty, alumni and guests. This is up from 261 at the 2018 Balfour Leadership Training Workshop.
Grand Praetors in attendance. There were 14 at the 2018 Balfour Leadership Training Workshop.
63
Highest number of people a province sent (Southern California, closely followed by 62 in the Eastern province).
A. Snake Chain, #SNAKE GF $31 SS $24
B.* Heart Lavaliere, #L2604 14K $93 10K $56 SS $26
C. Rope Chain, 18”, #013R GF $27 SS $23
D.* Pierced Pearl Pendant, #1000 10K $176
E.* Badge Shape Pendant, #2606 10K $99.50 SS $49
F.* Mother of Pearl Cross Pendant, #2629 GP $98
G*. Vintage Pendant, #0530 GF $47 SS $40
H. Sweetheart Crown Pearl Badge, #1500 10K $168
I. Chapter Consul Badge, #0802 10K $234
*Chain and pendant sold separately
K–karat gold, GF–gold-filled, GP–gold-plated, SS–sterling silver, Silvertone –18% palladium with jewelers alloy. All items are available in white gold. Pricing is the same as listed for yellow gold. Prices subject to change.
Herff Jones is the Official Jeweler to Sigma Chi Fraternity
J. Large Blue and Gold Badge, #4520 10K $325 SS $146
K. Large CZ and Sapphire Badge, #4502A 10K $244
L. Large Plain Badge, #4000 10K $149
M. Enameled Crest Guard, #9006 10K $68
N. Chapter President Dangle, #01A 14K $56 10K $32 SS $18 GP $11
O. Crown Pearl Badge with Sapphire Points, #3502 10K $198
P. All Diamond Badge, #3506 10K $656
Q. Medium Blue and Gold Badge, #3513 10K $304 SS $142
R. Official Crown Pearl Badge, #3500 10K $198
S. Barrel Onyx Cufflinks, #1992 10K $464 SS $176
T. Life Loyal Sig Watch, #96A157 Stainless Steel $148
U. Brotherhood Ring, #0287 14K $298 10K $248 SS $69