The Magazine of Sigma Chi Fall 2020

HONORING SERVICE AND REMEMBERING SACRIFICE

Seventy-five years after the end of World War II, Significant Sig and Brig Gen. Bob Cardenas, NEW MEXICO 1955, reflects on a lifetime of service

HIS CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR

Significant Sig Capt. Maurice Britt, ARKANSAS 1941, waits to receive his Congressional Medal of Honor on June 5, 1944, at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Britt was one of three Sigs to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II. The others are Lt. George Cannon, MICHIGAN 1938, and Tech. Sgt. Forrest Vosler, SYRACUSE 1948. Cannon received the honor posthumously.

"I AM PROUD THAT SIGMA CHI BROTHERS HAVE STEPPED UP AGAINST THIS UNEXPECTED CHALLENGE AND EXHIBITED TRUE LEADERSHIP IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY."

Ihope this issue of The Magazine of Sigma Chi finds all of you healthy and managing the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our lives. It has certainly impacted the Sigma Chi International Fraternity. I commend all of our alumni volunteers who helped make the 2020 virtual Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop a resounding success, all the undergraduate chapters that grasped the concepts of virtual recruiting to populate their fall pledge classes and our alumni chapters that quickly picked up the benefits of online Zoom video conference meetings in order to have ongoing interaction.

I am proud that Sigma Chi brothers have stepped up against this unexpected challenge and exhibited true leadership in the face of adversity.

This issue of The Magazine showcases Sigma Chis who served in the second World War, continuing the Fraternity’s long history of military service that started in 1861 during the Civil War by five of our Founders and other brothers after our founding in 1855. This relationship with military service has continued throughout two World Wars, through the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Through those wars and conflicts, many of our brothers paid the ultimate price for their devotion and service. The Chuck and Kim Watson Museum of Sigma Chi in our Evanston, Illinois, headquarters has an exhibit listing all the brothers who lost their lives in the service of their country. I hope that if you are able to visit our

Headquarters in the future, then you will see this exhibit and other items of military history in the museum.

I am proud to have served my country in the U.S. Army prior to returning to the University of Arizona to complete my degree. It was during that period that I was exposed to and joined Sigma Chi. Later, I was pleased to be presented with the Sigma Chi Military Service Recognition Pin and proudly wear it on my lapel at Fraternity functions. As your 71st Grand Consul, one of my favorite duties is to pin a Military Service Recognition Pin on active duty and veteran brothers. Although every Sigma Chi brother holds a special place in my heart, I feel a special bond of brotherhood with my Sigma Chi military brothers.

Unfortunately, military service can bring with it special challenges, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Suicide rates among veterans are at historic levels. To provide mental health resources to our own brothers, let alone other veterans, Sigma Chi created the Sigma Chi Reach Out app to provide resources and links for those suffering with mental health challenges. If you are aware of anyone who is dealing with these challenges, please refer them to the app, which is discussed in full in this issue.

Lastly, you will find in this issue an article by Sigma Chi Leadership Institute [SCLI] Executive Director Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003 , on receiving our first accreditation for SCLI. Sigma Chi International Fraternity will be

Correction: In the summer 2020 issue of The Magazine of Sigma Chi,wemistakenly listedThomasAlbrecht, MONTANA STATE 1966, as havingenteredtheChapter EternalonFeb.27,2020. Weregrettheerror,butare happytoreportthatheisalive andwellinClancy,Montana.

FALL 2020 / VOL. 139, #3

TheMagazineofSigmaChi, 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.

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redefining what membership in a fraternal organization can be. I have enjoyed the social interactions and lifetime friendships that membership in Sigma Chi has brought me. We have an opportunity to add value to the personal and professional development of our brothers in the coming months and years. I invite you to read this article for more information on where SCLI is headed and how it will benefit our brothers.

I hope all of you will continue to be safe during these challenging times.

Fraternally,

Steven Schuyler

ARIZONA 1979

71st Grand Consul

HOW TO RECEIVE THE MAGAZINE | Undergraduate members: Undergraduate members receive a digital copy of The Magazine through payment of semiannual dues through their chapter. Individual copies are emailed to each undergraduate, and five chapter copies are sent via postal mail to the chapter editor or the chapter house. Recent graduates: The Fraternity gives each recent graduate a one-year complimentary membership in the Life Loyal Sig program. Benefits of this membership include four digital issues of The Magazine. At the end of the year, recent graduates may continue to receive The Magazine through the alumni options. Alumni: Alumni receive TheMagazine by contributing to the Life Loyal Sig annual fund program. Persons contributing $1-99 annually receive a digital version of TheMagazine, and those contributing $100+ annually receive a paper copy. For either of these, phone subscription sales at (847) 869-3655 or visit sigmachi.org/ lifeloyal. 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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GENERAL DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

Summer issue: March 15 Fall issue: May 1 Winter issue: Sept. 1 Spring issue: Dec. 15

“THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WORLD WAR II ON SEPT. 2 OF THIS YEAR MARKS AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON THE SACRIFICES MADE BY THOSE WHO SERVED...”

Growing up, I was always interested in the World War II-era model ships, memorabilia and photographs that my grandfather kept on the shelves of his home office. Though not a Sig, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946 and was in the invasion of Normandy, France, in 1944 and in the Russian Murmansk in 1943. Looking back, I am grateful for the time we spent together and his willingness to answer the questions I had about many of the pieces.

The 75th anniversary of the end of World War II on Sept. 2 of this year marks an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served in the conflict, including the more than 9,000 Sigs who were members of the Canadian and United States armed forces. It also presents an opportunity to share their stories and to preserve them for future generations.

We are incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak with Significant Sig and Brig. Gen. Bob Cardenas, NEW MEXICO 1955, and Rob Sederstrom Jr., OREGON 1979, nephew of the late Verdi Sederstrom, OREGON 1940, while constructing this issue of TheMagazineofSigmaChi. Their willingness to speak on the experience of serving in the war and on the impact of burying a family member who served in it have allowed us to bring two important Sigma Chi stories to light.

We are additionally pleased to bring an important update to you from Sigma Chi Leadership Institute (SCLI) Executive Director Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003, and his team’s work to make SCLI a licensed educational institution in the state of Illinois. We hope that you enjoy the issue.

Sincerely,

Ryan Liskey

MARQUETTE 2010 Editor

BY JIM COGDAL, BRADLEY 2003, SIGMA CHI LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Sigma Chi Leadership Institute becomes the first Greek-letter institution to achieve state licensing within the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Private Business and Vocational Schools sector for its leadership education content

S Licensed to Lead

igma Chi’s vision of becoming the preeminent leadership development brotherhood reached a milestone this past summer.

On May 26, 2020, Sigma Chi Leadership Institute (SCLI) – the educational nonprofit organization of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity –received its state license as an approved educational institution within the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Private Business and Vocational Schools (PBVS) sector.

The achievement of state licensing is the first step in SCLI’s journey toward attaining national institutional accreditation and recognition from the Department of Education, and it is a landmark in the Greek-letter industry as Sigma Chi becomes the first Greek-letter organization to offer its members licensed and certified leadership education, validated by a third party of higher education.

Sigma Chi now has a license to lead with SCLI’s latest news and a continued responsibility to always expect more progress in the coming years.

“It’s always important to dream big,” says SCLI Chairman and 68th Grand Consul Mike Greenberg, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1982, who is both a Significant Sig and Order of Constantine Sig. “This success for all of Sigma Chi is a differentiator for our organization. Our Founders once formed an association dedicated to the development of the nobler powers of the mind and finer feelings of the heart – with this pioneering accomplishment, we pay homage to the great men who saw Sigma Chi as an avenue to becoming a leader. And we are continuing their pursuits more than 160 years later.”

SCLI staff and the representatives of Cyanna Education Consultants worked to submit a detailed state licensing application in late January 2020. The expectation of having a submission approved by the state of Illinois is six to nine months, so SCLI’s team was anticipating a decision by early fall. With the onset of the

COVID-19 pandemic, the state of Illinois limited its educational services this past spring, thus ushering the review of new institution membership applications to the forefront of its staff members.

By April, just three months after initial submission, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and SCLI team members were working on the final details of having SCLI’s application approved. On May 26, SCLI received the welcome news it has been building toward for the past two years: SCLI is a licensed educational institution with more than 16,000 undergraduate members who can benefit from being a certified transformational leader.

“This provides us a unique value differentiator that separates Sigma Chi from the rest,” says 71st Grand Consul Steven Schuyler, ARIZONA 1979. “This is an example of Sigma Chi’s continued thought leadership and a demonstration of progressive thinking on which only Sigma Chi can execute. This achievement came years ahead of our initial schedule and months ahead of our latest expectations.”

Along with its institutional license, SCLI had five of its Transformational Leadership Certificates approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The overarching Transformational Leadership Certificate was approved by the state along with the Foundational Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Distance Leadership and Values-Based Leadership certificates.

SCLI is working to launch pilot tests of both the Foundational Leadership and Distance Leadership certificates in January 2021. The organization began marketing enrollment in September to undergraduates interested in participating in the pilot cohort of the licensed institution.

“The achievement by SCLI to become licensed sets our men up for long-term success in life by enabling them to enjoy the traditional benefits of the Sigma Chi

The Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Private Business and Vocational Schools division on May 26 licensed the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute (SCLI) to operate as an educational institution. The board also approved SCLI’s overarching Transformational Leadership Certificate, along with certificates in Foundational Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Distance Leadership and Values-Based Leadership.

experience by simultaneously reaping the benefits of a third-party, validated cocurricular experience focused on life skills,” says Sigma Chi Fraternity Executive Director Michael Church, ILLINOIS 2005. “As Sigma Chi elevates each of its men, we transform ourselves as a collective Fraternity. We are the only fraternity that can claim this – and that should make us all very proud to be a Sig.”

THE NEXT STEPS

The milestone of state licensing is the first step of a much longer journey for Greenberg and SCLI, who have been balancing future visions with immediate fraternal needs since January.

SCLI’s board of directors and staff, along with the Fraternity’s educational operating boards, pivoted during the past six months to create online experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, from a Mission 365 remote recruitment training module and a Strong Arms for COVID-19 mental health module to deploying the first virtual Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop this past summer.

Across the global Sigma Chi landscape, the fraternal and higher education experience behind SCLI’s educational mission has led to a seamless development experience and a fun culture to work within for everyone with a hand in the journey to state licensing and someday, hopefully, national accreditation.

“We have such a great team,” says SCLI Executive Director Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003. “A wise person once told me that ‘you are only as good as the people who surround you,’ and we are surrounded by the best, not just in intelligence, drive and ambition – those certainly help – but really great human beings who are rooted in courage, courtesy and integrity and want to see Sigma Chi succeed because the sum is greater than its parts.”

The next challenge is for SCLI to work toward national institutional accreditation, a process that could take two years but will result in a lifetime of value for Sigma Chi.

SCLI’s board and staff members are working with the Cyanna consultants to analyze potential partners for national accreditation providers, while also building the necessary components of an educational institute.

Some critical components still remain, such as building the technology infrastructure to enroll students into the new educational institution and building an adjunct faculty within the Fraternity. The latter will offer hundreds of excellent facilitators with decades of leadership experience.

From the Fraternity’s wealth of human resources to the generous funding from the Sigma Chi Foundation and Risk Management Foundation (RMF), SCLI is grateful to have partners who are aligned to continuing the pioneering work within the Greek-letter landscape and building transformational leaders within Sigma Chi.

“We couldn’t be here without the support of our teammates in the Fraternity, Foundation and RMF,” Greenberg says. “Nor would we have reached this point without the work of all the past Grand Consuls, Grand Praetors and committee members who led us to this point. This accomplishment of state licensing is the product of 165 years of hard work and dedication of so many transformational leaders. We are simply carrying out their mission.”

If you are interested in getting involved with SCLI, or if you have a question for the organization’s leadership, please email leadership.institute@sigmachi.org, or go to sigmachi.org/scli for more information on SCLI’s mission.

BY ASHLEY SZATALA //////////////////

Cleaning Up Cookeville

Brothers with the Tennessee Tech undergraduate chapter immediately aid their community after a deadly tornado

In the nighttime hours of March 2 and early morning of March 3, seven tornadoes carved a path of destruction across central Tennessee. Twenty-five people died, and 310 were injured. On the Enhanced Fujita scale that classifies tornadoes, the twisters ranged from EF0, meaning “weak,” and EF4, meaning “extreme” with wind speeds between 166 and 200 mph.

One of the seven tornadoes, ranked at the EF3 level, ripped through Nashville and surrounding areas. An EF4 tornado touched down just west of Cookeville nearly an hour later. That tornado was only on the ground for seven minutes and traveled about 8 miles, but its winds whipped through the area at a peak of 175 mph and killed 19 people.

The first thing the brothers of the Eta Delta chapter at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville did when they woke up on March 3 was reach out to family and friends to make sure everyone was OK. A few had classes at 8 a.m. and packed up to head to those. When the university canceled classes at 8:30 a.m., the brothers returned to the chapter house to plan how to help their community.

“There wasn’t even really any hesitation for us,” Drew Martin, 2022, recalls. “We felt as if we had an obligation to help those who were in need.”

Cannon Johnson, 2022, agrees.

“We were fortunate enough to not be affected directly, but that didn’t mean we could just sit idle,” he says. “We had to show the residents that the community had their backs.”

For their efforts helping the Cookeville community, the brothers of the Tennessee Tech chapter have been named the fall quarter Mark V. Anderson Character-inActionTM Leadership Award recipient.

HELPING IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE

Gage Bentley, 2020, who was Consul at the time, remembers a chaotic scene once the brothers left campus. First responders were active around town, and helicopters were flying overhead. Some of the brothers drove to where the tornado struck, and others walked to the nearby Cookeville Regional Medical Center to give blood.

“The path of destruction was like nothing I had ever seen. One house was completely flattened with only the foundation remaining, and 50 yards over their neighbor’s house was untouched,” Bentley says.

Consul Camden Burgess, 2022, recalls looking around the remnants of a neighborhood.

Below and left: members of the Tennessee Tech chapter in Cookeville, Tennessee, assist Cookeville residents affected by a March 3 tornado that killed 19 people. The brothers moved debris, tried to locate lost belongings, collected trash, cut up trees that had fallen on houses and provided food, water and supplies to first responders.

“[The neighborhood] used to have about eight houses within 200 yards, and all that we saw was about six walls collectively within 200 yards,” he says. “Possessions, plywood and even cars were thrown from their original homes.”

Johnson lived through the 2010 Nashville flood that killed 26 people and damaged nearly 11,000 properties. He says the destruction from the tornado surpasses that of the flood.

“Personal belongings were being found miles away from the houses, bricks torn straight off the foundation, wood scattered everywhere, even up in the trees, homes ripped from the ground up,” he says. “It was hard to fathom what we were looking at.”

The brothers drove up to homes that had been destroyed and asked how they could help. They moved debris, tried to locate lost belongings, collected trash, cut up trees that had fallen on houses and provided food, water and supplies to first responders. Along the way, they heard stories of how the tornado impacted families.

“We were at one house helping clean up, and someone there told us about what happened. The corner bedroom of the house was the young daughter’s [room]. She was in bed when the tornado hit,” Bentley says. “The windows blew in, and the force of the wind started to lift her bed. She grabbed onto the headboard to keep herself from being picked up. There were so many stories, and some had heartbreaking endings.”

The next day, some brothers went to assist the family of a brother’s youth pastor whose house was flattened.

“We basically did whatever we could to help out with the situation,” Burgess says. “Getting to speak to some of the families who lost what looked like everything, who just thanked us for being there when they needed the community most, made everything worth it. It gives you a hope and joy that is indescribable.”

In the days that followed, there were so many volunteers in the affected communities that police asked people to stay off the roads unless they specifically knew of someone who needed assistance.

“Interstates and backroads were at standstills with truckloads of people going to damage sites to help clean up. There were crowds of people as far as the eye could see,” Burgess says. “I now see why Tennessee is called the Volunteer State.”

PANDEMIC SLOWS AID

A couple of weeks after the deadly tornadoes struck central Tennessee, the state began enacting restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the governor issued a stay-at-home order on April 2. The brothers say the pandemic was untimely for the communities affected by the tornadoes.

“I pray for these families that saw a huge surge of support, but then the volunteers likely dwindled once quarantine orders came in,” Johnson says. “The status of Cookeville has definitely improved since the tornado, but of course there’s still a lot of work to be done, as this damage cannot be repaired in just a couple months.”

The Tennessee Tech brothers continue to help in any way they can, including through continued blood donations. Although the tornado was a devastating event, the men say there is a positive that has come from it.

“I’d say overall, the morale of the city is even higher than it was before. It was very uplifting and encouraging to see how everyone really came together and grew even closer as a community,” Martin says. “I’m very proud of how we [at Eta Delta] handled this situation and how quick we all were to do whatever we could.”

Adds Burgess: “Although there was so much destruction and sadness around the whole scenario, we truly got to see the best in people. I was so proud to not only be a Tennessee Tech student, but also a Sigma Chi.”

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

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.

CONTRACTOR PRESENTED WITH LEADERSHIP AWARD

Jim Batson, AUBURN 1991, second from left, was presented with the Ron Smith Leadership Award on Oct. 16, 2019, at the Service World Expo in Las Vegas. The award, presented by Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, is given to a person in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry who has shown innovation and intellect to run a successful company and has given of themselves in outstanding fashion for others in the HVAC industry. Batson is owner and CEO of H.C. Black Co. Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama.

BOATRIGHT APPOINTED AS CHIEF JUSTICE

On Aug. 19, the Colorado Supreme Court announced its appointment of Significant Sig Brian Boatright, WESTMINSTER 1984 , as the court’s next chief justice. His appointment follows nearly a decade serving as a justice with the Colorado Supreme Court, as well as more than a decade as district court judge of Colorado’s first judicial district. Boatright is the 47th member of the court to serve as chief justice since Colorado achieved statehood in 1876.

JUDGE HONORED AS TROY ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

Significant Sig Tommy Bryan, TROY 1978 , was one of four Troy University alumni honored as Alumni of the Year on Nov. 9 in Troy, Alabama. The award recognizes outstanding professional accomplishments, civic involvement, loyalty and service to the university. Bryan is an Alabama Supreme Court associate justice and was named “Judge of the Year” by the Family Law section of the Alabama State Bar in 2012. Previously, he served on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and was an assistant attorney general for the state of Alabama.

SIGNIFICANT SIG NAMED DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS

Stephen F. Austin State University presented Significant Sig Michael Calbert, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1984 , with its annual Distinguished Alumni award on Sept. 6, 2019. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding

contributions to their professions and community while also advancing the goals and values of the university.

Calbert recently retired as a partner at the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., where he ran the global retail private equity practice. He serves as chairman of the board for Dollar General and lead director for Brookshire Grocery Company. He also is on the board of directors of Vestcom International and AutoZone.

EMORY SIG RECOGNIZED BY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

The State Bar of Georgia selected Significant Sig Jim Elliot, EMORY 1963, as the lawyer recipient of its 19th annual Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Award. The award, which is presented annually by the organization, honors one lawyer and one judge who demonstrate the highest professional conduct and paramount reputation for professionalism. Elliot is associate dean of the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, as well as a past president of the State Bar of Georgia and its young lawyers division.

LOUISVILLE SIGS NAMED MOST ADMIRED CEOS

Three Louisville, Kentucky, Sigs have been named Most Admired CEOs by Louisville Business First. Significant Sig Bruce Merrick, WESTERN KENTUCKY 1975; Joe Reeves, WESTERN KENTUCKY 1993; and Significant Sig Patrick Armstrong, EASTERN KENTUCKY 1986, were chosen out of about 100 nominees to be among the 25 CEOs honored by the business publication. Merrick is chairman of the Dant Clayton Corp., which manufactures and designs stadium, bleacher and arena products; Reeves is CEO of ARGI Financial Group, which is a wealth advisory firm; and Armstrong is president and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby.

AGGIE SIG NAMED FRATERNITY MAN OF THE YEAR

Michael Jaillet, TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION 2020 , was named Fraternity Man of the Year by Texas A&M University’s office of fraternity and sorority life on April 10. The honor is given annually to a student who is a role model

within his fraternity chapter, has a strong academic record and lives his Greekletter organization’s values. Jaillet served as student body president of Texas A&M University during the 2019 to 2020 year and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance.

UNDERGRADUATE WINS AWARD FOR PROMOTING LOYALTY, GOODWILL

The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill named Kent Linton, 2020, the recipient of its J. Maryon Saunders Award. The award, which is one the university’s Chancellor’s Awards given annually to outstanding students, faculty and staff members, is presented to a student who has contributed to the preservation and enhancement of loyalty and goodwill between the university and its students, alumni and friends. Linton earned his bachelor’s degree in business and majored in economics and served as chairman of the board for the UNC Chapel Hill Student Alumni Association.

SIG INDUCTED INTO CITY HALL OF FAME

Arthur Plitt, ST. LAWRENCE 1962 , was inducted into the Pawtucket Hall of Fame on Nov. 1, 2019, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The purpose of the Hall of Fame, founded in 1986, is to honor the contributions of those whose efforts, in any line of endeavor, have added to the heritage of the city of Pawtucket. Plitt was inducted under the category of community organizer and

volunteer. Volunteer activities include serving as commissioner for ServeRIAmeriCorps Rhode Island and the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities; being appointed to the Rhode Island Statewide Independent Living Council; serving as director for the Blackstone River Watershed Council; and serving as president of the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket.

SIG NAMED DISTINGUISHED ACCOUNTING ALUMNUS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Accounting recognized Order of Constantine Sig Tom Ragatz, 1956, right, as its 2019 Distinguished Accounting Alumnus. Ragatz, a certified public accountant and lawyer, is a retired partner in Foley & Lardner LLP’s Madison office who practiced business law and represented clients in tax and commercial litigation. He also is a member and past chairman of the Madison-based Business and Educational Partnership. Ragatz and his wife, Karen, endowed the Thomas G. Ragatz Accounting and Law Distinguished Chair at the university’s business school, which offers funding for an Accounting for Lawyers course each year.

CONTINUOUS RECOGNITION AND REWARDS BOOKS BY SIGS

The Family Treasure

By Tony Alhadeff, SOUTH FLORIDA 1993 / ISBN: 978-8620713127 / Publishedindependently;April21,2020

Alhadeff’s original intent to document the life of his grandmother, Gella, a Holocaust survivor, leads him on an unexpected journey to discover his family’s roots. He uncovers hidden parts of his family tree and their path across the Mediterranean Sea, Africa, Israel, Europe and America.

Alhadeff’s work also brings readers along on his journey of personal growth and the gradual revelation of his family's history as it unfolds surrounding turning points in the chronicle of an uncommon Jewish community on the Mediterranean island of Rhodes.

The Rising Place

By David Armstrong, MISSISSIPPI STATE 1973 / ISBN: 978-1509230655 / TheWildRosePress;June2,2020

What if you found a box of letters written during World War II? And what if you did and discovered an amazing story about unrequited love, betrayal and murder in a small, southern town? A young lawyer moves to Hamilton, Mississippi, and meets Emily Hodge, a 75-year-old woman shunned by Hamilton society. The lawyer is intrigued by her, though, and can’t understand why she lives such a solitary and seemingly forgotten life. But the letters “Miss Emily” leaves for him reveal how her choices caused her to be ostracized but not forgotten by those who loved her.

Seniors Say the Darndest Things

By Order of Constantine Sig Harry Baldwin, RICHMOND 1973 / ISBN: 978-1733026857 / DementiMilestonePublishing;Dec.19,2019

Baldwin, who works in long-term care and holds a master’s degree in gerontology, encourages readers to cherish their memories of and the time they spend with the elderly in their life. The stories included in his book are ones that showcase the humor and insight of the speakers and celebrate the contributions seniors make to those around them.

The Night the Animals Met the King

By Order of Constantine Sig Jay Beattey, INDIANA 1981 / ISBN: 978-1952681127 / MarcónPress;Aug.3,2020

Many people know the story of Christ’s birth — no room at the inn, the star, the manger, the shepherds, the wisemen and, of course, the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. The Night the Animals Met the King recounts that story but through the eyes, voices and personalities of the animals in the barn on that night of nights. This beautifully illustrated hardcover heirloom captures the imagination of children and will be a favorite storytime read for parents and grandparents each Christmas season.

The Shetland Bus

By Significant Sig Jack DuArte, KENTUCKY 1963 / ISBN: 978-1733459716 / Cloud9Press;Jan.20,2020

The Shetland Bus is a work of fiction created in the backdrop of true historical events. In the beginning of World War II, Germany occupies Norway. Britain’s Special Operations Executive sets up a base in nearby Scotland’s Shetland Islands and begins aiding the Norwegian resistance. Boats and crews only make trips between the islands and Norway at night when the North Sea is dangerous. DuArte’s book details the heroic story of these boats and the crews’ efforts to survive the sea and German enemy.

Leading Without Authority: How the Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams and Reinvent Collaboration

By Significant Sig Keith Ferrazzi, YALE 1988, and Noel Weyrich / ISBN: 978-0525575665 / PenguinRandomHouse;May26,2020

Ferrazzi says in his book that employees can no longer afford to waste time navigating chains of command or bureaucratic bottlenecks. If the method of co-elevation, or leading without authority, is implemented, then productivity, commitment, engagement, trust and accountability can be improved. Leading without authority simply means that one has a commitment to a shared mission and cares about the success and development of others as much as their own. Ferrazzi says the ability to lead without authority is an essential workplace competency.

Rigged

By Significant Sig D.P Lyle, ALABAMA 1968 / ISBN: 978-1608093380 / OceanviewPublishing;May19,2020

Rigged is the most recent book in the Jake Longly mystery series. Longly Investigations has been charged with looking into the finances involved in the upcoming divorce of a Fairhope, Alabama, woman named Emily and her husband. However, when the body of Emily and her boyfriend, Jason, are found, the investigators focus on solving the murders. Suspects include the soon-to-be ex, who has a solid alibi, and the other guy Emily was seeing. Or, the drugs found in Jason’s pocket could indicate a drug-related hit. As the investigation progresses, dark secrets are revealed.

Kid Architect Goes to Indiana

By Gary Vance, BALL STATE 1977 / ISBN: 978-0578666686 / Publishedindependently;June2020

Readers join Kid Architect in traveling around Indiana to explore and learn about architecture, such as university and college buildings, athletic buildings like stadiums and arenas and interesting public art. Locations include the main building at the University of Notre Dame, the Boone County courthouse, Emens Auditorium at Ball State University, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Wilmeth Active Learning Center at Purdue University.

Birds, Bones, and Beetles: The Improbable Career and Remarkable Legacy of University of Kansas Naturalist

Charles D. Bunker

By Charles Warner, KANSAS 1967 / ISBN: 978-0700627738 / UniversityPressofKansas;April26,2019

Warner tells the story of his grandfather, Charles Bunker, who developed the process of using beetles to clean the flesh off animal skeletons that will be used in a natural history museum. Bunker started out as an assistant taxidermist but advanced to curator of recent vertebrates at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum. He was part of the team that installed the museum’s centerpiece exhibit Panorama of North American Mammals, and he discovered in 1911 the 45-foot fossil remains of a prehistoric aquatic reptile. The book ultimately tells the story of how one man’s passion for learning led him to incredible discoveries and exhibits and the notable careers of many students he mentored in natural sciences.

Brothers Helping Brothers

Alumni contributions to Foundation grant program help brothers in need during the COVID-19 pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic made its way across the globe, disrupting and altering lives, undergraduate Sigma Chis living at home and abroad were faced with unexpected challenges.

Studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, Phoenix Do, GEORGETOWN 2021, saw an abrupt cancellation to his program. With travel restrictions being issued, Do found himself trapped in Marrakesh, Morocco, during a lengthy layover when borders were promptly closed.

“There was a real possibility that I would have been stranded in Morocco for numerous months,” Do says.

With the help of family, friends and Sigs, Do found a British repatriation flight to London and was able to return home to Washington, D.C., but the costs incurred due to emergency flights, extended reservations and personal needs left him with a significant financial burden.

Do’s story is one of many that caught the ear of the Sigma Chi Foundation.

Upon news of campus closures and members being displaced and losing unemployment, the Foundation revised its Brothers Helping Brothers fund to meet the needs of brothers impacted by the pandemic.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the fund — formerly known as the Strong Arms initiative — provided scholarship support during a time of emergency. As the pandemic grew and brothers needed assistance, availability of the fund was expanded toward assisting those who suffered a break of employment, were displaced from their campus residences with short-term housing or faced other burdens associated with dislocation.

“We were asked if a pathway existed to our young brothers in need,” says Sigma Chi Foundation President and CEO Ashley Woods, EAST TENNESSEE 2000 “We knew this pandemic would create extraordinary challenges for many of our young brothers. Some of these outstanding young men, particularly those who rely on scholarship aid and wages from service industry employment, were challenged to afford housing, transportation, basic needs and access to necessary resources for remote learning as necessary.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been unlike anything we’ve seen as far as drastically altering lives, and we wanted to further an avenue for our alumni to give back and help these young men.”

With its fundraising team grounded due to the pandemic, the Foundation shifted its focus toward helping these brothers in need. Brothers submitted applications sharing their stories of need following an email and social media campaign. Alumni and friends with the capability of helping lent a hand with online gifts.

“In this time of hardship, this gesture honestly meant the world and reaffirmed the reason I joined Sigma Chi in the first place. ”

Phoenix Do, GEORGETOWN 2021

Do was among the first brothers to receive a grant.

“Thankfully, because of the Foundation grant, my family and I were alleviated from some of the expenses [incurred],” Do says. “In this time of hardship, this gesture honestly meant the world and reaffirmed the reason I joined Sigma Chi in the first place. We can all lend a hand in these tough times because at the end of the day, the world will get through this together.”

As the first round of grants made their way to brothers in need, the pandemic picked up steam and forced campus closures at each of Sigma Chi’s host institutions in the United States and Canada. More brothers inquired and applied for assistance.

“Aside from the fact that they couldn’t believe the Foundation was doing this, these young men were thankful and appreciative of receiving a grant,” says Sigma Chi Foundation scholarship administrator and executive assistant Heidi Holley. “Even if it was just $350, it was going to help.”

One by one, thanks to the generosity of Sigma Chi alumni, the Foundation was able to help.

Much like Do, David Ogunnowo, SYRACUSE 2021, found himself incurring high travel expenses after his study abroad experience in Madrid was cut short due to the outbreak. He described the Foundation scholarship grant that he received as a difference maker in recovering from the expenses.

After his family incurred funeral expenses with the loss of his grandfather due to COVID-19, John Hilden, WASHINGTON (SEATTLE) 2022, used his grant to offset debt incurred by his out-of-state tuition.

Living in a household of six siblings with his father unable to return home from his work in Texas, James Dunagan, WYOMING 2021, covered his own educational costs to reduce the financial burden on he and his family.

Brian Liu, YALE 2022, a first-generation college student, utilized additional on-campus employment opportunities to help provide for his family. The pandemic left his family in a tough position, and the grant allowed him to give them support.

With classrooms shifting online, Timothy Lund, AMERICAN 2020, lost his on-campus job, which left him in need of funds to cover rent and utilities for the remainder of his senior year.

Ar-Non Bunyatipanon, WASHINGTON (SEATTLE) 2020, was able to help his family cover immediate expenses as their small business struggled during the pandemic.

“This grant provides us with a light of hope and relief during these dark times and serves as a reminder that when adversity hits, there will always be strong arms around to offer support,” Bunyatipanon says.

It wasn’t only American brothers, but Canadian and international brothers, as well. The stories were different. The need was real.

Tristan Parrott, WATERLOO 2021, utilized funds to expedite his return to rural Newfoundland before flights inland were placed on a ban, only to discover that his summer employment opportunity was postponed.

“This [grant] was such a huge weight off my shoulders,” Parrott says.

Kam Thanas, BRITISH COLUMBIA-SIMON FRASER 2020, had reached out to friends and family for financial support to return to Australia, where he would have lived with his grandparents and potentially put them at risk. The grant allowed him to remain in Canada in the chapter house with necessary expenses covered.

Hernán Cueva, EMORY 2022, was forced to move back home to Quito, Ecuador, only to find that his parents were experiencing issues with their employment.

“I found myself lacking the financial means to cover both my education and my rent,” says Cueva. “I reached out because I knew Sigma Chi would be there to help. This fund allowed me to relieve many of my issues and get back on track with my education.”

“This grant provides us with a light of hope and relief during these dark times and serves as a reminder that when adversity hits, there will always be strong arms around to offer support.”

Ar-Non Bunyatipanon, WASHINGTON (SEATTLE) 2020

As the need expanded, alumni continued to deliver.

The Foundation broadened its efforts to an in-house crowdfunding platform during the Giving Tuesday Now nonprofit giving event. By mid-July, more than 420 brothers had donated over $73,000, in turn directly impacting 120 undergraduate and graduate Sigma Chis in need.

“We knew that we couldn’t meet all of the needs, but we could be a part of the solution,” Woods says. “We appreciate our alumni donors and the work of our team in lending a hand to those who needed it most during this time.”

BATON ROUGE

ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter President John Cadwallader, LOUISIANA STATE 1970, announced that the Baton Rouge Alumni Chapter plans to resume monthly meetings in the fall of 2020. Invited speakers are Significant Sigs Congressman Garret Graves, 1994, and Louisiana State University Athletic Director Scott Woodward, 1985, along with Dr. Curtis Chastain, 1983, and Stephen Waguespack, 1996, who is president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month at Drusilla Seafood in Baton Rouge. This year's holiday party is scheduled for Dec. 3.

~ Order of Constantine Sig Jim Bollinger, LOUISIANA STATE 1976

CALGARY

Our chapter members continue to assist the colony at Mount Royal University as they strive to become the next Fraternity chapter installed in Canada. We joined them in August at their formal to celebrate the successes of the past year. Looking ahead, we are planning a holiday event near the end of the year; for more information, visit sigmachiyyc.com.

~ Dimitri Dimopoulos, WILFRID LAURIER 2008

CLARKSVILLE

Brad Lake, AUSTIN PEAY 1994, decided to use the Zoom app during the COVID-19 pandemic to reconnect with his pledge brothers. Word soon spread, and he extended the invitation to join the group to all Clarksville alumni via their Facebook page. To date, there have been numerous Austin Peay and Clarksville-area Sigma Chi Zoom meetings with close to 30 alumni participating at any time.

~Josh Smith, AUSTIN PEAY 1995

COLLEGE PARK

As of this writing, we planned to host our 24th annual golf classic and reception on Aug. 21 and our Homecoming tailgate and football game on Oct. 31. Tailgate and kickoff time will be posted at a later date. In December, we will have our first-ever basketball pre-game reception. Exact date and details also will be available at a later date.

~Order of Constantine Sig Scott Weber, MARYLAND 1986

FLAGSTAFF

Although we missed having our biennial horseshoe tournament in Tempe, Arizona, in March, we are gearing up for a great showing from June 24-27, 2021, at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale for the 83rd Grand Chapter and then for our July 2021 reunion weekend in Flagstaff. We are working with the Northern Arizona University

athletic department to develop an All-Greek alumni tailgate area for university home football games. Check out our new website, flagstaffsigalum.org, for more details.

~ Order of Constantine Sig Wayne Connelley, NORTHERN ARIZONA 1975

FORT WORTH

Our chapter has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing Zoom videoconferencing for online meetings. It has proven to be a convenient alternative to in-person meetings and has helped us keep in touch with local brothers and meet new members whom we would not have met otherwise. More information can be found at facebook.com/fortworthsigmachialumni.

~ Doug Zent, NORTH TEXAS 1992

FRESNO

Our chapter had been planning a fall 2020 mini-reunion for the last nine months, but event organizers have announced that because of COVID-19 uncertainty this fall, the reunion will be postponed. The committee will evaluate the situation during the coming months and will make an announcement when they can be sure that it is safe to have events of this size. The Cal. State-Fresno undergraduate chapter house remains open and is complying with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 standards.

~ Brad Fischer, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1981

GREATER MINNESOTA

The brothers of the Greater Minnesota Alumni Association are entering their second year of existence. While COVID-19 prevents us from meeting at our normal locations, we have been holding our business meetings online to continue to build our brotherhood. If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to Tim Sullivan, ST. THOMAS 2010, at timothyj.sullivan1@gmail.com.

~ Sullivan

HOUSTON

You can find our brothers out supporting Houston Sig Zach Harris, who owns Drift Bar in Houston, for our monthly brotherhood social hour. Brothers from all chapters are encouraged to join us on Jan. 16, 2021, for our 75th annual Wild Game Dinner at Hotel Derrick in the Galleria area of Houston. Tickets for the event are available at 2021WGD.givesmart.com. We are expecting over 400 brothers in attendance.

~ Eric Arnold, HOUSTON 2010

INDIANAPOLIS

The Indianapolis Alumni Chapter has done some video calls during the pandemic lockdown, and we are looking forward to getting back to in-person meetings with regular Friday lunches at Daddy Jacks and with our monthly Sigs and Bagels networking events at MacKenzie River Pizza in Castleton. Check indysig.org for details.

~ Curt Franke, BUTLER 1988

KATY AREA

Our chapter meets on the third Thursday in odd-numbered months. We recently held our first virtual meeting on Zoom; four brothers attended. We followed the meeting Ritual, and all attendees enjoyed the gathering. We plan to utilize this format throughout the pandemic. We were able to connect with a brother who had moved to another city, which is a great way to reconnect. This COVID-19 crisis has been challenging, but our brotherhood will not be denied.

~ Larry Hinks, YOUNGSTOWN 1978

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

The Los Angeles Alumni Chapter had a great Zoom videoconference call with Fraternity Executive Director Michael Church, ILLINOIS 2005, in June, graciously hosted by the Orange County Alumni Chapter. We are excited to get back to normal in the fall with our lunches, dinners and brotherhood events throughout our five geographic areas. A date and location for our alumni awards events is forthcoming. Join us at facebook.com/groups/lasig for our latest event details.

~ Kevin Bidenkap, ARIZONA STATE 1990

MISSOULA

Our chapter held its 2020 Captain's Cup Golf Scramble in June with brothers enjoying socially distant camaraderie. As of this writing, our Homecoming plans at the University of Montana were in flux. Please check out our new website, missoulasigs. com, and sign up to receive the Grizzly Sig newsletter for updates. Friday luncheons in Missoula are currently on hold. We hope to resume our regular meetings soon.

~ Brad Cederberg, MONTANA 2006

NAPLES

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, like everyone else, the Naples Alumni Chapter has adapted to the times. We are successfully using the Zoom videoconferencing platform to conduct meetings. A current picture of activities is, understandably, not available. We are currently assisting the Florida Gulf Coast undergraduate chapter

with their 10th anniversary this fall and our annual commitment to help them reach their Thomas Cowen Bell Chapter Challenge goal.

~ Order of Constantine Sig Don Astley, MIAMI (FLORIDA) 1976

NEW YORK CITY

The New York City aAumni Chapter is the home of 10,000 alumni in New York City and nearby suburbs. Due to COVID-19, we have evolved via Zoom NYC Sig Talks, including welcoming the class of 2020. Monthly in-person brotherhood nights at our social home, Slattery’s Midtown Pub, were temporarily replaced by Zoom calls. Our focus has been on identifying and connecting with area Sigs based on chapters, professional and personal interests, and those living nearby.

~ Philip Oldham, SYRACUSE 1966

OTTAWA

Members of the Ottawa Alumni Chapter have been hosting a quarterly business meeting over Zoom in accordance to social distancing guidelines in our province. We are doing our part as Sigma Chis to help defeat COVID-19 by adopting new strategies to ensure our chapter can maintain its activities while keeping our brothers, and the rest of Ottawa, as safe as possible.

~ Nick Ludin, OTTAWA 2012

PIKE’S PEAK REGION

Our Grand Trustee, Nick Nakamura, CALIFORNIA-MERCED 2009, provided us some guidance on using Zoom, and we have been able to meet a few times online. In June, we had our first face-to-face meeting at the View House. We enjoyed a great summer view of the Rocky Mountains and greeted Mason McDonald, BAYLOR 2016, who recently moved to Colorado.

~ Bob Canfield, KENT STATE 1978

WINDSOR

The Windsor Alumni Chapter has been working hard to make sure all brothers are connected with Sigma Chi in some way. We’ve done this by reaching out to all alumni brothers from our chapter and in our general area. Feel free to reach out yourself if you are in the area and haven’t heard from us.

~ Chris Stearry, WINDSOR 2014

Members of the Fort Worth Alumni Chapter adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting meetings using the Zoom videoconferencing service. Holding the meeting virtually allowed brothers who would not otherwise have been able to attend a meeting to do so, members said.

The Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter welcomed chair warden and Order of Constantine Sig George Hooper, KANSAS STATE 1960, who conducted a White Rose Ceremony at the

Daniel William Cooper Memorial Monument at Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh. Among the many brothers attending were Significant Sigs Tod Hunt, NORTH CAROLINACHAPEL HILL 1970, and Roger Glunt, PITTSBURGH 1960; Order of Constantine Sig Andrew Gildersleeve, PENN STATE 1968; Grand Praetor Brett Laidacker, CLARION 2014; and Cooper Monument Warden Dave Shields, PENN STATE 1967. Glunt also is an Order of Constantine Sig.

Braden Rice, OREGON 2023, center, celebrates his Nov. 16, 2019, initiation with his grandfather Burke Rice, OREGON 1957, left, and father Blake Rice, OREGON 1990. Braden is the 18th member of the Rice family to be initiated into the Fraternity.

Significant Sig Dr. Brent Bankston, LOUISIANA STATE 1982, hosted 20 brothers for an annual weekend of fishing and fellowship at his camp in Fourchon, Louisiana, near the Gulf of Mexico. Pictured from left are fellow Louisiana State Sigs Hammy Davis, 1983; Rob Pell, 1984; David McDonald, 1982; Bankston; Brooks Watson, 1983; and Howard Jones, 1983.

“In 2017, I wanted to support repairs to the Gamma Lambda [chapter house] at McGill University in Montreal. It was in a bad way and needed major repairs. Bob Thibodeau, 1975, an architect who is shown above at left, had drawn up plans for improvements pro bono. I came up with the idea of, along with my roommate Robert Ogle, 1976, giving the house $5,000 for renovations – noted with a brass plaque to go on the door of “Room Zero” that we shared in the mid 1970s. George Stinnes, 1977, liked the idea and matched another $5,000 for a second plaque.

Later that year, I chaired the organization of the alumni weekend for the 90th anniversary of the chapter’s founding. We had 120 alums return to Montreal from over a dozen countries – a few had graduated 60 years earlier. Ogle flew in from Tasmania.

Stinnes came up with the idea of doing an auction of a brass plaque for every room in the house. So, at the banquet, he became auctioneer, and in 20 minutes we raised $109,000 for 15 plaques. The renovations included: a new rear fire escape; repairs to the front balcony; complete gutting and replacement of the main bathrooms; repairs to the dining room ceiling, chandeliers, tables and benches; the front door, entrance hall and main stairway; painting of the chapter room; replacement of plumbing stack; and lighting improvements for safety. The house is now looking much better.”

~ Chris Kohut, MCGILL 1977

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 June 1, 2020, and since the new program’s introduction on July 1, 2019, 1,743 brothers have chosen to become Life Loyal Sigs in support of Sigma Chi. Learn more and become a Life Loyal Sig today at sigmachi.org/lifeloyal.

Y’all Come On Down!

75th Annual Wild Game Dinner

Southern Style Brotherhood, Deep in the Heart of Texas.

Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Hotel Derek

On the Menu:

Axis, Nilgai, Quail, Pheasant, Wild Hog, Alligator, Venison, Halibut, Waterfowl, and Rattlesnake

For more information, contact Bill Bowlin at bbowlin3@gmail.com

Duke Austin Significant Sig 2019 Thank you to our sponsors ~

OCTOBER

Pete Bell Significant Sig 2020

10/01/1925 Grand Forks, North Dakota, alumni chapter, 95 years 10/08/2010 Toledo, Ohio, alumni chapter, 10 years

10/12/1990 Chicago DuPage alumni chapter, 30 years

10/24/1955 Fort Worth, Texas, alumni chapter, 65 years

Anniversaries are listed every five years.

Chicago DuPage Alumni Chapter members are pictured with former Chicago Bears head coach and Significant Sig Mike Ditka, PITTSBURGH 1961, at his restaurant, Ditka’s, on Aug. 23, 2008, in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Pictured, from left, are George Pierce, ARIZONA STATE 1977; Order of Constantine Sig Bill Leonard, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1981; Ditka; Pat Henriksen, MICHIGAN STATE 1968; John Groebe, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1981; Bert Henriksen, MICHIGAN STATE 2004; and Andrew Sok, RIPON 2007.

Honoring Service & Remembering Sacrifice

/// SEPT. 2, 2020, MARKED THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR. ///

The conflict began Sept. 1, 1939, and ended six years and one day later on Sept. 2, 1945. An estimated 70 to 85 million people perished during the war, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. More than 9,000 Sigma Chis served in the armed forces of the United States and Canada during that time, and 682 of those brothers are known to have died.

The stories of Significant Sig and Brig. Gen. Bob Cardenas, NEW MEXICO 1955, and Ensign Verdi Sederstrom, OREGON 1940, contained in this issue of The Magazine of Sigma Chi are just two examples of Sigs who served in the armed forces during World War II.

After immigrating to the United States from Mexico in 1925 at age 5, Cardenas developed an interest in flying by watching pilots at the Torrey Pines Gliderport near his home in San Diego. Cardenas turned his childhood fascination into a 34-year military career that included service in two wars, testing more than 60 different aircraft as a test pilot and numerous accolades.

Sederstrom was one of two Sigma Chis killed on Dec. 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He served as the payroll master aboard the USS Oklahoma and was on board in the early hours of that December morning working to meet a processing deadline — likely in hopes of later in the day meeting friends who made the trip to Hawaii for a series of postseason college football games. It wasn’t until April 26, 2017, that his remains were interred at Arlington National Cemetery by family members including nephew Rob Sederstrom Jr., OREGON 1979

We hope that you enjoy learning about Cardenas and Sederstrom in this issue.

Breaking Barriers

Seventy-five years after the end of World War II and 100 years since his birth, Significant Sig and Brig Gen. Bob Cardenas, NEW MEXICO 1955, reflects on a lifetime of service

There’s the one where he flew over the White House and U.S. Capitol at the behest of President Harry Truman.

There’s the time he served as the officer in charge of operations and command pilot of the B-29 Superfortress that carried Capt. Chuck Yeager and his Bell X-1 rocket plane to an elevation of 25,000 feet, allowing him to break the sound barrier.

Or perhaps the time, when serving as vice commander of the 16th Air Force, he negotiated with Muammar al-Gaddafi the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Libya.

Seventy-five years following the conclusion of World War II, and 100 years after his birth, Significant Sig and Brig. Gen. Bob Cardenas, NEW MEXICO 1955, has plenty of stories to tell.

“He is a true hero and one of the greatest Sigma Chis I’ve ever met,” says fellow San Diegan and Significant Sig Brig. Gen. Michael Neil, SAN DIEGO STATE 1962, a recipient of the Navy Cross for his actions during the Vietnam War.

In vivid detail, amongst a home office filled with more than 20 replica models of aircraft he piloted, shelves of awards and medals, and walls of memories and plaques, Cardenas shared story after story of experiences with his fellow military test flight pioneers, such as Maj. Gen. Al Boyd, Col. Jackie Ridley, Capt. Glen Edwards, Maj. Daniel Forbes and Yeager.

Without the story of March 18, 1944, however, where the timely actions of a Swiss fisherman spared the life of a 24-year-old command pilot, the life of one of the greatest men from one of the greatest generations might have found a different conclusion.

EARLY BEGINNINGS AND THE SECOND GREAT WAR

Cardenas and his family immigrated to San Diego from Merida in the Yucatan region of Mexico in 1925 when he was 5 years old. At the Washington Grammar School, Cardenas attended classes with individuals of different ethnicities and nationalities.

“Because of the tuna fleet there were Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese [and] Mexican [students],” says Cardenas, who became a U.S. citizen in 1938. “The head of the school sent home with me a letter to my parents. [It] said ‘This is to inform you that no [student] will graduate from Washington Grammar School until they can read, write and speak English.’

“He did that for a damn good reason. If [students] couldn’t talk to each other, you’d have little gangs in the school. I learned real early the effect of a language and the ability to communicate with someone who looked different and all of that. At that age, it was a very good tool that would benefit me throughout my life.”

Cardenas excelled in math and physics at San Diego Senior High School, and he became acquainted with aviation pioneer Johnny Robinson at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.

In 1939, while attending San Diego State University, Cardenas became an aviation cadet and quickly earned commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. He helped establish the Army Air Corps Glider School and later became director of the Flight Test Unit, Experimental Engineering Laboratory at Wright Field in Ohio when the United States entered World War II.

Rising to the rank of captain by age 24, Cardenas was assigned to the 44th Bomb Group “Flying Eightballs” in Norfolk, England.

Cardenas was flying as command pilot on his 20th mission on March 18, 1944. The target was the Manzell Air Armaments factory in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

Upon entry, the heavily defended factory struck quick. Cardenas’ plane was hit by enemy fire, severely damaging the right wing and setting its two engines ablaze, causing a significant loss of altitude.

“I got blown out,” Cardenas recalls. “As command pilot, I had to get rid of the classified material I had in my lap. So the bomb bays were open. I went down to the bomb bay and was shredding all of these papers. The flak burst and blew me out of the B-24.”

Struck in the head by a piece of debris, Cardenas fell from the plane and released his parachute. His crew, who all parachuted safely, each leapt from the aircraft before it exploded at low altitude.

Cardenas remembers seeing German trucks as he approached Lake Constance.

“Having swam out in the ocean, I thought, ‘No sweat, I’ll just swim across,’” he says. “One thing I tell young people, when you’re doing something important, don’t forget anything. I forgot the buoyancy factor of fresh water is only half that of sea water.”

The buoyancy factor plus the frigid temperatures of the water made swimming a short distance difficult for Cardenas.

“I drowned,” he says. “I know the symptoms of drowning.”

With life in the balance, a fisherman pulled the injured pilot from the frigid waters, saving his life and helping him evade capture by the Nazi soldiers.

Cardenas was placed at an internment camp for American officers at Adelboden, Switzerland, and later taught Swiss officers to fly interned American aircraft.

It was while in Switzerland that Cardenas, with the help of a Swiss café owner in Geneva, made a getaway with another officer.

“We met a young lady in the Swiss Alps, and she asked us, ‘Would we like to try to get home?’” he remembers. “From there, there were two railroad stations. She ran a café there. One day she put aprons on two of us, and when we got near the freight car she gave us a nudge, and we hopped in the freight car. The freight car was full of Sikhs from India, whom the German troops had captured. It was a German train that was going out.”

Cardenas followed instructions provided by the café owner. At a specific time, he and the other soldier were to jump from the train.

They landed in Grenoble, France, where they were met by members of the French resistance. By the time the Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, Cardenas was well versed in Paris and the surrounding area.

“I got to know the sewers of Paris real well and discovered the one building in Paris the Nazis would not bother — the Muslim Mosque,” he said. “I had a ball with the French underground for a week or two. Finally, one day, they took us to a farm in southern France, and we were flown back to England.”

After returning to the United States, Cardenas became a test pilot evaluating the German ME-262 fighter jet and the Arado AR-234 bomber. In 1947, his life would be forever changed with a phone call from Boyd.

“THE RIGHT STUFF”

Boyd, praised as the “Father of Modern Flight Testing” upon his retirement, was slated to lead the Air Force’s secret X-1 supersonic flight program at Muroc Army Air Field in California’s Mojave Desert.

///

“NOT ONLY DID WE BREAK THE SPEED OF SOUND, BUT AERODYNAMICALLY IT INSPIRED A WHOLE NEW AIR FORCE...”

- BOB CARDENAS, NEW MEXICO 1955 ///

He selected Capt. Chuck Yeager to pilot the plane with Bob Hoover serving as a backup. Jack Ridley was the project engineer.

Cardenas was assigned as the officer in charge of operations and pilot of the B-29 Superfortress that would launch Yeager during the tests.

“Al Boyd called me and said, ‘Bob, we’re going to break the speed of sound.’ He didn’t say we were going to try. He said we would break it and that he’d already selected the team.”

Between Aug. 6 and Oct. 12, 1947, Cardenas took Yeager and the X-1 for three unpowered and eight powered flights — one of which nearly ended in disaster when the release failed to drop Yeager and the X-1 aircraft.

“I told Chuck, ‘Dump as much of the rocket fuel as you can. I’ve got to land this thing! I’m going to try to land main gear and nose gear first.’”

There was a 12-inch gap between the B-29 landing gear and the bottom of the X-1. Cardenas made a perfect three-point landing to keep both aircraft intact.

“That was the best landing I’ve ever made,” he said smiling.

On Oct. 14, 1947, the release dropped, and the Bell aircraft exited the bomb bay, with Yeager exceeding 662 miles per hour and gliding to a landing on the desert runway — successfully exceeding the speed of sound in level flight just one month after the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service.

“Not only did we break the speed of sound, but aerodynamically it inspired a whole new Air Force,” Cardenas says.

The events would be featured in a book and film, The Right Stuff. They also are the subject of an upcoming television series by the same name that is being produced by National Geographic for the Disney Plus streaming platform.

TESTING FOR TRUMAN

After the successful supersonic test, the now-Maj. Cardenas was assigned as officer in charge of Flight Test Division projects at Muroc and as chief Air Force test pilot on the YB-49 flying wing project.

Following completion of phase-two tests, he received orders to the University of Southern California for completion of his aeronautical engineering degree. Prior to his exit, he warned Edwards, who followed as test pilot, of the plane’s backward rotation in stall.

Fifteen days after his move to Los Angeles, Cardenas was called back to Muroc. Edwards, Maj. Daniel Forbes and three other crew members were killed when the YB-49 aircraft’s stall test recovery resulted in a sudden high-speed dive.

“When they crashed, I could tell from the way it broke that the wing broke,” Cardenas said. “Somehow or another when they tumbled, instead of [tumbling] negative, they tumbled positive and were glued to the seat. I was broken up about it.

“The reason I had told Boyd to let me turn it over to Glen [Edwards] is because Glen had helped Dr. Perkins at Princeton write the first book on stability and control. He fit the bill. It’s a loss to me that I still feel because Glen and I were close.”

Cardenas finished the test and delivered a report that Northrop chief Jack Northrop countered with Air Force leadership, who decided to postpone purchase of the planes.

“It became a battle, and good ole Harry Truman settled it in his own fashion.”

Cardenas was ordered to fly the YB-49 to Washington for President Truman’s air show. The transcontinental flight set a record time of four hours and five minutes.

“Down on the ground is where [Truman] turned to the chief of the Air Force and said, ‘Why don’t you have this young whippersnapper fly it down Pennsylvania Avenue?’ And I did.”

On Feb. 17, 1949, Cardenas performed a flyby of Pennsylvania Avenue at rooftop level, pulling up over the U.S. Capitol.

A CAREER FOR THE BOOKS

As war found its way to the Korean peninsula, Cardenas continued to test fighter jets and bombers. After studying engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology, he entered the University of New Mexico in 1953.

It was there, through Air Force friends, that he became acquainted with and later a member of Sigma Chi.

“I was there at an older age than normal,” Cardenas says. “I was there being paid by the Air Force, and I had all of the benefits without any of the ordeals. I joined Sigma Chi primarily because there were a couple of guys that were Air Force that I hung out with that were Sigma Chis.

“I went through the pledgeship and Ritual, and I became, in the long run, a Significant Sig. I enjoyed it. I still am in touch with some of the guys. I had a wonderful time there because I didn’t have to work for a living.”

Upon graduation in 1955, Cardenas served in a variety of commander roles at Naha Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Then, upon completion of the Air War College, Cardenas led missions and units across Asia and would fly F-105 combat missions over North Vietnam following the Gulf of Tonkin crisis.

Cardenas’ career saw him become commander of the 835th Air Division at

McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas and commander of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Force in Florida.

In July 1969, after being promoted to the rank of brigadier general, he became vice commander of the 16th Air Force headquartered at Torrejon Air Base in Spain. It was there that Cardenas negotiated with Muammar al-Gadhafi the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Wheelus Air Force Base in Libya.

In June 1970, he was named U.S. deputy chief of staff at LIVE OAK, and he served in additional roles prior to his retirement in June 1973.

Following retirement, Cardenas served in a number of roles in the private sector, including a position as the California coordinator for President Ronald Reagan’s Southwest Border Action Group, as well as various board positions within the state of California.

Cardenas earned numerous military accolades throughout his career, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal and many more with civilian honors, including enshrinement in the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Air and Space Hall of Fame.

Cardenas resides in San Diego with his wife, Gladys, to whom he’s been married for more than 70 years. Together they have seven children — three sons and four daughters — and numerous grandchildren.

Each of Cardenas’ three sons, Richard, Mark and Michael, graduated from the Air Force Academy, and grandson Kevin is a graduate and present instructor at the academy.

A FINAL WORD

In his 100 years, Cardenas has seen drastic change across the globe.

His generation fought dictatorship, lived through the Cold War and saw civil liberties and inclusivity improve, particularly in the United States.

If he had any advice to give younger Americans, it would be to remember how great America is, even in the face of political angst.

“What we went through, it was different politically,” Cardenas says. “The things they are facing now, for young kids, the big thing is realizing that the political atmosphere of the United States right now is so fractured that they have to learn — not necessarily whether they join the Republican or Democratic party — to always think of what’s good for America, the country.

“If it’s to go to war, go to war. If it’s to sacrifice, sacrifice. Beautiful America is just too valuable worldwide, not only because we’re the strongest, but because we have freedom of movement, freedom of thought, freedom of action that a lot of people throughout the world do not have.”

A Hero's Homecoming

Verdi Sederstrom, OREGON 1940, died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His nephew, Rob Sederstrom Jr., OREGON 1979, and Significant Sig Mark Dunning, HANOVER 1983, made sure he had an honorable burial 75 years later.

Honolulu buzzed with activity from islanders and mainlanders alike on Dec. 6, 1941.

Shriners International, a fraternal organization centered on fun, fellowship and Masonic principles, was hosting a series of postseason college football games in Honolulu in December 1941, and teams from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and San Jose State University in California had left San Francisco on Nov. 27 via passenger ship to arrive in time for the first game.

The University of Hawaii faced Willamette in the kickoff event in front of a crowd of more than 20,000 on Dec. 6. Hawaii won 20-6. The next game would be San Jose State vs. Hawaii on Dec. 13 and then San Jose vs. Willamette on Dec. 16.

Navy Ensign Verdi Sederstrom, OREGON 1940, 25, of Salem, had enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in January 1941 and was called to active duty in March. He reported to the USS Oklahoma, moored at Pearl Harbor just west of Honolulu, as the ship’s paymaster in August. Several of Sederstrom’s friends from Salem were in Honolulu for the football game, and on the morning of Dec. 7, Sederstrom’s family believed he was having breakfast with his friends. In reality, payday was upcoming, and Sederstrom was on the USS Oklahoma preparing payroll.

Just before 8 a.m. that day, Japanese forces attacked the U.S. naval base. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency [DPAA] said in a statement that the USS Oklahoma quickly capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits. “The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Sederstrom,” it said. “No single vessel at Pearl Harbor, with the exception of the USS Arizona, suffered as many fatalities.”

Sederstrom’s nephew, Rob Sederstrom Jr., OREGON 1979, remembers hearing about Verdi from his father, Rob Sederstrom Sr., OREGON 1948.

“When my grandparents and Dad heard that Pearl Harbor was attacked, they all assumed that he [Verdi] wasn’t on the ship,” Rob Sederstrom says. “It wasn’t for three or four or five more days they realized that he hadn’t called. Then they got the telegram [saying Verdi had died].”

Verdi’s death was devastating to his family.

“His picture was always in my dad’s desk. It was strictly my dad [who talked about Verdi],” Sederstrom says. “I never had a conversation with my grandparents. It was never a sore they were willing to open.”

Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew and interred them in the Halawa and Nu’uanu cemeteries in Hawaii between December 1941 and June 1944. The DPAA says members of the American Graves Registration Service disinterred the remains in September 1947 and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii in hopes of identifying the deceased. Laboratory staff could only identify 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time, and the unidentified remains were buried in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, nicknamed the Punchbowl, in Honolulu.

At the cemetery’s Courts of the Missing, Verdi’s name joined the nearly 29,000 engraved names of veterans from World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars who were designated missing in action, lost or buried at sea.

It would be nearly 75 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor before Verdi’s remains would be identified and given a proper burial in Arlington National Cemetery, made special by the attendance of a Fraternity brother.

A POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION

Rob Sederstrom Jr. is a certified public accountant, and after graduating from the University of Oregon, he signed up to take a few more accounting classes at the University of Hawaii’s Honolulu Community College. He did most of his homework in Punchbowl, where he knew Verdi’s remains were somewhere in an unmarked grave.

“Punchbowl is a place I could physically honor and memorialize him in my head,” Sederstrom says. “[Plus, it’s] a place that’s beautiful and quiet. I recognize Verdi was in Pearl Harbor and in Punchbowl. As far as I was concerned, those are the two places his body was laid to rest.”

In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued orders to disinter the unknown remains of those who served on the USS Oklahoma and try to identify them, and in June the DPAA began exhuming the remains.

The DPAA contacted Sederstrom and his cousins in 2015 about obtaining DNA samples in order to help identify Verdi’s remains. Using mitochondrial DNA analysis and pre-war dental records, Verdi’s cranium, jaw bones and teeth were identified in July 2016. Next, the military asked the family where they would like to bury Verdi.

“We had some major conversations about what’s the right thing to do. [One cousin] thought Verdi’s remains should come back to Salem and rest next to his parents. I said entomb him in Punchbowl, this time in a marked grave. The military was more than happy to do that or bring him back to Salem,” Sederstrom says. “And then they said in a parting comment to us, ‘Or, he could be laid to rest in Arlington.’ And it was like, wait a second, what? We hadn’t thought that out.”

The more Verdi’s family thought about it, the more they wanted to bury Verdi in Arlington for various reasons. One reason was because of the cemetery’s hallowed ground. Another was because the Navy had named a destroyer escort the USS Sederstrom after Verdi was deemed the first Oregon resident killed in Pearl Harbor. The ship earned five battle stars during its two years of service in World War II, and the Sederstrom family wanted Verdi’s gravesite in Arlington to be a place where anyone associated with the ship could visit.

“The more we thought about it, Verdi is definitely honored in Punchbowl. His name’s engraved there and always will be,” Sederstrom says. “That’s when we said, ‘Let’s honor him on both coasts.’”

The family picked April 26, 2017, as the date of Verdi’s burial in Arlington, and the military began preparing arrangements.

‘IT WAS EVERYBODY HONORING VERDI’

As the date of burial approached, it was important to have a volunteer whose rank was greater than Verdi’s to dress the remains, place Verdi’s military honors and be his escort. A Navy captain stationed in the Washington, D.C., area volunteered to do so. The man flew to Honolulu to prepare the body, seal the coffin and then accompany it until burial.

“He took pictures, such as, ‘This is us getting on the plane in Honolulu,’” Sederstrom recalls. “He did a great job.”

It was a direct flight on Delta Air Lines from Honolulu to Atlanta, where Verdi and the escort then changed planes for a flight to Baltimore. Sederstrom and about 30 other family members were picked up by the military in a bus from their hotel in Baltimore to meet Verdi at the airport before traveling to Arlington. The bus parked in the back of the

airport where the runways are located, and the Transportation Security Administration director of security for the airport stepped onto the bus to explain what would happen when Verdi’s flight landed in about 15 minutes.

Sederstrom still gets emotional when recalling what happened.

“He goes, ‘We’re going to let you out to stand next to these two lines out there. Don’t cross it because that would be a security breach. It will probably take 10 minutes for the plane to get here to the gate. When you’re out there, look up, and you’ll see people looking out the window. You will see them starting to gather by the windows because obviously there will be a lot of activity down here,’” Sederstrom remembers the man saying.

“‘We will have most every emergency vehicle from the airport lining where the plane is going to come in. Once they come into the gate, two huge firetrucks will create an arch, and the plane will go underneath. And I bet you right now the pilot is telling all of the passengers on the airplane that they are being honored by helping escort Verdi,’” the man continued. “‘The captain will ask the people to please stay on the plane to allow Verdi to be the first one off. It will take 10 to 15 minutes once they park to get him off.’”

Everything happened as the man said it would.

“[There were] all of the crews and baggage handlers standing out there and fulldress military guys with each one of the military flags standing right there when the plane comes in. Then they unload the plane, and you can see this guy coming out who had been escorting Verdi whom we haven’t yet met, and he’s giving instructions,” Sederstrom says. “We were standing in awe. They march him [Verdi] off the airplane,

and you can see the people on the airplane staring out the plane. Looking up at the windows was what feels like thousands of people staring out trying to figure out what’s going on with all of this military regalia and whatnot.”

The family on the bus then escorted the hearse to Washington, D.C.

“As we followed [out of the airport], all of the ambulances and firetrucks had lined up there, and the guys who drive that equipment were saluting as we left,” Sederstrom says. “We were escorted the 30 or so miles down the freeway. We never saw a car on the freeway. That was probably most memorable in my heart because it was everybody honoring Verdi.”

Unbeknownst to Sederstrom, another Sigma Chi was waiting at Arlington to attend Verdi’s burial.

Significant Sig Mark Dunning, HANOVER 1983, is a retired U.S. Air Force technical sergeant, warden of the Benjamin Piatt Runkle Memorial Monument in Arlington and a Sigma Chi history buff, and he knew Verdi was one of two Sigs who died on Dec. 7, 1941. The other was U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. George Cannon, MICHIGAN 1938, who was killed when Japanese destroyers bombarded a Marine base on Midway Island shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Although Dunning doesn’t recall where on social media he saw news that Verdi’s remains had been recovered, once he read that Verdi would be buried in Arlington, Dunning told his boss that he would be attending the funeral. Then Dunning began checking Arlington’s website for burial details.

“I felt deep in my heart that it was the right thing to do as a brother of Sigma Chi to pay respects not only to the family but also to honor the sacrifice our brother made,” Dunning says.

On the date of the burial, Dunning was slightly nervous.

“I didn’t know how it was going to play out. I wasn’t a family member; I was a Fraternity brother,” Dunning recalls. “I kind of stood back a little bit because I didn’t want to impose.”

Once he was introduced to Rob Sederstrom, he was immediately treated like family.

“When my Sigma Chi colleague showed up,” Sederstrom says, “that was special.”

After the ceremony, Dunning felt there was one last thing to do. He approached Rob, removed the Sigma Chi Military Service Recognition pin from his lapel and gave it to Rob.

“I don’t remember the exact words I said, but it was something like, ‘In honor of Verdi and for his service and sacrifice,’” Dunning says. “I felt it was the right thing to do as a Sigma Chi brother. Verdi was a young man when he died. I knew how important it was to finally bring Verdi home and give him a proper burial and for his family to be there.”

Sederstrom remembers the action as incredibly meaningful and was thankful to have received the pin.

Verdi is buried in Section 60 of the cemetery, where those killed from recent wars, including Iraq and Afghanistan, are buried. Sederstrom wishes members of Verdi’s immediate family, especially his brother, Rob Sederstrom Sr., were present to witness Verdi’s burial. Verdi’s parents and Rob died in the 1970s.

“It’s one of those things where he would have started talking and telling stories about his big brother,” Sederstrom says. “I miss that opportunity. I know Dad would be very honored and very pleased.”

Meeting the Unique Needs of Veterans

The Sigma Chi Reach Out app features mental health resources for military members

ASHLEY SZATALA

First Lt. Robert Colvin, HANOVER 1944, heard a familiar engine sound on April 6, 1946, in Chicago and looked up. Overhead, a formation of U.S. Army planes flew by.

He had enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during college, and in 1944, Colvin served as a transport and combat pilot in the China, Burma and India theaters. He participated in the liberation of a prisoner-of-war camp in Mukden, Manchuria, where the newly freed Capt. Arthur Wermuth gave Colvin a Japanese saber. Colvin received several awards for his bravery during World War II, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, and was discharged in December 1945.

Colvin dialed his mother, Harriet Colvin, at work and asked if she had heard the planes, Harriet recounted to the Chicago Tribune the next day. Colvin then reminded his mother about his former classmate’s wedding they were to attend in the evening and hung up.

Colvin never showed up to the wedding. That afternoon, he died by suicide, which his mother attributed to “war nerves,” better known today at post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Something must have happened in his mind when he heard the planes,” Harriet told police, which the Chicago Tribune later printed. “It may be they brought back war memories he was trying to forget. We understood that some of his experiences were unpleasant, but he never would talk about them.”

PTSD is a mental health disorder that both civilians and veterans alike can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event like combat, a natural disaster, vehicular accident or sexual assault, the U.S. Department of

Recognizing Military Service

Since 2007, the Sigma Chi International Fraternity has recognized brothers who have served in the armed forces of the United States and Canada with the Sigma Chi Military Service Recognition Pin.

The idea of creating insignia to recognize military Sigs for their service was first discussed on June 28, 2003, at the 74th Grand Chapter in Orlando, Florida, and was brought forth by Anthony Dauer, SOUTH FLORIDA 1983, a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Dauer and Significant Sig and Order of Constantine Sig Glen Berree, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1969, who also is a Navy veteran, discussed the concept and possible designs with other military Sigs following the event.

The agreed upon design, shown here, is a single sword thrust upward symbolizing brothers' individual efforts in the military. The hand shield symbolizes the bonds of brothers in arms. The sword also is meant to evoke the image of the military salute, which

Veterans Affairs says online. Common symptoms include upsetting memories, feeling on edge, trouble sleeping and negative changes in thinking and mood.

The VA has statistics on PTSD in veterans going back to the Vietnam War. About 30 PERCENT of Vietnam veterans have experienced PTSD in their lifetime; about 12 percent of Gulf War veterans and between 11 and 20 percent of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operations Enduring Freedom veterans experience PTSD in a given year.

Sigma Chi recognizes that veterans have unique needs for mental health support, and in February 2020, military mental health resources were added to the Sigma Chi Reach Out app, available for free in the Apple App Store or Android’s Google Play Store.

“We added links to the Department of Defense Safe Helpline for active duty members, as well as the Veterans Crisis Line,” says senior director of educational operations Brian Wilson, DEPAUW 2002. “We also added military-specific mental health information, including information on PTSD, common challenges service members face when returning from a deployment or when separating and transitioning from active duty service, as well as information about military sexual trauma and help for survivors. We have also added a link for finding local Veterans Affairs locations.”

To find these resources on the app, click on the MilitaryMentalHealth icon in the third row on the app’s landing page.

originated in the Middle Ages. The pin is intended to remind all Sigs that the White Cross they wear is an emblem of sacrifice and that the courage displayed through one's service to their country brings honor to all members of the Fraternity. The official design was unveiled in 2007 at the 76th Grand Chapter in San Jose, California.

Any Sigma Chi member who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces or who is currently serving is eligible to receive it. Eligible members can request the Sigma Chi Military Service Recognition Pin by emailing militarypin@sigmachi.org.

The pin is endowed by 64th Grand Consul Keith Krach, PURDUE 1979, and the Krach Family Foundation. To date, more than 2,200 brothers have received a Sigma Chi Military Service Recognition Pin.

CAMPUS CHRONICLES

CHAPTER STATS KEY

Our chapters, by the numbers: Current Members

All-time Initiates

All-time Sigma Chi Military Service Recognition Pin Recipients

*AsofMay1,2020

ALBION Alpha Pi

17 1,944 2

The chapter is looking forward to reconnecting with its brothers for the 2020 fall semester and carrying on operations as normal. We are eager to initiate a good group of guys from our spring 2020 pledge class. The brothers have been staying close with virtual meetings and with fun fitness challenges that encourage activity and togetherness.

~Spencer Moeggenberg, 2022

ALMA Theta Nu

24 503 1

The chapter is looking forward to finally initiating our pledge class this fall after their pledge process was interrupted. The chapter has strong hopes for a bright future despite having many brothers graduate last semester. Our Derby Days philanthropic event was also successful with more participation than previous years.

~Connor Hart, 2022

AMERICAN Kappa Rho

35 396 1

The chapter had a great semester in the spring of 2020. The senior class leaves a legacy and helped transform our chapter. We have a strong 11-person pledge class that fits the qualities found in The Jordan Standard; they will be initiated in the fall. Since school has gone online, our brothers have stayed connected to keep the chapter strong.

~Matt Liebowitz, 2021

ARIZONA Beta Phi

128 2,685 30

With the spring academic term coming

to a halt due to COVID-19, many of our goals were unable to develop, such as reaching a minimum of $70,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Despite the pandemic, our chapter was able to raise our GPA substantially from a 2.98 to a 3.53.

~Moss Avelluto, 2022

AUBURN Gamma Sigma

70 2,445 6

The chapter had a great year that was unfortunately cut short. We traveled to New Orleans for spring formal, and we were able to hold a few events on campus before spring break. Unfortunately, our Derby Days philanthropic event was canceled, but we are already looking forward to the 2021 campaign.

~Connor Rose, 2022

BALL STATE Epsilon Omega

54 1,812 10

This past semester was cut short due to the circumstances of COVID-19. Unfortunately, we were unable to host Derby Days; however, we overcame this obstacle through social media fundraising. COVID-19 really tested our operations, but we believe it made us stronger as a chapter.

~Jonathan McCoy, 2023

BAYLOR Eta Omega

63 1,112 2

It’s a time where a lot of time could be wasted, but I’m happy to say that Eta Omega has been proactive in brotherhood and chapter business. We have figured out a way to meet and hold chapter meetings on Zoom. It’s not normal, but we are making the best of the situation. We’re all excited to be back in action soon.

~Peyton Hodges, 2022

BELOIT Alpha Zeta

27 1,630 1

The chapter welcomed 17 new brothers over the last academic year — 15 fall initiates and two pledges who will be initiated when we are back on campus — almost doubling our house size from the beginning of the year. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, the

house’s brotherhood has grown stronger than ever before.

~Owen Clexton, 2021

BENTLEY Lambda Upsilon 151 199 1

The chapter had a successful 20192020 academic year after raising over $2,000 for both Derby Days and Relay for Life. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we were unable to complete our Hairless for Huntsman fundraiser. Our chapter, however, is excited to continue fundraising in the fall and reach our goal of raising $25,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

~Alexander Kinsella, 2022

BINGHAMTON Mu Gamma 50 123 0

Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment during the spring 2020 academic term was hosting province conference for the first time at our school. We were able to accompany chapters all over the northeast to a successful and meaningful province. It was informative and connected us with nearby chapters.

~Andrew Mattiello, 2022

BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN Chi Chi 48 485 1

The brothers played a large role in initiating conversations about race, social justice and the pandemic at Birmingham-Southern College. Brothers engaged in research alongside medical

professionals while working at COVID-19 testing locations. Our chapter had one of the highest GPAs we’ve had in the last five years. And we have remained committed to pursuing academic and career excellence.

~Cole Kirkpatrick, 2021

BOISE STATE Lambda Xi 97 234 3

This past semester we set out to raise our chapter GPA and better the academic standards of the brotherhood. Through the hard work and dedication of our members, we raised it from 2.86 to 3.28 overall.

~Danny Wing, 2021

BOWLING GREEN Delta Kappa

58 1,602 8

We put an emphasis on academics with quality results. We have also had a quick and smooth transition from past to present Executive Council to ensure we can set goals and hopes for the coming year. Our chapter plans its Derby Days philanthropic event for the spring of each year, which meant we did not get to continue that this spring due to COVID-19.

~Dominic Peck, 2022

BRADLEY Delta Rho

67 1,557 31

Despite the crises our world faces, the brothers have continued to remain devoted to exemplifying the name of Sigma Chi. We are proud of our

chapter’s five-star accreditation from our university for chapter operations this past academic year. As we transition into the uncertain future, we wish our brothers Strong Arms and a safe and healthy fall semester.

~Austin Moca, 2022

BRITISH COLUMBIA-SIMON

FRASER Delta Omicron

95 1,184 0

The brothers continue to demonstrate community service, despite the global pandemic, by helping deliver groceries to at-risk people as well as organizing a Greek-letter system-wide blood drive. Additionally, many brothers excelled in their extracurriculars during the year. Most notably, brothers Joshua Sacks, 2020, and Chris Gooding, 2020, won the 2020 Sauder Summit Global Case Competition in March.

~Vasko Bjeljac, 2021

BROCK Mu Zeta

30 59 0

During this pandemic, we’ve all made it top priority to stay healthy and safe. Brothers in the area decided it was time to clean the entire Fraternity house, and we decided to add new furniture and housing decor. We’re also attempting to coordinate brothers to participate in the COVID-19 relief effort for the less fortunate in the St. Catherine area.

~Seth Adamson, 2022

BRYANT Lambda Eta

40 211 1

The chapter accomplished an amazing goal this semester by winning the virtual International Derby Days philanthropic event T-shirt sales competition in order to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

~Timothy Mullen, 2022

BUCKNELL Kappa

93 2,642 14

Our most significant accomplishment was taking adequate care of our housing and kitchen staff during the COVID-19 crisis. Our staff were relying on us financially and would have lost a sizable portion of their income if we

stopped paying them. We came up with jobs for them to do so that we could continue to keep them employed.

~Lucas Alcaraz, 2020

BUTLER Rho

130 2,083 7

Despite the challenges this past spring, the chapter proudly raised over $20,000 for Huntsman Cancer Institute, achieving Bell Status. We also proudly welcomed 26 new brothers. Through pledgeship, these brothers have significantly grown into leaders. We are looking forward to a potential spring recruitment.

~Michael Carroll, 2023

CAL. POLY.-POMONA Theta Sigma

43 688 0

The chapter aims higher for a $60,000 Derby Days goal next year to top last year’s $50,000. Illustrating our passion for philanthropy, we won three of four sorority weeks, raising over $22,000 ourselves. In addition, seven of our brothers held a role in the reactivation of the San Diego State chapter.

~Brian Chonos, 2022

CAL. STATE-FRESNO Epsilon Eta

50 1,849 58

We’re excited to have gotten the opportunity to live in the house over the summer. This is the first year it has stayed open, and despite these times we’re in, we are trying our best to stay positive through it all and make the best out of things. We are ready to go into this next year with a newfound ambition.

~Nolan Long, 2022

CAL. STATE-SAN MARCOS Mu Beta

48 142 1

With our new executive board in place, we are looking forward to the upcoming school year. Although our school has transitioned to online learning this fall, we are hoping our chapter will be able to find success in this period of time. We are planning our Derby Days for spring with hopes that it will be in-person.

~Matt Rodriguez, 2022

CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY Alpha Beta

44 1,731 4

Over this unprecedented semester, we established a diverse and accomplished pledge class of 14 newly initiated brothers, all of who have exceptional academic standing and affable character. In this past academic year, we more than doubled the number of new members compared to the previous academic year; in total, we initiated 26 new members for the 2019-2020 academic year.

~Alessandro Esciua, 2023

CALIFORNIA-DAVIS Theta Omicron

67 699 5

Although our spring Derby Days fundraiser was cancelled due to COVID-19, we are proud to report that we raised over $16,500 as a chapter with the help of our wonderful alumni.

~Oliver Hannaoui, 2022

CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES

Delta Eta

86 1,876 3

During the 2020 spring academic term, the chapter was able to remain strong during these difficult times. We fostered our brotherhood and provided support for each other, no matter the circumstances. We also maintained a strong academic record by working

hard to keep our grades up in a tough time that no one could have predicted.

~Nick Darrow, 2023

CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA Zeta Kappa

45 1,189 1

Despite being prevented from holding our Derby Days philanthropic event, our chapter demonstrated versatility and commitment to serving others. Our brothers sold shirts for COVID-19 relief efforts and took initiative to start a campuswide fund for underprivileged Black children, raising $5,000 in total. Additionally, we congratulate Jason Stone, 2020, who was recognized as the university’s Fraternity Member of the Year.

~Alan Thomas, 2022

CARNEGIE MELLON Lambda Pi 35 175 0

In the face of great adversity, the chapter had a fantastic spring semester. While major philanthropic events were canceled, the chapter still raised thousands of dollars for the Pittsburgh NAACP and Huntsman Cancer Institute. With Strong Arms, we maintained our brotherhood online. We are planning for all fall scenarios and can’t wait to be back together.

~Maxwell Plottel, 2023

CENTRE Zeta Zeta

50 1,497 7

The brothers of the chapter have taken great pride in our recent accomplishments and our ability to adapt during these unprecedented times. Despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to initiate 11 new members this spring and excel in our virtual philanthropy efforts by earning first place in the Huntsman Cancer Institute Virtual Run.

~Alexander Hazel, 2023

CINCINNATI Zeta Psi

97 2,581 16

Despite an unprecedented year due to COVID-19, the chapter has found success. The chapter GPA was above 3.6 for the spring semester. Additionally, our chapter worked tirelessly to find new ways to adjust operations and brotherhood through Zoom calls and other virtual platforms.

and will initiate 14 young men in August. The chapter also embarked on joint philanthropy events at UConn’s Husky Village with other organizations. This was a new and enjoyable experience for all active brothers.

~Garrett Noonan, 2020

CORNELL Alpha Phi

47 2,149 3

Our chapter, despite the difficulty of virtual learning, was able to raise and donate over $8,000 to support COVID-19 relief efforts and Communities United Against Police Brutality. We have maintained a strong GPA while serving as leaders on campus. Our brothers are excited to return to campus in the fall.

~Harrison Nicholas, 2022

DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S

Gamma Rho

24 1,147 17

We look forward to being back in the fall and a successful upcoming year.

~Matthew Peterson, 2020

CLARKSON Iota Zeta

29 553 8

The chapter has managed to accomplish many great things in the spring 2020 semester. Of these accomplishments, the greatest is the chapter’s contribution to the community. In just a little over two months, the 44 brothers of the chapter amassed 293 hours and 50 minutes of service time. We plan to continue to serve the Clarkson community.

~Jacob Laraway, 2021

CONNECTICUT Gamma Omega

52 1,219 23

Gamma Omega’s first semester as a recognized organization by the University of Connecticut was full of accomplishments. The chapter fully embraced a new recruitment process

Spring of 2020 showed immense promise for the chapter, with the large pledge class of the fall semester taking immediate strides to make a difference. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, philanthropy events for the semester were postponed. With an entirely new executive board, the chapter hopes to build off its strong year with a successful fall campaign.

~Nolan White, 2022

DENISON Mu

16 1,845 0

After COVID-19 abruptly shut down campus at Denison, our chapter has already begun to prepare for the modified fall 2020 semester. We conducted elections to fulfill our positions, and we are looking forward to welcoming back members who were studying abroad the previous semester.

~Reed Owens, 2023

DENVER Delta Iota

78 1,253 2

As the spring quarter comes to an end, the chapter looks forward to re-convening as the campus starts to open in the fall. The chapter is excited for recruitment this fall after not being able to hold spring recruitment due to COVID-19.

Spirits are high as brothers slowly start coming back to Denver for the summer months.

~Steven Weese, 2022

DEPAUW Xi 53 2,050 12

The most significant achievement for the chapter during the spring 2020 term was our incredible GPA improvement. Despite the struggles of moving online halfway through the semester, our brothers were able to accumulate an average GPA of 3.51 during the spring semester while supporting each other personally and academically, especially while away from campus.

~Townsend Driggs, 2021

DRAKE Theta Gamma 13 574 4

After practicing proper safety measures during the spring of 2020, the men of the chapter are ready to approach the next year feeling energized and ready to take on any challenges.

~Jack Vander Top, 2023

EAST TENNESSEE Zeta Omega 62 856 8

As a result of the world moving online due to COVID-19, the chapter had to adapt to a new normal. We currently have eight pledges awaiting initiation upon removal of restrictions. The chapter conducted a successful online philanthropy campaign by raising over $2,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We are excited for a successful 2020-2021 academic year.

~Culton Hensley, 2022

~Mason Thacker, 2022 /

EASTERN KENTUCKY Eta Alpha 39 936 5

The spring semester of 2020 has been interesting for the chapter. All of us were disappointed to see the semester get switched online, but everyone adapted well and finished strong. With the fall semester right around the corner, we are eager to see what rules and precautions will take place for recruitment, meetings and events.

ELON Theta Omega

51 638 3

During the spring of 2020, our brothers took pride in our chapter’s recruitment, bid process and new member entry efforts despite COVID-19 obstructions. We made sure to uphold Sigma Chi values and traditions with our new members during a strange time.

~Cam MacMaster, 2022

EMBRY-RIDDLE (DAYTONA BEACH)

Eta Iota

50 929 25

The chapter held a virtual graduation ceremony to commemorate all graduating brothers for what they have done for the chapter and the bright futures ahead of them. On behalf of the chapter, we would also like to offer our sincere gratitude for health care workers, first responders and all other essential personnel who helped us get through this time.

~Gary Wegener, 2020

EMBRY-RIDDLE (PRESCOTT)

Kappa Phi

29 235 13

Despite extenuating circumstances, the chapter had a successful semester in the spring of 2020. Our chapter was named Outstanding Chapter of the Year and Chapter of Principle by our campus community. Additionally, we held our first Derby Days in three years and recruited five outstanding young men for the Preparation for Brotherhood program. They will be initiated in the fall.

~Logan Hill, 2022

EMORY Beta Chi

42 2,294 16

Our chapter faced its share of challenges by being sent home midway through March. I am most proud of how united we have remained, especially our 21 pledges who have still yet to be initiated. As of now, we are returning to campus to begin the school year on Aug. 19, with plans to initiate them as soon as possible.

~Michael Innes, 2022

FLORIDA Gamma Theta

112 3,429 29

Like so many organizations, the chapter had its activities cut short this spring semester due to COVID-19. However, we were still able to raise over $15,000 for Derby Days in addition to a $1,000 chapter contribution and individual contributions in support of various social change movements.

~Jack Ward, 2021

FLORIDA ATLANTIC Lambda Tau 53 223 6

The chapter finished the semester strong despite COVID-19. We raised $25,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and built sound relations on campus. With effective recruitment and by hitting the books, we achieved our highest chapter GPA of 3.239. We were named Chapter of the Year through the Interfraternity Council and hosted a Zoom brotherhood to celebrate. We look to maintain this momentum.

~Jordan Acevedo, 2021

FLORIDA GULF COAST Lambda Zeta 48 306 1

The chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University had an eventful year. In the academic aspect we raised our chapter GPA by 0.73 from fall 2019 to spring 2020 and still are looking to improve going into next semester. We are also extremely excited for our Derby Days philanthropic event and are striving to be in the $20,000 club again.

~Alec Adamy, 2023

FLORIDA SOUTHERN Epsilon Sigma 28 800 40

The brothers are proud to have raised our average GPA up to a 3.6 for the spring semester, with over a quarter of our brothers earning a 4.0.

~Andrew Roman, 2020

FORT HAYS Zeta Tau 27 629 2

We have recruited five men, and they were initiated before COVID-19 struck. We have been able to maintain chapter operations through these difficult times. Living in the new house has also been

going awesome. The past few months have been used as a planning period for how to approach this upcoming fall semester. Bryson Homman, 2020, was also elected to be student body vice president this semester, as well. The chapter will have its annual summer meeting the second week of July and will be welcoming back most of the brothers to Hays for the first time since campus closed.

~Jon Beck, 2019

FURMAN Iota Nu

65 700 8

The chapter has done our best to remain strong and productive as we enter the fall semester. Following Furman’s decision to sunset fraternity houses and the challenges of quarantine life, our leadership has worked hard to adapt to these changes remotely by having video conference chapter meetings. It’s safe to say we’re all excited to come back for a great fall.

~Garrett Hensley, 2022

GEORGE MASON Iota Xi 22 485 4

The chapter has used this unprecedented time to foster our friendships and brotherhood. We have held virtual board game nights and hikes in order to achieve this. We are also proud of our younger brothers taking leadership positions and wish them luck in the coming semesters.

~Warren Penn, 2021

GEORGE WASHINGTON Epsilon 53 1,899 6

In an immensely successful Derby Days philanthropic event, the men of the chapter raised nearly $40,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute despite shortened semester. Once off campus, brothers banded together to launch a social media fundraising campaign, collecting nearly $1,000 for Mariam’s Kitchen. We look forward to returning to George Washington in the fall and initiating the new pledge class.

~Jorgealberto Partida, 2022

GEORGETOWN Mu Theta 37 39 0

Despite the chaos and confusion that came with the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter was able to succeed academically and adapt to the difficult circumstances. Together, the brothers of our chapter achieved an average GPA of 3.5. This was a great accomplishment for our newly formed chapter, and we are hoping for future success, as well.

~John O’Connor, 2023

GEORGIA Delta 133 2841 46

The chapter’s GPA for spring 2020 was 3.45. We were able to raise over $74,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of our brother Sam Asbury, 2020. The chapter placed second among all fraternities in the UGA Miracle Presidents Day fundraising competition benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

~Justin Grissom, 2021

GEORGIA SOUTHERN Eta Zeta 102 1382 2

The chapter’s most significant accomplishment during the spring 2020 academic term was to successfully begin and finish the renovations to the house despite the pandemic. The plumbing system was updated along with new paint on the walls throughout the house. The brothers are excited to return to their newly renovated house in the fall.

~Jannie Nel, 2021

GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN Eta Theta 33 717 5

Our spring semester went very well. We had our first spring pledge class in many years. We also eclipsed the highest amount ever raised by our chapter for its Derby Days philanthropic event by a significant margin. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also joined with two other fraternities to make a meal donation to our local health care workers.

~Lane Odom, 2021

GEORGIA TECH Beta Psi

77 2,291 17

We improved our average GPA to a 3.74, which is the fourth highest among fraternities and well above the campus average.

~Davis Palmie, 2021

GETTYSBURG Theta

46 1,697 4

The chapter exhibited its penchant for high achievement during the spring 2020 semester. Through our virtual Derby Days philanthropic event, brothers have raised nearly $30,000 for cancer research, a testament to our stellar philanthropic efforts that consistently exceed expectations, even while off campus. Brothers also garnered an average term GPA of 3.63, well above the all-student average of 3.51.

~Justin Letizia, 2021

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY Sigma Sigma

40 997 1

Due to COVID-19, our spring semester was cut short. However, the brothers of the chapter finished the semester strong and are eager to make a return to campus. The boys are looking forward to having a productive and meaningful fall and are excited to accomplish their goals.

~Samuel Taylor, 2021

HANOVER Chi

38 1454 3

We were incredibly proud to bring in a large spring pledge class, win awards for Best Fraternity and Greek Philanthropic Service on our campus and regain our title as the highest fraternity GPA at Hanover College. I expect our success to continue as we approach the chapter’s 150th anniversary.

~Jared Thies, 2020

HILLSDALE Alpha Kappa

38 665 4

This fall, the chapter will reach its 40th year at Hillsdale College. Our Tribune, Dennis Fassett, 2021, has been working with four decades of Sigma Chis all hailing from the same house. We are looking forward to truly reconnecting with alumni from across the years and sharing in a meal and Ritualistic activities alongside those who built our chapter.

~Clayton DeJong, 2020

IDAHO Gamma Eta

61 1,654 5

For the 2020 Virtual Awards Ceremony, the chapter was honorably named Greek Chapter of the Year along with winning Outstanding Philanthropy for a number of different events, such as Derby Days, which has raised a total of $20,240 to date for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Preparations have begun for the chapter’s 100th anniversary, which will be in 2024.

~Kyler Skinner, 2023

INDIANA Lambda

192 3,502 9

The chapter has been fervently working to adapt to the restrictions caused by COVID-19 by altering living conditions. The chapter house’s capacity has been reduced slightly, along with spreading out personal living spaces to promote social distancing. The chapter also recently donated the remaining philanthropy budget to rebuilding efforts of mostly minority-owned businesses in Minneapolis that were destroyed in the recent demonstrations.

~Nick Foos, 2022

IOWA Alpha Eta

85 2,129 3

While we were saddened for our semester to be cut short, brothers have still been connecting virtually. A new pledge class of 30 brothers are also ready to be initiated when we return in the fall, along with a new pledge class in the fall. The chapter will continue to build our brothers into leaders and create positive change in our community.

~John Hoffman, 2022

KANSAS Alpha Xi

75 2,993 14

The chapter’s most significant accomplishment during the spring 2020 academic term was our ability to raise the house GPA despite the challenges faced with remote learning and having the leave the chapter house midway through the semester due to COVID-19. We all stuck together, stayed in communication and worked as a team to achieve this.

~Eddie Cubit, 2022

KANSAS STATE Delta Upsilon

72 1,496 6

Although much this spring was hampered by the pandemic, the chapter had the honor of hosting the Kansas province on our campus in Manhattan. Brothers from here at Kansas State, along with the University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University, were able to gather and hear from each other.

~Matthew Kuckelman, 2022

KENT STATE Zeta Lambda

56 945 28

The chapter had a rough end to the spring semester due to the COVID-19 outbreak; our chapter missed out on a very promising semester. On a positive note, the chapter maintained a higher GPA than the all men’s average at Kent, and huge thanks to the alumni that helped fund and repair the house this following year.

~Matthew Georgevich, 2022

LOUISVILLE Iota Lambda

110 822 3

Amid the national COVID-19 crisis, the chapter brought food from local restaurants to medical workers to help those at the forefront of the pandemic. Not only this, but the chapter also raised $83,000 for raiseRED, the University of Louisville’s annual dance marathon that raises money for pediatric cancer research.

~Rolandson Le, 2020

MARQUETTE Iota Pi

67 630 2

The chapter was able to hold digital elections and smoothly transition into

our new executive board despite the challenges of COVID-19. Alumni relations were improved with our chapter’s 30th anniversary. Philanthropic efforts to raise funds for the Huntsman Cancer Institute were successful through the use of social media raffles and our new online donation page.

~Brendan Vazquez, 2022

MASSACHUSETTS-AMHERST

Mu Epsilon

46 99 0

The chapter has exhibited another record year. The chapter recruited our largest pledge class yet, saw the number of brothers on the dean’s list increase and weathered the COVID-19 storm by developing online elections and chapter meetings. Our chapter continues to strive for the Peterson Significant Chapter Gold Award.

~Hunter Apteker, 2021

MCGILL Gamma Lambda

45 1,123 0

The chapter continued to stay connected despite distance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud to welcome our new sweetheart, whose election was held over a group video call. Additionally, our chapter organized a fundraiser in collaboration with other Greek-letter organizations from our campus. We raised over $25,000 for ACLU initiative Demand Justice Now.

~Nathaniel Waddell, 2023

MEMPHIS Epsilon Kappa

47 1146 9

Our chapter has been gearing up to reach new heights in the upcoming fall semester despite hurdles from COVID-19. We are anticipating another successful recruitment and initiation after having the best spring Interfraternity Council recruitment numbers on campus. We hope to continue our impact in philanthropic efforts through Derby Days by raising at least $20,000 for the fifth consecutive year.

~Keyarash Hatamzadeh, 2022

MIAMI (FLORIDA) Gamma Phi

92 2,024 13

Following the pandemic, our chapter decided to create an apparel line with the goal of donating all proceeds to Feeding America. We were able to raise over $1,000, directly giving that money to the organization. We provided many families in need with meals through these funds and hope we helped lift a weight from struggling Americans everywhere.

~Zack Slogoff, 2022

MIAMI (OHIO) Alpha

120 2,794 13

Unfortunately, many of the chapter’s great plans were cut short for the spring semester, though two key accomplishments stand out. Our chapter advisor, Drew Harmon, CINCINNATI 2014, was recognized with the Fraternity Advisor of the Year Award. We cannot thank him enough. Additionally, we made tremendous efforts to finish the semester strong by averaging an incredible 3.72 GPA for the spring.

~Patrick Nolan, 2021

MICHIGAN Theta Theta

81 2,586 7

Despite moving home from school two months early, the men finished the semester strong with a record number of brothers earning high GPAs. Currently, brothers are working as interns and researchers across the country in sectors such as sustainability and technology. Chapter alumni, please join our LinkedIn page, Sigma ChiUniversity of Michigan.

~Evan Glatt, 2022

MINNESOTA Alpha Sigma

128 2,052 6

The recent events in Minneapolis hit close to home for the chapter. Sigma Chi has taught us that leaders step up during times of adversity. On June 6, we held a donation drive to collect supplies for those struggling in our community. The recruitment of a new pledge class is underway, and the chapter is ready for fall 2020.

~Cooper Falteisek, 2023

MISSISSIPPI Eta

237 3,852 12

The chapter has remained unified through these times of separation. We have been proud to assist the community throughout COVID-19 through our large donation of food to Oxford Intermediate School, a $10,000 pledge dedicated to stimulating the local economy, as well as raising almost $11,000 through GoFundMe to assist our staff.

~Benjamin Cosby, 2021

MISSISSIPPI STATE Gamma Upsilon

232 3,103 16

Even with the circumstances of COVID-19, and most of our philanthropy events held in the late spring, the chapter still managed to do an outstanding job during its Derby Days philanthropic event. Raising a total of $93,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Catch a Dream, the chapter had an outstanding year.

~Jonathan Boone, 2021

MISSOURI S & T Theta Eta

34 478 3

In the spring of 2020, our chapter achieved one of the highest fraternity GPA ratings on campus.

~Chad Robertson, 2023

MISSOURI STATE Eta Kappa

54 971 1

We were able to bring back the Derby Days philanthropic event to our chapter. Since our rechartering, we have not hosted a Derby Days to the extent of what we knew was attainable, but this past spring our former and current

Annotator partnered up to make sure that our Derby Days was a success, and it was.

~Brayden Venatta, 2022

MIT Alpha Theta 52 1,405 0

Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment from the spring 2020 academic term was being named the winners of the Interfraternity Council’s Kenneth R. Wadleigh Faculty Interaction Award. The award is presented annually to the student organization that has best promoted and encouraged faculty-student interaction in their organization.

~Hamilton Forsythe, 2021

MONTANA Beta Delta 34 2,123 21

Being challenged with the transitions of COVID-19, the chapter stood strong in the face of adversity. As a collective, we attacked our academic challenges with vigor by maintaining a 3.3 GPA for the semester. In addition, we welcomed four new brothers into our Fraternity.

~Rylan Russell, 2023

NEBRASKA Alpha Epsilon 91 2,266 11

During the spring of 2020, the chapter here at Nebraska finally accomplished its long-awaited goal from when we reopened of getting into the $20,000 club for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Hard work, dedication and time were put in from the brothers during philanthropies and fundraising events to make this happen.

~Colin Crayne, 2020

NEW HAVEN Lambda Epsilon

40 290 5

For the spring 2020 semester, we were happy to welcome and initiate 11 new brothers into the chapter before our university closed on-campus activities for the rest of the academic semester.

~Cam Hailey, 2021

NEW MEXICO STATE Zeta Phi

53 522 3

The chapter was recognized with significant accolades at the 2019-2020 New Mexico State University Greek Awards by bringing home eight awards, including the Chapter of Excellence President’s Cup, which is only given to one fraternity on campus each year. These awards were earned because of the commitment our chapter has to improve our campus and community.

~Mario Martinez, 2021

NORTH ALABAMA Eta Rho

37 843 5

This past spring our chapter was able to excel despite COVID-19. We were able volunteer for A Night to Shine, a prom for special needs individuals ages 14 and older. We also raised our overall GPA to finish with a 3.027 for the semester. We look forward to the 2020-2021 school year.

~Tucker Walters, 2021

NORTH CAROLINA-CHAPEL HILL

Alpha Tau

92 1,971 5

This past semester has been challenging for the chapter, but we have found new ways to be successful during this turbulent time. Before our campus closed, our chapter hosted an extremely beneficial learning program through Sigma Chi. Since campus closed, our chapter has been diligent in ensuring continued success and has raised over $2,500 in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

~Brendan Carr, 2021

NORTH CAROLINA-CHARLOTTE

Mu Alpha

62 148 1

We have yet again established

primary ranking in total active members and cumulative GPA scores demographically. Our ventures for off-campus housing have succeeded, as we add the largest satellite house on campus to our repertoire. During COVID-19 our chapter is consistently planning events for philanthropy and community service without any lull to our momentum.

~Amit Mohite, 2022

NORTH FLORIDA Kappa Beta

62 605 10

Our biggest accomplishment from our fall 2019 term was initiating one of largest, most active pledge classes the chapter has seen. Our brotherhood is as close as ever, and we continue to thrive on and off campus. We look forward to expanding our chapter next year and taking on new roles in Interfraternity Council and Student Government.

~Keith Millovan, 2021

NORTH GEORGIA Theta Epsilon

37 843 27

During the spring 2020 academic term, the chapter achieved our highest term GPA on record. We entered the semester with a mindset to motivate our members by promoting scholarship and creating organized study halls. In result, we were very successful by achieving an overall 3.37 term GPA, with 80 percent of our members achieving over a 3.0 GPA.

~Nicholas Langford, 2021

NORTHERN ARIZONA Zeta Omicron

41 1,076 9

Throughout the end of the spring 2020 semester, the chapter was able to successfully hold meetings and elections via Zoom. We also held a virtual meeting with a life coach to discuss leadership and being productive during quarantine. Most importantly, we completed our three-year revitalization plan and are in good standing with the school and international Fraternity.

~Kyle Anderson, 2020

NORTHWESTERN Omega 113 2,451 7

New officers elected include Tyler Turk, 2022, as Consul; Brandon Kyung, 2022, as Pro Consul; Will Dehaan, 2022, as Annotator; Connor Henderson, 2022, as Magister; and Rohan Balakrishna, 2022, as Quaestor. Trevor Lystad, 2020, received the chapter and province Balfour awards, and Turk and Karam Hansen, 2020, received John Thumel Memorial Scholarships. We will hold chapter meetings over Zoom.

~Gustav Enger, 2022

OHIO Delta Pi 77 1,585 6

The chapter hopes everyone is safe and healthy in these trying times. As the school year approaches, we are looking forward to seeing each other again and reviving the brotherhood.

~Sam Halloran, 2022

OKLAHOMA STATE Gamma Delta 114 2663 48

The chapter has continued our scholarship focus by achieving a 3.76 cumulative GPA in the spring of 2020, which ranked second among fraternities. We were also able to triple our monetary contribution to the Huntsman Cancer Institute despite having to cancel our Derby Days philanthropic event due to COVID-19. Our chapter was also recognized with several awards from the Interfraternity Council.

~Jared Kuykendall, 2021

OREGON Beta Iota 106 2,450 1

Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment was being able to ensure that each and every brother was safe and protected throughout these complicated times.

~Adam Saleh, 2021

OREGON STATE Beta Pi

125 1,917 3

We are most proud of our ability to stay connected this spring through online communication. We recognize that in order to succeed in the future, we need to remain a strongly unified chapter,

especially in these difficult times.

~Cam O’Brien, 2022

OTTAWA Lambda Theta 33 208 4

The brothers of the chapter were proud of initiating three brothers in 2020. We also organized a hockey game with the brothers of the Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, which resulted in donating $800 toward mental health research. The Homeless for the Homeless campaign was another success, during which we raised $2,000 to provide shelters for the Ottawa community.

~Mahmoud Adi, 2022

PACIFIC Kappa Sigma 27 386 3

The chapter’s noteworthy accomplishments this past semester were seen in our charitable gains and new members. Although COVID-19 caused an abrupt halt to our semester, our chapter was able to recruit 11 gentleman and raise more than $2,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. With these two accomplishments, we strive to continue and fulfill Sigma Chi’s ideas and values.

~Ranier Sadang, 2022

PENN STATE Alpha Chi 67 1,972 23

As the chapter prepares for the 2020-2021 academic year, we look back and celebrate our 25 graduating seniors and celebrate raising over $110,000 for THON, Penn State’s all-night dance marathon benefitting pediatric cancer research and treatment.

~Jonathan Shuster, 2022

PITTSBURG STATE Zeta Iota 21 1,905 19

The most significant accomplishment was the reunion and celebration of our chapter being on campus for 55 years. We invited all past and present members to come together to share all of the paths that Sigma Chi has helped create. We had a great weekend and shared the visions of the chapter from the past and the present.

~Andrew Heathman, 2021

FALL

PRINCETON Sigma

27 210 1

Brothers spearheaded a donation initiative, raising $3,857 in support of the American Civil Liberties Union. Under the guidance of Grand Praetor Bill Sapoch, DICKINSON 1984, and the Constantine Housing Initiative, we received a Small Business Administration loan to further house renovations. We have also held virtual chapter meetings to ensure that our sense of brotherhood continues to grow during the COVID-19 era.

~Jorge Zreik, 2022

PUGET SOUND Delta Phi

66 1,372 4

Amidst these uncertain times, the chapter has maintained a strong brotherhood by welcoming 22 new members in the spring. Like our brotherhood, our philanthropic efforts have not faltered. We raised over $2,000 during our Derby Days philanthropic event, supported our local COVID-19 relief fund and helped clean our local beaches.

~Benjamin Whitley, 2021

PURDUE Delta Delta

132 2,616 7

We are extremely proud of our team of nine Purdue Sigs and their efforts in the Ventilator Project this spring, and it is amazing to see how we can help support our communities around us. We would also like to congratulate our outstanding chapter adviser, Nate Gustus, 2005, for being recognized as Adviser of the Year by the Purdue Interfraternity Council.

~David Kratzman, 2021

R.I.T. Lambda Kappa

43 165 2

The chapter recruited five new members; however, their education was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excellent leadership from our executive committee allowed the chapter to smoothly transition to remote chapter and officer meetings. Even with our Derby Days philanthropic event cancelled, $3,500 was raised for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Additionally, a virtual 5K is planned for June 27.

~Ryan Kent, 2021

RENSSELAER Delta Psi

42 1,123 4

As a brotherhood, we responded well to the COVID-19 outbreak and the transition to distanced learning in the spring. Staying true to the optimism instilled in us at the Hudson Valley province weekend late in February, we will continue to embrace new challenges as we begin to plan for the fall at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

~Kent Johnson, 2022

RIPON Epsilon Lambda

24 755 7

The chapter has spent this semester improving the wellness of our chapter. Our biggest stride toward this was renovating our library to facilitate a calm studying environment. This helps us keep important documents and paraphernalia organized and gives brothers an undisturbed area to study. Since the renovation, we have used the library for studying more than in past years.

~Yacob Bennett, 2022

ROANOKE Tau

25 1,451 5

The chapter was out to a great start at the beginning of 2021, enthusiasm was record high, Fraternity moral was nothing but positive, and our chapter was thriving. Even with the current pandemic, our undergraduate brothers have high hopes for the future of the chapter and are ecstatic to return to campus in the fall.

~Patrick Cline, 2021

ROCHESTER Gamma Pi

38 1,444 6

Spring 2020 for the chapter, like every other Sigma Chi chapter, was cut off entirely too short. Our brotherhood has done its best to stay as connected as possible in these trying times, and we look forward to and hope to be on campus once again in the fall.

~Spencer Danforth, 2021

SAINT LOUIS Theta Iota

39 662 5

Our chapter welcomed five new members to our pledge class at the start of the spring semester. After courses moved online, our chapter continued operations virtually, and we were named champion of our university’s virtual Greek Week. For the adjusted fall semester, contingency plans are being created for a successful recruitment and viable chapter meetings.

~Ryan Wilks, 2021

SAN DIEGO STATE Delta Xi

60 2,432 15

The chapter finished the year with its reinstallation, along with initiating our first class of 83 men. A highlight of the semester was attending our province retreat at Loyola Marymount University with 48 of our brothers. We were able to work with other Sigs and learn how to uphold our values on campus.

~Lucas Russell, 2023

SAN JOSE STATE Epsilon Theta 45 1346 2

Our chapter’s Derby Days philanthropic event was a success, as we are proud to announce that we have reached the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s $20K Club. Furthermore, we received the highest

GPA out of all Greek-letter organizations on campus for the fall 2019 semester. Ultimately, as the 2020-2021 school year approaches, our brothers look forward to continuing the chapter’s success.

~Levi Coveau, 2021

SANTA CLARA Lambda Gamma 85 329 0

We were able to successfully transition to virtual chapter meetings and maintained brotherhood connections through weekly virtual competitions.

~Grady Olson, 2021

SOUTH ALABAMA Eta Epsilon 71 982 8

Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment was the flexibility of our brotherhood. After the coronavirus pandemic hit and everything was put on hold, our chapter stayed headstrong, held virtual elections and voted on our chapter’s positions for next semester.

~Benjamin Ratley, 2022

SOUTH FLORIDA Theta Beta 50 832 17

The chapter at the University of South Florida experienced an absurd spring semester. The chapter experienced a successful spring recruitment; unfortunately, we were unable to

From left, North Carolina-Wilmington colony members Eli Blanton, 2023, Zachary Bingler, 2023, Connor Moll, 2023, Ben Tidball, 2024, Holden Walker, 2023, Jay Faires, 2023, and Connor Curran, 2023, take a photograph together following their final pledge education meeting.

initiate them but hope to do so soon. Brothers have continued to get more involved on and off campus by taking part in opportunities in what we believe will change the world.

~Alex Armeli, 2022

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Epsilon Phi 65 1,222 20

During these uncertain times, the chapter stands determined to continue our long-running success. We have welcomed Cesar Fraire, 2022, as our newly elected Consul, and the chapter is more than confident in his ability to lead. With Southeast Missouri State’s announcement of in-person classes returning in the fall, Matt Brotherton, 2021, and company look forward to producing another exceptional fall recruitment. Finally, the chapter stands strong and united in the fight against racism, prejudice and all hideous forms of oppression.

~Daniel Dobbs, 2021

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS-CARBONDALE Lambda Omicron 32 136 1

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter excelled in our academics with a 3.052 GPA. We’re planning for the uncertain fall semester while looking to build an even stronger brotherhood.

~Ricky Waldron, 2020

SOUTHERN METHODIST Delta Mu 164 1,724 2

The chapter enters fall 2020 with 115 active brothers and a promising roster of recruits. The chapter finished spring 2020 with a record cumulative GPA of 3.692 while also having raised $52,000

for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The chapter invites alumni to visit during Homecoming from Oct. 22-25 and see the improvements to the chapter house. We miss our graduates.

~Nicholas Barrett, 2022

ST. THOMAS Iota Tau

19 336 2

Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment during the spring 2020 academic term was initiating 10 new brothers into the Fraternity. As of this writing, we all were extremely excited for the fall 2020 semester, when we planned to hold the chapter’s 30th anniversary and its Derby Days philanthropic event.

~Matthew Karel, 2022

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN Eta Tau 23 1,009 14

Despite moving to online classes, the chapter secured an average GPA of 2.98. Brothers have stayed in touch over social media, and the executive board has conducted numerous meetings through Zoom to stay up-to-date and uphold our duties. We have also formed a recruitment committee for the fall semester and have already touched base with several potential new members.

~Cameron Knetig, 2021

SYRACUSE Psi Psi

93 1,842 7

Our chapter enjoyed another successful semester at 737 Comstock Ave. this spring. We kicked off the semester by welcoming back the Red Cross to host our biannual blood drive. Since then, we have been working hard with our newly created alumni advisory board to

grow and improve internal operations.

~Dylan Honis, 2022

TARLETON STATE Kappa Xi

23 385 4

The chapter at Tarleton State has managed to maintain a thriving brotherhood with biweekly meetings over Zoom throughout the pandemic. On top of this, we had one of our most successful academic semesters to date and are ready to hit the ground running next fall with some new philanthropic ideas.

~Matthew Flores, 2021

TENNESSEE TECH Eta Delta

35 837 24

The chapter had a productive spring semester. We helped our community with tornado cleanup, donated to Children’s Miracle Network, and we’re working to host our 50th anniversary celebrations this summer. Our chapter also received the highest combined fraternity GPA as well as the highest recorded Interfraternity Council GPA in Tennessee Tech history this spring 2020 semester.

~Andrew Crouch, 2022

TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA

Delta Theta

46 1,382 12

The chapter was able to not only hold elections despite COVID-19, but also was able to give refunds to people who paid in full and still have plenty of money in the bank to operate. The chapter raised our overall GPA, as well, and pinned seven new recruits.

~Joseph Bagwell, 2022

TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION

Eta Upsilon

183 1,588 1

Despite the short semester, we were still able to raise and donate over $47,000 to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Our spring pledge class finished with the highest-ranked GPA in the Interfraternity Council, and Mikey Jaillet, 2020, was named Fraternity Man of the Year. We are looking forward to the fall semester along with

completing renovations on our chapter house.

~Michael Johnson, 2021

TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE Zeta Eta

37 1,218

The spring 2020 academic term led to the chapter’s highest cumulative GPA since our founding. We were inspired to take our average grades from the previous academic year and excel this entire year. Our hard work paid off, and we attained a 3.443 cumulative GPA as a chapter.

~Parker Aguilar, 2019

TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE Zeta Pi 32 819 15

Here at Texas A&M University Kingsville, we have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic just like others. Despite the circumstances, our chapter went on to win the Program of the Year Award with our second annual Mr. Sigma Chi event. Along with winning the award, seven bids were handed out, accepted and prepared for the Preparation for Brotherhood program.

~JC Mendoza, 2023

TEXAS CHRISTIAN Epsilon Mu 85 1,455 1

The chapter increased our chapter GPA immensely from the fall 2019 semester to the spring 2020 semester. In the fall 2019 semester, the chapter averaged a 3.156 GPA. In the spring 2020 semester, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter averaged a 3.601 GPA.

~John Getgey, 2022

TEXAS-AUSTIN Alpha Nu 116 2,894 7

The chapter has had an exceptional semester despite the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we transitioned to online learning, our brothers finished the semester strong academically while fostering brotherhood remotely, including a virtual scholarship recognition night. We also continued our support of our B Positive hero Kevin by helping raise funds for his medical expenses.

~Michael Bain, 2022

TORONTO-RYERSON Beta Omega

29 1,243 6

This semester was one for the books. While life changed as we know it, it also provided our brothers an opportunity to see how strong our brotherhood is despite a global pandemic cancelling events we had planned. Throughout the lockdown, our brothers have maintained daily contact. We are ready to come back better than ever with a strong fall recruitment.

~Zakyr Rhemtulla, 2023

TROY Eta Phi

55 1345 4

Our chapter achieved a GPA of 3.33, which sets a new record for overall GPA at the chapter. We also initiated 22 new brothers into our chapter as we look to build on our legacy of leadership and service at Troy University.

~Blake Garris, 2020

TULSA Delta Omega

43 1,291 1

During this past semester, our chapter has had to adapt to many new changes surrounding COVID-19. Despite these challenges, we were still able to be together as a group by using online tools such as Microsoft Teams, where we held our elections, executive meetings and simply spent time with our brothers.

~Max Johnson, 2023

UNION Gamma Zeta 93 1518 1

As of this writing, Union College was still waiting to hear about returning to school, but the chapter had been preparing for its recruitment week and its regular fall initiation process. With regard to philanthropy, our officers have proposed ideas that would raise money and promote awareness for the Black Lives Matter movement.

~Jamie Rice, 2022

UTAH Beta Epsilon

176 3,907 8

The chapter made lots of great progress this past term. The most significant was raising our chapter GPA up to a 3.62

from a 3.09. This was achieved by holding our brothers accountable and our amazing scholarship chairman, Nathan Hall, 2022.

~Ian Pawlak, 2022

UTAH STATE Gamma Kappa 40 2,115 17

The chapter is proud to announce our high academic achievement of a 3.48, beating out the all men’s average of 3.27. We are looking forward to the fall semester.

~Tanner McClune, 2021

VALDOSTA STATE Lambda Mu 25 143 0

Throughout the past semester, our chapter has seen many accomplishments. Besides continuing our academic success throughout the transition from in-person to virtual classes, our brothers have handled the COVID-19 pandemic very well. With a large quantity of our brothers remaining in Valdosta, we have done a great job at following the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention guidelines for gatherings and social distancing.

~Sawyer Lynch, 2022

VALPARAISO Iota Sigma 31 582 1

The chapter received six awards from the fraternity and sorority community including Pillar of Excellence and Most Improved Chapter. Brother Christopher Rekitzke, 2020, also received Fraternity Man of the Year.

~Jacob Newkirk, 2020

VILLANOVA Kappa Chi 93 431 0

We did an exceptional job adapting to significant changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter is proud to say that, in addition to our planned philanthropy efforts toward pediatric cancer, we were leaders on campus as one of the first organizations to virtually execute successful fundraisers for both COVID-19 relief a nd the Black Lives Matter movement.

~Vincent Tricarico, 2022

VIRGINIA Psi

53 2,110 7

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we were removed from campus but still were able to hold weekly chapter meetings via Zoom. Additionally, many of our brothers volunteered to help combat the spread of COVID-19 by providing masks or free grocery delivery for the elderly.

~Ryan Franks, 2020

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH

Mu Delta 17 67 0

Spring 2020, our chapter, along with all others across the country, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we were unfortunately unable to initiate our spring 2020 class, we are looking forward to two initiations in fall 2020.

~Chris Estes, 2021

WABASH Delta Chi

86 1,747 4

Our most significant accomplishment was receiving the Indiana province J. Dwight Peterson Most Improved Chapter Award this February. Our chapter has worked hard to maintain a culture of responsibility, even as guidelines and regulations change. The hard work of our brothers culminating in this reward was a rewarding payoff.

~Joshua Scott, 2018

WASHINGTON (SEATTLE)

Upsilon Upsilon

111 2,640 5

Our brothers achieved a GPA of 3.47 and placed top 5 in grades this last spring quarter. Through our efforts, we experienced a boost in morale, and the outlook is great for the future. We are currently planning our COVID-19 response and providing members with as many resources as possible during these unusual times.

~Salihou Fatty, 2018

WASHINGTON STATE Beta Upsilon

61 1,450 33

The chapter’s most significant accomplishment during the spring 2020 semester was adjusting to COVID-19 as

new challenges came up, as well as continuing to help our alumni with the construction of our new chapter house. This upcoming fall semester, we will have opened our new house after years of hard work and fundraising.

~Devlin DelGiudice, 2023

WEST CHESTER Mu Eta

33 39 0

Our chapter celebrated in bringing nine new initiates into the fold during the spring semester and looks forward to their official initiation this fall. Thoughtful planning has poised us to maneuver through the challenges presented to us by COVID-19. With the cancellation of our philanthropic events last spring, we remain optimistic in the plan to bring them back this year.

~Matthew English, 2020

WEST GEORGIA Lambda Phi

32 129 3

After finishing off 2019 with one of the largest pledge classes to date in our chapter’s history, we continued that reign and achieved the top spring 2020 pledge class among all of the Interfraternity Council fraternities at our school.

~Nick Nance, 2023

WESTERN CAROLINA Kappa Gamma

24 371 4

The chapter has progressed and achieved a lot in the past year. We had two brothers hold Interfraternity Council executive positions, two brothers earn the IFC scholarship, and a pledge win the Outstanding New Initiate award. Another big accomplishment was raising $5,335 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation virtual race.

~Dylan Davidson, 2022

WESTERN CONNECTICUT Iota Eta

24 385 33

Our chapter, even through quarantine, finished the spring semester strong with over a third of the chapter making the dean’s list. We are sad to report that due to complications from COVID-19, Jonathan Coelho, 2009, has joined the Chapter Eternal. We have donated

$800 to his family, and we will be renaming our formal event in his honor.

~Collin Ouellet, 2022

WESTERN KENTUCKY Zeta Mu

42 1,169 15

We achieved one of our highest overall chapter GPAs with a GPA of 3.271, blowing our previous highs out of the water. We are continuing to push academics further and further and hope to crush this GPA in the fall and set a new chapter high again.

~Gavin Marschand, 2022

WESTERN MICHIGAN Zeta Nu

79 1,352 7

During the spring semester, Sigma Chi at Western Michigan University recognized more than 75 percent of our chapter achieving a 3.0 or higher with a semi-annual academic dinner. We are in the process of initiating 10 new brothers in the fall because of a shortened semester. About every brother in the chapter achieved above a 3.0 from the spring.

~Dominic Chirillo, 2022

WILFRID LAURIER Iota Mu

36 514 3

Much like the majority of chapters, ours has been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. The need for social distancing/isolation has made staying in touch more difficult; therefore, our main goal for the spring 2020 semester has been to ensure a strong bond is maintained throughout the brotherhood.

~Benjamin Richardson, 2021

WILLAMETTE Delta Zeta

28 1,367 1

Despite our campus shutting down in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter concluded the term strongly by inducting 12 new initiates and still participating in chapter meetings over Zoom.

~Henry Veitenhans, 2022

WILLIAM & MARY Zeta Upsilon

25 1,121 1

Although our past semester was cut short, we stayed strong as a brotherhood and intend to use our voice in the community to help those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. We are hopeful that future philanthropic events will be even more successful, and we are looking forward to a strong 2020-2021 academic year.

~Ben Sharrer, 2022

WINDSOR Kappa Mu

23 316 2

The chapter at the University of Windsor was able to adapt and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and initiate four new members in the process during the spring semester, something of a high amount for a chapter of our size and capability.

~Brodie Kerrigan, 2022

WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE

Lambda Chi

51 162 3

With in-person classes returning this fall, which include some restrictions, we are excited to get back on campus. Our brothers will strive to create a safe, healthy and fun fall recruitment. We hope to recruit more leaders of men to keep our chapter strong and successful for the years to come.

~Jake Mathiasen, 2023

WYOMING Gamma Xi

34 1,746 9

Although the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to continue normal operations in the spring semester, 33 percent of the chapter’s active brothers attained 4.0 GPAs for the semester, and the chapter managed the transition to online with ease. Now the chapter is gearing up to be back on campus for the fall semester.

~Colter Anderson, 2023

YALE Theta Upsilon

54 514 2

The chapter has proven extremely resilient in these difficult times. Through online meetings and remote

coordination, we organized a matched funding drive, where over $3,000 has been pledged to various organizations to combat the societal instabilities of our time.

~Dean Putong, 2021

COLONY UPDATES

BOSTON Sigma Chi Upsilon

In the face of an unprecedented public health crisis, the colony held true to its traditions, values and beliefs. This included successful fundraisers for Project Sunshine and the Huntsman Cancer Institute, as well as an online pledge education and initiation of 11 new brothers. We are looking forward to our installation in the fall.

~Jason Gao, 2022

COLORADO-BOULDER

Sigma Chi Omega

The colony worked extremely hard to submit Phase 2 in the installment process. The Phase 2 document was approved in June, and now the colony is working on its Formal Petition with the hope of being installed in the fall semester of 2020.

~Andrew Graziano, 2022

HOUSTON Sigma Chi Xi

We had the highest GPA throughout the Interfraternity Council at University of Houston with a 3.3. We completed our first phase of becoming a chapter.

~Mickey Al Rahmany, 2023

LOUISIANA STATE Sigma Chi Zeta

Our most significant accomplishment during the spring 2020 academic term was obtaining approval for our Phase 2 report. Of the three semesters we have been on Louisiana State University’s campus, this was our second semester finishing with a top 5 GPA among the other fraternities on campus.

~Oscar Scruggins, 2022

MOUNT ROYAL Sigma Chi Mu

The colony has persevered through the rapidly changing external environment

by partnering with the Calgary Alumni Chapter to host virtual meetups with colonies internationally and chapters across Canada. During the summer, we hosted our annual formal, recruitment and philanthropy events, and brotherhood retreats. We look forward to further progressing under the current circumstances that come with another school year.

~Cody Rudiger, 2020

NORTH CAROLINA-WILMINGTON

Sigma Chi Epsilon

During the spring 2020 semester, the colony was able to graduate its first-ever pledge class without assistance from alumni. Many thanks go out to the executive board and recruitment board for having a problem-free pledge class that included many valuable new faces to the Fraternity, and who will be serving in positions for this upcoming fall semester.

~Justin Golle, 2022

SOUTH CAROLINA

Sigma Chi Gamma

The colony at the University of South Carolina is immensely proud to plant roots once again this semester and hold the highest collective GPA average on campus. We are encouraged by the dedication displayed from our 33 brothers who pledged this past spring and are looking forward to guiding our first-ever summer pledge class virtually.

~Quinten Trinidad, 2023

TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE

Sigma Chi Sigma

Brothers of our colony have been working all summer to renovate the house and get it ready for the fall. We have received a tremendous amount of support through donations. Each room has been repainted and has new furniture, and tile flooring has been implemented, as well as a redecorated courtyard. We look forward to having the house be fully renovated by Aug. 6.

~Trey Ridenour, 2023

TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO

Sigma Chi Alpha

The installation committee has been meeting to plan the installation of our colony, which is planned for Oct. 24. Details will be communicated by our Grand Praetor Bob Westbrook, DICKINSON 1974. We are to be initiated into the Fraternity and be able to embrace the steadfast values of Sigma Chi.

~Alexander Pedraza, 2023

TOWSON Sigma Chi Delta

The colony at Towson University is pleased to say that we had the second highest GPA on the campus at a 3.43. Along with that, we also were able to raise almost $2,000 for Children’s Miracle Network. And, most importantly, we entered into Phase 2 of colonization and are on track to be installed this spring.

~Christian Posada, 2020

WESTMINSTER Sigma Chi Tau

We proved that a small college was ready for the return of Sigma Chi amid a worldwide pandemic. Granted colony status in January, we have placed two colonists on the dean’s list, initiated two new colonists last spring, and we have organized a recruitment campaign by hosting virtual gaming nights with 40 prospective colonists entering Westminster this fall.

~Dalton Moore, 2022

UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES

OCTOBER

10/10/1890 Alpha Phi, Cornell, 130 years

10/24/1930 Gamma Xi, Wyoming, 90 years

NOVEMBER

11/7/2015 Mu Beta, Cal. State-San Marcos, 5 years 11/17/1990 Iota Phi, North Texas, 30 years

11/20/2010 Lambda Theta, Ottawa, 10 years

11/21/1970 Eta Zeta, Georgia Southern, 50 years

11/21/2015 Theta Alpha, Clarion, 5 years

11/26/1910 Beta Iota, Oregon, 110 years

DECEMBER

12/2/1950 Delta Psi, Rensselaer, 70 years

12/6/1980 Theta Gamma, Drake, 40 years

12/10/1860 Psi, Virginia, 160 years

12/10/2005 Kappa Chi, Villanova, 15 years

12/11/1965 Zeta Mu, Western Kentucky, 55 years

12/19/1970 Eta Theta, Georgia Southwestern, 50 years

Anniversaries are listed every five years.

SIGMA CHI BEHIND BARBED WIRE

The thrilling account of the Fraternity’s Santo Tomas internment camp chapter

BY SIGNIFICANT SIG ROYAL GUNNISON, WASHINTON (SEATTLE) 1931 /////////////

I went looking for a war in the Pacific in 1941. And I found it just where I expected — in the Philippine Islands. But from Dec. 7-8 on, what happened to me was entirely unexpected — especially being captured by the Japanese and spending 22 months behind barbed wire in [Japanese] internment camps.

When the Japanese were only a few miles from the outskirts of Manila, Gen. Douglas MacArthur invited me, as one of five war correspondents covering the hectic Philippine Campaign, to accompany him to Corregidor [in the Philippines]. Because I had my Mutual Broadcasting System daily broadcasts to the States and was still writing for Collier’s, I had to refuse at the time.

Only a few hours after my Dec. 31 broadcast, which, incidentally, turned out to be the last that was made by anyone out of the surrendering city of Manila, the U.S. Army demolition squad blew up all radio transmitters around the city. We had a small boat hidden outside the city. But the [Japanese] moved in around the city so quickly and so closely — even to patrolling the port area in front of the inner harbor breakwater — that our plans were blocked for escape to Corregidor.

When we were captured, we were just outside our hotel. Through some fast talking I managed to prevent being formally arrested at that moment. With the few other American correspondents and one Australian, I was ordered under “house arrest” in the hotel. We were all under suspicion of being “spies.”

After we had been jam-packed into the Santo Tomas internment camp in Manila for about five months [being forced to live pretty much like caged animals on a minimum of rationed food], rescue by U.S. armed forces appeared a futile

hope. While most of us wouldn’t openly admit it, we believed we were stuck for the duration.

During those depressing months we naturally turned our thoughts to the things nearest and dearest to us — home.

That’s why, apart from a minimum amount of adult education, sports and a perusal of a small collection of pretty weak and ancient literature that was on hand in the old University of Santo Tomas library [on which campus the camp was located], we tried to stimulate small, active “give and take” bull sessions in our rooms at night. One day during those sessions I happened to mention the fact that I’d gone to the University of Washington in Seattle. Gordon Lawry, OREGON 1939, sitting next to me on the dusty edge of the driveway, snorted, “Huh! I was a Sig at Oregon!” And there was born the idea of our Santo Tomas internment camp Sigma Chi chapter.

Since meetings — except religious and educational gatherings — were forbidden at penalty of death by the [Japanese] commandment, it wasn’t feasible to announce publicly that we would hold a Sigma Chi meeting. But there were other ways. Out of the 3,500 people then in camp, we knew there must be a few more Sigma Chis. We discussed the idea of writing in chalk the Greek letters EX on the corner of the lost and found bulletin board. Since everyone in camp had to pass this board at least once a day while in the food line, we knew that any Sigs present would ask questions. And they did.

Until the time I was suddenly transferred out of Santo Tomas [on Sept. 12, 1942], we found six Sigma Chis in our camp. And we were further able to determine that another Sig, Ralph Amato Jr., OREGON 1937, was a military prisoner at another camp. The question then was how, where and when to hold a formal Sig meeting in the heart of the enemy’s camp. Someone suggested that if Milt Caniff, OHIO STATE 1930, were only there, we’d surely have a patent solution. Actually, however, it wasn’t too difficult. Five of us just “happened” to gather one afternoon in a small bamboo shanty built by Brother Lawry inside the compound. We didn’t find our sixth Sig until just before I was shifted to Shanghai.

At our first meeting were William Holden, OREGON 1916; Edward Powers, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1941; Henry Sperry Jr., COLUMBIA 1928; Lawry; and myself. We later discovered Philip Carmen, CORNELL 1908

So far as I know, we were the only fraternity to attempt to organize. Primarily, we wished to be of assistance to each other and our close friends as the occasion warranted. In addition, we were able to help one other Sig who can’t be mentioned now for obvious reasons.

Since we were all active in camp jobs, we further determined to try and help fight the growing apathy and general camp melancholia that seemed to catch morale by the throat — especially after Bataan and Corregidor fell. Our only method was to try and get people interested — somehow — in jobs around the camp, in hobbies, entertainment — anything to keep their minds busy, even though their bodies were run down due to malnutrition and cramped, filthy living conditions with a minimum of hospitalization.

But now that I’m on the outside looking back, I realize how much the small things that could be done [and that these Sigs are doing today] help keep alive the determination to remain alert and active, to be ready for the day of release, whenever that may be!

After the commandant at the Manila camp had ordered me shifted to Shanghai, … the Santo Tomas Chapter gave a farewell “party.” We met over at Lawry’s bamboo shanty. Each one of us brought something to eat. I remember we had some rather dry cookies sent in through the fence from someone’s contact on the outside. One of the fellows had part of a cake, which, as I recall, was made from cherished breadcrumbs — it had brown sugar frosting. It was quite a party — in a Spartan sort of way.

When I got to Shanghai and re-imprisoned at Chapei, I found no Sigs. Aboard the MS Gripsholm on the way back to America, I learned that Lawry, Powers and Holden were shifted from Santo Tomas to an all-men’s camp at Los Baños, south of Manila. Carman, Sperry and probably other Sigs who were found after I left are undoubtedly holding a meeting now and then on a sultry, Sunday afternoon in a rickety bamboo shanty at Santo Tomas. They are making civilian prisoner Sigma Chi history out there in the Philippines — just as I’m certain other Sigs are doing in military prisoner of war camps inside the cracking Third Reich.

Published in the July-August 1944 edition of The Magazine

* Gunnison entered the Chapter Eternal on Sept. 26, 1946.

The White Rose Ceremony

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:

“InasmuchasourdearlybelovedbrotherworeoverhisheartTheWhiteCrossofSigmaChi,whoseimmaculatewhitenesssymbolizedtousthepurityofhismotives, therefore, it is most appropriate that he now bear above his heart our emblem; and that we lay white roses upon his casket in token of the sweet memories we will always cherish 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 AND SIGNIFICANT SIG GEORGE FIERHELLER, TORONTO-RYERSON 1955 , entered the Chapter Eternal on March 12, 2020. He was 86. Fierheller was born on April 26, 1933. After college, he joined IBM and rose to marketing manager for IBM’s federal government business. He founded Systems Dimensions Limited in 1968. In 1979, Fierheller became president and CEO of Premier Cablesystems Limited, which merged with Rogers Cablesystems Inc. In the 1990s, Fierheller left to lead a private investment and consulting firm. He was chair of the Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation and a member of the Order of Canada.

ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIG AND SIGNIFICANT SIG BOB HAYDEN, MIAMI (OHIO) 1960 , entered the Chapter Eternal on March 20, 2020. He was 81. Hayden was born on May 20, 1938. After graduating from Miami University, he joined the U.S. Navy. Professionally, he was vice president and director of the Midland Company, which is now American Modern Insurance Group. Hayden was a member of the Sigma Chi Foundation Board of Governers and vice chairman of the Miami University undergraduate chapter house corporation. He served on the boards of several charitable and professional organizations and was a mentor to the youth on his children’s soccer teams.

ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIG ART HENDRICKSON, LAFAYETTE 1951 , entered the Chapter Eternal on May 30, 2020. He was 92. Hendrickson was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. Hendrickson worked as an engineer at the Naval Research Laboratory in Alexandria, Virginia, then he moved to New Jersey to work at the U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal. There, he was a supervisory electronics engineer who worked in the Armement Research and Development Command until his retirement. Hendrickson enjoyed racing at the local raceway and was active in the Parsippany Historic and Preservation Society.

ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIG ROBIN MOYER JR., TULANE 1961 , entered the Chapter Eternal on May 9. He was 80. Moyer was born on July 16, 1939, in New Orleans and served in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending college. He worked in the insurance business after graduating. Moyer dedicated much time to Sigma Chi. He spent many years as a chapter advisor, house manager, mentor and fundraiser for the undergraduate chapter at Tulane University, where the chapter house was named for him. Moyer also enjoyed sailing and racing boats around the world.

SIGNIFICANT SIG DICK BREEDEN JR., NORTHWESTERN 1938 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 2, 2020. He was 104. Breeden was born in December 1915 in Davenport, Iowa, but grew up in Evanston, Illinois. While at Northwestern University, he studied industrial engineering, history and geology. Breeden joined the U.S. Navy, served in World War II and by the end of the war had earned the title of lieutenant commander. In 1951, he formed R.G. Breeden and Associates Inc., and around the same time planted an apple orchard that grew into a popular Chicagoland business. Breeden enjoyed oil painting, stained glass, ceramics and making furniture.

SIGNIFICANT SIG BRIAN DENNEHY, COLUMBIA 1960 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 15, 2020. He was 81. Dennehy was born on July 9, 1938, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. After graduating from Columbia University, he earned a graduate degree in dramatic arts from Yale University. Although Dennehy appeared in several TV shows and movies, including FirstBlood,F/X and Presumed Innocent, he is best known for his stage acting. He earned Tony Awards for his performances in Death of a Salesman and Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Dennehy also earned a Golden Globe Award for the 2000 television version of Death of a Salesman.

SIGNIFICANT SIG BOB ELSPERMAN, PURDUE 1959 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 7, 2020. He was 83. Elsperman was born on Oct. 21, 1936, in St. Louis. He served as president of his family’s construction firm, Tarlton Corp., from 1972 to 1999. During that time, the company took on projects for Washington University, Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum and The Muny. Elsperman was a past president of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri and served on the boards of several organizations, including St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System and the Bach Society of St. Louis.

SIGNIFICANT SIG ROBERT GARFF, UTAH 1964 , entered the Chapter Eternal on March 29, 2020. He was 77. Garff was born on Sept. 15, 1942, in Salt Lake City. He studied accounting and then earned a graduate degree in business from the University of Utah. Garff succeeded his father as CEO of the Ken Garff Automotive Group and increased the size of the company. Today, it ranks in the top 10 automotive groups nationally. Garff worked as the company’s chairman of the board at the time of his death. He was involved civically and supported education.

SIGNIFICANT SIG ART HERRMANN, OHIO STATE 1947 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 6, 2020. He was 93. Herrmann was born on Sept. 29, 1926, in Louisville, Kentucky. He earned his Juris Doctor from Ohio State University. After practicing law, he joined Huntington National Bank of Columbus and became president and CEO. In 1981, he joined the BancOhio Corporation. When the company merged with National City Corporation, Hermann served as chairman of National City Bank in Columbus and director of the bank. Pope John Paul II awarded him a papal decoration for his service to the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.

SIGNIFICANT SIG BILL KEATING SR., CINCINNATI 1950 , entered the Chapter Eternal on May 20, 2020. He was 93. Keating was born on March 30, 1927, in Ohio. He founded the law firm Keating Muething and Klekamp, and was a judge in the Hamilton County courts from 1958 to 1967. Afterward, Keating was elected to the Cincinnati City Council and then the U.S. House of Representatives. He held the roles of chairman, CEO and publisher at the Cincinnati Enquirer and served on the Associated Press board of directors. While at the AP, Keating helped obtain the release of reporter Terry Anderson, who was held hostage in Iran in 1991.

SIGNIFICANT SIG BILL LYON, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1945 , entered the Chapter Eternal on May 23, 2020. He was 97. Lyon was born on March 9, 1923. He spent more than 35 years with the U.S. Air Force and flew combat missions during World War II and the Korean War. Lyon received several awards for his service and retired with the rank of major general. He built homes for military personnel, and that effort turned into William Lyon Homes Inc., which built more than 100,000 new homes in the western U.S. Lyon established the Lyon Air Museum, which contains authentic aircraft, rare vehicles and related memorabilia.

SIGNIFICANT SIG JOHNNY MAJORS, TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE 1957 , entered the Chapter Eternal on June 3, 2020. He was 85. Majors was born on May 21, 1935, in Lynchburg, Tennessee. He was an All-American running back and runner-up to the 1956 Heisman Trophy. After college, Majors became head coach at Iowa State, the University of Pittsburgh and then his alma mater. While at Tennessee, he had more than 100 wins and three SEC titles. In 1992, Majors returned to coach Pittsburgh for three seasons. He was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1987.

SIGNIFICANT SIG EDDIE SUTTON, OKLAHOMA STATE 1958 , entered the Chapter Eternal on May 23, 2020. He was 84. Sutton was born on Oct. 12, 1936, in Bucklin, Kansas. He played basketball in college then began his coaching career after graduation. Sutton became the first coach to take four schools to the NCAA Division I championship tournament: Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State. In total, he achieved 806 victories in a career spanning 37 seasons. In April, Sutton was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and he will be posthumously inducted at a later date.

SIGNIFICANT SIG BOBBY WINKLES, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1952 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 17, 2020. He was 90. Winkles was born on March 11, 1930, in Arkansas. After graduating college, he began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues. Winkles became Arizona State University baseball team’s head coach in 1959 and coached the team until 1971. During that time, the team won three national titles, and Winkles was named NCAA coach of the year twice. He then spent several seasons in assorted coaching roles with the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and Montreal Expos. He was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

SIGNIFICANT SIG TOMMY WISEMAN JR., VANDERBILT 1952 , entered the Chapter Eternal on March 18, 2020. He was 89. Wiseman was born on Nov. 3, 1930, in Tullahoma, Tennessee. He earned his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University and his Master of Laws from the University of Virginia. He served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1965 to 1969. In 1971 he began serving as state treasurer. Wiseman was appointed as a U.S. District judge for the Middle Tennessee District in 1978 and was chief judge from 1984 to 1991. Wiseman was appointed Special Master by the Sixth Circuit court to take evidence in the case of John Demyanyuk.

Alabama

1968 Wheeler Smith of Birmingham, AL; 5/20

Albion

1942 Morden Schuur of Kalamazoo, MI; 5/20

1946 Edward Lavanway of Rochester Hills, MI; 6/20

1959 William Swan Jr. of Fort Myers, FL; 6/20

Arizona

1964 Michael Harrold of Tucson, AZ; 4/20

Arizona State

1966 Vincent Streech of Scottsdale, AZ; 4/20

Arkansas

1952 William Crawford of Little Rock, AR; 6/20

1958 Conner Morschheimer of Pine Bluff, AR; 3/20

1958 Robert Biggadike of West Covina, CA; 4/20

1986 David Briggs of Little Rock, AR; 3/20

Auburn

1952 James Strickland of Mobile, AL; 4/20

Beloit

1951 Fred Peterson Jr. of Rockton, IL; 4/20

Bowling Green

1965 Robert Norder of Chardon, OH; 6/20

1995 Roman Smith of Cohoes, NY; 4/20

Bradley

1953 Corky Robertson of Peoria, IL; 4/20

1970 Jim Vergon of Peoria, IL; 4/20

1970 Joe Buysse of Atkinson, IL; 5/20

Brown

1966 George Connell Jr. of Atlanta; 4/20

Butler

1956 Jim King of Cicero, IN; 6/20

1959 Victor Edwards of Noblesville, IN; 5/20

Cal. State-Northridge

1966 Rich Smith of Westlake Village, CA; 5/20

1970 Tony Montemarano of Houston; 3/20

California-San Diego

2004 Ryan Brill of San Diego; 4/20

Case Western

1951 William Beggs of Murrieta, CA; 5/20

Centre

1964 James Bentley of Louisville, KY; 5/20

Cincinnati

1956 Peter Clarke of Belvedere Tiburon, CA; 5/20

1987 Gerald Stone of Blue Ash, OH; 6/20

Colorado

1991 Jonathan Miller of Denver; 4/20

Colorado College

1952 Scot McDavid of Frisco, TX; 5/20

Columbia

1989 Tom Ramsdell of Evanston, IL; 5/20

Cornell

1949 Rae Carpenter Jr. of Lexington, VA; 6/20

1959 Cecil Way Jr. of Montclair, NJ; 6/20

1973 Bill Songer of Liverpool, NY; 3/20

Davidson

1953 Edward Reid, M.D., of Coral Gables, FL; 4/20

1959 Robert Groome of McDonough, GA; 4/20

DePauw

1946 Francis Berry of Fresno, CA; 3/20

1952 Robert Smith of Rockford, IL; 3/20

1953 Phillip Davis of Mount Vernon, NY; 6/20

Dickinson

1953 John Young of Columbia, PA; 4/20

Duke

1950 James Byrd of Orlando, FL; 4/20

1965 John Sullivan III of Indianapolis; 5/20

1991 Art Hosseinian, M.D., of Charlotte, NC; 6/20

2008 Chris Nold of Natrona Heights, PA; 5/20

Eastern Kentucky

1980 Rockland Mann of Flint, TX; 6/20

Embry-Riddle (Daytona Beach)

1971 Reynolds Shore Jr. of Toccoa, GA; 3/20

Emory

1954 Henry Miller Jr. of Tifton, GA; 5/20

Florida

1953 Joe Rhodes of Summerville, SC; 4/20

1956 Robert Ley of Jupiter, FL; 6/20

1961 Tom Huenefeld of Cincinnati; 5/20

1963 James Marshall Jr. of Lynn Haven, FL; 6/20

Florida State

1967 Ed Mingledorff Jr. of Pensacola, FL; 4/20

1969 Wesley Wallace of Jacksonville, FL; 6/20

Fort Hays

1970 Bruce Coulson of Langdon, KS; 4/20

George Washington

1952 William Crassas of Houston; 5/20

1988 Robert Bushey of Harrisburg, PA; 5/20

Georgia

1961 Charles Collins of Myrtle Beach, SC; 5/20

1964 Stephen Jordan, M.D., of Statesboro, GA; 4/20

1980 Don Byers of Norcross, GA; 4/20

Georgia Southern

1985 Candler Pritchett III of Powder Springs, GA; 3/20

Georgia Southwestern

1971 Calvin Starlin of Americus, GA; 4/20

Georgia Tech

1949 William Dunn of Jacksonville, FL; 4/20

1958 Bill Bland Jr. of Savannah, GA; 3/20

1959 Jimmy Bower of Westminster, CO; 5/20

Hanover

1955 Bob Dulaney of Sun Lakes, AZ; 4/20

1956 Donald Steiner of Metamora, IN; 6/20

1962 Richard Bianco of Las Vegas; 5/20

1975 Mark Finegan of Noblesville, IN; 4/20

Idaho

1929 John Billows; 6/20

1931 Lee Brown of Sarasota, FL; 6/20

1938 Jim Perry of Robstown, TX; 6/20

1943 Lewis Ferguson of Saint Paul, MN; 6/20

1945 Kenneth Marshall of Salinas, CA; 6/20

1947 Kenneth Chattin; 6/20

1953 Robert Drake of Lake Placid, NY; 6/20

1955 Cecil Hayter of Spokane, WA; 5/20

1956 Richard Hood of Edmonds, WA; 3/20

1964 James Depree of Mount Shasta, CA; 4/20

1968 Daniel Cammack of Salem, OR; 5/20

1978 Norman Perreira of Kailua, HI; 6/20

1992 Thomas Lockard of Meridian, ID; 6/20

Illinois

1947 Merrill Moore of Aiken, SC; 4/20

1970 Charles Coventry of Crystal Lake, IL; 6/20

Indiana

1954 Rex Humbaugh of Washington, IN; 5/20

1991 Jerry Lemmon Jr. of Springfield, IL; 5/20

Iowa

1952 Loy Smith of Seattle; 4/20

1956 James Houser of Belmond, IA; 5/20

Kansas

1977 Steve Leonard of Dallas; 4/20

Kent State

1973 David Watkins of Closter, NJ; 5/20

Kentucky

1949 Daniel Coleman of Bowling Green, KY; 4/20

1965 Jordan Horne Jr. of Cincinnati; 6/20

1972 Grant Hays of Shelbyville, KY; 4/20

1986 Jeffrey Davis of Chattanooga, TN; 6/20

1987 David Voit of Franklin, PA; 5/20

Louisiana State

1952 Robert Hamacher Jr. of Roseville, CA; 5/20

Maine

1951 Randall Foster of Friendship, ME; 4/20

Maryland

1948 Pete Bowen Jr. of Bel Air, MD; 3/20

1986 Brian Kennedy of Rockville, MD; 3/20

McGill

1947 John Baker Jr. of Carlisle, ON; 4/20

Memphis

1954 Otis Howe Jr. of Little Rock, AR; 6/20

Miami (Florida)

1951 Gordon Williamson of Farmington, CT; 5/20

1967 Jim Boyle Jr. of South Londonderry, VT; 4/20

1972 Richard Foss of Oceanside, CA; 4/20

1980 David Bodenhamer of Winston Salem, NC; 4/20

Miami (Ohio)

1952 Don Stinchcomb of Brevard, NC; 5/20

1956 Richard Passero of Madison, CT; 4/20

1964 Robert Waldo of Dennis, MA; 5/20

1964 John Denise Jr. of Middletown, OH; 5/20

Michigan

1958 David Stickney of Grand Rapids, MI; 3/20

Michigan State

1943 Bruce Greenman of East Lansing, MI; 5/20

1955 Mervyn Maxwell of Clare, MI; 5/20

Middle Tennessee

1972 Jimmy Neely Jr. of Smyrna, TN; 1/20

1979 Danny Greene of Lynnville, TN; 3/20

Minnesota

1946 William Lebert of Camarillo, CA; 6/20

Mississippi

1957 Collins Akin of Brandon, MS; 5/20

1961 Gladstone Jones Jr. of Waynesboro, MS; 5/20

1964 D.C. McInnis III of Jackson, TN; 6/20

Mississippi State

1955 Tom Kirkpatrick of Jackson, MS; 1/20

1957 William Martinson Sr. of Madison, MS; 1/20

1960 William Peel of Greenwood, MS; 2/20

Missouri State

1974 Eustace Allen Jr. of Gulfport, MS; 3/20

1994 Kevin Nentwig of Webster Groves, MO; 4/20

Missouri-Columbia

1947 Chuck Bleakley of Prairie Village, KS; 5/20

1954 Alvin Bland of Austin, TX; 5/20

1955 Kelly O'Neill of Honolulu; 4/20

1955 John Rudolph of Overland Park, KS; 5/20

1989 Erik Brechnitz Jr. of Decatur, IL; 5/20

Montana

1959 Vince Schile of Vancouver, WA; 5/20

Montana State

1943 Wynne Blake of Clarkston, WA; 6/20

1953 Edgar Keil of Kalispell, MT; 6/20

1964 Peter Higman of Gurnee, IL; 4/20

Nebraska

1954 James Boettcher of Crystal River, FL; 4/20

Nevada-Las Vegas

1996 Samuel Lieberman of Las Vegas; 4/20

New Mexico

1947 Jack Harris of Santa Barbara, CA; 4/20

1956 Clyde McDonald of Albuquerque, NM; 3/20

North Carolina State

1957 Richard Moser of Lubbock, TX; 5/20

North Carolina-Chapel Hill

1953 Wray Farlow Jr. of Greensboro, NC; 4/20

North Dakota

1954 Richard Nickeson of Wellesley, MA; 4/20

1969 Charles Diehl of Minneapolis; 3/20

Northwestern

1963 Charles Brainerd Jr. of Dixon, IL; 3/20

Ohio

1973 Rick Baker of Decatur, GA; 5/20

1977 Buzz Williams of West Chester, PA; 4/20

Ohio State

1955 Dick Dorn of Columbus, OH; 5/20

1962 Jack Schaefer of Aurora, IL; 6/20

Oklahoma

1942 Ray Courtright Jr. of Houston; 5/20

1956 Jeff Mann of Germantown, TN; 5/20

1960 Albert Golden Jr. of Katy, TX; 6/20

1964 Harris Dutcher Jr. of Bartlesville, OK; 6/20

1983 Bill Jameson of Boston; 5/20

Oklahoma State

2004 James Hatch of Shawnee, OK; 5/20

Oregon

1952 Emile Holeman of Pendleton, OR; 6/20

1955 Maynard Dunn of Yuba City, CA; 6/20

1961 Bill McDonald of Lake Oswego, OR; 6/20

Oregon State

1951 Palmer Norseth of Portland, OR; 6/20

Penn State

1965 David Chambers of Tombstone, AZ; 5/20

Pittsburgh State

1966 Jack Harris of Cibolo, TX; 5/20

1971 Kenneth Clevenger of Roanoke, VA; 6/20

Puget Sound

1961 Charles Comeau of Kailua, HI; 4/20

Purdue

1947 Franklin Davis of Sandy, UT; 6/20

1955 Phillip Oberlin of Columbia, MD; 5/20

Rensselaer

1960 William Frenz of Ballston Lake, NY; 4/20

Rhode Island

1949 Earl Sweeney of Cumberland, RI; 5/20

1956 Elmer Armstrong of Boulder, CO; 3/20

1958 Richard Carvalho of Peterborough, NH; 6/20

Sam Houston

1962 James Hanscom of Huntsville, TX; 5/20

1972 Robert McCutcheon of Galveston, TX; 6/20

San Diego State

1960 Robert Gallaher of San Diego; 5/20

South Alabama

1979 Thomas Pollman of Beaumont, TX; 5/20

South Carolina

1950 William Rutledge of Columbia, SC; 4/20

1961 Bill Singleton of Apopka, FL; 5/20

1963 Dave Hare of Greer, SC; 4/20

Southern California

1956 Fred Edwards Jr. of Toluca Lake, CA; 3/20

Southeast Missouri

1970 Bruce Braswell of High Ridge, MO; 5/20

Southern Methodist

1982 Jeff Garst of Chesterfield, MO; 4/20

Stanford

1960 John Judy Jr. of Portland, OR; 6/20

1962 Bill Cover Jr of La Quinta, CA; 3/20

Tarleton State

1996 William Ragsdale of Irving, TX; 5/20

1999 Warren Wills of Houston; 5/20

Tennessee Tech

1973 George Smith of La Follette, TN; 6/20

Tennessee-Chattanooga

1961 Jack Currey of Signal Mountain, TN; 4/20

Tennessee-Knoxville

1952 Timmons Treadwell III of Collierville, TN; 4/20

1958 Tommy Hord III of Murfreesboro, TN; 6/20

1974 Robert Straight Jr. of Knoxville, TN; 5/20

Texas A&M-Commerce

1973 Lynn McCord of Allen, TX; 3/20

Texas Tech

1957 Richard Ridgway of Flower Mound, TX; 3/20

1965 Robert Spears of Dallas; 5/20

Tulane

1950 Edouard Plauche of Covington, LA; 4/20

1960 Tom McClellan of Dallas; 5/20

Tulsa

1960 John Willett Jr. of Kingwood, TX; 5/20

Utah

1957 Mike Norton of San Marcos, CA; 4/20

1959 Larry Folsom of Kaysville, UT; 6/20

1967 Blair Garff of White Plains, NY; 5/20

Utah State

1940 Winsor Crockett Jr. of Salt Lake City; 5/20

1956 Ron Crookston of Logan, UT; 6/20

1956 John Parson Jr. of Brigham City, UT; 3/20

1963 Gordy Watts of Ogden, UT; 6/20

Vanderbilt

1953 Charles Herring Jr. of Vero Beach, FL; 6/20

Virginia

1946 Robert Honer of Bellaire, MI; 3/20

Wabash

1964 William Tingle, M.D., of Winnetka, IL; 4/20

Wake Forest

1953 Richard Morgan of Nashville, TN; 5/20

1963 Harry Hull Jr. of Raleigh, NC; 5/20

Washington & Lee

1972 Hudson Allender of Fort Worth, TX; 5/20

Washington (Seattle)

1946 George Bosley of Peoria, AZ; 3/20

1988 Peter Jackson of Everett, WA; 4/20

Washington (St. Louis)

1957 Jim Macnish Jr. of Topeka, KS; 5/20

Washington State

1971 Woodson Hansell of Hermiston, OR; 6/20

Wesleyan

1957 Frank Sutkowski of Portland, CT; 4/20

Western Virginia

1947 Thomas Morgan of Charleston, WV; 3/20

1950 Edward Andre of Cumberland, RI; 4/20

Western Connecticut

2009 Jonathan Coelho of Brookfield, CT; 4/20

Western Kentucky

1980 John Peterson III of Indianapolis; 5/20

Whitman

1951 Leslie Snapp of Bellevue, WA; 4/20

Willamette

1949 Donald Preiss of North Myrtle Beach, SC; 5/20

Wisconsin-Madison

1957 Robert Johnson of Palos Verdes Estates, CA; 6/20

Wyoming

1979 William Donhiser of Rapid City, SD; 5/20

The Sig List

1

2

Significant Sig Marshall Bennett, MISSISSIPPI 1964, was elected president of the Mississippi Historical Society at its 2020 annual meeting in Cleveland, Mississippi. Bennett is counsel and an attorney at the Wolf Popper law firm in New York City, and previously served four terms as treasurer of the state of Mississippi.

Significant Sig Col. Frank Kurtz, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1935, was a famous World War II pilot whose plane, named Alexander the Swoose after a Kay Kaiser song about a creature that was half swan and half goose, is located at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio. During the war, Kurtz and the Swoose set two speed records and participated in hundreds of missions; the pair survived several forced landings and attacks by Japanese fighters. Today, the aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Kurtz’s daughter, award-winning actress Swoosie Kurtz, is named for the famed plane. Kurtz entered the Chapter Eternal on Oct. 31, 1996.

3 4 5

The documentary film EDDIE! that details the life of the late Significant Sig and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Eddie Sutton, OKLAHOMA STATE 1958, premiered on ESPN on June 29. The film is directed by Christopher Hunt and is available for streaming on espn.com.

Significant Sig Capt. Maurice Britt, ARKANSAS 1941, was the first American soldier of World War II to win all of the Army’s top medals for valor, including the Congressional Medal of Honor for leading his men in repelling a counterattack by about 100 German soldiers despite being covered with grenade wounds. Britt entered the Chapter Eternal on Nov. 26, 1995.

The Fraternity chapter at the University of Southern California contributed $100,684.76 to the Hunstman Cancer Institute during the 2019 to 2020 academic year, making it the top fundraising group for all Fraternity chapters during that time.

Things to know, notice and tell a brother

BY THE NUMBERS

Sigma Chi brothers’ involvement in World War II /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

682

Sigs who were killed in World War II

9,000+

Number of Sigs who served in the armed forces during World War II

25

Highest number of men from a chapter who were killed in World War II. That chapter was Montana, followed by Montana State and Oregon with 20 brothers killed.

3 Sigs were lieutenant generals in World War II

8 Sigs were major generals in World War II

30 Sigs were brigadier generals in World War II

Number of times the 46th Grand Chapter was delayed during the war

TWO

2

Number of Sigs who died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941

A. Large Diamond and Sapphire Badge, #4506 10K $670

B. Large Plain Badge, #4000 10K $163 | SS $87

C. Large Pearl and Sapphire Badge, #4502 10K $252

D. Single-letter Crown Sapphire Guard,#J0202 10K $99 | GP $49

E. President Dangle,* #1A 10K $32 | SS $19 | GP $11.50

F. Medium Blue and Gold Badge, #3513 10K $316 | SS $146

G. Official Heavy Weight Ring, #3125H 10K $839 | Silvertone $344

H. Official Ring, #3125 10K $695 | Silvertone $309

* Visit HJGreek.com to see the entire collection of dangles.

K–karat gold, GF–gold-filled, GP–gold-plated, SS–sterling silver, Silvertone –18% palladium with jeweler's alloy. All items are available in white gold. Pricing is the same as listed for yellow gold. Prices subject to change.