THE MAGAZINE OF
26
Never Forgotten
Sigma Chi honors the brothers lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and pays tribute to those who make sure the country never forgets that day
FALL 2026 / EXPECT MORE
/ ARCHIVES /
FOUNDING OF GREEK-LETTER LIFE CELEBRATES 250 YEARS Phi Beta Kappa was established at the College of William and Mary on Dec. 5, 1776.
/ INSIDE SIGMA CHI /
8 26
38 8
/ FEATURES /
/ EVERY ISSUE /
8 12 26 54 60 64 68
4 7 15
Character-in-Action™ Significance Feature Archives Workshop Recap Foundation Focus The Transformational Leader
From the Grand Consul Social Sigs Alumni Almanac
/ ON THE COVER /
38 Campus Chronicles 50 Chapter Eternal 56 Closing Circle
Sigma Chi looks back on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City.
/ FROM THE GRAND CONSUL /
" THE IMPACT THAT FRATERNITY MEN HAVE HAD ON THE U.S. AND CANADA HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS."
B
ROTHERS, I recall Sept. 11, 2001, like it was yesterday. The morning
To shine some light on the program, we didn’t rip and replace it. Instead, we
started out like any other, then utter disbelief. Each of us mark the
emphasized the parts that were working and enhanced and modernized each
passing of every anniversary in our own way, either with the support
phase, with the end result being a program that brought back many elements
of others or quietly alone. It doesn’t seem possible that it was 25
that honor the culture of Sigma Chi.
years ago.
I am proud to tell you that every pledge will now learn our Sigma Chi Grace,
Sigma Chi lost many brothers that day. The country lost its innocence. As
The Sigma Chi Creed, The Spirit of Sigma Chi and The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi song,
we pass through this milestone, I hope we all take a moment to think of the
among other items. The program continues to be focused on preparing pledges
lives taken that day and all the days since. There have been so many who have
for initiation. However, these new elements will add some much-needed Sigma
given everything to protect our country so that this kind of tragedy never takes
Chi culture to the program.
place again. To our brothers, we say a collective All Honor to their Names. I hope you find the articles in this edition to be worthy of your time and our Order. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another milestone — Greek-letter life
I invite you all to your chapters to witness a meeting. I believe you will be proud of our new program while you reconnect with your chapter and make a few new friends. Until next time we meet under the lights …
in America turns 250 years old this year. It seems incredible to think that fraternities started around the same time as the birth of the U.S. and have
Guard Well,
continued and grown ever since. The impact that fraternity men have had on the U.S. and Canada has been tremendous, and I always look forward to seeing the many articles in this magazine celebrating our brothers’ achievements. Finally, I want to talk little about our new Preparation for Brotherhood pledge education program. It launched at Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop this summer with every chapter sending their Magisters to learn all about it. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and the chapters are actively embracing the changes.
4 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990 74th Grand Consul
FALL 2026 / VOL. 145, #3 The Magazine of Sigma Chi, the official exoteric quarterly publication of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1881. Its mission is to reflect through content the Sigma Chi experience; to instill and sustain pride in the International Fraternity; to educate and entertain its undergraduate members, alumni, parents and others interested in the Fraternity; to maintain a historical record of the activities of the Fraternity and its undergraduate and alumni chapters; and to present current issues affecting the Greek-letter system, the Fraternity and its members. EDITORIAL TEAM EDITORIAL INTERN CONTRIBUTORS David Jones Ashley Szatala Addison Vinson Wes Holtsclaw Nathanael Hawthorne CREATIVE DESIGN PRINTING ADVERTISING SALES Maddy Chapman Royle Printing Justin Hanen CONTACT The Magazine, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 editor@sigmachi.org sigmachi.org/magazine CALL: (847) 869-3655 FAX: (847) 869-4906 ADVERTISING View our media kit at sigmachi.org/files/mediakit.pdf. Contact Justin Hanen at (847) 425-4413, or email justin.hanen@sigmachi.org to place an ad. © 2026 Sigma Chi Fraternity | The Magazine of Sigma Chi (USPS325500) is issued quarterly by Sigma Chi Fraternity International Headquarters 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 Periodicals postage paid at Evanston, Illinois and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Magazine of Sigma Chi, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. HOW TO RECEIVE THE MAGAZINE | Undergraduates: 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 copies are sent via postal mail to the chapter editor or the chapter house. Recent graduates: The Sigma Chi Foundation gives each recent graduate a one-year complimentary membership in the Life Loyal Sig annual fund program, which includes four digital issues of The Magazine of Sigma Chi. At the end of the year, recent graduates may continue to receive The Magazine through the alumni options. Alumni: Alumni receive The Magazine by contributing to the Life Loyal Sig annual fund program. Persons contributing $1-99 annually receive a digital version of The Magazine via email, and those contributing $100+ annually receive one paper copy each quarter. For either of these, phone subscription sales at (847) 869-3655 or visit sigmachi.org/lifeloyal. A single copy of the current issue is $8.75 and can be purchased by contacting subscription sales. Past issues are $10.25 each. HOW TO CHANGE AN ADDRESS | Email your old and new addresses to addresschange@ sigmachi.org. You may also call (847) 869-3655, send mail to Address Changes, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201, or go to sigmachi.org > Membership > Update my contact info. HOW TO GET PUBLISHED | Undergraduates: Each chapter editor is a correspondent for The Magazine of Sigma Chi. View deadlines and submission requirements at sigmachi.org. Chapter updates and photos must be submitted via sigmachi.org/submitcampuschronicle. Please upload the original photo file from the camera. Alumni: Alumni are encouraged to submit news and stories. Tell us about your alumni chapter events, and please include photographs — alumni chapters should email us at alumni.almanac@sigmachi.org or upload updates at chaptersystem.sigmachi.org. If you have news about an individual alumnus, email editor@sigmachi.org or send information and photos to the address above.
Seventy-Fourth Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, speaks to undergraduates and alumni facilitators during the 2026 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop closing ceremony on Aug. 1.
HOW TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR | We always welcome your comments — both criticism and praise — about this publication. Email editor@sigmachi.org, or send mail to Editor, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. GENERAL DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS Spring issue: Jan. 1 Fall issue: June 1 Summer issue: April 1 Winter issue: Sept. 1
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 5
PRESERVE IMPROVE EXPAND
PRESERVE chapter housing by consulting on project design & property management and, when warranted, offering conservation of title IMPROVE chapter housing by providing local house corporations access to professional services, and training for volunteers EXPAND chapter housing by offering financial support & resources to local house corporations for construction, renovation & acquisitions
Learn more about how your House Corporation can work with CHI... TODAY! On the web, visit:
www.ConstantineHousing.org By phone, call:
6 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
847.869.3658
/ SOCIAL SIGS /
SOCIAL SIGS
FOLLOW THE FEED @sigmachi @officialsigs Sigma Chi Fraternity officialsigs #SIGMACHI for the chance to be featured.
sigmachi Congratulations to all of our brothers and sweethearts graduating this semester! Your leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Sigma Chi. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. Here are just a few of the highlights from our chapters. Tag a graduating brother or sweetheart below In Hoc Signo Vinces #graduation
⬇
BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION
🤝
sigmachi What chapter house are you joining in the multiverse Different worlds. Same great Sigma Chi brotherhood.
👀
🤝
Nathan Reese My wife, Susan, Lil Sigma and ΑΧΩ, and I at the Arch of Constantine.
🔥
sigmachi The NBA Finals are heating up Did you know seven Sigma Chi brothers have won an NBA championship, and two of them are hall of famers sigmachi Did you know that in 1964, The Beatles became honorary pledges of Sigma Chi at the Gamma Phi Chapter at the University of Miami? Let us know what your favorite Beatles song is Happy #GlobalBeatlesDay
⬇
👀
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expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 7
/ CHARACTER-IN-ACTION™ /
BY ADDISON VINSON, NORTH GEORGIA 2028 ////////////////
BUILDING OPPORTUNITY, REVIVING HOPE From a makeshift Fraternity ramp to playgrounds, schools and Special Olympics, Brandon Johnson, EAST TENNESSEE 2015, is building a Tennessee community where everyone has a seat at the table
B
randon Johnson, EAST TENNESSEE 2015, spent his childhood alongside his great-grandmother, Phyllis, a classroom assistant who worked with students with intellectual disabilities. This early exposure created a lifelong respect within him for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Johnson learned from her that every child, regardless of their challenges, possesses unique value and deserves a place in the community. His drive for accessibility took shape during his undergraduate years as recruitment chair for Sigma Chi. When Greyson Jennings, EAST TENNESSEE 2018 — a potential member who used a motorized wheelchair — went through recruitment, the brothers were determined to welcome him. Since the house was not Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, the brothers got to work. They dismantled an old bunk bed and built a makeshift ramp so Jennings could drive his wheelchair into the house. Jennings became a pledge, then a brother. “We were a bunch of kids at the time — we were needing to get dinner money from mom and dad,” Johnson says. “And here we are trying to do something to
8 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
make somebody else feel included.” Zeta Omega alumni then raised enough money to install a permanent accessibility ramp at the house. “Looking back a decade later, you realize, ‘Wow, Sigma Chi inspired me to do so much,’” Johnson recalls. “When I became a young professional and started my career, I thought, ‘The first thing I want to do is give back. How can I do that?’” He quickly got to work. For his role creating an inclusive playground, rebuilding the local Special Olympics program and advocating for students with special needs within schools, Johnson has been named this quarter’s Mark V. Anderson Characterin-ActionTM Leadership Award recipient. BUILDING PATHWAYS TO PLAY In Campbell County, Tennessee, nearly 20 percent of the population under 65 has a disability, according to recent U.S. Census data. While Johnson was chairing Caryville Cares, a group of young professionals, they made it a mission in 2021 to create an accessible playground. He spearheaded a multi-year effort to build the
Caryville Cares Playground, and the inclusive play space opened in April 2025 for children with and without disabilities to play together. “To date, hundreds of kids have played on that play space, and not just in our local community. It's built right off the interstate, so folks driving on I-75 north or south are stopping off to use that playground,” Johnson says, recalling how emotional he was at first seeing children of all abilities using it. “That way, when we have somebody in our community born like Greyson Jennings, they never have to wonder, ‘Why can't I go to the playground and play with my friends?’” The playground’s momentum carried forward. The idea for what would become the Boys & Girls Club of Campbell County started with Johnson and a few others right after the playground project wrapped, and the club has since opened its doors focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character and leadership, and youth arts. INCLUSIVE EDUCATION The impact of this project soon spread to the local school system. Johnson was elected in 2024 to serve as a member of the Campbell County Board of Education, which oversees 5,000 students and 750 employees. When he took his oath of office, his great-grandmother Phyllis held the Bible. Johnson has since championed district-wide inclusion, helping the local schools earn the designation of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. By integrating special education students into daily school life like student government and sports, the county transitioned from offering minimal inclusion to fully championing students with disabilities. “That (inclusion), to me, is the most rewarding part of my service,” Johnson says. “For us to have been a community for 20 years who basically looked at somebody with a disability and said, ‘You're not good enough to play on our sports teams,’ and to have a complete 180 by championing people with disabilities, it's mind blowing.” REBUILDING THE ATHLETIC ARENA Beyond the schools, Johnson recognized a devastating void: Campbell, Morgan and Scott counties had been without any Special Olympics programs for nearly 20 years. Determined to change this culture, he revived the program, assembling volunteers, sponsors and transportation to bring track, field, basketball and cheerleading back. Today, the Area 14 program serves approximately 250 athletes across the region. “We lost a generation of folks who never got an opportunity to dribble a basketball, never got an opportunity to wear a medal around their neck, never got
Character -In-action™
Brandon Johnson, EAST TENNESSEE 2015, is pictured with Special Olympics participants in Campbell County, Tennessee. The program serves about 250 athletes.
an opportunity to run on a track,” Johnson reflects. “We’ve completely changed that culture, and it's such a mutualistic relationship. For the volunteers who may not have ever really encountered or got to work with somebody with an intellectual disability, that kind of stuff's huge.” This athletic rebirth has not only empowered the competitors but also cultivated a more compassionate community of volunteers. THE FUTURE OF RURAL DIGNITY In the next 20 years, Johnson hopes Campbell County will treat inclusion not as a special event, but as the everyday norm. “We want a space where everybody can sit down at the same table and break bread, and that’s what Sigma Chi has been doing since we were founded. I keep going back to different talents, temperaments and convictions, and here that just applies to folks who may have a physical or intellectual disability,” Johnson says. “I want a community where everybody has a seat at every table, and that’s the work that we're doing.”
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.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 9
RECORD-BREAKING
$5,000,000+ Raised in 2025-2026 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation
T H A N K YO U TO O U R TO P F U N D R A I S E R S O F 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 $250K Club
Bucknell — Kappa
$200K Club
Northern Arizona — Zeta Omicron Southern Methodist — Delta Mu Syracuse — Psi Psi Utah — Beta Epsilon
$150K Club
Bryant — Lambda Eta Georgia Southern — Eta Zeta Miami (Florida) — Gamma Phi
$100K Club
Arizona — Beta Phi Arkansas — Omega Omega Embry-Riddle (Daytona Beach) — Eta Iota Florida — Gamma Theta Florida Atlantic — Lambda Tau San Diego State — Delta Xi
$50K Club
Baylor — Eta Omega Belmont — Mu Xi Bentley — Lambda Upsilon Cal. Poly.-Pomona — Theta Sigma Cal. State-San Marcos — Mu Beta Colorado-Boulder — Beta Mu Denver — Delta Iota Florida State — Epsilon Zeta Kent State — Zeta Lambda Oklahoma — Beta Kappa Oklahoma State — Gamma Delta R.I.T. — Lambda Kappa Santa Clara — Lambda Gamma Southern California — Alpha Upsilon Tennessee-Knoxville — Beta Sigma Texas A&M-College Station — Eta Upsilon Texas Christian — Epsilon Mu Utah State — Gamma Kappa
LEARN MORE AT GENTOEND.ORG 10 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026 Sigma-Chi-Magazine-Ad-2026 options.indd 2
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T H A N K YO U TO O U R TO P F U N D R A I S E R S O F 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 $20K Club
Alabama — Iota Iota Arkansas State — Theta Chi Boise State — Lambda Xi Boston — Iota Upsilon Bowling Green — Delta Kappa Butler — Rho California - Irvine — Eta Sigma California - Santa Barbara — Zeta Kappa Case Western — Beta Eta Chapman — Sigma Chi Omega Cincinnati — Zeta Psi DePaul — Lambda Omega Duke — Beta Lambda East Texas A&M — Zeta Eta Florida Southern — Epsilon Sigma Furman — Iota Nu Georgia Southwestern — Eta Theta Georgia Tech — Beta Psi Gettysburg — Theta Houston — Epsilon Xi Idaho — Gamma Eta Illinois State — Theta Rho Indiana (Pennsylvania) — Eta Omicron Jacksonville — Iota Gamma
$20K Club (continued)
Kettering B — Zeta Theta B Louisiana- Lafayette — Lambda Psi Loyola (Chicago) — Lambda Nu Miami (Ohio) — Alpha Michigan State — Gamma Psi Mississippi — Eta Montana State — Beta Rho Murray State — Epsilon Tau Nebraska — Alpha Epsilon New Mexico State — Zeta Phi North Florida — Kappa Beta Ottawa — Lambda Theta Pennsylvania — Phi Phi Purdue — Delta Delta Rensselaer — Delta Psi Rutgers — Iota Psi Saint Louis — Theta Iota South Carolina — Gamma Nu
Southern Illinois-Carbondale — Lambda Omicron
Southern Utah — Kappa Iota Valdosta State — Lambda Mu Washington State — Beta Upsilon Western Illinois — Iota Omicron
G E T I N TO U C H AT SIGMACHI@HUNTSMANFOUNDATION.ORG expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 11 Sigma-Chi-Magazine-Ad-2026 options.indd 3
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/ SIGNIFICANCE /
Submit your recently published book at editor@sigmachi.org. Only books published in the past two years will be featured. The Books by Sigs section prints twice a year.
The Business-Exit Roller Coaster: Confidential Conversations with Business Owners About the Most Important Financial Decision of Their Lives By Brandon Jacob and Significant Sig Matt Michel, TEXAS CHRISTIAN 1983 / ISBN: 979-8218910693 / Coldstream Press; Feb. 19, 2026 Selling a business can be a barrage of painful surprises, unwelcome scrutiny and emotional whiplash — but it doesn't have to be. Drawing on candid conversations with nearly 100 former business owners, Matt Michel and Brandon Jacob provide hard-won guidance on every stage of the exit process: dealing with buyers, surviving due diligence, managing family and employee reactions, and coping with the emotional fallout of separating from a business that may have defined your identity for years. Honest, practical and deeply human, this book prepares entrepreneurs for the most important financial decision of their lives — and helps them make it with eyes wide open.
Flatbellies – 25th Anniversary Edition By Significant Sig Alan Hollingsworth, MD, OKLAHOMA 1971 / ISBN: 979-8991328043 / CG Sports Publishing; April 9, 2026 Originally published in 2001 and named one of the “Top Ten Golf Books of All Time” by a panel of East Coast sportswriters, this beloved coming-of-age novel returns in a commemorative new edition. Set in a small Oklahoma town in the mid-1960s, Flatbellies follows a high school golf team’s quest for the state championship — but it’s really about love, loss, friendship, fear, triumph and growing up. The 25th anniversary edition includes a new 30-page addendum with backstory, photographs and inside scoops. Praised by USA Today and Barnes & Noble upon its original release, this classic remains as charming and emotionally resonant as ever.
Glory, Grief, and the Gavel: An Inside Guide to Running for Speaker of the House By John Leganski, STANFORD 2013 / ISBN: 978-1510785342 / Regnery; June 23, 2026 Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Speaker Kevin McCarthy, John Leganski delivers a vivid front-row account of one of the most dramatic moments in modern congressional history: the 15-ballot, five-day battle to elect a Speaker in January 2023 — the longest such contest since the Civil War. Drawing on never-before-reported scenes, the book pulls back the curtain on what it takes to lead the U.S. House of Representatives, where the speakership can be decided by just 218 votes. Packed with hard-won lessons in leadership, vote counting and the human cost of wielding power, it is an unflinching guide to Washington’s most unforgiving arena.
Golfers ... Lost in Plain Sight By Gary Demling, EASTERN KENTUCKY 1992 / ISBN: 979-8250646772 / Independently published; March 6, 2026 After years working in the golf industry, Gary Demling has accumulated a trove of stories that are strange, funny and completely true. From bizarre questions and unlikely encounters to situations that simply seem too absurd to believe, Demling recounts his experiences in a format that mirrors the game itself: The book is organized into four rounds, each containing 18 stories, with additional material tucked playfully between them. A lighthearted celebration of the many oddities that make the golf world unlike any other, this collection is essential reading for anyone who has spent time on the course or working behind the scenes.
12 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Late Night Radio By Rock Neelly, FORT HAYS 1981 / ISBN: 978-1958414781 / Enigma House Press; Sept. 6, 2025 It’s 1978 on the Kansas high plains. When farmer Tom Prescott's wife and daughter vanish, the community rallies — until the rumors start. Deputy Randy Bontrager faces a crisis of loyalty when his best friend becomes the prime suspect in what may be a murder investigation. KBI Agent Reggie King, the first Black woman officer on the high plains, takes the case and begins connecting a troubling pattern of unsolved disappearances. As evidence mounts, a chilling question emerges: Is there a serial killer at large, and is Tom Prescott the man responsible? This is a tense small-town thriller built on fractured loyalties, buried secrets and the question everyone eventually asks.
Older Women Don’t Giggle: Memoirs of a Renaissance Man By K. Charles Oelfke II, MIT 1954 / ISBN: 979-8894791944 / The Reading Glass Books; Sept. 17, 2025 For K. Charles Oelfke II, a femme d'un certain âge — the French phrase for a woman of indeterminate but sophisticated allure — represents mystery, elegance and a life fully lived. An MIT graduate and Fulbright scholar, Oelfke spent 20 years in Paris developing corporate identity programs for multinational firms while immersing himself in art, architecture and culture. His memoir traces an extraordinary life of world travel, international business and romantic discovery, offering candid reflections on intimacy and the art of living with intention. Witty and wide-ranging, Older Women Don't Giggle invites both older women and young men to wake up to life’s richest possibilities.
Rally: A Guide to Building Resilience By Greg Morley, RICHMOND 1988 / IBSN: 979-8989456239 / BSL International; Feb. 26, 2026 Drawing on decades of senior leadership experience at Disney and LVMH, Greg Morley presents a practical guide for leaders navigating uncertainty and pressure. Through interviews with 12 leaders whose lives span genocide survival, entrepreneurial collapse, corporate reinvention and extreme caregiving, Morley reframes resilience as a leadership discipline — one that can be deliberately developed and taught. Building on themes from his first book, Bond, which explored belonging at work, Rally tackles the next challenge: how to stabilize yourself and mobilize others when the ground is shifting. The result is research-based guidance for the moments leaders face most often but are rarely trained for.
Resilient: The 7 Pillar System for Peak Performance on Demand By Jason Bohrer, CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA 2007 / ISBN: 979-8244786064 / Independently published; Jan. 20, 2026 Rather than relying on motivation tactics or productivity hacks, this leadership guide argues that sustainable excellence begins with nervous system regulation. Through seven structured pillars, Jason Bohrer offers a practical framework for maintaining clarity, steady decision-making and consistent execution under pressure — without burning out. Designed for entrepreneurs and leaders operating in high-stakes environments, Resilient provides actionable strategies that underpin Bohrer’s leadership coaching and keynote work. Each pillar builds toward a systematic, proven path to peak performance on demand, helping leaders cultivate the internal stability needed to deliver consistent results, make sound decisions under stress and lead effectively for the long haul.
[un]civilized By Daniel Beter, INDIANA (PENNSYLVANIA) 2009 / ISBN: 979-8254879336 / Independently published; May 31, 2026 In a forgotten Rust Belt town, a loner learns early that the world is neither fair nor random. He dreams of a life beyond reach. A chance encounter changes everything. Recruited into an elite organization for gifted youth, he gains access to a world far beyond the limits of his upbringing — one populated with extraordinary minds and competing visions of the future. What follows is a sprawling, twisted and darkly funny examination of the human condition. This book is for readers drawn to thought-provoking, sometimes transgressive fiction that challenges beliefs about merit, morality and meaning, such as American Psycho and Fight Club.
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/ SIGNIFICANCE /
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
Saxby Chambliss, GEORGIA 1966
Sigma Chi inspires its members to lead by example, bringing Fraternity values to life. In doing so, Sigs excel in their professional and volunteer pursuits. The following are brothers recognized for their achievements.
Saxby Chambliss, GEORGIA 1966
Significant Sig Chambliss was inducted by the Office of the Governor of Georgia and the Georgia Historical Society as a 2026 Georgia Trustee, the state’s highest honor. His induction as the 35th modern-day Georgia Trustee happened April 18, 2026, in Savannah. Chambliss served in the U.S. Senate for two terms and previously served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mike Church, ILLINOIS 2005
Order of Constantine Sig and Sigma Chi International Fraternity Executive Director Church was sworn in as president of the Fraternity Executives Association, which is comprised of men’s and women’s fraternity executives, in June 2026. He is the second Sigma Chi to serve as president in the 96 years of FEA.
Josh Doak, FORT HAYS 2014
Doak has been named the new dean of student affairs for Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, effective June 8, 2026. In this role, he will oversee student engagement, campus life, student support services and initiatives aimed at fostering student success and belonging. Doak was previously dean of aviation at Wichita State University Tech and has held leadership positions at Kansas State University Salina and Baker University.
Toby Eveland, NORTH ALABAMA 1999
Eveland joined Manley Burke LPA as managing partner of the firm’s new Chicago office, effective March 4, 2026. Eveland joins the firm with more than 20 years of legal experience in complex business disputes, higher education, and municipal and governmental sectors. As a seasoned litigator and trial advocate, Eveland has represented clients at the state and federal levels across class-action defense, employment, real estate finance, tort defense and shareholder disputes.
Mike Church, ILLINOIS 2005
Donny Hebel, AUSTIN PEAY 1999
Col. Hebel has transitioned command of the Tennessee National Guard’s 278th Cavalry Regiment to his successor as the regiment transforms from an armored brigade combat team into a mobile brigade combat team that aligns with the U.S. Army’s new initiatives. Hebel, who took charge in March 2024, was the regiment’s 17th commander. He and his staff supported numerous domestic emergencies, conducted a large-scale training mission in Texas, deployed over 600 Guardsmen to support the Memphis Safe Task Force, and deployed over 1,100 Guardsmen to Kuwait and Germany.
Josh Doak, FORT HAYS 2014
Stephen A.R. Murphy, PENN STATE 1999
Dr. Murphy was recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026. He is a board-certified physician and a health care executive with over 10 years of experience in internal medicine, obesity medicine, regenerative medicine and medical genetics. He is the chief medical officer at Total DX Connect, a software services portal, and an assistant professor at New York Medical College.
Jacob Wyoff, WESTERN CONNECTICUT 2008
Significant Sig Wyoff recently was honored with three New England Emmy Awards for his work in environmental reporting at WBZ-TV, including for a Climate Watch special that has received numerous additional accolades like an Edward R. Murrow Award. As a meteorologist in Boston, he strives to connect people to the world around them through accessible, impactful and inspiring storytelling.
Toby Eveland, NORTH ALABAMA 1999
Donny Hebel, AUSTIN PEAY 1999
Stephen A.R. Murphy, PENN STATE 1999
14 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026 Jacob Wyoff, WESTERN CONNECTICUT 2008
/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
Sigma Chi Announces 2026 Alumni Award Recipients SEVEN LIGHTS ALUMNI AWARD
This award is presented to alumni members who have demonstrated significant service to the Fraternity. To be eligible for the award, a recipient must have 10 or more years of experience as an active Fraternity alumnus. The 2026 recipients are: Glenn A. Crawford, SAN DIEGO STATE 1987 Dr. George Daniel III, GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN 1980 John L. Fischer, KENTUCKY 1991 Jerry Fisher, TEXAS-ARLINGTON 1992 David C. Gantt, WESTMINSTER 1988 Jon Hall, IOWA STATE 1991 Lon C. Haines, DICKINSON 1971 Sergio A. Ilic, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1991 Philson P. Kempton Jr., DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1992 Mark E. Mathias, CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA 1978
Matt L. Matteson Jr., SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1981 Jeffrey L. Middleton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1981 Brock Ostrander, EASTERN NEW MEXICO 2003 Tyler M. Panse, CAL. POLY.-POMONA 1986 David Senseman, MISSISSIPPI STATE 1975 Greg A. Valente, CONNECTICUT 1986 J. Daniel Vogelzang, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1978 Brian G. Wagner, ALMA 2011 Wilmer Byron Woodrum III, PENN STATE 1986
JAY E. MINTON BEST ALUMNI CHAPTER OFFICER AWARD Steven Smillie, TEXAS-ARLINGTON 1992 – Mid Cities Alumni Chapter
WILLIAM T. BRINGHAM BEST HOUSE CORPORATION OFFICER AWARD Matthew Underwood, NORTH TEXAS 2004 – North Texas House Corporation President
ERWIN L. LECLERG OUTSTANDING CHAPTER ADVISOR AWARD Order of Constantine Sig Robert C. Eckart Jr., RENSSELAER 1973 – Rensselaer Chapter Advisor
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI CHAPTER AWARD
The Sigma Chi Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award recognizes alumni chapters that exemplify sustained excellence across four key dimensions: engagement and participation, impact and service, chapter structure and sustainability, and operational excellence. These chapters actively engage brothers through diverse programming, foster membership growth and retention, contribute to their communities and the General Fraternity, develop future leaders, maintain strong operational practices, and build organizations that are positioned for long-term success.
The following alumni chapters have received the award:
GOLD LEVEL ALUMNI CHAPTERS Dallas Alumni Chapter Mid-Michigan Alumni Chapter
BLUE LEVEL ALUMNI CHAPTERS Atlanta Alumni Chapter Birmingham Alumni Chapter Calgary Alumni Chapter Chattanooga Alumni Chapter Cleveland Alumni Chapter Denver Alumni Chapter Fort Worth Alumni Chapter
Greater Minnesota Alumni Chapter Hilton Head Alumni Chapter Houston Alumni Chapter Las Vegas Alumni Chapter London UK Alumni Chapter Los Angeles County Alumni Chapter Mid Cities Alumni Chapter Nashville Alumni Chapter Northern Virginia Alumni Chapter Phoenix Alumni Chapter San Diego Alumni Chapter Tulsa Alumni Chapter West Michigan Alumni Association expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 15
/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
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ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWS
The Western Michigan chapter celebrated the 60th anniversary of its installment into Sigma Chi in January 2026. Over the years charter members have held reunions in both Michigan and Florida. Jerry Gephart, 1965, Wyatt Neil, 1965, and Jim Piotter, 1965, are the three remaining brothers of the six who founded Sigma Delta, the local fraternity, in 1962. Pictured here are several brothers attending the Michigan reunion.
Over 21 brothers and families, shown here, participated in Florida State’s 45th annual reunion at Atlantic Beach, Florida, during Memorial Day weekend. It was four days of fun, including golf, pickleball, poker, beach walks and great rekindling. Four Consuls attended: David Baitinger, 1979; Bryan Hudson, 1980; Bob Garner, 1981; and Glenn Gsell, 1979. Significant Sig Dan Raulerson, 1979, also participated.
Faculty Advisor Dr. Robert Bennett, SOUTH ALABAMA 1990, is pictured after being named Georgia Southwestern State University Professor of the Year.
Hilton Head, South Carolina, Alumni Chapter members Gene Chamberlain, OKLAHOMA 1965; Laurence Hickey, MIAMI (FLORIDA) 1976; Jim Stroh, BALL STATE 1969; and Mike Williamson, WAKE FOREST 1978, enjoy a May 16 inshore fishing excursion.
16 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Sacramento Alumni Chapter members are pictured in April with their trophies and medals after the chapter’s first official golf tournament, simply known as “The Brothers” tournament. More than 40 brothers participated in the event.
Western Kentucky Sigs held their 18th annual reunion at Lake Martin, Alabama. Pictured are Joe Breeding, 1970; Jack Thompson, 1972; Larry West, 1971; Richard Green, 1971; Richard Baker, 1973; and Brad Childes, 1973.
Oakland East Bay Alumni Chapter members, from left, Brad Morris, CAL. STATESACRAMENTO 1991; Paul Stella, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS 1997; David Smith, CAL. STATELONG BEACH 1970; Nick Nanez, NEW MEXICO STATE 2025; and Darwin Beardsley, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1974, enjoy a pizza dinner after visiting the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville, California, on Memorial Day.
Sarasota, Florida, Alumni Chapter members are pictured during their June luncheon in Venice, Florida.
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/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
Brothers, from left, Aloysius Coady, HILLSDALE, 2029, Douglas Harden, GEORGIA 2005, and Cosmo Olivera-Evans, GEORGE WASHINGTON 2027, enjoy the camaraderie at the 2026 Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter Congressional Luncheon.
Order of Constantine Sig Frank Hook, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1971, left, and Jimmie Deloach, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1972, are pictured June 8 at Georgia Southern University’s Paulsen Stadium. They will be inducted to the Georgia Southern Athletic Hall of Fame this fall.
Dallas-area brothers are pictured during the annual L. Wayne Tucker Jordan Standard Leadership Scholarship golf tournament organized by the Dallas Alumni Chapter.
18 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Puget Sound brothers Steve Pitcher, 1983; Nick Calcagni, 1983; Brad McLane, 1983; Order of Constantine Sig Bruce Sadler, 1983; and Brian Haynes, 1984, hold the Sigma Chi flag while in Palm Desert, California, for a weekend Delta Phi reunion.
Past Birmingham, Alabama, Alumni Chapter President David Senseman, MISSISSIPPI STATE 1975, left, receives his Seven Lights Alumni Award during a local award presentation over the summer. Mike Hayes, SOUTH ALABAMA 1991, the alumni chapter’s current president, is at right.
Pictured during a recent Fresno, California, Alumni Chapter meeting are, from left, Cal. State-Fresno brothers Richard Egan, 1981; Norm Bishop, 1981; Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Brad Fischer, 1981; Kenyeih Williams, director of development for the Craig School of Business at Cal. State-Fresno; Dr. Julie Olson-Buchanan, dean of the Craig School of Business; Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Tony Flores, 1958; Jerry Waters, 1964; and Gary Renner, 1965.
Attendees of the June 2026 Fort Worth, Texas, Alumni Chapter meeting at Cowtown Brewing are pictured. Shown, from left, are Brock Ostrander, EASTERN NEW MEXICO 2003; Robert Longnecker, TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE 2004; Gary Darrow, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1977; Doug Tate, TEXAS-ARLINGTON 1995; Order of Constantine Sig Glen Sirles, TEXAS TECH 1972; Ted Rowland, MONTANA STATE 1977; Doug Zent, NORTH TEXAS 1992; and Steve Hill, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1988. Mike Mrasek, TULSA 1983, is not pictured. expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 19
/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
Three charter members of the Theta Delta chapter at Southern Mississippi enjoy brotherhood while fly fishing in North Carolina. Pictured, from left, are Chris Schwartz, 1983; Stan Riles, 1981; and Michael Finley, 1985.
New Hampshire Alumni Chapter members are pictured during their Picnic at the Lake event.
Significant Sig Stephen Lee, CINCINNATI 1977, who recently served as a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, was awarded in June 2026 the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, the second highest honor a civilian can be given. Brothers and friends supported Lee at the ceremony.
Eastern Illinois alumni are pictured in June 2026 during their 20th annual golf reunion in Champaign, Illinois.
20 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Bismarck, North Dakota, Alumni Club members are pictured May 29 during a Sig luncheon at the official residence of Significant Sig and North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, NORTH DAKOTA 2000. Armstrong is pictured standing third from right in the front row. Twenty-three brothers and 19 sweethearts attended.
The Flagstaff, Arizona, Alumni Chapter hosted its biennial Horseshoe-Cornhole Fundraiser/Tournament in March, which attracted 120 brothers from across the United States and Canada to attend and support the Zeta Omicron Housing Fund, the ZO Bell Chapter Challenge and the ZO chapter's annual Huntsman Challenge. Pictured, from left, are Northern Arizona brothers Frank Rutledge, 1989; George Cooke, 1992; Dan Johnson, 1992; Scott Lindsay, 1991; Jay Gonzales, 1988; John Desser, 1990; and Jim Miller, 1988.
Pictured are the seven Lod Cook Leadership Scholarship recipients from the Louisiana State undergraduate chapter with Baton Rouge Alumni Chapter President John Cadwallader, LOUISIANA STATE 1970.
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/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
Aissa Wayne, daughter of Significant Sig John Wayne, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1929, is pictured receiving her “Forever Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” recognition during the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum Sigma Chi Plaza dedication ceremony on May 23, 2026, in Winterset, Iowa. With her, from left, are Mark Kilian, DRAKE 1983; Order of Constantine Sig Kent Johnson, IOWA STATE 1978; Sigma Chi International Fraternity Executive Director and Order of Constantine Sig Mike Church, ILLINOIS 2005; and Grand Pro Consul Dan Shaver, TEXAS TECH 1993. The new Sigma Chi Plaza plaque near the entrance of the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, Iowa, is also pictured. In June 1976, Order of Constantine Sig Mark Ruhe, WESTMINSTER 1976; Dave Hill, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1975; Chuck Patrick, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1976; and Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Joe Martin, HOUSTON 1976, joined Sigma Chi Headquarters in Evanston as Assistant Executive Secretaries. They served alongside second-year AESs Scott Sawin, WAKE FOREST 1975, and Order of Constantine Sig Tom Smith, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1974, under Executive Secretary Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig William T. Bringham, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1946. Fifty years later, the brothers and their wives gathered at the La Cantera Resort in San Antonio to celebrate a remarkable milestone of friendship and brotherhood. Their conversations returned to the years they spent traveling across North America to visit undergraduate chapters, working alongside Brothers Bringham and Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Fred Yoder, OHIO 1957, and gaining lessons about Sigma Chi that helped shape their lives and careers. What began as a shared Headquarters assignment in 1976 became a lifelong bond — one they have continued to cherish for half a century. 22 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
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ALUMNI CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES OCTOBER 10/9/2001
Raleigh, North Carolina, Alumni Chapter, 25 years
NOVEMBER 11/23/1911
Dallas Alumni Chapter, 115 years
DECEMBER Dallas Alumni Chapter members are pictured June 8, 1999, with a $12,000 check for money raised to support the Texas A&M-College Station chapter. Pictured, from left, are tournament director John Alper, SOUTHERN METHODIST 1990; assistant tournament director Gregg Hill, SAM HOUSTON 1971; alumni chapter President George Theriot, OKLAHOMA 1966; Pro Consul Joe Theriot, TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION 1999; recruitment chairman Matt Sandlin, TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION 2001; and chapter advisor Randy Davis, TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION 1995.
12/18/1906 Phoenix Alumni Chapter, 120 years 12/16/1916 Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alumni Chapter, 110 years
*Anniversaries are listed every five years.
AMERICUS ALUMNI / The Americus, Georgia, Alumni Chapter remains active under President Ken Greene’s, GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN 1994, leadership. Recent accomplishments include new flooring throughout the chapter house and another successful spring pledge class and initiation at Georgia Southwestern. Our greatest highlight was Faculty Advisor Dr. Robert Bennett, SOUTH ALABAMA 1990, being named GSW Professor of the Year. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and achievement! ~ Tracy Law, GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN 1989 ATLANTA ALUMNI / The Atlanta Alumni Chapter continues to hold its monthly luncheon on the second Tuesday of the month. We are currently meeting 11:30 a.m. at The Southern Bistro on Roswell Road. The food is great, and a full menu is available. A Sigma Chi brother makes a short presentation. It's a great time to catch up with brothers and meet some new ones. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Thomas Wimberly, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1978 BATON ROUGE ALUMNI / The annual Sig Brotherhood Steak Night featured seven Gamma Iota recipients of the Lod Cook Leadership Scholarship. Alumni chapter lunch meetings were highlighted by guest speaker Dan Borné, retired voice of Louisiana State University Tiger Football for 38 years. Borné shared stories about his favorite LSU games and players. The alumni held a special dinner meeting to congratulate and recognize 35 Gamma Iota brothers who graduated after the spring semester. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Jim Bollinger, LOUISIANA STATE 1967 BIRMINGHAM ALUMNI / The Birmingham, Alabama, Alumni Chapter is growing, and we would love to have you join us at an event. We have dinner every second Thursday of the month at Jim N' Nick's BBQ in Homewood. We also have quarterly social hours at All
Good Beverage Co. In addition, we have sporting events that we meet up for. Check our website for details at BirminghamAlumni.SigmaChi.org. Congratulations to past President David Senseman, MISSISSIPPI STATE 1975, for receiving the Seven Lights Alumni Award this summer. ~ Mike Hayes, SOUTH ALABAMA 1991 BISMARCK ALUMNI / The brothers of our Bismarck, North Dakota, Alumni Club enjoyed an outstanding Sig luncheon at the official residence of the governor on the North Dakota Capitol grounds on Friday, May 29. Significant Sig Gov. Kelly Armstrong, NORTH DAKOTA 2000, governor of the great state of North Dakota, and his Sweetheart Kjersti Armstrong hosted 23 brothers and 19 sweethearts to a marvelous noon luncheon. ~ Significant Sig Bob Wefeld, NORTH DAKOTA 1964 CHARLOTTE ALUMNI / The Charlotte, North Carolina, Alumni Chapter is thriving in 2026! We kicked off summer with outdoor concerts, Knights baseball and our legendary "Day at the Lake." As we look ahead to our Christmas holiday party, don’t miss our monthly Taco Tuesday quest for the Queen City’s finest tacos. Join the brotherhood for these and more incredible themed socials! ~ Mike Beroth, AUSTIN PEAY 1985 CHATTANOOGA ALUMNI / The Chattanooga, Tennessee, Alumni Chapter proudly celebrated our 2026–2027 scholarship recipients at the Sigma Chi chapter house. We were honored to welcome Emily and Melissa Baskette as we recognized Michael Baskette Scholar Zavior Castillo, 2028, and David Brammer Scholar Matthew Swearingen, 2028 — both outstanding students and worthy brothers. Their achievements reflect the enduring commitment of our alumni to Delta Theta’s future. ~ Bill Hawkins, TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA 1983
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 23
/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
CHICAGO-DUPAGE ALUMNI / The Chicago-DuPage Alumni Chapter meets every last Thursday of the month at Labriola’s in Oak Brook and has been an active alumni chapter for years. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Bill Leonard, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1981
FORT WORTH ALUMNI / Join us at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Cowtown Brewery in Fort Worth, Texas. Follow us at Facebook.com/ FortWorthSigmaChiAlumni. ~ Doug Zent, NORTH TEXAS 1992
CHICAGO METRO ALUMNI / As the oldest continuous functioning alumni chapter, there are all sorts of events going on monthly along the lakefront areas. Please email us at WindyCitySig@aol.com so we can get you on the list and send you info on events. We also look forward to assisting with chapters at the University of Chicago, DePaul, Loyola and in the fall bringing the chapter back at Northwestern. We enjoy sharing brotherhood amongst ourselves and networking. Let us know if you are interested in getting involved. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Bill Bringham, ALBION 1975
FRESNO ALUMNI / At our recent alumni chapter event, we featured the first female dean in over 100 years of the Craig School of Business at Fresno State. Dr. Julie OlsonBuchanan, a Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Humanitarian Awardee, shared updates on preparing graduates with job-ready skills and how to be professionally ready for today’s use of artificial intelligence. She then offered a robust question and answer forum. ~ Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Brad Fischer, CAL. STATE-
CHICAGO NORTH SHORE ALUMNI / It is always a pleasure to offer opportunities to Sigs in the area to gather socially, enjoy brotherhood and network! January 2027 will be the 50th anniversary of the North Shore Alumni Chapter. Our monthly lunches at the Italian Kitchen in Deerfield on the first Thursday of the month are part of 48 years of monthly lunches. Our bi-monthly pizza socials at the Silo in Lake Bluff continues 19 years of those events. Golf outings, Westmoreland Country Club receptions and other events help us continue the success. Also, think about in the fall a large gathering at Hackney's (Lake Avenue in Glenview), where Jim Hebson, NORTHWESTERN 1985, continues the family legacy of operating Hackney's. Email us at WindyCitySig@aol.com. ~ Significant Sig Mark Nagy, PITTSBURGH 1954
GREATER MINNESOTA ALUMNI / The Greater Minnesota Alumni Chapter held its annual summer party on June 6. Brothers were able to enjoy the weather, great food, beverages and brotherhood along with their guests. We continue to meet for social hours 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Forgotten Star Brewing. ~ Bradley Revier, MINNESOTA STATE-MANKATO 2017
DALLAS ALUMNI / We are happy to report that the alumni chapter has grown to nearly 400 members. Nearly a quarter of our members are young professionals under 30! This past May, we raised another $15,500 for the L. Wayne Tucker Jordan Standard Leadership Scholarship. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Jim Bloom, SAN DIEGO STATE 1982 FLAGSTAFF ALUMNI / Last March, the Flagstaff, Arizona, Alumni Chapter's biennial Horseshoe-Cornhole Fundraiser/Tournament gathered 120 brothers from the U.S. and Canada to Daily Park in Tempe, benefiting the Zeta Omicron Housing Fund, the ZO Bell Chapter Challenge, and the ZO chapter's annual Huntsman Challenge. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Wayne Connelley, NORTHERN ARIZONA 1975 FORT MYERS ALUMNI / Several members of the Fort Myers and Naples, Florida, Alumni Chapters joined dozens of Sigma Chis, including Grand Pro Consul Dan Shaver, TEXAS TECH 1993, and Sigma Chi Executive Director Mike Church, ILLINOIS 2005, to celebrate the May 23, 2026, dedication of the John Wayne Sigma Chi Plaza at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset, Iowa. Special guests also included Aissa Wayne and Jennifer Wayne. This dedication celebrated the conclusion of a five-year fundraising campaign started by our alumni chapters. Thanks to Campaign Chair Jim Shield’s, IOWA 1965, leadership and generous Sigma Chi alumni, the goal was exceeded. Our motivation was to make sure every museum visitor knows that Significant Sig John Wayne, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1929, was a Sigma Chi! ~ Order of Constantine Sig Kent Johnson, IOWA STATE 1978
24 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
FRESNO 1981
KATY ALUMNI / In June, we had a combined luncheon with the Houston Alumni Chapter. Our alumni chapter President Kyle Campbell, TEXAS STATE 2020, was the keynote speaker and touched on his experience as Magister, Consul and Tribune as an undergraduate and his positions as chapter advisor, Ritual Peer and on the UTSA board of advisors. Both alumni chapters encourage undergraduate participation in our monthly meetings. ~ Eric Koval, PENN STATE 1986 LOS ANGELES COUNTY ALUMNI / The Los Angeles County Alumni Chapter continues to have excellent local events each month in the South Bay, San Gabriel Valley, Conejo Valley and now in the San Fernando Valley. We will be having new Alumni Awards events throughout the fall and will keep you posted on dates, times and locations. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Kevin Bidenkap, ARIZONA STATE 1990 MADISON ALUMNI / The upstart Madison, Wisconsin, Alumni Chapter suffered a setback when scheduling conflicts suspended our annual J. Henry Bourbon Tasting, which was set for June, but alternative dates are still under consideration and will be shared at a later date. Meanwhile, our monthly Wednesday after-work get-togethers are building on a solid core of regular brothers, and additional sites have been arranged to encourage new attendees. ~ Bob Schmitt, RIPON 1979 MID-MICHIGAN ALUMNI / The Mid-Michigan Alumni Chapter co-sponsored its first American Red Cross blood drive with the associate chapter members of Sigma Chi Sigma at Central Michigan, the brothers of Theta Nu from Alma, and the sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha on Friday, April 10, 2026, on the Central Michigan University campus. The blood drive was a huge success, which surpassed its goals. We look forward to future blood drive events, which will be held at Alma and Grand Valley State University this fall. ~ Bubba Russell, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 1993
MILWAUKEE ALUMNI / Milwaukee-area brothers meet monthly for breakfast on the last Friday of each month at Landmark Restaurant in Bay View. Brothers also convened at the Rock Baseball Park for the minor league Milwaukee Milkmen in June for some inexpensive family-friendly fun. The Milwaukee Alumni Chapter is still in search of permanent leadership to continue its strong tradition of over 125 years. If you’re interested, contact Ken Szafranski, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1984, or Bob Schmitt, RIPON 1979, for details. ~ Schmitt NARRAGANSETT BAY ALUMNI / We continue to meet monthly to enjoy brotherhood and discuss current events. The local chapter house at the University of Rhode Island is in the process of being transitioned to the Constantine Housing Initiative prior to this coming fall term with approximately 30 actives planned to live in it. We are looking forward to the summer! ~ Philip Genereux, RHODE ISLAND 1993 NEW HAMPSHIRE ALUMNI / We exited 2025 with our Christmas party, which led the chapter into the first annual Whisky & Pizza Party. Is this a pattern? We enjoy bringing Sigma Chis together who have not joined us in the past, like last year’s Picnic at the Lake. In other news, Nelson Cross, NEW HAMPSHIRE 2015, was appointed chapter advisor to his alma mater. Congrats, Nelson! ~ Charlie Killam, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1986 NEW YORK CITY ALUMNI / The New York City Alumni Chapter has returned to form, with consistent double-digit attendance at our monthly Brothers Night, and more varied events planned for the rest of the summer. Find out about events and sign up for our newsletter at our website, NewYorkAlumni.SigmaChi.org, or join us at Slattery's Pub in Midtown every second Thursday of the month. ~ Andrew Coleburn, HOBART 2016 NORTHEAST TEXAS ALUMNI / The Northeast Texas Alumni Club has lunch brotherhood meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month in Mount Pleasant. We met in the fall with the Zeta Eta chapter actives and pledges for a pizza lunch to kick off the school year. We co-hosted a spring meeting at East Texas A&M University with the Rib Crib Group in listening to stories and tales from the 1963 first pledge class and chapter installation (same week as President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas). Zeta Eta alumni had their spring fishing tournament on Lake Fork and a golf tournament in Commerce. ~ James Williams, EAST TEXAS A&M 1975 OAKLAND EAST BAY ALUMNI / Six brothers honored Memorial Day with a visit to the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville, California. The event was arranged by David Smith, CAL. STATE-LONG BEACH 1970, a docent at the hall, who shared his knowledge and passion for our nation's military history. The brothers brought family keepsakes and photographs, sharing personal stories of relatives who proudly served. The group toured the grounds and explored the hall's extensive collection of military artifacts. Brother Smith's unique perspective as both a veteran and docent added depth and insight to the experience. The evening concluded with a pizza dinner hosted by the alumni chapter, where fellowship, remembrance and camaraderie were on full display. ~ Tustin Ellison, CAL. POLY.-SAN LUIS OBISPO 1989
SACRAMENTO ALUMNI / The Sacramento Alumni Chapter held its first ever official golf tournament in April, simply known as "The Brothers" tournament. We had an impressive turnout of over 40 brothers of different ages and chapters participating. A great time was had by all! Next year's tournament is already set for April 9, 2027. ~ Paul Davis, CAL. STATE-SACRAMENTO 1990 SAN DIEGO ALUMNI / Please join us as we continue to have guest speakers with various topics presented, such as health and nutrition, the Kiwanis Club Foundation or the goings on with the San Diego Military Advisory Council. Of course, join us for our monthly luncheons (always 11:45 a.m. the second Friday of each month at Miguel’s Cocina in Old Town) and poker nights (the last Saturday of each month). And don’t forget about our bicycle ride every other month or the quarterly “Ride with the Prez” motorcycle ride. You can find more info at SanDiegoSigmaChi.org/Events. ~ Significant Sig Patt Suggs, NORTH GEORGIA 1983 SARASOTA ALUMNI / The alumni chapter met in Venice, Florida, for its June luncheon. Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Glen Berree, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1969, gave a short Ritual presentation. We have successfully met our fundraising goal to sponsor our annual Build Day with the Sarasota Habitat for Humanity. ~ Significant Sig Bill Morrow, IDAHO 1967 SPACE COAST ALUMNI / The Space Coast, Florida, Alumni Chapter regular meeting time has been changed to 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Tuscany Grill in Melbourne, Florida. ~ Mark Rahner, MIT 1982 STATESBORO ALUMNI / We have increased our membership to 88 dues paying members. We are also proud to announce that two of our longtime members, Jimmie Deloach, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1972, and Order of Constantine Sig Frank Hook, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1971, will be inducted into the Georgia Southern Athletic Hall of Fame this fall. Both were instrumental in bringing back football to Georgia Southern. Both also have served our alumni chapter as president. Without a doubt, they have honored the Sigma Chi Creed by making Georgia Southern, Sigma Chi, Eta Zeta and our alumni chapter more honored by men and women and more beloved and respected by our own brothers. ~ Steve Pennington, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1979 SYRACUSE ALUMNI / The latest edition of the Saltine Sig and other chapter news can be found at PsiPsi.org. Join us on Nov. 7, 2026, for our Homecoming annual reunion. ~ Ted Collins, SYRACUSE 1984 TACOMA ALUMNI / The Tacoma, Washington, Alumni Chapter kicked off the summer with a barbecue to welcome the newly graduated brothers of the Delta Phi chapter at Puget Sound. Throughout the year we organize monthly gatherings for the brothers alternating between breakfast at our favorite haunt and an afternoon at Sig-owned Four Generals Brewing. Additionally, Delta Phi alumni met in Palm Desert, California, for a great weekend reunion. We wrap up the summer with our annual summer barbecue in August for both alumni and the Delta Phi undergraduates who are returning for the fall semester. ~ John Miller, PUGET SOUND 1984 expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 25
/ FEATURE /
NEVER FORGOTT EN
26 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. It was a day that was meant to bring the country to its knees. Instead, its people rose. Americans across the country, representing all ages, genders, political affiliations and industries stood up to help in the aftermath. They volunteered for the cleanup. They aided in the search and rescue. They mourned the victims. And, most importantly: They never forgot. In this issue, Sigma Chi honors the brothers whose lives were lost on Sept. 11 and pays tribute to the Sigs who have been making sure America never forgets that day.
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/ FEATURE /
BY NATHANAEL HAWTHORNE, YOUNGSTOWN 2020 /////////
A SIG'S DUTY
As the country watched the events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfold on their televisions, one Sig trekked from California to New York to assist in the recovery efforts. In the years that followed, he’s made it his mission to make sure America never forgets.
W
hen he walked into the waiting room of a California hospital, Erick Robertson, CAL. POLY.-SAN LUIS OBISPO 1989, didn’t think he was about to witness history. What should have been a normal training run with new first responders and emergency medical technicians ultimately turned into his calling that would shape the rest of his life. Around him, people sat in tears as the images unfolded on the screen, but Robertson’s eyes fixed on something else: a crawl along the bottom of the screen flashing a 1-800 number — “We need help. We need dogs. We need rescue workers,” he recalls. As the televisions showed smoke pouring from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the first responder and search-and-rescue dog trainer wasn’t thinking about watching the events unfold: He was already thinking about how to get to New York. “It was such a shock and a horror to be seeing it on the TV, but at the same time it’s what I had trained for virtually my entire life,” he says. “This is what I was supposed to be doing.” Robertson didn’t hesitate. He sprinted to his office so fast that he ran out of his shoes to try to get through to that number. On the first call, he was in contact with the New York City Department of Emergency Management and, within hours, he, a fellow firefighter and his search 28 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
and rescue dog, Porkchop, were on Interstate 80, beginning a cross-country journey that would forever change his life. ANSWERING THE CALL Robertson could tell the country was already coming together in a way he’d never seen. On the interstate, overpasses became a symbol of the American spirit. “Every overpass for 3,000 miles was filled with American flags. People were on every single overpass. It didn’t matter if it was a tiny town or a town with 300,000 people — you went through it, and there were just flags everywhere,” he says. Robertson describes this as the 9/12 phenomenon, where in the days immediately following the attacks, politics faded, and Americans simply looked for ways to help. Whether donating blood, volunteering or supporting rescue workers headed to the unknown, he remembers a country united by a common purpose, which is something he felt firsthand. Sleep came in short bursts as Robertson and the fellow firefighter traded places behind the wheel. In Iowa, Robertson pulled off the road at a gas station to fuel up and get meals. He drifted off for a few minutes once at the pump. While inside to pay, the cashier stopped him. “The cashier said it was already taken care of,” he
Erick Robertson, CAL. POLY.-SAN LUIS OBISPO 1989, and his search and rescue dog, Porkchop, are pictured in action at Ground Zero. Robertson trained search and rescue dogs and knew he needed to make the trek from California to New York in the wake of 9/11 to help in any way he could.
“Every overpass for 3,000 miles was filled with American flags. People were on every single overpass. It didn’t matter if it was a tiny town or a town with 300,000 people — you went through it, and there were just flags everywhere." - Erik Robertson, CAL. POLY.-SAN LOUIS OBISPO 1989
says. “Somebody pulled in behind us, figured out what we were doing and left us $500.” The farther east he got, Robertson became more convinced the country had united like never before. That same spirit greeted him in New York where thousands of volunteers stood ready to do whatever they could to help.
Erick Robertson, CAL. POLY.-SAN LUIS OBISPO 1989, and his search and rescue dog, Porkchop, are pictured at Ground Zero in the weeks following the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. Robertson drove from California to New York to assist in the rescue efforts. The duo worked at the site for several months.
GROUND ZERO Once on site, he was assigned to NYPD K9, and he and Porkchop were loaded onto a truck bound for Ground Zero. The ride lasted only a few blocks. “I walked around the corner and that moment of seeing the pile for the very first time was just so overwhelming. In that instant, I knew there was virtually no chance that somebody had survived this,” he says. “Just the overwhelming destruction in what I was looking at would cause anyone to believe that.” To enter, Robertson first had to get through the crowd of people. “There was a chain-link fence around Lower Manhattan and on the other side of that fence, it looked like a zombie movie where you saw thousands of people trying to break through the fence line. Those people are all family members holding up pictures of their
loved ones and asking if we’ve seen their family,” says Robertson. “The horror of what you’re seeing is already overwhelming, then you have to go through this gauntlet of people who are just devastated. The weight of that on any one person’s shoulders was tremendous at the time.” Fifteen minutes after getting to work, Robertson and Porkchop made their first recovery, and it was far from their last. For nine months they worked 18-hour days searching the wreckage. Amid the grief and despair, the American spirit was still on full display. Robertson recalls seeing thousands of ironworkers on any given day standing in line for more than 10 blocks in full gear waiting to help any way they could, and New York residents even offered their homes for volunteers to stay in. Masks, filters and boots had to be replaced constantly. Thanks to the outpouring of support from across the nation, donations of personal equipment were coming in so rapidly that little pop-up shops were built to distribute it. “The gear was coming in faster than we could utilize them. We were going through tons and tons of it because it all got so contaminated on an hourly basis,” says Robertson. “Patriots from all around the country came to help in this terrible, terrible situation. It was horrific but uplifting in some ways.” expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 29
/ FEATURE /
Pictured are exhibits from the 9/11 Remembered Traveling Memorial. The memorial was developed by Erick Robertson, CAL. POLY.-SAN LUIS OBISPO 1989, and his team as a way to ensure Americans never forget 9/11, and it also serves as a teaching tool for a generation of people and is completely free to any community that wants the exhibit.
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BRINGING NEW YORK TO AMERICA Robertson returned to California after nine months of exhaustive recovery efforts, but Ground Zero never really left him. The sights, sounds and faces he encountered during that time stayed with him. Like many who served at Ground Zero, Robertson wrestled with the emotional weight he had experienced. Robertson began speaking publicly about his experience and the importance of volunteerism. For over a decade, at lecture after lecture, a common theme emerged from the audience: About 90 percent of people said they likely wouldn’t go to the memorial in New York for various reasons. That realization stuck with him. If people couldn’t take the trip to the memorial, maybe the memorial needed to make the trip to them. In 2018 Robertson began working with three companies to create a traveling exhibit that captures not only the appearance of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, but also the emotional impact it conveys. The New York City memorial and museum shut down for the day so that representatives of those companies could see firsthand what the traveling one should represent. “We wanted them to know the stories personally so they could design and build what we envisioned. That’s how we came up with this incredible exhibit that’s an unbelievable replica of the museum,” Robertson says. The memorial itself, contained within specialized vehicles and aptly named the 9/11 Remembered Traveling Memorial, resembles a museum in the sense that artifacts can be swapped out and changed from location to location. Visitors see a truck damaged by the fallen Twin Towers and hear the voices of survivors, volunteers and loved ones from the nearly 3,000 people who died that day. They
also see who these people were thanks to personal items donated by the victim's families. In addition, there's steel recovered from the Towers themselves — a harrowing reminder of the devastation. Beyond the artifacts, the memorial is designed to be experienced. Survivors, first responders and members of the memorial team share their stories firsthand, while live search-and-rescue demonstrations — including one featuring a robot dog called Spot from Boston Dynamics — help visitors better understand the work performed in the aftermath of the attacks. If the memorial was going to reach the people who inspired it, Robertson knew cost couldn't be a barrier. “No one city could afford what it would cost to bring this exhibition to their town,” he says. “We do our work of raising money on a different scale and it’s all due to the exhibit. People are so blown away by it.” That’s why the memorial is free to anyone and any community. The formula is simple: If a community wants the memorial in their town, Robertson and his team makes every effort to be there. That strategy has attracted countless followers and draws thousands of people everywhere they go. A 1,400-city tour was initially planned, but it’s since grown. “A lot of what we do is linked with military events and celebrations. Thousands of military personnel were lost in post-9/11 wars and conflicts over terrorism, so our following is huge, strong and extremely patriotic,” says Robertson. “Some places are a five-day stop where we do a county fair-type exhibition and get thousands of people from multiple areas to a singular location. We cover a lot of ground that way.”
A New York Fire Department firetruck that was damaged when the Twin Towers collapsed is one of the many artifacts the 9/11 Remembered Traveling Memorial features. The memorial was developed by Erick Robertson, CAL. POLY.-SAN LUIS OBISPO 1989, and his team as a way to ensure Americans never forget 9/11, and it also serves as a teaching tool for a generation of people.
KEEPING THE PROMISE The effects of Sept. 11 didn't end when the recovery effort did. Robertson has created a way for everyone to connect to that day because it’s still very real in many ways. “There are tens of thousands of us that got cancers and terrible illnesses and are suffering through that. I've been through chemotherapy twice, I was diagnosed with MS this past year, and all of it is attributed to these long-term illnesses. They’ve linked all of it to the long-term chemical exposure and breathing in those toxic fumes,” Robertson says. Despite his personal setbacks, Robertson still has a story to tell, and he wants to use the memorial as a way for others to hear the stories and find a way to connect with them. Storytelling and connection have the potential to change lives. During one podcast interview, Robertson listened as a woman described the day her husband died in the World Trade Center. The details sounded strangely familiar. Nearly two decades earlier, Robertson remembered hearing a firefighter describe trying to free people trapped inside an elevator that had plunged dozens of floors after the impact severed its cables.
Robertson realized the woman's husband had been one of the people inside. Through the memorial, Robertson was able to connect the firefighter and the victim's family to provide answers they had never been able to hear before. Moments like that are why Robertson has remained fiercely protective of the memorial's mission. That commitment, he says, is rooted in the values he learned as a Sigma Chi. “Sigma Chi has been my core through all of this,” he adds. “What I learned and what I became as a Sig has really been engraved in what I do with this.” For Robertson, the mission has never simply been about remembering Sept. 11. It's about ensuring future generations never forget. “Historically, 9/11 is talked about once a year for a few hours that day, and then it's just put in a box and put back on the shelf until the next anniversary. Our goal is to make sure that 9/11 is talked about every day — not once a year — once a day,” he says. “There's been an equal effort from people on the wrong side of history that are trying to make the annual celebrations go away too, and we'll never let that happen — until my last breath, it will never happen."
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/ FEATURE /
BY NATHANAEL HAWTHORNE, YOUNGSTOWN 2020 /////////
THE CHAPTER THAT NEVER FORGETS Starting in the spring following the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, the Tau chapter at Roanoke College annually honors the life of Steve LaMantia, ROANOKE 1985
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or many college students today, Sept. 11, 2001, merely exists as a chapter in a history textbook. At the Tau chapter at Roanoke College, however, this national tragedy — known to many only through pictures, documentaries and stories — has a deeper meaning. On the anniversary of 9/11 attacks, undergraduates and some alumni gather outside the chapter house to honor a Sigma Chi many in the audience have never known, but one whose spirit lives on: Steve LaMantia, ROANOKE 1985. LaMantia was working on the 105th floor of the North Tower on the morning of Sept. 11. Above the impact zone, there was no chance for escape. The morning started out completely normal for him. “He got on the 6:46 a.m. train out of Darien, Connecticut, that morning like he did every day and went 32 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
to work. Then he was just gone, just disappeared,” says Order of Constantine Sig and LaMantia’s chapter brother Tommy Blair, ROANOKE 1985. “Steve and I graduated together. He was Consul our senior year.” At the time, Blair was working for the college as the director of financial aid. About 8:46 a.m., one of Blair’s coworkers called and said he thought something was going on at the World Trade Center. In a time where computers and smart phones weren’t around, Blair booked it to the library in hopes of there being a television. When he got there, the reality of what was going on set in. “They had (a TV), and we watched the second impact live, just as every American did,” says Blair. “My wife was working in the development office at the time, so I shot down there, and she pulled a list of alumni we had listed as working in the World Trade Center.”
Roanoke College Chaplain Chris Bowen leads the audience in a moment of silence at the Tau chapter’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Each year, the chapter takes a moment to reflect on the life of Steve LaMantia, ROANOKE 1985, who died in the North Tower on 9/11.
Pictured is a plaque and piece of debris from the World Trade Center in memory of Steve LaMantia, ROANOKE 1985. LaMantia died in the North Tower on 9/11, and the Tau chapter honors him annually with a remembrance ceremony on the anniversary of that day.
When reading that list, Blair’s heart sank when he saw a handful of Sigma Chis from Roanoke who worked in the buildings. For the rest of the day, Blair recalls trying to call and track down everyone and anyone he could. One brother, Bob Berger, ROANOKE 1985, was in the South Tower but left after the North Tower was hit. “Somehow, some way I reached him that morning,” recalls Blair. “I got through to his cellphone. He was walking up Fifth Avenue and looking over his shoulder. He talked about the Twin Towers looking like two candles burning, and I’ll never forget that.” The remaining brothers were all contacted, but LaMantia wasn’t accounted for. After a few days, according to Blair, the reality that LaMantia was gone had settled in. Blair adds that he and his chapter brothers immediately started working on what they were going to do for him. After an intimate memorial was held in Darien on Sept. 29, Blair and others started discussing how they wanted to memorialize LaMantia. “We raised money and created the memorial at the chapter house. We dedicated it that following April during
alumni weekend, so that was the first commemoration: April 2002,” says Blair. HIS SPIRIT LIVES ON Every year on Sept. 11, the chapter holds a memorial ceremony for LaMantia. Blair says the ceremony has evolved over time. “We usually start around 8:30 a.m. with the chapter’s Consul welcoming everybody. Then Roanoke’s chaplain gives an invocation, and then we have a few guest speakers,” he says. “For a few of the years, it’s me talking a little bit about the day and trying as best as I can to capture the spirit of Steve that we want to continue on in the chapter and really embody who he was, what his brothers and the Fraternity meant to him, and how important the values of Sigma Chi were to him.” Some of the speakers have included Roanoke Sigma Chi alumni such as Glenn Gebhardt, ROANOKE 1986, who left his job shortly after the attacks and joined the Central Intelligence Agency, tracking and locating high-value targets so CIA agents could apprehend them. “He spoke about what motivated him to do that, and it was Steve,” says Blair.
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/ FEATURE /
Nick Larkey, ROANOKE 2010, middle, is pictured speaking with former British Prime Minister David Cameron during his 2012 visit to the Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden. Larkey’s family came to America from England and his father, Robin, was killed in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center. As an undergraduate, Sigma Chi helped Larkey during the most difficult time in his life and became like a second family. Larkey’s family has met with the Royal Family several times, and Larkey served on the board of the memorial.
Members and friends of the Tau chapter at Roanoke College gather together each year on Sept. 11 to honor the life of Steve LaMantia, ROANOKE 1985, who died in the North Tower on 9/11. The annual remembrance ceremony has been held since 2002.
34 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Elliott Adams, ROANOKE 2022, speaks to the audience at the Tau chapter’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony in 2022. Each year on the date, the chapter takes a moment to reflect on the life of Steve LaMantia, ROANOKE 1985, who died in the North Tower on 9/11.
A DEEPER MEANING Over time, the annual remembrance has become more than a ceremony. It has become one of the ways the chapter passes LaMantia's legacy from one generation of brothers to the next. For some brothers, the ceremony represents more and serves as a reminder of the relationships that continue to grow from that legacy. Few understand that better than Nick Larkey, ROANOKE 2010. Larkey never met LaMantia, but the two share a connection few could imagine. Larkey's father worked alongside LaMantia on the 105th floor of the North Tower as a fellow employee of Cantor Fitzgerald. After surviving the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, he was killed in the terrorist attacks eight years later. Growing up in New Jersey with much of his extended family still living in England, Larkey carried that loss with him when he enrolled at Roanoke. Unsure what to expect from college, or fraternity life, he found himself surrounded by brothers who saw potential in him before he saw it himself. That support, led in large part by Blair, gradually gave Larkey the confidence to pursue leadership within the chapter. Encouraged by older brothers to run for Consul, he discovered skills that would later carry far beyond the chapter house walls. “Their support gave me a little more confidence and picked me up. The bond is reciprocal, right? So I offered that back. I was always there for the younger guys once
I became Consul and tried to help them out as best as I could,” he says. Looking back, Larkey compares those relationships to one of the last memories he shared with his father before Sept. 11. "The show Band of Brothers had just come out on HBO, and we were watching it that Sunday night,” he says. “Joining Sigma Chi, Tommy kind of being the backbone and the LaMantia story, it kind of became like my Band of Brothers, and then Tommy was sort of our leader." Years later, the confidence Larkey first found at Roanoke followed him back to New York. He eventually served on the board of New York City's Queen Elizabeth Memorial honoring the British victims of Sept. 11, speaking before families, firefighters and dignitaries including British Prime Minister David Cameron and then-Vice President Joe Biden. Larkey credits the confidence he gained as a Sigma Chi for preparing him for those moments. The brotherhood that lifted him up during one of the most difficult times in his life gave him a family. “I kind of leaned on my friends. My friends became my family. My pledge brothers and my Fraternity brothers— they are my family," he says. “As we’ve gone through each year and I’ve had the opportunity to spend a few minutes on the day with the undergraduates, we hit that point where it’s just a page in a history book — it’s not something they experienced,” says Blair. “The goal of this yearly ceremony is simply to make sure we keep Steve’s spirit alive in the chapter.”
BY ADDISON VINSON, NORTH GEORGIA 2028 /////////
REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST Sigma Chi lost 10 brothers in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The nonprofit Voices Center for Resilience contains photos, biographical information and remembrances for all victims lost that day. Below is more information about those brothers who entered the Chapter Eternal. Don Adams, FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON 1995
Adams, 28, was working as a vice president of sales at eSpeed, a division of Cantor Fitzgerald, on the 105th floor of the North Tower. Born and raised in Vineland, New Jersey, he later settled in Chatham, New Jersey, with his wife, Heda, and their daughter, Rebecca, who was just 5 months old on Sept. 11. He is remembered by friends as a gentle giant — standing 6’5” and equally large in warmth and generosity. A scholarship fund was established in his daughter's memory as the Rebecca Adams Scholarship Fund in Chatham, New Jersey.
Terence “Ted” Adderley Jr., VANDERBILT 2001
Adderley was 22 — just months removed from Vanderbilt, where he earned an economics degree and founded the school’s investment club. Business was in his blood: His grandfather, Significant Sig William Russell Kelly, VANDERBILT 1926, founded Kelly Services, and his father served as chairman and CEO. Adderley had been picking his own stocks since age 12. He followed his grandfather to Vanderbilt and into Sigma Chi, then landed his first job as an analyst at Fred Alger Management on the 93rd floor of the North Tower. He shared a love of French cuffs with his new boss. Always planning ahead, he had already bought his sister Elizabeth’s October birthday gifts by August — a watch with a blue band, gloves and a pink scarf.
Kevin Cleary, WISCONSIN-MADISON 1985
Cleary, 38, was a man of relentless ambition and range. A stock trader at Eurobrokers on the 84th floor of the South Tower, he was also an actor, screenwriter, club owner, restaurateur and world traveler — with his idol, Paul Newman, as his north star. Fresh from a production of Waiting Station, he was preparing to play Lenny in Of Mice and Men. “He worked all day then rehearsed all night,” his sister, Cate, said. “Twenty-four hours just never seemed to be enough for him.” A former Consul of his Sigma Chi chapter, Cleary had recently returned from Tuscany.
Keith Coleman, BUCKNELL 1990
Coleman, 34, was a senior vice president and partner at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he had built the firm’s equity derivatives unit from scratch. A Connecticut native who spent six years in London before returning to the U.S., Coleman met his wife, Elodie, in an economics class their junior year at Bucknell. When his division became wildly successful, he brought his younger brother, Scott, into the firm. Both men were in the North Tower on Sept. 11. Keith Coleman named his 2-year-old son Vaughn after baseball slugger Mark McGwire and was said to have cried when he first held him. His daughter, Neva Rae, was just 5 months old. The Coleman family and the Westport Soccer Association later founded the Coleman Brothers Foundation in Keith and Scott's honor.
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/ FEATURE /
John Hart, WISCONSIN-MADISON 1983
Hart, 38, was born and raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was a self-described cheesehead and devoted Green Bay Packers fan who went on annual deer hunting trips to northern Wisconsin every opening season. He had most recently worked as director of global operations at Franklin Templeton, having just relocated with his wife, Laurie, and their four children to Danville, California. He was in New York on Sept. 11 to teach a management class on the 90th floor of the South Tower. He called Laurie after the North Tower was struck to say he was OK, but then he went back inside to warn others arriving for the class. A voracious reader of Tom Clancy novels, his family remembers him as someone who loved his wife and children more than his own life.
Aram Iskenderian Jr., ROCHESTER 1981
Iskenderian, 41, was a vice president in global risk management at Cantor Fitzgerald, working on the 101st floor of the North Tower. An optics major at Rochester and proud Sigma Chi, Iskenderian had married his high school sweetheart, Sheri. He stood by her through medical school despite early resistance from her family, eventually winning everyone over through quiet, steadfast devotion. Friends remember his calm under pressure, his warmth and his love of rock music and home renovation projects. He and Sheri had four children: ages 11, 8, and twin 4-year-olds at the time. He was on the phone with Sheri when the plane struck.
Glenn Kirwin, VIRGINIA 1982
Kirwin, 40, lived in Scarsdale, New York, and was up at 5:15 each morning to catch the 6:30 train into Manhattan, where he worked as head of product development at eSpeed, Cantor Fitzgerald’s electronic trading platform — an idea he had originally pitched to a bank executive on an Austrian ski lift back in 1985. An American studies graduate from UVA and part of an extensive nine-member Kirwin family tradition at the school, Kirwin walked onto the baseball team as a catcher and later became a triathlete. He always made it home by 8 p.m. to do something with his sons, Miles, 10, and Troy, 7. Miles later joined the U.S. Army in his father’s honor. His friends established the Glenn D. Kirwin Scholarship at UVA for leadership and entrepreneurship.
Stephen “Jet” LaMantia, ROANOKE 1985
LaMantia, 38, was impossible to miss. The institutional bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor was famous on the 6:36 a.m. train out of Darien, Connecticut, for his booming laugh. A former Consul of his Sigma Chi chapter and Roanoke lacrosse player, he was the self-proclaimed “captain of the cul-de-sac” and one of the few dads trusted to watch all the neighborhood kids. He is survived by his wife, Kim — the chapter’s 1986 sweetheart and a fellow Roanoke graduate — and their children, Emily, 9, and Steven, 6. Over 30 Tau chapter alumni attended his memorial. A memorial stone outside the Roanoke Sigma Chi house honors him to this day.
Todd Pelino, COLGATE 1989
Pelino, 34, had been a broker at Cantor Fitzgerald for seven years and a standout soccer player at both Pittsford Mendon High School and Colgate, where he was a proud Sigma Chi. He lived in Fair Haven, New Jersey, with his wife Megan — also Colgate ’89 — and their children: Bennett, and 2 1 ₂ Annie, an infant. Every Saturday at 5 p.m., they walked the kids to their neighborhood church in a double stroller. Sept. 11 brought devastating double grief to their family: Megan's sister, Kathleen Pezzuti, also perished in the attack that day. “He was always first to hold the newborns,” Megan said. Colgate’s men’s soccer program honored Todd on the 20th anniversary.
David Retik, COLGATE 1990
Retik, 33, was a founding general partner of Alta Communications, a Boston-based venture capital firm. A Weston, Massachusetts, native, he earned his economics and Asian studies degree at Colgate — where he played varsity soccer and met his future wife, Susan, as freshmen. He was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 that morning. Susan was seven months pregnant with their third child. Friends remember Dave for his relentless practical jokes, genuine warmth, passion for fly-fishing and the way he lit up around children. His wife, Susan, later co-founded Beyond the 11th, supporting Afghan widows, and received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama in 2010. Their story is the subject of the documentary Beyond Belief.
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/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES /
After finding out he was named a finalist for the Truman Scholarship, Tyler Shumway, UTAH 2025, second from right, throws up the “U” for the University of Utah with Jason Perry, vice president for government relations and the director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics; Gina Shipley, managing director of National Internships & Development Officer; and Taylor R. Randall, university president, all pictured from left.
"I’m not going to pretend to be the smartest guy in the room, but if I can, I’m going to outwork everybody else for something that matters." - Tyler Shumway, UTAH 2025
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BY NATHANAEL HAWTHORNE, YOUNGSTOWN 2020 //////
Driven to Serve Tyler Shumway, UTAH 2025, was recently named a Truman Scholar and believes that becoming a Sigma Chi helped him achieve this goal.
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or Tyler Shumway, UTAH 2025, public service has never been a concept discussed in classrooms — it’s been something deeply connecting him to the Salt Lake City community and something that helped him become one of 55 undergraduate students who earned the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The scholarship is one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for students pursuing careers in public service and is awarded to college juniors demonstrating exceptional leadership, academic achievement and a commitment to civic engagement and is among the most competitive in the country. This year, roughly 780 students were nominated nationally.
For Shumway, earning the $30,000 scholarship represented the culmination of years of service, preparation and persistence surrounding an issue that has shaped much of his life: homelessness. Growing up in Utah, Shumway’s family spent years serving the homeless community in Salt Lake City. His parents were deeply involved in homelessness outreach and from a young age, he joined their volunteer efforts at local soup kitchens and service projects. That involvement, combined with his religious views, exposed him to the realities behind poverty and housing issues. “I’ve been around this issue since I was a little kid,” Shumway says. “During the interview process for this scholarship, I spoke at length about the homeless, why
While interning in Washington, D.C., where he met the Sigma Chis who encourage him to join, Truman Scholarship recipient Tyler Shumway, UTAH 2025, worked with Significant Sig and Congressman Blake Moore, UTAH 2004. Also pictured is former Beta Epsilon Consul Jake Paul, UTAH 2022.
public policy matters and why I want to be involved in public service.” The scholarship process begins at the university level, where students must first receive a nomination from their school before advancing to the national level. At the University of Utah, around 40 students applied but only three were selected. From the onset, Shumway knew he wanted to apply and started in September 2025. The work began almost immediately. Over the next several months, Shumway met weekly with advisors and local civic leaders to refine every aspect of his application. Together, they examined his experiences volunteering with the homeless community and his long-term vision for public service. By late December, Shumway was a finalist at the university. After being named a university finalist, he dedicated himself to the process — believing his work ethic to be the reason he won the scholarship in general. “This scholarship has been a focus and goal of mine for a really long time. Before finding out if I even got the scholarship, people from the university told me they didn’t think anyone worked harder for the scholarship than I did,” he says. “I probably did 17 practice interviews before my final interview because I wanted to be as ready as possible. I’m not going to pretend to be the smartest guy in the room, but if I can, I’m going to outwork everybody else for something that matters.” It was during this final interview in March this year that he spoke about the importance of urban policy, housing reform and why long-term intervention often requires more than simply providing housing. Utah, he explains, has
pioneered approaches emphasizing treatment and support systems alongside housing access, which he believes offers valuable lessons for broader public policy. It was also during this time that he relied on the support he received from his chapter brothers. In 2022, Shumway was an intern in Washington, D.C., and connected with Sigma Chis from his campus. He admired their work ethic and drive and genuinely enjoyed hanging out with them outside of the internship. When he joined Sigma Chi, Shumway believes this decision really helped elevate his passion for reaching this scholarship. “By being a Sigma Chi, I learned that the guys I met in D.C. weren’t outliers. That’s what Sigma Chi is — good friends with different temperaments, talents and convictions,” he says. “I connected with these guys and they pushed me. They all believe in me and being surrounded with that caliber of men who had faith in me was really instrumental.” With this scholarship, Shumway hopes to attend the Harvard Kennedy School to pursue a master’s degree in public policy, focusing on urban issues such as homelessness and housing reform before eventually serving in federal or Utah state government. “The goal is to make a real impact,” Shumway says. “I want to take the experiences I’ve had in Utah, learn from a really strong graduate program and ultimately help implement policy that improves people’s lives.”
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/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES /
CAMPUS CHRONICLES UPDATES ALBION
Alpha Pi
Despite being spread across the world this summer, brothers are staying connected through outings in Michigan and by gathering to watch the World Cup. Soccer has always connected our brothers, and the event will help keep us engaged over the summer! ~ Jake Ellsworth, 2027 ARKANSAS Omega Omega The chapter raised more than $100,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Brothers supported Wings and Kings in the fall by selling wristbands and helping with the event itself, and we sold thousands of tickets for our Derby Days philanthropic event at Bud Walton Arena during the spring semester. ~ Logan Haller, 2029 BOWLING GREEN Delta Kappa The chapter raised more than $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, a major accomplishment for us. ~ Patrick Driscoll, 2029
BRYANT Lambda Eta Although the school year has ended, brothers remain connected through graduation celebrations, volunteer coaching, an executive committee retreat and trips together, helping maintain strong friendships and brotherhood. ~ Gerald Kent, 2027 BUTLER Rho Our chapter raised its GPA by 0.25 points over the past year. ~ Drew Salzer, 2028 CALIFORNIA-IRVINE Eta Sigma We raised $36,542 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. ~ Sean White, 2028 CALIFORNIA-MERCED Lambda Delta Lambda Delta raised a record-setting $18,800 in one week for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, establishing a new philanthropic benchmark at the university. The chapter also celebrated nine graduating brothers, including the university's commencement speaker. ~ Max Pierron, 2027 CAL. STATE-FRESNO Epsilon Eta This spring, we raised $27,500 for Valley
Brothers from the Minnesota chapter spend quality time together before the end of the spring 2026 semester.
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Children's Hospital through our Derby Days philanthropic event. Partnering with sororities across campus, we hosted a week of events that strengthened our chapter culture and demonstrated the impact of Sigma Chi brotherhood. ~ Nick Palm, 2028 CAL. POLY.-POMONA Theta Sigma Our chapter is maintaining brotherhood this summer by attending World Cup watch parties, enjoying beach days, hiking and spending time together at rivers and lakes throughout California for a day on the boat. ~ Jacob Ladd, 2027 CAL. STATE-SAN MARCOS Mu Beta The chapter broke its Derby Days philanthropic event fundraising record for the second consecutive year, raising more than $60,000 for the first time in chapter history. The chapter also earned the Most Philanthropic Chapter award. ~ Max Miles, 2027 COLORADO COLLEGE Beta Gamma This year marked one of the most successful periods in recent chapter history. We recruited 24 new brothers,
including a 12-man spring pledge class, growing to nearly 70 members and strengthening brotherhood and alumni engagement. This growth has us determined to stay connected throughout the summer. ~ Harrison Hobin, 2027 DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S Gamma Rho Our chapter stays connected during the summer through casual gatherings, daily group chats and weekly executive committee meetings, helping ensure a strong start to the upcoming academic year. ~ Omar Ribahi, 2028 DRAKE Theta Gamma During spring 2026, the chapter hosted a formal luncheon connecting founding Sigs and recent initiates. The chapter also earned three campus awards: Outstanding FSL Leader, Outstanding New Member and Outstanding House Director. ~ Brett Ingamells, 2027 EAST TENNESSEE Zeta Omega During the 2025–2026 academic year, we won the intramural championship, earned the highest fraternity GPA and received several honors, including
Washington State's graduating seniors stand proudly in front of the Centennial Chapter House.
Interfraternity Council Chapter of the Year. Former Consul Cole Boyd, 2027, was recognized as IFC President of the Year. ~ Casey Fitzwater, 2028 FLORIDA STATE Epsilon Zeta This semester, the chapter achieved several milestones, including a record amount raised for Huntsman Cancer Institute and the launch of a new house initiative. We also wish to extend our gratitude and best wishes to our graduating seniors. ~ Blake Bartos, 2027 GEORGIA Delta The chapter hosted its Mental Fitness program featuring speakers who shared Sam Asbury's, 2020, story and highlighted The Fight Against Suicide’s initiative. The chapter also won the 2026 Touchdowns for Tomorrow Flag Football Tournament, raising money for suicide prevention and mental health resources. ~ Wynn Ambos, 2027 GEORGIA SOUTHERN Eta Zeta This spring's Derby Days philanthropic event helped the chapter reach a long-awaited milestone, becoming a
million-dollar chapter in total funds raised for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. We are proud to support such a meaningful cause and look forward to raising even more in the future. ~ Wilkes Walker, 2027 GETTYSBURG Theta We hosted a successful week-long Derby Days that engaged every sorority on campus and surpassed our goal by raising more than $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. ~ Hung Trinh, 2028 IDAHO Gamma Eta In May, we celebrated the graduation of 19 brothers, our largest graduating class in many years. Phase 1 of our chapter remodel is complete, and Phase 2 is underway. We anticipate beginning Phase 3, the lodge remodel, this fall as we work toward completing the $3 million project within the next 18 months. ~ Levi Puga, 2029 ILLINOIS STATE Theta Rho The chapter hosted its third annual Derby Days philanthropic event, raising nearly
During the 2026 spring semester, brothers from the Miami (Ohio) chapter proudly grew closer, enhancing their brotherhood and relations with their house corporation.
$20,000 in one week — more than the totals from the previous two years combined. Funds supported the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. ~ Landon Kienitz, 2028 IOWA STATE Beta Omicron During the spring 2026 term, the chapter raised more than $17,000 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation through our Derby Days philanthropic event, engaging 10 sororities and donating more than 65 cancer comfort baskets to local Iowa hospitals. ~ Nathan Tenney, 2027 JACKSONVILLE Iota Gamma This semester, we earned the top IFC GPA with a 3.29 average, had seven brothers serve in student government, and celebrated Jack Kukis, 2026, and Landon Parrish, 2026, as commencement speakers. The chapter also raised $35,875 through our Derby Days and other philanthropy events benefiting the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and the community. ~ Joseph Hooks, 2028 KENTUCKY Lambda Lambda The chapter’s most significant
accomplishment this past school year was winning the University of Kentucky's annual Greek Sing competition. The chapter also raised nearly $40,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. ~ Gavin Forrest, 2028 LOUISIANA STATE Gamma Iota The summer has been off to a great start with recruitment chairman Emmet Scobel, 2026, coordinating recruitment events to get to know incoming freshmen. Building on the momentum of raising more than $140,000 through Derby Days, the chapter hopes to attract outstanding new members and continue distinguishing itself on campus. ~ Robbie Blanchard, 2027 MIAMI (OHIO) Alpha During the past year, the chapter strengthened brotherhood to one of its highest levels in recent years under one of the strongest executive boards in chapter history. We also improved our relationship with the house corporation, fostering stronger communication and trust. ~ Andrew Miller, 2028
After officially welcoming their pledge class, California-Merced brothers visited the gravesite of Founder Thomas Cowan Bell, MIAMI (OHIO) 1857.
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/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES / MIAMI (FLORIDA) Gamma Phi This year, our chapter celebrated a memorable White Rose Ceremony, strengthened brotherhood and raised more than $152,000 through philanthropy. We also earned Outstanding Philanthropy and Outstanding Unity/Community awards, while Michael Slinkard, 2029, CJ D’Angelo, 2027, and Kieran Courtney, 2026, each received individual honors. ~ Eric Gomez, 2028 MINNESOTA Alpha Sigma The chapter initiated seven new members on March 1, 2026, and brothers remain active in academics, student organizations and intramural sports. We continued our support of the Huntsman
Cancer Foundation by hosting our Derby Days philanthropic event in April and raising several thousand dollars for cancer research and treatment. ~ Ethan Anderson, 2028 MISSISSIPPI STATE Gamma Upsilon The chapter raised a record-breaking $158,000 through our Derby Days philanthropic event in 2026. Led by Brothers John David Riemann, 2026, and Charlie Treadwell, 2028, the event benefited the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Catch-A-Dream Foundation, demonstrating the chapter’s commitment to service and leadership. ~ William Gordon, 2028
NEBRASKA Alpha Epsilon The chapter recently achieved its highest GPA in decades, reflecting our dedication to academic excellence, leadership and campus involvement. By fostering a culture of education and accountability, we have set a new standard for success for future generations. ~ Dayton Sudbeck, 2028 NEW HAVEN Lambda Epsilon Our chapter raised more than $16,000 for Huntsman during Derby Days, bringing the campus community together through inclusive events in support of a meaningful cause. ~ Jacob Chacon, 2027
NEW MEXICO STATE Zeta Phi The chapter plans to maintain brotherhood this summer by celebrating Founders Day with alumni and preparing for another successful academic year. We’re looking forward to continuing to strengthen our bonds throughout the summer. ~ Jacob Menicucci, 2028 NORTH DAKOTA Beta Zeta The spring 2026 semester strengthened our brotherhood as brothers remained active and engaged. Over the summer, we will stay connected through group chats, small gatherings, and regular check-ins while preparing for an even stronger fall semester. ~ Caden Fritz, 2024
Heading into the summer break, brothers from the Pacific chapter are relying on their closeknit brotherhood to keep them connected, hoping to come back to campus stronger than ever.
Mississippi State Sigs John David Riemann, 2026, and Charlie Treadwell, 2028, helped guide the chapter during its Derby Days philanthropic event, culminating in $158,000 raised during the event.
The Cal. State-San Marcos undergraduates and friends conduct a White Rose Ceremony. During the chapter’s Derby Days philanthropic event, where the chapter raised more than $60,000.
The Arkansas undergraduates were busy in the spring 2026 semester, raising more than $100,000 for Huntsman Cancer Institute and supporting various other philanthropy events while still maintaining a strong brotherhood.
42 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
NORTH TEXAS Iota Phi The chapter was named Chapter of the Year among 11 fraternities at North Texas and earned the highest fraternity GPA, exceeding the university's all-men's average. We also plan to host summer recruitment events and send a record 11 undergraduates to Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. ~ Grayson Ramsey, 2026 PACIFIC Kappa Sigma This summer, brothers will remain connected through academic pursuits, career preparation and travel. Whether completing organic chemistry courses, preparing applications or celebrating graduation, the chapter looks forward to returning to Pacific stronger than ever. ~ Vincent Nguyen, 2028 PITTSBURG STATE Zeta Iota This summer, we will host recruitment events, including trips to the local drag strip, lake days and the annual Kansas City Monarchs alumni game. These activities will strengthen brotherhood while introducing potential new members to Sigma Chi. ~ Taylor Paulus, 2027 RENSSELAER Delta Psi Our 2026 spring term was highlighted by a historic Derby Days philanthropic event
and our first Huntsman Charity Gala, which together raised more than $17,000. The gala brought together brothers, families, sororities, alumni and faculty. As 24 seniors graduate, the chapter looks forward to an even brighter future. ~ Collin Kolbe, 2027 ROCHESTER Gamma Pi The chapter plans to stay connected this summer through alumni and undergraduate gatherings, service opportunities and regular communication. Several brothers will also attend the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop, and we look forward to the experience they bring back to the chapter this fall. ~ Matthew Keough, 2029 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Epsilon Phi The chapter concluded the spring semester with a 3.1 GPA and hosted several successful brotherhood and alumni events, including Dad's Day, the Alumni Golf Tournament and CASA. This summer, we’re planning a barbecue, a St. Louis Cardinals game outing, and a golf tournament to continue building brotherhood and supporting recruitment. ~ Gavin Shelton, 2028
SPRING HILL Theta Mu Though small in number, our chapter’s members remain committed to rebuilding the chapter. We have held regular Zoom meetings to fulfill chapter responsibilities, and several members will attend Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. We thank our alumni for their support and look forward to demonstrating our dedication to the chapter's future. ~ Quintin Amedee, 2027 TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE Beta Sigma This spring, our chapter earned a 3.52 overall GPA. We are proud that 162 brothers achieved Dean's List recognition, reflecting our commitment to scholarship, discipline and accountability. ~ Maxwell Ellis, 2028 TENNESSEE TECH Eta Delta The chapter is maintaining brotherhood this summer through a shared commitment to hard work and service. Brothers are pursuing internships, preparing for careers and participating in mission trips, including one to Thailand. ~ Davis Boatman, 2029 TEXAS-ARLINGTON Theta Kappa Reinstalled in March 2026 at the University of Texas at Arlington, the
chapter is focused on giving back through impactful philanthropic events and service projects while preparing for next summer's recruitment efforts based on The Jordan Standard. ~ Joshua Corona, 2027 TROY Eta Theta We plan to strengthen brotherhood this summer through recruitment events, an alumni meeting and our annual Founders Day Golf Tournament. Several brothers will also participate in Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit, the Huntsman Retreat of Excellence and Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. ~ Robert Bennett, 2026 TULANE Alpha Omicron We plan to maintain brotherhood over the summer through shared experiences and regular connection. Five brothers will attend the London School of Economics together, while others will travel, visit one another and meet up across the country before returning to campus in the fall. ~ Luke Nelson, 2029 UNION Gamma Zeta Our brothers raised nearly $8,000 during our Derby Days philanthropic event for the 2025–26 academic year. Through on-campus events and a give-back night
Drake Sigs showed out at the end-of-year awards celebration. The chapter took home three awards: Outstanding FLS Leader, Outstanding New Member and Outstanding House Director.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 43
/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES / at a local establishment, we made a meaningful impact. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated and supported this effort. ~ John Vagianelis, 2027 VIRGINIA Psi During spring 2026, the chapter raised more than $15,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Inspired by Joe Hardy's, 2026, efforts, many students across campus became involved in supporting the fundraiser. ~ James Flinn, 2028 WASHINGTON STATE Beta Upsilon The chapter concluded an exceptional year by raising more than $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, leading all Greek-letter organizations on campus in philanthropy. We also maintained a top-three fraternity GPA and celebrated the graduation of 22 seniors as they look ahead to another successful year. ~ Anderson Swanger, 2029
WASHINGTON & LEE Zeta The chapter welcomed its largest pledge class in recent history, initiating 23 new brothers. Our chapter now includes members from 25 states, from Hawaii to Maine. Brothers are active across campus, competing in rugby, soccer, tennis, football, wrestling, riding and golf. ~ Willilam Bland, 2028 WEST VIRGINIA Mu Mu This semester, our chapter strengthened brotherhood, increased campus involvement, and developed future leaders through successful recruitment and philanthropy efforts. We plan to stay connected this summer through regular communication, committee meetings and planning for recruitment and chapter events. ~ Nathaniel Rosas, 2028 WESTERN CONNECTICUT Iota Eta Our most significant accomplishment last semester was our Derby Days philanthropic event, during which we raised money for the Huntsman Cancer
West Virginia Sigs participate in a flag football game in Morgantown.
44 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Foundation while strengthening relationships with other Greek-letter organizations on campus. ~ Preston Bachman, 2028 WILLIAM & MARY Zeta Upsilon The chapter will maintain brotherhood over the summer through planned gatherings and events that keep members connected and engaged. We will also support one another's professional and leadership development through networking and mentorship. ~ Jonah Horne, 2027 WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE Lambda Chi We were proud to assist the Alpha Lambda chapter at University of Wisconsin-Madison with its most recent initiation. ~ Orion Tromp, 2028 YOUNGSTOWN Eta Chi This summer, brothers will work as food runners in the Huntington Suites at Huntington Bank Stadium in Cleveland,
raising funds to support future philanthropic events. ~ William Humphrey, 2029
ASSOCIATE CHAPTERS APPALACHIAN STATE Sigma Chi Tau Our most significant accomplishment was earning the highest fraternity GPA at 3.277. Three brothers were named to the Chancellor's List, and 14 earned Dean's List recognition. ~ Ryan Kimmer, 2027 CHAPMAN Sigma Chi Omega Many brothers live in Southern California and the Bay Area, making it easy to stay connected over the summer. Brothers are traveling together in Europe, attending Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop, and participating in the Huntsman Retreat of Excellence after reaching the $20,000 Club during our inaugural Derby Days philanthropic event. ~ Ethan Riley, 2028
There’s nothing better than a mother’s love, and the Pittsburg State Sigs made sure they knew that during a Mother’s Day event at the chapter house during the spring 2026 semester.
The Texas-Arlington chapter has made a tremendous impact since returning in March 2026. The chapter hosted numerous philanthropic events and several service projects, including the pictured donations.
Brothers from the Sigma Chi Beta associate chapter at Washington (St. Louis) got pied in the face for a great cause: cancer research. Pie a Sigma Chi was a massive success during the spring 2026 semester.
Rensselaer brothers hold a White Rose Ceremony during their Derby Days philanthropic event.
The chapter at Colorado College grew exponentially in the spring 2026 semester, increasing their membership number to 70.
Performing community service around the Bowling Green , Ohio, community, brothers from the Bowling Green State University chapter plant a tree in the spring 2026 semester.
At an alumni event, the new executive committee at Cal. State-Fresno was introduced. From left are Brody Mason, 2029, Ryan Marani, 2029, Nick Palm, 2028, Trevor Marr, 2028, and Josh Hofstetter, 2027. expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 45
/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES /
Troy undergraduates start a play during an intramural flag football game in the spring 2026 semester.
The Tacoma, Washington, Alumni Chapter welcomes the Puget Sound class of 2026 to alumni status.
Despite the drizzle, brothers for the Wisconsin-Milwaukee chapter show out during an intramural flag football game.
The Appalachian State associate chapter killed it on the slopes and in the classroom. In the spring 2026 semester, the chapter boasted the best GPA among all fraternities on campus.
Sigma Chi brothers with the Central Michigan University associate chapter and the Alma College chapter are pictured with Zeta Tau Alpha sisters while working an American Red Cross blood drive April 10, 2026, at Central Michigan University. The event was co-sponsored by the Mid-Michigan Alumni Chapter.
Brothers from the Iowa State chapter work during their Derby Days philanthropic event to build cancer comfort baskets. The chapter assembled 65 baskets for delivery at a local hospital for those battling cancer.
46 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
During the Stony Brook associate chapter’s Derby Days philanthropic event, the chapter held an ROTC Day. Pictured, two brothers hold down a piece of exercise equipment while another lifts himself up.
In the spring 2026 semester the Georgia Southern chapter surpassed a milestone by eclipsing the million-dollar mark for total funds raised. The impressive milestone was passed in part due to the chapter’s successful Derby Days philanthropic event.
The Miami (Florida) chapter brought home some hardware in the 2026 spring term. The chapter took home two awards as a whole, and three brothers earned individual accomplishments.
KANSAS Sigma Chi Kappa The chapter raised more than $5,500 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Folds of Honor while distributing more than $14,000 in scholarships to 15 members, including four brothers who earned perfect 4.0 GPAs. ~ Jeff Whelan, 2006 NEW YORK Sigma Chi Omicron With many brothers interning in New York City this summer, we are staying connected through monthly meetups, gatherings in Boston and Los Angeles, virtual check-ins, and a shared chat to celebrate professional accomplishments
and support one another. ~ Jonathan Yehezkel, 2029 NORTHEASTERN Sigma Chi Pi This summer, members of the associate chapter at Northeastern University have stayed connected through flag football competitions, concerts, dinners and visits with brothers in their home states. ~ Luca Richardson, 2029 NORTHWESTERN Sigma Chi Nu Although brothers will be spread across the country this summer, they will stay connected through phone calls, group chats and Krach Transformational
Leaders Workshop, which the chapter will attend for the first time since being re-established last year. Our brothers will be busy but remain connected! ~ Jack Greenspan, 2028 STONY BROOK Sigma Chi Zeta During our Derby Days philanthropic event, we hosted ROTC Day, Rent-A-Sig Day, Pilates Day and participated in Roth Regatta, where we won the boat race. These events united the campus community while raising funds and awareness for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. ~ William Marrero, 2027
WASHINGTON (ST. LOUIS) Sigma Chi Beta We hosted a memorable brotherhood event around a campfire at a local park and held successful philanthropy events, including Pie a Sigma Chi. ~ Benjamin Duke, 2029
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 47
/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES /
Former Consul Cole Boyd, EAST TENNSSEE 2027, was honored as President of the Year at the university’s end-of-year awards ceremony. The chapter didn’t leave empty handed, earning the Highest Fraternity GPA, Unsung Heros and Interfraternity Council Chapter of the Year.
Some of the Florida State Sigs are pictured before their graduation.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
REACH OUT WITH SIGMA CHI
CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES OCTOBER 10/12/1991 10/16/2021 10/18/1986 10/22/2011 10/29/1876
Kappa Beta, North Florida, 35 years Mu Kappa, North Carolina-Wilmington, 5 years Theta Upsilon, Yale, 40 years Lambda Mu, Valdosta State, 15 years Iota Iota, Alabama, 150 years
NOVEMBER 11/4/1921 Beta Chi, Emory, 105 years 11/16/1991 Kappa Gamma, Western Carolina, 35 years
DECEMBER
North Florida brothers are pictured in 2004 at the Sigma Chi tables during spring recruitment.
12/2/1916 12/4/2021 12/10/1866 12/12/1876
Beta Pi, Oregon State, 110 years Beta Mu, Colorado-Boulder, 5 years Zeta, Washington & Lee, 160 years Zeta Zeta, Centre, 150 years
*Anniversaries are listed every five years.
48 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Stay Connected. Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.
Overview
Welcome to Sigma Chi+, a modern and innovative approach to demonstrating your commitment to Sigma Chi. This unique member benefits program allows you to begin your journey toward becoming a Life Loyal Sig, the ultimate expression of devotion to Sigma Chi, either through a one-time purchase or qualifying subscription. Built on tradition and designed for today!
Win An Exclusive Tailgate Prize For Your Chapter! Running through October 1, 2026, undergraduate brothers who sign up for Sigma Chi+ will earn entries into our Chapter Challenge giveaway. The chapter with the most members signed up for Sigma Chi+ will win a tailgate prize pack for their chapter! Prize includes a custom Sigma Chi tailgate tent, a Yeti cooler, four Sigma Chi tailgate chairs, a speaker, and much more. Sign up today!
Exclusive Benefits The Magazine of Sigma Chi
Premium Merchandise
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*Final tent design to be determined
“I never became a Life Loyal Sig after college. I treated myself for my 50 th anniversary as a proud Sigma Chi. Zeta Xi Chapter, California State University-Northridge. This is a great offer! IHSV.”
Life Loyal Sig Scott Kingsbury CAL. STATE-NORTHRIDGE 1979
For more information and to sign up, visit sigmachi.org/sigmachiplus or scan the QR code to the right.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 49
/ CHAPTER ETERNAL /
The White Rose Ceremony Chapter Eternal brothers appearing in this issue were reported to International Fraternity Headquarters from March 16, 2026, to June 15, 2026. The Magazine prints new death notices going back two years. To let Sigma Chi know of a Chapter Eternal brother, please email Chapter.Eternal@sigmachi.org and include: the brother's name; school and grad year; date of death; and a link to his obituary.
Denotes Life Loyal Sig
SIGNIFICANT SIG HENRY CHRISTIANSEN, UTAH STATE 1957 , entered the Chapter Eternal on May 15, 2024. He was 88. Christiansen was born Feb. 5, 1936, in Pocatello, Idaho. He earned a degree in mathematics and went on to receive an master's in engineering mathematics and a doctorate degree in civil engineering mechanics from Stanford University. He devoted his professional life to academia, teaching and conducting research with expertise spanning mathematics, engineering and computer programming.
SIGNIFICANT SIG EDWARD CRANE, CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY 1968, entered the Chapter Eternal on Feb. 10, 2026. He was 81. Crane was born Aug. 15, 1944, in suburban Los Angeles. He was the co-founder and president emeritus of the Cato Institute, which he helped build from a three-person outfit in San Francisco into one of the nation's most prominent public policy research organizations. A dedicated champion of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace, Crane served as president and CEO of Cato from its founding in January 1977 until October 2012.
SIGNIFICANT SIG STEVEN DENNING, GEORGIA TECH 1970 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 27, 2026. He was 77. Denning was born Sept. 14, 1948, in Salt Lake City. He was chairman emeritus of General Atlantic, the global growth equity firm he helped build from its founding in 1980 into a leading investment firm. A devoted philanthropist, he served on the Stanford University Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2017, including five years as chairman, and was a transformative benefactor to both Stanford and Georgia Tech, endowing the Steven A. Denning Technology & Management Program at his alma mater.
SIGNIFICANT SIG DANIEL FORDICE, MISSISSIPPI STATE 1982 , entered the Chapter Eternal on May 12, 2026. He was 66. Fordice was born April 20, 1960, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He studied construction engineering technology while in college and commissioned as a U.S. Army second lieutenant on active duty. Fordice later joined the Mississippi Army National Guard and served in the 2nd 20th Special Forces Unit with the rank of captain. He retired as vice president of his family’s Fordice Construction Co. in 2023, and from 2022-2023 served as national president of the Associated General Contractors of America.
50 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
SIGNIFICANT SIG C. LEE JOHNSON, ILLINOIS 1954 , entered the Chapter Eternal May 3, 2026. He was 93. Johnson was born June 5, 1932, in Peoria, Illinois. Following military service in the Army’s Signal Corps in Germany, he built a distinguished career in distribution and logistics with Fortune 500 companies, culminating as president of logistics for Limited Brands. He later served as director of development for the State of Ohio, appointed by Governor Bob Taft, and was chairman of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the John Glenn Airport Authority.
SIGNIFICANT SIG PAT MULDOON, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1990 , entered the Chapter Eternal on April 19, 2026. He was 57. Muldoon was born Sept. 27, 1968, in San Pedro, California. He rose to prominence playing Austin Reed on NBC’s long-running daytime drama Days of Our Lives from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2011 to 2012. He gained wider prime-time exposure portraying Richard Hart on Fox's hit series Melrose Place. He also appeared in the feature films Starship Troopers and Stigmata, among many other film and TV roles.
SIGNIFICANT SIG CARSON PORTER, KENTUCKY 1967 , entered the Chapter Eternal on March 25, 2026. He was 80. Porter was born Sept. 22, 1945, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law, he served as student body president at UK and was a gifted trial attorney. His most notable courtroom achievement came in 1975 when he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in Paul v. Davis, a landmark case that shaped the boundaries of the Due Process Clause and remains a staple of constitutional law curricula.
SIGNIFICANT SIG ROB REIFSCHNEIDER, SAN DIEGO STATE 1957 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Nov. 19, 2024. He was 89. Reifschneider was born June 1, 1935, in Kelim, Colorado. After graduation he worked at the family business, Manchester Tank & Equipment Co. and eventually became senior vice president. Reifschneider was active in many professional and community activities, including with the Jaycees, Western Liquid Gas Association and Sant Francis Medical Center Foundation. He also was a board member of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, where he was passionate about education of medical professionals in addiction recovery.
SIGNIFICANT SIG JEFFREY WEBB, OKLAHOMA 1971, entered the Chapter Eternal on March 19, 2026. He was 76. Webb was born July 1, 1949, in Dallas. A visionary entrepreneur, he transformed cheerleading from a sideline activity into a globally recognized competitive sport. His journey in cheerleading began at the University of Oklahoma, where he served as a yell leader, leading him to join the National Cheerleaders Association in 1971. He later became a prominent figure in conservative media publishing.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 51
/ CHAPTER ETERNAL /
Sigma Chi Fraternity CHAPTER ETERNAL Arizona 1968 Robert Ingraham of Cedar Park, TX; 4/26 Arizona State 1980 Gregory Haley of Syracuse, NY; 4/26 Auburn 1948 Johnnie Spotts of Sherrill, AR; 7/25 Austin Peay 1989 William Barlar of Clarksville, TN; 4/26 Ball State 1971 Frederick Meyer of Lehigh Acres, FL; 4/26 Beloit 1961 Robert Geiger of Saint Louis; 3/26 Bowling Green 1964 John Lennarson of Tucson, AZ; 2/26 1977 Thomas Russo of Grafton, OH; 4/26 Cal. State-Fresno 2008 James Pizzano of Bakersfield, CA; 6/26 Cal. State-Northridge 1968 Ronald Riccitelli of Carlsbad, CA; 5/26 Case Western 1961 Thomas Story of Cypress, TX; 2/26 Columbia 1956 Max Eliason of Salt Lake City; 10/24 DePauw 1969 Stephen Walker of Washington, IN; 4/26 East Tennessee 1973 James Hylton of Radford, VA; 12/25 1991 Gary Taylor of Steamboat Springs, CO; 4/26 2003 Isaac Mckinney of Johnson City, TN; 11/25 2020 Matthew Sifford of Johnson City, TN; 8/25 Eastern Kentucky 1973 Robert Click of Columbus, OH; 4/26
52 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Embry-Riddle (Daytona Beach) 1974 Stephen Blake of Georgetown, TX; 10/25
Maryland 1951 Dr. William Stahr of Gaithersburg, MD; 7/25
Emory 1952 Larry Hailey of Atlanta; 6/24
Miami (Ohio) 1952 Carl Patzer of Grove City, OH; 3/26 1973 Robert Gowdy of Denver; 3/26 1990 Andrew Billman of Beaufort, SC; 4/26
Georgia 1961 Hamilton Arden of Vero Beach, FL; 4/26 Hobart 1972 Paul Coccari of Northborough, MA; 4/26 Houston 1962 Lawrence Pirtle of Houston; 4/26 Illinois 1960 John Ruth of Barrington, IL; 5/26 Indiana 1953 Arthur Weber of Winston Salem, NC; 1/25 1957 James Cosgrove of Carmel, IN; 3/26 1958 Douglas Wade of Indianapolis; 3/26 1960 James Kenney of Indianapolis; 4/26 1961 Lindley Clark of New Palestine, IN; 2/26 Indiana (Pennsylvania) 1983 Peter Hoffman of Largo, FL; 3/26 Iowa State 1949 John Dane of Iowa City, IA; 7/26 Kansas State 1955 Lyle Templer of Lakeville, MN; 11/24 1957 Lt. Col. Duane Ginter of Sabetha, KS; 1/26 1963 Howard Forrer of Lebanon, OH; 4/26 1973 Ted Stealey of Overland Park, KS; 4/26 2029 Jack Fleischaker of Overland Park, KS; 4/26 Kentucky 1964 James Duvall of Owensboro, KY; 11/25 Maine 1958 Peter Hannah of Bristol, ME; 4/26 1962 Burton Stearns of Lovell, ME; 10/25
Michigan 1957 Thomas Maentz of Bloomfield Hills, MI; 12/25 Mississippi 1949 Briggs Jones of Hilton Head Island, SC; 5/26 Mississippi State 1979 David Morgan of Madison, MS; 5/26 Montana 1962 Clair Daines of Bozeman, MT; 4/26 1983 Patrick Curry of Billings, MT; 4/26 Montana State 1991 James Bennett of Billings, MT; 5/26 Nebraska 1964 William Reichenberg of Broomfield, CO; 3/26 North Carolina 1951 Robert Brannon of Waynesville, NC; 3/26 North Dakota 1961 Dr. John Jarrett of Eugene, OR; 3/26 1961 Duane Woodford of Moraga, CA; 5/25 Northern Colorado 1962 Gary Heath of St. Louis Park, MN; 4/26 Ohio 1956 James Welker of O’Fallon, IL; 6/26 Ohio State 1968 William Graham of Rehoboth Beach, DE; 1/26
Oklahoma 1954 Robert Dunn of Beaver Dam, WI; 8/25 1966 Carl Schreiner of Duncan, OK; 4/26 1970 Dean Smith of Savannah, GA; 5/26 1971 John Matetich of Reno, NV; 3/26 Oregon 1962 Ronald Gienger of Tillamook, OR; 4/26 Oregon State 1965 Ralph Fritchman of Bend, OR; 10/24 Penn State 1960 Norbert Connors of Pittsburgh; 5/25 1970 John Knoll of Wernersville, PA; 10/25 Puget Sound 1958 John Damitio of Big Bear Lake, CA; 12/25 1965 Ronald Lee of Chelan, WA; 8/25 Purdue 1952 Thomas Hall of Indianapolis; 4/26 1954 Richard Steingraber of Lake Oswego, OR; 9/25 1967 James Harrison of Cary, NC; 3/26 1968 Michael Schellhase of Boca Raton, FL; 3/25 Rensselaer 1972 John Streck of Durham, NC; 4/26
Tulane 1965 Jerry Colburn of Newport Beach, CA; 3/26 1966 Dr. Joseph Grace of Panama City, FL; 6/25 Wake Forest 1966 John Hogewood of Birmingham, AL; 8/25 1991 William Olinger of Gainesville, FL; 1/26 Washington State 1961 John Mitchell of Seattle; 10/24 1961 Richard Picatti of Yakima, WA; 7/25 1962 Carroll Hayden of Vancouver, WA; 1/26 1962 Richard Barry of Seattle; 4/26 West Virginia 1985 Robert Fogarty of State College, PA; 1/26 2023 James Smith of Spring, TX; 4/26 Western 1962 George Miller of Stratford, ON; 4/26 1975 Douglas Simpson of Thornbury, ON; 3/25 Western Michigan 1976 John Cullen of Grand Prairie, TX; 12/25 Wisconsin-Madison 1960 John Browne of Lafayette, CA; 5/26 1968 John Bickers of Madison, WI; 5/26
Richmond 1981 Phillip Atkins of Fredericksburg, VA; 11/25 Sam Houston 1963 James Webb of Dallas; 3/26 San Diego State 1958 Darrell Musick of Buckeye, AZ; 5/26 Southern California 1983 Jeffrey Bitetti of Irvine, CA; 9/25 Syracuse 1972 Dennis O'Brien of Fernandina Beach, FL; 6/24 Texas Tech 2002 Travis Land of Houston; 5/26 expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 53
/ ARCHIVES /
BY ASHLEY SZATALA //////
FOUNDING OF GREEK-LETTER LIFE CELEBRATES 250 YEARS North America’s fraternity and sorority chapters can be traced back to the founding of Phi Beta Kappa during the American Revolutionary War
2
026 marks many anniversaries throughout North America — some
of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, to officially severe colonies’
celebratory, some somber. This year also marks the 250th anniversary
political ties to Great Britian, college students were eager to discuss current
of the founding of the first Greek-letter organization in North America,
events.
Phi Beta Kappa, established at the College of William and Mary on Dec.
5, 1776.
John Heath, a student at the College of William and Mary in Virginia — America’s second oldest college, founded in 1693 — wanted to create a student
As Greek-letter chapters across the continent and abroad celebrate
society to seriously discuss any topic, as the format of colleges at the time
brotherhood and sisterhood on their college campuses, here’s a look back at
limited discussions to only classroom topics. Pi Beta Kappa Society’s history
what inspired Greek-letter organizations to be formed in the 18th century.
shares that the group’s first meeting took place Dec. 5, 1776, at a tavern in Williamsburg. Topics they’d end up discussing ranged from the killing of Caesar
A GROUP TO DISCUSS NON-CLASSROOM TOPICS
by Brutus; if religion is necessary in government; and the value of theater, among
According to information from the final edition of Baird’s Manual of American
other topics. The name Phi Beta Kappa derived from the Greek translation of,
College Fraternities, published in 1991, students in college in Revolutionary
“Love of learning is the guide of life,” which in Greek is only three words long;
America began forming their own groups to discuss current events or literature.
Phi Beta Kappa is an abbreviation of those three words.
At the time in American colonies, only nine colleges existed, and with the signing 54 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Multiple sources depict the educational landscape of
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AMONG GROUPS
the time as placing importance on the ability to understand
By the late 1800s, many Greek-letter organizations existed,
Latin and Greek so that classic literature could be studied.
yet there were no uniform practices among groups, and
Giving the society a Greek-letter name lent the impression
each existed and operated separately. That began to
of respectability to the group. Later in the 1800s, the words
change once Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority invited all
“fraternity” and “sorority” derived from Latin — frater,
seven existing sororities to meet in 1891, with the intention
meaning brother, and soror, meaning sister.
to meet again two years later. According to the National
Society member Elisha Parmele persuaded the group to
Panhellenic Conference’s history, recruitment was a key
allow other colleges to charter chapters of Phi Beta Kappa.
topic, and according to meeting minutes, “… fraternities
The Yale University chapter was established in 1780 and
were desirous of knowing more of each other and … had
the Harvard University chapter established in 1781 before
caught the true fraternity spirit.”
the College of William and Mary shut down due to British invasion in Virginia.
After a brief, informal meeting between organizations in 1893, the collaboration subsided until revived by Alpha Phi in 1902. At that meeting between organizations in Chicago,
GREEK-LETTER EXPANSION
the Inter-Sorority Conference, later renamed the National
Although several organizations with Greek-letter names
Panhellenic Conference, was founded. The delegates
were briefly active at various college campuses in
agreed to meet annually, and they elected a representative
following decades, it wasn’t until Kappa Alpha Society’s
from Kappa Alpha Theta as chairwoman.
establishment in 1825 at Union College in New York —
Within a few short years the Inter-Sorority Conference
where a Phi Beta Kappa chapter was founded in 1817 —
clarified what it meant by an organization being national
that the history of Greek-letter organizations begins again.
(more than five chapters), drafted a model constitution
Competing groups Sigma Phi and Delta Phi, organized in
and deeply discussed recruitment, according to NPC
1827, formed the Union Triad. Three more fraternities were
historical information.
founded at Union, one of which expanded to Hamilton College an hour and a half away.
Greek-letter fraternities followed this spirit of collaboration in 1909 when the Brown University president,
Alpha Delta Phi, founded at Hamilton in 1832, expanded
who was a Delta Upsilon member, invited representatives
to Miami University in Ohio the following year. The later
from the men’s fraternities to meet in New York City. There,
establishment of Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta and Sigma
26 fraternity representatives met to discuss critical issues
Chi at the university formed the Miami Triad.
facing fraternities at that time, according to historical
The inaugural women’s secret society was Alpha Delta
information, with Sigma Chi being a founding attendee.
Pi, founded as the Adelphean Society at Wesleyan Female
A formal organization and constitution was established
College in Georgia. However, the first women’s fraternity
in 1910, with the name Interfraternity Conference chosen
was Pi Beta Phi at Monmouth College in Illinois in 1867, and
(later renamed North American Interfraternity Conference).
the first Greek-letter organization to use the word sorority
Today, thanks to the foundation these Greek-letter
was Kappa Alpha Theta in 1870 at DePauw University in
organizations and their trade associations, more than 800
Indiana.
North American college campuses have one of the nearly
The 1870s were a period of rapid expansion for Greek-
12,000 fraternity and sorority chapters, according to online
letter organizations. Zeta Psi became the first international
statistics. Over 9 million people have been members of
Greek-letter fraternity when it used its Michigan chapter
a Greek-letter organization in the past 250 years, and
to expand into Canada at the University of Toronto in 1879,
they remain leaders in every industry and continue to
according to the organization’s history.
make a positive impact in their respective campuses and communities.
GREEK-LETTER LIFE REPRESENTATION ACROSS CONTINENT
85%
of U.S. Supreme Court justices
76%
of U.S. Senators
71%
of men in “Who’s Who in America”
50%
of Top 10 Fortune 500 CEOs
15%
of Fortune 100 CEOs
19
U.S. presidents
2
Canadian prime ministers Sources: Data from the Center for the Study of College Fraternity, published within Alan DeSantis’s 2007 book Inside Greek U: Fraternities, Sororities, and the Pursuit of Pleasure; additional data from the North American Interfraternity Conference and individual Greek-letter organizations
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 55
56 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
/ CLOSING CIRCLE /
The Sig List
Things to know, notice and tell a brother
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
1
The new documentary Baron of Broadway: The George Ade Story tells the story of how 14th Grand Consul George Ade, PURDUE 1887 — one of America’s most celebrated and successful writers —walked away from the fame to settle back in Indiana and then became forgotten. The documentary, currently showing on the festival circuit, features commentary from Significant Sig Bob Kaley, PURDUE 1968. Nearly 50 percent of ticket sales profits will benefit Purdue University or Ade's Hazelden estate.
2
Dallas industrialist and Significant Sig Ira Corn Jr., CHICAGO 1947, coowned with attorney Joseph Driscoll a copy of the original Declaration of Independence printed on July 4, 1776. Only 20 original copies are in existence, and at the time the Corn-Driscoll copy was the only one privately owned. The pair paid $400,000 for it at auction.
3
Carter Jasper, MONTANA 2026, was recognized in June with the North American Interfraternity Conference’s 2026 Awards of Distinction for undergraduates. He was honored for his leadership in and out of the chapter house, his service as Consul, and his time as Student Regent to the University of Montana Board of Regents. Jasper currently serves as a staff assistant in the U.S. Senate for the office of Sen. Steve Daines.
4
Sigma Chi undergraduate chapters surpassed the Fraternity’s goal for Huntsman Cancer Foundation, raising over $5,185,000 in the 20252026 academic year.
5
In honor of the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, International Fraternity Headquarters planted a tree in its front lawn dedicated to the brothers who have served and will serve in the U.S. and Canadian military. Sadly, the tree had to be removed in 2019. In its place is now the Freedom Garden.
14th Grand Consul George Ade, PURDUE 1887
Significant Sig Ira Corn Jr., Tom Hanratty, CHICAGO 1947 SOUTHERN UTAH 2015
Carter Jasper, MONTANA 2026
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 57
/ CLOSING CIRCLE /
BY THE NUMBERS 2026 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop Attendance
716
Undergraduates
79
172
Faculty members
Magisters
79
Chapter advisors
Total staff
29
6
Grand Praetors
58 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
41
Distinguished Visitors
Sigma Chi Member hub
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expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 59
July 29 – Aug. 2, 2026, at Bowling Green State University
Undergraduate Excellence Awards Consul of the Year Recognizing one Consul who has demonstrated overall leadership in guiding all aspects of their chapter operations to excellence. Jackson Benedetto, EAST TEXAS A&M 2026
Michael A. Greenberg Undergraduate Interfraternalism Award Recognizing one brother who has demonstrated overall leadership, service and commitment to fostering collaboration, unity and mutual respect among Greek-letter organizations. Noah Yeakey, PITTSBURG STATE 2027
Daniel William Cooper Award Honoring the chapter with the most outstanding scholastic achievement program. Beta Sigma, Tennessee-Knoxville; $5,000 scholarship
Legion of Honor Award Honoring runner-up chapters with the most outstanding scholastic achievement programs. Iota Phi, North Texas; first runner-up, $3,000 scholarship Zeta Eta, East Texas A&M; second runner-up, $2,000 scholarship
James F. Bash Significant Improvement Award Honoring chapters that demonstrate major improvements in total chapter operations from year to year. Kappa Pi, Towson Alpha Chi, Penn State
60 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Julio A. Varela Outstanding Associate Chapter Award Honoring associate chapters that demonstrate outstanding performance in chapter operations, including academics, philanthropy and recruitment. Sigma Chi Zeta, Stony Brook Sigma Chi Epsilon, Arizona State Sigma Chi Delta, Virginia Commonwealth
International Balfour Award Winner Liam Kelley, CINCINNATI 2026, center, is pictured with 74th Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, left, and Grand Pro Consul Dan Shaver, TEXAS TECH 1993, right.
2026 International Balfour Award Winner Liam Kelley, CINCINNATI 2026
Arizona State Sigs check out the Sigma Chi merchandise after checking in for the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop at Bowling Green State University.
Liam Kelley, CINCINNATI 2026, accepted the 2026 International Balfour Award on Aug. 1 during the closing ceremony of the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. “Brotherhood is formed in moments of conviction, not comfort. That was a lesson for this weekend, a lesson from (recently shown documentary) The Ring of True Metal,” Kelley said after thanking several brothers in his acceptance speech. “As you go back to your chapters, I hope you take that to your heart, and I hope you change your chapters for the better.” Kelley studied business economics and was a member of the Carl H. Lindner College of Business Honors program. He will attend law school after graduation. During his undergraduate years, Kelley served on the Student Advisory Committee on the University Budget as well as the University Funding Board. In addition, he was part of Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations and volunteered with Inner City Youth Opportunities, where he worked with students weekly. Kelley held three internships throughout college. Within the Zeta Psi chapter, Kelley served as Consul, during which time the chapter implemented an academic support structure that paired younger members with mentors in order to raise chapter GPA and help at-risk students succeed. He also attended the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit and was an undergraduate representative on the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute Board of Directors. Runners-up to the award are Parker Kinsey, CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES 2026, and Sterling Stein, EMBRY-RIDDLE (DAYTONA BEACH) 2025. expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 61
Gamma Eta chapter members at the University of Idaho are pictured with International Sweetheart Kenzie Loomis and 74th Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, after winning a Peterson Significant Chapter Gold Award.
Sixty-One Chapters Earn Peterson Significant Chapter Awards Recognizing chapters that achieve excellence in all operations, including academics, philanthropy, recruitment and Ritual performance. Gold Award winners scoring 95% or higher on Annual Report: Beta Delta, Montana Gamma Eta, Idaho Lambda Epsilon, New Haven Alpha Epsilon, Nebraska
To view a list of Blue Award winners scoring between 79% and 94.5% on their Annual Report, please scan the QR code.
62 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Various Sigma Chi undergraduates pose while in between educational sessions.
2026 Carlisle Award Winner Named Joe Beers, ARIZONA 1983 Order of Constantine Sig Joe Beers, ARIZONA 1983, was named the 2026 William H. Carlisle
Joe Beers, ARIZONA 1983
Jr. Outstanding Workshop Faculty Award winner on Aug. 1 during the closing session of the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. He facilitated the Servant Leadership track. “I am beyond honored to get this. I was stunned to be nominated in my group because I don’t feel worthy in our group they’re so outstanding,” he said upon receiving the award. “The guys in this Fraternity — I guess all I can say is guard well, brothers."
Various undergraduate Sigma Chis fill out workbook material during one of the educational tracks at the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. Distinguished Visitor and Significant Sig Bob Thompson, WASHINGTON STATE 1985, greets Louis Stark, WHITMAN 2027, as Stark sits down during the mentoring session to discuss leadership, careers and success.
Jackson White, SAMFORD 2028, who competed on the recent season of American Idol, performs July 29 during the evening activities at the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop. His father, country music artist Bryan White, plays the guitar behind him.
Scan the QR code to view the complete Krach TLW photo album.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 63
/ FOUNDATION FOCUS /
FROM THE SIGMA CHI FOUNDATION
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE Across North America, Sigma Chi alumni leaders continue investing in the future of the Fraternity through significant commitments supporting undergraduate experiences, alumni leadership and the long-term strength of the organization. Recent gifts reflect continued momentum behind the Foundation’s historic $85 million capital campaign — the largest in the Greek-letter world. To date, the
$70M+
COMMITTED
TOWARD TH
$85 MILLIO
E HISTORIC
N CAMPAIG
Foundation has received more than $70 million toward the effort. The following are six-figure commitments made in support of Sigma Chi initiatives since the previous Foundation Focus section in The Magazine of Sigma Chi. A full list of major gift donors for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year — those whose individual gifts exceeded $10,000 — will be published in the winter edition.
BELL CHAPTER Yates Family Creates Gold-Level Endowment at Ole Miss
Significant Sig William G. (Bill) Yates, MISSISSIPPI 1963, third from left, is pictured with his son, Significant Sig William G. Yates III, MISSISSIPPI 1994, fourth from left; grandson William Gully Yates IV, MISSISSIPPI 2026, far left; and other members of the Yates family following his induction into the Mississippi Top 100 Hall of Fame in May 2026. The Yates family recently committed to establish the Gold-level Yates Family Eta Bell Chapter Endowment at the University of Mississippi. 64 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Significant Sig William G. Yates Jr., MISSISSIPPI 1963; Significant Sig William G. Yates III, MISSISSIPPI 1994; and William Gully Yates IV, MISSISSIPPI 2026, committed to fully establish a Gold-level Bell Chapter endowment for the Eta chapter at the University of Mississippi. The Yates Family Eta Bell Chapter Endowment will provide Eta, Sigma Chi’s oldest active chapter, with $20,000 annually in perpetuity beginning with the 2026 to 2027 academic year. The Yates family founded and leads Yates Construction, one of the nation’s leading providers of construction services for large and complex projects, and has a long history of supporting Sigma Chi at Ole Miss.
N
BELL CHAPTER Thompson Elevates Washington State Bell Efforts Significant Sig and Foundation Governor Bob Thompson, WASHINGTON STATE 1985, a retired leader in logistics services, helped elevate Beta Upsilon’s Bell Chapter endowment efforts with his major contribution, which will help the chapter receive Gold-level benefits in perpetuity.
Hirsh, Scroggie Invest in Cal State-Northridge’s Future
Burks Backs Furman Campaign
Significant Sig R. Scott Hirsh, CAL. STATE-NORTHRIDGE
Significant Sig Brig. Gen. James J. Burks, FURMAN 1989, who retired after 26 years of service to the U.S. Air Force, made a lead commitment to kick off the Iota Nu Bell Chapter endowment campaign at Furman University.
1982, head of National Recruiting for Ameriprise Financial
Services, and Significant Sig Michael C. Scroggie, CAL. STATE-NORTHRIDGE 1967, co-founder of Catalina
Marketing Group, each made a leadership commitment to a Bell Chapter endowment supporting future Sigma Chi efforts at Cal. State-Northridge.
Smead Supports Whitman Efforts
Iowa State Receives Bell, Educational Space Support
Cole W. Smead, WHITMAN 2006, CEO of Smead Capital Management and chairman of the Arizona Fund Manager Association, made a significant commitment to the Gamma Epsilon Bell Chapter endowment campaign at Whitman College. Smead’s gift helped secure a fully funded Blue-level endowment, which will provide Gamma Epsilon with $10,000 annually for academic scholarships and leadership development in perpetuity.
Three brothers made significant commitments to support the Educational Space and Bell Chapter efforts for the Fraternity’s efforts at Iowa State. Significant Sig Alan P. Naumann, IOWA STATE 1982, past chairman and CEO of Contrast Security, made a commitment to the Bell Chapter endowment efforts; Michael Ford, IOWA STATE 1980, a management leader with DPR Construction, contributed to both the chapter’s Bell and Educational Space campaigns, while Mark S. Schmidt, IOWA STATE 1976, CEO of Fund-Ex Solutions Group, supported the chapter’s Educational Space effort.
Luce Family Guides Platinum-Level Endowment Campaign for UNLV Continued investment in the Thomas Cowan Bell Chapter Challenge is creating permanent resources for chapters across North America, with recent commitments ranging from multigenerational family gifts to support future chapter expansion. This fall, Sigma Chi will return to the campus of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas for the first time in nearly 20 years with an associate chapter. When its new prospective members pledge and begin working toward the return of the Zeta Chi chapter, they will immediately receive academic scholarships and Transformational Leader™ programming through the lead support of Order of Constantine Sig, Significant Sig and Foundation Governor Jim Luce, NEVADA-LAS VEGAS 1980, and the Luce family. Through a matching gift challenge and his own significant commitment, Luce is working with fellow UNLV alumni and Sigs in the Las Vegas area to provide a platinum-level endowment for the future chapter.
Platinum-level benefits provide $30,000 annually for scholarships and leadership development in perpetuity, along with the opportunity to host an annual Leadership Journey™ retreat.
ALUMNI LEADERSHIP Teeter Endows Praetorial Leadership Academy Investment in Sigma Chi’s volunteer leaders is also expanding through a new initiative focused on Grand Praetors, who oversee collegiate chapters throughout North America. Significant Sig Andrew K. Teeter, ROANOKE 1971, senior vice president at USI Insurance Services, provided lead support to enhance the training and effectiveness of Sigma Chi’s elected Grand Praetors through programming delivered in coordination with their annual meeting. In recognition of his commitment, the program has been named the Andrew K. Teeter Praetorial Leadership Academy. The annual experience will equip Grand Praetors with additional tools to advise chapters within their provinces, understand chapter conditions and promote collegiate performance in scholarship, morals, leadership and discipline.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 65
/ FOUNDATION FOCUS /
LEGACY SUPPORT Longtime Volunteers Designate Estate Gifts Planned gifts through wills, trusts, life insurance policies and other estate vehicles allow brothers to extend their impact on Sigma Chi well beyond their lifetimes while directing future resources toward the areas most meaningful to them. Order of Constantine Sig and past Grand Praetor Chet Moore, CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA 1967; Grand Trustee Ryan Rogers, CAL. POLY-POMONA 1987; current Eastern Kentucky Province Grand Praetor Michael S. Sawyer, EASTERN KENTUCKY 1985; and Iota Nu chapter advisor Andrew Holliday, FURMAN 2011, each committed significant legacy gifts that will benefit several areas of Sigma Chi’s mission.
Sawyer’s gift will provide future support for the Brothers Helping Brothers Fund, which assists brothers displaced or affected by natural disasters, pandemics and other crises through scholarship grants; Sigma Chi’s greatest needs through the Annual Fund; and leadership development and scholarships benefiting brothers throughout the Eastern Kentucky Province.
Rogers’ gift will support academic scholarships for undergraduate members of the Theta Sigma chapter, leadership development through its Bell Chapter endowment fund and the Annual Fund.
Moore has designated support to undergraduate and graduate student Sigs who have been honorably discharged from or actively engaged in military service through the Sigma Chi Military Service Scholarship efforts as well as the Annual Fund.
Holliday will support the Bell Chapter efforts for the Iota Nu chapter at Furman.
66 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
Sigma Ch is extendi ng impact b eyond their life time.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT To make an online gift to the Sigma Chi Foundation, please scan the QR code or visit donate.sigmachi.org/home. For more information about the Foundation's Capital Campaign or how you can support your chapter or one of Sigma Chi's leadership development and academic scholarship initiatives, email foundation@sigmachi.org.
BY WES HOLTSCLAW, EAST TENNESSEE 2012 //////
Foundation Board Begins 2026 to 2028 Biennium Under New Leadership
T
he Sigma Chi Foundation Board of Governors is moving forward under new leadership for the 2026 to 2028 biennium, guided by two longtime volunteers whose service, generosity and commitment have helped shape Sigma Chi for decades. Sixty-Ninth Grand Consul, Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Michael Ursillo, BROWN 1978, serves as chairman, while Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Joe Martin, HOUSTON 1976, serves as vice chairman. Both assumed their new offices May 20 following the conclusion of the Foundation’s spring Board of Governors meeting at Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Virginia. Order of Constantine Sig Jim Kuykendall, OKLAHOMA STATE 1987, vice president of Equipment World, was also elected treasurer and chairs the Foundation’s Finance Committee. Order of Constantine Sig Mark Quiner, WYOMING 1978, continues his service as parliamentarian. “Brothers Ursillo and Martin have devoted decades of leadership, service and generosity to Sigma Chi,” says Sigma Chi Foundation President and 68th Grand Consul Michael Greenberg, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1982. “Throughout their tenure on the Board of Governors, they have helped guide the Foundation with a clear focus on Sigma Chi’s future and the lasting impact our alumni, volunteers and donors can have on undergraduate brothers across North America. “Their understanding of the Foundation’s mission, combined with their commitment to leadership development, scholarship support and alumni engagement, will continue to strengthen our Fraternity for years to come.” Ursillo joined the Foundation Board of Governors in 2019 and is the managing partner of Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, where his practice focuses on municipal and business law. A dedicated Sigma Chi volunteer for decades, Ursillo has served the Fraternity in numerous leadership capacities, including Grand Praetor and president of the Order of Constantine. In 2015, he was elected Sigma Chi’s 69th Grand Consul. His lifelong commitment to Sigma Chi is reflected through both his volunteer service and philanthropic support. Ursillo is a member of the Foundation’s Founders’ Circle through his participation in the William Lewis Lockwood Society, which recognizes lifetime giving of $100,000 or more. He is also a member of the James Parks Caldwell Society in recognition of his planned legacy support for the Foundation. “Sigma Chi has played a defining role in my life, both personally and professionally,” Ursillo says. “The friendships, leadership opportunities and values our Fraternity instills continue to shape generations of young men. “Through the work of the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute and our scholarship initiatives, we are investing directly in the future of our undergraduate brothers.
MICHAEL URSILLO, BROWN 1978
JOE MARTIN, HOUSTON 1976
That work only moves forward because of the dedication of our volunteers, staff and donors who believe deeply in Sigma Chi’s mission and future.” As chairman, Ursillo leads the Board of Governors as it works alongside Foundation staff to advance the organization’s philanthropic mission and strengthen the educational resources available to Sigma Chi undergraduates across North America. Martin brings more than two decades of experience on the Foundation Board of Governors, having joined in 2005. He is the retired president and chief operating officer of Freedom Innovations. Following his graduation from the University of Houston, Martin served on the International Headquarters staff as an associate executive secretary. He went on to provide decades of volunteer leadership throughout Sigma Chi, including service as president of the Epsilon Xi House Corporation, an advisor to undergraduate chapters and a member of numerous Foundation and International Fraternity committees. Martin is also a member of the Foundation’s Founders’ Circle in recognition of his longstanding philanthropic support of Sigma Chi. “The Foundation’s mission is important because it directly impacts the undergraduate experience and helps prepare young men for success long after graduation,” Martin says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving alongside such a committed group of volunteers and staff as we work to strengthen Sigma Chi for future generations.” Together, Ursillo and Martin bring extensive experience across the International Fraternity and Sigma Chi Foundation to their respective leadership roles. Their service comes at an important time as the Foundation continues expanding scholarship opportunities, supporting transformational leadership programming and engaging alumni in the future of their undergraduate chapters. Through the leadership of the Board of Governors and the generosity of brothers and friends, the Foundation remains focused on preparing the next generation of values-based leaders while ensuring Sigma Chi’s brotherhood and impact endure for generations to come. expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 67
/ THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER PROGRAM /
BY ASHLEY SZATALA //////
ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR NEW OFFICER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TransfORM will pair a mentor with officers in their province for guidance and advice during school year
T An undergraduate Sigma Chi uses his laptop as part of the educational learning done at the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop.
68 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
ransformational officer development training and support is coming to chapters in the next few semesters, and Sigma Chi is looking for volunteers to help with officer mentorship for only a few hours each month. The new program, named TransfORM, will provide initial officer education upon their election and then provide a TransfORM mentor to give guidance and advice throughout the duration of their term. The goal is to pair chapter officers within each province with a mentor, and rollout will happen in waves as each province gains enough TransfORM mentors. “This is a seismic change to the way we support our undergraduate officers. We, as an organization, hear our undergraduates loud and clear that they need more help, support, and guidance, and this effort will supplement the already amazing work that our alumni volunteers and General Fraternity do each and every day,” says Order of Constantine Sig Jeff Twibell, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS 1999, who has been leading the TransfORM program development and deployment. “This is one of the largest remobilizations of direct alumni support to chapters
and provinces that we’ve ever attempted, and we are excited for this challenge … but even more excited about the opportunity to create a substantive and profound impact on our chapters.” The goal is to have a mentor for each of the seven key officer roles (Consul, Pro Consul, Questor, Magister, Recruitment Chair, Risk Manager and Kustos), and that mentor will be responsible for their respective officers within their province. For example, a specially trained Consul TransfORM Mentor will directly support the Consuls within the province they personally reside. With 53 provinces and seven officer positions, over 371 mentors are needed to make this a reality. “What I think is most exciting about that is our undergraduate officers will have real-time access to a mentor, and they have their officer peer group by which they can share best practices and ideate solutions to commonly found problems together,” Twibell says. “This is going to allow the undergraduates to experience real-time growth they can see day after day, month after month, year after year, because there's a hyper focus on operations and there's a hyper focus on roles and responsibilities. They can more quickly get to solutions that otherwise might have taken them hours or days to figure out on their own.” “The more help that they get — and the more support they get from an alumni brother that understands their specific roles and responsibilities — the better off they're going to be personally, the better off they’re going to be as an officer, and the better off the chapter will be.” Rollout to chapters and provinces will not be simultaneous. As TransfORM Mentor roles fill up within a province, the program will be deployed in that area. Twibell emphasizes that it will take time to reach all chapters. “We're starting to get names in now. But we need we need more,” he says. “Just a few hours (of mentorship) every month will make a substantive difference in that officer's Sigma Chi experience and as a result make a dramatic difference in that chapter’s ability to achieve its goals. And the investment that (mentors) put into it will return to them tenfold in that kind of that gut feeling of, ‘Wow, I really made a difference in someone's life.’” Those interested in signing up can contact their local Grand Praetor, TransfORM committee member Robbie Kimbrough, CHARLESTON 2005, at RobertKimbrough@ gmail.com, or contact International Fraternity Headquarters at headquarters@ sigmachi.org.
WHAT OFFICER FACULTY LEADS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS WHY SHOULD ALUMNI VOLUNTEER TO BE A MENTOR? “By stepping up as mentors, we do more than just guide the next generation; we stay grounded in the current reality of our Fraternity. Offering our experience helps ensure our young leaders thrive, while immersing ourselves in their perspective reminds us why this brotherhood matters now more than ever.” ~ Order of Constantine Sig Jose Tovar, SAM HOUSTON 1986 WHY WILL EXPANDING TO THE PROVINCE LEVEL BE SO HELPFUL? “Expanding to the province level increases our reach. What has been taught at Krach TLW is powerful and relevant. But we reach only a limited audience. Having mentors in each province will allow a larger percent of each chapter to benefit from what Sigma Chi offers. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for other alums to become engaged. Should questions arise after training, the alum who delivered it is an easy contact away. He could even attend a chapter meeting or work one-on-one, in person, with an undergrad.” ~ Order of Constantine Sig Glen Sirles, TEXAS TECH 1972 HOW WILL UNDERGRADUATES BENEFIT FROM THIS? "TransfORM turns Sigma Chi's leadership principles into action. Undergraduates will leave not just with theoretical knowledge about their officer role, but with practical tools they can immediately use to help their chapters succeed. Combine that with the stronger support network, mentors, and peers, and you've created a powerful catalyst for action and personal growth."~ Order of Constantine Sig Stuart Walters, TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA 1991
“Just a few hours (of mentorship) every month will make a substantive difference in that officer's Sigma Chi experience and as a result make a dramatic difference in that chapter’s ability to achieve its goals.” - Order of Constantine Sig Jeff Twibell, CALIFORNIADAVIS 1999
_______________________________________________ expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 69
/ THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER PROGRAM /
BY ADDISON VINSON, NORTH GEORGIA 2028 //////
In His Words
How would you describe Krach TLW in one sentence to a brother who couldn't come? “You're missing out. Best thing ever.” ~ Hudson Stiefel, IDAHO 2028
The Magazine of Sigma Chi asked undergraduate participants at the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop their takeaways from the event. Here’s what they had to say.
This is your first Krach TLW. What did you come in expecting? And what are you going to come out with? “I came in not expecting the format with the small groups. I thought it was going to be much more big speeches in a big area with a lot of people. And that wasn't the case. You're able to focus on yourself individually with all the orientation leaders. And what I'm leaving with? I'd say I'm leaving with a clearer idea of my strengths, what I need to work on and how to sharpen the strengths I have now.” ~ Sebastian Arias, TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE 2029
What's one idea you're planning to bring back to your chapter? “We definitely are bringing back a stronger Preparation for Brotherhood program. In my personal opinion, first impression matters. I want the first impression of our Fraternity for incoming new members to be this is a fraternity of men who want to create a better world, and me as the Magister, I am the facilitator in that role. I just want them to have an amazing, out-of-this-world experience and help build them into the men that they will become in the future.” ~ Dakarai Turnquest, DRAKE 2028
70 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / fall 2026
What's one way this week that you feel like you've helped someone else improve? “I would say, and it's kind of reciprocal in nature, but maybe outgoingness. Some of the brothers here might not be the most eager to meet brothers from other chapters, but being the one sometimes to initiate conversations and just ask where they're from, what year, major, what their name is even, or who they are as a person, can really bring together some good conversations and people who otherwise wouldn't have talked to each other.” ~ Tristan Cline, RIT 2028
What are some ways that you have been able to pour into and communicate amongst different chapters? What's some advice you’d give fellow undergrads? “Be honest, open and vulnerable. It's really easy to never go deep and just talk about the surface level stuff the whole time. But if you really want to get the most out of it, you have to be open and honest about who you are, what you are and be vulnerable. Everyone here is here for the same reason. No one is here to judge or tear you down or anything like that. So, you get way more out of it if as a group you become closer.” ~ Charlie Timm, DRAKE 2028
What's one piece of advice from a facilitator or speaker that stuck with you? “One piece of advice that definitely stuck with me was to use your weaknesses to make your strengths even stronger and to just keep persevering even after failure.” ~ Kale Sykora, DRAKE 2028
What are you most looking forward to about the rest of the week? “I'm looking forward to getting to know more brothers from around the nation, hang out with some of the brothers as well, and learn more lessons and pieces of advice that I can take home and bring back to my chapter in order to improve my chapter.” ~ Matthew Macha, BOWLING GREEN 2028
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 71
For 171 years, Sigma Chi has endured because generations of brothers invested in something greater than themselves — a promise rooted in friendship, justice and learning. Through the Thomas Cowan Bell Chapter Challenge, Sigma Chi is building that promise into the future of every chapter. Our endowment model provides annual academic scholarships and on-site leadership development training through Sigma Chi’s Transformational Leader™ curriculum — equipping our undergraduate brothers to lead with purpose in perpetuity. As momentum continues within the largest capital campaign in the Greekletter world, every Bell Chapter endowment strengthens the foundation of our Fraternity for generations to come. Because someday a young man will arrive on campus searching for belonging, direction and purpose — and because of you, he will find it here. Visit donate.sigmachi.org/bell to learn more.
THOMAS COWAN BELL CHAPTER CHALLENGE
The Sigma Chi Foundation is recognized as a 501(c)(3) Public Foundation by the Internal Revenue Service. Our federal tax identification number 36-2208386. Your gift is deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.