Dan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, is making an impact on today’s toy market, but he credits Sigma Chi with helping him get there
The journey of Dan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, from the chapter house to the top of the
charts includes the help of brothers across the U.S., a Sigma Chi industry mentor and a character popular with
Colorado. Color red. There is much in Colorado. There is also less in Colorado. Much beauty, history, legend, myth. The state of Colorado has the highest average elevation in the U.S., including 52 peaks over 14,000 feet, thus ... less oxygen. It has been memorialized in book and song, full of success and sorrow. And for me, it is summed in a single word: home.
For six generations, it has been so. My ancestors were not quite here yet at the acceptance of statehood, but close. Our Fraternity’s 21st birthday was five weeks before statehood for Colorado. But before Colorado celebrated 21 years of statehood, Sigma Chi was here — in the forms of the Beta Gamma chapter in Colorado Springs and the Denver alumni association 65 miles north. Which is to say I am so looking forward to sharing all of this, all of Colorado, with you during the 85th Grand Chapter this June.
There was a house at 404 W. 7th St. in Hays, Kansas, that was also home for a while. And though it was far from a castle on the hill, it was a place, as the songwriter later claims, where these people raised me: Brothers Mathews, Peier, Neelly, Craig, Toepfer, Alpers and so many other men who taught me about life, honor, character and accountability. They helped me celebrate; they held me when I cried. It was their mentoring and understanding, encouragement and tough love that molded the teenager that I was. Their footprints are always visible in my journey. That place was home.
Though I didn’t know the words at the time, what I have come to realize is that these men provided me the value proposition that is Sigma Chi. Multiple research studies (over 20 independent examinations) show the value that fraternal organizations in college environments provide to the young men
of today. These studies did not predict nor expect these results; most were conceived with the notion to prove the uselessness of our organizations. What they found instead were that Fraternity men have lower anxiety levels and suffer fewer symptoms of depression than their non-Greek-letter counterparts. Fraternity men embrace diverse viewpoints more frequently, excel in collaborative learning and have greater confidence to provide peer accountability, all skills sought by employers today. SHOCKER ALERT: Fraternity men learn more during their first year at college than non-Greeks! And upon graduation, men who join fraternities have more satisfaction in their careers and more generously support their alma mater. This is all incredible value, coming from values-based growth taught and encouraged by those tough, wise old sergeants that we call brothers. Of course it was home.
This June, I want to welcome YOU to my home, Colorado. Over the years, at various Grand Chapters past, I have met exceptional brothers. I have formed life-long friendships through our Sigma Chi bonds with men that I likely would never have met otherwise. At Grand Chapters, I have been able to share Sigma Chi with my wife and children and build memories for all of us. I learned about the places various brothers call home and reveled in their hospitality. Now it is my turn to host, and I hope you can make it to the majestic Rocky Mountains for the 85th Grand Chapter of Sigma Chi. See for yourself why Sigma Chi is home.
Bob Wilson, FORT HAYS 1981 73rd Grand Consul
B/ FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR /
ROTHERS , On Dec. 23, 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden. This marks the first piece of enacted federal legislation aimed at curbing the dangerous activities that constitute hazing. Almost inconceivable considering the hyper-partisan world in which American politics finds itself, this bill made it through both chambers of Congress and onto the president’s desk without a single vote against it.
This momentous occasion was only possible after nearly a decade of work by a network of interfraternal organizations and efforts — through which Sigma Chi demonstrated significant leadership — including, but not limited to, the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition, the North American Interfraternity Conference and the Anti-Hazing Coalition. The list of people who made this moment possible is far too voluminous to mention, but without each of whom this signature achievement never would have been possible.
Among other important components, it establishes a federal definition of hazing and increases the transparency around student organizations that engage in hazing by requiring each institution of higher education to disclose hazing incidents that were reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies in its annual security report (Clery Act). Importantly, these requirements extend to ALL campus organizations and not just fraternities or sororities. Sports teams, bands, clubs and others will all be subject to the same regulations. In addition, each institution must develop campus-wide, research-based hazing education and prevention programs as well as publish online the institution’s hazing prevention policies and the organizations that have violated them.
Hazing has no place in Sigma Chi or in Greek-letter organizations. Hazing is antithetical to Sigma Chi and our stated principles of Friendship, Justice, and Learning; and to the extent that it does exist within our Fraternity, it must be eradicated. As Sigma Chi brothers, we have no greater obligation than to make sure that each man joining our order has the opportunity to become the best man he can be. Anything short of that is a failure — and Sigma Chi will not fail.
Although the passage of this law is an important achievement, there is still more work to be done to eliminate hazing from all campus organizations. Sigma Chi is committed to providing a safe, leadership-based membership experience for all brothers and stands united with others to ensure a hazing-free environment for everyone in our Fraternity.
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.
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© 2025 Sigma Chi Fraternity | The Magazine of Sigma Chi (USPS325500) is issued quarterly by Sigma Chi Fraternity International Headquarters 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
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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 SigmaChi. At the end of the year, recent graduates may continue to receive TheMagazine 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.
IHSV, Michael J. Church, ILLINOIS 2005 Executive Director
CORRECTIONS:
In our winter issue, the chapter for Order of Constantine Sig Gilbert Robertson, MINNESOTA 1954 , was incorrectly listed in our Chapter Eternal section, and we ran an incorrect bio for Pvt. Quincy Manu, NORTH TEXAS 2024 , and incorrect headshot for Cpl. Garrett Clark, TULSA 2026 . We deeply regret the errors.
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.
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: Dec. 1 Fall issue: May 1
Summer issue: March 15 Winter issue: Sept. 1
There is a difference between signing up for a gym membership and using a gym membership. In the first example, you absolutely belong to the gym. Maybe they even gave you a branded T-shirt when you joined to identify you as a member. You could wear the T-shirt and people will rightly assume you are a member of the gym (which you are). Using the gym, on the other hand, is a totally different experience. You become friendly with the front desk staff. You learn, over time, which of the treadmills are well-maintained (and great for interval training) and which are best left for the power-walking crowd. Over time, that T-shirt they gave you fits a little differently too. Perhaps it shows the well-earned sweat rings or has frayed in areas from consistent use. If you go to the gym on a regular basis, your relationship with the gym changes, and you change, too.
Membership in Sigma Chi is like the gym membership. When our brothers use their membership in Sigma Chi, it changes them and the organization for the better. Our second chapter in Sigma Chi (Gamma at Ohio Wesleyan College) was installed on Christmas Eve in 1855. Think about that for a minute: Christmas Eve. There is little doubt the brothers of the Alpha chapter also spent Christmas Day in Delaware, Ohio. There were no automobiles to whisk them away. No early morning planes to catch that would fly them across the country in time to join their families for Christmas dinner. No, their love of Sigma Chi, to see it flourish, led them to sacrifice and action.
We see this sort of active and sacrificial membership again during the United States’ Civil War in the 1860s. Fearing Sigma Chi would cease to exist
in the South, Harry St. John Dixon, VIRGINIA 1861, and other Sigs snuck away from their camps to meet. They met by candlelight, moonlight and, sometimes, no light at all. So committed were they to Sigma Chi and its continued growth they even initiated two men into our order while war raged around them.
Opportunities to engage in Sigma Chi’s growth continue today. In oddnumbered years, like 2025, Sigma Chi hosts its Grand Chapter meeting. This event mirrors undergraduate chapter meetings but on a larger scale. Brothers come together to engage with the Ritual, elect officers, vote on by-laws and discuss the Fraternity’s direction. It’s also a time to explore the host city and build connections with hundreds of brothers.
A read of Joseph Nate’s History of the Sigma Chi Fraternity shows us how important Grand Chapter is in the perpetuation of Sigma Chi’s brotherhood. These accounts also detail the multi-day journeys our brothers took by horse, train and coach — just for the chance to lend their voice to the discourse alongside their brothers. They were rewarded with banquet feasts and a buffet of brotherly interactions. Every undergraduate and alumni chapter is allowed a voting delegate. This year, Grand Chapter will be held in Aurora, Colorado, from June 26-28. A registration link can be found at grandchapter.sigmachi.org. I hope you’ll choose to use your membership and join us in Aurora. I look forward to seeing you there and greeting you with a welcoming hand and a warm heart.
Jim Holcomb, CAL. STATE-SACRAMENTO 1994
Order of Constantine Sig and Grand Tribune
All honor to their names.
Sigma Chi International Fraternity joins the members of its Gamma Eta chapter at the University of Idaho in remembering Ethan Chapin, IDAHO 2025, who entered the Chapter Eternal two years ago on Nov. 13, 2022, in Moscow, Idaho, along with Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen.
The Sigma Chi International Fraternity has reached another historic milestone! Steven Reddy, NEW HAMPSHIRE 2027, was officially welcomed as the 375,000th initiate into the Sigma Chi Fraternity at the Lambda Sigma chapter at the University of New Hampshire on November 9th, 2024. Please join us in celebrating all our brothers who have paved the way for number 375,000!
Congratulations to Zach Hayes, OHIO STATE 2027, and Joop Mitchell, OHIO STATE 2025, on winning the College Football Playoff National Championship along with all our other brothers who brought home Bowl Game trophies! �� Let us know in the comments what school will be bringing a trophy home next season. ⬇
Brad Casanova, FURMAN 2003, has been helping his Asheville community in numerous ways after Hurricane Helene and was assisted by Glenn McDaniel, FURMAN 1993
s the Category 4 Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Southern United States on Sept. 26, millions of people were either evacuating or hunkering down to weather the storm. Archetype Brewing owner Brad Casanova, FURMAN 2003, stayed put in Asheville, North Carolina, to make sure his family’s businesses, employees and tenants were OK while his wife and kids stayed at a friend’s rental house a few hours away.
“I’ve experienced several hurricanes in the mountains and thought I was prepared,” Casanova says. He could have never imagined the apocalyptic scene that would greet him the next morning.
Casanova tried to drive around the block. A two-minute drive took 30 minutes. Every other street was blocked by downed trees, power lines and flooding. One by one electricity, internet, cell service and faucets stopped working. The river was up 20 feet. Car accidents were a frequent sight without traffic lights for guidance. Cash was the only payment option, and the ATMs were empty. Gas stations ran dry. There were hours-long lines to get into grocery stores just to find empty shelves.
“The sensory aspect was pretty overwhelming. For weeks and weeks, the skies were filled with helicopters, and I was lucky to not hear sirens as I tried to shut out the stress of it all and sleep,” Casanova recalls. “The stench of chemicals, gasoline and death near the river would choke you up. After the mud dried, the dust was unbearable.”
Casanova immediately began helping neighbors and strangers in the community in any way he could, and he was later assisted by Glenn McDaniel, FURMAN 1993, who came up from Atlanta to help. For their efforts to assist the Asheville community, Casanova and McDaniel have been named this quarter’s Mark V. Anderson Character-in-ActionTM Leadership Award recipients.
'NEEDS WERE CHANGING CONSTANTLY'
“When a disaster hits, everything changes, and there is no playbook. You just take it one moment at a time,” Casanova says. “But one undeniable fact was that we would all get through it better if we worked together and helped each other.”
Glenn McDaniel, FURMAN 1993, and patrons of his restaurant McDaniel’s QN2 collected supplies to bring to Asheville, North Carolina, from Atlanta to assist the community after Hurricane Helene hit the area.
Communication was the biggest issue after the storm hit, and people couldn’t reach loved ones to know if they were OK. Casanova posted on Facebook offering to do welfare checks. Several requests came in from friends and strangers, and he fortunately was able to locate everyone on his list. Some he still checks in on today.
“One check I did was for an elderly woman who lived alone. It was treacherous getting out to her, and I had to drive over at least a dozen downed power lines to reach her apartment. She didn't know me or know I was coming and was hesitant to open the door. After some conversation it was clear I was there to help,” Casanova says. “I made several subsequent trips to her to deliver food, water, ice, wet wipes and a battery-operated radio. Each time we parted ways with a hug.”
He also began helping get supplies to people who needed them. Casanova carried 5-gallon buckets of water up multiple flights of stairs so that people who couldn’t carry that weight could flush their toilets. He volunteered to move frozen water bottles to sites that had no access to ice, and he helped deliver donated goods to low-income housing communities where many couldn’t travel to the grocery store because their only mode of transportation are city buses, which weren’t running. Some vintage Sigma Chi coolers of his were donated to a mother who needed to keep her breast milk from going bad.
“Needs were changing constantly, and approaching every day like a Horizons (Huntsman Leadership Summit) team building challenge made it easier to get through it all,” Casanova says. “I helped neighbors understand how to drain their water heaters or turn water off to prevent debris from getting lodged in their pipes. I helped a stranger figure out if their medicine would last without refrigeration. I cut a tree off of a car so that the road could be passable. We opened our house to someone who didn't get power restored for weeks.”
He adds: “But for every one of these small acts of kindness or help, we were also the recipients of just as many acts of help, support and kindness. Generous friends and fellow Sigs from out of town were sending us boxes of survival supplies and food and offering a place to stay if we needed to get out of town for a break. Sometimes great things can be achieved by many small things done on a consistent basis. I was just a small part of a much larger and powerful movement.”
Hurricane Helene also did damage in the Atlanta area, and McDaniel posted on Facebook that he and his barbecue restaurant, McDaniel’s QN2, were giving away free breakfast to first responders. Casanova, who has known McDaniel for about 25 years since he was an undergraduate, jokingly asked if McDaniel delivers to Asheville. McDaniel immediately messaged Casanova
asking how he could help, including bringing his barbecue to Asheville. It took about a week for both sides to coordinate, and on Sunday, Oct. 6, McDaniel drove north in a vehicle laden with enough food for 200 people and $3,000 in donations and supplies.
McDaniel served chopped barbecue pork, chicken, baked beans and coleslaw at Casanova’s brewery.
“(After arriving,) it was clear the community was massively devastated. Many hadn’t had a hot meal in a while, and man, they were so happy. Everyone who came just appreciated it so much,” McDaniel says. “And to do this was so easy. We just packed up the food, drove up, served it and left. It was no big deal for us to do this.”
But for Casanova and the Asheville community, the effect his generosity had was immense.
“Glenn is all heart, and his willingness to show up made a huge impact on me and my community. So many people were truly touched and grateful, not just for the food, but the visible reminder that we weren't alone and people from hours away heard us, saw us and were there to help,” Casanova says, adding that McDaniel’s act of giving inspired Casanova to work with a local restaurant to serve another free meal at Archetype. “Glenn's actions created a snowball effect by reminding us what we could accomplish with the resources we already had.”
Today, according to various reports, 12,000 residents are still displaced, and many are living in campers that have issues staying warm in extreme winter weather. About 40 percent of trees in the county were either damaged or downed, and of the 10 million cubic yards of debris created by Hurricane Helene, less than 10 percent of it has been removed.
“Asheville is as quirky as it is strong. Some residents put string lights on their sidewalk debris piles during the holidays just to lift spirits, but it's hard
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.
Andy Beshear, VANDERBILT 2000
Significant Sig and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, VANDERBILT 2000, was named to Time magazine’s 2024 Time100 Next list in October. The list highlights rising leaders in various industries and who the magazine believes will play an important role in future leadership and impact. In its profile of Beshear, Time points to his commitment to post-partisanship leadership, the billions in federal dollars he has secured for Kentucky, his popularity amongst citizens, his steady presence during natural disasters and dedication to causes that benefit the state as a whole.
Significant Sig and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, PURDUE 2001, was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame during the 2024 season. Brees was named Offensive Player of the Year twice and broke the 5,000-yard passing barrier five times. He is also a four-time touchdown leader, a two-time passer-rating leader and led the league six times in completion percentage throughout his career. In the 2009 season, Brees led his team to victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, resulting in the Saints' first-ever Super Bowl win in NFL history.
Ketih Davis, SOUTH FLORIDA 1989
Keith Davis, SOUTH FLORIDA 1989, was elected president of the Florida Municipal Attorneys Association for the 2024-2025 year. Davis received his law degree in 1992 and spent the first 10 years of his career in the Office of the Public Defender and the Office of the State Attorney. In 2002, Davis switched his focus to local government law, which has been his main focus ever since. He has been an advisor to many officials on issues such as zoning, procurement and contracts, ethics, public meeting procedure and decorum, and sunshine law and public records.
Funk,
Significant Sig Paul Funk, MONTANA STATE 1984, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Montana State University in December 2024. Funk is a retired four-star Army general, which is a rank that has been held by fewer than 300 people in United States history. He has served in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan and has been stationed across the United States and in Germany. Some of Funk’s professional recognitions include the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Distinguished Medal, the Legion of Merit and several Bronze Stars. According to a university release, he is receiving the honorary doctorate because of his lifelong leadership, integrity and countless hours of work he has done for the United States and its military.
Brett Hall, EAST TENNESSEE 2001
Brett Hall, EAST TENNESSEE 2001, was recognized in August 2024 for his work with the U.S. Marshals Service for conducting training that will help save the lives of law enforcement officers in highly dangerous situations. He currently is chief inspector for employee development at the USMS Training Division, and his work includes keeping Marshals across the U.S. safe by training them in different programs, such as the national program management for Officer Safety Training, Firearms, Less Than Lethal, Ballistic Protection and the Tactical Training Officer program. In 2021, Hall was awarded the U.S. Marshals’ Service Operational Employee of the Year Award.
Barry Kulback, AUSTIN PEAY 1979
Barry Kulback, AUSTIN PEAY 1979, was recently awarded the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees Service Award. Kulback founded the Trane Alumni Chapter, which was at one point the university’s largest alumni chapter, and has held many positions while contributing to campus initiatives and endowments that have accumulated to nearly $1 million in value. Some of these roles are the Homecoming co-chair, Govs Club, the President’s Giving Tower and the Monocle Society. He has also served on the Austin Peay chapter’s house corporation, the local Habitat for Humanity board of directors and the Clarksville River District Commission.
Mike Mangeot, EASTERN KENTUCKY 1988
Mike Mangeot, EASTERN KENTUCKY 1988, was recently named the 2024 State Tourism Director of the Year by his U.S. Travel Association peers. This distinction is awarded to those with excellence in marketing and a strong sense of leadership, according to an association release. Mangeot is the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism, and the release quotes Significant Sig and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, VANDERBILT 2000, as saying, “Kentucky is celebrating the best two years for tourism in our history — a record-breaking milestone Commissioner Mangeot helped Team Kentucky achieve.” Because of him, visitors and economic impact to Kentucky hit a record high, with $13.8 billion and 79.3 million travelers.
Walker Montgomery, KENTUCKY 2020
Walker Montgomery, KENTUCKY 2020, made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, by performing alongside his father and uncle in December 2023 and later performed solo on stage in November 2024. For his debut, he said in a social media post it was “a dream came true,” adding that, “Memories were made that I am going to cherish for a lifetime.” His career has been taking off in 2024 with him trending on TikTok and releasing various singles throughout the year.
David Stout, EAST TENNESSEE 1972
Significant Sig David Stout, EAST TENNESSEE 1972, was the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus in Education Award from the East Tennessee State University National Alumni Association. At the start of his career, Stout took on an administrative role as academic dean at Columbia Junior College of Business in South Carolina. He then became the adult education director for several school districts and in 1983 was named Rooke Adult Education Director of the Year. In 1987, Stout joined the adult education staff at the State Department of Education for South Carolina, and when Stout retired he was the longest-serving state GED administrator in the United States.
Mike Stout, MICHIGAN STATE 1983, was awarded Michigan State University’s 2024 Greek Ivy Award, given annually to an outstanding East Lansing community member, advisor for a Panhellenic/Interfraternity Council chapter or university faculty/staff member. In early 2022 Stout noticed the large amount of litter and debris in the Red Cedar River while kayaking and began working with the local Delta Sigma Phi fraternity chapter to host communitywide cleanups twice a year. Stout later formed the Michigan Waterways Stewards, a nonprofit organization that manages a group of businesses and volunteers to help clean up Michigan’s waterways. In 2023, Michigan Waterways Stewards gathered more than 850 volunteers and 50 organizations and businesses to remove 38 tons of litter and debris from the local water.
Dakarai Turnquest, DRAKE 2028, won the 2024 men’s nine-ball singles platinum division at the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Pool League World Championships. This is his second international victory after winning the nine-ball challenge in 2023 at the West Coast Challenge Florida Pool Tournament in Orlando, Florida. These achievements were accomplished while he was still in high school and competing in the BCA’s junior league. He is currently enrolled in Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and now moves into the adult league for competition.
110ThingstoSeewithaTelescope:TheWorld’sMostFamousStargazingList
By John Read, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 2005, and Chris Vaughan / ISBN: 978-1728292311 / Sourcebooks; Oct. 1, 2024
Over 200 years ago, the French comet hunter Charles Messier published a list of fuzzy, comet-like objects he saw through his telescope. While to him they were a nuisance, we know them now to be star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. These 110 objects are some of the finest celestial sights to explore with your backyard telescope for both stargazing beginners and those ready to move past the moon and planets. The book includes a star map for each target, with written directions for how to find it by star hopping, "eyepiece view" images to confirm what you're seeing, tips for observation from two veteran stargazers, an observation log so you can track your progress, a recommended viewing order for the objects and much more.
ABaby’sGuidetoBeingaPetroleumLandman
By Steve Virant, TEXAS TECH 2008 / ISBN: 979-8336167917 / Independently published; Aug. 17, 2024
ABaby’sGuidetoBeingaPetroleumLandman is a children's book about the oil and gas industry that focuses on the role of a landman. This book is an illustration of work performed throughout the oil and gas life cycle from prospecting, to executing agreements, to preparing wells ready to be drilled and paying royalty owners. The publication is illustrated to capture the imagination of young readers aged 1 to 5 and is a great and easy-to-understand way to share the stories of the oil and gas industry with the next generation.
By Chris Cross, DENISON 1974 / ISBN: 979-8991125819 / Denizen Publishing; Aug. 21, 2024
This historically accurate novel details racial injustice in America, including the Underground Railroad, Civil War, Reconstruction, Post-Reconstruction and 19th century Supreme Court cases that led to Jim Crow segregation and the racial issues we have today. The novel also delves deep into America’s troubled racial history, tracing the fictional life of Gabriel Adams, a Sigma Chi, from the 1850s to the early 1900s. Witness his journey alongside key figures like John Brown, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, as well as pivotal events such as the setbacks of Reconstruction and the Supreme Court’s failure to protect civil rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th amendments. Through this compelling narrative, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the historical roots that continue to shape racial issues in the 21st century.
By Elliott Mott, UTAH 1972 / ISBN: 979-8350928440 / Roosevelt & Torrey LLC; Nov. 14, 2023
This bicycling guidebook illustrates 54 bike routes totaling 2,176 miles of rides throughout Utah. Each bike route is brought to life through engaging narratives that provide insight into the local culture, history and natural beauty of Utah. Each route has accompanying maps with clearly marked distances and identified climbs. Routes range from 12 to 88 miles in length. This book is the outcome of the author's many open-call group rides he led as a volunteer organizer. This book is in full color and includes 158 images.
JustEvilEnough:TheSubversiveMarketingHandbook
By Alistair Cross, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1992 and Emily Ross / ISBN: 978-1916797666 / Whitefox; March 7, 2025
In a world saturated with marketing noise, how do you rise above the crowd? JustEvilEnough teaches you how to bend the rules — and sometimes rewrite them — to win the attention economy. This playbook is a blueprint for action that contains over 200 case studies and proven frameworks to help readers uncover clever, unexpected tactics to get ahead of the competition. Whether you’re a startup founder, a seasoned marketer or an advisor looking to disrupt the status quo, JustEvilEnough gives you the tools to find your advantage and use it strategically.
KeepingItintheFamily:TheChristianWay
By Tom Grooms, TENNESSEE TECH 1970 / ISBN: 979-8575072881 / Independently published; Oct. 15, 2024
In book 2 of 3 of TheFamilyBusiness series, you will learn that God wants you to have a successful and prosperous life. Readers will feel God’s presence in their life within these pages and regardless of age or stage of life discover how to have a better future. This Christian book began with conversations about the family business during the author’s travels across America and around the world and because of his findings, you will read about the ways of the Bible in business principles presented in a positive light.
AKid’sGuidetotheNightSky:SimpleWaystoExploretheUniverse
By John Read, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 2005 / ISBN: 978-1728292281 / Sourcebooks Explore; Oct. 1, 2024
This easy-to-use stargazing guide for kids explores the popular night sky constellations, visits the brightest stars and tours our solar system. As they learn step-by-step how to find the most fascinating sights in the night sky, readers will learn how the sky changes with each season, when to look for meteor showers, how to see the Milky Way and much more. AKid'sGuidetotheNightSky includes factpacked sections like Your Stargazing Toolkit, The Life of a Star, Learn the Constellations, Astronomical Events, Tour the Solar System and Explore the Moon. Learn how to stargaze and discover the most amazing sights in the night sky, no telescope required.
PurposefulLiving:WisdomforComingofAgeinComplexTimes
By Art Blanchford, TENNESSEE TECH 1993 / ISBN: 978-1964340197 / The Native Publishers; April 16, 2024
Purposeful Living offers a heartfelt guide for navigating the intricacies of adulthood in today's multifaceted world. Drawing on personal experiences, the author shares wisdom accrued from a life of profound transformation that includes overcoming the trials of youth, achieving success in the corporate world and embracing a spiritual journey that reshaped his existence. This book serves as a beacon for anyone coming of age or raising someone who is. It provides insights into self-worth, love, overcoming fear and discovering one's true calling. Readers are invited to embark on their own path of self-discovery and purposeful living, armed with the tools to face life's challenges with grace, courage and a deep sense of fulfillment.
SomethingintheWater:“ACompendiumofChampionships”Arkansas
By Fred Whistle Jr., ARKANSAS 1980 / ISBN: 979-8336381733 / Independently published; Sept. 13, 2024
SomethingintheWater features all the great championship football seasons and of all the great head coaches and pro owners who lived in Arkansas. Readers will discover documentation of the extraordinary talent that has been produced in various small south Arkansas towns. This compendium also highlights 283 seasons, including those with national championship claims, various inventions like the shotgun formation and satellite express, and features more than 100 players.
A time capsule that contains
BY SIGNIFICANT SIG JEFF BURNSIDE, WASHINGTON STATE 1980 //////
Here are seven ways you can preserve history before it vanishes
Chapter scrapbooks are vanishing.
The revered, old-fashioned fraternity scrapbook is a victim of the digital age. It was remarkably easy to get photos printed and glued into the scrapbook to have a repository of the life of the chapter. When one filled up, you just started a new one. Goofy party photos. Sweethearts. Rush. Pledging. Sports. It was all in there.
When The Magazine asked me to find solutions for the vanishing scrapbook, I found options.
The most urgent step is finding scrapbooks and historical items that may still be around and preserve them — now. Get them scanned and locked in a trophy case or with the Ritual gear. Often, an alum has them sitting at home in a garage. Neil Gest, OHIO WESLEYAN 1957, says Gamma alumni leaders wisely have them in a nearby storage unit hoping their chapter will return to campus someday.
When my chapter, Beta Upsilon at Washington State University, was completing its grand, new chapter house in 2020, I searched the basement of the interim house next door. Hidden under junk, there they were: three scrapbooks, including a magnificent leather-bound book from the 1930s! They’re now our pride and joy, locked away in the new library.
1980, found buried under rubble at the interim Washington State chapter house while the new chapterhousewasbeingbuilt.Uponopeningit,it wasatreasuretroveofchapterhistory.
This open book shows the University of California, Los Angeles Delta Eta original chapter meeting minutes from its founding that was discovered beneath rubble in a closet under the chapter house stairs.
In fact, while running the WSU capital campaign, I gathered so many historic photos, documents and stories that, with funding from four great brothers, I published a high-quality leather coffee table history book. We printed 425 copies — one for everyone at the grand opening and one for each new pledge to share — so that, over time, every single Wazzu Sig will know the same 100-year history. It made me realize we all know our own eras, but few truly know the full history we all share. The chapter history book solves that. I did similar books at the University of Southern California Alpha Upsilon and University of California, Los Angeles Delta Eta chapters. When alums flip through the pages, the smiles come quickly. When undergrads flip through the pages, their faces say, “I can see I’m part of so much history.” There’s nothing like holding a book in your hands. As I walked through the UCLA chapter house with the Consul one weekend looking for historical items, we climbed over piles of junk in a closet under the stairs only to find beneath years of dust and upside-down furniture a leatherbound book of the minutes from the original chapter meetings. It’s essentially the Holy Grail of any chapter. “This is a fantastic find!” said David Medina, CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES 1992. “Very special,” said Matt Doretti, CALIFORNIALOS ANGELES 1983. It’s now safely in the hands of alums and featured in their new history book. There are locally written Sig chapter history books for Fresno, Central Florida, Oregon and elsewhere.
Brother David Sowell, AUSTIN PEAY 1984, was historian in 1984 and is now the Tennessee State Archivist. He anguishes over chapter items stored in someone’s basement or garage. "That's the worst place in the world to place stuff like that,” he says, “because if it's not already mildewed, it will be. They need to do something with it."
Sowell says the campus library special collections will often take historical items. This way, any Sig in the future can go look through the stuff remotely or on
Archiving at the university library is especially viable for chapters that do not have a house, like Delta Zeta which uses Willamette University archives routinely, according to Chapter Advisor Darrell Fuller, WILLAMETTE 1988
This book chronicling the history of the Washington State chapter, written and compiled by Significant Sig Jeff Burnside, WASHINGTON STATE 1980, used tidbits of history mined from university archives, scrapbooks and interviews with living brothers to chronicle every decade since the chapter’s founding.
Allen French, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1985, was one of those brothers in college who saved everything. He was an awesome historian. Trouble is, in the 45 years since, his wife has had to be mighty patient with all those Sigma Chi boxes. “I just saved it all,” he laments. “And my wife is like, ‘I don’t want to move all that stuff. Why don’t you just send it to someone?’ But I didn’t know who.”
Beta Zeta at the University of North Dakota has a campaign to build an allnew chapter house, where campaign chief Russ Freeman, NORTH DAKOTA 1989, hopes to have illuminated locking glass cabinets in their library to display their long, proud history for undergrads to see. What a valuable reminder it is every time an undergraduate brother walks by.
Sigma Chi Archivist Dr. Noah Phelps, NORTHWESTERN 2008, yearns for a “grand repository” for Sigma Chi artifacts. We’re not there yet. So, Brother Phelps accepts only certain items to house at Sigma Chi International Fraternity Headquarters. Contact him at noah.phelps@sigmachi.org. And he’s developing a terrific searchable online archive.
Brother Phelps recalls a very old chapter that closed but had only cursory historical items to send to Headquarters. “I was heartbroken — all of the items sent were precious and worthy of preservation, and great documentation of the chapter’s administrative history, but what of the chapter’s culture and history of events?” he says. “All of that is now probably lost.”
Yet guys like Allen, who is now the alumni chapter president in central Florida, are invaluable. He advises alums to teach or incentivize the chapter historian to do a good job — not an easy task with younger brothers. “These kids don’t live more than 15 minutes in the future,” he says with a laugh. Finding Sigs majoring in history, marketing or communications can work.
Going one step further is Significant Sig Bobby Thompson, WASHINGTON STATE 1985, who served as historian. He was one of the rare guys who knew even as a 19-year-old that historian was an important job. Thompson, now on the Sigma Chi Foundation Board of Governors, has just endowed a chapter historian scholarship at $2,000 annually to incentivize the historian.
It’s easy and free to create a Google Drive and upload old stuff, but also find a system to continually upload new stuff from anyone with the link. The range of online storage varies greatly from just an upload site with little or no organization to a chronological presentation where any Sig can flip through the years and look at images from his era. For a sizeable investment, vendors will create a website with an organized selection of images. There are creation fees, annual fees and lots of add-ons. Such websites generally have very little text or stories.
Brother Kurt Kaiser, BRADLEY 1996, is among those spearheading a $60,000 digitization of their chapter history. “Our team has been working on this for multiple years,” he says. “It’s expensive.” But it’ll be great.
A few chapter houses are using their libraries to house digital or wall-mounted history displays. The future alumni library at USC’s Alpha Upsilon chapter house may have a mix of locked cases, permanent wall mountings and digital displays that can be updated — exceptionally popular at alumni events.
• Too often, a brother who has collected terrific Sigma Chi stuff does not arrange to give it to someone after he enters Chapter Eternal. So, include specific instructions in your estate planning.
• Hard drives and thumb drives can corrupt. Experts urge to store in the cloud.
• Posting on social media isn’t enough. Eventually, there’ll be a new platform, and admins will move on.
• We buried a massive time capsule under the main entrance when the Wazzu chapter house opened. We actually printed photos on museum quality photo paper and inserted them in acid-free sheaths because no matter what data storage devices we included, brothers 50 to 100 years in the future wouldn’t know what to do with them.
“History is forever,” says Sowell. “You’ve got to keep the memory of the old days ongoing for the new guys for the future. You can’t let it go.”
A coffee table-style book chronicling the history of the University of Southern California chapter is shown.
The South Florida chapter joined the Sarasota, Florida, alumni chapter for a Habitat for Humanity build day. Local alumni generously contribute to Habitat for Humanity to sponsor this annual event.
The Birmingham, Alabama, alumni chapter participated in Wreaths Across America at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. Pictured, from left, are Max Hale, SOUTH ALABAMA 1990; Parker Hayes, SOUTH ALABAMA 2028; Michael Pham, ALABAMABIRMINGHAM 2025; Greg Hayes, SOUTH ALABAMA 1994; Doug Estes, SOUTH ALABAMA 1993; Michael Jones, SOUTH ALABAMA 1995; and Mike Hayes, SOUTH ALABAMA 1991
The American University 2004 pledge class and Magisters celebrated their 20-year reunion in Nashville, Tennessee. The group was missing only four pledge class members. Brothers flew in from places such as Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and Africa.
Fort Worth, Texas, alumni chapter members volunteered Nov. 9 at the John Wayne Grit Series 5K run at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Pictured is Gary Darrow, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1977, handing a water bottle to a participant.
Pictured, from left, are Order of Constantine Sig Bill Robinson, CAL-STATE FRESNO 1972, Significant Sig Dana McManus, CAL-STATE FRESNO 1972, and Fresno, California, alumni chapter President and Significant Sig Brad Fischer, CAL-STATE FRESNO 1981, during the chapter’s presentation of Significant Sig honors to McManus.
San Diego alumni chapter brothers pose alongside guest speaker Tom Valley during the chapter's October's luncheon. Pictured, from left, are Order of Constantine Sig Andrew Crossan, WESTERN ILLINOIS 1995; Valley; alumni chapter President and Significant Sig Pat Suggs, NORTH GEORGIA 1983; Bill Boyer, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1978; and Paul Gerst, NORTHWESTERN 1951
Sigma Chi brothers are pictured alongside Significant Sig David Stout, EAST TENNESSEE 1972, after he received the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus in Education Award during East Tennessee State University’s recent Alumni Awards ceremony. Brothers attended the ceremony to support Stout, who spent more than 30 years with the adult education staff at the South Carolina State Department of Education.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, alumni chapter members Dave Finlayson, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1998; James Bowden, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1997; Phil Kempton, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1992; Order of Constantine Sig Anthony Sanderson, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1997; and Kinnon Kendziora, DALHOUSIE-ST.
MARY’S 2000, are pictured celebrating Sanderson’s 50th birthday.
Members of the Hilton Head, South Carolina, alumni chapter are pictured Dec. 14 laying wreaths at the gravesites in Beaufort National Cemetery. Eleven brothers and their sweethearts participated.
Proudly displaying their Significant Sig Awards are, from left, famed puppeteer Bil Baird, IOWA 1926, and Readers Digest publisher Charles Hepler, BUTLER 1941, presented by 46th Grand Consul John Graham, TORONTO 1933, during a 1971 New York City alumni chapter meeting.
MAY
5/30/1990 Inland Empire, California, alumni chapter
5/1/1890 New York City alumni chapter
5/6/1905 San Antonio alumni chapter
JUNE
6/20/2005 Fort Myers/Lee County, Florida, alumni chapter
*Anniversaries are listed every five years.
The Bradley chapter celebrated its 75th anniversary in September. Here, alumni look through old chapter scrapbooks during the anniversary festivities.
ANCHORAGE ALUMNI / The "Anchorage alumni chapter and for all Alaska" finished 2024 on a strong note with a well-attended meeting in December. We added a new member from Colorado, and it was made possible because of a published meeting notification in the Alumni Almanac section of The Magazine! Planning is underway for a sweetheart function the first quarter of 2025. Our chapter meets 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Pipers Restaurant and Sports Lounge in Anchorage. Join us!
~ Brad Sordahl, WASHINGTON STATE 1983
BATON ROUGE ALUMNI / The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, alumni stayed involved with the Gamma Iota chapter at Louisiana State throughout the fall. We tailgated together prior to football games, participated in initiation, had active chapter updates at alumni meetings and hosted a dinner for December graduates. Larry Champagne, LOUISIANA STATE 1961, coordinated our annual three-day Alumni Weekend, highlighted by a dinner at the home of Les Nicholson, LOUISIANA STATE 1962
~ Order of Constantine Sig Jim Bollinger, LOUISIANA STATE 1967
CHICAGO-DUPAGE ALUMNI / The Chicago-DuPage alumni chapter had its monthly lunch at Labriola Ristorante in Oak Brook, Illinois. We meet here at 11:30 a.m. every last Friday of the month, and we also had our Christmas party here with our sweethearts. We were lucky to be joined by two undergraduates who were home for the holidays.
~ Order of Constantine Sig Bill Leonard, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1981
CHICAGO METRO ALUMNI / There are so many brothers living and working in the Chicago area — we need to hear from you! Please reach out to us at windycitysig@ aol.com so that we can connect you with events of interest to you. With undergraduate chapters at Loyola, University of Chicago, DePaul and starting again at Northwestern, and in addition to the North Shore alumni chapter and the DuPage County alumni chapter, there are opportunities on top of opportunities to renew and share brotherhood, make new friends and network.
~ Order of Constantine Sig Bill Bringham, ALBION 1975
CHICAGO NORTH SHORE ALUMNI / We’ve had a great past few months of alumni activity, highlighted by monthly lunches at noon on the first Thursday of each month at the Italian Kitchen in Deerfield, Illinois. All are invited to join, but we do need your RSVP to plan properly. Also, keep in mind our bimonthly socials at The Silo in Lake Bluff for pizza and refreshments on the third Thursday of the odd months. Our January luncheon also featured a White Rose Ceremony in honor of the 18 brothers who entered the Chapter Eternal in 2024. A great group of us headed north to celebrate brotherhood with Sigs in Wisconsin at the Milwaukee alumni chapter gala fall luncheon. Also, thanks to our brothers at the DePaul and Loyola chapters for invitations to attend their fall ceremonies of initiation held at the Glenview Masonic Temple.
~ Significant Sig Mark Nagy, PITTSBURGH 1954
DALLAS ALUMNI / We had an extremely successful return of the Dallas alumni chapter sweetheart dinner. Special thanks to Brother Judd Fruia, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1989, and the team at The Ranch at Las Colinas for a great meal, service and hospitality. Special thanks go to the following: Dan Yerian, OKLAHOMA STATE 1969, for
leading the fundraising for the International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi's travel expenses; International Sweetheart Jordan Garrett for attending and adding extra significance to the evening; and chapter President Steve Harrington, SOUTHERN METHODIST 1979, and his wife, Carla. Without those efforts, this evening would not have been possible.
~ Order of Constantine Sig Jim Bloom, SAN DIEGO STATE 1982
DETROIT ALUMNI / We enjoyed the brotherhood at our annual holiday banquet at the Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak, Michigan. Some brothers even joined from out of state. There were fathers and sons present, as well as a few close pledge brothers. Officers and new board members were elected. The plan is to vary our monthly dinners with lunch gatherings.
~ Gary DuBois, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 1968
FORT MYERS ALUMNI / If you are visiting family or friends or just vacationing near the Gulf Coast shores of southwest Florida, then join us at the iconic Naples Yacht and Sailing Club for a scrumptious luncheon with brothers held the second Friday of every month. The mix of brothers with whom you break bread are Sigs from schools across America. It’s a cool way to reconnect while sharing stories of days remembered and what you most enjoy near the Gulf Coast shores of southwest Florida. For reservations, email Naples alumni chapter President, Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Bill Robinson, WASHINGTON (ST. LOUIS) 1959, at warmco@gmail.com, or Fort Myers alumni chapter President and Significant Sig Jim Shields, IOWA 1963, at jimsheilds@ fl-office.com.
~ Shields
FORT WORTH ALUMNI / The Fort Worth, Texas, alumni chapter elected officers for 2025: President is Stephen Hill, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1988; vice president is Mike Mrasek, TULSA 1983; treasurer and secretary is Brock Ostrander, EASTERN NEW MEXICO 2003; and chapter editor is Douglas Zent, NORTH TEXAS 1992. Please join us at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Cowtown Brewery in Fort Worth. Follow us at facebook.com/FortWorthSigmaChiAlumni.
~ Zent
FRESNO ALUMNI / At our recent alumni chapter meeting, we presented Significant Sig honors to Dana McManus, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1972. This award was presented by his pledge brother, Order of Constantine Sig Bill Robinson, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1972. The meeting was attended by many members of the Epsilon Eta chapter fall 1970 pledge class. Prior to this meeting, the members toured the chapter house.
~ Significant Sig Brad Fischer, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1981
GRAND FORKS ALUMNI / We gathered on the weekend of Sept. 26-27 at the Beta Zeta chapter house. Activities included a hosted bar for alumni, tours of the chapter house, watching the Homecoming parade on the front porch with donuts and orange juice, and tailgating at the Alerus Center before the football game. We had over 30 in attendance each day. We will have another event in the spring, most likely at Bonzer's Sandwich Pub or at the chapter house. Stay tuned for a date.
~ Corey Herlickson, NORTH DAKOTA 2000
HALIFAX ALUMNI / The Halifax, Nova Scotia, alumni chapter concluded a busy fall with the Wickwire awards weekend, AGM and a Christmas party at Chain Yard Cider. The Christmas party had a great turnout with over 40 brothers. Class years of 1978-2023 were represented, including brothers Dana Gravesgaard, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1978, and Simon Shaw, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1991, who were out for the first time in years. The alumni were proud to host Grand Pro Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, as part of our province conference as we work to help the undergraduates establish strong bonds with our Northeastern U.S. brothers. In 2025 we are looking forward to a strong recruitment class, enhanced mentoring opportunities and our yearly social outings to professional lacrosse and major junior hockey games this winter.
~ David Finlayson, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1998
HILTON HEAD ALUMNI / The Hilton Head, South Carolina, alumni chapter closed out a successful 2024 with two December events: a lowcountry boil social event on the 12th and the opportunity to honor those who have served our nation in the military by participating in laying wreaths on every grave in Beaufort National Cemetery on the 14th. Eleven brothers and their sweethearts played a part in creating a beautiful and meaningful scene.
~ Frank Roach, WILLIAM & MARY 1972
KANSAS CITY ALUMNI / Brother Jonathan McGuff, MISSOURI-COLUMBIA 2015, of the Kansas City alumni chapter presented Significant Sig Denny Matthews, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1966, with the chapter's Man of the Year Award at its holiday party on Dec. 19, 2024. The 80-plus brothers in attendance heard Brother Matthews talk about his 55 years as the Kansas City Royals' top broadcaster.
~ B. Scott Tschudy, KANSAS 1980
KATY AREA ALUMNI / The Katy Area, Texas, alumni chapter met in December at our monthly chapter meeting, and we voted unanimously to approve the new chapter at Belmont University. A special shout out to our newest undergraduate chapter at Belmont University. Make us proud!
~ Eric Koval, PENN STATE 1986
LOS ANGELES COUNTY ALUMNI / The alumni chapter is planning to host the 10th annual Sigma Chi Day at the Races at the Santa Anita racetrack and the LA Sig Awards Dinner in the first half of 2025. We continue our ongoing monthly events in three areas: San Gabriel Valley, Conejo Valley and the South Bay. We are always looking for other regions in the Los Angeles area to host breakfasts, lunches, dinners, social hours and other brotherhood events. If you would like to host an event or have some good ideas for future events, please let us know.
~ Kevin Bidenkap, ARIZONA STATE 1990
MID-CITIES ALUMNI / The Mid-Cities, Texas, alumni chapter is gearing up for an exciting and impactful spring semester. Many of our dedicated members are serving on the advisory board to support the revival of the Theta Kappa chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington. This spring, proceeds from our annual golf tournament will be
allocated toward essential repairs for the UTA chapter house in order to aid their ongoing efforts to secure reinstatement. We are also looking forward to 2025 as we anticipate the return of the Lone Star Brotherhood Silver Boot Series and Founders Day events, where we’ll join with other local alumni chapters in the area to celebrate our shared legacy.
~ Steve Smillie, TEXAS-ARLINGTON 1992
MISSOULA ALUMNI / The Missoula, Montana, alumni association is proud to welcome the class of 2025 into the alumni brotherhood. We are also preparing for another year of the Captain's Cup Golf Scramble. The date is tentatively set for June 7, 2025. Make sure to check out GrizzlySigs.org for updates on this and other upcoming events. If you are in Missoula, please join us for lunch at noon every Friday at The Press Box.
~ Bradley Cederberg, MONTANA 2006
MORGANTOWN ALUMNI / Members of our alumni chapter have invested many hours in 2024 on behalf of our renovation of 700 N. High St. Major improvements to the chapter house include a new HVAC system, complete remodel of our main floor including a new library, as well as media and testing rooms. Work continues on the new front facade with expected completion in the next few months. Our chapter made a donation to the John Wayne Birthplace Home and Museum memorial monument. Activities included a West Virginia University baseball game and a holiday party at the Pines Country Club.
~ Todd Ware, WEST VIRGINIA 1971
NASHVILLE ALUMNI / The Nashville, Tennessee, alumni chapter has been actively involved in supporting the Belmont University associate chapter on their path toward formal membership in the Fraternity. We are excited to see them recently granted their formal charter. For our alumni we continue to host luncheons and social hours around the Nashville metro area with the goal of providing more opportunities for brotherhood.
~ Chris Schildknecht, OHIO STATE 2010
NEW HAMPSHIRE ALUMNI/ The New Hampshire alumni chapter for fall 2024 began with the North Atlantic province conferences in Halifax, Novia Scotia, and Durham, New Hampshire. This was followed up by the sixth annual Christmas party celebrating ugly sweaters worn by both undergraduates and alumni. The chapter plans for snow in early 2025.
~ Charlie Killam, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1986
SAN DIEGO ALUMNI / As the holiday season approached, we continued with our monthly meetings and poker nights. Our guest speakers included the topic of the third industrial revolution that is now upon us; a co-inventor of the ZipThaw and ZipSleave medical devices that help medical personnel thaw blood plasma faster; and a ninetime University of California, Santa Barbara track and field and cross-country coach of the year. We also participated in a community service project, Wreaths Across America, in December. Finally, we look forward to our awards and recognition banquet on Feb.
20. Our luncheons are at noon the second Friday of each month at Miguel’s Cocina in Old Town. You can find more info at sandiegosigmachi.org/events.
~ Significant Sig Pat Suggs, NORTH GEORGIA 1983
SOUTHERN NEVADA ALUMNI / The annual holiday party was a great success, helping to reconnect brothers across many generations while collecting a ton of presents in support of the Marine Toys for Tots program. We were especially proud to welcome George Halverson, BRADLEY 1955, and his sweetheart, Brandy.
~ Dale Collins, BUTLER 1972
STATESBORO ALUMNI / Our Statesboro, Georgia, alumni chapter finished on a good note with our annual oyster roast/lowcountry boil event in November. This was the seventh and last event of the year. Membership was a major focus for 2024, and because we had brothers still joining throughout the fall, we set a new record with 132 brothers joining our chapter. As we look forward to 2025, we will continue to promote membership as we seek to set a new record. Other goals will be participation in a
minimum of three community service projects, teaming up with the Georgia Southern chapter with philanthropy projects and increasing the number of young alumni participating in our chapter events.
~ Steve Pennington, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1979
SYRACUSE ALUMNI / We enjoyed a great turnout for our 120th anniversary in November, and we are happy to have more alumni reconnect. Check us out at PsiPsi.org for the latest news and events.
~ Ted Collins, SYRACUSE 1984
BY ASHLEY SZATALA //////
Dan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, is making an impact on today’s toy market, but he credits Sigma Chi with helping him get there
TDan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, left, is pictured with former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal. During the time Meyer worked at Basic Fun!, which carries the Tonka line of toy trucks, O’Neal served as the Tonka brand ambassador.
he influence of Cincinnati on Dan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, is undeniable. Growing up in the hometown of Kenner toy brand (now a subsidiary of Hasbro) in the 1980s and ’90s, Meyer was in the hub of fervor over movie-related action figures and toys like StarWars and DC Comics superheroes, as well as other longtime iconic toys like Play-Doh and the Easy-Bake Oven.
“When you're growing up where all those toys are made, do you want to be a fireman when you grow up? No, you want to grow up and make toys for that company,” Meyer says.
That childhood aspiration followed him to college, where he studied industrial design at the University of Cincinnati’s famed design school. There, he combined his love of toys, drawing, designing and “thinking differently.” But the classroom wasn’t the only place on campus that would have an impact on Meyer’s future professional career.
Meyer was coaching middle school football his freshman year when a fellow coach who was a Sigma Chi at Cincinnati encouraged him to join a fraternity to meet new people at school. He stopped by the Sigma Chi chapter and never checked out another fraternity.
“I looked around and said, ‘These are the types of guys that I want to be a part of.’ You could just feel they were leaders,” recalls Meyer, who would eventually become chapter Consul. “And ‘different temperaments, talents and convictions’ — I loved that phrase. You all have the same values but are all different people. That’s what makes for a good life experience and good company.”
Today, Meyer is head of brands at Bonkers Toys, which makes toys and products in collaboration with digital media creators like Ryan’s World, Skibidi Toilet and Aphmau — creators and brands that many adults might not know but Generation Alpha and those slightly older probably know well. Throughout his career he’s collaborated with digital celebrities and universally known celebrities alike and created toys and miniatures sought after by hundreds of thousands of people annually. Meyer credits Sigma Chi in playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory and outcome of his career and hopes to make a likewise difference for today’s younger Sigs.
There’s a lot of research and design work that goes into creating a toy, and Meyer sharpened his toymaking skillset as he worked various internships and jobs early in his career.
The first step in toy creation is the designer immersing themselves into the brand/lore. That involves reading relevant books and watching movies as well as researching the culture surrounding it and the fandom. Sometimes this step involves visiting movie sets and watching actors at work.
Dan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, left, is pictured with Significant Sig and former world No. 1 golfer Luke Donald, NORTHWESTERN 2001, while they lived together in Evanston, Illinois. Meyer had an internship in Chicago, and Donald took him in as a roommate for a few months.
“(For example,) you see guys practicing for a battle scene. You think to yourself, ‘It would be really cool if we made those swords into a roleplay toy for kids so that they could battle with it.’ Or, you see someone rehearsing for a stunt. A cool feature to put into a play set would be a spring-loaded feature,” Meyer explains. “So, you're trying to understand all those things (with the brand), immerse yourself in it, and then come up with concepts that fit what you're seeing. And then, while you're doing that, you also have to convince everybody that you're working with that those are good ideas.”
Next comes digitally sculpting the toy, figure or doll. Many times this is done by hand on the computer, but other times designers use 3D scans of real people and then shrink the person down to action figure size. Meyer used a scan of himself to
create a generic Telmarine soldier when he was working on designing TheChronicles ofNarnia:PrinceCaspian action figures for the movie’s 2008 release.
“It didn’t matter whose face was going to be on it, so there were a bunch of Dan Meyer action figures for sale all around the world,” Meyer says with a laugh. The action figure still sits on his desk today.
Meyer started his entry into the toy business with internships during college. Each time he would move from Cincinnati to the location of his internship — and later for move for jobs — he would contact the area’s alumni chapter or local undergraduate chapter to see if anybody had a room available for him.
“This was before Airbnb, sublet.com and all of those other sites. Sigma Chi always answered the call,” he says. “I would then jump into a group of friends in a city I knew nothing about. It was an amazing experience.”
During Meyer’s internship in Chicago, future Significant Sig and world No. 1 golfer Luke Donald, NORTHWESTERN 2001, responded that he had a room available in his Evanston apartment, so the two lived together for a few months. Meyer’s first job after college was in the Miami area, and the local alumni chapter connected Meyer to an Ohio University Sig who was a year older than him and looking for a roommate. Meyer moved in, and through conversation the two found out that their grandfathers were best friends. They even later displayed in their apartment a 1939 photograph of the two playing high school football together.
“It was just the small world of Sigma Chi bringing us together,” Meyer says.
Toy companies Meyer interned or worked at as he progressed in his career
have included Fisher-Price (known for Thomas and Friends and Little People toys), Jakks Pacific (known for action figures involving the then-called World Wresting Federation and the Dragon Ball franchise) and Basic Fun! (known for its K’NEX and Tonka brands, the latter at which Meyer worked with former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal to market the toy trucks).
He joined Bonkers Toys in 2020, and according to Meyer it is one of the fastest growing toy companies in the world and a top-selling toy brand in retail spaces.
“The next generation of kids are on digital spaces, whether that’s YouTube, TikTok or a mobile game or video game like Roblox and Minecraft,” Meyer says. “And Bonkers was the first mover in that space and the first to get on this trend of working with creators.”
The company found its niche in 2018 when it partnered with Ryan’s World, one of the most popular kids and family channels on YouTube, to create figures and other collectibles based on Ryan and his cast of animated characters. The toys became the No. 1 preschool brand in the world for about five years, Meyer says, and its initial success encouraged the company to pursue working with other creators.
One of Bonkers’ most popular toys — and perhaps its most viral brand — is Skibidi Toilet, a dystopian animated series on YouTube that features toilets with talking heads trying to take over the world and humanoids with camera heads trying to fight them off. It’s a cultural phenomenon among the generation of children born beginning in 2010. Its popularity is such that Kim Kardashian’s eldest daughter made peculiar news when she gifted Kardashian a gold and diamond necklace with the series’ name on the jewelry, and movie director Michael Bay and former Paramount
Dan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, is pictured with Skibidi Toilet toys made by Bonkers Toys, of which Meyer is head of brands. The toy based on a popular YouTube series topped children’s holiday wish lists in 2024.
Pictures president Adam Goodman are working on developing the shortform series for film and TV.
Bonkers’ bestselling toy — a 1-foot tall recreation of the series’ namesake troublemaker that features mystery surprises within it — topped holiday gift lists in 2024, Meyer says.
Throughout his career, he’s been able to count on a fellow Sigma Chi industry mentor for when he needs advice or a sounding board.
Significant Sig Greg Staley, CINCINNATI 1970, a Cincinnati native who studied business and marketing in school, remembers as a college freshman the men of Sigma Chi sticking out in a positive way from other men on campus. But it was the local alumni chapter’s annual steak fry event, attended by pledges and initiated undergraduates alike, that solidified his desire to join the Fraternity. There, Staley noticed prominent local judges socializing with chapter members.
“I said to a couple of actives, ‘This is really impressive.’ One of the guys said, ‘These guys come all of the time. When you’re a Sigma Chi, you’re a Sigma Chi for life. This isn’t just a college experience,’” Staley recalls. “I really took that to heart and was honored when I got the bid.”
Throughout high school and his university years Staley worked in retail, and after college he worked as a buyer of men’s apparel and later became vice president of the Cincinnati Federated Department Store (now known as Macy’s).
A fellow vice president at the Dayton, Ohio, store eventually left and joined Toys R Us. He said to Staley, “I need somebody who thinks like I do — a sidekick,” Staley recalls. The company had opportunities for advancement, so Staley joined
Dan Meyer, CINCINNATI 2004, far left, is pictured with his industry mentor, Significant Sig Greg Staley, CINCINNATI 1970, second from left, who served as president of Toys R Us international and U.S. divisions and KB Toys CEO before retiring.
in 1989 and oversaw a number of categories in the chain’s U.S. division, including store layout and design, before becoming president of both the store’s U.S. and international divisions.
Staley retired from Toys R Us in 2003 to spend more time with family, but it was short lived. KB Toys, an American chain of mall-based retail toy stores, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2004 and exited it in 2005. As part of the bankruptcy emerging plan, Staley was named KB Toys’ new CEO.
“I got approached by the creditors committee for KB Toys in 2005. I got them out of bankruptcy and put on a path to be able to hopefully exist long-term,” Staley says. “It was two years of trying to make something happen, and it was great to be reconnected with old colleagues in the toy industry.”
He ultimately left and retired for good in 2007, and KB Toys once again filed for bankruptcy in 2008. Its brand and related assets were sold to Toys R Us the following year.
Staley met Meyer in between his roles at Toys R Us and KB Toys. He had returned to the Cincinnati campus for Homecoming, and a friend urged him to meet the Consul. “He was smart, the leader of a number of campus organizations and personable,” Staley says. “Whenever I came back for a function at the (chapter) house or an athletic contest, he’d come over and we’d talk. Ultimately, he ended up in the toy industry, so then there was a common connection because I knew people he was working with.”
Meyer views their relationship fondly.
reinforced something he thought about doing. But his successes are all him. The toy industry is a tight-knit, relationship-oriented industry. He’s smart and creative, but I always knew he would do well in this industry because of his interpersonal skills and ability to relate to other people.”
The two are still in contact today and regularly see each other at Homecoming and other local Fraternity events.
Looking back over their careers, Staley and Meyer reflect on the impact Sigma Chi has played in them. For Staley, it was about how The Jordan Standard and other Sigma Chi principles guided his approach to hiring and business.
"The world could really use more Sigma Chi principles applied everywhere."
“He's one of my mentors and just a phenomenal guy. Throughout my career, if I was struggling with something, struggling with making a decision or excited to learn more about some other thing, he was always the guy who was there for me,” Meyer says. “And, again, Sigma Chi provides that for you.”
“Who doesn't want to work with people who are of good character and fair ability, who are ambitious and congenial, and all of the things that The Jordan Standard stands for? This is a lesson in how to recruit people to work for our company — can you check these boxes?” Staley says. “And the Spirit of Sigma Chi where it says people with different temperaments, talents and convictions form stronger bonds of friendship than people who think alike? That’s like an early lesson in diversity, respecting the opinion of others and finding ways to compromise without giving up your own convictions. The world could really use more Sigma Chi principles applied everywhere.”
- Significant Sig Greg Staley, CINCINNATI 1970
Adds Staley: “We would talk and exchange ideas, and he would tell me what he’s working on. Along the way I might suggest something or make a comment that
As for Meyer, he looks back on the strength of the Sigma Chi brotherhood and the opportunities it has given him.
“It really does mean a lot to me the experience of Sigma Chi and what I learned in terms of leadership qualities, networking and relationship building. It’s pretty clear how all of those things have affected my life in such a positive way. You can’t explain this (impact) until you live it,” he says. “When I needed a place to live, when I needed help navigating career choices, it was Sigma Chi that was there for me. It now has me thinking, ‘How am I going to reciprocate that to the next generation?’”
BY NATHANAEL HAWTHORNE, YOUNGSTOWN 2020 //////
AThis is the story of how a Sigma Chi played a quiet role in the development of one of the world's most recognizable games.
quick Google search of the history of the board game Monopoly makes no mention of William Garstang, WISCONSIN-MADISON 1930; however, court documents from a 1970s and 1980s lawsuit, a 1954 issue of The Magazine of Sigma Chi and records from the University of Wisconsin all point to Garstang having some role.
An inventor by trade, Garstang had an impressive 50 patents to his credit. One of his most important inventions, however, was the creation of the electronic sniper scope — a difference maker in World War II that helped the Allies defeat the Axis power. As a serial inventor, he was even just a few weeks away from becoming the “father of CBS color television” before someone beat him to the
patent, according to the 1954 Magazine article. Many of his patents found use in the electronic industry, but his most enduring invention is one that he doesn’t receive enough credit for today.
At face value, there are a couple of people credited as inventors of the popular board game. Some accounts point to 1903 when Lizzie Magie created what’s known as The Landlord’s Game. Magie received a patent for the game in 1904, and distribution started in 1906. On two different occasions, Magie approached Parker Brothers to see if they had any interest in buying the rights to the game; however, both times they declined but encouraged Magie to get a patent.
In the 1930s, Dan Layman, an employee of Electronic Laboratories, which
Garstang co-founded in 1932, played a crucial role in the development and distribution of the board game Finance — an early predecessor of Monopoly. In 1935, that board game was sold to Parker Brothers. On Dec. 31, 1935, a man named Charles Darrow was issued a patent for what we now know as Monopoly.
Here’s the kicker — Darrow was given the role of inventor by Parker Brothers. He didn’t create the game. Rather, he was simply a person who was given the patent.
An economics professor named Ralph Anspach created a game called AntiMonopoly in 1973 and was sued for trademark infringement. It was in this lawsuit and subsequent appeals that the truth of the origins of Monopoly came to light and the claims of Darrow as the sole creator of the game were brought into question. In 1932, Darrow was introduced to the game by a group of Quakers in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Quakers modified the game to include some well-known locations such as Marvin Gardens and Boardwalk, and they also tweaked the rules, thus making the game more accessible to a broader audience, including children. After being introduced to the game, Darrow then made some adjustments himself, but the game was heavily reliant on the work the Quakers had already done. It was at this time Darrow marketed himself as the game’s sole inventor — a claim Parker Brothers would utilize in the years to come.
The company saw massive potential in Darrow’s version of the game and, by claiming Darrow as the sole inventor, securing a patent would suppress competition. The patent was filed on behalf of Darrow and on Dec. 31, 1935, Monopoly was given the patent despite the game already being in the public domain albeit on a smaller scale.
It’s at this time Garstang comes into the fold. Around the same time Parker Brothers filed the patent, they were trying to eliminate the competition by buying up any games that bore resemblance to Monopoly. One such game was Finance. Layman, with help from Garstang at Electronic Laboratories, marketed the game, and it represented the first successful commercial publication of the game. The 1954 Magazine article says Electronic Laboratories originally sold 10,000 sets.
According to court documents, Finance was outselling Monopoly. On Sept. 17, 1935, Parker Brothers asked for an audience with David Knapp, the chief distributor of Finance, and an agreement was made. Electronic Laboratories sold the rights to the game to Knapp Electric on Jan. 10, 1936, and the game was then sold to Parker Brothers. Part of the agreement, however, was that Knapp and Electronic Laboratories were to keep secret Parker Brothers’ connection to Finance.
WISCONSIN-MADISON , is pictured in 1954 with one of his inventions, an infrared instrument panel illuminator used on military planes.
heritage,
and history are
in a
released in
The game allows players to buy, sell and trade their way through the Fraternity’s monuments, memorials and moments in Fraternity history.
of Appeals hold true as the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the findings by not stepping in during litigation.
It was in a Dec. 6, 1957, letter from Parker Brothers to Garstang, who was president of Electronic Laboratories, that the company had already purchased Finance in 1935 for $7,500 from Electronic Laboratories.
After the acquisition of Finance, Parker Brothers secured the copyrights to another similar game, Inflation, alleging it infringed on the Darrow patent. With this case, however, Parker Brothers made the June 30, 1936, lawsuit public in trade magazines in an effort to “scare away the competitors,” according to court records. The suit was handled out of court, and Parker Brothers allowed Inflation to be sold under their license, provided that the creator of the game, Rudy Copeland, agreed to defend Parker Brothers against challenges of the Darrow patent.
From 1936 to 1975, Parker Brothers pawned off a story that Darrow was the sole creator of Monopoly. It wasn’t until the Anspach lawsuit and fact findings in the 1982 appeal that the truth came to light. The fact findings of the Ninth Circuit Court
According to court records, “... Moreover, the (lower) court’s reference to Darrow as the inventor or creator of the game is clearly erroneous. The record shows, as we stated in Anti-Monopoly I, that the game of ‘Monopoly’ was first played from 1920 to 1932 on various college campuses by a small group of individuals, many of whom were related by blood or marriage. In late 1932 or early 1922 one of these players introduced Charles Darrow to the game, and gave him a handmade game board, rules, and associated equipment. Immediately, thereafter Darrow commenced commercially producing and selling ‘Monopoly’ game equipment… Robert B.M. Barton, the former President of Parker Brothers, who negotiated with Darrow in 1935, testified that he did not believe Darrow’s claim (that Darrow invented Monopoly).”
Garstang, therefore, remains a small footnote in the history of the world’s most recognizable game. His impact may have been small, but the story of the founding of the game — as muddied as it is — would not be complete without the mention of a Sigma Chi.
ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM Mu Nu
By the end of the spring semester, our chapter plans to strengthen our campus presence by increasing support for UAB basketball and expanding our philanthropic efforts during our Derby Days philanthropic event.
~ Jonathan Harmon, 2026
ARKANSAS Omega Omega
This spring, the chapter aims to improve the strength of the bonds between our brothers through increased brotherhood events and socialization within the chapter and community.
~ Trevor Duke, 2027
AUBURN Gamma Sigma
Our chapter takes great pride in playing pickup basketball games against the Auburn men's basketball team. These games are a fantastic way to get the brothers involved with the program through a fun and competitive activity. They’ve created lasting memories for
everyone involved, which is ultimately what we’re here to do. As we gear up for the spring 2025 semester, we’re excited to continue engaging with the Auburn, Alabama, community, building relationships and creating more memories. Additionally, we celebrated our chapter’s 40th anniversary during Homecoming, with a strong turnout from alumni. ~ Landon Miller, 2027
Lambda Upsilon
In the fall semester, the chapter initiated four new brothers. After finishing the past year with over $35,000 raised for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, we graciously accepted an award from the foundation. We are looking forward to an exciting spring semester.
~ Chase Potvin, 2027
BINGHAMTON Mu Gamma
The chapter will continue making a difference in the Binghamton, New York, community through our hard work and service. Through our participation in Greek-letter life fundraising events and our contributions to events hosted by
the Interfraternity Council, the chapter has already started to make a big impact in the community. We intend to host a successful Derby Days philanthropic event and donate the proceeds to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. ~ Liam King, 2027
BRYANT Lambda Eta
The chapter has big goals for the end of our spring semester. We’re striving to increase our philanthropic efforts both in our local community and nationally with our Derby Days philanthropic event. We’ve committed ourselves to a goal of 300 community service hours to continue giving back to our community. We’ve also increased our Derby Days fundraising goal to $250,000.
~ Gerald Kent, 2027
BUTLER Rho
The chapter aims to initiate 30 new men into our Fraternity by the end of the spring semester, thus reflecting our commitment to growth and excellence. To achieve this, we have focused on reworking old operations
and steering our chapter in a positive, forward-thinking direction.
~ Lucas Krol, 2026
CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA Zeta Kappa
We are eager to return to school and continue to build as a chapter. Meetings will commence shortly after we begin our winter quarter. We will be preparing for spring recruitment as well as new volunteer opportunities. One thing our chapter hopes to accomplish by the end of spring quarter is to expand our horizons of community service and become involved with new nonprofit organizations.
~ Nolan Lawrence, 2026
CINCINNATI Zeta Psi
There has been no better time in history to be a Zeta Psi. We are looking to build off of the momentum from our first-ever Peterson Significant Chapter Gold Award and raise over $50,000 this school year for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. We currently have the largest active
chapter in our history and will be growing that even further with our new spring class.
~ Charlie Gorman, CORNELL
The chapter had a great fall semester. We grew to 23 active members with the initiation of two new members, collected 150 service hours, increased the house cumulative GPA, gave out a scholarship and, last year, we made over $10,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. We are looking forward to starting the spring 2025 semester working on our multiple goals, namely improving our criteria for the Peterson Significant Chapter Award.
~ Filippo Novali, 2027
updates. A hiking trip and some movie nights were organized, thus strengthening the bond of the chapter. We plan to host more sporting events in the spring semester.
~ Minh Tam Khuong, 2026
DENISON Mu
The chapter had an exceptional year in 2024. With 16 brothers on the football team and seven on the men’s soccer team, Sigma Chi made a significant impact in Denison athletics. Off the
for the Mu chapter.
~ Andrew Duffy, 2027
DUKE Beta Lambda
One thing the chapter hopes to accomplish by the end of the spring semester is to hold more philanthropy events, particularly with increased school-wide community involvement, as that allows for the most visibility and best results. We are also hoping to collaborate with organizations in the communities around Durham, North
under the new executive leadership of Consul Jake Nagle, 2026. We are excited to implement new events to involve alumni and continue our dominant presence on campus.
~ Thomas DeLorenzo, 2025
GEORGETOWN Mu Theta
By the end of the spring semester, the chapter hopes to successfully expand our Derby Days philanthropic event initiatives while also welcoming a strong pledge class. Additionally, we
aim to continue fostering connections with local causes and charitable organizations in the Washington, D.C., area to further strengthen our chapter's impact in the community.
~ Thomas Clauson, 2026
HANOVER Chi
We had a very successful philanthropy initiative this semester. Together we raised nearly $3,000, which is the most we've ever raised within one semester. We are
continuing to hold the highest fraternity GPA on our campus, and we have made great strides within our relationships with alumni.
~ Owen Via, 2025
The chapter had a markedly successful fall semester. We had our highest net asset of any philanthropy event from our chapter in the past decade, organized an impressive Derby Days, instituted systems and
incentives for scholarship, increased our size by nearly a quarter and grew closer as a brotherhood. By the end of the spring semester, we hope to continue these successes, initiate another well-rounded pledge class, increase alumni involvement, win the Greek Life Scholarship Cup and provide the opportunity for our seniors to cement their legacies.
~ Oliver Bieser, 2026
The chapter is hoping to expand our ability to give back this spring semester through both philanthropy and community service. We are excited to continue growing our Derby Days philanthropic event by hosting nine events to raise $10,000. We are also excited for our “7 Acts of Kindness” as we partner with our school’s athletics program to honor our brother Scott Bittner, ILLINOIS STATE 1994
~ Joseph Dubrock, 2026
KANSAS STATE Delta Upsilon
By the end of the spring semester, the chapter hopes to raise over $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation through our Derby Days philanthropic event. We plan to reach this through our T-shirt sales, sponsorships and other donations. Some of the events throughout the week include coin wars, percentage night at a restaurant, a field day and a dance competition.
~ Cole Mauer, 2026
KETTERING Zeta Theta A
Our chapter will pursue new members by employing the Mission 365 recruitment training program on campus while demonstrating our core
values that make our Fraternity an enduring and successful institution. We also strive to further our house’s academic average with weekly study nights open to all on campus.
~ Vincent Zamora, 2024
KETTERING Zeta Theta B
The chapter hopes to reach the $20,000 Club with the Huntsman Cancer Foundation for the fourth year in a row. In addition, we hope to conduct a smooth initiation with 10 or more new members. Lastly, we aim to continue our community involvement through service and volunteer opportunities.
~ Christian Lopez, 2025
MARYLAND Gamma Chi
The chapter raised over $65,000 during our Derby Days philanthropic event. We welcomed seven new brothers in the fall pledge class. We have seven brothers studying abroad this semester and said goodbye to two brothers who recently graduated. We are looking forward to the spring semester and welcoming another pledge class.
~ Conor Huey, 2027
MICHIGAN STATE Gamma Psi
This fall, we hosted our first Homecoming after being reinstalled as the Gamma Psi chapter. Welcoming Sigs back home who have shown us so much support after
seven years away from campus was very special. We also initiated 18 new members this fall, conducting our first initiation as a reinstalled chapter.
~ Andrew Davis, 2027
On Oct. 3, 2024, the Xi Xi chapter was reinstalled. During the 2025 spring semester, we want to raise $10,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation during our Derby Days philanthropic event. We plan to get to that goal by holding an alumni telethon and a Derby Days Gala, which will include an auction. On top of this, we will also participate in other Greek-letter life fundraising competitions that will
include sports tournaments, trivia, a fashion show and a talent show.
~ Drew Lanio, 2027
MONTANA Beta Delta
By the end of the spring semester, our chapter hopes to significantly enhance our community service efforts and make a meaningful impact in the Missoula area. We aim to organize at least two large-scale service events, along with a Derby Days philanthropic event, in the spring. Our goal is not only to contribute to the well-being of our campus and community, but also to lead by example and strengthen the bond among our brothers through service.
well as raise over $100,000 during our Derby Days philanthropic event for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation for the fourth time.
~ Diego Carrillo, 2026
NORTH CAROLINA STATE Delta Epsilon
generation to end cancer. Along with giving back to HCF, the chapter has set a goal to have a 3.4 chapter GPA. Knowing that all of our brothers are capable, we will push ourselves harder than ever to achieve academic excellence.
hosting a successful spring recruitment and instilling the Sigma Chi spirit into our newest members. We are also very excited about our formal.
~ Ethan Baker, 2025
~ Carter Jasper, 2026
NEW MEXICO STATE Zeta Phi
In the fall of 2024, we initiated 10 new members and won first place for Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy, "Think Pink." This spring semester, we hope to initiate a new pledge class, as
The chapter initiated a robust pledge class of 34 brothers in the fall of 2024. The chapter is closer than ever, with frequent brotherhood events such as oyster roasts, cookouts and tailgates. We are excited to collaborate with our newly formed alumni association to strengthen the connections between undergraduate and alumni brothers. We hope to foster stronger alumni relations, raise at least $8,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and continue to work toward an on-campus chapter house.
~ Mac Barrett, 2026
OREGON STATE Beta Pi
The chapter has set a goal to raise
~ Kenechi Nnoli, 2027
OTTAWA Lambda Theta
By the end of the spring semester, we are aiming to have our first Derby Days philanthropic event in which our chapter raises over $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. For nearly three years, we have worked tirelessly to revive Derby Days following the COVID-19 pandemic and have exceeded expectations as each year passes. We are on track to meet that lofty goal following an amazing “Movember” campaign.
~ Ethan Wade, 2024
ROANOKE Tau
The chapter continues to demonstrate its commitment to philanthropy and community engagement within the Roanoke Valley. In the spring 2024 semester, brothers organized a stuffed animal drive for children at the Carilion Clinic. The team personally delivered the donations, thus creating heartwarming moments for the children and their families. The newly elected executive team is eager to build upon 2024’s philanthropic achievements for 2025. Plans are in place to establish the stuffed animal drive as an annual tradition. Additionally, the chapter aims to explore new service opportunities
and strengthen partnerships within the Roanoke Valley.
~ Franklin Reid, 2025
SACRED HEART Mu Lambda
This fall the chapter initiated 17 new members of the Zeta class as well as elected a brand-new executive board. The chapter also hosted several philanthropy events, such as a sorority Olympics and Pie-a-Sig. The chapter also participated in an Alzheimer's walk where the brothers joined in to help raise money for Alzheimer's research. The chapter is very excited for the spring semester and the changes that the new executive board will make.
~ Peter Cadaret, 2027
SAMFORD Pi
The chapter is striving to raise $20,000 through our annual Derby Days philanthropic event in support
of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation by the end of the spring semester. This year, we are focusing on increasing brother involvement and campus-wide participation to make this our most successful Derby Days yet. We are also enhancing all our philanthropic efforts by incorporating more creative and engaging approaches.
~ Andrew McCullough, 2026
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Epsilon Phi
The chapter is proud to say that we initiated 11 new members in the fall 2024 semester. During the spring 2024 semester, the chapter also won Southeast Missouri State’s intramural championship over all the other fraternities on campus. Our newly elected executive committee is honored to serve the chapter and is committed to furthering community
and chapter activity involvement.
~ Owen Johnson, 2025
SOUTHERN ILLINOISCARBONDALE
Lambda Omicron
By the end of the spring semester, the chapter aims to raise $50,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, thus building on the nearly $30,000 we raised last year. We hope to surpass this milestone during our Derby Days philanthropic event in April. We also set a goal to win the Interfraternity Council Fraternity of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
~ Owen Osborne, 2026
SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Theta Delta
In our first full semester after reinstatement, the chapter successfully initiated 19 pledges,
achieving an impressive 100 percent retention rate. We also made a significant impact on our community by contributing nearly 300 hours of community service. Looking ahead to 2025, we aim to expand our presence on campus and in the community while surpassing our contributions to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 and top our previous amount raised.
~ Paul Hennig, 2027
SOUTHERN UTAH Kappa Iota
The chapter had a fantastic fall semester. We welcomed 11 new members into our chapter. Our brotherhood was on full display in the fall semester, most notably at our Homecoming tailgate. One of our goals for the spring semester is to recruit another 10-member pledge class to continue growing our chapter.
~ Cade Ebenhoch, 2025
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN Eta Tau
The chapter has a goal to raise $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute to continue to develop cancer research. Our chapter has felt the effects of cancer through many members and their families who have faced battles with the disease. As we work toward this goal through various service events and fundraisers, our efforts reflect the values of both our chapter and the community we serve.
~ Jack Rayburn, 2027
SYRACUSE Psi Psi
The chapter is preparing for another big year with Derby Days in spring 2025. Last year, we raised $91,456.06 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. We hope to finally exceed our goal of $100,000 this year. To get a head start, we had our inaugural Sigma Sluggers wiffle ball philanthropy event and raised nearly $2,000. At Sigma Sluggers, we were presented with a plaque for our 2024 Derby
Days achievements. This year, we plan on having many of the events we had last year, such as our dance competition amongst the sororities on campus.
~ Andrew Sondej, 2027
Beta Sigma
Our main goal for this upcoming semester is to raise more money than ever for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation during our Derby Days philanthropic event and maintain our status on campus as leaders always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. In the fall semester, we helped load a truck with used wheelchairs to be donated to disabled people who cannot afford them
~ Jacob Farhat, 2027
TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO Mu Iota
This semester was a major success for the chapter because we increased our chapter size by over a third by
initiating 11 new members. However, one thing we are striving for is getting that Peterson Significant Chapter Award. We are doing this by doing more service hours, getting our name out there and getting larger pledge classes.
~ Donovan Eden, 2026
TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE
Zeta Pi
The main goal we have set for ourselves is to get back on track by recruiting and retaining those who exhibit The Jordan Standard. We also want to increase our brotherhood and overall chapter culture and enter the new year with a mindset of growing in every facet.
~ Javier Guillermo Gonzalez Lima, 2025
TULANE Alpha Omicron
This semester, 16 juniors studied abroad, including nine in Barcelona, yet our brotherhood thrived through
events like “Fratsgiving” and paintball. Seniors achieved notable success: Allen Stewart, 2025, secured a wealth management analyst role at Morgan Stanley, and Daniel Seiden, 2025, will join Citi as an analyst. We look forward to an exciting spring and celebrating our seniors’ final semester.
~ Gabe Parnes, 2026
TULSA Delta Omega
This spring semester our chapter is working to keep our momentum going from the spring semester. We had the biggest recruitment class we’ve seen in years, and it has made a world of a difference. This semester, we hope to continue growing the chapter by finding worthy brothers who will continue to make Sigma Chi’s presence known. We are excited for the opportunities this will bring us in our brotherhood, campus and philanthropy.
~ Ben Streeter, 2026
WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
Lambda Chi
Our chapter was proud to serve both our campus and community this year. Through our partnership with the Red Cross and other student organizations, we promoted collaboration and philanthropy. By hosting engaging fundraisers and events, we made a meaningful impact while strengthening our bond with the student body.
~ Michael Lynch, 2026
YOUNGSTOWN Eta Chi
This past semester, the brothers have had some big accomplishments and continued to celebrate joining the $20,000 Club for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation last spring. We initiated quality members who have shown high academic achievement, ambition and strong moral character. We also worked with Delta Zeta Sorority to take home second place and the most spirited award.
~ Ryan Flemming, 2025
Sigma Chi Beta Omicron
This semester, we hosted a successful “Shave It or Save It” philanthropy event, raising $2,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We also have reached an exciting milestone — we have officially purchased a new chapter house! This marks a significant step forward in our journey to establishing a strong and lasting presence on campus. This semester’s recruitment has been a resounding success with a strong group of new brothers eager to contribute to the future of our chapter. With initiation on the horizon, we are excited to continue building a chapter that exemplifies leadership, academic excellence and brotherhood.
Syracuse brothers Jack Cohen, 2026, Jack Grieder, 2026, and Andrew Sondej, 2027, show off a plaque from the Huntsman Cancer Foundation for raising more than $91,000 last year. This year the chapter hopes to exceed $100,000 raised for the foundation.
Sigma Chi Lambda
As the spring semester begins, the associate chapter is focused on increasing our involvement on campus and making a meaningful impact within the university community. Our focus this semester is to engage in meaningful collaborations and participate in
events that unite the student body. We aim to strengthen the ties between our chapter and the university while inspiring others to foster a vibrant and supportive campus environment.
~ Addison Hensler, 2026
4/5//1970 Eta Gamma, Middle Tennessee 4/10/1960 Epsilon Phi, Southeast Missouri 4/11/1965 Zeta Kappa, California-Santa Barbara 4/12/1975 Eta Tau, Stephen F. Austin 4/19/1970 Eta Delta, Tennessee Tech 4/24/2005 Kappa Phi, Embry-Riddle (Prescott) 4/27/1985 Theta Omicron, California-Davis 4/28/1990 Iota Tau, St. Thomas
5/1/2010 Lambda Eta, Bryant 5/6/1905 Beta Gamma, Colorado College 5/16/1970 Eta Epsilon, South Alabama 5/29/1880 Delta Chi, Wabash
6/28/1855 Alpha, Miami (Ohio)
*Anniversaries are listed every five years.
CHAPTER NAME: Gamma Psi
INSTALLATION DATE: Aug. 24, 2024
SIGS INITIATED AT INSTALLATION: 40
In the fall of 2022, Carter Hanson, MICHIGAN STATE 2026, was part of a small group of friends from high school who came together to get Sigma Chi reinstated at Michigan State. The decision to start a new chapter, rather than join an existing one, was difficult and uncertain, with no guarantees of success and the possibility of taking up to two years to be installed. Despite challenges, such as limited manpower and slow progress, the group eventually gained momentum, particularly after recruiting 10 more members in the fall of 2023, which bolstered their efforts. Hanson explains the difficulties and how the group remained motivated as initiation quickly approached.
What went into that decision to, rather than join an established group, go through the process of starting the chapter back up?
It was a tough one because we knew that nothing was guaranteed. We knew that we would be able to form an interest group and we would be able to start the chapter, but becoming an active associate chapter and actually becoming installed was a completely different goal that wasn’t guaranteed at all. We were told that it was heavily reliant on the work that we do, how much we’re willing to do and how far we’re willing to take it. Nothing was guaranteed, and that was definitely scary because I’m more used to satisfying short-term goals. I didn’t know if I would actually become installed by the time I graduated, and I’m thankful it worked out the way it did.
Looking back, were there any aspects you would change?
We were at the whim of how quickly we can do things and how quickly we can get the ball moving. It usually depends on how many hands you have helping you. In our first recruitment we only got two guys and in our second we got 10. Having those extra 10 guys helping us, that was really big because there’s only so much that can be done with only 12. When we got those 10 extra guys, that’s where we really started to feel like a turning point and when we buckled down and started getting a lot of things done at one time. We had more hands to help us do things like getting a better grasp on our recruitment efforts or hosting events.
What was the most difficult aspect of the associate chapter process? There was an element of, “What if I’m working for this and I end up not liking it?” There were quite a few guys in the small initial group that wrestled with that. It affected our motivation. Thankfully, we had a really awesome chapter advisor, Dave Sbraccia, MICHIGAN STATE 1999, who motivated us. In the spring of 2024, we started getting messages from Sigma Chi International Fraternity Headquarters telling us that we were almost there and could now quantify for us how many things we had left to do.
What was the attitude of everyone like in chapter as initiation approached?
It was generally excitement. Anytime we were having a brotherhood event at the house, a lot of us would walk outside for whatever reason, go in the front yard and just stare at the house. Myself included. It’s like when I looked at it, I would think that this is the longest and hardest I’ve ever worked for something so far in my life. There were all of these guys that had been pledging for a year, six months, a year and a half that are now enjoying and reaping the benefits of what we worked on for so long. That in and of itself brought a lot of joy to people and a lot of excitement to people, knowing that they’re still a part of something bigger on campus. We’ve been telling ourselves that we have a different system compared to anyone else on our campus. We’re doing things differently and doing them the right way. A big goal of ours was to be the change that we want to see on our campus. Our overarching goal for creating Sigma Chi here was that we’re going to be different from all of the other Greek-letter life organizations at Michigan State. We’re going to set a new standard, and that gets people excited.
CHAPTER NAME: Xi Xi
INSTALLATION DATE: Oct. 5, 2024
SIGS INITIATED AT INSTALLATION: 50
For Tyler Thomas, MISSOURI-COLUMBIA 2025, joining Sigma Chi felt more like fate than a conscious decision. Thomas and the rest of the interest group that would later become the reinstalled Xi Xi chapter realized they wanted to make a change on the university’s campus and, to make a difference, they had to be part of fixing the system. Despite a few setbacks, the group remained committed to building something special. The genuine, open brotherhood Sigma Chi represents resonated with the group, and they were determined to create a fraternity that stood for more than just tradition or popularity — it was about authenticity and creating a positive impact.
Why Sigma Chi? Why not join an established group on campus?
The main choice for me was whether I joined a fraternity or not. There was a really bad hazing incident on our campus in another organization. It was really bad, and I didn’t think I wanted to join a fraternity after that, but when I thought about it, I said if I really wanted to make a change then it was my duty to try to fix this system that failed this person. Spring recruitment had ended for the rest of the Greek-letter organizations at the time, and I stumbled upon an Instagram ad for Sigma Chi asking if I wanted to become a founding father. I went in for an interview to meet the expansion team, and what struck me was that they were looking for guys who were genuine, vulnerable and willing to wear their heart on their sleeve and be comfortable sharing some of their most closely kept secrets with complete strangers. That completely went against what my concept of a fraternity was. From that moment I was really hooked. .
What was the process like as an associate chapter?
We formed an interest group in the fall of 2022, and our first Preparation for Brotherhood meeting was in February. When we started P4B, we had something like 11 guys, but through the process some people started dropping, and we went down to that initial five guys. There were a ton of challenges when you’re competing with organizations that can offer an abundance of other opportunities. It’s about recognizing that you’re on a different stage. In the next semester we added 14 more guys, and that’s when it started to feel real. We started meeting in actual rooms on campus and were starting to deal with business. It was a really intense journey that took a lot of effort from us all. I wouldn’t have changed a thing because I felt like it challenged us to think outside of the box and to not be copycats but to be innovators.
What was the most difficult aspect of the associate chapter process?
That’s tough because I personally loved every minute of it. During our meetings and in hearing what everyone is going through in their lives or what they bring to the table, you realize that every single person deserves to be a Sigma Chi. We wanted to build a foundation that would last forever, and it was really important to us to
build something that would stand for a long time. That meant we had to be very thorough in our recruitment. We’ve done a good job of expanding at a steady pace, and it ensures that the future of the Fraternity and the chapter is secure on this campus. I’m confident that we chose the right path and did the right thing.
When initiation was approaching, what was the attitude in the chapter like? What was it like when the charter was signed?
When we finally got the date, and realized it was permanent, we were all relieved. Our installation came at a really turbulent time because we were working on our Homecoming floats. I was happy because none of the Homecoming festivities took away from our installation. It was the highlight of the year for everyone. I remember coming out of it and people were so satisfied with what we’d gone through, and it gave us a new sense of motivation and energy to continue our goals. We had a ton of alumni and the university president at our installation banquet. When I held the charter in my hands, I was really proud of the people who were around me. It couldn’t have been done without the other folks who also had to buy in. There was a whole lot more that needed to be accomplished because we cemented the foundation we’d set, but we still need to be trailblazers and need to be the people who will continue to pave the path. Our goal isn’t to be an alternative. Our goal is to be the ones who set the example.
In 1909, the service in memoriam was officially added to the Ritual. More than a century later, the beautiful White Rose Ceremony is publicly conducted as a final honor to the life of a Sigma Chi and to recognize the brother’s entrance into the Chapter Eternal.
The White Rose Ceremony may be conducted in two ways: as part of a memorial service and at a cemetery. In both, brothers who are present don white roses over their hearts. Then, each brother places his rose on the casket. After honor is called to the name of the deceased, the words spoken by the leader of the ceremony are short, yet poignant and true to the spirt of Sigma Chi:
“InasmuchasourdearlybelovedbrotherworeoverhisheartTheWhiteCrossofSigmaChi,whoseimmaculatewhitenesssymbolizedtousthepurityofhismotives, therefore, it is most appropriate that he now bear above his heart our emblem; and that we lay white roses upon his casket in token of the sweet memories we will always cherish of him we loved so well.”
The service in memoriam is one of four portions of the Ritual that can be conducted publicly. It provides a brief, but powerful glance at the meaningful words of Sigma Chi to those outside of our order, showing them the importance of the bonds of our brotherhood.
Denotes Life Loyal Sig
ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIG AND SIGNIFICANT SIG MARK SMITH, PUGET SOUND 1961 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Nov. 9, 2024. He was 88. Smith was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Washington. Professionally, Smith spent more than 40 years managing economic development organizations at the federal, state and local levels. He also authored five books of history and biography and penned numerous magazine articles. Smith’s Fraternity volunteerism included serving as Grand Praetor for the Northwestern and East Tennessee provinces. He also was involved with three alumni chapters, assisted undergraduate chapters with housing allocation and fundraising, was a faculty member for several summer leadership training workshops and was a member of the General Fraternity alumni participation committee.
SIGNIFICANT SIG ROBERT FIRNHABER, WISCONSIN-MADISON 1957 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Oct. 25, 2024. He was 89. Firnhaber was born Aug. 22, 1935, in Milwaukee. He joined Hallmark Cards as a sales representative in 1958 before moving to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1972 and taking on more responsibilities in sales and product management. Eventually, he became president of the Ambassador brand for 11 years before retiring from Hallmark as vice president of retail development in 1997. In the community, Firnhaber served on the Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation and the American Jazz Museum board, the Kansas City Repertory Theatre board and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City board.
SIG BRIG. GEN. THOMAS HEMINGWAY, WILLAMETTE 1962 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Oct. 25, 2024. He was 84. Hemingway was born Feb. 7, 1940, in Evanston, Illinois. He began his U.S. Air Force career in 1962, earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1965 then returned to active service. Hemingway retired in 1996, was recalled to active duty in 2003 to serve the Department of Defense as the legal advisor in the Office of Military Commissions, then retired again in 2007. During his career, Hemingway also was an associate professor of law at the U.S. Air Force Academy and senior judge on the Air Force Court of Military Review, among other professional and community roles.
SIGNIFICANT SIG DANIEL HUBER, WISCONSIN-MADISON 1958 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Sept. 28, 2024. He was 87. Huber was born Nov. 30, 1936, in Madison, Wisconsin. After graduating college, he joined Cargill Inc. and focused on trading and developing business in many parts of the world. Huber’s various management positions included serving as president of Cargill International in Switzerland and president of Cargill’s North Asia region. He retired in 2000. Huber also was a past director of the National Grain and Feed Association as well as a past member of the Chicago Board of Trade, of which he received its Distinguished Membership Award.
SIGNIFICANT SIG GEN. THOMAS MORGAN, COLGATE 1952, entered the Chapter Eternal on Dec. 6, 2024. He was 94. Morgan was born Jan. 6, 1930, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant naval aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952. He served a combat tour in Vietnam and participated in assignments around the world. Morgan was eventually named the 21st assistant commander of the Marine Corps before retiring in 1988. After retiring, Morgan served for many years on the boards of the United Service Organizations and Armed Forces Benefits Association as well as a being a senior fellow for the National Defense University’s capstone course and as military advisor to the Uniformed Services University board of regents.
SIGNIFICANT SIG JOHN ROBINSON, OREGON 1958, entered the Chapter Eternal on Nov. 11, 2024. He was 89. Robinson was born July 25, 1935, in Chicago. He was a longtime football coach who coached the University of Southern California football team to a national title and took the Los Angeles Rams to two NFL conference championship games. He later led the University of Nevada, Las Vegas football team for six seasons. After ending his coaching career in 2004, Robinson was a broadcaster and volunteer assistant football coach at his grandson’s high school in San Diego County. In 2019, he served as a consultant for Louisiana State University’s national championship team.
SIGNIFICANT SIG WILLIAM TYLER III, CALIFORNIA-BERKLEY 1956 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Aug. 13, 2024. He was 91. Tyler was born Jan. 8, 1933, in California. He made his career in the insurance industry and held such positions as Western states superintendent of agencies for the U.S. Life Insurance Company, vice president of sales for what is now called SunAmerica, and president of Teledyne life insurance subsidiaries in Kansas City and Los Angeles. He later founded Resource Management Group specializing in historic properties and preservation management. Tyler was a committed philanthropist who established the Tyler Center for Global Studies at Florida State University and the Tyler Heart Institute at the regional Community Hospital for Monterey County, California
Alabama
1969 Hon. Quentin Brown of Birmingham, AL; 7/24
1969 Robert Hunter of Tuscaloosa, AL; 11/24
1972 William Rummel of Clarksville, TN; 7/24
Arizona
1963 James Moiso of McArthur, CA; 9/24
1964 John Shultz of Palos Verdes Estates, CA; 9/24
Auburn
1960 William Davis of Saint Simons Island, GA; 1/23
Ball State
1980 Ronald Grahn of Fishers, IN; 1/24
Beloit
1951 John Markel of Milwaukee; 10/24
Bradley
1957 Robert Taylor of Aiken, SC; 10/24
1963 Richard Luehring of San Diego; 6/24
1965 Thomas Penn of Peoria, Heights, IL; 10/24
Bucknell
1953 John Troast of North Palm Beach, FL; 9/24
Butler
1953 Lyle Mannweiler of Indianapolis; 10/24
Cal. Poly.-Pomona
1990 Robert Rinella of Mission Viejo, CA; 9/24
Cal. State-Fresno
1961 Harvey Casey of Saint George, UT; 12/23
1968 Richard Nelson of Fresno, CA; 9/24
1992 John Crookham of Fresno, CA; 9/24
Columbia
1953 Donald Smith of Philippi, WV; 6/24
1954 Donald Lougheed of Austin, TX; 7/23
Cal. State-Northridge
1983 Robert Ehlers of Simi Valley, CA; 1/24
California-Berkely
1961 Michael Callahan of Clayton, CA; 9/23
Case Western
1962 Donald Trask of Bay Village, OH; 4/24
Central Michigan
1966 Paul Parets of Delaware City, DE; 10/24
1972 Steven Naber of Holland, MI; 6/24
1974 Lawrence Williams of Decatur, AL; 9/24
Cincinnati
1955 Anestis Condorodis of Cincinnati; 11/24
1956 Dr. Ronald Zesch of Cincinnati; 8/24
1963 David Wood of Midlothian, VA; 8/24
Colorado-Boulder
1951 Glenn Hunter of Littleton, CO; 6/24
1959 David Askey of Del Mar, CA; 6/24
Colorado State
1957 William Hines of Highlands Ranch, CO; 4/24
Dalhousie-St. Mary’s
1968 Allan Crocker of Alberton, PE; 11/24
Denver
1952 Jesse Crane of Denver; 6/23
1959 Rev. David Olsen of Portland, OR; 9/22
Duke
1955 Marshall Dark of Nebo, NC; 8/24
Eastern Illinois
1982 Timothy O'Rourke of Pewaukee, WI; 5/24
Emory
1964 Samuel Memory of Marietta, GA; 10/24
Florida Atlantic
2025 James McCoy of Winter Park, FL; 9/24
George Washington
1962 John Bruce of Washington, D.C.; 10/24
Georgia
1950 Roy Beaty of Arden, NC; 8/24
1952 James Stewart of Waycross, GA; 4/24
1955 Merrell Calhoun of Atlanta; 10/24
Gettysburg
1971 Gregory Grybowski of Harrisburg, PA; 10/23
Hanover
1959 William Pirie of Minocqua, WI; 10/24
Houston
1961 Ronald Cradit of Rosenberg, TX; 11/24
Illinois
1959 Edward Cleveland of Saint Louis; 8/24
1983 Douglas Sasso of Laguna Hills, CA; 9/24
Illinois Wesleyan
1958 Robert Picking of West Olive, MI; 9/23
Indiana
1964 James Keller of Columbus, IN; 9/24
Indiana (Pennsylvania)
1977 John Barzensky of Factoryville, PA; 12/22
Iowa
1952 James Hagan of Bigfork, MT; 9/24
Iowa State
1951 James Phelps of Crawford, NE; 12/23
1967 Robert Bookwalter of Chicago; 12/23
Kansas
1953 Charles Garney of Kansas City, MO; 11/24
1972 Gregory Starks of Dodge City, KS; 10/24
Kentucky
1966 Michael Fields of Knoxville, TN; 11/24
Lamar
1963 Howard Stahl of Springfield, OH; 9/24
Louisiana State
1945 Theodore Castillo of Baton Rouge, LA; 4/23
1957 John Daigre of Lafayette, LA; 7/24
1962 Lawrence Paddock of Baton Rouge, LA; 7/23
1985 George Trelles of Baton Rouge, LA; 3/24
2026 Ryan Kowitz of Marietta, GA; 6/24
Maryland
1968 Robert Nicholas of Castle Rock, CO; 3/23
Miami (Ohio)
1958 Robert Weeks of Carmel, IN; 9/24
1961 Robert Czerwinski of Cincinnati; 9/24
1961 Michael McCabe of Michiana Shores, IN; 8/24
1964 John Jensen of Plymouth, MI; 9/24
1965 Thomas Elsass of Columbus, OH; 6/24
Mississippi
1960 William Boone of Ridgeland, MS; 8/24
Missouri-Columbia
1958 John Loomis of Saint Louis; 9/24
Montana
1949 John Osborne of Cut Bank, MT; 10/24
Nebraska
1967 Robert Zellers of Eliot, ME; 7/24
1964 Richard Callahan of Denver; 10/24
New Mexico
1951 Hugh Hilleary of Littleton, CO; 12/24
North Carolina
1950 Merle Bonthuis of Saratoga Springs, NY; 9/24
North Carolina State
1956 Byron Williams of Newport Coast, CA; 6/24
2024 Ross Ogburn of Winston-Salem, NC; 11/24
North Texas
1992 Michael Mullins of Wolfe City, TX; 9/24
2019 Korbin Kramer of Frisco, TX; 10/24
Ohio
1957 Richard Snyder of Cleveland; 10/24
Oklahoma
1962 Ronald Parker of Ardmore, OK; 6/24
1968 William Woodson of Norman, OK; 10/24
Oklahoma State
1954 Richard Devero of Oklahoma City, OK; 10/24
1973 Raymond Standridge of Ochelata, OK; 12/24
Pittsburgh
1959 Barry Brautigam of Latrobe, PA; 2/24
Pittsburg State
1971 Lt. Col. David Jeffery of Peoria, AZ; 7/23
Puget Sound
1952 Albert Slaughter of Grand Rapids, MI; 7/24
Purdue
1961 Hermann Metz of Chesterfield, MO; 9/23
Rhode Island
1962 Dr. Joseph Mollica of Tucson, AZ; 6/24
Richmond
1971 Sen. Frank Ruff of Clarksville, VA; 10/24
Saint Louis
1985 Martin Luepker of Saint Louis; 9/23
South Carolina
1962 James Hatchell of Canton, GA; 3/24
1966 Ronald Chastain of Greenville, SC; 10/24
1966 James Lea of Mount Pleasant, SC; 11/24
1970 John Webster of Nichols, SC; 8/24
1973 William Lesesne of Alexandria, VA; 10/24
Southern California
1957 Capt. William Schramm of Salinas, CA; 11/24
Southern Methodist
1964 Clifford Owen of Houston; 1/24
Tennessee-Knoxville
1962 Frank Addicks of Knoxville, TN; 7/24
1968 John Horne of Memphis, TN; 10/24
Texas-Austin
1968 Eddie Vaughan of Boerne, TX; 10/24
Texas A&M-Commerce
1967 William Foster of Garland, TX; 12/23
1971 Dennis Stanley of Atlanta, TX; 1/24
Texas A&M-Kingsville
2019 Nathanael Hernandez of Spruce Pine, NC; 9/24
Texas Christian
1961 Robert Kuehn of Gainesville, TX; 1/24
1963 James Mulhollan of Whitney, TX; 7/24
1963 Bob Seymour of Fort Worth, TX; 4/24
1964 John Raithel of Cornelius, NC; 3/24
1965 Glenn Whittington of Southlake, TX; 6/24
Texas Tech
1960 Robert Sikes of Bowie, TX; 10/24
Utah State
1964 Clifford Cahoon of Logan, UT; 9/24
Vanderbilt
1964 Roger Fish of Nashville, TN; 7/23
Wake Forest
1969 Philip Gasaway of Winston-Salem, NC; 9/24
Western Illinois
1995 Richard Winkler of Burbank, IL; 9/24
1999 Andrew Chatterton of Miami; 1/24
Western Michigan
1956 Charles Donnelly of Portage, MI; 11/24
BY SHARON VALE CHAPMAN //////
How Sigma Chi’s newly established magazine helped mold fractious ‘secret societies’ into a cohesive Greek-letter world
"There was not a journalist among us," said Charles Trowbridge, GETTYSBURG 1882, explaining in his later years why the brothers of the Theta chapter at Pennsylvania (now Gettysburg) College were apprehensive when asked to design, write and produce a journal for the membership of Sigma Chi. "What we did not know about running a magazine would fill a library."
Surprisingly, what they did know — or managed to learn very quickly — resulted in a quality publication that, in less than three years’ time, helped weld a hodge-podge of quarreling secret societies, unwelcome on many campuses, into a cohesive and effectual entity known as the Greek-letter world.
Today, 115 years after the founding of the National Interfraternity Conference, it is difficult to imagine what Past Grand Historian Robert M. Collett, DENISON 1914, termed the "complete and appalling lack of interfraternity (community)" that existed in the 1870s and 1880s. The anti-fraternal sentiment of many college administrations in that era, including those at Purdue, Georgia and other institutions that ultimately banned Greek-letter organizations, was based on the antagonism and often overt hostility that existed between these "secret societies."
Frequently this feuding resulted in vandalism, as when Phi Delta Thetas at Centre College used a hatchet to chop through the door of a hall where members of Kappa Alpha were meeting. In 1875, members of a rival fraternity at
Howard College broke into a nearby women's college, stole books, greased the blackboards and, as Joseph Cookman Nate, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1890, reports, "added diverse other depredations." A clever scattering of clues placed the blame on Sigma Chi and, though the real culprits were eventually found out and expelled, the college soon outlawed fraternities.
Occasionally, too, there was violence: fights, harassment and sometimes beatings. At Roanoke College — where one fraternity had already been banished for spying through a keyhole while charter members of Sigma Chi's Tau chapter were composing their petition — a gun was used in a much talked-about incident. Witnessing a violent street brawl between a bully from one fraternity and a less formidable opponent from another, Orin R. Sholars, ROANOKE 1876, aimed a "six-shooter," hastening a quick peace by calling, "Say, you fellows — when you're through with that, this gun is going to pick off the winner!"
Competition for pledges was equally fierce. With the concept of centralized
government still in the neonatal stage, chapters were largely left to their own discretion in matters of recruitment and other programs. The first step towards unification was the establishment of fraternal publications. These journals and magazines united brothers on campuses then considered distant, allowed for more than a local exchange of views and imparted both a better realization of the fraternity's scope and a greater sense of belonging.
Beta Theta Pi began publishing a self-titled bi-monthly in 1872. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, founded a year after Sigma Chi, introduced its SAE Record in March 1880. In between these two, six others came into existence — the Chi Phi Quarterly, The Scroll of Phi Delta Theta, the Phi Kappa Psi Monthly, Delta Tau Delta's The Crescent, The Phi Gamma Delta, and the Kappa Alpha Journal. Without a magazine to serve as a recruitment tool and forum of defense in the everescalating fraternal rivalries, Sigma Chi — despite an honored and prestigious reputation — was sure to flounder.
It was providential that the task of implementing the Fraternity's publication should fall to Theta. Philip M. Bikle, GETTYSBURG 1866, who first advocated the idea of a journal during 1865's fifth Grand Chapter in Pittsburgh, served as presiding officer of the 13th Grand Chapter held November 1880 in Washington, D.C. There, John Fahnestock, GETTYSBURG 1879, Theta chapter's delegate, spoke on the urgent need for a magazine. When Bikle's fellow alumnus announced his chapter would underwrite the expenses of the publication to hasten its implementation, Theta was awarded the challenging honor.
Fahnestock carried the charge back to Gettysburg. In short time, the aforementioned Trowbridge was elected editor-in-chief of the magazine, which was to be called The Sigma Chi. William L. McPherson, GETTYSBURG 1883, was appointed business manager.
Trowbridge's contributions to the founding of the journal that eventually evolved into The Magazine of Sigma Chi are well documented. McPherson's role, however, deserves mention beyond the fact that he served briefly as second editor-in-chief. He was a talented writer, as his illustrious later career as author, journalist and editor of the NewYorkHerald-Tribuneattests, and he contributed to the early success of TheMagazine far beyond keeping it solvent — an admirable feat in itself.
McPherson and Trowbridge were firm if somewhat unlikely friends. Besides a six-year age difference, Trowbridge was laconic, scholarly and introverted, while the popular, athletic and surprisingly sophisticated McPherson maintained a whirlwind schedule of sports, extracurriculars and social activity. What both had in common, besides a strong commitment to the plan of a central government for Sigma Chi, was an unusual love of literature. McPherson —a born writer
dreaming of a career in journalism —idolized his chaptermate. Trowbridge was editor-in- chief of the college Arcana, contributing writer and assistant editor of the Pennsylvania College Monthly, and member of a campus literary clique that included Millard Francis Troxell, Trowbridge's long-time friend and editor of The Scroll of Phi Delta Theta.
As The Sigma Chi made its way into production, McPherson set about soliciting subscriptions — a task requiring tedious hours of letter writing — with the help of his brother, John, GETTYSBURG 1883, and other chaptermates. Trowbridge, meanwhile, called on Troxell for technical advice and was referred to the print shop of I.E. Wible in Gettysburg, publishers of The Scroll. During their collaboration, the two editors also resolved to exchange copies of their respective magazines, an agreement that helped revolutionize interfraternal relations.
Prior to that time, secrecy and autonomy were too highly valued to warrant trading publications. The "deal" between Sigma Chi and Phi Delta Theta was viewed with skepticism — though it was not long before other editors took the cue. The second issue of The SigmaChi in June 1881 contained a page and a half of "Greekism," complimentary news about other fraternities, specifically noting receipt of the Alpha Tau Omega Palm and the Chi Phi Quarterly. The third issue
hints at the new publication's influence, stating that two volumes of Phi Kappa Psi's journal had "made their appearance since our last issue. TheShield has been changed to a magazine, of about the same size as TheSigmaChi." Several other publications — among them the long-running Beta Theta Pi — followed the Sigma Chi lead in cover design by adding engraved decorations.
With the exchange of publications, editors began corresponding and quickly fostered an appreciation of the universality of fraternal ideals — well ahead of general memberships. In December 1881, Beta Theta Pi editor Willis O. Robb advocated the formation of a "Pan Hellenic Council," proposing that "influential members of ... the strongest fraternities prepare a circular, giving in brief the reasons that make such a conference desirable." The letter was reprinted in all the fraternity magazines and the idea taken up as a cause by most editors. This found little support in the rank and file — even the normally far-sighted Troxell objected that if such an idea were feasible, "no real advantage would thereby be gained."
His objection was not strong enough, however, to keep him from participating when the editors themselves arranged a council to outline a future fraternal convention. This historic meeting was held Feb. 22, 1883, in Philadelphia and attended by editors and representatives of 13 fraternity magazines. They committed themselves to an "Interfraternity Press Association" and enacted a resolution recommending a Pan-Hellenic Conference be held in New York City on July 4, 1884.
Unfortunately, the stipulation that at least 10 fraternities "signify their intention to participate" was not met, and the grand plan came to naught. Though
several informal conferences were attempted in the intervening years and the loosely defined American Panhellenic Society met in 1895, it was not until the first meeting of the International Fraternity Conference on Nov. 17, 1909, that the dream materialized.
Trowbridge and McPherson guided The Sigma Chi through its first two years, striving for interfraternal unity and laboring to "keep this journal free from inky battles with its contemporaries," as McPherson wrote in February 1882. They also laid the foundations of Sigma Chi's written history; most were unfamiliar with details of the Fraternity's early years until they appeared in the magazine. "Few in the order know that there was an irregular chapter of the Sigma Chi organized during the late Civil War ... " starts an article in the October 1881 issue, reporting as news the formation of the Constantine Chapter. Readers’ questions led to a listing of the Founders’ names in December 1881, unknown to many without access to the 1876 Catalogue — at $2, an expensive book by that day's standards.
Ironically, the formation in 1882 of Sigma Chi's central government — which the two helped hasten with their unmitigated support and thoughtful editorials — resulted in the magazine's transfer to Hanover College in Indiana, part of an attempt to centralize all functions of the Fraternity.
"Yes and no," answered Trowbridge in 1926 when asked if they were sorry to see it go. "It was only right that other and more experienced hands should undertake to carry on."
No one could doubt, though, that it was the end of a brief but shining hour.
*Thisarticleoriginallyappearedinthespring1996issueofTheMagazineofSigmaChi.
1
2
Sigma Chi didn’t have a standardized pledge pin until one was approved at the 25th Grand Chapter hosted July 1901 in Buffalo, N.Y.
3
The Fraternity hosted its sixth biennial celebration in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 27 and 28, 1866. It is the first time that the title of “Grand Chapter” was applied to such a meeting.
The only time in the Fraternity’s history that Grand Chapter has gone on hiatus was during World War II, when no such meetings were held between 1941 and 1946.
4 5
6
“In Hoc Signo Vinces” was made the Fraternity’s official public motto at the third Grand Chapter held in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1861.
Blue and gold were adopted as the Fraternity’s colors at the eighth Grand Chapter held in Philidelphia in 1870.
The 50th Grand Chapter in Cincinnati, which coincided with Sigma Chi’s centennial in 1955, was at the time the largest event in Fraternity history with more than 2,000 Sigs and guests in attendance.
Get excited for Grand Chapter with these fun facts
The title page of the record book for the Epsilon chapter from the 1866 Grand Chapter
Handwritten minutes from the 1870 Grand Chapter are shown
History of The Norman Shield
74
Years Sigma Chi had existed before an official pledge manual was published
Date the first Fraternity reference manual was published as the PledgeManualof SigmaChiFraternity 24th
Grand Consul who authorized its publication at the 1925 Grand Chapter
50
Editions published
103 Pages in that first book
1943
27,229 10/14/1929
Year it became known as The Norman Shield
27,229
Total initiates in 1929
The success of the Oklahoma State chapter follows a model that can be replicated
Sigma Chi’s Transformational Leader program is impacting lives both within and beyond the Fraternity. However, if you’ve only read about the program’s curriculum, it may be difficult to grasp what being a transformational leader truly looks like in practice.
Sigma Chi’s Transformational Leader Model involves four distinct dimensions that drive transformation: Self, Others, Action and Community. Each dimension is essential for building and sustaining a transformational leader. Growth in each
area is crucial for personal and professional development.
To illustrate what transformational leadership looks like in action, consider the remarkable journey of the Gamma Delta chapter at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Whenever someone sees the Gamma Delta chapter house for the first time, the reactions are predictable. There’s a “wow” factor due to its sheer size, beauty and condition. Built in 1980, the house is an impressive 29,000 square feet and sits on the corner of West University Avenue across the street from the gateway to OSU. The
other reaction, invariably, involves visiting brothers asking, “How do we get a house like this?” They do so while imagining all the fun and status that would come from having a chapter house, like this one, on their campus.
Then comes the sobering details of just what it takes to have a chapter house like Gamma Delta’s. Over the course of a decade, this chapter transformed itself from struggling to thriving, ultimately becoming the best fraternity on OSU’s campus (with the trophy to prove it). This story exemplifies how intentional actions, guided by our virtues and the principles of transformational leadership, can lead to profound and lasting change.
SELF: Understanding how to lead others must begin with an understanding of how God created you (strengths, weaknesses, values and life’s purpose). Great leaders know who they are at the most intimate level.
In 2012, the Gamma Delta chapter of Sigma Chi was, simply, existing. “We were doing alright, but there was a lot of apathy in the chapter. We couldn’t get brothers to show up for anything,” recounts Will Kuykendall, OKLAHOMA STATE 2016, an undergraduate at the time who now serves as the chapter’s advisor. The chapter was also underperforming academically with a GPA below the all-men’s average on campus. In 2011 and 2012, the Gamma Delta chapter posted a 2.9 and 3.1 GPA, respectively.
2012 also marked a turning point in the United States with several states decriminalizing recreational use of marijuana. Oklahoma had no such provisions in its law but felt the impact, as OSU attracts students from all over the United States. Exacerbating the deteriorating situation, in fall of 2012, a fifth-year senior brother died of a drug overdose in an off-campus house.
Sigma Chi was founded on lofty ideals and rooted in the pursuit of high ambition, but the Gamma Delta chapter had lost its way. It was apparent to many of the undergraduates and alumni that the words on the walls (our Sigma Chi Standard and Creed) didn’t match the behavior of the men in their halls. They had come to the end of themselves. They had to begin asking very difficult questions about who they were as an organization and, more importantly, who they might become. They concluded Gamma Delta had to change.
OTHERS: Great leaders realize they cannot succeed alone; they must build relationships with others by clearly communicating, providing support, creating opportunities and building an environment that will foster the very best in people.
Late in 2012 and continuing into 2013, a dedicated group of concerned alumni and undergraduate brothers began meeting to address the state of the chapter and cast a new vision of what Gamma Delta might accomplish if it became better aligned with the Fraternity’s virtues. One of the first steps was setting clear expectations and accountability measures to prevent further harm and damage to the members and the chapter house.
of Constantine Sig and current Gamma Delta house corporation president
Culver
STATE 2001, recalls those early days of transformation: “One of the first things we did was establish a set of non-negotiable expectations and behaviors we would not tolerate,” Culver notes. “You have to be willing to hold members accountable to our standards and virtues, or you won’t succeed.”
A critical decision in 2014 was making Gamma Delta a drug-free house. Initially, the policy was phased in, applying only to younger classes while older members were exempt. However, this dual-rule system proved ineffective. Kuykendall recalls, “That was a disaster. We were trying to manage two sets of rules for one house.” By 2015, the entire house was subject to drug testing, using hair follicle sample testing for accuracy. Members who failed to test, refused the test or failed the test were immediately suspended. Upon announcing this policy, approximately 40 out of 120 members voluntarily resigned their membership. “Almost immediately,” Kuykendall says, “damage to the house stopped, and participation in the chapter increased.”
While some will read this account and think it harsh or unbrotherly, it was, in fact, a courageous act of love and bold act of leadership. When examining what it means to lead others, we see we are responsible for creating opportunities and building an environment that fosters the very best in people. This responsibility means we only encourage or tolerate behavior congruent with the Fraternity’s standards, virtues and ideals. Sigma Chi consistently raises the bar to ensure that those in our order are better men when they leave than when they arrived.
“We tell parents, ‘Your young man is better off here than in any other house at Oklahoma State,” shares Order of Constantine Sig Jim Kuykendall, OKLAHOMA STATE 1987. “We want to make good on that promise.”
Adds chapter advisor Will Kuykendall: “Our drug and alcohol policy doesn’t make us bulletproof, but it mitigates the risk. In trying to do the right things, we build a better culture.”
The chapter’s willingness and ability to hold themselves accountable also fostered new and lasting relationships with OSU’s Office of Student Conduct. Those relationships continue to present opportunities for cooperation and collaboration. “When the university sees our men genuinely and consistently doing the right thing, the inevitable failures don’t become fatal,” shares Culver. “That ability to hold yourself accountable sends a message to outsiders that you’re reliable and responsible.”
Recruitment has also benefited from the chapter’s transformation. When asked whether the chapter’s policies made recruiting harder, former Consul Braden White, OKLAHOMA STATE 2022, confidently states, “Absolutely not! In fact, once parents find out about our policies, this is the only fraternity they allow their sons to join.” Additionally, White notes, it was the drug and alcohol policies that attracted him to the house.
It seems that newer members were similarly attracted to the chapter’s policies and successes. Beginning with the incidents of 2012, the chapter’s GPA stood at 2.9 and ranked tenth in the school’s Interfraternity Council. Today, the men boast a 3.4 GPA and are ranked third.
Leading an organization is incredibly difficult. It’s made infinitely more difficult if there are disparate ideas of who you are, what you are trying to accomplish and what you owe to one another in the process. The best thing one can do to lead others is to be clear in what you stand for and consistent in the application of the standards you expect. This is where Gamma Delta excelled. The chapter and alumni leadership, together, formed a working relationship rooted in shared virtues and brotherhood. Together, they brought the chapter along by clearly communicating expectations, which built an environment that proved to foster the very best in their members.
ACTION: Leadership is about movement and direction. Leaders move us in new directions, to new destinations, to new horizons, to places we’ve never been before. They stimulate action and change. If there is no action, there is no leadership.
With OSU enforcing a dry campus housing policy, including Greek-letter housing, since 2001, Gamma Delta had an opportunity to redefine its culture without the constant distractions of alcohol and drug-related issues. This newfound clarity allowed them to focus on positive change and growth.
Change didn’t happen overnight, but those early incremental changes added up. “A 2 percent change each month, which doesn’t look like much, is going to bring you a 24 percent change in the culture in a year. In just over four years you’ve got yourself a completely different chapter culture,” Culver shares.
Inspired by the undergraduate members’ commitment to transformation, Gamma Delta alumni wanted to support and encourage the positive trend. Since those early days of transformation, the chapter’s scholarship endowment has swelled to $2 million and awards $68,000 in scholarships annually. Jim Kuykendall remembers alumni who had previously been reluctant to give, fearing the Greek-letter system might collapse because of continued poor decisions. In the past decade, those same alumni have been inspired by the undergraduates’ transformation and enthusiastically give while noting, “You guys just keep doing the right thing.”
The transformation at Gamma Delta was in full effect. In addition to the improved appearance of the chapter house and involvement on campus, Gamma Delta began receiving much deserved external recognition. In the decade prior to 2012, Gamma Delta earned four Peterson Significant Chapter Awards. In the years after 2012, they have received a Peterson Significant Chapter Award every year. Additionally, in 2022, Gamma Delta received Sigma Chi’s Legion of Honor
BY WES HOLTSCLAW, EAST TENNESSEE 2012 //////
Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Robert J. Georges, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1973, to sponsor Fraternity’s official reference manual The Norman Shield
The impact of Sigma Chi’s official reference manual The Norman Shield on his life inspired the benevolent Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Robert J. Georges, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1973, to once again give back to Sigma Chi in a big way.
With lifetime monetary support to Sigma Chi at the international, regional and local levels already exceeding seven figures — in addition to more than 50 years of volunteer service — Georges extended his kindness and generosity to the next generation of brothers with his forthcoming sponsorship of The Norman Shield publication from the 2025 to 2027 biennium forward.
“(The Norman Shield) was a guide for my life,” says Georges. “I treated it like a Bible. It told me what to do and what not to do, and now I find it rewarding to be involved in it.
“I knew, going through my undergraduate days and as a young alumnus, a lot of people in this Fraternity have stepped up (over the years). You look at (29th Grand Consul L.G.) Balfour, INDIANA 1907, and all of the past Grand Consuls, they all went the extra step. So did many others. You have to care about the future of the Fraternity. If you read TheNormanShield and you recall the values of our Ritual, (giving back is) among the things they tell us to do. My goal has always been to help the undergraduates.”
Georges’ latest gift will help underwrite the rising publication costs seen over the course of the last decade and ensure The Norman Shield continues to make an impact for years to come.
“Brother Bob Georges has devoted more than half of a century to Sigma Chi as an undergraduate member, alumni volunteer and donor,” says 73rd Grand Consul Bob Wilson, FORT HAYS 1981. “We’re honored that he has further extended his generosity through sponsorship of The Norman Shield, which will impact more young brothers across North America and beyond for years to come.”
Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Robert J. Georges, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1973, has sponsored the The Norman Shield to ensure its continued publication for years to come.
of Sigma Chi’s prestigious Founders Circle in 2017, which notes his distinguished volunteer service and lifetime and planned estate giving.
The generosity shown by Georges, his wife, Nancy, and their family have made a significant impact on the Fraternity. He was recognized as an inaugural member
“If you read TheNormanShieldand you recall the values of our Ritual, [giving back is] among the things they tell us to do. My goal has always been to help the undergraduates.”
- Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig
Robert J. Georges, FLORIDA 1973
“Whenever there has been a need or a call for support, whether it was initial funding for our Preparation for Brotherhood program, our Headquarters museum, our anti-hazing initiatives, supporting his Epsilon Sigma chapter through the Bell Chapter Challenge, or making annual fund contributions as a member of our White Cross Trust, Bob and his sweetheart, Nancy, have been there for our Fraternity,” says Sigma Chi Foundation President and 68th Grand Consul Michael Greenberg, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1982. “We’re proud of his many years of volunteer service and remain humbled by his continued generosity.”
In addition to his charitable giving through the Sigma Chi Foundation, Georges has been long known to provide direct support for undergraduates in need at local or regional chapters in his home state of Florida.
Georges attributed benevolence as one of many lessons he learned via The Norman Shield, the Ritual and his decades of volunteer service.
“I’ve always believed every undergraduate should have the same opportunity that I did,” Georges says. “That’s been my goal. No kid should be denied the opportunity to be a Sigma Chi because of dues. That’s not right. That’s not what we stand for as far as I’m concerned.
“I don’t do anything for awards. I’ve never sought that. I do it because it’s the right thing to do. I donate my time, money and energy to do what’s right. Community is a big part of Sigma Chi, and I’ve (always) tried to do my best.”
The retired founder and past chairman of the Lakeland, Florida-based MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions Inc., Georges began serving the Fraternity as chapter advisor of the Florida Southern chapter following his graduation in 1973. Over the following five decades he served as Grand Praetor, Grand Trustee and president of the Lakeland alumni chapter.
In 2001, he was elected to the first of two consecutive terms as Grand Quaestor and was later honored as Governor Emeritus following 12 years of service on the Foundation Board of Governors. He has chaired the Fraternity’s Significant Sig Awards, Budget and Investment committees and the Foundation’s Development and Grant committees.
Aside from Sigma Chi, he has been a longtime supporter of his alma mater, its baseball program and other community organizations.
Says Georges: “I tell people every day — I came from a very rough upbringing — there were three things that saved my life. One, Florida Southern College; two, playing on the baseball team for four years; and three, my initiation into Sigma Chi. My whole life was guided by those three things. I live right across the lake from Florida Southern College. I’m president of the Florida Southern Baseball Alumni Society. I’ve always kept involved. Of course, I’ve served Sigma Chi. I’ve always enjoyed my involvement, and I intend to stay involved.”
The official reference manual of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity, The Norman Shield was first published in 1929 as the Pledge Manual of Sigma Chi Fraternity. It took on its present identity in 1943 and has been used to introduce new members to the Fraternity ever since, providing a written record of the history, traditions and lofty ideals of Sigma Chi.
Today, it remains a key piece of the start of new members’ Sigma Chi journeys and their entry into The Transformational Leader member development program. Since the 49th edition, it has been refreshed and reorganized to follow the Preparation for Brotherhood pledge education program.
In the forthcoming editions, it will include a special message from Georges, who encourages future Sigs to pay it forward for the brothers of tomorrow so that those young men will also have a rewarding lifelong experience within Sigma Chi.
“I took the time, even after I graduated, to read The Norman Shield,” Georges adds. “(Sigma Chi) is a lifelong commitment. Not only a lifelong experience, but a lifelong commitment.
“You need to do for the brothers down the road what somebody else did for you. Somebody paid something for me to help me out (when I was a young brother). I don’t know who, and it’s not relevant. Do for them what was done for you. I’ve always lived by that philosophy. That’s the way it should be. If everybody did that, we’d be a bigger Fraternity and a better Fraternity than we are now.”
The following is a list of Sigma Chi brothers and friends who contributed major gifts or signed cash and/or estate commitments exceeding $10,000 during the July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, calendar fiscal year.
The Sigma Chi Foundation and Sigma Chi International Fraternity express our continued gratitude for the support of these men and each of those brothers, sweethearts and friends who impact our organization with their charitable support each year.
To view a full list of donors during the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, visit Sigmachi.org/foundation/ donors.
$1,000,000+
Huntsman Family Foundation
Donald H. Schefmeyer, SYRACUSE 1969
$500,000-999,999
John A. Koskinen, DUKE 1961
$100,000-499,999
Brian D. Atwood, OKLAHOMA STATE 1989
Bruce W. Burkitt, MONTANA STATE 1971
C. David Cobb, TEXAS TECH 1958
David M. Cunningham, MAINE 1954
Richard L. Dissly, MONTANA STATE 1966
Brian H. Loucks, MONTANA STATE 1964
Don C. Newcomb, MISSISSIPPI 1989
Robert Michael Patton, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1966
Edward F. Raschen, OKLAHOMA STATE 1991
Mark W. Tipton, TULANE 1978
David M. Underwood Jr., SOUTHERN METHODIST 1988
Chuck L. Watson, OKLAHOMA STATE 1972
$10,000-99,999
Anonymous
Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation
Ron E. Alfred, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 1976
Jack B. Allen, OKLAHOMA STATE 1993
James A. Anderson, MD, WYOMING 1972
James H. Barfknecht, MONTANA STATE 1973
James L. Barksdale, MISSISSIPPI 1965
Gary L. Bridge, UTAH 1962
Newton A. Brokaw, CINCINNATI 1942
Michael T. Cameron, MIAMI (OHIO) 1961
Brandon Chaney, INDIANA 1993
John A. Clerico, OKLAHOMA STATE 1963
Roy L. Cline, WYOMING 1960
David B. Craddock, MISSISSIPPI 1993
James H. Culp Sr., TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE 1955
Donald D. Dumoulin II, BALL STATE 1982
N. Reed Dunnick, PURDUE 1965
Mark J. Galbo, SAN JOSE STATE 1982
Jeffrey T. Gill, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1978
Jeffery D. Greene, WYOMING 1975
Patrick Grismer
Jack E. Guenther, TEXAS-AUSTIN 1956
Eric N. Harthun, SAN DIEGO STATE 1987
Samuel B. Haskell III, MISSISSIPPI 1977
William R. James, ARKANSAS 1972
Juergen U. Janzen, OKLAHOMA STATE 1989
Thomas O. Johnson, WASHINGTON STATE 1968
Bruce S. Kahn, MD, CALIFORNIA-IRVINE 1984
Donald L. Kelm, SAN DIEGO STATE 1961
David O. Kem, MONTANA STATE 1967
John C. Kerley, MISSOURI S&T 1987
Garith Krause, WASHINGTON STATE 1965
James W. Kuykendall, OKLAHOMA STATE 1987
Robert W. Lehmkuhl, MARYLAND 1974
Gaylord E. Leslie, DARTMOUTH 1928
Jim D. Luce, NEVADA-LAS VEGAS 1980
Edwin B. Lumpkin, ALABAMA 1974
Joe W. Martin, HOUSTON 1976
William Michael McNeill, OKLAHOMA STATE 1971
Todd P. Mendon, SIOR, PITTSBURG STATE 1984
Arthur H. Metcalf II, AUBURN 1969
Jeffrey S. Muir, GEORGIA 1971
Wilford A. Payne, MISSISSIPPI 1999
John D. Peterson, INDIANA 1955
Thomas F. Petway III, FLORIDA STATE 1962
Mark Quiner, WYOMING 1978
Thomas E. Quinlan, WEST VIRGINIA 1994
Duane C. Ray, MONTANA STATE 2000
Mark V. Sandell, BRADLEY 1972
Steven M. Schmidt, PURDUE 1976
Douglas E. Self, MD, OKLAHOMA STATE 1995
Glen R. Sirles, TEXAS TECH 1972
Steve B. Smolinkse, WASHINGTON STATE 1983
David L. True, WYOMING 1973
Donald S. Waddell, OREGON STATE 1983
Daniel P. Walsh Jr., CASE WESTERN 1991
Kenneth L. Way, MICHIGAN STATE 1961
Rodney C. Wendt, PURDUE 1968
Patrick R. Whigham, WEST VIRGINIA 1992
Hon. Gordon Whiting, CORNELL 1987
Andrew R. Wilcox, MONTANA STATE 1992
Justin M. Worrilow, ROANOKE 2001
William G. Yates Jr., MISSISSIPPI 1963
Gregory R. Zolotar, CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO 1994
Throughout the month of November through Dec. 5, 2024, Sigma Chi alumni from more than 200 chapters across North America and beyond made generous contributions to support the Fraternity against other Greek-letter organizations during the Giving Tuesday Interfraternal Challenge.
Overall, Sigma Chi finished second with more than $328,000 contributed to surpass the initial goal of $175,000. Below is a list of donors who made contributions toward the Giving Tuesday Challenge between Nov. 1 and Dec. 5, 2024.
FRIENDS OF SIGMA CHI
Ruben Cerri-Droz
Unknown Donor
John Hazelwood
Bill James
Frederic Licata
Bob Miller
Sean O'Brien
Brant Young
George Young
ALPHA (MIAMI [OHIO])
Mark Bridges, 1966
Timothy Carstens, 1985
Douglas Dafler, 1985
Lee Flandreau, 1958
Andrew Jessup, 1955
David Myers, 1964
Thomas Rogers, 1964
William Schaefer, 1954
ALPHA ALPHA (HOBART)
Michael Bennett, 1990
ALPHA CHI (PENN STATE)
Anthony Agnone, 1958
James Cooper, 1973
Scott Foor, 1987
Louis Meier, 1962
Frank Raymond, 1971
David Shields, 1967
William Wells, 1979
ALPHA EPSILON (NEBRASKA)
Louis Brammer, 1965
Troy Hilyard, 1986
ALPHA GAMMA (OHIO STATE)
Michael Biesecker, 1991
Gregory Burke, 1978
Nathan Fisher, 1993
Fred Gatzke, 1967
Thomas Gordon, 1962
James Manning, 1988
John Strasser, 1974
Bob Ward, 1962
ALPHA IOTA (ILLINOIS WESLEYAN)
William Akerly, 1950
Wade Butler, 1978
Michael Greenberg, 1982
Leonard Hoffman, 1969
Ted Zook, 1985
ALPHA KAPPA (HILLSDALE)
Thomas Conner, 1972
Murry Stegelmann, 1984
ALPHA LAMBDA (WISCONSIN-MADISON)
Jonathan Routh, 2016
Charles Zeman, 1964
ALPHA NU (TEXAS-AUSTIN)
Andrew Debnam, 2026
David Martineau, 1960
Jimmie Mccomb, 1967
Scott McLaren, 1987
Lee Ricks, 1957
Nathan Stricklen, 1999
ALPHA OMICRON (TULANE)
Daniel Baker, 1979
Jeffrey Brown, 1979
William Klein, 1982
John Pearce, 1970
Jeffrey Taft, 1989
Norman Vinn, 1971
ALPHA PHI (CORNELL)
Morton Bishop, 1974
Michael Scott, 1981
ALPHA PI (ALBION)
Timothy Cash, 1968
John Farrar, 1978
Richard Going, 1977
Timothy Kabot, 1976
Stephen McCarthy, 1974
Andrew McComas, 1981
John Poulin, 1981
Steven Yackey, 1976
Lars Zabel, 1977
ALPHA PSI (VANDERBILT)
Chip Blue, 2009
Donald Orr, 1956
Ward Patterson, 1969
Walter Rasmussen, 1960
William Stone, 1977
George Woodring, 1964
ALPHA RHO (LEHIGH)
James Hernjak, 1996
ALPHA SIGMA (MINNESOTA)
James Hemak, 1969
William Lewis, 1959
Andrew Nepp, 2015
ALPHA TAU (NORTH CAROLINA-CHAPEL HILL)
Bruce Pruitt, 1955
Milton Satcher, 1982
ALPHA THETA (MIT)
Richard Marboe, 1981
ALPHA UPSILON (SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)
John Casteix, 1960
Jeffrey Gill, 1978
Andrew Jessup, 1988
Riley Johnson, 1969
Craig Johnson, 1991
William Rakow, 1968
Thomas Ralphs, 1971
ALPHA XI (KANSAS)
William Blessing, 1977
ALPHA ZETA (BELOIT)
Robert Wetzel, 1959
BETA CHI (EMORY)
Larry Baugh, 1967
Douglas Brown, 1965
Walter Cooner, 1974
Stephen Curry, 1985
Doug Dailey, 1978
Jack Everitt, 1967
Thomas Geary, 1970
Richard Hoodenpyle, 1967
Michael Kelly, 1966
Ralph Lehr, 1965
Robert McCrary, 1953
Henry Proctor, 1960
Neal Purcell, 1963
James Snoddy, 1974
BETA DELTA (MONTANA)
Donald Archibald, 1956
Lawrence Pettit, 1959
Stephen Tanner, 1953
BETA EPSILON (UTAH)
Robert Dellenbach, 1986
John Engstrom, 1963
Stephen Handy, 1975
Harold Milner, 1960
David White, 1994
BETA ETA (CASE WESTERN)
Guy Baratz, 2013
Neil Harvey, 1955
Dennis Huffman, 1964
Houston Morgan, 1950
Chris Paolini, 1986
BETA GAMMA (COLORADO COLLEGE)
Sherman Malkerson, 1966
BETA IOTA (OREGON)
Kim Caldwell, 1969
Kent Hughes, 1962
Kevin Norris, 1982
George Vanelli, 1958
BETA KAPPA (OKLAHOMA)
Kenneth Brust, 1966
Archie Farmer, 1983
Andrew Grimm, 2002
Thomas Haddock, 1964
John Stapler, 1991
BETA LAMBDA (DUKE)
John Koskinen, 1961
Ralph Rau, 1962
Adam Tomasiello, 2013
BETA MU (COLORADO-BOULDER)
Ives Murray, 1969
John Shepherd, 1950
James Yurcak, 1987
BETA NU (BROWN)
John Leeming, 1950
David Stevens, 1981
Michael Ursillo, 1978
BETA OMICRON (IOWA STATE)
Kent Johnson, 1978
BETA PHI (ARIZONA)
David Bina, 1982
Donald Buckley, MD, 1978
Jody Davis, 1987
Jack Fritz, 1962
Scott Martindale, 1980
Chris Roemer, 2002
William Scott, 1980
Steven Seiler, 1963
BETA PI (OREGON STATE)
David Clawson, 1982
Ken Griggs, 1984
David Jubb, 1993
Allan Larsen, 1963
Richard Sleeter, 1967
Tracy Smith, 1965
BETA PSI (GEORGIA TECH)
Thomas Blackstock, 1975
William Chester, 1982
Michael Fitzgerald, 1971
Brian Hogg, 1959
George Lawley, 1968
Robert Martin, 1969
William Perkins, 1959
Robert Rankin, 1976
BETA RHO (MONTANA STATE)
Spencer Flodin, 2021
Charles Hanson, 1958
Norman Kamhoot, 1956
Brian Loucks, 1964
Duane Ray, 2000
BETA SIGMA (TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE)
Thomas Ayres, 1956
James Benz, 1972
William Fryar, 1962
George Goosmann, 1957
John Harber, 1974
Victor McLean, 1969
William Thomas, 1979
BETA TAU (COLORADO STATE)
Truman Hall, 1965
BETA THETA (PITTSBURGH)
Mark Nagy, 1954
Kenneth Putkovich, 1960
BETA UPSILON (WASHINGTON STATE)
Norval Nelson, 1977
William Simpson, 1977
Bob Thompson, 1985
Bruce Titus, 1979
BETA XI (NEW MEXICO)
Joseph Driscoll, 1982
Michael Keleher, 1956
Charles LaCroix, 1978
Charles Mohr, 1955
Mark Rainosek, 1987
John Rees, 1970
BETA ZETA (NORTH DAKOTA)
Arlie Johnson, 1969
David Parker, 1977
Robert Wefald, 1964
CHI (HANOVER)
Mark Dunning, 1983
Philip Eckert, 1968
John Lowenstine, 1975
CHI CHI (BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN)
William Barker, 1995
Stephen Davidson, 1996
DELTA (GEORGIA)
Emory Brinson, 1968
Richard Mark Douglas, 1995
Stephen Goodroe, 1971
Douglas Harden, 2005
Jeffrey Muir, 1971
Don O'Quinn, 1962
Ryan Oliver, 1999
Hershell Scarborough, 1968
Kenneth Smith, 1981
Rees Sumerford, 1970
Wesley Turner, 2011
DELTA CHI (WABASH)
Benjamin Wagner, 2002
DELTA DELTA (PURDUE)
Preston Cobb, 1977
James French, 1948
John Hingst, 2010
Joseph Newsom, 1968
Joseph Noonan, 1985
Robert Rozwat, 1990
Steven Schmidt, 1976
Brian Vautaw, 1973
DELTA EPSILON (NORTH CAROLINA STATE)
James Blalock, 1986
John Carson, 1980
Marshal Eagle, 1999
Haywood Ingram, 1973
Jamie Johnson, 1978
Richard Mackey, 1971
Eugene Payne, 1970
Randolph Thomas, 1977
DELTA ETA (CALIFORNIALOS ANGELES)
David Angulo, 1993
Christopher Roberts, 1978
John Wetzel, 1956
DELTA IOTA (DENVER)
William Burke, 1971
Edward Herbst, 1963
David Stinnett, 1989
DELTA KAPPA (BOWLING GREEN)
Christopher Cheuvront, 1990
Robert Donley, 1962
David Hungerford, 1986
Joseph Martini, 1963
David McWilliams, 1980
Steven Shaffer, 1964
DELTA MU (SOUTHERN METHODIST)
Robert Cabes, 1991
James Carlin, 1973
John Gibbs, 1989
Kenneth Hamlett, 1970
Walter Riedel, 1971
Glenn Sollberger, 1960
Joseph Warren, 1976
Jon Weinberg, 1977
Nathan White, 1964
DELTA NU (WAKE FOREST)
Caudell Clark, 1959
Mark Ogren, 1971
David Walker, 1962
Franklin Wood, 1983
DELTA OMEGA (TULSA)
Donald McKinney, 1984
Lewis Rogers, 1961
Marc Rogers, 1988
Roy Teel, 1966
DELTA OMICRON (BRITISH COLUMBIA-SIMON FRASER)
Guy Anderson, 1998
DELTA PHI (PUGET SOUND)
Evan Hull, 1979
Bruce Sadler, 1983
Alexander Weseman, 1987
DELTA PI (OHIO)
Thomas Jones, 1964
Robert Scheuerman, 1957
David Stith, 1964
DELTA PSI (RENSSELAER)
Glenn Alcorn, 1980
Sam Bullard, 1972
George Bushnell, 1966
Gregory Chilson, 1975
Lawrence Frey, 1971
Alan Hanbury, 1974
Robert Jones, 1973
Jan Rigterink, 2001
William C. Wurst, PE, 1971
DELTA RHO (BRADLEY)
Geoffrey Carter, 1990
James Cogdal, 2003
David Frederick, 1959
Donald Gall, 1996
Edward King, 1954
Ronald Lee, 1964
Mark Lee, 1981
George Meyer, 1952
Harry Palmer, 1956
Larry Stein, 1981
Ronald Wilson, 1962
DELTA SIGMA (RHODE ISLAND)
Philip Genereux, 1993
Salvatore Macedonio Jr., 1993
James Quinn, 1962
Stephen Scarborough, 1972
DELTA TAU (WESTMINSTER)
Robert Aulgur, 1976
Donald Bates, 1958
Eoghan Miller, 2004
DELTA THETA (TENNESSEECHATTANOOGA)
Joel Cunningham, 1965
James Day, 1960
Erik Gray, 1996
Billy Hewitt, 1960
James McCormick, 1986
Stuart Walters, 1991
DELTA UPSILON (KANSAS STATE)
David Compton, 1989
Randall Forbes, 1972
Rob (Robin) Hanson, 1989
Richard Hartman, 1971
Mark Hauber, 1974
Jack Marker, 1966
Ronald Myers, 1970
Thomas Roberts, 1970
Barrie Thorp, 1956
William Walter, 1958
DELTA XI (SAN DIEGO STATE)
Edward Blessing, 1960
George Codling, 1967
James Hansen, 1971
Frank Huttlinger, 1984
Michael McGhee, 1965
Robert Odle, 1964
Jorge Ramos, 2015
Eric Reifschneider, 1988
Albert Tan, 1989
DELTA ZETA (WILLAMETTE)
John Finger, 1982
Benjamin Hanks, 2018
Shawn Thompson, 1996
EPSILON (GEORGE WASHINGTON)
Richard Lieberman, 1997
Francis Masci, 1965
Giovanni Tomasi, 2012
EPSILON CHI (LAMAR)
William McCoy, 1969
EPSILON ETA (CAL. STATE-FRESNO)
Lawrence Calvino, 1972
Brad Fischer, 1981
Justin Johnson, 2007
Paul Renner, 1967
EPSILON IOTA (ST. LAWRENCE)
David Flansburg, 1967
William Kennaugh, 1960
EPSILON KAPPA (MEMPHIS)
Jamison Allen, 1973
Jacob Garland, 2015
Forrest Lax, 1963
Zac McRae, 2000
Joseph Pollard, 1979
Charles Summers, 1970
Clinton Thomas, 1994
James Wadell, 1963
EPSILON LAMBDA (RIPON)
William Pye, 1961
Robert Schmitt, 1979
EPSILON MU (TEXAS CHRISTIAN)
Steven Keator, 1977
Frank Moore, 1963
John Mosby, 1988
EPSILON NU (TEXAS TECH)
Brad Barrett, 1992
Constantine Dunias, 1963
Stephen Murphy, 1976
Dan Shaver, 1993
David Williams, 1983
EPSILON OMEGA (BALL STATE)
Steven Bartlett, 1969
Paul Dockins, 1987
James Euler, 1993
Michael Holman, 1978
Steven Houston, 1979
Cory Isom, 2003
Jack C. LaFollette, 1968
Michael Little, 1970
Bryan Mills, 1982
Mark Popovich, 1963
David Potter, 1984
Daniel Rifkind, 2012
Phillip Roberts, 1973
Jacob Steel, 2013
James Yunker, 1969
EPSILON OMICRON (WESTERN)
Timothy Sanderson, 1985
EPSILON PHI (SOUTHEAST MISSOURI)
Charles Bahn, 1977
Dean Cowan, 1992
Kurt Hanneman, 1974
Michael Intagliata, 1971
Richard Jones, 1973
Andrew Reheisse, 2006
Roger Richie, 1970
Mark Ruwe, 1968
EPSILON PI (NORTHERN COLORADO)
Ryan Arnold, 1998
Daniel Davis, 1998
Michael Homyak, 1960
Richard Kaiser, 1972
Jory Taylor, 2004
EPSILON PSI (SAM HOUSTON)
Benjamin Abell, 2012
Stephen Bell, 1971
Ronald Carroll, 1965
Thomas Ely, 1964
Timothy Gregorek, 1991
Steven Seltzer, 1977
EPSILON RHO (RICHMOND)
William Custis, 1971
John Keller, 1972
EPSILON SIGMA (FLORIDA SOUTHERN)
Robert Fryer, 1970
Bruce James, 1987
EPSILON TAU (MURRAY STATE)
Jimmy DeMyer, 1970
Andrew Hillmann, 1987
Gerald Lemons, 1982
Stephen Massey, 1981
James Turner, 1975
Charles Westerfield, 2006
EPSILON THETA (SAN JOSE STATE)
James Beach, 1958
Robert Howell, 1978
Richard McAllister, 1971
Christopher South, 2010
Ronald Wilcox, 1966
EPSILON UPSILON (ARIZONA STATE)
Steve Brayton, 1983
Christopher Coleman, 1987
Kyle Dorand, 1997
Forest Klumph, 1964
Douglas Manzler, 1986
EPSILON XI (HOUSTON)
Henry Clark, 1972
John Clarke, 1982
Scott Field, 1989
Joe Martin, 1976
EPSILON ZETA (FLORIDA STATE)
William Avirett, 1971
Scott Brock, 1981
John Carpenter, 1969
Alex Hennigar, 1988
Matthew Holcomb, 1996
Britton Landrum, 1959
Michael Vestal, 1966
Thomas Westhafer, 1960
ETA (MISSISSIPPI)
James Lee, 1991
Rush Peace, 1957
William Walker, 1955
ETA ALPHA (EASTERN KENTUCKY)
Richard Mallow, 1985
Jerome Marks, 2000
Michael Sawyer, 1985
ETA BETA (CAL. STATE-LONG BEACH)
Garry Fisher, 1978
Darryl Horowitt, 1978
ETA CHI (YOUNGSTOWN)
Lelan Jones, 2013
Steven Tripepi, 2010
ETA DELTA (TENNESSEE TECH)
Ken Blackburn, 1977
ETA EPSILON (SOUTH ALABAMA)
Jeffrey Forrester, 2005
ETA GAMMA (MIDDLE TENNESSEE)
Ryan Donald, 2002
Joseph Knose, 1979
Rick Marriott, 1973
Sam Niemeier, 1974
David Stamps, 1978
ETA IOTA (EMBRY-RIDDLE [DAYTONA BEACH])
Christopher Nevins, 1996
Robert Pacheco, 1990
William Reynolds, 1991
ETA KAPPA (MISSOURI STATE)
Jason Green, 1997
ETA LAMBDA (VIRGINIA TECH)
Timothy Facius, 1978
Thomas Giroux, 1991
Stephen Hollins, 1975
Todd Kerrins, 1997
Dennis Mahan, 1998
Phillip Millett, 1988
Mark Shuart, 1976
ETA MU (EASTERN ILLINOIS)
Joseph Caruso, 1975
Ryan Gammelgard, 1999
Bruce Hunt, 1973
Brian Jones, 2001
Robert McLaughlin, 1997
James Pritchard, 1980
Michael Sarallo, 1990
Ronald Siniscalchi, 1985
Kevin Sullivan, 1974
ETA NU (NORTHERN ILLINOIS)
Richard Bremer, 1982
Michael Canova, 1982
James Woodke, 1982
ETA OMEGA (BAYLOR)
Richard Parizek, 1982
ETA OMICRON (INDIANA [PENNSYLVANIA])
Richard Swivel, 1970
ETA PI (CENTRAL FLORIDA)
James Hasley, 1994
Charles Killam, 1986
Tom Oros, 1985
ETA PSI (CLEMSON)
Steven Alfaro, 1993
ETA RHO (NORTH ALABAMA)
Edward Corrigan, 1976
Stephen McClanahan, 1981
Christopher Miller, 1990
Ken Rees, 1983
ETA SIGMA (CALIFORNIA-IRVINE)
Donald Scott, 1984
ETA TAU (STEPHEN F. AUSTIN)
Christopher Goeters, 1989
Ron Hunt, 1991
ETA THETA (GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN)
George Daniel, 1980
Bobby Fletcher, 1978
John Gunderman, 1969
James Lunsford, 1971
James Parker, 1971
Carson Walker, 1974
ETA UPSILON (TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION)
Howard Acton, 1977
John Cox, 1981
Michael Goetz, 1983
John Gromala, 1987
Stephen Maberry, 1988
Cristian Mattoon, 1989
ETA XI (AUSTIN PEAY)
Stephen Cole, 1994
John Hoesli, 2016
William Jackson, 1993
Ken Killebrew, 1972
Frank Pierce, 1976
David Sowell, 1984
Roy Thompson, 1975
Bryan Young, 1993
ETA ZETA (GEORGIA SOUTHERN)
Darron Burnette, 1988
John Darley, 1985
William McGahee, 1972
Charles Pitts, 1983
Destry Rogers, 1986
H. Rogers, 1986
Tim Salter, 2014
GAMMA (OHIO WESLEYAN)
Jackson Brown, 1960
Neil Gest, 1957
Charles Smith, 1962
GAMMA CHI (MARYLAND)
William Andrews, 1953
Charles Graves, 1966
Antonio Ristaino, 1975
Norman Stinchcomb, 1969
Scott Werber, 1986
GAMMA DELTA (OKLAHOMA STATE)
Michael Carter, 1970
Stephen Cropper, 1972
Grayson Fritz, 2025
Michael Gaudet, 2010
George Kizer, 1968
Kenneth Klein, 1965
James Kuykendall, 1987
William McNeill, 1971
GAMMA EPSILON (WHITMAN)
Kyle Moyes, 2014
GAMMA ETA (IDAHO)
Loren Butler, 1963
Douglas Gibson, 1991
John Herndon, 1966
William Jensen, 1966
Laurence Moore, 1980
William Morrow, 1967
Robert Youngstrom, 1957
GAMMA IOTA (LOUISIANA STATE)
Gary Crawford, 1962
William Furr, 1959
Ronald Knecht, 1975
Lowen Loftin, 1988
Gordon Mayeux, 1982
Terry Miller, 1964
James Titus, 1964
Peter Williston, 1978
GAMMA KAPPA (UTAH STATE)
Thomas Crockett, 1974
Gary Showalter, 1967
Paul Stover, 1969
Scot Tilley, 1972
GAMMA NU (SOUTH CAROLINA)
George Russell, 1952
James Zeigler, 1970
GAMMA OMEGA (CONNECTICUT)
Eric Snyder, 1966
Nicholas Wong, 2009
GAMMA OMICRON (COLGATE)
Richard Harder, 1976
GAMMA PHI (MIAMI [FLORIDA])
Richard Burns, 1969
Brandon Gross, 2009
Douglas Maxwell, 1955
Wayne Pass, 1988
Frank Pitt, 1964
Philip Sweet, 1976
GAMMA PI (ROCHESTER)
Stephen Kotz, 1981
Robert Stone, 1969
Karl Thielking, 1977
Claude Valliere, 1980
Donald Winkley, 1959
GAMMA PSI (MICHIGAN STATE)
Jeffrey Berner, 1975
Joseph Brotherston, 1954
Lynn Gill, 1962
GAMMA RHO (DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY'S)
Chris Ryan, 1993
GAMMA SIGMA (AUBURN)
Jordan Moseley, 1994
Leo Mueller, 1967
Christopher Sanders, 1984
GAMMA TAU (NORTH DAKOTA STATE)
David Jorgensen, 1969
Daniel Klug, 1983
John Peters, 1999
GAMMA THETA (FLORIDA)
Robert Buck, 1975
Derrick Cox, 1986
David Echols, 1966
Donnie Hicks, 1967
Joshua Hunter, 1999
Robert Kelley, 1981
Michael Meffert, 1961
Blake Stichter, 1974
D. Joel Whalen, 1972
Clifford Wright, 1955
GAMMA UPSILON (MISSISSIPPI STATE)
Eugene Carothers, 1969
William Cummins, 1996
Henry Martin, 1974
Martin Swayze, 1957
Sid Watters, 1972
GAMMA XI (WYOMING)
Robert Fiero, 1960
John Mueller, 1963
GAMMA ZETA (UNION)
John Breault, 1980
Don Decesare, 1974
Theodore Harrington, 1960
Lance Harry, 1992
Thomas Heyer, 1978
Darryl Hunt, 1987
Robert Mandry, 1973
Douglas Wingerath, 1976
IOTA ALPHA (CAL. STATESAN BERNARDIN0)
Christopher Ahearn, 1990
IOTA CHI (CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO)
Brian Holland, 1993
Victor Song, 1992
Daniel Wilson, 1994
IOTA ETA (WESTERN CONNECTICUT)
Damon Kimble, 1998
IOTA IOTA (ALABAMA)
David Dahmen, 1972
Donald Johnson, 1973
Robert Lacey, 1968
Lee Loftin, 1980
Bob Pierce, 1967
Bert Taylor, 1971
James Yeldell, 1986
Robert Yoe, 1984
IOTA MU (WILFRID LAURIER)
Cruise Yong, 2003
IOTA NU (FURMAN)
Leo Fackler, 2003
Kevin Hebblethwaite, 1994
Brian Wooten, 1994
Brian Wright, 1990
IOTA PHI (NORTH TEXAS)
Jim Bullock, 1992
Winston Corse, 2022
Jeff A. Cox, 1992
Wade May, 1995
James Ward, 2001
IOTA PI (MARQUETTE)
Matthew Harrison, 1999
IOTA PSI (RUTGERS)
Paul Brown, 1997
Ryan Temby, 1990
IOTA SIGMA (VALPARAISO)
Benjamin Barnard, 2010
Mark Knueppel, 1992
Zachary Thompson, 2024
Christopher Wilbus, 1996
IOTA TAU (ST. THOMAS)
Timothy Sullivan, 2010
IOTA THETA (DAYTON)
Patrick McCulloch, 1997
IOTA ZETA (CLARKSON)
Ryan Joy, 2006
James Matteson, 2001
Robert Michaud, 1990
KAPPA (BUCKNELL)
Gerry Hall, 1963
Thomas Long, 1978
Barry Munn, 1988
Carl Simon, 1992
Robert Steinmetz, 1962
KAPPA BETA (NORTH FLORIDA)
Vernon Ferris, 1991
Matthew Matella, 2006
KAPPA ETA (HARVARD)
Edward Jones, 2005
KAPPA GAMMA (WESTERN CAROLINA)
Ben Pendry, 2006
KAPPA KAPPA (ILLINOIS)
Mark Anderson, 1977
John Bradford, 1977
Ned Buddell, 1978
James French, 1969
Patrick Healy, 1974
Daniel Lucado, 1972
William McDonnell, 1982
Hugh Robinson, 1972
Timothy Veldman, 2012
Blake Wilson, 1988
KAPPA MU (WINDSOR)
William Ma, 2009
KAPPA OMEGA (TAMPA)
Michael Dec, 2020
KAPPA PSI (TENNESSEE-MARTIN)
Jared Anderson, 2008
Adam Francis, 2007
Aaron Richardson, 2008
KAPPA RHO (AMERICAN)
Heath Hutchison, 2000
Charles Perego, 2004
Samuel Rosenfeld-McMahon, 2027
KAPPA XI (TARLETON STATE)
Isaac Chavez, 2000
Robert Franco, 2016
KAPPA ZETA (RADFORD)
James Hogg, 1991
James Masson, 1992
LAMBDA (INDIANA)
Richard Applas, 1958
Robert Brafford, 1961
Brandon Chaney, 1993
Donald Dalton, 1971
William Drake, 1976
John Frisinger, 1952
Lee Hodgen, 1951
Stephen Huse, 1972
James Kelley, 1999
Matthew Kelley, 1988
Donald Kuhs, 1970
Douglas Morrow, 1974
Robert Zerbe, 1972
LAMBDA ALPHA (KNOX)
Christopher Colburn, 2018
LAMBDA DELTA (CALIFORNIA-MERCED)
Peter Karabinis, 2017
LAMBDA EPSILON (NEW HAVEN)
Richard Rotella, 2015
LAMBDA LAMBDA (KENTUCKY)
Robert Dorsey, 1975
Carl Lay, 1966
Joseph Martin, 1966
William Shely, 1974
William Wells, 1962
LAMBDA OMICRON (SOUTHERN ILLINOISCARBONDALE)
Richard Reynoso, 2020
LAMBDA PSI (LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE)
Grayson Stepanek, 2022
LAMBDA THETA (OTTAWA)
Devin Langlois, 2019
MU (DENISON)
Richard Dusterberg, 1960
Jerry Stephens, 1950
MU DELTA (VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH)
Wade Huish, 2021
MU MU (WEST VIRGINIA)
James Cooper, 2003
Thomas Evans, 1968
Robert Full, 1971
David Gladwell, 1962
NU NU (COLUMBIA)
Mark Coady, 1994
Edgar Copeland, 1959
OMEGA (NORTHWESTERN)
John Becker, 1966
Andrew Glassman, MD, 1974
David Lanthier, 1983
Lawrece Miller, 1981
David Walker, 1980
James Weber, 1971
OMEGA OMEGA (ARKANSAS)
Richard Appleton, 1976
Eugene Crouch, 1965
Bradley Day, 2013
James Gilbert, 1961
Alfred Gordon, 1991
Kenneth Hatfield, 1965
Harold Hedges, 1955
William James, 1972
Jimmy Price, 1960
Frank Pylate, 1960
William Sigler, 1963
OMICRON (DICKINSON)
Thomas Fanta, 1967
Jeffrey Murison, 1993
James Nickel, 1951
PHI PHI (PENNSYLVANIA)
Morris Nunes, 1970
PSI (VIRGINIA)
Erik Anderson, 1981
Martin Brill, 1974
George Maughan, 1974
Edward Taylor, 1974
PSI PSI (SYRACUSE)
James Bersani, 1980
Francis Koziuk, 1971
Dave Pietrowski, 1985
RHO (BUTLER)
Brian Burbrink, 2002
Curt Franke, 1988
Daniel Lee, 1979
Scott Menne, 1991
Ronald Reehling, 1957
Jeffrey Sampson, 1983
SIGMA SIGMA (HAMPDEN-SYDNEY)
Todd Farrand, 1984
Frederick Weaver, 1959
TAU (ROANOKE)
Roy Henwood, 1969
Thomas Illmensee, 1966
Christoper Kilcoyne, 2002
George Mikitzki, 1973
Frank "Derry" Robinson, 1967
Chris Walters, 2000
Justin Worrilow, 2001
TAU TAU (WASHINGTON [ST. LOUIS])
Thom Chesney, 1988
Donald Frahm, 1953
Wade Price, 1985
THETA (GETTYSBURG)
Geoffrey Geffken, 1972
Timothy Parsons, 1964
John Sims, 1964
THETA ALPHA (CLARION)
Michael Marlovits, 1989
THETA BETA (SOUTH FLORIDA)
Keith Davis, 1989
Andrew Musgrove, 2020
THETA CHI (ARKANSAS STATE)
Chris Ball, 2003
Shaun Perkins, 2001
Lane Pippin, 1987
THETA DELTA (SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI)
Gavin Langston, 1999
THETA EPSILON (NORTH GEORGIA)
Roman Gaddis, 1997
Paul Ingram, 1992
THETA ETA (MISSOURI S & T)
Denny Henson, 1988
Jesse Kauffman, 2003
David Loida, 1990
THETA GAMMA (DRAKE)
Mark Glowacz, 1999
THETA IOTA (SAINT LOUIS)
Brian Spellecy, 1997
THETA KAPPA (TEXAS-ARLINGTON)
Mark Tzatzaris, 2000
THETA LAMBDA (SAN DIEGO)
Christopher Kitzman, 1987
David Quinn, 1988
THETA MU (SPRING HILL)
Theodore Kearley, 1984
William Weinzierl, 2007
THETA OMICRON (CALIFORNIA-DAVIS)
Kevin Bassett, 1992
THETA PI (INDIANA STATE)
Andrew Fish, 1999
THETA PSI (WATERLOO)
Matthew Hassenbach, 2020
Paul Nogas, 2010
THETA SIGMA (CAL. POLY.-POMONA)
Michael Foulger, 1989
Robert Gammariello, 1989
Scott Higuera, 1992
Marc Sims, 2010
THETA TAU (TEXAS STATE)
Michael Heger, 1991
THETA THETA (MICHIGAN)
John Drammis, 1961
Bert Getz, 1959
Nicholas Kouchoukos, 1958
Terence McInerney, 1983
Donald Seifel, 1980
Terry Slonaker, 1963
THETA XI (CAL. STATESACRAMENTO)
Michael Ifurung, 1999
Allan Robinson, 1988
THETA ZETA (BRIDGEWATER STATE)
Albert Boulanger, 1987
Bruce DeViller, 1988
Vincent Fernald, 1990
UPSILON UPSILON (WASHINGTON [SEATTLE])
David Dow, 1963
Mark Emory, 1982
Bradley Nysether, 1982
Dean Robinson, 1975
Michael Wyszkowski, 1985
XI (DEPAUW)
John Kniesly, 1973
Michael Lapean, 2020
Paul Meginnis, 1956
XI XI (MISSOURI-COLUMBIA)
John Qualy, 1970
ZETA CHI (NEVADA-LAS VEGAS)
Craig Hawkins, 1977
Kirk Hendrick, 1988
Jim Luce, 1980
John Pasquantino, 1984
ZETA ETA (TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE)
Joseph Dowling, 1983
Jim Fraley, 1969
Michael Smythe, 1994
Dennis Stanley, 1971
Robert Whitener, 1964
James Williams, 1975
ZETA IOTA (PITTSBURG STATE)
Michael Collar, 1984
Larry Cukjati, 1975
James Harris, 1968
Robert Sawyer, 1984
ZETA KAPPA (CALIFORNIASANTA BARBARA)
Gary Dales, 1977
ZETA LAMBDA (KENT STATE)
Stanley Ballou, 1969
Richard Hronek, 1969
Andrew Mertel, 2005
Kenneth Presley, 1989
Ralph Snyder, 1994
ZETA MU (WESTERN KENTUCKY)
Edwin Boland, 1969
ZETA NU (WESTERN MICHIGAN)
Michael Henne, 1975
John Johnston, 1982
ZETA OMEGA (EAST TENNESSEE)
Kenneth Bailey, 1992
Wes Holtsclaw, 2012
Stephen Love, 1979
William Schmidt, 1968
ZETA OMICRON (NORTHERN ARIZONA)
George Andrade, 1978
Charles Graves, 1979
Steven Shields, 1980
ZETA PI (TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE)
Clarence Horlen, 1968
Kelly Park, 1988
James Schueneman, 1971
ZETA PSI (CINCINNATI)
Bryant Callaghan, 1972
Richard Crone, 1964
James DeWitt, 1959
Nick Flerlage, 2010
David Ostermeyer, 1980
Nicholas Parsenios, 1991
Seth Vensil, 2009
ZETA RHO (CENTRAL MICHIGAN)
Keith Anderson, 1965
Leslie Burnett, 2002
Scott Cartwright, 1986
David Drain, 1981
Gary DuBois, 1968
Anthony Gandolfi, 1970
David Lamy, 1974
Duncan Redfield, 1985
David Tompkins, 1975
James Vruggink, 1970
ZETA SIGMA (EASTERN NEW MEXICO)
David Valente, 2005
ZETA TAU (FORT HAYS)
Daniel Hubbard, 1984
William Keefer, 1981
Thomas Shade, 1981
Robert Wilson, 1981
ZETA THETA (KETTERING)
Spencer Bailey, 1996
Brad Brumm, 2003
Jack Horvath, 1969
Samuel MacMillan, 1973
Cesare Turrin, 1977
Edward Werner, 1964
ZETA UPSILON (WILLIAM & MARY)
Kenneth Bradley, 1985
Sam Eure, 2007
William Fondren, 1991
David Puster, 1979
Franklin Roach, 1972
James Schwarz, 1979
ZETA XI (CAL. STATENORTHRIDGE)
Fred Gage, 1968
James McDonald, 1965
Mathew Quintero, 2020
Corey Thompson, 2010
Gary Williams, 1977
ZETA ZETA (CENTRE)
Lewis Gernert, 1985
Stephen Kirzinger, 1968
On June 28, join us in celebrating the 170th anniversary of our beloved Fraternity. Wear your badge. Call a brother. Fly our flag. Pay it forward.
Help us surpass our $2.1 million fiscal year milestone and our $170,000 single-day goal with a generous gift to support our Fraternity’s greatest need during Founders’ Day of Giving. JUNE 22-28
JUNE 28, 2025