THE CENTENNIAL ISSUE
SUMMER 2026
VOL. 145 #2
/ ARCHIVES /
THE GENESIS AND LEGACY OF DERBY DAYS The Magazine of Sigma Chi takes a look at one of Sigma Chi’s most popular philanthropic events.
/ INSIDE SIGMA CHI /
14 28
42 8
/ FEATURES /
/ EVERY ISSUE /
8 10 28 58 64
4 7 14
Character-in-Action™ Order of Constantine Feature Archives The Transformational Leader
From the Grand Consul Social Sigs Alumni Almanac
/ ON THE COVER /
42 Campus Chronicles 52 Chapter Eternal 61 Closing Circle
This throwback look on the cover is reminiscent of early The Magazine of Sigma Chi cover designs from the 1920s until 1950.
/ FROM THE GRAND CONSUL /
"THE WORLD NEEDS SIGMA CHI MORE THAN EVER."
B
ROTHERS, One hundred years of The Magazine of Sigma Chi! One
3. The Ritual Committee has done a wonderful job of clarifying the statutes,
hundred years of this wonderful publication informing our Fraternity of
fixing grammatical errors and putting in clarifying notes for our Grand Council
the comings and goings of our great Fraternity.
to consider. These are an aggregate of the feedback from our Ritual Masters,
I remember fondly the first time I was introduced to The Magazine
Ritual Peers and our chapters. Unfortunately, this will require a fresh printing
— I devoured it. It was the reason I pushed my Life Loyal Sig designation, and
of the Ritual books.
I have enjoyed all of the issues ever since. As I am not a collector, I opted to
4. Archiving of the historical artifacts is quite a process. Step one of
get the digital version several years ago instead of my home version. I eagerly
assessing what we have and what it will take to file and secure our historical
await its arrival every quarter. Like many, I first flip to my chapter’s update,
data is complete. We are now in the process of identifying donors who might be
then I peruse the statistics and finally go to the front to read the intentional
interesting in providing the support necessary to complete this worthy effort.
articles. It is one of my life’s pleasures.
Lastly, I want to leave you with this thought. I have been very busy visiting
As for me: One year into the biennium, and one year into being Grand Consul.
chapters, spending time at reunions and attending meetings. The experience
We have accomplished very much. The priorities I laid out at Grand Chapter are
has been overwhelming, humbling and emotional. We have a wonderful
all well under way. Many are in the implementation phase. I will elaborate:
Fraternity, full of brothers that love Sigma Chi, love their chapter and love
1. Transform (Officer Training) is in the final design stages and will be ready
their brothers.
for fall implementation. We are actively looking for alumni volunteers to be
The world needs Sigma Chi more than ever. Young men need Sigma Chi, and
officer mentors. If you are interested, reach out to Headquarters, send me a
our alumni need Sigma Chi. I am confident of our longevity. Our brothers’ self-
message, or get in touch with your Grand Praetor.
motivation will ensure Sigma Chi thrives long into the future.
2. Preparation for Brotherhood (P4B) rewrites are fully underway. The videos, which will replace the PowerPoint slides, are being created, and all the
Guard well,
Magisters have been invited to Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop for training. The new program has a return to our roots. We are going to require pledges to learn and remember many of the things that we all were required to learn and remember. Stop by your local chapter, meet the pledges, and talk to
Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990
the Magister. I am certain they will be happy to show you the new program.
74th Grand Consul
4 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
SUMMER 2026 / VOL. 145, #2 The Magazine of Sigma Chi, the official exoteric quarterly publication of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1881. Its mission is to reflect through content the Sigma Chi experience; to instill and sustain pride in the International Fraternity; to educate and entertain its undergraduate members, alumni, parents and others interested in the Fraternity; to maintain a historical record of the activities of the Fraternity and its undergraduate and alumni chapters; and to present current issues affecting the Greek-letter system, the Fraternity and its members. EDITORIAL TEAM EDITORIAL INTERN CONTRIBUTERS David Jones Ashley Szatala Addison Vinson Jim Cogdal Nathanael Hawthorne CREATIVE DESIGN PRINTING ADVERTISING SALES Maddy Chapman Royle Printing Justin Hanen CONTACT The Magazine, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 editor@sigmachi.org sigmachi.org/magazine CALL: (847) 869-3655 FAX: (847) 869-4906 ADVERTISING View our media kit at sigmachi.org/files/mediakit.pdf. Contact Justin Hanen at (847) 425-4413, or email justin.hanen@sigmachi.org to place an ad. © 2026 Sigma Chi Fraternity | The Magazine of Sigma Chi (USPS325500) is issued quarterly by Sigma Chi Fraternity International Headquarters 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 Periodicals postage paid at Evanston, Illinois and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Magazine of Sigma Chi, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. HOW TO RECEIVE THE MAGAZINE | Undergraduates: Undergraduate members receive a digital copy of The Magazine through payment of semiannual dues through their chapter. Individual copies are emailed to each undergraduate, and five copies are sent via postal mail to the chapter editor or the chapter house. Recent graduates: The Sigma Chi Foundation gives each recent graduate a one-year complimentary membership in the Life Loyal Sig annual fund program, which includes four digital issues of The Magazine of Sigma Chi. At the end of the year, recent graduates may continue to receive The Magazine through the alumni options. Alumni: Alumni receive The Magazine by contributing to the Life Loyal Sig annual fund program. Persons contributing $1-99 annually receive a digital version of The Magazine via email, and those contributing $100+ annually receive one paper copy each quarter. For either of these, phone subscription sales at (847) 869-3655 or visit sigmachi.org/lifeloyal. A single copy of the current issue is $8.75 and can be purchased by contacting subscription sales. Past issues are $10.25 each. HOW TO CHANGE AN ADDRESS | Email your old and new addresses to addresschange@ sigmachi.org. You may also call (847) 869-3655, send mail to Address Changes, 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201, or go to sigmachi.org > Membership > Update my contact info.
Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, is pictured with Colby Hebert, LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 2024, on the balcony of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson in Washington, D.C., where Temby supported the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee. Hebert works as a legislative aid to Johnson.
MORE CHAMPION SIGS: In our spring issue, we ran a story listing Sigma Chi champion athletes previously noted in magazine archives and asked readers to let us know any we missed. We're delighted to share three additional championship-winning Sigs were discovered: Stephen Cox, ELON 1987 | 1988 Super Bowl champion, Washington Redskins
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: Jan. 1 Fall issue: June 1 Summer issue: April 1 Winter issue: Sept. 1
Significant Sig Terry Barr, MICHIGAN 1957 | 1957 NFL champion, Detroit Lions Significant Sig Ron Kramer, MICHIGAN 1957 | 1961, 1962 NFL champion, Green Bay Packers expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 5
PRESERVE IMPROVE EXPAND
PRESERVE chapter housing by consulting on project design & property management and, when warranted, offering conservation of title IMPROVE chapter housing by providing local house corporations access to professional services, and training for volunteers EXPAND chapter housing by offering financial support & resources to local house corporations for construction, renovation & acquisitions
Learn more about how your House Corporation can work with CHI... TODAY! On the web, visit:
www.ConstantineHousing.org By phone, call:
6 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
847.869.3658
/ SOCIAL SIGS /
SOCIAL SIGS
FOLLOW THE FEED @sigmachi @officialsigs Sigma Chi Fraternity officialsigs #SIGMACHI for the chance to be featured.
🐻⬇
sigmachi Next stop: Chicago! Congratulations to former USC Trojans and Louisville Football quarterback Miller Moss, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2025, on signing with the Chicago Bears. We’ll be cheering for you this season! IHSV
BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION
sigmachi Today, on National Medal of Honor Day, we salute our brothers who served our country and were awarded the United States Armed Forces’ highest military decoration for their acts of valor. All Honor To Their Names
🤍
sigmachi The Masters and Sigma Chi, a tradition unlike any other
⛳
Did you know three Sigma Chi brothers have played in The Masters previously? Additionally, be sure to catch Significant Sig Matt Barrie, ARIZONA STATE 2001, covering the tournament again this year on ESPN and SportsCenter. Who do you have taking home the green jacket this weekend? Let us know below!
🤍
sigmachi Good luck to Team USA manager and Significant Sig Mark DeRosa, PENNSYLVANIA 1997, in the World Baseball Classic championship tonight at 7 p.m. on FOX with Significant Sig Joe Davis, BELOIT 2010, calling the action. Did you know the quarterfinal game between Team USA and Canada featured three Significant Sigs? In addition to DeRosa and Davis, Significant Sig Bill Miller, CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES 1989, umpired behind the plate!
Jim Lawson A GREAT LOSS: SIGNIFICANT SIG PATRICK MULDOON, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1990 ENTERS THE CHAPTER ETERNAL SUNDAY, 9/27/68 - 4/19/26: I received a call Sunday from Brother Muldoon's best friend and pledge brother Shane Foley that Pat, also a friend of mine for many years here in Los Angeles, passed away today. Details not clear yet but could have been a heart attack. He was 57 years old and about to begin production on a new film he was producing to be filmed on location in Australia. Pat begain his career as a thespian acting on the sitcom "Saved By The Bell" and progressed to many other television and film projects including the soap "Days Of Our Lives." He had acted in a number of Lifetime movies, action films and he was well known for his role in the cult sci-fi film "Starship Troopers" before he shifted primarily to producing, though still taking selective acting roles on occasion.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 7
/ CHARACTER-IN-ACTION™ /
BY ADDISON VINSON, NORTH GEORGIA 2028 //////
RESTORING SIGHT, TRANSFORMING LIVES Dr. Joe Fammartino, PITTSBURGH 1972, has volunteered with Medical Ministry International for more than 30 years, leading eye care teams across South America and Asia to bring free vision care to those who would otherwise go without
d
r. Joe Fammartino, PITTSBURGH 1972, was looking for a way to extend
his surgical talents — and, if possible, bring his three daughters along for the journey. In 1994, he discovered a volunteer medical mission group
through the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He signed up and never looked back.
More than 30 years and 32 international missions later, Fammartino serves as medical director of an eye care team with Medical Ministry International (MMI), a Canada-based nonprofit whose volunteers have provided direct care to more than 125,000 people worldwide. For his extraordinary commitment to restoring sight to the world’s most vulnerable, Fammartino has been named this quarter’s Mark V. Anderson Character-in-ActionTM Leadership Award recipient. A DOCTOR WITHOUT BORDERS — OR LIMITS MMI eye teams typically include around eight ophthalmologists and roughly 40 total volunteers. For 14 years, Fammartino’s team served impoverished communities across Colombia before he became medical director and transitioned the group to Bolivia, where they have worked for the past eight years. Intermittently, he and his wife, Toni, have also traveled to Myanmar. On a recent two-week trip to Bolivia alone, the team saw just under 3,000 patients — many receiving their first pair of glasses. The most common condition is cataracts so advanced they would rarely be seen in the United States. Using a technique adapted from methods developed by ophthalmologists in India, the team restores vision within a day of surgery. A pediatric ophthalmologist on the team also corrects crossed eyes in children —
8 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / winter 2024-2025
Dr. Joe Fammartino, PITTSBURGH 1972
Dr. Joe Fammartino, PITTSBURGH 1972, looks at a patient’s eye while volunteering on a Medical Ministry International mission trip.
Dr. Joe Fammartino, PITTSBURGH 1972, and his wife, Toni, are pictured while volunteering at the Villa Therese Catholic Clinic in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they offer free eye exams to those who can’t afford them.
often 35 to 40 procedures per trip — giving kids a new chance at school and a
remember how to do basic eye care,” he says. “There are other avenues to provide
healthy sense of self.
eye care without doing the fancy surgeries.”
“You see people that are blind,” Fammartino says. “They’re brought in not
Since his recovery, Fammartino has continued as medical director of his MMI
seeing — and then the day after, they’re starting to see again. They can see their
team — coordinating equipment, soliciting donations from manufacturers and
family, their grandchildren. It’s pretty moving.”
triaging patients in the field. He completed his 32nd medical mission to South
The moment that stays with Fammartino involves a Colombian man in his 50s,
America in 2025. Closer to home, he and Toni volunteer at the Villa Therese
led in by his wife because cataracts had left him nearly blind. He operated on one
Catholic Clinic in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offering free exams and glasses to low-
eye. The following year, when the team’s bus pulled up, the man rushed to the
income and uninsured patients, many of whom have never seen a doctor.
window — back for his second surgery and eager to share that he now ran a small coffee kiosk.
“The thing about Toni and Joe is they give so much — and I don’t just mean their time or their money,” says Clara Lee Arnold, director of development at the
“It gives you such a warm, positive feeling about how simple it is, but how it
clinic. “They give of themselves, and that is what you really feel when you’re
changes people’s lives,” he says.
working with them.”
RESILIENCE IN SERVICE
A COMPELLING PURPOSE
In January 2019, Fammartino’s life changed when he and Toni were struck by a
When asked what continues to compel him across time zones and decades,
snowplow, leaving him with a brain injury requiring six weeks in a neurosurgical
Fammartino’s answer is simple. He does not cite professional obligation or a sense
ICU. When he tested himself at an advanced retinal surgery program at Duke, he
of duty. He points to the morning after surgery and what it means to hand someone
found he could no longer carry through procedures he had performed for decades.
back the thing they thought they’d lost.
He resigned from his practice and stepped back from performing surgeries on mission trips — but he did not step away from service. “God has been just unbelievably gracious because as I recovered, I was able to
Character -In-action™
“It’s an opportunity to provide care well beyond going to your office and seeing patients,” he says. “It’s just a compelling opportunity to serve in a specialty where you can make that kind of difference.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS A person with good character shows trustworthiness, respect and fairness to others, as well as responsibility and citizenship. Those members who go out of their way to help others and those who overcome obstacles and lead with integrity are good candidates for the Mark V. Anderson Character-in-Action™ Leadership Award. Sigma Chi introduced the award to recognize the selfless acts of brothers. A formal recognition by the Fraternity allows non-members to appreciate the scope of the organization. For information about the award, see sigmachi.org/character.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 9
/ 2026 ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIGS /
ORDER OF
CONSTANTINE Sigma Chi International Fraternity is proud to announce the 2026 inductees to the Order of Constantine. Induction into the order is the Fraternity’s highest honor. It is bestowed upon Sigs who have devoted 20 or more years of service to Sigma Chi. Chris Ahearn, CAL. STATE-SAN BERNARDINO 1990
Ahearn has served as chapter advisor for the San Diego State chapter and previously for the California-San Diego chapter, shepherding at UCSD cultural transformation, anti-hazing education and leadership development. At the San Diego State chapter, he inspired the men to become a consistent six-figure Huntsman Cancer Foundation fundraising chapter. A former South Central province Grand Praetor, Ahearn also has served as a workshop facilitator, Foundational Leadership Mentor, Ritual Peer, initiation interviewer, recruitment advisor and installation volunteer. He has been a regular speaker at the San Diego Alumni Chapter and province conferences and actively collaborates with the San Diego State house corporation.
Dustin Buecker, MIAMI (OHIO) 1992
Buecker has been a committed volunteer since 1993, first serving as the live-in house director for the Miami (Ohio) chapter and then as chapter advisor for many years. He also has been a longtime house corporation member, even serving as president, and was key in helping the Alpha chapter end its probationary status with the university. Buecker has assisted with initiations at the Miami (Ohio) and Cincinnati chapters and has mentored undergraduates in personal, fraternal and professional matters. He is a Founding Site warden and longtime member and leader of the Cincinnati Alumni Chapter. Buecker received the Cincy Sig Service Award in 2021.
Randall Coppersmith, SOUTH FLORIDA 1979
Significant Sig Coppersmith, a founding member of the South Florida chapter, has devoted nearly five decades to Fraternity service. He helped establish the Theta Beta Foundation at South Florida and served as its chairman from 1999 to 2024, guiding scholarship awards, financial stewardship and crisis leadership that preserved the chapter’s university standing. Coppersmith also has held leadership roles across the Sigma Chi Foundation, including serving on the Board of Governors and Development, Grants and Scholarships, Investment, Audit, and Executive Committees. He has raised millions for scholarships, modernized the Foundation’s systems, and has been a dedicated member of the Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter for decades. 10 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Steve Davidson, BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN 1996
Davidson has devoted his professional career to Sigma Chi first as a Headquarters staff member and then as executive director of the Risk Management Foundation and leader within the Constantine Housing Initiative. His work has transformed risk management, house corporations, member safety and fraternity housing across North America. Additional Fraternity service includes serving on the Birmingham-Southern chapter advisory board and co-founding the Dickerson Travel Scholarship that awarded more than $100,000 prior to the school’s 2024 closure. Davidson also has served on the Birmingham-Southern house corporation and the house corporations of CHI-acquired chapter houses. He is a member of the Birmingham, Alabama, Alumni Chapter.
Dr. Larry Dawson, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 1975
Dawson’s service includes long standing membership with the Middle Tennessee house corporation, serving as president and chairing the Eta Gamma Capital Action Plan Committee to pay off debt to the university. He also was instrumental in the rechartering of the Tennessee-Knoxville chapter, devoting countless hours mentoring student leaders and working collaboratively with university administrators to rebuild a culture rooted in integrity and excellence. Dawson served as East Tennessee province Grand Praetor for over a decade and is affiliated with the Stone River, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, alumni chapters. His leadership in the area has earned him two Grand Consul Citations.
Thomas Fickling Jr., SOUTH CAROLINA 1959
Fickling has more than 60 years of devotion to Sigma Chi. He was pivotal in the reestablishment of the Samford and Birmingham-Southern chapters as well as the recent installation of the Alabama-Birmingham chapter. Fickling personally guaranteed a $50,000 debt to Samford University for the construction of the Pi chapter house and served as house corporation president for more than 25 years. At Birmingham-Southern, he was a lead donor for the chapter house there. Fickling has been a longtime member and former president of the Birmingham Alumni Chapter. He is a two-time recipient of the Alabama Northern Province Alumnus of the Year Award.
Alan Fidelo, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1987
Fidelo has served the Central Florida chapter for more than 35 years. Shortly after graduating he became — and still serves as — an initial alumni interviewer; house corporation director, including the roles of treasurer and president; and chapter financial advisor. Under Fidelo’s leadership, he helped guide the chapter into its first permanent home, preserve it during university discipline and complete major renovations. In early 2024, he successfully directed the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration, which had more than 350 brothers in attendance. Fidelo is a longtime Orlando, Florida, Alumni Chapter member and received its Chapter Leadership Award in 2018.
David Finlayson, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 1998
Finlayson has served tirelessly for nearly 30 years as a Dalhousie-St. Mary’s chapter mentor, Halifax Alumni Chapter leader, initiation interviewer, capital campaign co chair, house corporation member, Sigma Chi Ball chairman and formal events manager, and chief connector between undergraduates and alumni. Renowned for his ability to bring people together, he has strengthened alumni engagement, guided young men in their careers and personal lives, and preserved chapter brotherhood through events and initiatives like Wickwire Weekend and Gamma Rho Roll Call of Distinction, of which he is a 2025 inductee. He also maintains a close relationship with the International Fraternity and broader North American brotherhood.
Joseph Frueh, BRADLEY 1985
Frueh was a driving force behind the Bradley chapter’s new house in 2005 by chairing its capital campaign and has served as house corporation president since 2007. Under his leadership, the organization has earned 16 consecutive Outstanding House Corporation Awards. At the international level, Frueh has been a Risk Management Foundation volunteer and key contributor to Constantine Housing Initiative by advancing inspection programs and alumni education through the award-winning House Corporation Academy. Frueh, a member of the Chicago North Shore Alumni Chapter and its previous vice president, has been recognized with the Seven Lights Alumni Award and Delta Rho Circle of Honor.
Paul Garson, SAN DIEGO 1986
Garson’s 40-year service began when he stepped up in 1988 to be chapter advisor of the San Diego chapter, of which he was a founding member. Since then, he has repeatedly stepped forward wherever the Fraternity needed him most — serving next as the New Mexico chapter advisor and assisting with its rechartering; Southwestern province Grand Praetor; Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alumni Chapter president, and helping with the 1995 Albuquerque Grand Chapter and New Mexico chapter’s 100th anniversary. Recognitions include the Seven Lights Alumni Award, Grand Consul Citations and being named University of New Mexico’s Chapter Advisor of the Year in 2009.
Louis Hensley III, DEPAUW 1977
Hensley has served the DePauw chapter through nearly four decades of dedicated alumni leadership. A steadfast mentor and presence at initiations, scholarship dinners and parent events, he has influenced generations of brothers. Hensley played a pivotal role in founding the Xi Chapter Foundation in 1997, where he has served as treasurer and president for more than 25 years, contributing over $300,000 to scholarships and facilities. As house corporation president, his leadership coincided with sustained chapter excellence, major capital campaigns and award winning housing operations. He is a longtime member of the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter and was named Indiana Hoosier Sig of the Year in 2005.
Jim Luce, NEVADA-LAS VEGAS 1980
Significant Sig Luce’s alumni service spans more than four decades. Beginning as a young alumnus, he has served as chapter advisor, alumni leader, Leadership Training Workshop faculty member, expansion and rechartering committee member, and trusted mentor to countless undergraduates and young alumni in Arizona, Nevada and California. Luce has been instrumental in chapter expansion and reestablishment efforts at Chapman University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas by leveraging strong university relationships. As a Sigma Chi Foundation Board of Governors member and committee chairman for the Foundation, he has played a key role in major donor development and strategic growth initiatives.
Timothy Melnick, CENTRAL FLORIDA 1987
Melnick has been a longtime leader of the Central Florida chapter. He has served with distinction as a chapter advisory board member, initiation alumni interviewer, Ritual Peer and house corporation director and president. Melnick’s time on the house corporation helped upgrade and improve the chapter house. His alumni leadership also proved critical during periods of university discipline, helping the chapter preserve its charter, rebuild its reputation and reach its 50th anniversary. As a two term Grand Praetor of the Central Florida province, Melnick continues to strengthen undergraduate and alumni chapters alike. He also has been a yearslong member of the Orlando, Florida, Alumni Chapter.
C. Lane Pippin, ARKANSAS STATE 1987
Pippin has made an impact at both the chapter and international levels. He became associate chapter advisor for the Baylor chapter in 2015 during its recharter. His leadership helped set up the chapter for success for years to come, and he continues to maintain an active role on its alumni advisory committee. At Arkansas State, Pippin has served as a house corporation member since 2019 and as a chapter advisory board member beginning in 2021. Since 2013, his service on the New Chapter Development Committee has been instrumental in Sigma Chi’s strategic expansion. He also is a longtime workshop faculty member in multiple leadership areas.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 11
/ 2026 ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIGS /
David Pykett, VALPARAISO 2001
Pykett has dedicated himself the past 25 years to developing undergraduate brothers through the Krach Transformational Leadership Workshop and Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit, serving as a workshop facilitator as well as Horizons guide and Horizons Operating Committee member — often traveling internationally from the United Kingdom at his own expense to attend. While working with undergraduates, he adapts his techniques to meet young brothers where they are and has created tools and tech for fellow Horizons guides to use. Pykett also is a London Alumni Chapter member, representing the chapter at Grand Chapter, and part of the exploratory committee to establish an undergraduate chapter in the UK.
Robert Stack, CONNECTICUT 1981
Strack has helped elevate Sigma Chi’s presence throughout New England for decades. He helped bring the Connecticut chapter back from being unrecognized by the university for several years; served as chapter advisor; has been on the chapter’s alumni advisory board for 20 years; and has been the chapter’s alumni historian since 2003. Strack was heavily involved in the installations of the New Haven, Bryant, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Sacred Heart chapters; has been an initiation interviewer at area chapters; and has helped facilitate province conferences for decades. Strack, a Jay E. Minton Best Alumni Chapter Officer Award recipient, has been president of the Hartford, Connecticut, Alumni Chapter and has boosted membership through year-round recruitment.
Mark Tipton, TULANE 1978
Significant Sig Tipton has served on the Tulane house corporation for more than 25 years, holding at various times the positions of president and treasurer. Despite not living in New Orleans, he has provided essential stability for a chapter uniquely challenged by a geographically dispersed alumni base and an aging historic house, and he has at times contributed financially to address critical capital needs. Tipton also has served since 2018 on the Constantine Housing Initiative Board and has played a key role in overseeing Sigma Chi Foundation’s most recent capital campaign. He was recognized with a Grand Consul Citation in 2010.
Martin Trail, IDAHO 1984
Trail has served as the Idaho chapter advisor for 38 years — nearly 38 percent of all initiates have known Trail as their advisor since 1987. He created the chapter’s annual officers retreat in 1988 and founded the Seven Lights Scholarship to reward undergraduate excellence. Trail attends virtually every chapter milestone — initiations, meetings, pledge events and province functions — while championing scholarship, Ritual excellence and alumni engagement. Under his leadership the chapter has won more than two dozen Peterson Significant Chapter Awards and sustained top-tier GPA performance. Trail was recognized with the Erwin L. LeClerg Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award in 2023, and he founded a chapter advisory board in 2024.
12 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Stuart Walters, TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA 1991
Walters has made an impact on undergraduate leadership education through his service as current team lead — and 15year member — of Team Quaestor. He has been a Ritual Peer, facilitator and Quaestor curriculum developer for the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop, and Team Quaestor’s ondemand curriculum was a catalyst for Officer Training Academy. Walters was previously on the Tennessee-Chattanooga house corporation and was chapter advisor of the Emory chapter from 2005 to 2013. There, he helped restore the chapter’s commitment to consistent Ritual practice. He is a member and former vice president of the Atlanta Alumni Chapter. Walters has received the Seven Lights Alumni Award and Grand Consul Citations.
Dean Weaver, DENISON 1986
Weaver has served as president of the Denison house corporation since 1993 and has safeguarded the chapter house through transformative fundraising, preservation efforts and strategic university partnerships. Most notably, he led a campaign that raised $1.3 million for the chapter house and helped place it on the National Register of Historic Places. Weaver also has served as a Ritual Peer, Foundational Leadership Mentor, organized the Denison chapter’s 150th anniversary celebration, and has facilitated house corporation officer training and province workshops. He was the Bowling Green chapter advisor from 2019 to 2024 and helped guide it through COVID-19 and rebuilt its membership. Weaver is a Seven Lights Alumni Award recipient.
Christian Wuthrich, IDAHO 1989
Wuthrich has served as secretary and treasurer of the Idaho house corporation since 1996, leading in that time a major refinancing and remodel that modernized the chapter house. He chaired the chapter’s 75th and 100th anniversary celebrations and is now chair of a $3 million remodel capital campaign. Wuthrich also has served as The Big Sky province Grand Praetor and as secretary and president of the Boise, Idaho, Alumni Chapter. As a respected leader in higher education and Greek-letter life, he has strengthened undergraduate safety, leadership and accountability both locally and nationally. He has received the Seven Lights Alumni Award and Grand Consul Citations.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 13
/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
BY NATHANAEL HAWTHORNE, YOUNGSTOWN 2020 //////
From Beloit to the Bigs Significant Sig Joe Davis, BELOIT 2010, always knew he wanted to be a sports broadcaster, but he never knew his career would take him to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the World Series broadcast
F
rom replacing legends in Los Angeles to becoming the national soundtrack of Major League Baseball in October, Emmy Award winner and Significant Sig Joe Davis, BELOIT 2010, has emerged as one of sports broadcasting’s premier voices. Since taking over FOX’s lead MLB role in 2022, Davis has called four World Series while also handling League Championship Series, Division Series and marquee events such as the All-Star Game and World Baseball Classic. But before becoming one of the prominent voices in sports broadcasting, Davis spent his undergraduate career in the Sigma Chi house — a place that felt like home away from home. Tell us about your Sigma Chi experience at Beloit. My first experience with Sigma Chi was on my visit. I took a football visit to Beloit, and I stayed with the captain of the football team who is a Michigan guy like me and a Sigma Chi, so I stayed in the house. I didn’t really know what Sigma Chi was, but Beloit College was a unique place where Sigma Chi was almost like the haven for the athletes. I knew that if I was going to go to Beloit, this would be a place that would be home for me. The word “brother” really becomes that by the time you’re done there.
14 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Significant Sig Joe Davis, BELOIT 2010, is in the announcer's booth at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia during the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros. The 2022 World Series was Davis' first time calling the Fall Classic for FOX Sports. He’s since called every World Series, as well as countless Division and League Championship Series, among others.
Significant Sig Joe Davis, BELOIT 2010, poses for a photo with brothers at a February luncheon hosted by the Los Angeles Davis was recognized at theCHI event15for being expectAlumni more Chapter. / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA named a Significant Sig in 2025 for his continued success as a sports broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB on FOX and the NFL, among others.
/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
Significant Sig Joe Davis, BELOIT 2010, right, shakes hands with Order of Constantine Sig Jim Lawson, SAN DIEGO STATE 1985, during Davis’s Significant Sig award presentation. Davis was honored at a February luncheon for being named a Significant Sig in 2025 for his continued success as a sports broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB on FOX and the NFL, among others.
Your broadcast career really took off at Beloit. Did you realize prior to enrolling that broadcasting was what you wanted to do? How did that evolve? I’m really lucky in a lot of ways, and one of the main ways is that, for whatever reason, I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to broadcast games. I knew I wanted to broadcast the World Series. Beloit was not a broadcasting school, but because of that any opportunities there were to be had, I didn’t have any competition at the school. I went there to play football, but the recruiting pitch from the football coach was that I could broadcast the basketball games right away. (Beloit) was the kind of place where if there was something you could dream up, you could find a professor or an advisor that would help you bring that opportunity to life. There are two people that pop to mind. One of them was Dave Knutson, who ran the local TV access station and was a professor in the tiny broadcast department. Anything I wanted to do, he helped make happen. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Amy Sarno, who’s in charge of the whole theater arts department, which is what the broadcasting minor fell under. She took everything that she knew from projecting your voice on stage, and together we put together a curriculum for broadcast voice. Throughout your career, you’ve been asked to fill the shoes of Hall of Fame broadcasters Vin Scully and Joe Buck. How do you balance stepping into that role while making it your own and paying homage to the greats? You can’t try to be them, first of all. Vin Scully’s the greatest to ever do it. Joe Buck’s the guy I grew up dreaming of being, so of course you’re going to take elements from what these guys do, and I think it’d be malpractice to not. But the way Vin put it — and this was advice that Red Barber gave him in 1950 — was, "Don't water your own wine.” You pay attention to the guys that you like, but you have to stay true to yourself. Give us a little peak behind the curtain for what some game preparation looks like for MLB and NFL Games. It’s different from baseball to football, and it’s different from Dodger broadcasts to national broadcasts. You talk about spontaneity, connecting to the moment and making sure you call it as it is. To be free to do that, it comes from having put in all the hard work and not just reading the information but really knowing the information. That frees me up
16 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
to have fun and do the job. As for the specifics, for Dodger games I’m there four or five hours before the game. I’m on the field each day to talk to the players with a few questions and have conversations. Those are relationships I’ve developed over the last 10 years. A lot of my best stuff comes from those nightly conversations. The NFL is more of a weekly event where you’re studying all week. My prep is always evolving and learning how to prioritize. I try not to be too number-heavy and rarely use them on the air. What I’m going to do is translate the stats into more contextual, digestible stories to take these players and make them people for the listeners. For the NFL, I do a self-critique after every game. I go back through with a pad of paper and I’ll write down things I want to work on, things I liked, and I’ll take that to the booth the next week. Baseball is a little different because there's a game every day. Every 10 to 14 days, I’ll do the same thing or listen to the highlights every night to calibrate myself for the next day. I make little tweaks and have constant calibration. When you’re in the position of thinking of potential scenarios, do you think of the calls ahead of time, or do you react as if you’re just watching the game? You don’t script. I can’t just react and do the job. So I’m thinking ahead, like, “OK, this could happen here. If it does, what does it mean?” It means “If he homers here, this is going to be a lot like 1988 when Kirk Gibson was hurt like Freddie Freeman is.” So that all ties in. What excites you the most about your roles within broadcasting for the MLB and NFL? It’s crazy that I’m doing exactly what I wanted to do. If I did this for the rest of my career, that would be great, but I know I’m not going to always have it exactly how it is. I’ve been able to figure out that I love striving and finding something to work hard at. I do that each day in my prep and then it happens each night when I go on the air. It’s a fun challenge. Hopefully people take joy out of what I’m doing. A complete interview with Joe Davis is available for Sigma Chi+ members. To sign up and view, visit SigmaChi.org/SigmaChiPlus/.
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ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWS
Barney Camponeschi, NORTHWESTERN 1973, vice president of the Chicago-DuPage Alumni Chapter, presents the Semi-Century Sig pin and certificate to Marty Joseph, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1980, and Order of Constantine Sig Bill Leonard, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1981, at the chapter’s monthly luncheon at Labriola Restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Dalhousie-St. Mary’s brothers Safwan Serajum, 2025, and Mason Roberts, 2025, are pictured with members of the Class of 1982 at the Halifax Alumni Chapter’s annual Seafood and Auction Fundraiser, which raised over $12,000 for scholarships and $1,300 for alumni chapter leadership training.
Washington (St. Louis) brothers are pictured with class of 2026 Significant Sig John Gattuso, 1984, second from right in back row, during his Significant Sig Award presentation held May 1 in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
A small Butler Sigma Chi reunion with golf, relaxation and brotherhood was held September 2025 at The Golf Club of Illinois, owned by Tim Schneider, ILLINOIS 1977, and Tom Schneider, PURDUE 1977, in Algonquin. Pictured, from left, are Butler brothers Russ Koenig, 1977; Howard Baetzhold, 1978; Significant Sig Corey McPherrin, 1977; and Erik Iverson, 1979.
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/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
Loyola Marymount brothers from the graduating classes of 1989, 1990 and 1991 are pictured in Washington, D.C., during their 2026 reunion. The group of about eight men were all very close during their undergraduate years and now live all over the country. For the past 26 years they have made it a point to meet in a new city somewhere across the country to reconnect. Their meeting destination this year was in the nation’s capital.
Brothers and friends gathered at the University of Maryland on April 4, 2026, for a White Rose Ceremony to honor Significant Sig Pedro Wasmer, MARYLAND 1962, who entered the Chapter Eternal in July 2025. Order of Constantine Sig Bruce Casner, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1971, conducted the ceremony. More than 40 undergraduate and alumni brothers, as well as Wasmer’s son, attended. Pictured, from left, are Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Walt Cooner, EMORY 1974; Conrad Wasmer; Significant Sig Steny Hoyer, MARYLAND 1963; Consul Sam Carbone, MARYLAND 2028; and Significant Sig George Doetsch Jr., MARYLAND 1964.
The San Diego Alumni Chapter brothers are pictured April 18, 2026, enjoying exercise and fellowship during a bike ride around Fiesta Island and Mission Bay in San Diego. Shown, from left, are Dan Trapp, VALPARAISO 2001; Order of Constantine Sig Andrew Crossan, WESTERN ILLINOIS 1995; Dan Wilson, CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO 1994; Ryan Lamb, KENT STATE 2007; Natalie Lamb; Mike Neil, SAN DIEGO STATE 1999; Rick Hagstrom, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1982; and Bill Boyer, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1978.
More than 100 Texas Tech brothers and plus ones, pictured here, attended the second annual Epsilon Nu Reunion and Crawfish Boil. Attendees swapped stories, business opportunities and made plans to spend more time together. They also discussed successful fundraising for the new chapter house scheduled to break ground in 2027.
18 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Past Hilton Head, South Carolina, President Frank Roach, WILLIAM & MARY 1972, left, pins a diamond-studded Sigma Chi badge on the shirt of incoming President Larry Pileggi, GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN 1975, during the chapter’s January lunch meeting.
The Delta Alumni Chapter of the University of Georgia held its annual cocktail and dinner party with sweethearts on March 21, 2026, at Athens Country Club in Athens, Georgia. Order of Constantine Sigs and Significant Sigs were well represented at the event.
The Fresno, California, Alumni Chapter featured new Fresno State Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ryan McCarthy, center, and Assistant Coach Jenna McCarthy, left, during the chapter’s March 19, 2026, alumni gathering. The pair, who are the first married couple to coach women’s basketball, are pictured with Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Brad Fischer, CAL. STATE-FRESNO 1981, right.
Eric Mork, CAL. STATE-SACRAMENTO 1993, center, is pictured in late March with fellow Sacramento State Sigs, friends and family in custom T-shirts supporting Mork. Last year, Mork, a long-distance runner and Ironman Triathlon finisher, was diagnosed with a rare heart ailment that ultimately resulted in him receiving a heart transplant in the fall. This picture captures the first time he has been able to see people other than his immediate family.
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New Significant Sig Jay Ladner, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 1988, center, is pictured with fellow Theta Delta Significant Sigs Curt Hebert, 1985, and Michael McMullan, 1987, during a recent South Mississippi Alumni Chapter gathering.
Detroit Alumni Chapter members had fun at the chapter’s annual St. Patrick’s Day gathering at Dick O’ Dow’s Irish Public House in Birmingham, Michigan. The event was sponsored by Andy McComas, ALBION 1981, who is pictured at right with alumni chapter board member Aaron Karns, HILLSDALE 2003.
Brothers with the Boise, Idaho, Alumni Chapter are pictured during a winter alumni chapter meeting. Shown are Luke Kawano, IDAHO 2022; Austin Crofoot, IDAHO 2022; Jacob Stubbers, IDAHO 2022; Ethan Reeder, IDAHO 2022; Brady Hammons, IDAHO 2022; and Will Eason, IDAHO 1973.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, Alumni Chapter members and local undergraduate brothers are pictured with Centerstone Foster Care representatives during an Easter event with the organization on March 28, 2026. More than 30 children hunted Easter eggs, played games, and enjoyed pizza and snacks during the event.
20 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
More than 30 Western Connecticut alumni are pictured during a home game of the Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. Patrick Clayton, NEW HAMPSHIRE 2025, is the assistant director of operations for the Hat Tricks and arranged the night for local alumni.
Brother David Heard, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1994, receives the Dallas Alumni Chapter Brother of the Year Award from chapter president and Order of Constantine Sig Steve Harrington, SOUTHERN METHODIST 1979.
Fort Worth, Texas, Alumni Chapter members recently partnered with The Texas Ramp Project to build a wheelchair ramp for a local individual in need of one. Pictured, from left, are Mike Mrasek, TULSA 1983; Will Summerford, SOUTH ALABAMA 2000; Robert Longnecker, TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE 2004; Steve Hill, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1988; Jeff Deets, NORTH TEXAS 1990; and Brock Ostrander, EASTERN NEW MEXICO 2003.
San Jose State alumni and pledge brothers Gregory Schirle, 1986, and Jimmie Opilla, 1984, are pictured visiting the gravesite of Founder Benjamin Piatt Runkle, MIAMI (OHIO) 1857, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on April 12, 2026.
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Katy, Texas, Alumni Chapter members are pictured Feb. 7, 2026, during the 79th annual Wild Game Dinner held at the University of Houston Hilton.
Sarasota, Florida, Alumni Chapter members are pictured during a recent Sarasota Habitat for Humanity volunteer event where the members helped landscape a new home.
Phoenix Alumni Chapter members are pictured at a recent gathering.
Nashville, Tennessee, Alumni Chapter members are pictured at a recent gathering.
Mississippi State alumni are pictured during a May 18, 2026, reunion. 22 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Missouri-Columbia alumni and friends gathered March 12, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, to celebrate and honor the chapter’s two most senior alums: Significant Sig Edward Matheny Jr., 1944, and Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Larry McMullen, 1954, whose 94th birthday was that day. For the occasion, Matheny received a heartfelt letter of commemoration from Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, along with several of the special Sigma Chi pins that he has earned, including Significant Sig, Military Sig and Semi-Century Sig. He was wearing his Balfour Award pin. Matheny, the 1944 International Balfour Award recipient, also received a framed copy of the telegram he received notifying him of his Balfour Award when he was in Pearl Harbor serving in the military for World War II. Also on hand for this March gathering was Significant Sig Eddie Greim, MISSOURI-COLUMBIA 1999, the other living International Balfour Award winner from the Xi Xi chapter. Other brothers from the years of 1960-2015 also were present. Pictured here, from left, are Matheny, Greim, and McMullen.
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ALUMNI CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES AUGUST 18/10/2011 8/29/2011
Katy Area, Texas, Alumni Chapter, 15 years Space Coast, Florida, Alumni Chapter, 15 years
*Anniversaries are listed every five years.
From left, Katy, Texas, Sigs Hank Bridges, CHARLESTON 2001; Order of Constantine Sig Bob Shortle, RENSSELAER 1974; and Larry Hinks, YOUNGSTOWN 1978, attend a gumbo and chili cook-off benefitting Caring4Katy on Feb. 12, 2016. Caring4Katy is a nonprofit organization that assists families with school-age children living in the Katy, Texas, area who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
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/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
BATON ROUGE ALUMNI / The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Alumni Chapter honored seven Louisiana State University Gamma Iota chapter brothers who received Lod Cook scholarships at the annual Brotherhood Steak night. Dan Borné entertained alumni members at a monthly meeting with stories from his 38 years as the announcer of football games in Tiger Stadium. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Jim Bollinger, LOUISIANA STATE 1967 BLUE RIDGE ALUMNI / Our alumni association in Greenville, South Carolina, continues to gather steam as we move toward alumni chapter status in 2027. With over 45 active brothers in our group, we look forward to supporting undergraduate chapters in our area and aligning our organization with a local philanthropy. Please contact President Bruce Edmonston, ARIZONA 1989, at 661-431-3423, or email him at bedmonston2468@gmail.com for more information. ~ Edmonston BIRMINGHAM ALUMNI / The Birmingham, Alabama, Alumni Chapter has relocated its monthly gatherings to Jim ’N Nick’s BBQ in Homewood, creating a consistent and welcoming venue for brothers to reconnect. Attendance has surged, with unique attendees surpassing the last three years and trending toward doubling last year’s total attendees. We’ve also introduced a quarterly social hour at All Good Beverage Company, further strengthening brotherhood and engagement across the chapter. ~ Mike Hayes, SOUTH ALABAMA 1991 CHARLESTON ALUMNI / The Charleston, West Virginia, Alumni Chapter provides its members an opportunity for socializing, networking and community service. Our membership includes a number of community leaders and professionals, which enhances networking and the exchange of news and information. Our monthly meeting and activities schedule can be found on our chapter Facebook page or by emailing william.walko@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you! ~ Bill Walko, WEST VIRGINIA 1978 CHARLOTTE ALUMNI / The Charlotte, North Carolina, Alumni Chapter is crushing 2026! From Olympic-style curling to high-energy pickleball, the momentum is real. We’re keeping the vibes high with upcoming outdoor concerts, Knights baseball and our legendary "Day at the Lake" this summer. Before our Christmas holiday party, don’t miss our monthly Taco Tuesday quest for the Queen City’s finest. Join the brotherhood for more themed socials! ~ Mike Beroth, AUSTIN PEAY 1985 CHATTANOOGA ALUMNI / During spring, the Chattanooga, Tennessee, Alumni Chapter hosted two events. First up was the Pi Day Silent Auction, hosted at a local restaurant with over 30 alums, wives and family members attending. We were able to raise $2,200 that can be used across Chattanooga to support various charitable causes. Then it was time for the alumni chapter’s Easter event supporting Centerstone Foster Care. On March 28 more than 30 children from 20 families hunted down 800-plus Easter eggs, raced through egg-and -spoon relays, jumped into sack races and enjoyed plenty of pizza and snacks throughout the afternoon. We also had over 20 Tennessee-Chattanooga active chapter brothers lending a hand. ~ Bill Hawkins, TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA 1983 24 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
CHICAGO METRO ALUMNI / We want to help expand our contacts throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, especially since we know a lot of brothers who work downtown and live in the suburbs and some that live downtown that work in the suburbs. Out of the three official alumni chapters in the area, Chicago Metro is oldest continuously active one. We support undergraduate chapters at Loyola, DePaul and the University of Chicago, and hopefully later this year a fully re-installed chapter at Northwestern. Check out the new website for brothers on the north side and monthly activities. Contact us at WindyCitySig@aol.com. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Bill Bringham, ALBION 1975 CHICAGO NORTH SHORE ALUMNI / Another great quarter for Sigs and the North Shore Alumni Chapter includes monthly lunches at the Italian Kitchen in Deerfield, Illinois, at noon the first Thursday of the month. All Sigs, all ages, all chapters are invited to join. January, March and all "odd" months we social at The Silo in Lake Bluff at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. We also enjoyed the opportunity to attend DePaul's chapter initiation in March and Loyola's in April. Contact us for other events and to help with any needs you may have. Over 2,500 Sigs live in the Chicago northern suburbs. ~ Significant Sig Mark Nagy, PITTSBURGH 1954 DALLAS ALUMNI / The Dallas Alumni Chapter strives to recognize both national and local alumni accomplishments. Congratulations to newly selected Significant Sigs William Vanderstraaten, SOUTHERN METHODIST 1982, and Kevin Carr, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1992. Also, congratulations to Dallas Alumni Chapter Brother of the Year David Heard, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1994, and Garrett Shaw, TEXAS STATE 2022, as our Young Professional of the Year. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Steve Harrington, SOUTHERN METHODIST 1979 DETROIT ALUMNI / The Detroit Alumni Chapter held its annual St. Patrick’s Day after-work gathering on March 12 at the Dick O’ Dow’s Irish Public House in downtown Birmingham. The well-attended event, with brothers representing seven chapters, was sponsored by the tax services firm of Brother Andy McComas, ALBION 1981. ~ Order of Constantine Sig Don Fergle, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 1980 FORT MYERS ALUMNI / Our monthly meetings most always include four or more brothers from nearby Lambda Zeta chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University. Each month we invite one of our alumni to "share a story" from his career. That frequently includes attributes that we recognize as part of The Jordan Standard. Past presentations include “Making Exceptional Lemonade from Awry Lemons,” “The Right Place at The Right Time,” and “Don't Be Smarter than Your Boss.” The presentations almost always result in a lively Q&A. Because our undergraduates have asked for more, we will continue "Sharing Our Story" as an important part of our alumni chapter meetings. ~ Significant Sig Jim Shields, IOWA 1963
FORT WORTH ALUMNI / Members of the Fort Worth, Texas, Alumni Chapter recently partnered with The Texas Ramp Project, a nonprofit organization that builds wheelchair ramps for disabled and elderly individuals who cannot afford one. In this case where we assisted, it was a disabled man who was in great need due to health challenges. Follow us at Facebook.com/FortWorthSigmaChiAlumni. ~ Doug Zent, NORTH TEXAS 1992
HILTON HEAD ALUMNI / Hilton Head, South Carolina, Alumni Chapter members are planning an active year with many events to connect each other. We already have had a successful beer and pizza party and presentation on artificial intelligence. Future events include the first annual Sigma Chi Mini Golf Invitational, inshore fishing excursions, spring golf outing, and comedy club night. ~ Doug Dafler, MIAMI (OHIO)
FRESNO ALUMNI / At our recent alumni chapter event, we featured historymaking new Fresno State Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ryan McCarthy and Assistant Coach Jenna McCarthy. They are the first married couple to coach women’s basketball and speak at a Fresno alumni event. They discussed their coaching dynamics and goals for the program, followed by a robust question and answer forum. ~ Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Brad Fischer, CAL. STATE-
KATY ALUMNI / Once again the Katy, Texas, Alumni Chapter sponsored a table at the 79th annual Wild Game Dinner at the University of Houston Hilton. The Katy alums were very successful at the live auction by purchasing many of the big-ticket items generously offered by fellow Sigs. Congratulations to the new University of Houston initiates on April 11, where many Katy alumni members attended the initiation Ritual. Another beloved Katy alumni annual ritual is Order of Constantine Sig Bob Shortle's, RENSSELAER 1974, annual Kentucky Derby party. Katy Alumni Chapter monthly meetings are the third Thursday of the month at Walk On's in Katy. ~ Eric Koval, PENN STATE 1986
FRESNO 1981
GREATER FAIRFIELD COUNTY ALUMNI / More than 30 alumni from Iota Eta at Western Connecticut State gathered for Sigma Chi night at a home game of the Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The highlight of the night was Peter Vincent Hughes, WESTERN CONNECTICUT 1995, coming within centimeters of a free seven-day cruise with a shot from center ice. Patrick Clayton, NEW HAMPSHIRE 2025, is the assistant director of operations for the Hat Tricks and arranged the night for local alumni. ~ Scott Clayton, WESTERN CONNECTICUT 1997 GREATER MINNESOTA ALUMNI / The Greater Minnesota Alumni Chapter helped facilitate the North Central Province Conference at the University of Minnesota on Feb. 21. We will be having our summer barbecue in June. We continue to meet for social hours 5-7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Forgotten Star Brewing. ~ Bradley Revier, MINNESOTA STATE-MANKATO 2017 HALIFAX ALUMNI / Graduating Dalhousie-St. Mary’s brothers Safwan Serajum, 2025, and Mason Roberts, 2025, joined members of the Class of 1982 at the annual Seafood and Auction Fundraiser, raising over $12,000 for scholarships and $1,300 for alumni chapter leadership training. Congratulations to Brother Walter Thompson, 1968, for chairing a successful event. The Halifax Alumni Chapter will host Wickwire Weekend Oct. 22–24, 2026, in Halifax. For details, email rob@halifaxsigs.ca or visit halifaxsigs.ca. ~ Dillon Morris, DALHOUSIE-ST. MARY’S 2021 HARRISBURG ALUMNI / The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Alumni Chapter continues to rebuild and appreciates your continued interest and patience. For those brothers in the Central Pennsylvania/Harrisburg region interested in connecting with regional alumni and developing options for local gatherings, please contact Joe Santacroce, SOUTH FLORIDA 1987, at joseph.santacroce@gmail.com or 717-342-9203. ~ Santacroce
1985
MADISON ALUMNI / The Madison, Wisconsin, Alumni Association formally submitted its application for full alumni chapter status in March. We have been holding monthly after-work get togethers at Buck & Honey's in Waunakee the last Wednesday of each month. In February, members showed up to support undergraduate representatives at the Wisconsin Province Workshop and assisted with Alpha Lambda’s March initiation. A potential alternate get together location in the Middleton area is being considered. Speaking of summer, our Bourbon Tasting event will be held June 13 at J Henry Farms with support from Joe Henry, WISCONSINMADISON 2014. ~ Bob Schmitt, RIPON 1979 MID-MICHIGAN ALUMNI/ The Mid-Michigan Alumni Chapter (MMAC) preamble shall be to continue the allegiance of its members to the Sigma Chi Fraternity, to further its interests, to stimulate its activities, to assist and cooperate with local chapters, to promote the establishment of a Sigma Chi associate chapter at Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University, and to maintain and promote true friendship among members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. If you know a young man who meets The Jordan Standard and is currently attending or has committed to attend CMU or GVSU, please submit your referral to MidMichiganAlumni@sigmachi. com. An officer or MMAC director will accept your referral and communicate with you directly. ~ Bubba Russell, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 1993 MILWAUKEE ALUMNI / The Milwaukee Alumni Chapter holds its monthly breakfast on the last Friday of the month at Landmark Restaurant in Bay View (Milwaukee South Side). Ben Byers, MARQUETTE 2010, is coordinating these breakfasts as we continue to recruit permanent leadership for the alumni chapter. If you think you can contribute, even in a small way, please contact Ken Szafranski, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1984, and let him know of your interest. We hope to coordinate more activities with the Madison group by boosting both alumni and undergraduate engagement at joint signature events. ~ Bob Schmitt, RIPON 1979
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/ ALUMNI ALMANAC /
NARRAGANSETT ALUMNI / Brothers met to discuss current events and share a meal. The local chapter house at the University of Rhode Island (URI) was struggling to fill occupancy and has worked out an arrangement with Constantine Housing Initiative to operate the property until 2027. On another front, the province conference was hosted by the URI chapter and had approximately 100 attendees, including both actives and alumni volunteers. ~ Philip Genereux, RHODE ISLAND 1993 NASHVILLE ALUMNI / The Nashville, Tennessee, Alumni Chapter recently installed the following officers: President Jon Webber, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS 2008; Vice President Allan Proctor, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 2012; Secretary Chris Schildknecht, OHIO STATE 2010; and Treasurer Jack Welch Jr., TENNESSEE TECH 1982. The chapter hosts events throughout the year in the greater Nashville area and encourages all brothers who have relocated to Middle Tennessee to connect at MusicCitySigs.com. ~ Webber NORTHERN VIRGINIA ALUMNI / The Northern Virginia Alumni Chapter honors the memory of Dennis Santoli, WESTERN RESERVE 1967, past Grand Consul and founder of our chapter. Significant numbers of alumni and undergraduate brothers attended the White Rose Ceremony. In honor of a life devoted to the ideals of the White Cross, the chapter unanimously voted to rename our highest alumni award to the Dennis Raymond Santoli Brother of the Year Award. ~ Morgan Wright, FORT HAYS 1982
PHOENIX ALUMNI / Twenty-five events are planned for the Phoenix Alumni Chapter in a variety of locations during the next 12 months in our sprawling metro area, plus chapter meetings and Founders Day. Improved communication infrastructure will spur chapter growth, event attendance and fellowship opportunities. ~ Ted Decker, NORTHERN ARIZONA 1975 SAN DIEGO ALUMNI / We had four brothers (two each category) that now can call themselves a Constantine or Significant Sig. Congrats to all brothers who recently were recognized for their long-term contributions to Sigma Chi or being significant in their professional endeavors. This quarter there is an alumni golf tournament, a bicycle ride and, of course, our monthly luncheons (always 11:45 a.m. the second Friday of each month at Miguel’s Cocina in Old Town) covering a variety of topics featuring guest speakers, and poker nights (the last Saturday in each month). You can find more info at SanDiegoSigmaChi.org/events. ~ Significant Sig Pat Suggs, NORTH GEORGIA 1983 SACRAMENTO ALUMNI / In late March a group of Sacramento State Sigs, friends and family turned in custom T-shirts for a surprise rally for Brother Eric Mork, CAL. STATE-SACRAMENTO 1993. Eric is a long-distance runner and Ironman Triathlon finisher. Last year, he was stricken by a rare heart ailment that ultimately resulted in him receiving a new heart last fall. Eric has not been able to see visitors except immediate family, so this was the first time a lot of us had a chance to see him. He
26 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
looks surprisingly great, and we all know it won't be long before he’ll be able to resume his normal activities. ~ Paul Davis, CAL. STATE-SACRAMENTO 1990 SARASOTA ALUMNI / The Sarasota, Florida, Alumni Chapter supports the Sarasota Habitat for Humanity. Our volunteers had a successful day landscaping a new home. The alumni chapter raised $5,000 for this event. In January we held a delightful sweetheart reception at the Oaks Country Club. We continue to meet for lunch the first Thursday of every month. ~ Significant Sig Bill Morrow, IDAHO 1967 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI ALUMNI / On Jan. 31, the South Mississippi Alumni Chapter celebrated its second annual “Sig Dig” (a shindig for Sigs). Among the celebrations, we honored our newest Significant Sig from Theta Delta, Brother Jay Ladner, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 1988. The evening festivities culminated in all of our brothers celebrating past and current sweethearts and Little Sisters by singing “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.” ~ Michael Finley, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 1985 SPACE COAST ALUMNI / The Space Coast, Florida, Alumni Chapter has four new members thanks to the launch of the Member Hub website, which allowed local brothers to discover our chapter. ~ Mark Rahner, MIT 1982 STATESBORO ALUMNI / We assisted in Feed the Boro, a community service and recognition of our 2026 Alumni Sweetheart Carol Ruffo, wife of Brother Ronnie Ruffo, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1986. A well-attended event that has become a great tradition is our St. Patrick's Fish ’N’ Chips Social, where brothers fried fish and our chapter gave away prizes from the Sigma Chi Store to lucky winners who purchased the right ticket. Our next big event is the Prospect Meet & Greet dinner on Thursday, August 20. Until that time, we look forward to continued membership growth and assisting Eta Zeta chapter with any needs those brothers have. ~ Steve Pennington, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1979 SYRACUSE ALUMNI / The latest edition of the Saltine Sig and other chapter news can be found at PsiPsi.org. Join us on Nov. 7, 2026, for our Homecoming annual reunion. ~ Ted Collins, SYRACUSE 1984
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/ FEATURE /
BY THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI STAFF //////
Take a look back at 100 years of The Magazine of Sigma Chi
A
lthough Sigma Chi has had a published magazine since 1881, this year marks the 100th anniversary of its current name and quarterly format. And what a century it’s been! Sigs have made an impact on all continents of the globe. They’ve been newsmakers and trendsetters. They’ve changed media, sports and public policy. In these pages we’ve celebrated their successes and mourned their losses. We’ve also seen a changed Fraternity in the past 100 years. Programming and expectations have evolved to new heights, and The Magazine has tracked this progression since its inception. Take a journey back in time to see the headline news Sigma Chis were making and the steps the Fraternity was taking to become the version you’re familiar with today.
28 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
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/ FEATURE /
1926:
• The Sigma Chi Quarterly officially rebrands in January to The Magazine of Sigma Chi as the Fraternity’s official publication after approval at the 37th Grand Chapter. Sigma Chi’s original publication, The Sigma Chi, was created in 1881 at the Theta chapter at Gettysburg College. [1] • Rev. Theodore Gessler, BUCKNELL 1864, the man who initiated President Grover Cleveland into Sigma Chi, enters the Chapter Eternal. [2]
1927:
William L. Lockwood, MIAMI (OHIO) 1930. [6]
• First published photos of Significant Sig John Wayne, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1929, featured in the magazine.[8]
1931:
• Significant Sig Patrick J. Hurley, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1913, President Herbert Hoover’s Secretary of War, breaks ground for the new tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, alongside General Douglas MacArthur. [9]
• Philip M. Bikle, GETTYSBURG 1866, the last surviving charter member of Theta chapter who heard Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in person. [3]
1933:
• George R. Prowell, WOOSTER 1877, discovers President George Washington’s last diary, missing for nearly a century. The diary was found in a batch of unclassified records of the Departments of State, War, and Navy in the Library of Congress. [4]
1935:
• Grand Tribune position created at the 38th Grand Chapter in Louisville.
1928:
• Clarence R. Emedy, known as the “Spare Tire Imposter,” is arrested after swindling $3,000 from over 200 Sigma Chi alumni across the country. Emedy stole a Sigma Chi Directory and a Sigma Chi badge from the Theta chapter at Gettysburg College before beginning his forgery scheme, cashing worthless checks and borrowing money from the Fraternity. [5]
1929:
• Plaque installed at Founding Site to honor Sigma Chi’s birthplace. [6] • Significant Sig George Ade, PURDUE 1887, creates the Sigma Chi Creed.
1930:
• Monument honoring Founder James Parks Caldwell, MIAMI (OHIO) 1857, dedicated in Biloxi, Mississippi. • Diamond Jubilee celebrated in Oxford, Ohio. In attendance were sons of Founders including James G. Cooper, OHIO WESLEYAN 1902, Donald J. Bell, MIAMI (OHIO) 1930, and
30 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
[10]
• Monument honoring Founder Franklin Howard Scobey, MIAMI (OHIO) 1858, dedicated in Hamilton, Ohio. [7]
• Monument honoring Founder William Lewis Lockwood, MIAMI (OHIO) 1858, dedicated in Brooklyn, New York. [10]
[5]
• The Magazine honors Significant Sig and Inspector of the U.S. Department of Justice Samuel P. Cowley, UTAH STATE 1925, who died in a gunfight with renowned gangster George “Baby Face” Nelson, known associate of Public Enemy No. 1, John Dillinger. • The Magazine highlights the first ever class of Significant Sigs. [11]
1938:
• First issue to feature all images of Sigma Chi chapter houses.
1940:
• F. Beverly Kelley, OHIO WESLEYAN 1928, brings elephants from Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, Inc. to the Gamma Chapter at Ohio Wesleyan University for a Sigma Chi recruitment event. [12]
1941:
• Sigma Chi’s first three-generation family photographed together, including Omega chapter founding member Lorin C. Collins Jr., NORTHWESTERN 1872, Lorin C. Collins III, NORTHWESTERN 1900, and Lorin C. Collins IV, NORTHWESTERN 1928. [13]
[13]
[6] [2]
[1]
[12]
[4]
[6]
[8]
[7]
[11]
[9]
[3]
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/ FEATURE /
[18] [14] [25]
[20]
[22]
[26]
[23]
[27]
[24]
[16]
[19]
32 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
[21]
• Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs plans for his first fraternity house that would be located at the Chi chapter at Hanover College. Ultimately, the house and his plans were never developed. [14]
1942:
• First feature of “Sigma Chi Goes to War,” as well highlighting brothers who lost their lives in battle. [15] • The 100th undergraduate chapter is established at the University of Maryland. [16]
[15]
1943:
• The Sigma Chi Foundation is established.
1946:
• Charles Wolcott, MICHIGAN 1927, is featured as the musical director of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, and orchestrated Pinnochio and Bambi. [17]
1948:
• Newly discovered and unpublished photo of Founder James Parks Caldwell at age 14, the year Sigma Chi was founded. [18] • Barbara Tanner is featured as the first ever International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. • The Order of Constantine is established. [19]
1949:
• Milton Wright, MIAMI (OHIO) 1915, nephew of Orville and Wilbur Wright, formally presents “The Kitty Hawk” to the Smithsonian Institute. [20]
1950:
• In their Feb. 6 issue, Life magazine features an article about college fraternities, labeling Sigma Chi as “one of the most solid of all.”
[17]
1951:
• Significant Sig Charles G. Ross, MISSOURI-COLUMBIA 1905, unexpectedly passes away. Ross was the Press Secretary for President Harry Truman. [21]
1952:
• Many Sigma Chi chapters began replacing “Hell Week” with “Help Week.” Rather than being a response imposed by Fraternity leadership, Help Week grew organically from students who wanted to make a more positive impact on their campuses, communities, and fraternity culture. [22]
1955:
• Centennial issue celebrating 100 years of Sigma Chi. [23]
1957:
• Blind golfer Charley Boswell, ALABAMA 1940, wins ninth consecutive title at the annual National Blind Golfers Tournament. Charley, who never played golf before losing his sight, was an Army captain during World War II who was blinded while serving in the Battle of the Bulge after a German shell struck his tank. [24]
1958:
• Ted Bumiller, CINCINNATI 1951, spends a year driving 61,000 miles around the world in a Jeep station wagon, traveling through 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond. Along the way, he survived lifethreatening adventures and immersed himself in local cultures and experiences. After returning home, he turned his footage into a film called By Jeep Around the World and began touring the United States giving lectures and screenings. [25]
1960:
• The first Canadian Sigma Chi chapter house is dedicated Dec. 3 by the Beta Omega chapter in Toronto.
1964:
• Short feature on Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, CENTRE 1894, one of the country’s most prominent distillers. [26] • Significant Sig Barry Goldwater, ARIZONA 1932, accepts the Republican presidential nomination for the 1964 general election. Goldwater would eventually go on to lose the presidential election to Lyndon B. Johnson. [27]
• The March 1951 issue of The Magazine is the first issue to highlight Sigma Chis who lost their lives in the Korean War.
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/ FEATURE /
1966:
• Significant Sig John Young, GEORGIA TECH 1952, returns to Earth after the Gemini 10 mission into space. [28] • “Sigs in Service” feature highlighting the Vietnam War. • New Headquarters building dedicated in Evanston, Illinois, at 1714 Hinman Ave. [29] • Significant Sig Jim Palmer, ARIZONA STATE 1967, wins the 1966 World Series over the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching a shutout in his start. [30]
1968:
• Significant Sig Warren Beatty, NORTHWESTERN 1959, and former Gamma Theta chapter sweetheart Faye Dunaway, appear together in Bonnie and Clyde, a hit film nominated for 10 Oscars. [31] • Robert LaPlante, MICHIGAN 1948, successfully climbs Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Since 1950, LaPlante had visited 167 different foreign nations as a Diplomatic Courier with the American Consulate General. [32]
1970:
• Significant Sig John Wayne, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1929, belts out “My name is Sigma Chi, sir!” at a local Laramie, Wyoming, train station. He is greeted by Gamma Xi chapter members holding their Derby Day that weekend, presenting him with a Derby hat. [33] • Wayne wins the “Best Actor” Oscar for his role in True Grit. [34]
1971:
• John W. Graham, TORONTO 1933, is the first Canadian Grand Consul to be elected. [35]
1972:
• Significant Sig John Young, GEORGIA TECH 1952, lands on the moon as part of the Apollo 16 mission. On the lunar surface, Commander Young drove around using the Lunar Rover. [36]
1973:
• The Sigma Chi Foundation officially acquires the Founding Site in Oxford, Ohio.
34 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
1974:
• In April, a series of devastating tornadoes tore through Hanover College in Indiana, heavily damaging campus buildings. Members of Chi chapter were amazed to see the Fraternity’s White Cross monument still standing untouched among the debris, while their chapter house suffered only minor damage. The storm proved more devastating for Tower House — Sigma Chi’s original chapter house dating back to 1890 — which was so badly damaged it had to be demolished weeks later. [37]
[29]
1975:
• President Gerald Ford salutes Sigma Chi and its leadership workshop via telegram. His son, Michael Gerald Ford, WAKE FOREST 1972, worked as an Assistant Executive Secretary for the Fraternity after his graduation. [38] • Rick Posekany, OREGON 1975, carried the Sigma Chi flag to the summit of Alaska’s Mount McKinley, reaching an elevation of 20,320 feet as part of a climbing expedition. Joined by fellow Sigma Chi Larry Hoyt, NEW MEXICO 1947, and a team of climbers, Posekany reached the peak on June 2 and honored two late brothers by burying a memorial plaque at the summit before unfurling the Fraternity flag. [39]
[31]
1976:
• America celebrates the bicentennial, and The Magazine highlights prominent Sigs who played an important role in the history of the USA.
[35]
1978:
• Dan Jurgens, SYRACUSE 1976, wrestles with a 575-pound bear named Victor, who had won 3,000 consecutive tussles. [40] • Significant Sig Maxie Anderson, NORTH DAKOTA 1956, successfully flies a hot air balloon across the Atlantic Ocean, departing from Presque Isle, Maine, and landing in Miserey, France. [41]
[36]
1980:
• Canadian Ambassador and Significant Sig Kenneth Taylor, TORONTO 1957, helps Americans escape from Iran. [42]
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[40]
[30]
[42]
[37]
[28]
[32]
[39]
[33]
[41]
[34]
[38]
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/ FEATURE /
[47]
[44]
[43]
[48]
[45]
[49]
[50]
36 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
[46]
1981:
• 100th anniversary of the printing of Sigma Chi’s first magazine, The Sigma Chi. • Russ Albers, IOWA STATE 1949, with Herman Goelitz Inc. becomes the official jelly bean supplier to the White House for President Ronald Reagan. • Magnum PI with Significant Sig Tom Selleck, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1967, is a hit on TV. • U.S. Press Secretary and Significant Sig Jim Brady, ILLINOIS 1962, is shot in Washington, D.C., during attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan; 12 years later the Brady Bill is signed into law, making it the first major guncontrol legislation passed since 1968. [43]
1982:
• Late Night with David Letterman with Significant Sig David Letterman, BALL STATE 1969, debuts on NBC.
1983:
• Significant Sig Dr. William DeVries, UTAH 1966, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at University of Utah, implants first artificial heart. [44]
1984:
• Texas A&M chapter strikes oil on chapter property. [45]
1985:
• Leo Byron, DICKINSON 1958, and his family are among those taken hostage when terrorists hijacked Trans World Airlines flight 847 near Athens, Greece; they were released two weeks later.
• Significant Sig Stan Albeck, BRADLEY 1955, is named head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
1986:
• Significant Sig Mike Ditka, PITTSBURGH 1961, and the Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl.
1987:
• Fraternity reaches 200 active chapters. • Canada hosts its first Leadership Training Workshop with 100% of chapters participating.
1990:
• Significant Sig Gen. Merrill “Tony” McPeak, SAN DIEGO STATE 1957, is named U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff and member of the Joint Chiefs after Defense Secretary Dick Cheney fires McPeak’s predecessor for publicly disclosing classified Gulf War strategy. [46] • Frank Lewis, OKLAHOMA STATE 1936, gold medalist in wrestling at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, watches a tree service remove the oak tree Adolf Hitler personally gave him after his win — the tree had stood in the OSU Sigma Chi chapter house lawn for 54 years, surviving three lightning strikes, before disease finally claimed it. [47]
1991:
• Sigs deploy in the Persian Gulf War. Maj. Gen. James “Mike” Myatt, SAM HOUSTON 1963, the youngest man ever promoted to general in the Marine Corps, commands the 1st Marine Division during Operation Desert Storm. • Space Shuttle astronaut Greg Harbaugh, PURDUE 1978, flies his first mission aboard Discovery on April 28, carrying his Sigma Chi badge and a copy of The Norman Shield into orbit. [48]
1992:
• The Sigma Chi Founding Site at Miami University is rededicated on Aug. 15. The two-room apartment is restored with period furniture, clothing, wallpaper, and authentic 1855 Founding artifacts. [49] [50] • Alpha Beta chapter at UC-Berkeley discovers the very first organizational meeting of what became the National Park Service was held at their chapter house. • Significant Sig Kirk Fordice, PURDUE 1956, becomes the first Republican governor of Mississippi in 117 years.
• Significant Sig William Rogers, COLGATE 1934, is chair of presidential commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
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/ FEATURE /
1994:
• “Sigma Dry”: Tyler Batteese, BOSTON and MAINE 1992, rebuilds the near-defunct Rho Rho chapter at the University of Maine as a fully alcohol-free fraternity; national news coverage follows.
1998:
• Significant Sig Barry Goldwater, ARIZONA 1932, enters the Chapter Eternal on May 29 at age 89. A 30-year U.S. Senator, 1964 Republican presidential candidate, and brigadier general in the Air Force Reserve, he was widely credited with laying the groundwork for the Reagan presidencies. [51] • Space shuttle astronaut Scott Altman, ILLINOIS 1981, flies a successful mission on Space Shuttle Columbia in April. [52]
1999:
• Sigma Chi Horizons launches — a six-day, 48-brother leadership school at the Snowbird Resort in Utah. [53] • Five brothers from Alpha Pi chapter at Albion College — en route to the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop — are approached at the St. Louis Arch by a stranger who asks: “Would you like to meet the President?” They end up driving in President Bill Clinton’s motorcade and getting their picture taken with him. [54]
2000:
• First Horizons participants experience leadership on the mountain in Utah and recount their memorable time in the program. [55]
2001:
• Ten Sigma Chis die in Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City.
2002:
• Black Hawk Down hits theaters. Ranger Staff Sergeant and Significant Sig Matt Eversmann, HAMPDEN SYDNEY 2000, was portrayed in the film and was part of the crew depicted in the film.
38 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
2003:
• The Fraternity focuses on its diverse membership and what the Fraternity means to them with The Diversity Issue.
[51]
2004:
• Bobby Plump, BUTLER 1958, shares the real Hoosiers story of a small-town school winning the basketball state championship in Indiana. [56] • 50,000th Life Loyal Sig.
2005:
• Character-in-ActionTM Leadership Award introduced. • Huntsman Cancer Institute named Fraternity’s preferred philanthropy. [52]
• 150 years of Sigma Chi. [57]
2006:
• St. Louis Alumni Chapter members mark $1 million given as group to Children’s Miracle Network.
2011:
• Magazine highlights Sigs in music such as Significant Sig Luke Bryan, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1999. [58] • 300,000th member initiated. • Joe Daniels, WASHINGTON (ST. LOUIS) 1994, president of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum helps unveil lasting tribute where World Trade Center once stood.
2013:
• Western Connecticut undergraduate brothers sell wristbands, raising more than $7,500, to support those who lost loved ones in the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. [59]
2015:
• Rising country music star and Significant Sig Cole Swindell, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 2005, is profiled. [60]
[54]
[55]
[53]
[56]
[57]
[58] [60]
[59]
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/ FEATURE /
[67] [61]
[62]
[65] [63]
[68]
[66]
[69]
40 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
2016:
• The Mississippi State chapter raises more than $34,000 for their cook of 39 years after she is diagnosed with cancer.
• Sigma Chis discuss the importance of diversity in their chapters as the nation grapples with the topic after the death of George Floyd.
• Chip Lutz, FLORIDA 1976, wins the U.S. Senior Amateur golf event after making it to the semifinals three previous times.
• In Hoc Napa Valley, Sigma Chi's official wine partner, is established to support Fraternity and Foundation scholarships.
• Renovated and newly named Chuck and Kim Watson Museum of Sigma Chi opens its doors with new artifacts, such as a Civil War letter from Harry St. John Dixon, VIRGINIA and CONSTANTINE 1861, displayed. [61]
• Sigma Chi announces the Transformational Leader program and the educational certificates within it.
• Preparation for Brotherhood pledge education program created.
2017:
• Taylor Koss, WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE 2017, runs with and captains Team USA in the Deaflympics held in Turkey. [62]
[64]
2021:
• Hanover Sigs install plaque to commemorate original chapter house as first financed and built for a Sigma Chi chapter. • Ritual for Life educational program introduced.
2019:
• Significant Sig Bret Baier, DEPAUW 1992, shares how he brings a respected voice to cable news while navigating the changing landscapes of politics and parenthood. [63] • New Orleans Saints head coach and Significant Sig Sean Payton, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1987, and Chicago Bears General Manager and Significant Sig Ryan Pace, EASTERN ILLINOIS 1999, profiled. [64]
2020:
2022:
• Sigma Chi marks 100 years in Canada and celebrates international brotherhood. • Sigma Chi Leadership Institute becomes the first and only fraternal-affiliated organization to earn accreditation from an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2024:
• Runkle and Cooper Memorial Monuments celebrate their centennial anniversaries. • The family of Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Jon Huntsman Sr., PENNSYLVANIA 1959, commits the largest gift in Fraternity history to support Transformational Leader program. [69]
2025:
• Sigma Chi announces service partnership with the Red Cross. • Sigma Chi+, a new member benefits program, launches as a way for members to earn Life Loyal Sig status and enjoy unique Fraternity perks.
• A look at how Sigma Chis have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. [65] • The Magazine remembers the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and honors the commitment and sacrifice of Sigma Chi servicemen. [66][67] • Special Olympics medalist, Boston Marathon runner and Significant Sig Andrew Peterson, CLARKSON 2013, inspires others with his perseverance and achievements. [68]
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/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES /
BY ASHLEY SZATALA //////
Hitting the Right Notes Two brothers recently competed on The Voice and American Idol, which aired at the same time. Here, they share more about their experiences and what’s next for them musically
42 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
JW Griffin, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 2022 How the audition happened: I never thought I’d audition for a singing competition TV show, mostly because I wanted to find success organically through writing songs and grinding in Nashville. People back home, though, always said I should try out for The Voice, specifically. One day the opportunity presented itself to me through an in-person audition in Nashville, and I decided to just go for it. One thing led to another, and I ended up making it all the way to Los Angeles for the blind auditions. The song that got the judges’ “yes”: “Long Haired Country Boy” by The Charlie Daniels Band Team: Team Kelly Clarkson How was your experience on the show? I had a great time on the show. It was awesome getting to work with Kelly Clarkson and the other guests she brought in, but some of the most fun was had when there were no cameras. It felt like summer camp with a bunch of musicians, and I really enjoyed getting to hang out with the other contestants in LA. I think the main thing I learned while being on the show is how to work with cameras. I’m a musician not an actor, so it was a little awkward trying to communicate and work with cameras always rolling. As the season progressed, I got a lot more comfortable with that. Learning to be more flexible was also something I had to learn, whether it be with song choice and arrangement or just a fluid schedule. Thoughts on reaching the semi-finals: When I auditioned, I wasn’t even sure if I’d make it onto a team, so I was really happy making it to the semifinals. I’m very competitive though, so I wanted to take it all the way. I think the season’s format was harder for country artists, so it felt good to be the last representative of the genre for the season. What’s next for you: Since the show ended, I’ve been busy. I’m really focusing on building my brand as well as writing and booking gigs across the U.S. I’ve put out two songs this past month and don’t plan to slow down. By the beginning of next year I want to hopefully have a full album ready to release. I am just trying my best to use this experience as a springboard into the next phase of my music career.
Music style: Definitely country, but I like to mix in different sub genres. I have released a few beachy songs, a few rock songs, and some traditional country songs as well. My biggest influences are always mostly singer/songwriters. I like to call my sound “country adjacent.” How has the Sigma Chi brotherhood supported you before and after the show? An older brother in my chapter, Clay Joyner, 2020, actually got me my first gig in Florida. While I was in college I played gigs every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and the whole chapter came out to support me every week. I also used to play at alumni events while I was still an undergrad, and the alumni always supported me as well. After my time on the show came to an end, I booked a ticketed show at the venue I used to play at in college. Fellow alumni, as well as current undergrads, came to watch me perform. It was really an awesome experience. Without Sigma Chi I may have never had the confidence to put myself on a national stage. Fellow Sigma Chi brothers (and Significant Sigs) Luke Bryan, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 1999, and Cole Swindell, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 2005, are also from South Georgia just like me. They grew up just 30-40 minutes down the road from my hometown, Moultrie, Georgia. My goal is to one day reach a level of success similar to theirs.
“Without Sigma Chi I may have never had the confidence to put myself on a national stage.”
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Jackson White, SAMFORD 2028 How the audition happened: Back in May (2025), right after I got back from college, I posted a video of me singing a Norah Jones song. It got some attention, and one of the casting producers reached out through that video, asking if I’d audition for American Idol. I thought, “Absolutely” — I’ve always loved the show. So, I did my first audition on Zoom in June, then I moved on to a second Zoom round in July. After that, they invited me to come do the in-person audition in the first week of November. I was so pumped — I kept thinking, “I’m about to sing in front of three legends.” And when that time came, it was just electric. I performed in front of the judges with my dad, Bryan White, accompanying me, and it went amazing — I got all three “yeses.” They were so kind, their feedback was incredible, and it was just such a dream come true. I got the golden ticket and moved on to Hollywood Week, performing with the band. It was just an unforgettable time, and it all started with a video I posted, so I’m super grateful. The song that got the judges’ “yes”: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley How was your experience on the show? My experience on the show was absolutely amazing. I met so many incredible artists, and I’ve already made great friends I’m writing and working with now. It was so cool getting to see behind the scenes — how everything is put together and just being in the room with the judges, the crew and all the other talent. It was such a great learning experience. I got to perform in front of so many people and just soak up all that energy. The whole crew was so
44 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
kind, and I really loved every part of it. What’s next for you: Right now, I’m super excited to keep building. I’m back in the studio working on new music I can’t wait to share. I’m also planning more live shows — really building a deeper connection with my audience. Every step feels like a new chapter, and I’m just ready for what’s next. In addition, I always want to be a positive role model with my music and my platform. I just want to be a good influence on people, spread positivity and really enjoy doing what I love. Music style: I’d say my style sits between John Mayer and Justin Bieber. It’s definitely pop at its core, but it’s got so much influence from 1970s and ’80s music. I also draw a lot from ’90s country and that laid-back West Coast vibe. It’s a mix that feels really personal and timeless at the same time. How has the Sigma Chi brotherhood supported you before and after the show? Sigma Chi has been a rock for me since the very beginning. The support has been incredible — some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. Before the show, my brothers were always encouraging me, and after, that support just multiplied. Getting to see different generations of Sigma Chi all come together to back me — it’s been unreal. I’m just so thankful for all that brotherhood has given me, and I know it’s something I’ll have for life.
"Sigma Chi has been a rock for me since the very beginning.”
CAMPUS CHRONICLES UPDATES ALBION Alpha Pi During our most recent academic term, the chapter had 14 brothers on the Dean’s List and a house GPA of 3.44. ~ Jake Ellsworth, 2027
raise over $25,000 for Huntsman Cancer Institute before Derby Days began. This is a record for our chapter. This past fall we had the opportunity to place third in the all-university Homecoming float contest. We were paired with Tri Delta. We also welcomed 39 brothers into our chapter for this academic year. ~ James Kennedy, 2027
ARKANSAS Omega Omega The chapter achieved the honor of having the highest GPA of all the chapters in the University of Arkansas Interfraternity Council for the fall 2025 semester. We hope to build on this achievement for semesters to come. ~ Trevor Duke, 2027
BELMONT Mu Xi Our chapter is excited to have inducted our Theta pledge class this spring semester. We have also been eagerly preparing for Derby Days and are anticipating another fantastic year of giving to a cause we all care for deeply. ~ Ethan Nickerson, 2027
AUBURN Gamma Sigma The chapter’s biggest accomplishment during this term was accepting the Large Fraternity of the Year Award at the Auburn Greek Life Awards. We received this on behalf of our GPA, philanthropy fundraising and contributions both on and off campus. Brother Caedmon Hunt, 2027, was also awarded the O.D. Alsobrook Outstanding Greek Leader Award for his contributions to Auburn University IFC. ~ Ashton Titsworth, 2028
BENTLEY Lambda Upsilon Our most significant accomplishment was getting the biggest new member class in our school's history. Our chapter’s campus outreach and the hard work by our recruitment chairman and executive board made it possible. Most recruits liked our strong philanthropic presence, as we are huge supporters of Huntsman. ~ Ben Jones, 2027
BAYLOR Eta Omega This spring, we had the opportunity to
CALIFORNIA-MERCED Lambda Delta This year was the chapter’s first time hosting a White Rose Ceremony during
Four Florida State brothers are pictured receiving recognition for outstanding leadership and academic excellence during an ROTC awards ceremony held April 1. The honorees represent both Air Force and Army ROTC programs. Pictured, from left, are Brock Lytle, 2028, Military Order of the World Wars ROTC Bronze Medal of Merit; Philip Quattrochi, 2026, formal recognition from unit commander for his performance as a top-ranking cadet; Griffin Minor, 2027, Sons of the American Revolution Silver ROTC medal; and Luke Lloyd, 2028, Association of the United States Army ROTC Leadership and Academic Achievement Award.
Derby Days. The event was meaningful and touching, with many attendees dedicating a white rose to honor someone in their lives who had experienced cancer. We are proud to consider this a defining feat in the Lambda Delta chapter’s history. ~ Eitan Ehrlich, 2028 CUMBERLAND Nu As a chapter, we grew from six members to14. We hosted three initiations this year and strengthened both our brotherhood and the chapter as a whole. As Dodinsky wrote: “You can find inspiration from others, but determination is solely your responsibility.” ~ Andrew Bramble, 2028 DENISON Mu Chapter size increased with a pledge class of 27 new initiates on March 28. The chapter completed a risk management workshop and is beginning to plan our Derby Days philanthropy. ~ Liam Taylor, 2028 DEPAUW Xi Our chapter has consistently held the highest GPA across the Interfraternity Council for six of the seven previous semesters, including the most recent semester. What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is the breadth and rigor of the academic
commitments our brothers take upon themselves. Our chapter currently has 14 management fellows, 10 pre-med students, eight pre-law students, and two pre-engineering students. ~ Luke Christensen, 2026 DRAKE Theta Gamma Our most significant achievement this semester was successfully hosting an alumni banquet. This event brought together members from our chapter’s founding to more recent alumni, enabling them to reconnect and share common values and experiences. As we progress, we’ve created more monthly informal opportunities for chapter alumni and active undergraduate brothers to connect in the Des Moines, Iowa, area. ~ Brett Ingamells, 2027 ELON Theta Omega We hosted a community service event this March called Brotherly Bites in partnership with the Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter at Elon University. Together, we gathered in the heart of campus to make hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which were donated to a local church to help feed those in need. ~ Jack Griffin, 2027
Michigan State brothers pose with the numerous awards they won during the university’s 2026 Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards banquet. The awards include: Chapter of the Year; Chapter President of the Year – Andrew Davis, 2027; Educational Program of the Year – Sigma Chi – Preparation for Brotherhood; Servant Leader of the Year – Jimmy Kowalewski, 2027; Fraternity Member of the Year – Ethan Jenney, 2028; Emerging Leader – Jack Collins, 2029; and Greek Week – third place with Kappa Delta and Kappa Sigma. expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 45
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Gettysburg brothers show off their Greek Awards in February. The chapter earned Most Improved Chapter, and several brothers also were honored individually.
Puget Sound Sigs show off their basketball championship shirt after an intense game.
EMBRY-RIDDLE (DAYTONA BEACH) Eta Iota The most significant accomplishment for the chapter is our work toward our philanthropy, Huntsman Cancer Foundation. This year, we were able to beat our school record for the second year in a row and fundraise over $100,000 for Huntsman! Our devotion and dedication to our philanthropy is apparent. ~ Charles Bellett, 2026
FURMAN Iota Nu During the 2026 spring semester, the chapter passed the $40,000 mark in philanthropy funds raised for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, breaking the chapter's previous philanthropic record. During our Derby Days Week, we held the chapter's first ever White Rose Ceremony, which marked a special moment in our chapter's history. ~ Peter Gibbes, 2027
FLORIDA Gamma Theta Our chapter maintained the highest GPA on campus throughout the entire academic year while also raising over $100,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation through Derby Days. This achievement reflects Sigma Chi’s commitment to both academic excellence and meaningful philanthropy, demonstrating that our brothers strive to lead not only in the classroom but also in service to others. ~ Maxwell Gomez, 2027 FLORIDA ATLANTIC Lambda Tau Our most successful feat this year was raising over $136,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, shattering FAU philanthropy records. We also celebrated our chapter sweetheart, Kenzie Loomis, becoming Sigma Chi’s International
Sweetheart and proudly initiated our 500th brother, marking a historic milestone for the chapter. We also achieved 10 consecutive semesters with the highest GPA on campus and secured the largest total number of pledges, solidifying our chapter’s leadership in scholarship, growth, and philanthropy. ~ Aaron Fayette, 2026 FLORIDA SOUTHERN Epsilon Sigma This year we broke our previous Derby Days record from years prior. This year we raise $34,000 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which is $8,000 more than our previous record. We almost tripled the amount raised from the last year. Hitting $30,000 was a huge accomplishment for us and meant a lot to our Tribune, who is a cancer survivor himself. ~ Tyler Burrall, 2028 FORT HAYS Zeta Tau We partnered with our student engagement to host a Back-to-School Bash concert featuring Logan Mize. Other Greek-letter and student organizations were involved as well through booths and vendors stands. ~ Noah Gwennap, 2027
46 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
GEORGE MASON Iota Xi Across the school year we have initiated 11 new brothers into our chapter and assisted our brothers over at the Georgetown chapter with their initiation in the spring. Brother Ryan Kenney, 2027, was accepted into the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit for the upcoming summer. ~ Jacob Dillenburg, 2026 GETTYSBURG Theta The chapter had a strong year marked by chapter growth, campus involvement and service. Theta earned Most Improved Chapter, led the most successful spring recruitment and received recognition for philanthropic collaboration. Brothers also were honored individually. Chapter members stayed active across campus through Interfraternity Council leadership,
major events like Derby Days and new partnerships. ~ Hung Trinh, 2028 HILLSDALE Alpha Kappa Our chapter's recruitment chairman overhauled our recruitment procedure and mobilized the whole chapter to recruit our largest pledge class in multiple years. This spring's pledge class features eight men from five different dormitories, three different academic years and two different sports teams. The chapter is excited to see what this group of young men with different talents, temperaments and convictions will do for Sigma Chi. ~ Joshua Mistry, 2026 IDAHO Gamma Eta During the fall 2025 semester, the chapter was a recipient of both the Richard D. Gibb Chapter of the Year Award and the Excellence and Recruitment Award given by the University of Idaho's Fraternity and Sorority Life. This recognition means a lot to all of the brothers because it shows how we conduct ourselves throughout campus and what we strive to be. ~ Levi Puga, 2029 ILLINOIS STATE Theta Rho Our chapter’s most significant
accomplishment last term was our exceptional membership growth and development. We welcomed an engaged new member class and focused on building strong relationships through brotherhood events and mentorship. This growth has strengthened our chapter culture, increased involvement and created a more unified, motivated brotherhood committed to Sigma Chi’s values. ~ Landon Kienitz, 2028 IOWA STATE Beta Omicron Our chapter’s most successful feat this academic year was strengthening brotherhood while expanding our impact on campus. Since our recharter at Iowa State, we have grown our connections and showcased the potential of a Sigma Chi. We improved recruitment efforts and are preparing for a phenomenal Derby Days while building a more connected, supportive culture for continued growth. ~ Nathan Tenney, 2027 KANSAS STATE Delta Upsilon Our chapter's most significant accomplishment during the most recent academic term was winning the Change Maker Chapter of the Year Award at Kansas State. This award is given out each year to the most improved fraternity on campus. "A Change Maker Chapter is not the chapter that they were a year ago. They have made strides to change
behaviors. Beyond general improvement, they have made a shift from who they were before." ~ Thomas Mitchell, 2028 KENT STATE Zeta Lambda The chapter held its 60th anniversary weekend Feb. 28. We held our initiation, luncheons, banquet and White Rose Ceremony to commemorate friendship, justice and learning at Kent State. We had over 180 alumni in attendance. ~ Colin Pinson, 2025 KETTERING Zeta Theta A The chapter's most significant accomplishment during the most recent academic term was our initiation. We initiated 11 brothers, which put our numbers to 18 active brothers. We increased our numbers by over 60 percent. ~ Grant Vue, 2029 LOUISIANA STATE Gamma Iota The new executive committee has been collaborating well with one another for a great semester. This year marked the sixth annual Sigma Chi Derby Days, with proceeds going to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge. Thanks to Derby Chairman Palmer Bruns, 2026, our sorority partners, chapter brothers and corporate sponsors, we are proud to announce that we raised over $125,000. This is a huge achievement for the chapter, making it the most raised
The Wake Forest chapter is pictured during the university’s Wake ‘N Shake dance marathon, which has become a tradition for the chapter to attend. The chapter registered the most participants out of any Interfraternity Council organization and had three brothers serve on the event’s executive board. Money raised from the event supports the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
money by any fraternity chapter on campus. ~ Robbie Blanchard, 2027 LOYOLA (CHICAGO) Lambda Nu Our chapter brought in the most support for Loyola’s basketball program through strong participation in athletic programming, leading us to win the athletics and Interfraternity Council competition. This achievement was made possible by all of the brothers and the recruitment of 12 dedicated members in the pledge class, ultimately earning a $1,000 donation to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. ~ Riley Jacklitch, 2028 MICHIGAN STATE Gamma Psi The chapter and individual members received awards at the 2026 Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards. The awards we received included: Chapter of the Year; Chapter President of the Year – Andrew Davis, 2027; Educational Program of the Year – Sigma Chi – Preparation for Brotherhood; Servant Leader of the Year – Jimmy Kowalewski, 2027; Fraternity Member of the Year – Ethan Jenney, 2028; Emerging Leader – Jack Collins, 2029; and Greek Week – third place with Kappa Delta and Kappa Sigma. ~ Ethan Jenney, 2028 MISSISSIPPI STATE Gamma Upsilon The chapter successfully raised
$148,000 during our annual Derby Days fundraising event. Brother Charlie Treadwell, 2028, and Brother John David Riemann, 2026, served as the chapter's Derby Daddies and did a tremendous job managing the event, setting a new standard to be upheld by future brothers. ~ Charles Weir, 2028 MISSOURI-COLUMBIA Xi Xi During the 2025-2026 academic year the chapter moved back into our house. Living together has greatly strengthened our brotherhood. It also has made the chapter a more prominent organization on campus. ~ Luke Matson, 2027 MONTANA Beta Delta Brothers, Beta Delta has much to celebrate! We were named Province Chapter of the Year and hosted six other chapters for the Big Sky Province Conference in Missoula. With an upcoming Ritual training, we’ll soon have 11 certified Ritual Peers in the chapter. We look forward to continuing this momentum and celebrating our 120th anniversary with you all this fall. ~ Carter Jasper, 2026 NEBRASKA Alpha Epsilon Our chapter attended the Province Workshop alongside other chapters in the Nebraska–Kansas province, where we collaborated, shared ideas and
A California-Merced brother places a white rose during the chapter’s White Rose Ceremony held during Derby Days. It was the first time the chapter has hosted such an event, and its purpose was to honor those who had experienced cancer.
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/ CAMPUS CHRONICLES /
strengthened relationships. During the workshop, we developed a strategic game plan focused on leadership, philanthropy and operations to position ourselves for success. By learning from one another and aligning our goals, we are working toward earning the Peterson Significant Chapter Award. ~ Dayton Sudbeck, 2028 NEW HAVEN Lambda Epsilon The chapter’s most significant accomplishment during the spring 2026 semester was receiving the award for Most Ritual Proficiency at the 2026 Connecticut-Rhode Island Province Conference. This is significant, as we take Ritual practice very seriously. From March 30 to April 3, the chapter had its annual Derby Days, planned by Philanthropy Chair Nick Saraf, 2026. With the help of the chapter through operations, engagement or marketing, Nick and Lambda Epsilon were able to raise over $14,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. ~ Jacob Chacon, 2027 NORTH TEXAS Iota Phi Our chapter worked hard and pushed for our goal to raise more than $10,000 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation during our Derby Days. This accomplishment helped us realize what it’s all about here at Sigma Chi. ~ Jackson Perkins, 2028 OKLAHOMA Beta Kappa The chapter's most successful feat this academic year has been its continued growth in membership, brotherhood and alumni engagement. With 210 active members — ranking fourth in the nation — and 77 new members welcomed, we strengthened our chapter's future. Hosting provinces and expanding alumni outreach further showcased our leadership, unity and commitment to Sigma Chi's values. ~ Ian Gill, 2028 OREGON STATE Beta Pi Our chapter had 12 brothers study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, this last term. They had an amazing time immersing themselves in a different culture, bonding with each other and new friends, and most of all spreading the values of
our Fraternity worldwide. ~ Maxwell Brauner, 2028 OTTAWA Lambda Theta The chapter broke Canadian records again this year, raising over $24,000 and surpassing our previous record. We are proud of everyone who participated and donated. ~ Francisco Matamoros, 2028 PUGET SOUND Delta Phi It’s been a massive year for the chapter. We are excited to announce an amazing class of 29 new pledges, each bringing a ton of energy and drive to the brotherhood. As we integrate the new guys, our focus shifts to the upcoming Derby Days week. We're ready to raise awareness! ~ Andrew Goldenberg, 2026 RENSSELAER Delta Psi The chapter's most significant accomplishment this recent term was our first successful Leadership Journey from Sigma Chi Leadership Institute. We had many SCLI representatives like Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003, and Taylor Lee, SOUTHERN UTAH 2018, visit our chapter and help us improve our recruitment efforts for the upcoming year. We greatly appreciate their help and look forward to recruiting the newest Sigma Chis. ~ Benjamin Sepulveda, 2026 RIPON Epsilon Lambda This year, our biggest success as a chapter was celebrating our 70th anniversary and rolling out our new Alumni Advisory Board. This meant reconnecting with the brothers who came before us and building something stronger together. ~ Thomas Geocaris, 2027 ROANOKE Tau The chapter continues strong academic progress with a steadily rising GPA. Derby Days, benefiting the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, will highlight the spring semester. Former Consul Clayton Bewick, 2026, and Pro Consul Weston Hammond, 2026, are captains of the 2026 Roanoke College Men’s Lacrosse team. Most importantly, we remain grateful for the continued support of our alumni. ~ Bennett Vetti, 2029
48 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
ROCHESTER Gamma Pi Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment this year was our service trip to the Dominican Republic. Over the course of the trip, brothers worked together to help build a home for a mother and her three children. The experience strengthened our commitment to meaningful service and showcased the values that define Gamma Pi’s impact beyond campus. ~ Olin Archer, 2028 SACRED HEART Mu Lambda Sigma Chi enjoyed an outstanding fall 2025 recruitment, welcoming 23 exceptional new members into our brotherhood. This class reflects our chapter’s commitment to strong values, genuine connection and a thriving campus presence. Their energy and leadership are already strengthening our brotherhood, and we’re excited for the impact they’ll make in the years ahead. ~ John Dugan, 2027 SAN DIEGO STATE Delta Xi Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment during this recent academic term was our academic performance. Forty percent of the members had a GPA greater than 3.5, and 75 percent of members had greater than a 3.0. In addition, our chapter had the third best GPA of all SDSU fraternities and was second best when compared to chapters with greater than 100 members. ~ Broden Loo, 2028 SOUTHERN METHODIST Delta Mu This term, our chapter celebrated William “Wim” Vanderstraaten, 1982, receiving the honor of Significant Sig. We are also preparing for Derby Days, featuring The Chainsmokers and fellow Significant Sig Drew Taggart, SYRACUSE 2012, while continuing our support of Huntsman Cancer Foundation and building on more than $220,000 raised so far this year. ~ LJ Jimoh, 2027 TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE Beta Sigma One of our chapter’s most significant accomplishments this term was achieving a 3.54 chapter GPA, ranking
second among fraternities while exceeding campus averages for both men (3.36) and all students (3.45). Additionally, 166 members earned Dean’s List honors, reflecting our strong commitment to academic excellence and a culture that prioritizes scholarship, accountability and supporting one another’s success. ~ Maxwell Ellis, 2028 TENNESSEE-MARTIN Kappa Psi This semester, the brothers have succeeded in our mission of returning to prominence. We won our Zeta Tau Alpha chapter's Big Man on Campus competition, with Brother Bryant Steele, 2028, (the winner) raising $2,400 for breast cancer research. This, along with our own 200 percent increase in donations, marks a successful semester for this chapter. ~ Preston Hodge, 2027 TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE Zeta Pi A monumental night at our very own Steinke Physical Education Center shook the whole world of wrestling as we know it. On March 7, brothers helped with our campus's Undisputed Championship Wrestling show. This year's Homecoming king, Brother Dos Lafuente, 2027, starred as a speaker/actor in this extravaganza. Other brothers in attendance volunteered with ring deconstruction. Overall, it was a fantastic night for Zeta Pi. ~ Mark De La Cruz, 2026 TEXAS-ARLINGTON Theta Kappa The men of Theta Kappa are honored to announce our official rechartering and installation this March. This achievement was several years in the making, and we are deeply grateful for the immense support that made it possible. We are proud to represent Sigma Chi once again and look forward to a bright future ahead. ~ Joshua Corona, 2027 A COLLEGE IN LOGAN, UTAH Gamma Kappa This spring, we proudly hosted our annual Derby Days in support of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Over the course of the year, we raised just over $75,000, with more than half of that
Western Connecticut brothers have chapter and school spirit during a campus event.
Washington State brothers are pictured during The Big Sky Province Conference learning about servant leadership.
total generated during Derby Days alone. We are incredibly grateful to all who contributed to this meaningful cause. With your continued support, we look forward to surpassing this milestone in the coming year. ~ Kalani Panoke, 2026
strengthened connections across generations and with our campus partners. Alongside this, we have made steady progress on house renovations by improving the chapter room to create a more welcoming and unified space for our brotherhood. We're really excited to continue growing and improving our chapter! ~ Yosaf Shah, 2026
VALPARAISO Iota Sigma I believe our chapter's most significant accomplishment was our success at our Derby Days; we raised over $5,000 in proceeds for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Guided by Erik Lenz, 2027, our current Pro Consul and previous philanthropy chair, we had a successful week filled with events such as a basketball tournament, a call-a-thon, and Hotshot Sigs, bringing the community together for the common goal of raising money for HCF. ~ Christian Kim, 2027 WAKE FOREST Delta Nu In the 2025-26 academic period, the chapter has prioritized philanthropic involvement. After a successful Derby Days week, the chapter helped raise over $52,000 (and counting) for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. On campus, Wake Forest University hosts a 12-hour dance
marathon raising money for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. The Delta Nu chapter had the most registered participants out of any Interfraternity Council organization prior to the event, which raised over $350,000. The event, Wake 'N Shake, has become a tradition for our chapter to attend, with three brothers serving on the executive board. ~ Graham Carter, 2027 WASHINGTON STATE Beta Upsilon The chapter had a standout year. Brotherhood was strengthened on our annual ski trip, and members deepened their leadership abilities through transformational leadership training. Most notably, we raised more philanthropy funds than all of Greek Row combined, demonstrating our commitment to leadership, service and setting the standard on campus. ~ Hayden McDonald, 2026 WATERLOO Theta Psi This year, our chapter’s most meaningful achievement was hosting our 39th anniversary banquet, which brought together brothers, alumni and our Greek-letter community for a very memorable night. The event
WESTERN CONNECTICUT Iota Eta The chapter takes pride in the quality of our brothers and the amazing support from our alumni brothers who make our accomplishments and goals a reality during our college experience. ~ Preston Bachman, 2028 WESTERN ILLINOIS Iota Omicron One of our brothers, Preston McCurry, 2028, traveled to Salt Lake City to visit the Huntsman Cancer Institute alongside philanthropy chairs from Sigma Chi chapters across the country. During the experience, he gained insight into fundraising and philanthropy planning. Our chapter has already raised $4,825 this year and continues working toward a $10,000 goal for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. ~ Macullum Steen, 2027
WILLIAM & MARY Zeta Upsilon Our chapter’s most significant accomplishment this term has been the strength of our philanthropy and leadership. We had the highest attendance at our Interfraternity Council’s ARC Carnival, showcasing strong campus engagement. Currently in Derby Days, we are nearing our fundraising goal very early on! At the same time, our new executive team has flourished, driving organization and renewed chapter momentum. ~ Jonah Horne, 2027 WINDSOR Kappa Mu The chapter’s most significant accomplishment was rebuilding and strengthening the chapter through structured recruitment, growing from three to 21 active members and welcoming eight high-quality new brothers. This growth reflects a strong focus on accountability, leadership and long-term sustainability, positioning the chapter for continued success and a stronger presence on campus. ~ Mohammed Ahmed, 2027
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WISCONSIN-MADISON Alpha Lambda The chapter’s greatest success this academic year was planning and executing our first Ritual initiation since our reinstalment. As Senior Director of Chapter Enhancement Dan Mathewson, PUGET SOUND 1986, noted: “It was extremely well done. … Top notch across the board.” This milestone reflects our dedication to the Ritual and commitment to preparation throughout the chapter. ~ Mitchell Henry, 2029
YOUNGSTOWN Eta Chi The chapter's most significant accomplishment during the spring 2026 semester was Roquacade. It is a philanthropic event held at Penguin City in Youngstown, where we partner with local bands to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. In doing so we raised over $10,000 for HCF. ~ William Humphrey, 2029
ASSOCIATE CHAPTERS APPALACHIAN STATE Sigma Chi Tau The chapter’s most successful feat of the 2026 spring semester was strengthening brotherhood and recruitment outcomes. We achieved a near-perfect bid acceptance rate, with 30 of 31 bids accepted, and 100 percent of those new members successfully completed pledgeship. Additionally, the chapter demonstrated strong campus involvement by earning fifth place in Greek Week, highlighting our unity, dedication and growing presence within the community. ~ Ryan Kimmer, 2027 KANSAS Sigma Chi Kappa The brothers recently hosted a three-day philanthropy and community service effort. On Wednesday and Thursday, we tabled outside Wescoe Beach, sharing our mission to support military families. Thursday night,
we welcomed sororities and fraternities to our house for a banner signing event featuring a banner painted by the Delta Gamma chapter. On Friday was our philanthropy dinner, where Colleen Katzenberger spoke on behalf of Folds of Honor. Across the three days, we raised over $2,700 for Folds of Honor. Special recognition goes to our Philanthropy Chair Noah Cosgrove, 2028, and Community Service Chair Darsh Patel, 2029. ~ Evan Logan, 2029
STONY BROOK Sigma Chi Zeta This term, our chapter’s most impactful achievement was partnering with the Long Island Maritime Museum for a beach cleanup. Brothers removed over 2.5 tons of waste and helped address invasive species, strengthening both our environmental impact and brotherhood through hands-on service in the local community. ~ Billy Jimenez, 2027
NORTHWESTERN Sigma Chi Nu In just under a year, our newly revived associate chapter has grown into a community of nearly 30 brothers thanks to our engaging recruitment events. We now have members from four different continents and have become a tight-knit family. We cannot wait to move back into our historic chapter house at the beginning of next school year. ~ Jack Greenspan, 2028
CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES REACH OUT WITH SIGMA CHI
JANUARY 9/11/1906 9/28/1996
Beta Delta, Montana, 120 years Kappa Xi, Tarleton State, 30 years
*Anniversaries are listed every five years.
Montana Sigs pose in 1998 with the recently returned U.S.S. Montana bell to the chapter house after a two-decade absence. The chapter received the bell in 1931 after the ship was decommissioned. As the story goes, University of Montana faculty member and Order of Constantine Sig Federick Scheuch, PURDUE 1893, wrote to Secretary of War, Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Patrick Hurley, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1913, requesting a dinner bell from the ship. Hurley sent the main deck bell weighing nearly 2 tons. The bell sat in the chapter house front yard until 1955 when it disappeared and was later found at Lambda Chi Fraternity in the 1960s. It disappeared again and was returned in 1998 after a legal battle with Lambda Chi.
50 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
WELCOME BACK, TEXAS-ARLINGTON CHAPTER NAME: Theta Kappa INSTALLATION DATE: Feb. 28, 2026 SIGS INITIATED AT INSTALLATION: 24
In fall 2025, Joseph Anthony Deanda, TEXAS-ARLINGTON 2028 — a double legacy with two Sigma Chi cousins — joined the alumni-driven effort to bring Sigma Chi back to the University of Texas at Arlington after a nearly seven-year hiatus. Starting with zero members, Deanda helped rebuild the Theta Kappa chapter from the ground up and was elected Consul. Now that the group earned its charter back and moved into their historic house on Greek Row, Deanda reflects on the challenges, the meaning of the reinstallation and what lies ahead for the chapter. What led to the decision to bring Sigma Chi back to UT- Arlington, and who were the key people that made it happen? The decision was made by our alumni. Theta Kappa has been here since 1985, and when we lost our charter, it broke a lot of people’s hearts because it meant so much to so many. It was mostly our alumni who drove the charge to bring us back. When I was recruited last fall, it was completely by a bunch of alumni. We have an outstanding alumni network, and had they not cared about the chapter, we would not have come back as strong as we did. What does the reinstallation of this chapter mean to you personally, and why did you choose to be a part of rebuilding it from the ground up? To me, reinstalling the chapter shows that I built something from the ground up. When I came here, Sigma Chi had zero members, and now I’m the Consul. I helped create this organization. I’m actually a double legacy, so when I saw Sigma Chi was coming back, I felt like I had an obligation to join and lead the charge. It was the greatest decision I’ve ever made. The whole experience has definitely changed me in a lot of ways. What were the biggest challenges you faced in the rechartering process, whether it was recruiting members, meeting standards or establishing yourselves on campus? Meeting the standards and criteria to get reinstalled was definitely the biggest challenge. We didn’t have any real issues with presence on campus — we came back strong with a solid group of guys. It was mostly getting all the philanthropy, community service and everything else Headquarters wanted to see so we could earn our letters back. Sigma Chi places a strong emphasis on its founding values of friendship, justice and learning. How are you working to build a chapter culture that reflects those principles? We’re building that culture by holding each other accountable. We all care so deeply about this chapter because we built it from the ground up — it’s basically
our baby. Since we earned these letters, they mean even more to us. We hold one another to our values to make sure we never lose the chapter again or jeopardize what we worked so hard for. What events — philanthropic, social or academic — are you most excited to establish in your chapter? I’m most excited about our philanthropic events. We haven’t done an official Derby Days yet, but now that we have our letters back it’s at the top of our list. We’re really looking forward to a successful Derby Days next spring. Our chapter used to be a Gold Peterson-winning chapter back in 2016 or 2017, and I want us to get back to that level. How has the broader Greek-letter community at the school responded to Sigma Chi’s return, and what do you want the rest of campus and the community to know about what Sigma Chi stands for? We’ve been welcomed with open arms by the entire Greek(-letter) community. We may have intimidated some of the other fraternities because we came back strong — our first class was about 24 guys. But all the sororities and fraternities have been great. We already have a strong reputation. What I want everyone else to know is that we’re above the other fraternities. This isn’t just a four-year thing for us — this is a true brotherhood, and that’s clearly apparent to the rest of the school.
Texas-Arlington brothers jump for joy after 74th Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990, signs their charter on Feb. 28, 2026. expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 51
/ CHAPTER ETERNAL /
BY ASHLEY SZATALA //////
REMEMBERING 56TH GRAND CONSUL BOB JOSEPH Joseph entered the Chapter Eternal on Feb. 19, 2026, at age 90
F
ifty-sixth Grand Consul, Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Bob Joseph, WILLAMETTE 1957, entered the Chapter Eternal on Feb. 19, 2026. He was 90. Joseph was born Nov. 15, 1935, in Portland, Oregon. While enrolled at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon – his hometown – Sigma Chi wasn’t even initially his top fraternity to pledge. Joseph wanted to go to Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, but 36 hours before bid time, two good friends from high school said they wanted to join Sigma Chi. Joseph ended up picking Sigma Chi over Phi Delta Theta so that he could be with his friends. While in Sigma Chi, he served as Magister and recruitment chairman. After graduating, Joseph briefly served in the U.S. Air Force then moved to Evanston, Illinois, to be an Assistant Executive Secretary at International Fraternity Headquarters for the next two years. Afterward, he earned his law degree from Willamette, a career choice he said was influenced by past Grand Consuls and attorneys Dick Doyle, GEORGE WASHINGTON 1917; Norman Brewer, MISSISSIPPI 1935; and Gardner Allen, EMORY 1928. Joseph ultimately became a senior partner at the Portland, Oregon firm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, the second largest law firm in the state. Joseph was admitted to practice in Oregon, the Federal District and 9th Circuit Courts and specialized in insurance regulations, particularly the application of workers’ compensation regulations. Joseph chaired several committees of the American Bar Association and Oregon Bar Association, of which he also served as vice president and Board of Governors member. He received the Oregon Bar Association’s Presidents Membership Service Award in 1989. Joseph also was president of the Willamette Law Alumni Association. He also served on the boards of several community organizations, including the Portland Boys Clubs, University Club and Liberty Northwest Insurance Corp. His Fraternity service began in earnest in the 1960s. In 1963, Joseph began a 10-year stint as Grand Praetor of the Northwestern province. Later that decade he served as co-chair of several commissions that worked to resolve the Fraternity’s membership selection dispute. He was a Leadership Training Workshop faculty member for years, served on the Governing Laws Committee and later was Grand Praetor Representative to the Executive Committee and member of the Board of Grand Trustees. 52 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Fifty-sixth Grand Consul Bob Joseph, WILLAMETTE 1957
Fifty-sixth Grand Consul Bob Joseph, WILLAMETTE 1957, is pictured with undergraduate award winners at the 1989 Leadership Training Workshop.
Sigs Remember Grand Consul Joseph
Newly elected 56th Grand Consul Bob Joseph, WILLAMETTE 1957, is pictured with his wife and daughters at the 1989 Grand Chapter in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In 1987, Joseph became chairman of the new Risk Management Foundation and was elected Grand Consul in 1989, making him the first former Headquarters staffer elected to the Fraternity’s top office. His theme for the next two years: “Sigma Chi – The NEXT Decade.” Priorities during his term include continuing the Fraternity’s leadership education programs, as well as the new Risk Management Foundation and related programs, and launching the Constantine Capital concept involving management of chapter housing mortgages (today known as Constantine Housing Initiative). Joseph also stressed to young members the importance of PR – personal responsibility. “Particularly to the undergraduate brothers, I say as I embark on this two-year journey leading the Fraternity that I love and am very proud of, when you leave the chapter house, try your best to leave the Fraternity and yourself better than you found both when you entered,” he said shortly after his election. “Sigma Chi has as much to offer the alumni after they leave the university as it does while there. We welcome their continued assistance as advisors, alumni and house corp officers and Grand Praetors. We all need to be about the business of getting out the word about the ideals of Sigma Chi.” Following his term as Grand Consul, Joseph continued his fraternal service through the Risk Management Foundation. He served on the RMF Board of Directors from 1991 to 1996, as vice chairman from 1996 to 2001, and as chairman from 2001 to 2008. In recognition of his longstanding leadership and vision, the Robert E. Joseph Risk Management Foundation Award was established to honor Sigma Chi chapters that demonstrate outstanding risk management programs. He also served faithfully on the Sigma Chi Foundation Board of Governors from 2002 to 2022, serving on numerous committees and in myriad positions, and was granted emeritus status in recognition of his extraordinary service. Among his many honors, Joseph received numerous Grand Consul’s Citations, was inducted into the Order of Constantine in 1976, recognized as a Significant Sig in 1993 and inducted into the 150th Anniversary Hall of Fame in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Gail, and daughters Mary Pat and Ann. Daughter Leslie preceded him in death. A celebration of life was held March 6 in Portland. Gifts in his honor can be made to the Robert E. Joseph Memorial Scholarship for Delta Zeta Chapter at https://donate.sigmachi.org/bobjoseph.
“Bob Joseph was my dear friend and mentor for over 60 years, from the summer of 1965 when he was a fledgling Grand Praetor and I was a beginning graduate student. Bob’s wisdom and devotion for Sigma Chi were inspiring, and his quick wit enlivened every occasion of friendship, justice and learning. All of us who worked with Bob are deeply indebted to him for his remarkable care and encouragement.” ~ Fifty-seventh Grand Consul Joel Cunningham, TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA 1965
“I was fortunate that my first boss at Sigma Chi’s Risk Management Foundation was Brother Bob Joseph. His diligence and vision built the foundation upon which RMF stands today, and his leadership helped usher in a new era of strength through RMF’s move to the Lloyd’s Fraternity Program. But beyond the titles and achievements, Bob was a mentor who invested in people. He knew when to push, when to praise and how to help young professionals find their footing. Much of who I became in my early career is because of Brother Bob. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.” ~ RMF Executive Director and Order of Constantine Sig Steve Davidson, BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN 1996 “Brother Bob Joseph was a remarkable member of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity, instantly recognizable by his “BIG SIG” license plate and his eagerness to share what those words stood for. Bob’s true motivation came from a deep love for Sigma Chi’s principles and the commitment to shaping men of good character. What set Bob apart was his genuine ability to make anyone involved in the Fraternity feel valued and supported. His legacy is much more than a list of accomplishments; it’s the lasting impact he had on individuals and the Fraternity as a whole.” ~ Order of Constantine Sig Daryl Egbert, OREGON 1977 “Bob Joseph was an invaluable member of the Sigma Chi Foundation Board of Governors and a wise, steady leader whose counsel helped guide our organization through important moments of growth and stewardship. For more than two decades, he gave generously of his time, talent and treasure, serving with humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the Foundation and the young men we serve. Bob brought thoughtful, principled leadership to every discussion, while also serving as a trusted mentor and friend to so many. His impact on the Foundation and the Fraternity will be felt for many years to come." ~ Sigma Chi Foundation Chairman, Order of Constantine Sig and Significant Sig Jeff Muir, GEORGIA 1971
expect expect more more // THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE OF OF SIGMA SIGMA CHI CHI 53 53
/ CHAPTER ETERNAL /
The White Rose Ceremony Chapter Eternal brothers appearing in this issue were reported to International Fraternity Headquarters from Dec. 16, 2025, to March 15, 2026. The Magazine prints new death notices going back two years. To let Sigma Chi know of a Chapter Eternal brother, please email Chapter.Eternal@sigmachi.org and include: the brother's name; school and grad year; date of death; and a link to his obituary.
Denotes Life Loyal Sig
ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIG AND SIGNIFICANT SIG HENRY DURHAM, KENTUCKY 1953 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Jan. 23, 2026. He was 94. Durham was born Aug. 16, 1931, in Greensburg, Kentucky. Professionally, he practiced law before the U.S. Supreme Court and served as Fayette County Judge Pro Tem, ultimately retiring as chairman of TKP Financial Services. His Fraternity volunteerism included founding the Western Carolina Alumni Chapter and serving as the local installation chairman for the Kappa Gamma chapter. A Hall of Fame Sig, Durham also served as his chapter's financial advisor, a house corporation president and a member of the Sigma Chi Foundation's Board of Governors.
ORDER OF CONSTANTINE SIG DONALD ZANE, DICKINSON 1968 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Feb. 10, 2026. He was 79. Zane was born Dec. 13, 1946, in Philadelphia. His Fraternity service was dedicated to the now inactive Dickinson undergraduate chapter. Zane often traveled from Florida to Pennsylvania for chapter activities. He was Dickinson’s house corporation president and its community relations advisor for 18 years, its alumni relations advisor for 25 years and its recruitment advisor for five years. Zane often was a liaison between the chapter and the university and helped finance many of the chapter’s activities.
SIGNIFICANT SIG ROBERT BURGESS, WESTERN 1979 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Dec. 21, 2025. He was 68. Burgess was born Aug. 29, 1957, in Toronto. He was a leading technology executive who served as a director of Adobe Systems Inc. Prior to Adobe's acquisition of Macromedia, Burgess served as Macromedia's CEO and chairman of its board of directors. Earlier in his career, he was the CEO of Alias Research and a vice president at Silicon Graphics. Following his retirement, he served on the boards of Rogers Communications and NVIDIA, and he spent over a decade as chairman of the board for The Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula in Menlo Park, California.
SIGNIFICANT SIG BERT GETZ, MICHIGAN 1959 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Aug. 31, 2025. He was 88. Getz was born May 7, 1937, in Chicago. He had a distinguished career in banking and real estate, serving as president of Globe Corporation from 1974 to 1999 and also as director and chairman emeritus. Getz held directorships at several banks and corporations, and he was appointed to the Federal National Mortgage Association board. He also built and operated the Merit Club, a private championship golf course. Dedicated to his community, he served as chairman emeritus of the Mayo Foundation Board of Trustees and helped establish the Arizona Community Foundation, in addition to sitting on numerous other charitable boards.
54 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
SIGNIFICANT SIG D. BRADLEY MCWILLIAMS, TEXAS-AUSTIN 1965, entered the Chapter Eternal on Aug. 30, 2025. He was 83. McWilliams was born Dec. 1, 1941, in El Paso, Texas. He joined a small Houston company in 1970 called Cooper Industries, and by the time he retired as chief financial officer, it had grown into a $5 billion, Fortune 500 company. McWilliams supported his local community in many ways, including serving on the boards of the YMCA of the Greater Houston Area and UT Health Houston. In his honor, the YMCA named the Cypress Creek location after him. After a generous gift to the university, UT Health created the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics in 2023.
SIGNIFICANT SIG JOHN MORRISON, NEW MEXICO 1955 , entered the Chapter Eternal on March 12, 2026. He was 92. Morrison was born Sept. 15, 1933, in Wisconsin. After attending the University of New Mexico, he received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, and later earned a master’s in jurisprudence at University College. Morrison then commissioned as a U.S. Naval officer. Afterward, he earned his law degree from Harvard and joined the Kirkland & Ellis firm in Chicago, where he worked for the next 40 years. He was heavily involved with the International Bar Association legal education programs and the Rhodes Trust, where his work earned him the Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II.
SIGNIFICANT SIG RALPH PESQUEIRA, SAN DIEGO STATE 1957 , entered the Chapter Eternal on Nov. 13, 2025. He was 90. Pesqueira was born Feb. 5, 1935. He was the president of El Indio Shops Inc., a family-owned Mexican restaurant and tortilla factory in San Diego founded by his father in 1940. He took over the business in 1981, which is famously credited with inventing the taquito and has generously provided care packages to U.S. troops in war zones. In addition, Pesqueira served as a member of the California State University Board of Trustees from 1988 to 2004 and has held other university committee and board roles.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 55
/ CHAPTER ETERNAL /
Sigma Chi Fraternity CHAPTER ETERNAL Alabama 2016 Evan Procter of Hoover, AL; 12/25
DePauw 1953 Frank Shoptaugh of Colorado Springs, CO; 2/25
Arkansas 1958 Lawrence Grisham of Jonesboro, AR; 5/25 1964 Sammy Hilburn of North Little Rock, AR; 1/26 1966 Joseph Klein of Little Rock, AR; 6/25
Dickinson 1971 David Rahauser of Chambersburg, PA; 3/26
Ball State 1964 James Dick of Omaha, NE; 12/25 1973 Edward Rhinehart of Murrysville, PA; 12/25
East Texas A&M 1968 Peter Pucella of Harkers Island, NC; 11/25
Bradley 1983 James Stowell of Peoria, IL; 2/26
Eastern New Mexico 1971 Bruce Kerr of Aztec, NM; 7/24 1973 Donald Bigler of Canyon Lake, TX; 6/24 1975 Harry Mendoza of Stanley, NM; 3/24 1977 Leonard Knox of Clearfield, UT; 11/25 1978 Charles Brown of Albuquerque, NM; 5/25 1992 Tony Lombardo of Akron, OH; 7/24 1997 Jason Walker of Fort Myers, FL; 5/25
Brown 1958 John Becker of Arlington, VA; 2/25
Embry-Riddle (Prescott) 2006 Brendan Carney of Las Vegas; 12/24
Cal. State-Fresno 1956 James Nash of Fresno; CA; 7/25 1960 Ted Pollard of Seal Beach, CA; 1/25 1962 William Donaghy of Coarsegold, CA; 6/25 1963 Hon. William Levis of Henderson, NV; 8/25 1964 Dennis Shaves of Katy, TX; 6/25 1966 Zeph Thorning of Hollister, CA; 5/24 1970 Darrell Voth of Grover Beach, CA; 2/26 1973 Gary Hickok of Fresno, CA; 11/25
Emory 1964 Richard Hellier of Fairfax, VA; 1/26
Bowling Green 1965 John Florentine of Willoughby, OH; 11/25
California-Los Angeles 1951 Dr. Noel Thompson of Menlo Park; CA; 11/24 Case Western 1965 William Andersen of The Villages, FL; 11/24 Colorado-Boulder 1959 Maj. Frederick Trout of Slidell, LA; 4/25 Denison 1951 Norval Goss of Columbus, OH; 7/25 1964 William Linas of Trabuco Canyon, CA; 4/25 1967 James Brown of Boca Raton, FL; 5/25 1970 David Crooks of Naples, FL; 7/25 1972 Michael Spink of Boise, ID; 8/25
56 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Florida 1960 Dr. Bradley Adams of Tuscaloosa, AL; 12/24 1968 Frederick Latsko of Gainesville, FL; 12/25 2007 Matthew Sand of Orlando, FL; 12/25 Florida Southern 1961 Benjamin Smoot of Charlotte, NC; 2/26 Florida State 1960 John Grimsley of Jacksonville, FL; 11/25 George Washington 1965 Dr. Bill Benton of Ellicott City, MD; 10/24 Georgia Southern 1960 Robert Brannen of Statesboro, GA; 10/24 Hampden-Sydney 1985 Bradford Smith of Richmond, VA; 9/25 Hanover 1964 Gary Scheidt of Bear Creek, NC; 4/25
Hobart 1957 Bryan Warman of Davidson, NC; 11/25 1958 John Royston of Dover, DE; 6/24 Indiana 1984 Jeffrey Corey of Fishers, IN; 1/26 Iowa State 1959 Franklin Follett of El Paso, TX; 1/24 Kansas 1959 Dwight Beach of The Woodlands, TX; 8/25 Kansas State 1954 Frederick Shields of Olathe, KS; 12/25 1961 Ronald Janasek of Manhattan, KS; 11/25 1963 Francis Tyson of Hayward, WI; 11/25 Kent State 1969 Mark Galanese of Akron, OH; 8/24 1972 Frank Dantimo of Stow, OH; 7/25 1977 Thomas Ellway of Haiku, HI; 1/26 Kentucky 1962 Denis Lowry of Sarasota, FL; 1/25 Louisiana State 1967 Riley Nelson of Mobile, AL; 1/26 Miami (Florida) 1956 Norman Ridgely of Vero Beach, Fl; 1/26 2000 Chad Smickley of Goodyear, AZ; 1/24 Miami (Ohio) 1955 Don Bauman of Findlay, OH; 1/26 1967 Jeffrey McClelland of Columbus, OH; 12/25 1973 Arthur Bender of Charlotte, NC; 1/26 1979 Herbert Davis of Kinderhook, NY; 7/25 Mississippi 1949 Robert Hunter; 5/25 1967 William Poland of Clarksville, TN; 2/26 1969 Dr. Michael Coleman of Franklin, TN; 4/25 1969 James Weems of Austin, TX; 8/25 Mississippi State 1951 Carl Haas of West Point, MS; 1/26
1965 William Marlow of Ruleville, MS; 1/25 Montana 1962 Dale Evans of Portland, OR; 3/25 Montana State 1962 Curtis Zook of Kalispell, MT; 1/26 Murray State 1968 Joe Settle of Saint Johns, FL; 6/24 1969 Charles Pawlukiewcz of Fulton, KY; 8/24 1972 Jeffrey Votaw of Bridgeport, WV; 12/24 1973 John Gingles of Murray, KY; 1/26 1974 Cary Brandon of Murray, KY; 10/24 2004 Brian Seitz of Evansville, IN; 2/25
Pennsylvania 1964 John Olson of Houston; 12/25 Pittsburgh 1960 James Harrison of Dedham, MA; 11/25 1968 Dr. Thomas Meisner of Pittsburgh; 1/26
Rochester 1990 Kevin Powers of Easton, PA; 12/25 San Diego State 1998 John Tully of Fresno, CA; 7/25 Southern California 1955 Noble Trenham of Las Vegas; 9/24
New Mexico State 1969 Joseph Balkus of Farmington, NM; 1/26
Southern Methodist 1980 Jeffrey Vanderwater-Piercy of Indianapolis; 2/26
North Dakota State 1967 Robert Ohman of Bismarck, ND; 12/25
Syracuse 1964 Bruce Braun of Fitchburg, WI; 12/25
Northern Arizona 1964 Ralph Robinson of Mesa, AZ; 8/25
Tennessee Tech 1975 Mark Rogers of Cookeville, TN; 1/26 Tennessee-Knoxville 1983 Michael Gray of Knoxville, TN; 3/25
Ohio State 1956 Charles Dawson of Clearwater Beach, FL; 2/26 1958 Richard Henry of Columbus, OH; 11/25
Texas Tech 1979 Kenneth Thomason of Colleyville, TX; 1/26
Ohio Wesleyan 1950 Dr. Thomas Gallant of Granville, OH; 1/26
Toronto-Ryerson 1957 Dr. Robert Fielden of Westlake Village, CA; 2/26
Oklahoma 1991 Michael Winsky of Houston; 12/25
Tulsa 1956 Mallard Huntley of Marysville, CA; 12/25 1965 Jeff Smyth of Fort Worth, TX; 3/24
Oklahoma State 1984 Kevin Eisenbeis of Okemos, MI; 7/25 Oregon 1960 Maurice Comeau of Beaverton, OR; 5/25 1978 Peter Freeman of Laguna Beach, CA; 12/25 1981 Matthew Westman of Eugene, OR; 10/25
Wyoming 1956 Carrol Turner of Claremont, CA; 12/25 1970 Thomas Spicer of Rock Springs, WY; 6/24
Roanoke 1993 Kevin Worcester of Breckenridge, CO; 7/24
Nevada-Las Vegas 1969 Ernest Acevedo of Downey, CA; 12/25
1969 Michael Steele of Las Vegas; 12/25 1970 Robert Vielledent of Tucson, AZ; 2/26
1970 Richard Patterson of Kenilworth, IL; 12/25
Wabash 1964 Nicholas Nizamoff of Avon, IN; 2/26 West Virginia 1977 Barry Birckhead of Marietta, GA; 2/26 Wisconsin-Madison 1958 Michael Cantwell of Madison, WI; 12/25 expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 57
// ARCHIVES ARCHIVES // Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity members are pictured participating in a Sigma Chi Derby Days event.
BY ADDISON VINSON, NORTH GEORGIA 2028 //////
THE GENESIS AND LEGACY OF DERBY DAYS
The Central Michigan chapter decorated a car to serve as an advertisement for its April 1970 Derby Days events.
A look at one of Sigma Chi’s most popular, philanthropic events
T
here are few events in the Greek-letter world more well-known than
THE CHANNING WAY DERBY
Sigma Chi’s Derby Days philanthropic events. Today, Derby Days is
Derby Days officially originated at the Alpha Beta chapter at the University
one of the Fraternity's most recognized philanthropic traditions, but
of California, Berkeley. Originally, the event was called the “Channing Way
it took many decades to evolve into the fundraising powerhouse it is
Derby,” named after the chapter house’s historical location on Channing Way
currently. During this weeklong event, chapters organize competitions to raise
and College Avenue. The earliest versions of the event consisted mostly of a
funds for charitable causes. These elaborate events play a key role in promoting
series of humorous skits the brothers performed. The exact first year of the event
brotherhood, encouraging community service, fostering campus engagement,
is debated, but research based on a November 1931 article in The Magazine of
and maintaining a positive image of Greek-letter life. However, until the 1960s,
Sigma Chi suggests it began sometime between 1913 and 1916. According to a
Derby Days was solely an entertaining event consisting of skits, games and
November 1933 article in The Magazine, the annual derby had grown exponentially
contests without any philanthropic focus.
by 1933, attracting a record crowd of 5,000 spectators. It was so beloved that the
58 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
university dean of men described it as “the finest tradition on campus.” The event quickly caught on and began spreading to other Sigma Chi chapters. In the spring of 1935, Beta Sigma chapter Consul (and future Order of Constantine
international fraternities at the time. After the Cleo Wallace Center became Sigma Chi’s first Fraternity-wide service project in 1967, many chapters began using the Derby as a major fundraising event for the center.
Sig) Edward Stothart, 1935, at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, made
The Tau Tau chapter at Washington University in St. Louis exemplified this
plans to stage a similar event after receiving reports from Berkeley. Instead
early dedication. During their first year contributing, Tau Tau’s Wallace Village
of presenting skits, he uniquely planned the day around track-and-field
Chairman Jim Power, 1970, wrote about their efforts: “Our publicity program
competitions where university sororities could compete for awards. Since the
is already well underway. Through a campaign in newsletters to alumni, the
fraternity house was located on Circle Park, the event was appropriately called
campus newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and local radio and television
the “Circle Park Derby.” According to the December 1935 issue of The Magazine,
media, word of Sigma Chi, Tau Tau, Derby Day, and Wallace Village is reaching
more than 1,000 people were in attendance on November 1, 1935, to witness this
the people. ... Our immediate plans call for an elaborate display of material
first Derby involving campus sororities.
illustrating the history and work of the Village at Derby Day for all spectators to On that very same day, four Sigs from the Delta chapter
This unnamed chapter is ready to leave it all on the field for an athletic contest.
view. A large, eye-catching container will be pledge-transported through crowds during the program to solicit contributions … .”
at the University of Georgia
The impressive fundraising potential was evident during the 1980s when
were visiting Knoxville and
chapters consistently contributed five-figure amounts from their Derby Days to
witnessed the festivities. They
their designated charities each year, according to the Winter 1994-95 issue of The
enthusiastically took the idea
Magazine of Sigma Chi.
back to their campus, and
In 1992, the Children’s Miracle Network was introduced as the Fraternity’s
because they didn’t have a Circle
suggested beneficiary. In 2005, during Sigma Chi’s 150th anniversary celebration,
Park, the Georgia Sigs simply
the Huntsman Cancer Institute was named a supplemental preferred philanthropic
named their production “Sigma
partner. By 2012, HCI was named the sole preferred philanthropic partner, and
Chi Derby.” Future Significant
Derby Days officially became a key fundraising effort uniting chapters in the fight
Sig W. Tapley Bennett Jr., 1937,
to become the generation to end cancer.
helped start this Georgia event,
To date, Sigma Chi has raised over $31 million for the Huntsman Cancer
with the local mayor of Athens
Foundation through Derby Days and other philanthropic efforts. What began as a
issuing an official proclamation, according to a December 1935 submission
campus rivalry has now become an international movement rooted in community
to The Magazine. Recognizing the assistance they received, the Delta chapter
impact.
wrote in the December 1936 issue: “Delta is indebted to Beta Sigma chapter at Tennessee, which aided us in making a success of our first annual Derby.” The event then spread from that campus to the Beta Psi chapter at Georgia Tech, and its subsequent growth and popularity became widespread and rapid. A PHILANTHROPIC SHIFT During the 1960s, the Derby began to take on the philanthropic approach for which it is now widely known on many campuses. Fraternal attitudes during this time were shifting from purely social organizations toward an increased focus on community philanthropy and service. Announced at the 1967 Grand Chapter by recently elected 44th Grand Consul Floyd R. Baker, NEBRASKA 1937, and guided by 42nd Grand Consul Harry V. Wade, WABASH and CORNELL 1926, Sigma Chi's move into public service was inspired
Undergraduate Sigs pose with a Huntsman Cancer Foundation x Sigma Chi flag during the Huntsman Dinner at the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop.
by similar avenues actively being explored by a few other men’s national and expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 59
/ CLOSING CIRCLE /
The Sig List
Things to know, notice and tell a brother
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
1
Does your chapter have the most Life Loyal Sigs in your region — or even the most across North America? Take part in Sigma Chi’s Life Loyal Sig challenge, encourage fellow brothers to sign up, and help boost your chapter to the top of the charts. View Life Loyal Sig members and chapter status at SigmaChi.org/LifeLoyal.
2
Have you ever voted by mail-in ballot for election day? If so, you have Significant Sig Chuck Abdelnour, SAN DIEGO STATE 1960, to thank. Read more about this lifelong public servant — whose work has been guided by the values he first found in Sigma Chi — in our exclusive interview with him.
3 4
Sigs playing USA Today’s Quick Cross crossword puzzle should have found one of the answers easy easy on April 21. John Wilmes, MISSOURI S&T 1984, created the nationally published abbreviated crossword puzzle in 1996, and for the first time, the syndicator allowed a mention of Sigma Chi. The hint: Swindell of country and Sigma Chi.
5
The teddy bear stuffed animal was invented between 1902 and 1903 after President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot an old, injured bear on a hunting trip. His refusal was famously depicted in a Washington Post cartoon. The host of that hunting trip was Mississippi Gov. Andrew Longino, MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE 1875.
Significant Sig Chuck Abdelnour, SAN DIEGO STATE 1960
The first recording of “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” is displayed at the Purdue chapter house. Edward Nell, PURDUE 1921, sung the words to the song of that first recording in 1923 and donated it to the chapter around 1980.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 61
/ CLOSING CIRCLE /
BY THE NUMBERS Significant Sig John Wayne, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1929, whose centennial anniversary of initiation is this year
5
Years John Wayne was the top box office star in the U.S.
4
100 3,056
Years since his initiation on Feb. 28, 1926
The Duke’s Life Loyal Sig number
142
Number of Duke The Magazine of Sigma Chi covers
Lead roles the Duke played, according to the Internet Movie Database
1
2022
Film in which he was billed as “Duke Morrison”—1929’s Words and Music 62 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
Year the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum was recognized as a Sigma Chi Memorial Monument
Sigma Chi Member hub
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expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 63
/ THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER PROGRAM /
BY SIGMA CHI LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JIM COGDAL, BRADLEY 2003 //////
CONNECTING THE PIECES Sigma Chi’s Transform officer development, Preparation for Brotherhood and the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop are all aligning this summer to prepare Magisters — and the Fraternity — for a transformational next chapter in Sigma Chi
F
or some, putting together 1,000 pieces of a puzzle is maddening. The challenge resides in finding the perfect fit for each unique crevice, nook and cranny. Not forcing pieces together so that the end game – a beautiful vision – looks skewed. Since 1947, the Sigma Chi International Fraternity has been piecing together a puzzle that began with the original Balfour Leadership Training Workshop, where undergraduate chapter officers came to Bowling Green State University came to learn the roles and responsibilities of their office. Decades and a pandemic later, the world has changed. Sigma Chi made a commitment to change with it, like great leaders do.
64 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
This summer, the pieces of a complete officer leadership experience will come together, fittingly, at Bowling Green State University, the site of the 2026 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop (Krach TLW). The new Transform officer development, the Preparation for Brotherhood (P4B) program, and the Krach TLW Adaptive Leadership track are joining forces as part of a collaborative effort to train all of Sigma Chi’s Magisters for the upcoming academic year. P4B is undergoing key structural changes that will see all its pledge educators, Grand Praetors and half of the Fraternity’s chapter advisors invited to the Bowling Green State campus to learn the new program and to engage in leadership development strategies for Magisters. “I’m so excited that we’re able to bring all our Magisters to Krach TLW for the launch of the P4B program,” says P4B Chairman Asher Kalef, CAL. STATE-SAN BERNARDINO 2011. “Our faculty will be able to give them the tools they need to deliver the program at its highest quality. Between the refreshed P4B and the new Transform program, and ASHER KALEF, CAL. STATEthe leadership skills they are receiving from our Adaptive SAN BERNADINO 2011 Leadership track, our Magisters are going to be better equipped than ever!” The role of Magister has always required more than simply weekly lesson delivery to Sigma Chi pledges. A Magister must create belonging, uphold expectations, teach (and live) the ideals of the Fraternity and guide new members toward an understanding of brotherhood rooted in friendship, justice and learning. In today’s
campus environment, serving as Magister requires more intentional preparation than ever. To be a Transformational Magister requires: • Confidence • Emotional intelligence • Strong facilitation skills • The ability to build trust within a group of young men who are learning what it means to lead together That is why the synchronicity of these three programs is so important. Transform officer developments gives Magisters the practical foundation for success in their role. Preparation for Brotherhood gives them the curriculum, structure and valuesbased learning experience they are expected to deliver. The Adaptive Leadership for Magisters track gives them the leadership and facilitation skills to make P4B come alive, including strategies to facilitate change and navigate conflict in their P4B programs and within their chapters. When all three pillars operate together, Sigma Chi is not simply handing a brother a manual and hoping for the best. It is building a leadership pipeline. “I promised the day I was sworn in as Grand Consul that operational excellence would be our goal as a Fraternity,” says 74th Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990. “The only way to achieve this vision is to ensure the bedrock of Sigma Chi is not only improved but working together for the development of our undergraduate brothers. Transform, P4B and workshop learning will take this 74TH GRAND CONSUL RYAN TEMBY, RUTGERS 1990 experience to a whole new level.” The first outcome of aligning all these three formerly separate areas of Sigma Chi? Unison. P4B and Transform combine to communicate and articulate all the new pledging changes, both within the curriculum and in Sigma Chi governance. P4B and Adaptive Leadership combine to provide the full 360-degree leadership experience for Magister – the nuts and bolts of being a Magister and the leadership skills to navigate any challenge facing them at their chapter, along with facilitation skills to deploy the P4B program. The Transform Magister executive team will also work with chapter advisors and Grand Praetors onsite to learn the new strategy for how to deploy Magister learning regionally through Transform officer mentors. “As the world evolved, the Sigma Chi Fraternity was called to evolve once more,” says Transform Magister lead Bobby Juchem, IDAHO 1997. “The new P4B and Transform programs are the foundation of the Sigma Chi Fraternity's new member development program's evolution.” Let’s look at how these three critical components working together will form the ideal Magister back in BOBBY JUCHMEN, IDAHO 1997 chapterland. THE RING OF TRUE METAL Founder William Lewis Lockwood, MIAMI (OHIO) 1858, once penned to the neighboring Lambda chapter at Indiana University: “In our meetings for the past three
When all three pillars operate together, Sigma Chi is not simply handing a brother a manual and hoping for the best. It is building a leadership pipeline. years, I have spent some of my happiest moments; so happy, so pleasant, that the remembrance of them will always be vivid. When you recruit your ranks, be certain to choose congenial, high-minded talented fellows. Though you may be strong now, take all you can get who have the ring of true metal.” In the fall of 2026, P4B hopes to recreate memorable moments in the pledge meetings of the future through Lockwood’s concept. Sigma Chi’s P4B Committee, the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute and Parting Glass Creative have partnered together to develop The Ring of True Metal, a five-episode docuseries on the history and heritage of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity. One episode per weekly pledge meeting within P4B. Magisters will then take their Adaptive skills and lead key discussions with their pledges on each episode. Each episode of The Ring of True Metal will be connected, inevitably leading to an excellent ending for our pledges – the Sigma Chi Ritual. “I want to binge the whole thing,” says Grand Consul Temby with an accompanying chuckle. “That’s how good this series is. It’s like I am on my couch watching a Netflix series. The creative and artistic design brings Sigma Chi’s history to life with each episode. We aim to bring new life to pledge meetings through our Magisters in the process.” The Ring of True Metal’s premier will be shown at 2026 Krach TLW to all Magisters, who will be treated as red-carpet royalty each night to view all five episodes. They will then discuss with Sigma Chi leaders the importance of the P4B program and the messaging within the docuseries. Also provided will be a new Magister Playbook, with streamlined, efficient and effective gameplans to manage each P4B meeting, ceremony and activity. “Our undergraduates have asked for an easier-to-use, tangible version of the old Magister Guide,” Kalef says. “Our new Magisters Playbook meets our brothers where they’re at and gives them the information they need at their fingertips to run P4B as it was intended.” READY FOR TRANSFORMATION? Formal Pledging Ceremony that’s 72 hours after bids accepted. Check. Making sure the Big Brothers are ready. Check. Ensuring Norman Shields are ordered. Check. Need to contact our alumni about doing the RBCs in Sigma Chi Week. Check The little things matter when you are a Magister. While the P4B program will require inspiration, empowerment and mentorship for new Sigma Chi pledges expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 65
through facilitation skills and The Ring of True Metal, it also needs the attentionto-detail and operational excellence logistically in order to ensure a safe, healthy experience for all new members. These critical details are packed into an interactive and engaging Transform Magister eLearning curriculum that needs to be completed by Magisters in the first 30 days of their office. For this summer, Magisters will be assigned this course ahead of attending the Adaptive Leadership track at 2026 Krach TLW. “In a college experience often focused on transactions, Transform contains the best of Sigma Chi's transformational elements. It focuses on a shared experience, tangible support and aligns the Magister curriculum with the best risk-management practices and leadership strategies,” Juchem says. “Transform is designed at the onset to evolve as the P4B program level sets to include in-person training at Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop and on the local level developing subject matter experts at a local and regional level.” 360 DEGREES OF LEADERSHIP Across North America, Sigma Chi chapters face familiar pressures: changing campus expectations, rising demands for accountability, the need for safer and more meaningful pledging experiences and the challenge of developing leaders who can respond with maturity rather than impulse. Brothers may enter their office of Magister with enthusiasm and good intentions, but enthusiasm alone does not prepare him for the barrage of real-world challenges that chapter leadership brings. He needs tools. He needs practice. He needs a shared philosophy. Most of all, he needs to understand that leadership is not about control; it is about creating conditions where others can grow. Enter an experience and skilled Adaptive Leadership faculty rooted in teaching Magisters about change and navigating the sometimes-choppy waters within their chapter room and campus. “I think the way the Adaptive content has been developed, it gives our Magisters a full 360-degree view of leadership and it allows them an opportunity to see what skills are needed to being an adaptive leader but also some of the challenges they will have to address moving forward,” says Adaptive Leadership team lead Jamie Frakes, ARKANSAS STATE 1989. “That’s critical if you are JAMIE FRAKES, ARKANSAS STATE 1989 going to be an effective and enduring leader.” Transform takes care of all the details a Magister needs to know in preparing them for operationalizing the P4B program. Adaptive takes the baton to transform our undergraduates into skilled facilitators and team builders for their pledge classes. Frakes remembers his early days as a leader, when the title meant everything until something went sideway. “I was pounding my chest because I wanted to make impact, and then you get in there and you get hit with a barrage of challenges,” Frakes remembers fondly. “That’s why I think a lot of the exercises in Adaptive Leadership for Magisters are so valuable because it allows our brothers to step outside their shell and see how others have addressed situations and learn their own philosophy as a unique leader themselves.”
66 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI / summer 2026
"This is a game changer. Operational excellence was the goal, and to get there, the pieces had to fit. Finally, this summer, they will.” - Grand Consul Ryan Temby, RUTGERS 1990 BACK TO BOWLING GREEN Bringing all Magisters together for focused training in facilitation and team building is more than a logistical achievement — it’s a point of pride for Sigma Chi. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Significant Sig David Pyle, A COLLEGE IN LOS ANGELES 1980, all travel expenses will be covered for Magisters to attend Krach TLW. It is a strategic investment in consistency of P4B programming, quality and culture. These Magisters will return to their chapters with a common language and a shared understanding of what effective new member education should look and feel like. They will have practiced leading discussions, managing group dynamics, building trust and responding to challenges with poise. They will be better equipped to step outside their own assumptions and see how different brothers approach conflict, belonging, motivation and accountability. That shared experience also raises the emotional intelligence of the role. A Magister who can read a room, listen deeply and guide a conversation with care is better prepared to serve his pledge class. He can recognize when a group is disengaged, when a new member is unsure, when a chapter tradition needs to be examined and when a difficult conversation must be handled directly. Those skills are not soft in the sense of being optional. They are essential leadership skills, and they are exactly the kind of competencies that make Sigma Chi’s educational experience distinctive. “This is a game changer,” Grand Consul Temby says of all the paths of P4B, Transform and Krach TLW merging together. “Operational excellence was the goal, and to get there, the pieces had to fit. Finally, this summer, they will.” And synchronicity is the key. If Transform officer development exists separately from the P4B, Magisters may understand their duties but lack the deeper facilitation skills to deliver a transformative experience. If P4B exists without Transform, the curriculum may be strong but inconsistently implemented. If Krach TLW exists without connection to the specific responsibilities of the Magister, leadership lessons may inspire but fail to translate into chapter practice. Together, the puzzle shows the intended vision. A better Sigma Chi.
expect more / THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 67
For 171 years, Sigma Chi has endured because generations of brothers invested in something greater than themselves — a promise rooted in friendship, justice and learning. Through the Thomas Cowan Bell Chapter Challenge, Sigma Chi is building that promise into the future of every chapter. Our endowment model provides annual academic scholarships and on-site leadership development training through Sigma Chi’s Transformational Leader™ curriculum — equipping our undergraduate brothers to lead with purpose in perpetuity. As momentum continues within the largest capital campaign in the Greekletter world, every Bell Chapter endowment strengthens the foundation of our Fraternity for generations to come. Because someday a young man will arrive on campus searching for belonging, direction and purpose — and because of you, he will find it here. Visit donate.sigmachi.org/bell to learn more.
THOMAS COWAN BELL CHAPTER CHALLENGE
The Sigma Chi Foundation is recognized as a 501(c)(3) Public Foundation by the Internal Revenue Service. Our federal tax identification number 36-2208386. Your gift is deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.