The Quarterly

Last month, the Auburn University community came together for the inaugural Romo Cup on April 25, a fraternity wiffle ball tournament honoring the life and legacy of Beta Theta Chapter Brother Will “Romo” Romanowski, who tragically passed away in 2023. Hosted on the chapter’s East Lawn, the event featured eight participating fraternities and transformed what began as a casual side-yard game between Sigma Nu and Alpha Tau Omega into a campus-wide tournament centered on fellowship, remembrance, and service. Brother Romanowski, who had a deep passion for baseball and aspired to one day work in Major League Baseball, left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Inspired by his personal motto, “Be Better Than Yesterday,” the Romo Cup now serves as both a celebration of his life and a fundraising initiative supporting the establishment of the Will “Romo” Scholarship at Auburn University. With support from Auburn’s Greek community, university organizations, and numerous sponsors, the event raised nearly $35,000, bringing the scholarship close to endowed status and ensuring future Auburn students will benefit from Romanowski’s legacy for years to come.

The Beta Theta Chapter at Auburn University celebrated a standout evening at the university’s annual IFC Awards on February 17, highlighted by Lt. Commander Carter Deriso receiving the prestigious Unsung Hero Award. The honor recognizes a fraternity member who leads through selfless service, and Deriso’s impact across campus and within the chapter made him a clear choice. An Honors student in Civil Engineering with a 3.64 GPA, Deriso has distinguished himself as a leader among his peers. Notably, he identified the need to renovate the chapter’s nearly 30-year-old facilities, developed a comprehensive plan, secured bids, and led fundraising efforts for a $100,000 renovation project. Completed in phases over the summer and winter breaks, the upgrades stand as a lasting testament to his initiative, leadership, and commitment to improving the chapter experience.

On February 9, the Beta Theta Chapter hosted its annual Wild Game Dinner in partnership with Onward, continuing a long-standing tradition of fellowship and faith formation within the chapter. The event welcomed more than 800 fraternity men from across campus for an evening of shared meals and meaningful conversation. The program featured a message from Tim Frickenschmidt, a Sigma Nu from the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State University and former Auburn ministry staff member.

Brotherhood and lifelong bonds were on full display the weekend of October 11, as the Beta Theta Chapter‘s Fall 2011 candidate class gathered for a tailgate reunion ahead of the Auburn-Georgia football game at Auburn University. Led by alumnus Jacob Word, more than 22 brothers-many joined by wives and young children – came together for a memorable weekend of fellowship, football, and shared memories. Pictured are alumni brothers Tucker Osborne, Jacob Word, Brooks Hudson, Chris Jeter, and their children-the newest generation of the Beta Theta family.

ver Labor Day weekend, the Beta Theta Chapter (Auburn) completed its first-ever pilgrimage to Lexington, Virginia, to visit the Fraternity’s Headquarters and the site of our founding at VMI. This transformative experience was made possible by the generosity of Brother Robert Burgin, Beta Theta 1762, who committed $10,000 this year and next to support the chapter’s candidates in making the journey. The trip included LEAD sessions and team-building workshops led by General Fraternity staff members Michael Lay (Arkansas-Fort Smith) and Noah Frank (Purdue), as well as the Fraternity’s Executive Director, Brad Beacham (Texas Christian). The men toured the Headquarters, received a special cadet-led tour of VMI, and visited the Fraternity’s historic founding marker on the VMI parade grounds. A highlight of the weekend was the Candidate Ceremony for the chapter’s newest class of candidates, held in the Alpha Room of Headquarters. In total, 56 collegiate members (54 candidates and two initiates) and two alumni, including Brother Burgin and Past Regent Maury Gaston, completed the pilgrimage to The Rock. This inaugural pilgrimage not only deepened the chapter’s appreciation for Sigma Nu’s history, traditions, and heroes, but also underscored the profound impact of alumni support in shaping meaningful brotherhood experiences.

The Legion of Honor is saddened to share the passing of Brother John R. Burgess, Jr. (Samford / Auburn), who entered Chapter Eternal on September 24, 2025. For nearly three decades, Brother Burgess stood as one of Beta Theta Chapter’s most devoted champions; an advisor, mentor, and friend whose servant leadership shaped generations of Sigma Nus at Auburn University. From guiding the chapter through its 1990s house transition to encouraging involvement in campus life, he led by example, always present with a kind word and wise counsel. His steadfast support and dedication helped place Beta Theta on the path to five consecutive Rock Chapter Awards. Among his many honors were Sigma Nu’s Chapter Advisor of the Year Award in 2004 and the Regent’s Medallion of Merit in 2015, which was presented by the High Council during the chapter’s 125th anniversary celebration. Brother Burgess leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership, service, and brotherhood, truly exemplifying what it means to be a Mighty Oak of Sigma Nu. The Fraternity’s thoughts and prayers are with the Beta Theta Chapter and the Burgess family. Pictured: Brother Burgess after receiving the Regent’s Medallion of Merit in 2015. With him are his sister Nan, daughter Elizabeth, wife Betty, daughter-in-law Carrie McFerran, and son John III.