The Quarterly

The Eta Chi Chapter at Old Dominion University combined philanthropy with a little friendly fun on April 13 by hosting its “Pie a Sigma Nu” fundraiser in support of the Elizabeth River Project. Students had the opportunity to pie Sigma Nu brothers while raising funds to help protect and preserve one of the Hampton Roads region’s most important natural resources.

Over the weekend of March 28, the Eta Chi Chapter at Old Dominion University took advantage of warmer weather to host a neighborhood street cleanup, helping spruce up the community surrounding campus. Nearly half the chapter participated in the effort, organized by Philanthropy and Community Service Chairman Eli Burlingame.

Congratulations to Eta Chi Chapter Brother Zach Edelman (right) for winning the Selfless Helper Award during the ODU Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards Ceremony.

Brother John Hackett, an Eta Chi alumnus of Old Dominion University, recently returned to campus to reprise his role as Big Blue, the university’s beloved mascot, more than 50 years after first wearing the suit as a student. At 72 years old, Hackett delighted fans during a Monarchs’ basketball game at Chartway Arena, earning a standing ovation from more than 6,000 attendees. A successful business executive and proud Sigma Nu brother, Hackett credited his ODU education as a key foundation for his career and celebrated the opportunity to reconnect with a place he still calls special.

At the end of November, the Eta Chi Chapter at Old Dominion University traveled to Lexington, Va., for a memorable visit to the Fraternity’s headquarters and the initiation of its fall candidate class. In a ceremony rich with tradition, eight new men were welcomed into the bonds of Sigma Nu, marking the culmination of their hard work and commitment throughout the semester. While in Lexington, brothers participated in an in-depth tour of the Fraternity’s headquarters and the campus of Virginia Military Institute, where Sigma Nu was founded in principled opposition to hazing. The experience offered meaningful historical perspective and strengthened the men’s connection to the Fraternity’s founding principles.

The Eta Chi Chapter at Old Dominion University kicked off the fall season by lending a helping hand at Larchmont United Methodist Church, helping unload more than 2,500 pumpkins for the church’s annual pumpkin patch. Brothers and candidates worked side by side throughout the day, grateful for the opportunity to serve and support the Norfolk, Va., community in a fun and meaningful way.