Dispatches from The Legion of Honor
Chapter & Alumni News for the Fall 2023 Quarterly
Alabama
On August 30, the brothers of Theta Chapter partnered with the Beta Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi and LIFESOUTH Community Blood Centers to host their annual blood drive. The drive was a great success, with 125 people donating blood. The donation is enough to save 339 lives.
Alabama in Huntsville
On September 15, brothers from Mu Beta Chapter volunteered with Honoring Veteran Legacies for their second annual Shotgun Salute. The sporting clay shooting competition was followed by a BBQ dinner and dancing. The event coincided with National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and funds raised from the event help to preserve the legacies of our veterans still with us today.
Arizona
Over the weekend leading into September 11, Epsilon Alpha Chapter participated in an annual 9/11 Memorial 5K. The race is hosted to honor and commemorate those who lost their lives during the attack twenty-two years ago.
Arizona State
At the 70th Grand Chapter in Fort Lauderdale, Zeta Upsilon Chapter was recognized by the North American Interfraternity Conference as one of the top fraternity chapters in the country with the NIC Chapter of Distinction Award. The award sets the chapter apart from not only other Sigma Nu chapters but all fraternity chapters, regardless of national affiliation. In addition to the chapter recognition, Zeta Upsilon also took home two awards for members of the chapter. Alumnus Dominic Frattura was recognized as an NIC Undergraduate of Distinction, and alumnus Scott Rutledge was recognized as an NIC Advisor of Distinction.
In the vibrant year of 1967, three young men, Barry Shepard (pictured right), Tom Harland, and Will Rodgers (pictured left), crossed paths at the Zeta Upsilon Chapter house. They immediately connected over their shared passion for creativity and innovation. Little did they know that this chance encounter would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey that would leave a lasting impact on the world of branding. Read this fascinating alumni profile from Zeta Upsilon alumnus Dominic Frattura HERE.
Arkansas-Fort Smith
Nu Alpha Chapter showed a commitment to extending the helping hand, even in the off-season. Brothers from the chapter volunteered with the Community Services Clearinghouse of Fort Smith, Ark., over the summer, unloading trucks for the organization. The Community Services Clearinghouse works to provide for the needs of families and individuals in the area who are facing emergency situations.
Auburn
On Saturday evening, July 1, at the 70th Grand Chapter Closing Banquet, Beta Theta Chapter’s Maury D. Gaston was installed as Sigma Nu's 68th Regent.
A video of Regent Gaston’s swearing-in and remarks can be seen and heard here.
Regent Gaston had this to say, “I can’t express the honor of following Beta Theta Past Regents John M. Ward, who was Regent when my father was initiated in 1947, Robert Durham, and Lee Perrett who have been tremendous mentors to me. I have so many Sigma Nu heroes from our chapter and others, and I hope you will hear or read the remarks where those heroes are mentioned.
I aspire for every Sigma Nu chapter to provide the best collegiate and alumni fraternity experience in America. I believe we do this at Auburn, and while that experience differs greatly from campus to campus, each of our chapters can do that for their members and alumni in their own unique way consistent with our values of Love, Honor, and Truth.
This all began with Dick Mullins asking me to serve on our House Corporation when I returned home 26 years ago. I simply said, “Yes,” and aspired to do good work for him and for the chapter. There is more about that in my remarks to the Grand Chapter, where I encouraged our Brothers across the country, especially collegians and young alumni, to “Show up and do good work.”
I'm deeply grateful for this opportunity, and the support and encouragement from my fellow chapter members down through the years has been gratifying and encouraging."
Ball State
Theta Nu Chapter kicked off its fall recruitment period by participating in Ball State University’s IFC Cook-Off. In addition to the time spent with prospective new members, the chapter took home the top prize as the 2023 Grand Winner thanks to member Evan Martin’s burgers.
Bowling Green State
At this year's Camp-In, Epsilon Chi Chapter alumni gathered at the home of alumnus Dick Schultz and his wife Dorie for their annual reunion. Present were 24 alumni golfers, with 33 gathering at the Whitey's Booze & Burgers restaurant on Friday. Most everyone stayed overnight at the Schultz’ home and then attended a meeting hosted by Chapter Advisor Bob Gingras, Alumni Advisory Board Member Mike Icenogle, and the current collegiate chapter Eminent Commander Riley Blankenship. Dinner was served to about 42 brothers and family on Saturday evening. 19 stayed for Sunday breakfast before helping clean up the house before departing.
Camp-OUT/Camp-IN are long-running traditions for Epsilon Chi Chapter alumni. The Camp-OUT started in 1974 at Delaware State Park and continued until about 1987. The only Camp-IN back then was in the Epsilon Chi Chapter house in 1989. After Dick Schultz and his wife Dorie built their new home in Richfield in 2000, the Schultz began hosting the Camp-IN and have continued each year except for one during the pandemic.
Butler
Suicide prevention is a cause the brothers of Epsilon Mu Chapter have become passionate advocates for. On September 9, as a part of National Suicide Prevention Month programming, the chapter participated in an Out of the Darkness walk hosted by the Indiana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The Out of the Darkness walks help to introduce communities to the AFSP and raise awareness, funds, and resources to assist those affected by suicide.
Central Oklahoma
Brothers from Mu Tau Chapter assisted with campus move-in to get new University of Central Oklahoma students moved into their dorms and ready for the start of the academic year.
Columbus State
Mu Xi Chapter had a great time at their Alumni Cookout in mid-August. Over 15 alumni were present for the event. The brothers enjoyed burgers and hotdogs from the grill and conversation over cornhole. The chapter hopes the cookout is just the beginning as it grows its alumni engagement efforts in the future.
Drury
The brothers from Epsilon Beta Chapter had a wonderful time participating virtually in the walk/run for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on September 16. The chapter was not able to participate in the in-person event hosted in Springfield, Mo., but worked with representatives from St. Jude to participate on the Drury campus. Ten members of the chapter participated in the event, and the group raised approximately $500 for the charity.
Eastern Illinois
Brothers from Lambda Gamma Chapter volunteered at the 2023 Special Olympics Family Festival in Mattoon, Ill., on September 16. The chapter enjoyed being matched with a buddy for the day and interacting with all the athletes. This year’s event marked the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics Family Festival.
Eastern Kentucky
Throughout the month of August, brothers from Theta Theta Chapter partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties to help build homes for community members in need. The brothers participated in a variety of tasks, including cleaning up brush, trimming trees, and building fences for residences in Richmond, Ky.
Also in August, Theta Theta’s LEAD Chairman Brandon Dearing introduced the chapter’s sophomore class to LEAD Phase II, the second phase of the Fraternity’s award-winning leadership development program. Brother Dearing facilitated a session on developing into ethical leaders and making a positive impact.
Furman
Kappa Chi Chapter alumnus and past General Fraternity staff member Michael Burant was inducted into the Rockbridge County High School Athletics Hall of Fame. While at RCHS, Michael was a standout athlete who lettered in 11 of the 12 eligible sports available at his time in school. Michael was a four-year letter winner as an offensive tackle, defensive end, and long snapper during his football career. He was voted Most Valuable Lineman and earned All-District Honors in Fall 1998 and 1999. Michael was also recognized as an All-Region performer in 1999. In winter seasons, Michael played JV basketball his 9th-grade year and was a Varsity letter winner his 10th-grade year. In Michael's 11th and 12th grade years, he moved to the wrestling team and was a two-year letter winner in the heavyweight division. Michael was also an accomplished pitcher and catcher on the diamond for RCHS and was a four-year letter-winner in baseball. After his time at RCHS, Michael accepted an athletic scholarship to play football for Furman University in Greenville, S.C. Michael was on the NCAA national runner-up team in 2001 and was a two-time Southern Conference winner in 2001 and 2004. Michael was a three-year starter at nose guard and was selected as First Team All-Southern Conference in 2003. He was voted Most Valuable Defensive Player vs. Clemson University in 2003 and team Most Valuable Defensive Lineman in 2003. In 2004, Michael was picked 2nd Team Preseason All-American before his career ended with a knee injury in the second game of his senior campaign. Michael joined the Kappa Chi Chapter at Furman and worked for Sigma Nu Fraternity after graduation from 2005-2006.
Georgia
As a part of the 48th Annual Summer Study Abroad in Innsbruck, Austria, hosted by The University of New Orleans, 13 Mu Chapter brothers studied in Europe during the six-week program. The brothers lived in student dorms with new friends from Virginia, Alabama, Auburn, New Orleans, and even some fellow Sigma Nu's from Phi Chapter at LSU. Throughout the summer, the brothers attempted to surf the famous Munich River, saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Vienna, took boat tours of Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam, and enjoyed wine tours in Italy. Among many valuable life lessons learned between cuisine, culture, and international travel, some of the most important lessons learned by the Mu men include: you can indeed bring a sword through TSA, we are lucky not to have to pay for water every meal at home, and hiking steep mountains in flip flops is actually not a good idea.
Georgia Southern
Theta Kappa Chapter hosted the second annual White Rose Week in late September, raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. During the week, the chapter was able to raise $19,108 for the cause.
Houston
umpires have a special bond. In this case, the bond included a surprise brotherhood. At the 2023 Little League World Series Regional Tournament, two of the umpires, Todd Marr (Maryland) (right) and Mike Baker (Houston) (left), discovered they were Sigma Nu brothers. Special thanks to Brother Mike Baker, an alumnus of Zeta Chi Chapter for submitting this photo.
Huntingdon
Nu Beta Chapter alumnus Gabriel Pittman was awarded an NCAA postgraduate scholarship earlier this year. The NCAA awards up to 126 postgraduate scholarships annually. The scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and who are at least in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition.
Brother Pittman, a recent graduate of Huntingdon College and an alumnus of the school’s wrestling program, plans to use the scholarship to attend Auburn University to study veterinary medicine.
Huntingdon Wrestling Head Coach Matt Oliver had this to say about Gabriel. “He has encompassed everything you want in a student-athlete, and this scholarship tops off an already stellar career for him both athletically and academically. I am extremely proud to call Gabe Pittman an alumnus of the Huntingdon College Wrestling Program."
Idaho
In late July, alumni from Delta Omicron Chapter hosted the Jon Denny Memorial Golf Tournament at the University of Idaho Golf Course. Several alumni and families came together for golf and festivities in memory of Brother Jon Denny, who entered Chapter Eternal in 1999. The memorial golf tournament has been hosted for over two decades. The event serves as an opportunity for brothers and their families to play golf, share stories, and reunite with old friends. After the tournament, the brothers head to the chapter house for a celebratory barbeque.
Illinois
Over the summer, collegiate chapter officers from Gamma Mu Chapter attended the Gamma Mu Alumni Chapter’s Annual Alumni Dinner at the Union League Club of Chicago. The event, hosted on July 13, 2023, continues to serve as an opportunity for members from the collegiate chapter to interact and network with chapter alumni.
Illinois State
Earlier this summer, Theta Rho Chapter alumnus Bob Carse and collegiate chapter Alumni Relations Chairman Luke Loss organized an alumni golf outing. The event was a great success, with 20 alumni attending for fellowship on the greens.
Indiana
Beta Eta Chapter alumnus Don Densborn is among six Densborn Blachly LLP lawyers included in the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America, an annual publication highlighting the top five percent of practicing lawyers in the U.S., organized by state, city, and practice area. Brother Densborn, a founding partner of his firm, was also recognized as a 2024 Lawyer of the Year in the category of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) in Indianapolis. This prestigious recognition is not new to Densborn; he previously received the honor in 2017, 2018, and 2020. This year marks Densborn’s 15th year of inclusion on the Best Lawyers list. Brother Densborn is also a Past Regent for the Fraternity and was inducted into the Fraternity’s Hall of Honor in 2014.
Jacksonville State
On September 5, brothers from Iota Lambda Chapter at Jacksonville State University extended the Helping Hand to their community in Jacksonville, Al. The men helped portion and bag food for Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church. The brothers' volunteer service will contribute to the church's larger efforts to feed the community. Each month, Saint Luke’s packages rice and beans to give out to those in need.
Jefferson
Mu Pi Chapter has started off the 2023 fall semester making an impact on their local community. Brothers from the chapter have participated in numerous service activities, including lending aid to the Ronald McDonald House and Monastery Stables, and participating in their first highway cleanup of the school year, covering a two-mile stretch of Henry Avenue.
Kentucky
On September 2, the house mother of Gamma Iota Chapter, Chasity Conley, lost her home after a car ran into the building and caught fire. The fire spread from the car to the house, resulting in irreparable damage to the structure and her belongings inside.
The chapter was swift in response to the tragedy, providing lodging and setting up a GoFundMe to help raise over $5,000 for Chasity in her time of need.
“Chasity means the world to us and has been the cornerstone of our chapter here at Sigma Nu for her duration of working here. Chasity would come to our help in a tragedy like this, and we wholeheartedly will be behind her throughout this whole process.”
Kettering
Eta Mu Chapter hosted a drive-in style movie night in mid-August at their chapter house. The chapter sold tickets for $5, raising money for the B+ Foundation, an organization dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer.
Louisiana at Lafayette
In August, alumni from Eta Nu Chapter gathered for an Alumni Lunch hosted at the University’s Alumni Center. The Alumni Lunches are an ongoing tradition for the Alumni Chapter with helpful coordination from Eta Nu Alumnus Dan Hare, the university’s Director of Community Engagement. Over 46 alumni and guests were present for this most recent lunch. They were treated to a special presentation of a framed 60th Anniversary certificate. The certificate presentation follows the chapter’s 60th Anniversary Reunion, which took place on April 22nd.
Earlier in the summer, Eta Nu Chapter Brothers Jacob Francois (left) and Evan Bechac (right), along with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Professional Land and Resource Management Director Buster LeBlanc (center), attended the Professional Landman’s Association of New Orleans (PLANO) luncheon. Bechac, President of the Student Association of Professional Landmen (SAPL), and Francois, Vice President of the SAPL, each received $1,500 scholarships from PLANO. Brother Francois was also recognized with a $2,500 scholarship from the Fort Worth Association of Professional Landmen. Brothers Bechac and Francois are majoring in professional land and resource management at the UL Moody College of Business. They serve Eta Nu Chapter as the current Lt. Commander and Treasurer.
Louisiana State
Several Phi Chapter brothers were able to witness LSU win their 7th national baseball championship on June 26, 2023. Phi Chapter Alumni Patrick Herry (pictured far right) and Manning Greene (pictured center right) worked alongside the Tiger’s baseball team as part of the analytics department.
Minnesota
On August 12, Gamma Tau Chapter Brother Nathan Holm earned another DCI World Championship Gold Medal at the Drum Corps International World Championships. Brother Holm (far left, bottom row) performs with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. The Blue Devils capped off an undefeated season, claiming their 21st Gold Medal at the Finals competition held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Minnesota State
Lambda Delta Chapter kept busy in early September with a weekend with a full schedule of service events. Nine brothers volunteered for Clearwater Farm at their annual “Taste of Summer” event by helping set up, take down, and serve beverages. 140 miles away on the same day in Mankato, seven more brothers volunteered with the Greater Mankato Area United Way in their annual Human Foosball tournament. Lambda Delta Chapter earned over 200 hours of community service for the weekend.
Missouri
During the weekend of September 15 – 16, 2023, Rho Chapter hosted the annual alumni weekend. Alumni attendees ranged from initiation numbers Rho 1127 and Rho 1207 up to and including many young alumni in the Rho 2400 to 2600 range, representing a time span of initiates of 60 years! Alumni enjoyed events such as a Friday evening reception and BBQ dinner on the patio with chapter residents prepared by the house chef, a Saturday tailgate before and after the football game, and Sigma Nu block seating during the Mizzou football game versus Kansas State. Pictured are some alumni who stayed to tailgate after Mizzou’s exciting last-second, game-winning, SEC record-setting 61-yard field goal.
Rho Chapter shared another special connection with the Missouri vs. Kansas State game. Alumnus Lieutenant Connor Rockholm performed the fly-over before the game’s kickoff.
Missouri S&T
Gamma Xi Chapter kicked off the academic year with a strong performance in the Greek Week Opening and Closing Games. The chapter earned wins and high placements in every sport and earned second place overall in the competition.
Missouri State
Over the weekend of September 16, Theta Sigma Chapter supported the St. Jude Walk/Run in Springfield in a big way. The community event is chaired by alumnus Chase Marable and raised over $250,000 for St. Jude. Chase is pictured in the group pic at the starting line on the far left in the maroon pullover. Theta Sigma Chapter staffed the fundraiser with volunteers and runners and was a Top 10 team for raising funds for St. Jude. The chapter raised over $1,885 in donations. Philanthropy Chairman Nick Greener organized much of the event for the chapter. Additionally, Brother Kadin Horner earned the fastest time amongst the 5K runners!
Montana
Gamma Phi Chapter made a positive impact on their community over the weekend of September 16. The chapter partnered with the Montana Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta to pick up litter and debris from a local river.
North Carolina State
In mid-September, Beta Tau Chapter brothers partnered with the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Chi Omega to spend time with Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, N.C. The men learned about the various types of cats aided by the sanctuary and the hardships the animals and the organization face.
North Dakota State
In late August, Eta Theta Chapter partnered with the Epsilon Omicron Chapter of Delta Delta Delta to host Sigmanade. The lemonade stand-style fundraiser raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
North Georgia
Over the weekend of August 5, Brother Ethan Estep became a world record holder after breaking a record that had stood for over 18 years. Ethan, a current collegiate member of Kappa Chapter, set the new record for the most miles driven by one rider on a 50cc scooter. Ethan traveled over 585.96 miles in his world-record pursuit. The journey was completed at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. Money was also raised on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club, with donors supporting the cause by donating per lap during the attempt.
Northern Illinois
On Saturday, August 5, Theta Eta Chapter hosted its annual Alumni Golf Outing at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, IL. The 2023 event boasted its highest-ever participation, with 61 golfers. The annual event is a thread of continuity that displays the enduring brotherhood spanning over 57 years. Three members from the original 1966 Beta Phi Gamma local chapter to the current undergraduate leadership team participated in this event, comprising 16 foursomes. Rainy conditions did not deter the Theta Eta brothers from enjoying the scramble format, dinner buffet, and refreshments on the 19th hole. The chapter shared thanks to Brother Scott Friedman, who coordinated the annual event.
Northwestern
Earlier this summer, Gamma Beta Chapter alumnus Dr. Charles S. Modlin was selected for the highest honor given by the Northwestern University Alumni Association – the Northwestern Alumni Medal.
Since 1932, the Northwestern Alumni Medal has celebrated alumni who have made a transformative impact in their fields, performed exemplary volunteer service to society, or demonstrated an outstanding record of support for the University.
Dr. Modlin is a nationally known speaker on reducing health disparities. Modlin is a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at MetroHealth, a Cleveland, Ohio-based health system. He also serves as the inaugural director of health equity and medical director of MetroHealth’s Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity. In 2003, Modlin created an annual event that provided free health screenings, examinations, and education to men of color. He has served on the Feinberg School of Medicine’s alumni board and helped establish the Class of 1987 endowed scholarship. Modlin earned a BS in chemistry from Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and an MD from Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
Brother Dr. Modlin and other 2023 Alumni Medalists will be celebrated during Northwestern's Homecoming and Reunion Weekend later this fall.
Northwestern State
In late September, Mu Rho Chapter joined together with the Theta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to help clean and service the streets of Natchitoches, La.
New Mexico State
On August 25 and 26, Theta Upsilon Alumni Chapter hosted a 50th Anniversary Reunion in Las Cruces, N.M. Theta Upsilon was colonized at New Mexico State University in May 1973 and chartered in September 1973. A few of the charter members attended this reunion as well as brothers from the 1990s. As a part of the reunion, the alumni attended the first football game of the season.
Oklahoma State
Epsilon Epsilon Chapter hosted an excellent Dad’s Day this year and an open house for alumni of the chapter. During the chapter’s festivities, alumni Neil Gilpin and Joe Francis were inducted into the J. Thomas Mason Hall of Honor for their outstanding service to the chapter. The chapter also held a farewell ceremony for their beloved House Mother, Connie Alexander, who has been with the chapter for the past 12 years.
An Epsilon Epsilon Chapter alumnus accomplished a significant achievement at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla. Alumnus Connor Sokolosky recorded the first ever hole-in-one on a par four on Hole 17 during the Maxwell Cup, an event similar to the Ryder Cup style of match play. This historic ace is an incredible achievement and had multiple witnesses on the 17th and 18th tee boxes that saw the ball bounce a few feet shy of the pin and land in the hole.
Oregon State
On July 25-26, collegiate brothers, alumni, families, and friends of Delta Tau Chapter hosted the Coy Scroggins Memorial Sigma Nu Delta Tau Alumni Golf Tournament in Bend, Ore. The event was a great time for the chapter, featuring rounds of golf, a BBQ, and plenty of time for connection, fellowship, and memory-making. Proceeds from the tournament helped raise over $4,000 for the Delta Tau Scholarship Fund.
Purdue
Beta Zeta Chapter hosted its inaugural SNu-Zoo philanthropy event in late August to great success. The chapter worked with community partners to set up a petting zoo on the university’s Krach Lawn, raising just under $2,000.
Samford
Recent Samford graduate and Iota Chapter alumnus Nathan Barham has been selected as the University’s inaugural Advancement Fellow. This new fellowship is a two-year program for recent Samford graduates like Barham, who are also pursuing a graduate degree at the university. Fellows will participate in a comprehensive introduction to the fundraising profession guided by advancement leadership. Their main objective is to work alongside advancement colleagues to increase engagement with Samford’s alumni, donors, volunteers, and friends.
San Jose State
With the Candidate Ceremony that took place on Sunday, September 17, Sigma Nu is officially back on San Jose State’s campus. Earlier during the Fall 2023 academic semester, the General Fraternity, led by Expansion Consultant Chaysen Babcock (Northern Arizona) began working with Zeta Iota Chapter alumni, San Jose State University administration, and the newest candidate members to set up the newly established group for success and on a path toward the return of the Zeta Iota Chapter charter. The recent candidate ceremony is just one of the major milestones along the path to chartering, with officer elections soon to follow. The Candidate Ceremony took place on campus in SJSU’s student union. 23 new candidates were pinned, with over 15 Zeta Iota alumni in attendance to assist with the ceremony. Among the alumni in attendance were ceremony officers Paul Quiroga, Tim Ramsell, Saaman Entezarmahdi, Steve Bennett, and Paul DeLucchi.
Sewanee
Beta Omicron Chapter recently installed a new roof on its historic chapter home. The project, which has been five years in the making, is a needed cosmetic and functional improvement. The chapter house is among the most visible Greek houses on campus.
Southeast Missouri State
At the 70th Grand Chapter in Fort Lauderdale, Mu Kappa Chapter was recognized by the North American Interfraternity Conference as one of the top fraternity chapters in the country with the NIC Chapter of Distinction Award. The award sets the chapter apart from not only other Sigma Nu chapters but all fraternity chapters, regardless of national affiliation. In addition to the chapter recognition, Mu Kappa also took home an award for a member of the chapter. Alumnus Elliot Siekmann was recognized as an NIC Undergraduate of Distinction.
Three Sigma Nus, Luke Bell and Cooper Childers from Mu Kappa Chapter and Leyton Starks from Beta Tau Chapter (North Carolina State) had the opportunity to meet in Bloomington, Ind. for the fourth summer session of UIFI. UIFI (the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute) is a four-day, three-night, immersive leadership experience hosted by AFLV (Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values), where fraternity/sorority students come together to challenge conventional wisdom, discover new solutions to critical problems, and accelerate progress in their fraternity/sorority communities.
Brother Bell shared the following from his experience, “UIFI was very eye-opening. I learned how to be a more effective leader and raise awareness of the many issues we face today in Greek Life. I also learned how I can be a more vocal leader, constant in my fraternal profession.” Brother Starks shared similar reflections from the session. “The experience was truly unique, providing me with the chance to discover my authentic self and build relationships with people from various parts of the country. What I cherished most about UIFI was listening to members of sororities and fraternities from different schools share their stories, which I could bring back to my chapter to implement necessary improvements.”
Southern California
Over the summer, Epsilon Omicron Chapter Brother John Marc Bautista completed a 100-mile walk across the Bay Area to raise money for family members affected by the Maui wildfires.
“This walk is to raise awareness for the Lahaina fires, I have 15 family members who were directly affected, they all live on Maui, most of them in Lahaina, and they’ve had their homes burned down. So, I decided to walk 100 miles to raise money for them,” he said.
John Marc’s journey began on August 12 and took about three days to complete. Along with the 100-mile walk, John Marc helped set up a GoFundMe to raise funds. To date, he has raised $86,000. John Marc is the current Lt. Commander of the Epsilon Omicron Chapter.
Stephen F. Austin State
In late July, Mu Upsilon Chapter alumnus Willie Holmes was honored by the City of Houston for his contributions to the city’s unique culinary community. As part of the recognition, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, officially proclaimed July 25, 2023, as Chef Willie Holmes Day.
Brother Holmes is an award-winning chef who has cooked for celebrities such as 50 Cent and Elandon Roberts of the Miami Dolphins. Chef Willie donates his time and services to various churches and organizations, hosting toy drives with Victory in Christ Baptist Church and serving as a major supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Stetson
Delta Mu Chapter was proud to have seven brothers on the year’s Stetson FOCUS staff. FOCUS is a five-day comprehensive orientation program designed to help new students successfully transition to life at Stetson University. The men had a great time introducing first-year students to the campus in DeLand, Florida.
Stevens
On September 16, Brothers from Gamma Delta Chapter had a great time volunteering at the fourth annual 5K for Pizza event in Hoboken, N.J. The brothers were treated to free t-shirts and lots of pizza for volunteering.
Texas Christian
For their bid day celebration in early September, the 180 brothers of Lambda Epsilon Chapter gathered at Brother Dr. Victor Boschini’s (Mount Union) house to celebrate. The TCU Chancellor and Sigma Nu Hall of Fame member treated the chapter with catered food, ice cream, a DJ, and brotherhood.
Texas State
On September 11, brothers from Eta Tau Chapter partnered with the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at Texas State University to show appreciation for first responders, including the San Marcos Fire Department and University Police Department. The effort was done in remembrance of those impacted by the 9/11 attacks, along with the workers and military members who came to defend our nation and aid those in need.
UC Berkeley
In early September, General Fraternity staff members Austin Lloyd (Arkansas-Fort Smith) and Ryan Perry (Southern Mississippi) met with collegiate members and alumni of Beta Psi Chapter. The staff led several LEAD sessions for the chapter and used the opportunity to introduce the chapter to their newest leadership consultant, Chaysen Babcock (Northern Arizona). Past Regent Dave Ruegg and current Sigma Nu Educational Foundation Board Chairman Bob Lalanne were among the alumni in attendance.
UC Davis
Since 2012, brothers from the Zeta Xi Chapter at the University of California, Davis, have participated in the chapter’s “Trekking for the Troops” event to scale Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The event serves as the chapter’s primary philanthropy, raising funds for organizations supporting military veterans, including the Wounded Warrior Project. In a new collegiate chapter profile, the Fraternity tells the story of the Zeta Xi Chapter’s Trekking for the Troops event and how its legacy over the past decade parallels the chapter’s journey from colony to Rock Chapter.
UNC Asheville
On September 7, Mu Eta Chapter lent a helping hand to the Be The Match Foundation. The chapter assisted Be The Match with tabling on the quad, providing info on stem cell matching and the opportunity to assist the National Marrow Donor Program in finding matches for people diagnosed yearly with life-threatening blood cancers.
Vanderbilt
This summer, Sigma Chapter celebrated the accomplishments of two brothers. Brother Will Brady (left) completed the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS). After six weeks of grueling mental and physical challenges and tests, Brady officially earned the title of Marine. Brother Emmett Goldstein (right) completed Air Assault School at West Point. Air Assault includes activities like jumping from helicopters, rappelling, and a 12-mile ruck march with a 45 lb. backpack, and it’s known to be 10 of the toughest days in the army.
West Georgia
On September 3, the brothers from Theta Pi Chapter got their hands dirty, making a positive impact on the Carrollton, Ga. community. The men volunteered their time to pick up trash and debris along the Carrollton GreenBelt.
West Texas A&M
Eta Delta Chapter partnered with 5 Star Nutrition of Amarillo for their annual bench press competition.
Submit News for the Next Quarterly
The Fraternity is now collecting stories, news, and updates for the next Chapter and Alumni News Quarterly which will be released for Winter 2023. Have something to share? Click here to submit your chapter news or encourage your alumni and chapter officers to make sure they provide an update for the next Quarterly.