Five Questions with Delta Epsilon (Oklahoma) Alumni Bob and Michael Grant
Longtime volunteer Michael Grant and his father, Bob Grant, had the special opportunity to attend their first Grand Chapter together in 2023. In the questions below, the Grants reflect on their experience in Ft. Lauderdale and the advice they would share with brothers considering attending the 71st Grand Chapter this summer in San Antonio.
You both had the opportunity to attend the 70th Grand Chapter in Ft. Lauderdale back in 2023. What did you think about that experience?
Bob Grant: It was a terrific opportunity to celebrate my 70+ years as a Sigma Nu. In the early 1950s, I participated in the chartering of two chapters: Zeta Lambda at the University of Tulsa and Zeta Omicron at the University of North Texas. Being at the 70th Grand Chapter reminded me that our brotherhood transcends the chapters we were each initiated into. That's special.
Michael Grant: I cherish the opportunity to reconnect with brothers I have worked with in Sigma Nu over the past 40+ years while engaged in various local and national volunteer roles. I am also reinvigorated every time I see our brothers from all over our country and share the bonds of Honor and brotherhood with them.
What was it like for the two of you to experience the 70th Grand Chapter together for the first time?
BG: At my age (93 in May 2025), I treasure the chance to spend time with my son while I still can and share our mutual fraternal experience.
MG: After I attended the 68th Grand Chapter in Washington, D.C., I was telling my dad about the experience, and he said, "You know, I have never been to a Grand Chapter." I took the hint and promised him we would go to the next one together. Because of the pandemic, the next opportunity for us to go together and attend in person was in Ft. Lauderdale. Traveling is a challenge for a guy Dad's age, but it couldn't have been more meaningful and fun for us.
What was your favorite memory from the convention?
BG: Being presented with my 70-year alumni pin by Regent Tim Huffmyer (Michigan State) at the opening ceremony in front of the assembled brothers and guests is something I will never forget. I am grateful for it!
MG: Same for me. Leading up to Grand Chapter, Sigma Nu’s Executive Director Brad Beacham (Texas Christian) and the staff knew that my dad was coming and that this would be his first. As a result, I knew that Dad would get his 70-year pin in some fashion, but I did not know in advance how they would do it. It was really cool when Regent Huffmyer asked all initiated Sigma Nus to stand (400+), then had the guys who had been Sigma Nus five years or less sit, then in five-year increments, until Dad was the only one left standing. The way it was done was so thoughtful. We are both appreciative and grateful.
What advice do you have for a brother considering attending his first Grand Chapter?
BG: My advice is to do it as soon as you can and don't wait 70 years like I did!
MG: The 70th Grand Chapter was my 13th consecutive and 15th overall. My first was as a collegian in Atlanta in 1980 under Regent Bob Marchman (Emory). My advice to any brother attending, especially for the first time, is to embrace the experience. It may be the only time you have the chance to go. If you are a collegian representing your chapter, take advantage of every opportunity to learn new ways to approach issues in your chapter to improve it and Excel with Honor. If you are an alumnus brother, network with others and learn what you can do to serve Sigma Nu. Go out of your way to meet brothers from other chapters. Seize the chance to learn from them. Have a great time!
Are you planning to be with us for the 71st Grand Chapter in San Antonio?
We both plan to be in San Antonio this summer. We look forward to renewing fraternal bonds and celebrating Sigma Nu!