Features
The 71st Grand Chapter of Sigma Nu took place July 23–26, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. Brothers from across the country came together for four days of fraternity business, fellowship, and celebration. Committees met, legislation was debated, awards were presented, and a new High Council was elected to serve the 2025–2027 Biennium.
Day 1 - The Opening Ceremony (Business Session I)
As the Opening Ceremony of the 71st got underway, the High Council, current and past Grand Officers, Division Commanders, and Foundation Directors were introduced withing fitting fanfare and celebration. Grand Chaplain Drew Logsdon (Western Kentucky) then offered a moving invocation, drawing upon touchstones from Sigma Nu’s history as he prayed over the Fraternity’s deliberations. Brother Logsdon continued this tradition each morning of Grand Chapter, honoring the mission of the Legion of Honor and grounding the day’s work in reflection and purpose.
Transitioning to business, Regent Maury Gaston (Auburn) formally called the 71st Grand Chapter to order. He recognized Brother Bob Grant (Oklahoma), the convention’s oldest initiate in attendance, who, at 93 years old, was presented with a special 75-year initiate pin in recognition of his remarkable milestone. Following the Regent’s call to order, Brothers Chris and Nate Graham (Lamar), joined by Chris’ wife, Amy, presented the Fraternity with a certificate from the Governor of Texas and a Texas flag that had flown over the State Capitol on January 1, 2025, the 156th anniversary of Sigma Nu’s founding.
With the Grand Chapter officially in session, the High Council introduced the first order of business: delivery of the State of the Fraternity and Foundation report. As Regent Gaston proudly shared with the room, “The State of our Fraternity and Foundation is as STRONG as it has ever been!” The report concluded with the outstanding announcement of the $4 million Mighty Oaks Campaign, which had already raised more than $3.5 million during the leadership phase of the campaign.
The session continued with remarks from Jud Horras, CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference, who highlighted the progress of the interfraternal community and emphasized Sigma Nu’s vital role in its leadership. Horras also presented four NIC Awards of Distinction. Following his remarks, members of the High Council returned to the followed by the announcement of 20 chapters earning the Rock Chapter Award, Sigma Nu’s highest honor for collegiate excellence.
The evening concluded with additional Grand Chapter business, including the “How Grand Chapter Works” presentation from Parliamentarian Dr. Tim Huerta (Cal State LA) and opening reports from the Credentials Committee, led by Chairman Bill Geddy (Georgia Southern), the Rules and Order of Business Committee, led by Chairman Josh Green (Arizona), the Elections Committee, led by Chairman John Kotwicki (Case Western Reserve), and the Appeals and Grievances Committee, led by Chairman Patrick Bobo (Alabama in Huntsville).
Day 2 – Business Sessions II & III and the Honor Luncheon
The Fraternity's work resumed early Thursday with Business Session II, opening with a Ritual ceremony. Past Regent and Hall of Honor inductee Jim Cherry (Hampden-Sydney) led the collegiate delegation in the Historic Roll Call, where Grand Chapter representatives proudly responded with their school mottos. The room rang with spirited cries like “Go Blue!” (Georgia), “Woo Pig Sooie!” (Arkansas), and “Rock Chalk!” (Kansas), each met with laughter and applause. After the Credentials Committee report, NIC Director of Advocacy Dom Frattura (Arizona State) delivered a special presentation on the NIC’s efforts to empower student leaders nationwide and engage them in policymaking at the local and national levels.
One of the first orders of business for the Grand Chapter was setting the election of a new High Council in motion. The Nominating Committee, chaired by Past Regent Tim Huffmyer (Michigan State), presented its recommended slate, followed by an open call for additional nominations and a paper-ballot election.
As ballots were counted, first reports from the Resolutions and Jurisprudence committees were brought to the Grand Chapter for consideration. At the recommendation of the Resolutions Committee, the Grand Chapter adopted two resolutions recognizing the impact and significance of the Helping Hand Initiative and the Lexington Leadership Institute. As for Jurisprudence, the committee released three findings on matters concerning the Trial Code, affiliation eligibility, and alumni advisory boards.
The business session closed with a special report from Past Regent Joe Gilman (Morehead State) on the McCully Commission and ongoing efforts to preserve and amplify the Fraternity’s history.
At midday, attendees gathered for the Honor Luncheon, recognizing the 2025 Alumni Award recipients. Returning for Business Session III, representatives celebrated the induction of three new members into the Sigma Nu Hall of Fame before hearing the Elections Committee’s tabulation of votes. The High Council for the 2025–2027 Biennium was announced as follows:
- Regent: Steve Ratterman (Indiana)
- Regent-Elect: Dr. Jason Lyons (Jefferson)
- Grand Treasurer: David Glassman (Eastern Michigan)
- Vice Regent: Michael Barry (Georgia)
- Vice Regent: Tim Braddick (Cincinnati)
- Vice Regent: Jon Sprenger (Drury)
- Vice Regent: Al Wurster (Purdue)
The Finance Committee, led by Chairman and Grand Treasurer Dr. Jason Lyons, then presented its report and the proposed 2025–2027 budget. The Committee’s report highlighted another biennium of financial discipline and excellence and presented a budget to support the Fraternity’s Mission for the coming biennium.
The second day of the 71st Grand Chapter concluded in celebratory fashion with the Lone Star Reception and the Sold!...for Sigma Nu Live Auction. The evening was a resounding success, raising a record-breaking $200,000 for the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
Day 3 – Business Session IV & The Maddox Honor Lecture
The third day of the Grand Chapter commenced with a special treat involving Division Commander Chris Graham. Brother Graham, who recited the Preamble of the Fraternity’s Creed from memory, was recognized with the Regent’s Medallion of Merit Award. The Medallion of Merit is the only award given out by the Fraternity’s board of directors and is reserved for individuals whose work has advanced the Mission of our Fraternity and embodied the Legion of Honor’s founding principles of Love, Honor, and Truth.
Following Brother Graham’s recognition, Regent Gaston highlighted collegiate chapter award winners for excellence in Academics, Recruitment, LEAD, and the Pursuit of Excellence Program.
The session then transitioned to a cherished Grand Chapter tradition, the Maddox Honor Lecture. In 1988, Past Regent Dr. Robert N. Maddox (Arkansas) established the Maddox Honor Lecture series through a gift to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation. At the time, Dr. Maddox believed there was an unfilled need for our members to consider and discuss the principle of Honor in their daily lives. This Grand Chapter’s lecturer was Grand Historian Col. Keith Gibson (Georgia). Col. Keith Gibson, Executive Director of the VMI Museum System and VMI’s Architectural Preservation Officer, has overseen the growth and preservation of key historical sites, including the VMI Museum, Jackson House, and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. A nationally recognized historian and preservationist, he has advanced battlefield preservation legislation, consulted on major film projects, and earned distinction as a leader in museum studies and historical administration. During the lecture, Col. Gibson shared insights into the historical context of the Fraternity’s founding in Lexington, Va.
Following the Honor Lecture, the Fraternity hosted an instructive performance of the Ritual’s Initiation Ceremony by an all-star collegiate Ritual Team under the guidance of Past Regent Joe Gilman (Morehead State).
At the conclusion of the Initiation Ceremony, Grand Chapter attendees returned to business with one final report from the Resolutions Committee. In consideration of recent legal developments, the Grand Chapter adopted a resolution that confirmed the Fraternity’s commitment to single-sex, male-only membership and defined the Fraternity’s use of the word “male” and similar words as individuals (1) being born as a biological male and (2) who identify as a male.
Day 4 – Business Session V & The Grand Chapter Banquet
On the final day of the Grand Chapter, the Chapter Eternal Committee, led by Chairman Chris Foeste (Southeastern Missouri State), delivered an inspiring report and Funeral Ritual to honor the brothers who entered the Chapter Eternal during the 2023-2025 biennium.
The Grand Chapter adopted a final proposal from the Jurisprudence Committee, which called for an amendment to Articles 11 and 14 of The Law, granting the Collegiate Advisor position a vote at Grand Chapter.
Finally, the Resolutions Committee presented the last business report of the Grand Chapter with several honor resolutions presented for adoption and celebration. Among those recognized with an honor resolution were Brother Michael Jaszczak (Case Western Reserve), who was named the Fraternity’s Artist Laureate, the staff of the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, Grand Historian Col. Keith Gibson (Georgia), Outgoing Vice Regent Shon Christy (Akron), Sigma Nu’s Fraternal Staff, Grand Chapter Coordinator Fred Dobry (Indiana State), and Regent Maury Gaston. In addition to the celebratory resolutions, the Resolutions Committee offered one instructive resolution for adoption. The Grand Chapter approved the resolution recommitting to our Founders’ principle of opposing hazing in any form by emphasizing our dedication to personal responsibility, chapter responsibility, and education.
Concluding the final business session of the Grand Chapter, Regent Gaston led the swearing-in of the newly-elected High Council, followed by a formal Ritual Closing.
That evening, the Grand Chapter Banquet served as the final event of the 71st Grand Chapter. Collegiate and Alumni Merit Award winners were announced, Alpha Affiliate Award recipients were recognized, and Brothers Joe Gilman (Morehead State) and Rick Tate (North Carolina State), and Joe Weber (Michigan State) received the Fraternity’s highest recognition upon their induction into the Hall of Honor. Regent Gaston offered his final remarks before installing and pinning Brother Steve Ratterman (Indiana) as the 69th Regent of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Brother Ratterman offered his inaugural remarks as Regent and brought the Grand Chapter to a close with the announcement of our 72nd Grand Chapter location, Orlando, Fla., which will take place July 31 – August 4, 2027.
