News from the Rock
Chapter Eternal
It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that the Fraternity shares the news of two Mighty Oaks who entered Chapter Eternal this past fall. These distinguished men, who dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and sacrifice, leave behind legacies that profoundly impacted our brotherhood and the world. They exemplified the principles of Love, Honor, and Truth that our Fraternity holds dear. Their contributions to The Legion of Honor and to our country will be remembered with admiration and gratitude.
Brother John R. Burgess, Jr. (Samford / Auburn) entered Chapter Eternal on September 24, 2025. For nearly three decades, he was one of Beta Theta Chapter’s most devoted champions—serving as advisor, mentor, and friend to generations of Auburn Sigma Nus. His servant leadership guided the chapter through its 1990s house transition and helped set the foundation for five consecutive Rock Chapter Awards. Brother Burgess received Sigma Nu’s Chapter Advisor of the Year Award in 2004 and the Regent’s Medallion of Merit in 2015 during the chapter’s 125th anniversary celebration.
Brother William “Bill” D. Barron (Maine) entered Chapter Eternal on October 26, 2025. A World War II U.S. Navy veteran, he built a distinguished career in forestry with Prentiss & Carlisle before serving as president of Bald Eagle Timber Management Company. Brother Barron devoted more than 70 years to Sigma Nu, serving as Chapter Advisor to Delta Nu, holding leadership roles with the House Corporation and Alumni Chapter, and contributing nationally as Division Commander (1962–1975) and a longtime Director of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation. He was inducted into the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor in 2010.
The Legion of Honor Grows
The Legion of Honor proudly celebrated the re-chartering of the Kappa Gamma Chapter at Cal Poly Pomona with a weekend of ceremonies and fellowship on February 27–28. On Friday evening, 28 colony members were initiated into the Fraternity alongside five members of Pi Sigma Chi—also known as Poly Service Club—the local predecessor to the chapter.
The celebration continued Saturday with the chapter’s White Rose Formal banquet, which brought together 150 guests, including 48 Kappa Gamma alumni and representatives from 24 Sigma Nu chapters. The program featured remarks from chapter leaders Commander Alan Muñoz and former Lt. Commander Jerric Wu, as well as alumni and Fraternity leaders, including Juan Lopez, Kappa Gamma #1; fellow Kappa Gamma alumnus and current Division Commander Jordan Wu; staff members Chaysen Babcock (Northern Arizona) and Mac McNeilly (Huntingdon); and Regent Ratterman.
During the evening, the chapter’s charter was formally presented, the Officers’ Oath was administered by the Regent, and the new Commander received his Commander’s Badge. Members of the High Council, Fraternity staff, alumni leaders, and volunteers from across the organization were present to mark the milestone and celebrate the official return of Kappa Gamma Chapter
Help Restore Beta Mu (Iowa) and Delta Delta (Penn State)
The Fraternity is excited to announce our return to the University of Iowa and Penn State University in Fall 2026. Staff expansion consultants will be on site in late summer to start the process of identifying the future knights who will help restore the Fraternity’s historic Beta Mu and Delta Delta Chapters. Know a young man who will be enrolled at either university this fall? Consider submitting a referral at sigmanu.org/referral.
Brothers Selected for Order of Omega Scholarships
Zeta Upsilon Chapter brothers Cameron De La Torre and Stegner Bell were selected to receive national scholarships from Order of Omega, a Greek-letter honor society with chapters recognizing the top 5% of fraternity and sorority leaders on campuses across the country. The national scholarships honor academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and service to both campus and Order of Omega. Since 1985, the organization has awarded more than $1.6 million in undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships.
2026 Collegiate Advisors Announced
Congratulations to Sigma Nu’s newest Collegiate Advisors. Each year, the High Council and Sigma Nu Educational Foundation board interview and appoint six outstanding collegiate brothers to serve as Collegiate Advisors, with four serving the High Council and two serving the Foundation board.
Collegiate Advisors to the High Council
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- Kershaw Mellott (Montana State)
- Tony Ruggerello (Arizona)
- Will Simmonds (Indiana)
- Jacob Tagert (Texas State)
Collegiate Advisors to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation
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- Mason Mitchener (Wofford)
- Jacob Silverstein (Missouri State)