Dispatches from The Legion of Honor
Chapter & Alumni News for The Fall 2021 quarterly
Akron
Collegiate members of the Kappa Lambda Chapter, Chapter Advisor Dennis Campbell, and Vice Regent Shon Christy celebrated the chapter's recent Rock Chapter award with a day of food and games at Dave and Busters. The Dave and Busters location also shares a fraternal connection as it is currently operated by Kappa Lambda alumnus and General Manager Jason Patton.
Alabama
Brothers Jack Mason and Walker Burley of the Theta Chapter along with University of Alabama Dean of Students Emeritus Tim Hebson visited the Fraternity's headquarters this summer. In addition to enjoying a tour of the headquarters, Washington and Lee University, and Virginia Military Institute, Jack and Walker met with staff members to discuss their plans for sustaining chapter excellence in the academic year ahead.
Alabama in Huntsville
Mu Beta alumni gathered with members of the collegiate chapter to award two scholarships to exemplary brothers within the chapter. The annual Lewis Knox Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Community Service and Philanthropy Chairman Zach Niles and Commander Caleb Lohr received the Phi Pledge Class Honor Scholarship. Mu Beta alumnus and Alumni Chapter Officer Jason Williams was on hand to award the two scholarships.
Appalachian State
The past year has seen great strides of progress for the Brothers of Kappa Epsilon. One, in particular, is the creation of the Mental Health Chair position by their Chaplain, Nick Gorman. This position is a chapter-wide effort as there is now a Mental Health Chair in each pledge class, giving brothers the ability to go to someone when in need. With the implementation of this position, Nick Gorman hopes to break down barriers and create a space where their brothers feel comfortable being vulnerable and seeking help.
Arizona State
The Zeta Upsilon Chapter had many great triumphs over the past year. Highlights from the last academic year include: Just two years after rechartering, the chapter won its fifth Rock Chapter Honors. The brothers also had the highest GPA on campus with a staggering 3.52. During the Fall 2020 semester, the chapter raised $3,772 in philanthropy and racked up 221 community service hours. Zeta Upsilon is involved all over campus, with brothers involved in organizations such as student government, ASU sports teams, leadership forums, and other prestigious positions on campus. Brother John Hopkins was elected as ASU's Student Body President. Brother Dominic Frattura was selected to the High Council of Sigma Nu Fraternity as a Collegiate Grand Councilman. And there is still much more to come from the brothers of Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon.
Arkansas
- Twelve alumni of the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu at the University of Arkansas were inducted into the chapter’s newly created Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 11th. Modeled after the General Fraternity's Hall of Fame, "the Gamma Upsilon Hall of Fame is awarded to those alumni, living or dead, who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, thus bringing credit to the chapter." Inductions included First Arkansas-born University of Arkansas President Arthur M. Harding (GU 17); World-Renowned Architect Edward Durrell Stone (GU 179); Congressional Medal of Honor Winner and Ten-term Lt. Governor Nathan G. Gordon (GU 445); Tyson Foods’ Donald John Tyson (GU 644); Former University of Arkansas Chancellor John A. White, Jr. (GU 936); Razorback National Champion Quarterback Charles F. (Fred) Marshall (GU 1022); Razorback All-Century Quarterback William A. (Bill) Montgomery (GU 1283); Razorback Two-Time All-American and College Football Hall of Famer Charles W. (Chuck) Dicus (GU 1312); Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. (Dan) Kemp, Jr. (GU 1342); 12-year NFL Veteran, 3-Time Pro Bowl, All-Pro, and Super Bowl Champion Ray C. (R.C.) Thielemann (GU 1494); Razorback All-American and All-Century Running Back James W. (Jim) Mooty (GU 938); and 36th President of Panama Ricardo A. Martinelli (GU 2757). Stone was among the first four inductees into the Sigma Nu National Hall of Fame in 1982. He was joined by Tyson in 2012 and Dicus in 2021. The induction ceremony was part of the chapter’s Rock Weekend celebration, which is named in honor of the Fraternity's founding on the limestone outcropping at VMI.
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Arkansas- Fort Smith
Nu Alpha recently completed an impressive Fall 2021 recruitment. The chapter of 20 doubled its chapter size with a candidate class of 21 new members. Pictured above are the newest members and close friends of the chapter.
Auburn
On Thursday, July 22, the men of the Fall of 1977 and Spring of 1978 pledge classes met for dinner and golf in Auburn. The event was led by Scott Smallwood, Cary Chandler, and Bobby Duncan. Most stayed at The Collegiate Hotel near campus, and they enjoyed a great dinner at Lucy’s. Some stayed for golf Friday morning. Commanders and Auburn residents Cary Chandler and Bobby Duncan participated, and Bob Harned traveled the farthest from Pensacola. Regent-Elect Maury Gaston presented each attendee with a 40-year alumni pin, compliments of Sigma Nu National Headquarters.
Birmingham-Southern
Nine brothers of the Lambda Theta Chapter and the chapter's sweetheart served as Orientation Leaders during Birmingham-Southern's summer orientation for incoming first-year students.
Butler
Butler University's newest business building has a new name, now recognizing Epsilon Mu Chapter alum Bill Dugan's $7 million gift to the university. The building will now be known as Bill and Joanne Dugan Hall. Brothers, alumni, and Grand Treasurer Al Wurster were in attendance at the dedication to celebrate Brother Dugan's gift.
Case Western Reserve
As a part of Delta Alpha Chapter's fall recruitment effort, brothers participated in a Service Day. Pictured are brothers helping to clean up trash from around the Case Western Reserve campus.
Central Arkansas
Brothers of the Lambda Phi Chapter attend the Student Orientation Staff Fall Training Retreat at the University of Central Arkansas.
Central Oklahoma
Mu Tau alumnus Ryan Smith was recently recognized as the 2021 Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma Young Agent of the Year.
Colorado
This past year was difficult to plan for the brothers of Gamma Kappa, as state mandates and COVID case counts continued to vary week to week. That being said, Gamma Kappa did a great job of carrying on strongly under the circumstances. The recruitment chairmen designed a COVID safe recruitment plan that earned Sigma Nu the top bidding chapter within the IFC. Additionally, Gamma Kappa maintained a strong behavior and reputation on the hill with no public health violation tickets or disciplinary sanctions from the IFC. Additionally, there were no COVID outbreaks internally as they all maintained strong health practices throughout the year. Being the only open gym and basketball court in Boulder, the health and fitness of Gamma Kappa had never been more notable. 
Gamma Kappa was also able to have their Global Down Syndrome Fashion Show virtually, which ended up being a big success. Gamma Kappa Brother and former Recruitment Chairman Cole Skach, was determined to make a difference in the Boulder community as well as those who returned back to campus. In 2020 he founded Big Water Blue, which is a high-quality, to help combat the pandemic. Since 2020 Cole has been able to provide companies nationwide with his product. Gamma Kappa Chapter is proud to have him as a Brother.
Cornell
Sigma Nu is set to return to Cornell during the 2021-2022 academic year. General Fraternity staff will be on campus on both terms. If you know a man who is attending Cornell and would be a good fit for the Fraternity, please fill out a prospective member questionnaire!
Drury
On September 14th, Epsilon Beta Alumnus Johnny Morris, Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, was inducted into The Hall of Famous Missourians by Former Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr. They wanted to recognize the native's commitment and investment to the conservation of Missouri. Brother Morris got his start in 1972, by selling fishing tackle out of the back of his father's store in Springfield. Since then, Johnny has earned a reputation as one of the most visionary and influential retailers of the last 50 years.
Georgia
The past year under Covid restrictions was tough but Mu Chapter rose to the occasion. In the fall, Brother Jack Donovan led a full and successful candidate program for the incoming pledge class. Mu Chapter had a full social calendar, including socials, date nights, and tailgates, that abided by COVID restrictions and were 1 of only 11 fraternities on campus that did not get fined by IFC for violating COVID restrictions. By the end of the semester, Mu Chapter transitioned to a fully in-person chapter. However, brothers still had the option of joining through zoom if they were uncomfortable joining in person. The Interfraternity Council elected Brother Shelby Edwards to be the Vice President of Recruitment. Philanthropy Chair Harrison Hoch led a safe and creative Movember campaign supporting Men’s Health Awareness. The completely virtual campaign raised $812. During the Spring 2021 semester, Mu Chapter completed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Module in response to the social unrest society had been facing within the past year. Also, Brothers Clay Watkins, Jack Donovan, and Will Milling worked with Student Affairs and Alumnus Tom Green to develop a mental health resource for Mu Chapter and eventually for the Interfraternity Council as a whole. Over the summer, the University of Georgia selected Brother Griffin Boykin to be an orientation leader for incoming students. Finally, Mu Chapter earned its seventh consecutive Rock Chapter award!
Idaho
Delta Omicron Alum Doug Nussmeier entered his first season as an NFL head quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys. In college, Nussmeier was the starting quarterback for the Idaho Vandals from 1990-1993 and was a recipient of the Walter Payton Award.
Illinois
The Gamma Mu Chapter celebrated its 120th year at the University of Illinois. It is also the 90th year of the chapter's house, a Georgian mansion, built for the Fraternity when Henry Winburn Chase (Dartmouth) was the President of the university.
The current undergraduate Executive Board taken at the Gamma Mu Alumni Dinner at the Union League Club of Chicago in July 2021.
Indiana
After three years of dormancy at Indiana University, the Beta Eta Chapter reignited its presence on campus. Led by the General Fraternity's expansion team, the recolonization began in January of this year. At the last event of formal recruitment, a handful of dedicated alumni hosted a panel for the prospective members, which offered a lens to the students on the chapter’s history. Past Regents EG White and Don Densborn, and Vice Regent Steve Ratterman participated in the panel. While participating in IFC spring recruitment, the expansion team was able to recruit 58 outstanding men to build upon the historic Beta Eta legacy. “We really want to be the best of the best, and the only way to do that is to recruit the best”, says member, Ben Retzner. Of this initial Beta Eta class, the average cumulate GPA sat at a 3.5 GPA, with majors ranging from Finance, Chemistry, Sports Management, to Theatre. Almost 100% of the men were already involved on campus in other clubs and organizations including business fraternities, organizations related to their majors, and sports clubs. “I joined and many others joined because what was offered on campus currently was not what I was looking for. I wasn’t a typical “frat guy” and didn’t want what a typical fraternity here offered. Instead, I saw this opportunity to challenge the status quo at Indiana, and re-think what fraternity is based solely on values. The men in this colony all believe that- living by similar values”, said member Joey Cerone. The colony is also supported and advised by a strong Advisory Board, lead by Alumni Advisory Board Chairman, Doug Davis. The AAB currently has 10 members including non-Beta Eta alumni, such as Faculty Advisor Michael Regoli (Virginia Wesleyan), and an advisor who will oversee the colony’s Little 500 cycling team, a campus-wide event billed as “The World’s Greatest College Weekend.” The event is hosted in the university’s Armstrong Stadium – a namesake of a Beta Eta alumnus, Bill Armstrong.
Jacksonville State
Iota Lambda Brother CDT Bradley Turner completed the 4th Regiment of Advance Camp 2021. At camp, CDT Turner performed far ahead of his peers and was able to earn RECONDO status, reserved for cadets who qualified expert on marksmanship and were first-time-go's on all events. CDT Turner is the first cadet at Jacksonville State to achieve RECONDO in 8 years.
Kansas
The Brothers of the Nu Chapter had a great move-in day, parents of the freshman class gathered in front of the house for a photo.
Louisiana State
Brothers from the Phi Chapter volunteered to clear debris left behind by Hurricane Ida on the property of life-long Gonzales, La. resident, Sam Speligene. A group of six freshmen Candidates were led by chapter member Reid Babin and Parker LeBlanc and spent the day clearing limbs and fallen trees. Mr. Speligene had 18 large trees fall during the storm.
Louisiana Tech
The Brothers of Eta Zeta held a car smash event this past winter to raise money for Medcamps of Louisiana.
Mercer
The Brothers of the Eta Chapter started off their fall semester, assisting in clearing a garden space for the community.
Minnesota
Gamma Tau Brother Jacob Rudolph appeared on a recent episode of The Gavel Podcast to talk about his Sigma Nu Experience, his career in law enforcement, and how the concept of Honor can unite and motivate a group of peers. To listen to the episode, click here.
Mississippi
On September 25, 85 members of the Epsilon Xi Chapter, which included 79 candidates and 6 chapter officers, made the pilgrimage to Lexington, VA to visit the headquarters shrine. Staff members Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) and Nick Murphy (Kentucky) were on hand to provide the members with a tour of the Rock and VMI. While in town the men also got to attend the VMI vs. Wofford football game.
Missouri
2021 marks the 135th chartering anniversary for the Rho Chapter, which was officially chartered on January 26th, 1886. All alumni are invited to join the 135th celebration this October where they will be participating in a golf tournament, holding a BBQ at the new house, tailgate, and a Mizzou football game.
Missouri State
On September 10, 2021, the brothers of Theta Sigma Chapter initiated the 1000th member of the chapter.
Montana State
The Brothers of Zeta Nu wrapped up their fall recruitment by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.
Nebraska
This past spring the brothers of the Delta Eta Chapter hosted a raffle fundraiser for the Team Jack Foundation. Jack Hoffman is a huge fan of the Huskers and his story touched all of them. With the help of their members and friends from all over they were able to raise $1,250 to support pediatric brain cancer research. The Philanthropy Chair John Moulton organized the event and urged his brothers to support a great cause.
New Hampshire
The Iota Sigma chapter proudly announces the reorganization of our Alumni Chapter. After the approval of the High Council, the Iota Sigma Alumni Chapter held its first business meeting this past spring via Zoom. With over a dozen brothers present, they briefly discussed their vision and elected officers.
Brother Jeremy Bourgeois was elected Worthy Eminent Commander. Brother Matthew Higgs was elected Worthy Lieutenant Commander. Brother Eric Madore was elected Worthy Treasurer. Brother Colin Desnoyers was elected Worthy Recorder. Brother Jason Doris was elected Worthy Recruitment Chairman.
The Iota Sigma Alumni Chapter is planning their first annual golf tournament for late October, which will become their annual flagship event going forward. In addition to the Alumni Chapter, Iota Sigma is reorganizing an Alumni Advisory Board which will join the already functioning Housing Corporation.
Northwestern State
The Brothers of the Mu Rho Chapter were able to coordinate hurricane relief efforts with chapter alumnus Trey Nelson and members of the Phi Chapter (Louisiana State) to bring supplies to Southeast Louisiana for those affected by Hurricane Ida. The Brothers are thankful to have had support from Louisiana Sigma Nu chapters.
North Dakota
The Brothers of Epsilon Kappa had a blast helping incoming freshmen move into their dorms.
North Dakota State
The Brothers of the Eta Theta Chapter enjoying their newly redone main room in the chapter house!
North Carolina State
Brothers of the Beta Tau Chapter at North Carolina State conducted a candidate class retreat with the newest members of the chapter in Lexington, Va. The 31 new candidates of the chapter were pinned at the Rock during their Candidate Ceremony and also received a tour of the headquarters and VMI led by staff member Michael Lay (Arkansas-Fort Smith).
Northern Illinois
Brothers of the Theta Eta Chapter recently gathered together to celebrate the chapter's 50th chartering anniversary. Chartered on April 19, 1970, Theta Eta Chapter has a rich history at Northern Illinois University, including its local fraternity origins as Beta Phi Gamma. Though the original date for the celebration had to be rescheduled a year later due to the pandemic, Theta Eta alumni excitedly traveled from across the country to be at the event, connect with the collegiate chapter members, and make up for lost time.
Oregon State
At Sigma Nu, brotherhood and camaraderie mean everything—especially on the golf course. After all, a word of encouragement or a pat on the back can go a long way toward assuaging a wild drive or a missed put.
With that in mind, this past spring the Delta Tau Chapter held its nationwide Joe Wood Memorial Golf Tournament, in memory of longtime Sigma Nu volunteer Joe Wood and dedicated to raising support for the Delta Tau Scholarship Fund. The four-player best-ball format was held at remote locations due to the pandemic and accommodated players at different locations and on different days. Teams could be mixed to include men, women, and children. 
Presbyterian
This past year, Brothers from the Theta Zeta Chapter set out to support their dear friend and chapter sweetheart, Haley Hughes. Haley was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in November 2020 and had to uproot her entire life and move to Charleston, SC to receive around-the-clock care at the Medical University of South Carolina. The chapter organized a kickball tournament to benefit Haley and her family and to raise awareness for Ewings Sarcoma.
RIT
Pictured are the men of the Mu Zeta Chapter who joined the chapter during this past spring
Rose-Hulman
The Brothers of Beta Upsilon wanted to wish a huge congratulations to their Brother Kameron Keyser on a big weekend he had earlier this month. He assisted Tim Wilkerson and his top fuel funny car win the US Nationals. Kameron ensured that the car was topped off with fuel, had good tires, and cleaned the body of debris. He assisted the team wherever else they needed him most to help the car make it down the track flawlessly. Kameron stated, “it was an awesome experience to be a part of the team and help in getting their first win in 5 years.”
Sewanee
In spite of the daunting, challenging, and unprecedented times facing the world, the Beta Omicron Chapter has remained steadfastly vigilant in its quest to not only meet its traditional standards but to excel above and beyond them, raising the expectations of both what a fraternity should be and what a brotherhood can become.
This has been made possible by the inspiring adaptability of their brothers in the face of adversity; returning to Sewanee’s campus this past year in the midst of the pandemic provided them, as they saw it, with an opportunity to untap their creative potential, which they did at every turn, recruiting 21 new candidates in the spring, an exceptional mark among the Greek organizations at Sewanee. They have accomplished this by adapting to virtual and outdoor gatherings, emphasizing safety amidst our community members in the midst of a raging pandemic.
On February 7, 2021, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Reuben E. Brigety II, shared with the Sewanee community a disturbing truth: that he and his family had received virulent, violent threats to their well-being, and that they had repeatedly endured acts of vandalism to their home. Appalled by these abhorrent revelations, the Beta Omicron chapter penned a missive standing in solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor and his family, one of only two Greek organizations at Sewanee to do so. In the letter, the chapter reflected on the troubled past that still plagues Sewanee’s culture, and pledged to work in conjunction with our Vice-Chancellor as we work to improve the community’s future.
The Beta Omicron chapter of Sigma Nu has been active as ever and hopes to continually make these momentous strides day by day. There are plans for a big reunion with the Beta Omicron alumni, as well as an Alumni Board meeting, scheduled for Homecoming 2021.
South Florida
In 2020, the alumni and active members of the Theta Alpha chapter launched a fundraising effort to expand the existing Theta Alpha chapter house on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa. The “Scholarship Annex”, which the project is called will substantially expand the house with 17 new single bedrooms, a new 100+ man meeting room, new kitchen/dining area and outdoor courtyard. The university will rebate 100% of the costs of the Annex from rent received once built and occupied and the House Corporation plans to invest these rebated funds to provide housing scholarships to future Sigma Nus living in the house. Phase 1 of the project was completed earlier this year saw the completion of the underground utilities and building preparation necessary for the Scholarship Annex to be built. In addition, it completed a portion of the courtyard area affectionately dubbed “The Snake Pit” consisting of a custom-built grill island, a foundation of pavers, and patio seating wrapped in all things Sigma-Nu. The Snake Pit of Theta Alpha chapter promises to be a cornerstone of deepening brotherhood bonds for years to come. 
Southeast Missouri State
The Brothers of Mu Kappa were thankful to everyone who came out to support their event on September 11th. The brothers hosted a 13k walk to honor the 13 U.S. soldiers that lost their lives while protecting the country. Their goal was to raise $500 for the Jared Schmitz Memorial Foundation, but they surpassed that and raised $822 for the foundation.
Southern Methodist
The Brothers of Iota Theta are happy to finally call 3035 Dyer Court home!
Texas Christian
Pictured are brothers of Lambda Epsilon at the conclusion of their spring initiation ceremony.
Texas State
The Brothers of the Eta Tau chapter want to thank Texas State Alpha Delta Pi and Texas State Zeta Tau Alpha and everyone else involved in making their school supply drive a success!
UC Davis
On August 29th, brothers from the Zeta Xi Chapter, Jordan Guillen and Justin Wallasch, participated in the Santa Rosa Marathon in Santa Rosa, Calif. The marathon was made more special as this was both men's first attempt at this distance and they were able to celebrate each other's accomplishment together at the finish line.
UC Irvine
In late August, Lambda Omicron Chapter alumni gathered together for a mini alumni reunion, celebrating over 30 years of brotherhood.
Washington State
Brothers of Delta Iota pictured at their Field Day philanthropy event in support of the Humane Society of the Palouse.
West Georgia
Theta Pi Chapter had 13 teams turn out to their alumni golf tournament on August 28th. Alumni were able to raise around $5,000 for the active chapter and needed repairs to the chapter’s home.
Wyoming
The Brothers of the Epsilon Delta Chapter spent the afternoon cleaning a highway near their school.
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 21/22. 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.