2013 - 2014 Award Winners
Chapter & Alumni News
Hall of Honor
The Sigma Nu Hall of Honor recognizes those brothers whose distinguished service has brought enduring strength and vitality to the Fraternity.
Membership in the Hall of Honor is Sigma Nu’s highest distinction.
Recipients must meet all of the following qualifications for induction into the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor:
- The brother must have distinguished himself in his field in a manner to bring great credit to the Fraternity.
- The brother must have rendered distinctive service of vital consequence to the progress and well-being of the Fraternity.
- If the brother is still living, he must have attained the age of 50 years old.
The Hall of Honor Committee, made up of members of the Hall of Honor, is responsible for selecting up to five Brothers, living or deceased, for induction into the Hall of Honor at the end of the current biennium. The committee must unanimously agree upon the inductees. Serving on the committee this year were past Regents Mike Long (Drury/Missouri State), E. G. White (Indiana) and Al “Corky” Olsen (Arizona).
Donald K. “Don” Densborn (Indiana)
Brother Don Densborn, an initiate of Sigma Nu’s Beta Eta Chapter, graduated magna cum laude from both undergraduate and law school at Indiana University. Following his graduation, Brother Densborn continued his involvement in Sigma Nu through his service to Sigma Nu as both a Trustee and Division Commander.
In 1998, Brother Densborn began his service on Sigma Nu’s High Council. During his tenure, Brother Densborn would serve as Grand Treasurer, Regent Elect, and as the 59th Regent of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
Professionally, Brother Densborn has a distinguished career as an attorney in Indianapolis, Ind. Chambers USA has named Brother Densborn as one of America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and he has also been named one of Indiana’s Super Lawyers. Brother Densborn is partner at the firm Densborn Blachly LLP.
“I believe that Sigma Nu and other organizations like it are essential to the perpetuation of civilization as we know it,” said Densborn at Grand Chapter.
Thomas “Tom” Mason (Oklahoma State)
Brother Tom Mason was initiated into the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State in 1959 where he served as Commander, Treasurer, Recorder, and Sentinel.
Completing law school in 1966 at the University of Tulsa, Brother Mason began his career at the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office. His career included work for the prominent Tulsa lawyer David Sanders, Sr. and his assistance in founding the firm of Carpenter, Mason, and McGowan.
Brother Mason’s service to the Fraternity includes a 20 year term as Division Commander, involvement with the LEAD Council (responsible for developing the LEAD Program), and as Epsilon Epsilon chapter advisor and house corporation member. Most recently, he was inducted into Epsilon Epsilon’s Hall of Honor.
Speaking at the 66th Grand Chapter, Brother Mason said, “It’s a pleasure that you’ve allowed me to be here today. I’ve always been impressed with the Creed; love, truth, and honor. It’s always been at the back of my mind.”
Robert A. “Bob” McCully (San Diego State)
Brother Bob McCully was initiated into the Eta Kappa Chapter where he served in several different positions including Commander in 1970. Concluding his undergraduate career, Brother McCully completed the course work for his MBA from San Diego State and worked for Sigma Nu as a regional field consultant in 1973-74.
Returning to California, Brother McCully worked as a CPA at Ernst and Young in San Francisco and later joined Genstar Corporation where he rose to group controller. He later joined the Government of Singapore’s International Realty Corporation, as the chief financial officer. McCully also worked for D’Accord Holdings Inc. where he was the chief financial officer and managing director.
Brother Bob McCully’s service to the General Fraternity is both lengthy and varied and includes service as Division Commander, Grand Historian, High Council member, and house corporation member.
“This award is important to me, because it means I made a difference. Hopefully, it means I’m continuing to make a difference to this organization that means so much to me,” said McCully.
Hall of Fame
At the 66th Grand Chapter, five brothers were inducted into the Sigma Nu Hall of Fame in recognition of each of these brothers having brought great credit to his nation, his profession and the Fraternity.
Donald D. “Don” Humphreys (Oklahoma State)
A native of Tulsa, Okla., Brother Humphreys completed his degree in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University in 1971. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Humphreys served in the US Army from 1972-1974.
Obtaining an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, Humphreys joined Exxon Chemical Company in 1976. For the first 21 years of Brother Humphreys’ career with Exxon, he held various positions and was stationed in diverse locations including, Houston, Texas, Baton Rouge, La., Baytown, Texas, New York, N.Y. and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In 1997, Humphreys returned to Exxon Corporation headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and was elected vice president and controller.
With Exxon’s merger with Mobil in 1999, Humphreys continued to hold various positions with ExxonMobil Corporation culminating in his appointment to the corporation’s management committee. Humphreys completed his service to the ExxonMobil Corporation in 2013 retiring as principal financial officer.
Brother Humphreys has served as a board member for numerous organizations and has been extensively involved with his alma matter. Humphreys is an Oklahoma State Distinguished Alumnus and is a member of Oklahoma State Alumni Hall of Fame.
Earl G. “Ken” Kendrick (West Virginia)
Brother Ken Kendrick joined the Gamma Pi Chapter in 1962 and served as Commander in 1964. Graduating from West Virginia in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he started his career with IBM in Baltimore, Md. Three years later, he founded Datatel, Inc., which has become the industry leader in the development of software for the management of infrastructure technology for colleges and universities.
Kendrick remains semi-active in the operation of Datatel, serving as chairman, and also as president of the Datatel Scholars Foundation, which provides college scholarships to students throughout the United States and Canada.
Kendrick’s long-time passion for baseball led him to his next venture – the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 1995, he became a partner of the Major League Baseball expansion team and has played an integral role in helping shape the team’s future. In 2002, Kendrick, along with his three partners, invested $160 million in capital in the Diamondbacks in exchange for control of the organization. Kendrick
Victor J. Boschini (Mount Union)
In 1974, Brother Victor Boschini enrolled at Mount Union College where he was initiated into the Beta Iota Chapter in 1975. While at Mount Union, Brother Boschini served as Commander among other positions. After graduation, Boschini earned his master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a doctorate from Indiana University in higher education administration.
Dr. Boschini began his professional career at Indiana University serving in various administrative posts from 1984-1990. He then served as associate provost of Butler University from 1990-1997. Following his time at Butler, he held various positions at Illinois State University including president from 1999-2003. In 2003, Dr. Boschini was named chancellor of Texas Christian University, a position he holds currently.
Dr. Boschini sits on the board of the State Farm Company Mutual Funds, as well as on the boards of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Van Cliburn Foundation and the Moncrief Cancer Institute. His wife, Megan Boschini, is also involved in a variety of activities in the city of Fort Worth. Currently she serves on the board of directors for the Gill Charity, Inc.
Charles R. Schwab (Stanford)
Charles Schwab was born in Sacramento in 1937. He is a graduate of Stanford University where he joined the Beta Chi Chapter. Brother Schwab earned a degree in economics in 1959 and a master of business administration degree from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1961.
Schwab started his San Francisco-based firm in 1971 as a traditional brokerage company and in 1974 became a pioneer in the discount brokerage business.
He has been chairman and a director of The Charles Schwab Corporation since its incorporation in 1986. He also served as chief executive officer from 1986 to 1997, and as co-chief executive officer from 1998 until 2004. He was re-appointed chief executive officer in 2004 and served in that role until October 2008. The company has approximately $1.2 trillion in assets and is one of the nation’s leading financial services firms.
On January 22, 2008, President George W. Bush named Mr. Schwab chairman of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy. Along with the other members of the panel, Schwab advised the president on ways to promote and enhance financial literacy.
M. Miller Gorrie (Auburn)
Brother Miller Gorrie is a native of Birmingham, Ala., and a 1957 civil engineering graduate of Auburn University. At Auburn, he served Beta Theta Chapter as Commander.
Following graduation, Miller served in the United States Navy before returning home and entering the construction business. In 1964, he purchased the Thomas C. Brasfield Construction Company and soon added his name to the firm.
With offices in eight cities in six states, Brother Gorrie has built his company from a three-room office to one of the largest privately owned construction companies in the United States. Brasfield and Gorrie’s annual revenue is more than $2 billion and is a nationally respected general contractor.
Brother Gorrie is a civic leader and benefactor and has been recognized with numerous honors. In 1997, Gorrie was inducted into the state of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. In 2005, Brother Gorrie received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Auburn University Alumni Association. In 2006, the Miller Gorrie Center was dedicated as the headquarters of the building science program at Auburn University, one of six facilities on Auburn’s campus named for members of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
Regent’s Medallion of Merit
The Regent’s Medallion of Merit is the only award presented by the High Council of Sigma Nu and is presented to a man or woman whose excellence and leadership in daily life demonstrates the Creed of Sigma Nu Fraternity and sets a worthy example for others.
Jean M. Mrasek
Jean Mrasek began her Greek career at Tulsa University, where she served her chapter as president. She worked as a consultant for Chi Omega Executive Headquarters and has also served for more than 10 years as a Chi Omega chapter advisor.
Mrasek became Chi Omega’s national president from 2004-2008 and in October, 2013 she was installed as the chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference. Mrasek’s service and leadership are marked by two distinct characteristics: her belief in true collaboration across all boundaries and in the Greek experience as a force for good in the world.
Mrasek is the recipient of the Chi Omega President’s Award, the highest individual honor that can be bestowed by Chi Omega. Begun in 1976, only 28 Chi Omegas have received the President’s Award. Employed by Texas Christian University, Mrasek currently serves as the chief of staff for the office of the chancellor.
Addressing the Grand Chapter in Nashville, Jean Mrasek said, “Our shared commitment brings positive outcomes. Collaboration must happen for us to continue to exist.”
Merit Awards
Greek Advisor of the Year
Rebecca Mickler (Duquesne University)
Serving as the director of Greek life at Duquesne University since 2007, Rebecca Mickler leads the university’s social Greek organizations, professional Greek organizations, and honor societies. Rebecca Mickler graduated from Ohio State University in 2001 and continued her education by receiving her master’s degree from the University of South Florida in 2005.
Mickler has been dedicated to the student community at Duquesne and has most recently been honored as the 2014 Northeastern Greek Leadership Association Advisor of the Year. Rebecca’s advisement of the Kappa Delta Chapter of Sigma Nu has seen her find innovative ways to motivate the chapter. “I attended a chapter meeting and bet the entire fraternity that if their grades jumped in one semester from 7th to 1st, I would cook the fraternity a steak dinner in the spring. So last spring, I literally ate my words. My husband and I hosted close to 40 Sigma Nu men, and their two advisors, for a steak dinner, with all the trimmings,” said Mickler.
House Corporation Officer of the Year
Robert A. Nelson, Captain, US Navy, Retired (Penn State)
Having served as president for ten years, Robert Nelson has marked his tenure with the Delta Delta House Corporation by steady advisement to the collegiate chapter and financial solvency for the chapter home. Nelson, who retired from the rank of captain in the US Navy, has served for a combined 25 years on the Delta Delta Property Association. In 2012, Nelson retired from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission where he served as a member of the US Senior Executive Service. Nelson was recalled to active duty in 1991 to serve in Operation Desert Storm.
Most recently, Brother Nelson led a capital campaign that raised approximately $300,000 for needed improvements to the chapter house.
Edwin Sidwell, the vice president of the Delta Delta Property Association, noted that, “With his keen knowledge of financial matters and Sigma Nu traditions and guidelines, Bob Nelson has been the one person responsible for the survival of this chapter since he took over as property association president.”
Alumnus of the Biennium and Chapter Advisor of the Year
William B. “Bill” Geddy (Georgia Southern)
Brother Bill Geddy’s Sigma Nu experience began with his initiation into the Theta Kappa Chapter in 1984. During his undergraduate career, Brother Geddy served as Lt. Commander and Commander. Involvement with Sigma Nu continued well beyond his graduation, as Brother Geddy has served as Theta Kappa Alumni Advisory Board Chairman, Division Commander, house corporation member, and alumni fundraising chairman.
Serving as an army officer for 24 years, Brother Geddy has held commands at the battalion, brigade, and divisional level. Following his retirement, Geddy was employed by Ciber, Inc. where he rose to sales and market leader. Currently, Brother Geddy is the chief sales officer for TEAMabsolute and the principal and chief sales officer for WMe3, Inc.
Speaking in endorsement of Brother Geddy, members of Theta Kappa’s Alumni Advisory Board said, “During the past year, Bill has skillfully directed virtually every aspect of the reinvention of the Theta Kappa Chapter. [His] efforts are designed to build a long lasting, solid foundation for the chapter so it can flourish for decades to come and continue to positively shape the lives of the young men who have the wisdom and substance to become members of Sigma Nu.”
Division Commander of the Year
Chris W. Graham (Lamar/Stephen F. Austin)
Beginning his alumni volunteer service in the early 1990s, Brother Chris Graham has served as Zeta Psi Chapter Advisor, Chapter Eternal committee member, Zeta Psi house corporation president, and South Central Division Commander. Brother Graham has also assisted in colonization efforts at Stephen F. Austin and Houston and in ensuring that W. Scott Thomas, a Vietnam Veteran who was drafted when he was a candidate, was initiated. Graham has been recognized by Sigma Nu as Chapter Advisor of the Year (2007) and Division Commander of the Year (2010).
Graham has been employed by ExxonMobil since 1991 where he currently works as a systems engineer. In his 23 years with the company, Brother Graham has not missed a single day to sickness or injury leave. In addition to his work with ExxonMobil and Sigma Nu, Brother Graham has served as a member of the Industrial Advisory Board for Lamar’s Department of Computer Science and as a member of the Lamar University Homecoming Committee.
Speaking about Brother Graham’s service, Mu Upsilon Chapter Advisor Josh Kesterson said, “Brother Graham has been there for Mu Upsilon every step of the way … He literally lives a life of love, walks in a way of honor, and serves in the light of truth.”
Alumni Chapter Officer of the Year
Matthew “Matt” Alcide (James Madison)
Brother Matt Alcide is a 2009 graduate of James Madison University and holds a degree in political science and history.
As alumni chapter Commander, Brother Alcide has undertaken several initiatives that have improved the participation of chapter alumni. Among Alcide’s efforts are an annual golf tournament held in northern Virginia, a quarterly alumni newsletter, and monthly conference calls with collegiate chapter leadership.
Brother Alcide has twice been awarded by the Iota Delta Chapter as its Alumnus of the Year and in 2013 was one of two recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Award presented by James Madison Fraternity and Sorority Life. Alcide is the development manager for the Landscape Architecture Foundation and previously worked in development for James Madison University and the Alice Ferguson Foundation.
Speaking about Brother Alcide, past Iota Delta Commander Hunter Rheaume said, “Without Matt Alcide, the alumni chapter of Sigma Nu would be nonexistent.”
Athlete of the Year
Christopher Vaughan (Stevens)
Brother Christopher Vaughan of the Gamma Delta Chapter at Stevens Institute of Technology started for the men’s volleyball team that reached the quarterfinals of the division III NCAA tournament. Brother Vaughan who is an outside hitter led the team in points, points per set, kills, and kills per set. Vaughan’s 454.5 points scored ranked him 5th in Steven’s men’s volleyball history for points scored.
To cap off his brilliant sophomore season, Brother Vaughan was named an American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All- American. In addition to his athletic prowess, Brother Vaughan has also maintained a 3.702 GPA in the rigorous electrical engineering program at Stevens.
Vaughan, who is a newly initiated brother of the Gamma Delta Chapter had the following to say about his chapter, “I could not have received any of the awards this semester without my brotherhood.”
Man of the Year & Scholar of the Year
Anish Sharma (Mississippi)
Brother Anish Sharma graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. In addition to his stellar academic performance, Brother Sharma served the Epsilon Xi Chapter as Recorder, Treasurer, and Sentinel. Outside of Sigma Nu, Brother Sharma served as an executive officer in five different student organizations including student government, Cardinal Club, and Omicron Delta Kappa.
As a validation on Brother Sharma’s outstanding academic career, he was presented with two prestigious honors that are highly selective of the Mississippi student body: the Hall of Fame and Taylor Medal. The Hall of Fame inducts exactly ten outstanding graduating seniors and is the highest honor given to graduating seniors. In addition to his hall of fame induction, Sharma was presented with a Taylor Medal, which honors graduating seniors with a GPA of 3.9 or higher.
Dr. James Davis, faculty advisor for Epsilon Xi described Brother Sharma as, “One of the most exceptional students I have observed in 49 years of teaching accounting at Ole Miss.” Speaking about his own appreciation for Sigma Nu, Brother Sharma noted, “Sigma Nu has been incredible for my college experience. Believing in the life of love, walking in the way of honor, and serving in the light of truth will stick with me throughout my life.”
Fletcher Honor Society
Created in 2004, the Fletcher Honor Society is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation. Since its inception, the Fletcher Honor Society has sought to honor those who have given selflessly to support the Fraternity’s mission and vision.
Richard W. “Dick” Dodderidge (Kansas State)
Brother Dick Dodderidge joined the Beta Kappa Chapter in 1943, but his college career was put on hold while he served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. After the war, Brother Dodderidge returned and was able to complete his degree in journalism.
In 1947, Brother Dodderidge began a 35 year career in advertising. During his career, Brother Dodderidge held various positions including copywriter, TV producer, account executive, and a ten year stent as president at Young and Rubicam. He has served on the city council at Mission Woods, Kan. and in 1986 he began a four-year term on the Kansas Board of Regents. He has also served for over 20 years as a trustee for the Kansas State University Foundation. In 2003, Kansas State University awarded him the University Alumni Medallion Award, which is the highest award bestowed by the alumni association.
Brother Dodderidge began his involvement with the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation in 1990 and has held various positions on the Foundation Board of Directors including director, vice chairman, and chairman. Brother Dodderidge has served the Foundation as a Life Director since 2006.
Speaking about Brother Dodderidge, past Regent Joe Gilman said, “His leadership and dedication to the Foundation have been a great example to me and countless others in Sigma Nu.”
Jerry D. Fields (Texas State)
Brother Jerry Fields was initiated into the Eta Tau Chapter at Texas State University in 1964. Jerry served as Commander of the chapter in 1966 and graduated in 1969. Fields continued his service to Sigma Nu after graduation and has since served on the Eta Tau Alumni Advisory Board, House Corporation, and has served as chapter advisor.
From 1969-1985 Fields was employed by the L.B. Foster Company where he rose to division vice president. In 1985, Fields became the founder and chief executive officer of J.D. Fields and Company, Inc., a worldwide supplier of steel products headquartered in Houston.
In 2006, Fields received the Distinguished Alumni Award, the most prestigious honor given by Texas State University and its alumni association. In 2009, Fields and his wife Linda gave a record-setting $6 million gift to Texas State University. Brother Fields and Linda are also the largest individual contributors to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
Brother Field’s commitment to principled education is further reflected by his contributions to the Houston Museum of Natural Science where he served as board of trustee member from 1998-2003 and 2005. He has also contributed to the Ronald McDonald House and the American Cancer Society.
Alpha Affiliate
In 1962, the Grand Chapter adopted a proposal by Brother Ora Baldinger, an initiate of the Alpha Chapter at VMI, to create the Alpha Affiliate Awards. Brother Baldinger made the proposal based on a conversation he had with Founder Hopkins in 1909, on the occasion of Alpha Chapter’s second installation. Hopkins’ request of Baldinger was, “Don’t ever let Alpha Chapter die, don’t ever let it die.” Regrettably, not many years later, VMI abolished fraternities permanently. Baldinger conceived of the Alpha Affiliate Award as a means of symbolically meeting Founder Hopkins’ request. The program was designed to award an Alpha Chapter initiate number to the Fraternity’s most outstanding graduating seniors in recognition of their achievements.
Christopher W. Chesnutt Alpha #600 (Idaho)
Graduating with a degree in virtual technology and design, Christopher Chesnutt served the Delta Omicron Chapter as Alumni Relations Chairman, Social Chairman, and Commander while finishing his undergraduate career with a 3.51 GPA. Christopher did not limit his involvement to Delta Omicron. In addition to his work with the chapter Christopher also served as the IFC president, was a team lead for the Vandal Atmospheric Science Team, a legislative ambassador for the Associate Students of the University of Idaho, and participated on the University of Idaho’s track and field team for one year. In addition, Chris started his own design firm, Factotum, which he has managed for six years.
As a capstone to his collegiate career, Christopher was presented with the Director’s Award in addition to being named Chapter President of the Year and Greek Man of the Year. Speaking about Chesnutt, Division Commander Brad Wing said, “I cannot think of a finer example of the type of men we want representing our cherished brotherhood and would point to Christopher as an example of the tenets of our order.”
Craig T. Fisher Alpha #601 (Butler)
Craig Fisher served his chapter at Butler University as Lieutenant Commander, Scholarship Chairman, and Historian. Graduating with a degree in pharmacy, Brother Fisher spent his time outside of the chapter getting extensively involved in the Butler community. Brother Fisher served as the vice president of the Butler University Pharmacy Class of 2016, was a student representative for the Butler University Board of Trustees, and served as the president of the student government association.
In April 2014, Fisher was named Greek Man of the Year and Top Ten Male Student. Speaking about his time at Butler, Brother Fisher noted, “The reoccurring theme throughout my time as a Sigma Nu has been to help demonstrate what really makes our lettered organizations valuable for our members, for campus, for our larger communities, and for me… I am proud to be a Sigma Nu, and I am proud to serve such worthwhile causes and deserving men with my talents.”
Fisher will continue his education at Butler University where he has begun coursework to complete a Doctorate of Pharmacy.
Joseph F. “Joe” Gammie Alpha #602 (Georgia Tech)
Joe Gammie graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering while maintaining a GPA of 3.5. Brother Gammie served his chapter as Recruitment Chairman, Sentinel, and Commander and served as a Collegiate Grand Councilman on Sigma Nu’s High Council during the 2013 calendar year. Brother Gammie also participated in the Order of Omega as the membership committee chairman, served as an IFC rush committee member, and had significant professional experience as a Deloitte summer business technology analyst, a summer intern for AT&T, and the assistant video director for Georgia Tech athletics.
Brother Gammie has helped lead the Gamma Alpha Chapter into a period of strong operations which culminated in the chapter receiving the Most Improved Award at the 2012 Grand Chapter. Speaking about Brother Gammie, Gamma Alpha Alumnus Gary Jones said, “Joe is truly an example of a brother who has demonstrated both academic and civic distinction while a student at Georgia Tech.”
Brother Gammie is employed by Enercon Services in Kennesaw, Ga. where he works as a mechanical design engineer.
John Y. Geoghegan Alpha #603 (San Jose State)
Graduating with a 3.7 GPA in communication studies, John Geoghegan served the Zeta Iota Chapter as Recorder, Recruitment Chairman, and Commander. Brother Geoghegan participated in Army ROTC and has been commissioned as a second lieutenant serving at Ft. Benning, Ga. In addition to his involvement with ROTC and Sigma Nu, Brother Geoghegan found time to give back to the San Jose State student community serving as IFC president and as a student member of the student union board of directors.
In 2013, Geoghegan was named Greek Man of the Year and was a recipient of A.S. 55, an award given to the top 55 leaders at San Jose State. Speaking about Brother Geoghegan, Hartford initiate and Alpha Affiliate Mike Schamp said, “I have no doubt in my mind that John has made the Zeta Iota Chapter, the Greek community, and San Jose State University a better place through his leadership and living the values of Love, Honor, and Truth on a daily basis.”
Nathan A. Holt Alpha #604 (Butler)
Brother Nathan Holt graduated from Butler University with a 3.8 GPA while majoring in chemistry. Brother Holt served the Epsilon Mu Chapter as the Commander, Scholarship Chairman, and LEAD Phase III Chairman. In addition to his chapter involvement, Holt also served as the president of Butler’s Order of Omega chapter, a student representative to the Butler Council on Presidential Affairs, and a board member on the student government operations board.
In addition to being named one of Butler’s top 102 students for two consecutive years, Holt was named Operations Board Member of the Year and Council on Presidential Affairs Member of the Year. Writing about his experiences in Sigma Nu, Brother Holt commented, “I cannot wait to give back to Sigma Nu, for it has given me more than I could have ever expected from my collegiate experience.”
Attending the University of Louisville’s school of dentistry, Brother Holt will commission with the Navy upon graduation.
Christopher S. “Chris” Marr Alpha #605 (Illinois)
Serving as Marshal, Lt. Commander, and Commander, Brother Chris Marr graduated from the University of Illinois with a GPA of 3.66 in supply chain management. Alongside his chapter involvement Chris Marr was the captain of the university’s rowing team that he competed on for four years. Brother Marr’s achievements caught the attention of one of his professors who wrote that, “Chris is a consummate all-rounder: his achievements as a leader are in addition to his excelling as a scholar.”
As a fitting conclusion to Chris’ college career, he was named the 2014 IFC Greek Man of the Year. Speaking about his commitment to Sigma Nu, Brother Marr noted, “Sigma Nu will always hold a place in my heart as my home where I lived with some of my best friends, but it will also always instill a sense of pride to be a lifetime member of such a successful international organization with such a successful membership.”
Samuel S. McLelland Alpha #606 (Arkansas)
Samuel McLelland graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in biochemistry while maintaining a GPA of 3.77. Brother McLelland served the Gamma Upsilon Chapter as Chaplain, Lt. Commander, and Commander. Outside of his involvement with Sigma Nu, McLelland served on the student government association’s presidential advisory board and as a Greek life facilitator.
This year, Brother McLelland was named Most Outstanding Fraternity Senior by a committee of administrators, students, and alumni. Speaking about Samuel, Director of Greek Life Parice Bowser noted, “He has performed his duties at a very high level through his communication with advisors and students, dependability, hard work, honesty, scholarship, and leadership.”
Commenting on Sigma Nu, Brother McLelland noted, “To me Sigma Nu is an experience, a brotherhood, and a commitment that has and will continue to shape my life, both personally and professionally.”
Jacob H. Rigsby Alpha #607 (Colorado State)
Brother Jacob Rigsby served the Delta Rho Chapter as Social Chairman, Recruitment Chairman, Lieutenant Commander, and Commander. Brother Rigsby also served as IFC vice president of recruitment while maintaining a GPA of 3.54 in business administration and history. Brother Rigsby also found time to serve as a teacher’s assistant, admissions ambassador, and as a peer mentor. Speaking about Jacob’s accomplishments, Ashleigh Renteria wrote, “What is most impressive is the esteem which the Sigma Nu men have for Jacob as a leader. Jacob commands the respect of the men in the way he chose to lead his chapter.”
In 2013, Brother Rigsby was one of five recipients of the Pacesetters Scholarship, which is given to five students who set an exemplary commitment to academics, involvement, and leadership on campus. As of June 2014, Rigsby has joined the General Fraternity as a leadership consultant.
Jack C. Riker Alpha #608 (Duke)
Jack Riker graduated from Duke University with a degree in history while serving the Gamma Chapter as Social Chairman, Recorder, LEAD Chairman, and Commander. In addition to his chapter involvement, Brother Riker served as a Collegiate Grand Councilman on Sigma Nu’s High Council and as the IFC president for Duke’s fraternity community. In addition, during Riker’s senior year, he served as the campus campaign coordinator for Teach For America.
Resulting from Riker’s service to the Duke Greek community, he was inducted into the Duke Greek Hall of Fame. Writing about his time in Sigma Nu, Brother Riker wrote, “[In Sigma Nu] I found people that I loved, and I found an organization that would forever define who I am. Without Sigma Nu, I would have accepted being a failure.”
Riker has joined Venture for America as a fellow where he will receive advanced training in business and entrepreneurship.
Anish Sharma Alpha #609 (Mississippi)
Brother Anish Sharma graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. In addition to his stellar academic performance, Brother Sharma served the Epsilon Xi Chapter as Recorder, Treasurer, and Sentinel. Outside of Sigma Nu, Brother Sharma served as an executive officer in five different student organizations including student government, Cardinal Club, and Omicron Delta Kappa.
As a validation on Brother Sharma’s outstanding academic career, he was inducted into the University of Mississippi’s Hall of Fame and was a Taylor Medalist. Both selections were a highly exclusive choice from the student population. Dr. James Davis, faculty advisor for Epsilon Xi described Brother Sharma as, “One of the most exceptional students I have observed in 49 years of teaching accounting at Ole Miss.”
Currently, Brother Sharma is completing his Masters of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi.