The Founders look over the convention floor as brothers, family, and guests gather for the opening ceremonies.

Regent Joe Francis (Oklahoma State) welcomes brothers and guests to San Diego during the opening ceremony.

Families of brothers attending Grand Chapter greet each other in the hotel foyer.

Sigma Nu’s 2012 Talent of the Year Patrick Thomas (Vanderbilt) returns to perform the national anthem.

In keeping with a new tradition started in Dallas, Rock Chapters are announced and recognized at the opening ceremony so other chapters have an opportunity to learn from Sigma Nu’s top performing chapters during the rest of the week.

Parliamentarian Dr. Tim Huerta (Cal State Los Angeles) reviews the protocols for conducting the business of the Grand Chapter.

Sigma Nu Hall of Fame inductee and Fox NFL Sunday host Curt Menefee (Coe) approaches the stage to a standing ovation.

Sigma Nu Hall of Fame inductee and O’Reilly Auto Parts co-founder Larry O’Reilly (Drury) pauses for a photo backstage after delivering the Maddox Honor Lecture.

Watson Realty founder Bill Watson (Stetson) delivers remarks after his Hall of Fame induction.

Over 500 brothers and guests gather for dinner and a special presentation on the flight deck of the USS Midway.

Brothers experience an aircraft cockpit during tours of the USS Midway.

Grand Chapter attendees enjoy a dinner and special presentation aboard the USS Midway flight deck.

Back in business sessions, Wesley Cox (Southeast Missouri State) rises to speak on behalf of a proposed change to the Long Creed.

Brothers from Iota Chapter (Samford) review materials during a discussion on proposed resolutions.

Tristin Maximilian (George Washington) applauds during a Grand Chapter business session. “I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know many people planning to attend,” Tristin remembers thinking before Grand Chapter. “That quickly changed when I ran into Bob McCully at the airport where he introduced me to some other brothers waiting for taxis to the hotel. Throughout the conference I quickly met other brothers and shared stories and made new friends. The whole experience was great for networking and learning best practices from other chapters. I left feeling a new sense of motivation to stay involved with Sigma Nu after graduation.”

Electing the new High Council (national board of directors) is one of the most important duties of the Grand Chapter. Here a collegiate member of the Elections Committee collects ballots from voting delegates.

Newly elected High Council members take the oath of office. From left: Vice Regent Jordan Wu (Cal Poly Pomona), Vice Regent Maury Gaston (Auburn), Grand Treasurer Tim Huffmyer (Michigan State), and Vice Regent Dave Mainella (Bradley).

Luke Stahmer (Colorado) facilitates an educational breakout session about leadership and recruiting strategies practiced by John Elway, one of the greatest NFL players, executives and business leaders to build championship teams.

Chris Healy (Fresno State) facilitates an educational breakout session outlining the three things every chapter needs to be great.

At the closing banquet Alpha Affiliate award winners are dubbed by Regent Joe Francis. The Alpha Affiliate program recognizes ten seniors who have demonstrated living an honorable life by upholding the ideals of Sigma Nu and in influencing others to do the same.

Outgoing Regent Joe Francis (Oklahoma State) and incoming Regent Lee Perrett (Auburn) embrace before passing the gavel.

Incoming Regent Lee Perrett (Auburn) outlines his vision for the biennium in his first speech as Sigma Nu’s national president.