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Dispatches from the Legion of Honor

Chapter & Alumni News

Alabama in Huntsville

This fall, Mu Beta Chapter had brothers Blake East and Spencer Elmlinger participate in the Orientation Leader program at UAH. This program helps new students learn their way around campus and also facilitates the process of meeting new people. Furthermore, the chapter and over 200 alumni are looking forward to its 25th Charter Celebration on January 28, 2017. Brothers are looking forward to assisting the Talladega Superspeedway race this October to help fundraise for the chapter. Members will camp out at the race and assist in helping customers enjoy the event. Lastly, the chapter will be participating in setup for the Special Olympics at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville. Brothers will arrive as early as 5:00am in the morning to help setup track and field events, help guests and serve food along with 1,600 other volunteers.

Bethany

The chapter has had two brothers volunteering their time to help the community. One brother in particular, Matthew Kirby, volunteers his time every Tuesday at the Bethany fire department, and is in the process of becoming state certified as a fire fighter. From early August through September 15^th Khalid Pierce volunteered his time in Youngstown, Ohio; and Weirton. He had the opportunity to organize community clean ups, and set dates for people to come in and give informational lectures about solving daily neighborhood problems and motivating the youth.

This semester Timothy Buskirk was elected Vice President of SGA Physical Education department and also joined the BSU club along with Majied Bey and Jayson Spellmon. Khalid Pierce has been elected President of BSU. Majied Bey joined a new Club on campus called Love Your Melon. The club is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America, as well as supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer.

This semester the chapter has and will be getting more involved in the community. The chapter has been spending their free time keeping the community cleaner, by going out and picking up litter twice a week on and off campus.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

The gentlemen of our Kappa Pi chapter took a great philanthropic initiative this summer. Brothers Seth Callen, Brendan Frasier, and Luke Brown started a charter of The Happy Cart Project this summer at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Founded at UC Berkeley, The Happy Cart Project is a non-profit organization that provides ill or disabled children in hospitals with fun and easy-to-make crafts to help get their minds off their condition, symptoms, or treatment. As a member of The Happy Cart Project, volunteers assemble craft bags full of items such as Popsicle sticks, colored pipe cleaners, cardboard, fabrics, and other supplies along with step-by-step instructions on how to make each craft. Boxes or “Happy Carts” are then shipped with about 200 craft bags to partnered pediatric hospitals and then are finally distributed to the patients. The first “Happy Cart” shipped from our chapter contained roughly 200 crafts themed around Star Wars and was sent to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in southern California and was well received by the children and their families.

Seth Callen, the president and founder of the Cal Poly chapter, recently received notice of his official charter from The Happy Cart Project organization, and in September was informed by Cal Poly that the chapter he founded is now a campus-wide club that all are welcome to join. As of recent, there are over 200 students signed up for Cal Poly’s The Happy Cart Project chapter and Callen expects this number to keep rising. We could not be more proud of our brothers for bringing this impactful and caring organization to our campus and community.

Cal State Los Angeles

Case Western Reserve

This year brothers Zelkin and Zapor are competing on the track and field team. Brother Curry set a new personal best time at the Portage Lakes Triathlon. Hosting a nacho themed fundraiser at the house, the chapter raised over $1,000 to donate to Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Cleveland Area. A jazz band was put together under the leadership of brother Rose to perform during the fundraiser featuring brothers Gordon, Moore, Sagerer, MacDonald, Feydt, Jurcago, Lituchy, Swingle, and Hattan. 

Columbus State

Georgia

The Mu Chapter at the University of Georgia initiated 33 new brothers into the Legion of Honor on October 2, 2016, with badge numbers ranging from M 2661 to M 2693. The Chapter was able to add to its diversity as three new brothers hail from Louisiana, an area that has been untapped by Mu Chapter in recent years. On October 14, Mu Chapter will host its annual Parent’s Weekend where all proceeds go to the Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS). MS impacts many brothers’ family members so the Chapter wanted to show its support to the respective families. Last year, the Chapter raised over $13,000 and hopes to exceed that amount this fall.

The men of Mu Chapter recently completed a restoration of Brooklyn Cemetery, a historically African-American cemetery located minutes from campus. The brothers spent 5 hours clearing brush, making mulch, cutting trees and performing other tasks pertinent to the revitalization of the beautiful and historic cemetery. This is one of many things the brothers have been involved with on campus and in the community. For instance, Mu Chapter brothers currently hold leadership positions in IFC, UGA HEROs, Student Ambassadors, Terry Student Consulting, and SGA.  Also, the men of Mu are involved abroad, as this past summer 13 brothers studied broad in places such as Costa Rica, Australia, and New Zealand.

Our brothers have had some great accomplishments and experiences this fall. Brother Lawson Ives has been spending this semester studying abroad in Australia. Lawson mentioned how he enjoys one of his classes in particular: Sport and Culture in Australia, where he has been able to grow closer to the Australian people through rugby. Also, Lawson recently embarked on a three-day camping trip in the Blue Mountains as part of an outdoor education class.  He described the experience as “life-changing.”  When asked about Australia’s culture, he responded, “Australia is fairly conservative. They have their social issues, but they are not as highly advertised as they are in the United States. There are certainly stark contrasts between it and the U.S.” Lawson looks forward to coming back home and continuing his success.

The annual Sigma Nu Greatest Generation Reunion on Lake Oconee took place in August. This group has met annually for many years and while organized by many leaders, it specifically appreciated the hospitality of hosts Ronnie Waller and Buddy Nix. This year, Brother Cecil Newsome was presented with two framed renditions of bricks being placed in the Robert L. Marchman Memorial Flag Pavilion in Lexington, VA at the Sigma Nu Headquarters Shrine. The Marchman Pavilion honors Sigma Nu Alumni Veterans who have served our country in the Armed Services. We are proud to have Brother Newsome honored for his active service during the Vietnam War, as well as Brother Pete Peterson who gave the ultimate sacrifice on July 19, 1971, in Bien Dien Province.  Mu Chapter honors these two heroes, as well as all Sigma Nus who have sacrificed to protect our freedom. 

Georgia State

The Eta Gamma chapter has continued to be the leading fraternity on Georgia State campus. Our rush team did an incredible job this summer, and due to their hard work we were able to once again acquire the largest candidate class at GSU. Our exemplary performance around campus is primarily due to our executive board lead by our new Commander Juan Patino. Brother Patino also recently received the Doctor Kenneth M. England Award for outstanding leadership in the Greek community. During the summer, we were extremely excited to reconnect with many alumni at our Steve Smart Remembrance softball game. It was very fulfilling to meet numerous successful alumni who continued to care so much for Eta Gamma even decades after graduation. In particular, the chapter would like to congratulate Brother and former chapter advisor Dr. Harvey K. Newman on his retirement after forty incredible years of teaching. We are also thankful for the highly motivational efforts of our new LEAD chairman Keenen Walker who has reignited a love for the program in our chapter by hosting weekly sessions. Brother Walker was also elected ΑΞΔ man of the year. Our chapter is also looking forward to hosting this semester’s philanthropy week sweepstakes in an effort to raise money for Fisher House Foundation. Brother Nema Tehrani on his second term as philanthropy chair is excited to help out military families in need. Eta Gamma is proud to continue our legacy of outstanding performance and dedicated leadership in the many semesters to come.

High Point

Indiana

The Beta Eta chapter got off to an exciting start to the year when Commander Matthew Harrington, Lieutenant Commander Michael Vasconi, and Treasurer David Marvin were elected into the top three officer positions. The Chapter hosted its Alumni weekend and welcomed Beta Etas of all ages for a day of tailgating, festivities, and even a remarkable Hoosier triumph over the Michigan State Spartans. Even in the midst of IU football, the Beta Etas and a host of other chapters eagerly await Sigma Nu’s signature “Greek Bowl” philanthropy event. Philanthropy Chairman Michael Schmahl took the reins of planning this Head-to-Head Greek football tournament for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Chapter also participated in many other Greek philanthropy events, though the most notable was their victory in the Alpha Chi Omega relay race. Finally, after a successful recruiting season, Beta Eta selected 34 new candidates for the fall pledge class and celebrated in a series of themed social events with Kappa Alpha Theta for homecoming week.

Illinois

Kevin Staniszewski and Jacob Komenda were elected to the IFC Executive Board for the 2017 calendar year as Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Membership Development, respectively.

Iowa

On October 8, 2016, the Beta Iota Chapter welcomed many alumni brothers to the house for a meet and greet with the collegiate chapter. At the open house, the chapter had the opportunity to unveil the 2015-2016 chapter’s composite, and give away two prestigious awards to active brothers. Andrew Bertagnolli received the George Weimer Leadership Prize; the award is given to the brother whose outstanding leadership since their initiation has helped the chapter improve. Steven Scott received the Jim Williams Exemplary Service Award. This award is given to the brother whose service to the brotherhood honors the efforts of Jim Williams. This event served as a great kickoff to the chapter’s upcoming 125^th anniversary celebration in the coming summer.

Additionally, the chapter celebrated the inaugural inductees to the University of Iowa Order of Omega Hall of Fame which included alumnus Virgil M. Hancher. The inductees were selected based on their distinguished service and commitment to their Fraternity/Sorority, the University of Iowa, and celebrated lifelong achievements.

James Madison

Earlier this semester, the chapter completed one of its largest and most successful recruitment periods yet. More than 270 students came to Sigma Nu rush events this fall, and after the two-week rush process the brothers selected 21 candidates for the Gamma Iota candidate class. The chapter looks forward to teaching the candidates the values and principles which have made Iota Delta so successful thus far.

The brotherhood would like to recognize and thank the alumni chapter leadership for their efforts in preparing the new chapter house on the row and in readying it before the brothers moved in. The new chapter house serves as an on-campus hub for all brothers, and has been greatly enjoyed by the 26 men who live there so far this year. Iota Delta cannot wait for the entire alumni chapter to get a chance to see the house and celebrate the chapter’s return to campus during homecoming.

In September, the collegiate chapter made the decision to commit its philanthropy efforts to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for this semester’s third annual Rock Week. The chapter was moved to make this decision after discovering a handwritten letter that was sent by the parents of a young girl battling leukemia who received treatment in part due to the donations raised by Iota Delta in the past. Iota Delta cannot think of a better cause to focus its efforts towards and is excited to be able to help the lives of families and children in times of illness.

The return to the row, the positive growth, and the increased involvement on campus have all contributed to this being a great time for Iota Delta.

Kennesaw State

Since the beginning of the fall semester, the Iota Pi chapter has had great relations with its campus as well as its community. The chapter successfully hosted their annual Car Smash this semester on the Kennesaw Campus during Recruitment Week. Brother Ezekiel Johnston was elected to be Vice President of Membership on KSU’s IFC Executive Council. The chapter also continued to volunteer to assist the community with Keep Marietta Beautiful, as well as Relay for Life for the city of Cartersville.

During the Fall semester, the Iota Pi chapter is looking forward to their 40^th Anniversary in December with an exceptional attendance of alumni and active brothers from all over the nation. Many alumni and family members will be in attendance at the Homecoming Tailgate hosted by the brothers this semester. The chapter looks to take on their 2^nd Homecoming Week since the merger with Kennesaw State University. Since the merger, they have won every Homecoming Week and look to win yet another with Alpha Xi Delta. Their annual LEAD Day will be going on this Fall where they undergo all phases of LEAD with other Sigma Nu chapters.

Kentucky Wesleyan

Kettering

Eta Mu chapter is currently on an upward swing with membership currently at 16 brothers. One candidate completed LEAD training and the initiation for Candidate Alex Garrow was held in September. Recruitment was in full swing this summer and 8 bids were returned from recently arrived freshmen. These men have shown an interest in the brotherhood, and we estimate they have the character and bearing of gentlemen. Every year the chapter joins in the fight against cancer with their involvement in Kettering University's Relay for Life project and this year was no exception with another successful campaign. Congratulations go to Brother Kyle Fagan for winning the Golden Principle Award. A revamped chapter website was built with emphasis on blending Collegiate Chapter, Alumni Association, and Housing Corporation news. A simple means of donating through a button in the website was created to facilitate fund raising efforts. The Alumni Association lead a project to contact over 750 brothers through mailing a printed newsletter. It was truly a team effort with actives, alumni, and even founding chapter members contributing articles. This team met with other brothers on September 10 at the Annual Alumni Association meeting at the house. Plans were made for the next steps in reaching out to the alumni. The house is well maintained by the current active brothers with alumni involvement. The chapter is financially solvent but there are always needs for the more extensive projects. They are well organized, hold meetings, and post their minutes regularly. Some alumni and collegians also joined a gathering of founding members of the chapter for a luncheon on the same day. It was amazing to see how members spanning six decades spoke so similarly about what they all were seeking in a fraternity. 

Lamar

Louisiana Tech

This year, the chapter has three brothers with representation on the Student Government Association: Harrison Potts and Ben Rice are senators and Ty Smith holds the office of Public Relations. Brothers Spencer Holt, Ty Smith, Harrison Potts, Garrett Payne, Bailey Laborde, Jackson Close, Michael Hilborn, and Ben Rice all currently serve as student recruiters for the University. Jackson Close is the Vice President for Peer Leadership Council. The chapter currently has two brothers serving on the executive council for IFC, this includes Spencer Holt as treasurer and John Cox as recruitment chair. Logan Bazo is the Secretary of Student Veterans Organization, Grant Clary is President of the Cycling Team, Tyler Tippen serves on the leadership team for The Bridge Community Church, and John Cox serves as a Big Brother mentor. Two chapter members, brothers Ben Rice and Michael Hilborn, served as Orientation Student Leaders this past summer and into August. In addition to serving as an Orientation Student Leader, senator for SGA and student recruiter, Brother Ben Rice is the current Greek man of the year for our University.

Alumnus Hon. Jeff Cox is currently running for the Second Circuit Court of Appeals for North Louisiana.

In addition to the various positions chapter members hold around campus, the chapter has also been involved with the community through Philanthropy events. On September 30^th, several brothers helped move a local citizen into an apartment provided by Trinity United Methodist Church. On October 2, several brothers unloaded a tractor trailer full of pumpkins for the Townsend House which sells pumpkins and gives a large portion of the proceeds to D.A.R.T., an organization that aims to fight against domestic abuse. On October 14, chapter members participated in “little event” to help clean up Louisiana Tech University’s campus. The chapter is also collecting items to be donated to the men and women of our armed forces who serve overseas. These items will be donated through Operation Shoebox on November 8, during homecoming week.

Mercer

In November, the chapter hosted the return of more than 70 alumni for a weekend of brotherhood and football. The weekend included the dedication of a marker in front of the chapter house honoring the memory of several brothers who had entered Chapter Eternal.

Mississippi

Alumnus Carson Hughes was honored by the University of Mississippi and Lt. Governor Tate Reeves with October 29, 2016, being declared as “Carson Hughes Day in the Grove at Ole Miss.” Brother Hughes enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1965 and joined the Epsilon Xi Chapter shortly thereafter. This notable honor comes in recognition of Hughes’ steadfast dedication and support of both the Legion of Honor and the University of Mississippi.

“Carson has done so much for Ole Miss, Sigma Nu and the state of Mississippi that the men of Sigma Nu wanted to say thanks for all Carson has done by having a day in his honor,” said fellow alumnus Johnny Maloney.

New Hampshire

North Carolina State

North Dakota State

This past semester the Eta Theta Chapter was nominated by Special Olympics North Dakota for their Outstanding Area Organization and Continuous Service Award. This nomination was received for the chapter’s work, alongside NDSU athletics, with the local Special Olympics organization.  After a summer of planning, it was decided that the chapter’s new fall philanthropy event will be a Battle of the Bands. The event will feature local musical talent and will raise money for ShareHouse, a local non-profit supporting Fargo homeless and disadvantaged individuals. For NDSU’s homecoming parade, the chapter partnered with Sigma Chi Fraternity to put together an excellent Banana themed float, which won Best Float. The Eta Theta Chapter had a blast with recruitment earlier this fall and is very excited to have new candidates with whom we can share our values, knowledge and experiences.

North Texas

This year the chapter had two brothers, Woodrow Scypion and Michael Tuck, initiated into the

Order of Omega. The Order of Omega is a Greek honorary society consisting of emerging leaders among Greek Life here at the University of North Texas. Woodrow Scypion also serves as the Director of Education and Leadership of the University of North Texas’ Greek Programming Board.

The chapter had an excellent turnout at a weekend cookout. Parents of members were invited to tour the chapter house, as well as enjoy delicious food and beach volleyball on a gorgeous day.

Zeta Omicron chapter continues to excel at Sorority Philanthropy events, taking first place in Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash event all while continuing to improve academically, now ranked 3rd among other chapters in IFC at the University of North Texas through the implementation of a new study program.

This fall, Zeta Omicron brought 17 new members to begin their fraternal journey striving to become Knights of Sigma Nu.

Northern Illinois

This year the chapter had 5 brothers elected to the Student Association Senate. These brothers include Jeremy Watson, KJ King, Dan Alarcon, Adam Wilson, and Jack Barth. The chapter has the upcoming Pet the Huskies philanthropy and all the proceeds will go to the Raven's Husky Haven and Rescue. The chapter will also be co-sponsoring a philanthropy with Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity called Flags to Remember that will honor veterans who have lost their lives in battle by placing flags in the front lawns of both chapter houses. 

The chapter would also like to recognize alumnus Nathan Lupstein for being hired by Google to work in Boston and John Ilagan for being hired by KPMG in New York. 

Northwestern State

Oklahoma State

This semester the Epsilon Epsilon chapter has made great strides with campus involvement and in-house activities. On campus our brotherhood is involved with the Interfraternity Council, Student Alumni Board, Business News Club, Business Student Council, CEAT Student Council, and much more. We recently held a philanthropic basketball game that raised $2,400 for the local public schools, which we won. We have paired with the women of Kappa Delta and made Oklahoma State’s Freshmen Follies show.  As a house, we have participated and competed in many Greek Life and campus philanthropy events, which we have excelled in. Our freshmen recently visited Lexington for their annual pilgrimage to learn about the history of Sigma Nu and visit the Virginia Military Institute where Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded. As a house, we paired with the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma to participate in the world’s largest homecoming. The theme this year is the American Dream.

Oregon State

On July 30, 2016, the colony reclaimed the Sigma Nu house after 6 years of absence. After 2 months of hard work the active members and alumni managed to fix it back to living conditions before the start of Fall quarter. The work did not end there. In September, the week before classes started was another long work weekend putting in the final touches to bring the house back to its good old days. With the help of Coy Scroggins, Doug Eaton and more than 30 other alumni, the house was repaired and brought closer to the beauty of what it once was.

The colony’s academic pursuits have also done very well. As a whole, the colony managed to earn a 3.22 GPA for the previous spring term, placing us with the second highest GPA on campus. The colony will continue to strive to take the number one spot.  

Puget Sound

RIT

The Mu Zeta Chapter is saddened to announce that brother Valentine Benjamin Hollingsworth IV has passed away. Brother Hollingsworth joined the chapter as a candidate on September 23, 2013, and was initiated as a Knight on November 23, 2013. He served on several committees and served as Recruitment Chairman for the 2015 calendar year. On September 24, 2016, Brother Hollingsworth IV entered Chapter Eternal. We have lost a dear friend and a valuable brother, and will miss him.

Recently, the chapter introduced Candidates Kurt Bernabei, Derek Bules, Keith Ericksen, Jacob James, Wolfgang Staley and Joshua Strom to the chapter for the Nu Class of Fall 2016.

The chapter will have its 25th Anniversary White Rose at the Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside on April 26 to 30, 2017. Please contact Andrew Stadnicki at axs8257@rit.edu to stay updated regarding the upcoming White Rose.

San Diego State

South Florida

During the Fall 2016 semester, the Theta Alpha Chapter continued strengthening its manpower with 67 active members, along with a very promising new member class of 19.  

With the intramural season under way, the chapter is working to claim the title of Greek IM Overall Champions for the fourth year in a row.

Two members exemplified the chapter’s leadership on campus, as Brother Darnell Octavius led the Greek community as IFC President, and Commander Prescott Cowles began his term as a Senator in USF’s Student Government.

Theta Alpha was named the “IFC Miracle Chapter” after winning Greek Week 2016, which supported Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Theta Alpha also placed first in Alpha Delta Pi’s “Greek Family Feud Night,” an event that benefited the Scleroderma Foundation. The event was held in memory of Bradley Brown, a Theta Alpha alumnus and father of an Alpha Delta Pi alumna.

The chapter continues its mission of developing strong relationships with its outstanding alumni base by starting a new mentorship initiative. The goal of this program is for the current brothers to gain knowledge and guidance from Theta Alpha alumni who have experience in their specific career field of interest.

Stephen F. Austin

Stevens

It is an exciting time for the brothers of the Gamma Delta chapter of Sigma Nu as we continue to grow and pursue the Way of the Fraternity.

The chapter saw the summer as an opportunity to further career aspirations. Brothers participated in internship or co-op programs with some of the top engineering firms, financial services organizations, and other corporations; while some brothers continued their course work.

The highlight of the fall semester thus far has been the chapter’s annual War of the Roses philanthropy event. The weeklong engagement raised $3,500 for philanthropic causes, namely the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event consisted of friendly competition between four of the sororities on campus, including a Family Feud night, a penny war, and field games.

“The goal of the event is to involve our brotherhood, the sororities, and our campus as a whole in order to raise awareness for our philanthropies,” Commander Luke Guglielmo said. “We are very grateful for our sororities’ contributions towards the events and ultimately raising money for St. Jude’s.”

Brothers were assigned as coaches for each of the sororities; creating an interactive environment that philanthropy chair and War of the Roses coordinator Jonathan Hatter says was essential to the event’s success.

“I engaged the philanthropy chairs of all the other sororities to get their feedback and cater the events towards what they were interested in,” Hatter said. “In addition to raising a significant amount of money for St. Jude’s, the event was a fun way for brothers to meet new people.”

Community service remains a core principle of the Gamma Delta Chapter. Moved by the chapter’s involvement in a disability awareness program, brothers in the house have made efforts towards starting a campus-wide organization that gives all students the opportunity to serve in such a facet.

“We’re trying to pursue events that we are passionate about,” Guglielmo said. “We aren’t doing community service hours to check a box; we’re taking an initiative to go out of our way to help others and take action for something we believe in.”

Disaster struck our City of Hoboken at the end of September when a New Jersey Transit train failed to stop and crashed into the Hoboken Terminal, injuring more than 100 and tragically leaving one deceased. Amidst the darkness of the day, there was some light. The countless first responders who did their job with swiftness and courage were not left hungry throughout the long day – thanks in part to the brothers of the Gamma Delta chapter. Along with other members of the Greek Community and local Hoboken restaurants, Sigma Nu helped by serving the men and women who serve us day in and day out – an abundance of food and drink was brought to the wreckage area for the emergency personnel crews working that day.

Sigma Nu remains committed to campus involvement at Stevens. A group of nine brothers served as Orientation Leaders to the freshmen class, while others were part of the “move-in crew”, helping first-year students and their families unload and move items into dorm rooms. Several brothers also serve as peer mentors and resident assistants during the school year. Our brotherhood remains active in leadership roles in countless clubs and organizations on campus including the Student Government Association, Club Soccer, College Republicans, Order of Omega, Italian Club, Gear and Triangle, multiple engineering honors societies, and many more.

In addition to club activity, the Gamma Delta chapter hosts a significant percentage of varsity athletes. Gabe Shankweiler, Jordan Stuart, Joshua Hinton, Dylan Deboer, Cooper Diamond, Pasquale Gencarelli, and Scott Russell are members of the NCAA semifinalist men’s volleyball program; Michael Feldman, Danny Polk, and Will Persson are members of the men’s tennis team that earned its 7th straight NCAA appearance in the spring; Gerard Ross competes on the nationally ranked wrestling team; Quinn DiPasquale is a pitcher on the baseball team; Tyler Balkema has posted top scores for the men’s golf program. Christopher Vaughn, a fifth-year co-op student who recently finished his final year of NCAA eligibility, continued his volleyball career at the semi-professional level over the summer. Vaughn was named the National Volleyball League’s Rookie of the Year.

Again, the Gamma Delta Chapter continues to excel in the classroom, posting a 3.349 cumulative GPA in the spring 2016 semester.

“Our academic success is a testament to the values that our brothers have,” Lieutenant Commander Michael Kaspar said. “We’re here to give back and better ourselves, through the community and through our academic studies. Our house GPA is a reflection of that.”

The LEAD program in the chapter has also seen recent success as brothers have been able to draw off the experiences and knowledge of one another. Younger brothers have used the events to further their development in the brotherhood.

“The newest class that we’ve brought into the house has stepped up into leadership roles,” Kaspar said. “The energy that those guys bring is integral to the house.”

Events have included a personal finance session led by the house Treasurer Daniel Pallone, an interactive risk management discussion, and a professional experiences workshop where more senior brothers shared their experiences in the workplace and strategies for career advancement.

“We’re facilitating an environment where we are learning from one another,” Guglielmo said, “We are using each other as resources of the Fraternity.”

Tennessee at Chattanooga

The semester has provided the Colony an excellent opportunity to demonstrate its involvement within the community and campus, and the leadership abilities of its brothers. Beginning the semester, brothers volunteered with Walk2Campus Properties to assist with their move-in event. The Colony is currently planning an etiquette seminar in conjunction with the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.  While they also begin preparations for their annual philanthropy week, to ensure it runs as well as possible.

A heavy emphasis has been placed on recruitment efforts, and the colony is proud to announce the addition of several quality men. Three brothers – Graham Alexander, Drew Keil, and Chase Harris – serve the Student Government Association. They are also very proud of Brother Alexander representing them and Sigma Nu with his nomination to the University’s Homecoming Court. On the Interfraternity Council Executive Board, Colton Hobbs serves as the Executive Vice President.

Brother Seth Bishop was elected the District I constable in Polk County. Also, the Colony is pleased to welcome back Patrick Parker this semester from the College Program at Disney World. For Jordan Marcella, a unique opportunity presented itself and he is currently studying at Masarykova University in the Czech Republic for the semester.

Texas Christian

Texas State

This has been an extraordinary 2016 for the Eta Tau Chapter at Texas State University. The Chapter celebrated its 50th Anniversary this fall along with purchasing a new 2.5 acre property with two houses and a duplex. The 50th Anniversary was celebrated on October 1st with a great turnout by the Alumni and Chapter. Sigma Nu Educational Foundation Campaign Director Spencer Montgomery (South Florida) presented the Anniversary Certificate to alumnus Gary Clark, Eta Tau Housing Corporation President John Jenkins and Eminent Commander Austin Requena. The new property is at full capacity with 10 Brothers occupying over 5,000 square feet of living space consisting of 10 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. Additional plans are in the works to expand on the outdoor areas to further enhance the property. Additionally, the chapter had one of the best recruitments in years with the addition of 30 candidates.

Valdosta State

Over the last 5 years, the Mu Nu Chapter at Valdosta State University has been nothing less than full steam ahead. Every year since 2011, the chapter has received the Student Organization of the Year award bestowed by the city of Valdosta’s “Keep Lowndes Valdosta Beautiful” community service initiative. Add to that 4 running Greek Week championships, 3 running softball championships, 3 tug of war championships, and 2 chapter of the year awards distributed by the Greek Life Office at the University. Most recently, Mu Nu chapter held their 20^th year reunion and were able to initiate a founding father who left school to serve in the military.

West Virginia

This year, the Gamma Pi Chapter of Sigma Nu at West Virginia University reached many goals and enjoyed many successes. Brother Samuel Hudson was elected President of the Inter-Fraternity Council, spreading the values of love, truth, and honor to all those involved. The chapter won the Manpower Award at Grand Chapter for achieving high amounts of growth in the Fraternity. Additionally, massive fundraising efforts were made. The capital campaign for house renovations has raised nearly $600,000, allowing for many improvements to the house, including new bedrooms, a new dining hall, chapter room, and more. Additionally, during the devastating West Virginia floods, Gamma Pi alumni Ken Kendrick made a $500,000 challenge match for flood relief efforts. His efforts allowed people to submit funds up to that amount in an attempt to relieve the suffering of those particular West Virginians affected. Also, a scholarship was created to honor the life of Jordan Demaske, a recent graduate and brother of the Gamma Pi chapter who passed away after a hard fight with cancer. In other aspects of the fraternity, brother Sam Hartiens and his band Riviera successfully went on tour up and down the eastern United States while releasing their debut music video. Brother Jeff Fuss won the NCBA National Championship and Most Outstanding Boxer award. In addition, Gamma Pi won the intramural softball championship, as well as the Alpha Omega Epsilon “Cornhole for a Cause” championship. The chapter plans to continue strongly into the year, with goals to further the development of the Fraternity and brotherhood at West Virginia University. 

Western Kentucky