Emerald_Spring_2007

EMERALD www.sigmapi.org • The official publication of Sigma Pi Fraternity • Spring 2007

Presenting the truth DEVOTION TO SERVICE

Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

FROM THE

GRAND SAGE

EMERALD

PUBLISHED SINCE 1911

Dear Brothers: Harold Jacobsen once said, “Dedication to the Fraternity begins at the Altar,” and since 1897, Sigma Pi Fraternity has emerged as The New Generation of Leaders, focusing on dedication to our Creed, academics and community service. For what was founded as a small-town, literary society has since transformed into a robust, international organization that has indoctrinated its culture on to the leading institutions in North America.

As a Top Ten college fraternal organization, Sigma Pi must continue to be a leader and set the trends in our communities. As the college culture continues to change, so does our great Fraternity. With the increased presence and pressures from college administrators, the social fraternity needed a reemergence. The “anti-establishment” students are now our college administrators. Some of them continue to mistrust our fraternal organizations without truly Grand Sage Rovira understanding our added value to their college community. Due to the college administrators being uninformed about our value to the campuses our chapters call home, Sigma Pi decided to again be a leader. We are re-educating our campuses and we are making the administration aware of the value we add.

In the past two years, Sigma Pi has created two service oriented programs that our chapters develop, participate and execute at their colleges and universities. The Altruistic Campus Experience (ACE) Project was designed for individual campus creativity that would have our chapters giving back to the college campus. Within the last two years along, Sigma Pi has completed over 105 ACE Projects – each year. Over 210 individual campus-community projects that add value and benefit our home campuses have been successfully completed by Sigma Pi. No other social or professional fraternal organization has a similar or competitive project like ours. Not one!

Then, to futher establish our leadership and creativity, Sigma Pi Fraternity created the SAM Spady Project in order to educate students about alcohol poisoning. With the use of Ace of Spades cards to discuss the evils of alcohol-related deaths; guest speakers being flown onto campuses to educate the college communities; and Greek pageants being performed in order to raise awareness and funds for the Spady Foundation, Sigma Pi again takes the leadership role. With over 40 projects successfully completed in our first year, Sigma Pi challenges our peers to step-up and give back as well.

On a personal note, in my 26 plus years as a volunteer, I am overjoyed in seeing Sigma Pi’s reemergence as a leader in campus and community service. Since my undergraduate days, I have been blessed with people who have lived our creed, and even more blessed to have some of them reenter my life. Since becoming the 41st Grand Sage, I have lost my college roommate, Michael “Rocko” Condatore (ΕΝ, Cal State Fullerton ’84) and a mentor, James Ross (Υ, UCLA ’49), but have rekindled my undergraduate relationships with Sam Lagana (ΕΣ, Loyola Marymount 85) and Sherdrick “Sed” Bonner (ΕΙ, Cal State Northridge 91).

Rocko was a nurse at Tulane Hospital in New Orleans and volunteered during Hurricane Katrina. Judge Ross was the great grandson of Jesse James and a retired Superior Court judge in Orange County. Whether taking pledge classes on water ski trips or giving free legal advice, Jim was always a welcoming hand at chapter events. Both men loved Sigma Pi and both men volunteered their services to our community. They will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. They made an impact within Sigma Pi with their dedication and service, and now that they are gone, their memory will influence us to contribute.

Sam and Sed are not only great, career professionals; they are great Sigma Pi brothers. Whether being an announcer for a fundraiser (Sam) or helping out with children with disabilities (Sed), our two brothers have reemerged as volunteers within Sigma Pi. Sam, the assistant vice chancellor at Pepperdine University, and Sed, the leading quarterback in Arena Football League history, have never forgotten their pledge at the ALTAR of the Fraternity. And now both are re-inspired to give back to Sigma Pi. Seems ironic how things develop. The “anti-establishment” students now become part of the establishment. Although fraternities sometimes get negative publicity, they reemerge with award winning programs, accolades from those same college administrators, and their members become leaders in society. And when hope is lost through death, new life emerges. Ironically, and fortunately, it is all in “the service of God and man.”

IST,

Larry Rovira Grand Sage

VOLUME XCII, NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2007 EDITORIAL STAFF Adam L. Dibble (ΘΘ, Ferris State ’06) Managing Editor Mark S. Briscoe (ΑΠ, Arkansas ’82) Business Manager VOLUNTEER STAFF Adam Shores (ΔΨ, Troy ’98), Chairman John Kitch (Η, Purdue ’73) Jeffery Seay (ΗΕ, Florida State ’91) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Peter Bolac (ΑΝ, Wake Forest ’06) Jim DiVita (ΖΜ, Michigan State ’04) Kyle Jackson (ΔΕ, Seton Hall ’06) Christian Miele (ΗΝ, Towson ’04) Joe Palazzolo (ΔΒ, Monmouth ’03)

Sigma Pi Fraternity was founded at Vincennes University, Vincennes, Indiana, on February 26, 1897.

Sigma Pi has chartered more than 200 chapters in North America and has initiated more than 85,000 members since 1897. The founding fathers of the Fraternity are: Rolin Rosco James (1879 - 1953) William Raper Kennedy (1877 - 1944) James Thompson Kingsbury (1877 - 1950) George Martin Patterson (1877 - 1960) Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity (ISSN 1074-5289, USPS 011-013) has been published since 1911. Emerald is published quarterly

by Sigma Pi Fraternity, P. O. Box 1897, Brentwood, Tennessee, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SIGMA PI FRATERNITY, P. O. Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37024.

MEMBERS: When making an address change, please send your full name and chapter with both the old and new address to the Executive Office address below.

Submission Deadlines: Spring December 10 Summer March 10 Fall May 10 Winter September 10 Submit Emerald news to: Sigma Pi Fraternity, Attention: Emerald P. O. Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37204 Telephone: (615) 373-5728 Fax: (615) 373-8949 Email: emerald@sigmapi.org

Member, North-American Interfraternity Conference

Member, College Fraternity Editors Association

Copyright © 2007 Sigma Pi Fraternity

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[ SPRIN G 2 0 0 7 ]

Presenting the Truth Life is a Blast In the Service of God and Man New Jersey Pledge Province Workshop Poland selected to head DHB Veteran Astronaut Schirra dies

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EXECUTIVE

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NEWS FROM

OFFICE NEWS

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CAMPUS

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NEWS FROM

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ADYTUM

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3Page 22 Grand Sage Larry Rovira (far right) with Sigma Pi brothers Sam Lagana (far left) and Arizona Rattlers starting quarterback Sherdrick Bonner (middle).

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

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Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

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OFFICE NEWS

Emerald brings home awards Sigma Pi earned three awards at the College Fraternity Editors

News from the Communications Department

Association (CFEA) Annual Conference awards dinner.

How to submit photos:

The CFEA is composed of fraternities and sororities committed to communicating the highest ideals and achievements of the fraternity system.

4Traditional film photos or digital images printed on professional photo paper work best. We cannot use digital pictures printed on your home printer or color copier.

The Emerald earned first place for two-page or less layout. This award honors creativity of article layouts of two pages or less in a magazine, newsletter or tabloid.

JoinSigmaPi.com received second place in the campaign specific website category. This award honors outstanding efforts in presenting information specific to a particular marketing or communication campaign on a web site (i.e. recruitment campaign, fundraising, philanthropy, etc.).

Third place in the personality profile category was earned by Jeffery Seay’s (ΗΕ, Florida State ‘91) article “Martin Stood to serve in Post Katrina New Orleans” in the summer 2006 issue. This award honors outstanding writing and creativity in subject selection for a biographical profile with the intent to inspire inform and or entertain.

4We can accept high-resolution digital images (above 300dpi) by email. These must be a .tif or .jpg files in PC (IBM) format. For best results, use a camera with at least 4.0 mega pixels set on its highest resolution setting (usually “for enlargements”).

members holding alcoholic beverages or making inappropriate gestures.

Send your story ideas, pictures, and suggestions to: Sigma Pi Fraternity Attn: Emerald Post Office Box 1897 Brentwood, TN 37024 emerald@sigmapi.org

4We can always use great photos of members wearing the Sigma Pi badge and letters. Keep your background as uncluttered as possible. Remember, we do not print any photographs that show

SIGMA PI UNIVERSITY • CAREER AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING

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D I B B L E’S

DYK? DID YOU KNOW

DYK? Phi Chapter is the oldest chapter in continuous existence as a chapter. University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois. Established May 21, 1908. Originally the Sphinx Club founded in 1907 by Byron R. Lewis from Alpha Chapter. Phi won the Grand Council Award at the 42nd Convocation in 1994 which was hosted in Baltimore, Maryland. Eta Chapter at Purdue is the second oldest in continuous existence as a chapter, but its predecessor organization,

the Minuet Club, predates the Sphinx Club by several years.

Crook, William C. Marrs, Andrew Morris and Mark Briscoe.

DYK? Two Convocations (1942 and 1944) were cancelled because of the number of chapters rendered dormant during World War II. A Special Golden Anniversary Convocation was held in 1947.

DYK? 70.83 percent of singleletter chapters are currently active (17 of 24) while 91.66 percent of Theta-series chapters are currently active (22 of 24).

DYK? There have only been six full-time executive directors or executive secretaries in the history of Sigma Pi. They include: Harold Jacobsen, James L. Hills, D. Dean

If you have any historical questions, or some historical material you would like to share with the Emerald readers please direct that information to Managing Editor Adam Dibble with the subject “Did you know” to adibble@sigmapi.org.

New Director of Chapter Services announced Justin Steele (ΕΠ, Christopher Newport ’03) has been promoted to director of services (DCS). Before being promoted to DCS in May 2007, he served as the education leadership consultant (ELC) for two years in the Northeast Region. He graduated from Christopher Newport University in December 2003 with a B.A. degree in Psychology. Steele began his term on staff in July 2005. As director of chapter services he oversees the four traveling ELCs, and works with chapters on programs to improve all areas of chapter operations. As an undergrad he served his chapter as third counselor, fourth counselor, and new member educator. As an alumnus, Steele serves on the Epsilon-Pi Alumni Advisory Board. He can be contacted at 615-522-2965 or jsteele@sigmapi.org.

Staff Update: Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Sigma Pi Fraternity Executive Office would like to thank Luke Andert, Matt Besselman, Peter Bolac, Mike Courville, Nick Hoffman, and Kyle Jackson, for their dedication and commitment to the ideals, and vision of Sigma Pi. The Fraternity wishes them the best in all their future endeavors.

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NEWS FROM

CHAPTERS

Eta-Phi brothers

Arizona State Beta-Kappa Chapter The brothers of Beta-Kappa are continuing to make a difference in both Greek life and the community.

This year, homecoming brought new alumni back to the Beta-Kappa chapter. The brotherhood has teamed up with a sorority for the holidays to sponsor less fortunate families and provide Christmas festivities and giftgiving. The chapter has participated in three philanthropies and looks forward to hosting its own in early February.

Five brothers from the Beta-Kappa Chapter participated in IMPACT, a weekend leadership retreat which focused on uniting the Greek com-

Alpha-Omicron, UCSB, Habitat for Humanity service project

munity to work toward common goals and solving problems which ultimately benefit future generations of Sigma Pi. The chapter reached the semifinals in intramural football and is anticipating another successful season competing in intramural basketball. Beta-Kappa would like to congratulate its new executive board and 22 initiates, and is looking forward to another successful semester at ASU. Arkansas State Alpha-Pi Chapter The Alpha-Pi Chapter recently initiated 16 new brothers into its brotherhood. We are excited about each new member of Sigma Pi, and anxious to see their potential. Brother Matthew Graham recently helped in having a philanthropy event for the American Heart Association, which we had a great turnout and raised over $800. Brother Aaron Landis and other brothers also recently helped in a philanthropy event, “Miracle Rodeo,” which gives people with disabilities a chance to see what it is like to take part in a rodeo. Member participation at this event was much more than we could have ever had anticipated! We

are currently gearing up for spring rush, where we already have several quality guys interest in becoming a part of Sigma Pi, and we are currently working hard to get even more students interested! We look forward to this upcoming semester!

Bridgewater State Eta-Eta Chapter First, we would like to say congratulations to the Alpha-Xi pledge class and our new e-board. Fall semester has been a very productive semester for our chapter. We have worked various fundraising projects, including our yearly Patriots games at Gillette Stadium. Our chapter has done many philanthropy hours by running a blood drive, canned food drive, clothing drive, and breast cancer walk. All were successful, and showed great strengths of our chapter.

For spring sSemester we have big plans, with planning our 20th anniversary ball, sweethearts’ dance, Big Brother Program, ACE Project, and hosting our annual Ms. Sigma Pi contest. Our spring recruitment is very strong and we have a lot of interest from many people. Expect to hear good things from Sigma Pi Eta-Eta Chapter!

Chapter News Editorial Policy Submitted news should be 100-150 words long and contain information about positive chapter events, community service efforts, ACE Projects, gatherings and other notable happenings. Other news items are accepted but will be judged on their level of interest to the entire brotherhood.

Electronic submissions are given the highest priority and should be filled out online or email directly to emerald@sigmapi.org. Digital photos should be at least 300dpi in resolution. Hard copies can be sent to The Emerald, Post Office Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37024.

High-quality 4” x 6” or larger photos are preferred. Photos should not contain alcohol or other unsuitable content, and not all photos will be printed. Hard-copy photos will not be returned, but will be placed in the chapter archives at the Executive Office.

Chapter reports are those submitted by the December 10th deadline

Cal Poly Eta-Delta Colony After we lost several members over the summer, Eta-Delta Colony is quickly rebuilding. The strong core of the Fraternity is constantly recruiting and looks forward to chartering in spring quarter. Eta-Delta has done many brotherhood events including attending Cal Poly playoff games together as well as many other on-campus activities.

Theta-Delta, TCNJ, brothers

Cal State - Dominguez Hills Eta-Iota Chapter Another semester concludes and we have hit it off with a blast. The brothers and alumni congregated during the traditional alumni BBQ along with our new members. Yes, many brothers will graduate, but the recruitment by Lance Hargrave(rush chairman) has doubled our size on campus. These new members have proven to be great assets and will be a huge part of our future success. Our stay at the regular Lake Arrowhead cabin as an educational retreat proved to be a success once again made possible by the active chapter and these alumni: Jesse, Spyder, Luis, Ryan, and Jeremy.

We also held a football game were the active brothers prevailed with a score of 42-7 against the new members. We have taken part in many NSOs on campus and hope that they produce results for our upcoming freshman or transfers.

Zeta-Omicron, Lawrence Tech, Parents Dinner

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Cal State - Long Beach Beta-Omicron Chapter This has been a great semester for the Beta-Omicron Chapter at Long Beach State. We started this semester off with a great rush, bidding over 30 great men and with the close of their education program, we expect to initiate 27. We held our Miss Greek philanthropy this semester and all the ladies had a wonderful time at such a classy event. Congratulations to Alpha Phi for becoming the new Miss Greek.

Our yearly alumni golf tournament was a great success again. We were fortunate enough to give away four $2,000 scholarships! We also had our ACE Project this semester, in memory of Sam Spady. It was an alcohol awareness workshop held by our own Dr.

Beta-Omicron, Cal State-Long Beach, brothers

Alpha-Nu, Wake Forest, brothers receiving Greek Week Award continued on next page

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C H A PTER NEWS opportunity to improve the chapter house and make it more marketable to potential pledges. This semester Beta-Gamma would like to recognize several graduating seniors that have contributed to the success of the chapter throughout the years. So thank you Zientarski, Malm, and Nelson for your dedication and hard work!

The highlight of the fall semester was our ACE Project. We sponsored the women’s self defense program, Girls Fight Back, presented by Erin Weed.

Eastern Michigan Gamma-Beta Colony We had our Greek convocation, which was great! We are also looking forward to another great semester and are continually working to achieve full chapter status.

Elon Eta-Phi, Miami (OH), participating in Greek sports

Harris. Football just ended and we narrowly missed the championship, but a good season has ended that we can still all be proud of and we are looking forward to wining the Sports Cup. Cal State - Sacramento Eta-Alpha Chapter This fall the brothers of Eta-Alpha chapter had a very successful semester especially in regards to philanthropic endeavors. With the healthy support of the alumni we were able to have a strong rush and a great semester. As one of the strongest fraternities on campus we look forward to putting on not only a great ACE Project next semester but also yet again another successful Sorority Superbowl philanthropy. During the semester the Chapter also held its annual active/alumni BBQ and softball game which was nice getting back together with many of the alumni. Our brotherhood events were again very memorable and something all the brothers enjoy being apart of. Eta-Alpha had a great semester and looks forward to an even better semester in the spring.

Eastern Illinois Beta-Gamma Chapter Beta-Gamma is continuing with its high standard of excellence at EIU. With the campus’ second largest recruitment class, we are ensuring that we provide the best fraternity experience to as many quality men as possible. These new members along with the active chapter are continuing to set the standard of academics, intramurals, and leadership in the Greek community. Through the ongoing support of our alumni, specifically our advisor, Denny Stewart, we’ve had the

Epsilon-Theta Chapter The fall 2006 semester was an extremely productive one for the Epsilon-Theta Chapter. We started the semester off with a strong rush season, bringing in all four new members that we offered bids to. Each of these members has shown great promise with regards to how much they can help our chapter. We are looking forward to spring rush as well, and we already have the ball rolling with several rush events set up over the winter quarter.

We were extremely honored to welcome back nearly 100 alumni during this year’s 30th anniversary reunion.

The weekend kicked off with a golf outing, and was followed up with an extremely eventful weekend.

Carleton Eta-Rho Chapter First of all, congratulations Alpha-Eta class! Also, congratulations to Cole Derochie and Shah Shakibah for receiving the Reece Scofield Award. The men of EtaRho have been busy of late, with another impressive showing in the local Greek Olympics, organizing philanthropy for the new year, and of course exams. Our semi-formal ball went wonderful this year, all brothers who attended had a great time and the dates were gorgeous. We are all excited for winter rush, with another series of amazing events planned thanks to our Social Chairmen Alex Mcdougall and Alex Sirois, and our Rush Chairmen Nick Bright and Ian Shepard. Also a big thank you to all the brothers and alumni who have been making this year possible!

Tau, Wisconsin-Madison, performing a campus clean up service project

The active brothers really appreciated the presence and support that they offered, and really enjoyed getting to know the older members of our chapter. We ended the semester in a proud manner by helping a needy family by supplying presents for their children.

Embry-Riddle (AZ) Epsilon-Phi Chapter Epsilon-Phi Chapter will be holding its Sam Spady event and ACE Project before spring break to help remind students about the consequences of abusing alcohol. We will be having the Save-A-Life tour coming in to set up their state of the art drunk driving simulators as well as having a couple speakers talking about lost loved ones to alcohol related incidences. This will be the biggest attack on alcohol abuse the campus has seen in a long time and we hope that we can help prevent anything from happening during spring break.

Embry-Riddle (FL) Zeta-Beta Chapter The Zeta-Beta Chapter is coming to the end of what has been a very long semester. We had a good start with recruitment and ended up with eight great new members who all want to help out with the chapter any way they can. We had a very successful alumni weekend with a great turn out.

Unfortunately, we had an incident at our homecoming parade where one of our new members was injured. The Chapter is very grateful for the support we received from the university and national headquarters and especially Mr. Briscoe for coming down here and supporting the brothers in a time of need.

Ferris State Theta-Theta Chapter The gentlemen of Theta-Theta Chapter at Ferris State University experienced many first in the fall semester 2006. Holding it’s first annual “Know Your Rights” event the chapter sponsored a local prosecuting attorney and lawyer to explain basic rights college students should know. The chapter also held its first annual book drive where proceeds collected were donated to the Sam Spady Foundation. Other accomplishments were also made by the brothers.

Theta-Theta Chapter completed this semester with the highest GPA of any social fraternity on campus. Along with welcoming the 2007 school year, the chapter also welcomed seven new members in the Fraternity, ensuring the legacy of Sigma Pi will live on at FSU. We would like to take this time to congratulate the brothers who are graduating this year and to thank all of our alumni who attended this year’s homecoming festivities. Your support is noticed and greatly appreciated.

With strong brotherhood anything is attainable. Theta-Theta to the Top! Georgia Alpha-Phi Chapter Over summer of 2006, the brothers of Alpha-Phi put a lot of hard work into improving the chapter house on Greek row. Inside the house, carpeted floors were replaced with brand new hardwood floors. Improvements were also made for parking and roofing.

All of these projects were completed with the help of brothers and alumni.

At Sigma Pi Convocation, Alpha-Phi brought back the Grand Chapter Award and the Grand Council Award.

Alphi-Phi also received the Certificate of Achievement for exceeding the goal for number of pledges for last fall. In other news this fall, the brothers of

Western Illinois brothers show some Sigma Pi pride

Missouri-Rolla brothers enjoy the winter snow

Alpha-Phi continued traditions of success. Alpha-Phi ended recruitment with 18 accepted bids, placing in the top one-third in all of men’s Greek rush at the university. The athletes of Alpha-Phi also made their way to the second championship round in the intramural flag football leagues.

Houston Theta-Nu Chapter Our chapter will be participating in Frontier Fiesta, the biggest event on our campus next spring. We “bid” Chi Omega, the sorority who won the event last year, and they accepted us. During this bid we handed them roses and danced for them. The way the event works is, all of the sororities and fraternities put on shows that take five hours a day to practice on. This is a huge plus for our chapter. This past weekend we had a “Date Night” in which every active invited our dates to a nice italian restaurant, and then we had a nice club reserved for us.

Several members invited those Chi Omega’s in an attempt to better our relationship with them. We also have been holding a movie night in which we invited a sorority over to enjoy a night of movies and popcorn.

continued on next page

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Fairleigh Dickinson Epsilon-Xi Chapter Epsilon-Xi headed strong into the fall semester hosting a number of activities that brought alumni and new members together as well as giving back to the community. We hosted a very successful alumni BBQ in which traditions were passed down to our new pledges and current members.

Epsilon-Xi also took care of its hungry

neighbors by organizing and collecting food for those who are less fortunate during the holiday season. Special thanks for all brothers who woke up extra early to participate in Breakfast with Santa at Applebee’s and congratulations on our new officers as we look forward to a very exciting Spring Semester.

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8 C H APTER NEWS Illinois Phi Chapter Phi Chapter had a successful fall semester. We initiated 10 new, quality men, which was our largest pledge class since 1999. We attribute some of our rush improvements to our meeting with Grand First Counselor John A. Michelich. Phi took their walk out trip to Eta-Phi Chapter. The brothers at Miami were great hosts and dedicated brothers. Our homecoming this year turned out great, despite our football program. We honored brother and former Sage Mark Clifton Brown with the Hruska award, which is given to the active member who best exempliďŹ es brotherhood. Brown setup our ACE Project for the semester which was called Project Save a Life.

The Save a Life Tour came to campus with a drunk driving simulator to help prevent drunk driving. Members of Phi passed out Sam Spady cards to students in order to educate our campus about alcohol awareness.

Illinois Wesleyan Epsilon-Gamma Chapter Epsilon-Gamma is pleased to report a great success at our annual Haunted House. Our chapter was able to raise over $200 for an extremely worthy cause: the Bloomington Fire Department (BFD). The men of EpsilonGamma have been working closely with the BFD to develop a joint philanthropy effort for the Bloomington-Normal community. Also, we are pleased to announce we have nine potential new members, which we look forward to welcoming into the awesome brotherhood of Sigma Pi. Indiana

The Brothers of Zeta-Chi Rowan pose for a picture outside their Fraternity house after their weekly meeting

Beta Chapter The Beta Chapter has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2006-2007 school year. Things started off great with an excellent fall rush, with a pledge class of 39 men. The chapter reaped the beneďŹ ts of a visit from Executive Director Mark S. Briscoe and from ELC Luke Andert. The home improvement chairs have been working diligently to better the living environment inside and outside the house. Homecoming was another huge success with alumni, as we continued the tradition of the

annual tailgate. Our intramural football team won the Men’s Intramural Championship and we are currently ranked third overall out of 30 houses in the Greek community. Our bike team is off to a great start, training hard for a top five finish in the annual Little 500 bike race. Beta Chapter is looking forward to another great semester in the spring, and is highly anticipating events such as IU Sing, our spring philanthropy, and another successful rush.

Indiana Tech Gamma-Kappa Chapter It’s been a busy semester for this chapter! We’re pleased to say we’ve pledge five guys this semester: Chris Oppel, Mike Springer, Jeff DeFreeuw, Dustin Nickels, and RJ Miller. Along with this, we’ve initiated Jonathan Pech-Scott. We’ve also worked hard on the house putting up new drywall, insulation, and painting.

We’re currently working on our ToysFor-Tots drive and we’re pleased to say that the generosity of the community can be seen in the toys collected thus far! As far as brotherhood events we’ve held a very memorable brotherhood retreat with several poker nights thrown in there as well. We’ve also held outings at the local Hooters restaurant to watch some TV and eat hot wings. We’re pleased to see the chapter growing and maturing! Our continued hard work and enthusiasm is paying off!

Beta-Omicron, Cal State Long Beach, 30-minute beach clean service project

colony at the University of Minnesota to watch the Hawkeyes take on the Golden Gophers at home for the final Big Ten football game of the season.

Xi Chapter is continually reaching towards the pinnacle of our potential and quickly proving to be one of the strongest houses on campus.

Kutztown

Beta-Nu brothers during homecoming

Eta-Pi Chapter Eta-Pi has proven once again that we are a force among Greek life at Kutztown University. Adding five new members to our brotherhood in the fall, we plan on gaining twice that number this spring. We had two big successes this October with our third annual car wash and third annual Haunted House, raising money for Friend, Inc. With that, we have elected a new e-board for the upcoming year which promises to be our strongest yet. In addition, IFC has just chosen Sage Adam Dundore as vice president of administration while second counselor Scott Freeman snagged the philanthropy chair for UGC. Vast improvements have been made to our alumni relations as well; we were reunited with the founding fathers of our chapter during homecoming, and plan on joining more for our 15th anniversary. All in all, our chapter has greatly matured over this past semester.

Kansas State

Lawrence Tech

Iowa

Colony The Kansas State Colony of Sigma Pi has made huge strides since our colonization on September 1. We have recruited 16 new members, bringing our Fraternity’s total membership to 40 men. We actively participated in the Homecoming of Heroes celebration at K-State by having members in two dance competitions, constructing a banner, taking part in a window

Zeta-Omicron Chapter As this semester comes to a close, we are proud to say that our chapter is growing with 22 neophytes. With these initiates, we will again double the size of our chapter, moving us into the 50-man range. We are very excited to have this new group of quality men bringing our chapter to a new level. We are also happy to say that our annual Purple Passion went great. We had a great turn out of people this year and can’t wait to have the next one. We also had our annual parent dinner. Almost all the parents of the brothers and neophytes were able to attend.

We were also able to have a few guest speakers come and talk to our parents such as: Province Archon Mike Grant, Dean of Students Jerry Webster, and University President Dr. Lewis Walker. continued on next page

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Xi Chapter After chartering in January, Xi Chapter is continuing to grow strong with the addition of a new fall pledge class.

While maintaining good scholarship, we are also pleased to announce a successful participation in Greek homecoming, a second place overall win in the fraternal recreational football league, the addition of three brotherhood dinners a week, one weekly pledge class activity, and a variety of planned philanthropies. Moreover, we’ve just entertained our first semiformal date party, which was a wild success, and we are currently planning a walk-out with our newly established

painting competition, and building a large float with our homecoming partners for an annual parade. We are now focused on increasing membership and eventually chartering. We would like to thank the entire Sigma Pi community for your support and brotherhood.

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C H APTER NEWS finally we helped put up the Ronald McDonald House Christmas tree for their “Gift of Life, Gift of Love” charity fundraiser.

Monmouth

Theta-Theta, Ferris State University, has largest graduation class since being chartered in 2003

Miami (OH) Eta-Phi Chapter Eta-Phi welcomes our new executive council, and congratulates our former executive council for their great year. The chapter participated in Pi Beta Phi’s and Phi Kappa Psi’s Mud Volleyball Tournament benefiting the Julie Turnbull Foundation. We had a fantastic Greek Week, placing third out of 31 fraternities. We carried our momentum from a great Greek Week finish as we are competing for our fourth All Sports Championship.

We would like to thank our alumni for coming to our homecoming celebration that included a BBQ and live band, and we look forward to their continued support. The Chapter celebrated Halloween with a four-way party that included Delta Chi, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Alpha Xi Delta. We have started to sell luminaries for our ACE Project: Relay for Life. We wish the best for our new executive council, and our looking forward to another great year.

Michigan State Zeta-Mu Chapter The Zeta-Mu Chapter at Michigan State University has moved into its new house on 330 N. Harrison and couldn’t be happier. This semester has been all about rebuilding and reestablishment of the chapter after the move. Sigma Pi has been a big name at Michigan State for the greater part of the decade and Zeta-Mu looks to continue that. We just initiated nine

new members, and look for a huge spring pledge class to really influence our presence in the Michigan State Greek Community. We had a wonderful Orchid Ball formal, and our philanthropy, Miss Greek, went very well as planned. We will be teaming up with Sigma Kappa(last year’s Greek Week champs), and Sigma Alpha Mu to try and capture our third Greek Week title in five years.

Michigan Tech Zeta-Epsilon Chapter This has been a great semester for the brothers of the Zeta-Epsilon Chapter.

We have had a great turn out for our rushes and have added some new faces to our brotherhood. We raised over $800 from our annual haunted house and donated it to a local charity.

Unfortunately a former pledge from our chapter was recently killed in a drunk driving accident this semester.

To help raise awareness of drunk driving we are heading up a school wide presentation on the affects of drinking and driving and we are preparing to have an event during the middle of next semester.

Minnesota Colony Here in the Sigma Pi Colony at the University of Minnesota, we have enjoyed our first full semester together and it proved to be eventful. In the beginning of the year we held a foam party that nearly 1,000 people attended, making one of the biggest

dry events on-campus to date, thus earning the privilege of having The Minnesota Daily newspaper come to write about the event and us. We have installed 10 new brothers putting us to 25 members, making us the fastest growing and one of the biggest fraternities on campus. For Greek relations, we held several on- and off-campus sorority mixers creating a good repetition for the Sigma Pi Colony. The sororities commented on it being a relief to be associated with nice group of guys. We all are going to make a difference on campus and in the community.

Missouri - Rolla Alpha-Iota Chapter The brothers of Alpha-Iota are closing yet another great semester. We showed our ELC, Doug Finnan, a good time at our annual outhouse burning.

School closed for an unusually large amount of snow, so the brothers went out and had a great time playing and sledding at a local park. Also, this semester we went out to a trap range and shot clay birds for our brotherhood event. Alpha-Iota would also like to congratulate our new initiates Jeremy “Too Tall” Welch and Jesse Baumann.

Missouri Southern State Eta-Mu Chapter Eta-Mu Chapter ended the school year off well. Our very own Herald Jeremy Cupp won homecoming king at Missouri Southern this year. And

Delta-Beta Chapter This fall has been very exciting for the brothers of Delta-Beta. We initiated five new brothers who will greatly benefit the chapter. Our blood drive that was organized by Philanthropy Chair Pat Doyle was a huge, recordbreaking success. We also took part in a massive cancer walk to help one of our brothers and recently donated toys to underprivileged children. A big thanks goes out to our alumni for attending this year’s homecoming events despite the bad weather. A new executive council was inducted and is very confident in our future success.

Murray State Gamma-Upsilon Chapter We had a very successful semester here as the Gamma-Upsilon Chapter at Murray State University. As a chapter we initiated four fine pledges: Scott Carlson, Tommy Moore, Clayton Moore, and Belue Sturgill. Our annual philanthropy event known as “Fall Fest” went very well with all the sororities taking a very active role, helping us raise a significant amount of money for The Sam Spady Foundation. We would like to thank our alumni for helping us recently get our heating units repaired at our beautiful home. We would also like to congratulate alumnus Jay Morgan for being elected faculty regent.

Northern Illinois Beta-Sigma Chapter This semester has begun a new direction for Beta-Sigma Chapter at Northern Illinois University starting out the school year with numerous changes for the better. During the summer, many alumni and actives came out to fix up the fraternity house. The entire house has been either refurbished, replaced, or painted including: floors, doors, walls, lights, driveway, lawn and a 16foot sign was made to display on the side of the house. For our community, we have helped and completed service for several organizations such as the

local YMCA and Northern Illinois grounds. Every week, we feed homeless people at the local shelter, Hope Haven. The weekend of Dec. 7-13, the entire house helped set up and break down the girls gymnastics championship tournament at NIU clocking in 150 service hours. This is just the foundation of the new leadership and a new trend for this chapter.

Oakland Zeta-Pi Chapter At the end of the 2006 Fall semester, Zeta-Pi Chapter is still going strong with 17 pledges voted in and awaiting initiation. After a hard time in the past few years with rush, Zeta-Pi Chapter is looking forward to a bright future at Oakland University. The first semester having a place to call the Sigma Pi house started off a little rough. But as the residents and the chapter worked on a more definitive set of house rules, the residence is becoming a much happier place to stay.

Look for the Zeta-Pi Chapter to grow aggressively in the next few years!

Penn College Theta-Phi Chapter On October 21, 2005 a group of young men starting something that will forever change there thoughts on what a “brother” means. About 13 months later, we reached our goal and we are officially members and a chapter of Sigma Pi. All the reading, learning, arguing, growing, and improving ourselves has finally paid off. We will not disappoint the name of Sigma Pi, and are proud to be apart of something that’s bigger than we had ever imagined.

Radford

San Jose State

Alpha-Upsilon Chapter URI has had a lot going on this semester. One of our biggest events was the Sam Spady Benefit Concert. Our own talented brother, James Grande played a great set of music which included original music and a few cover songs from popular bands. Along with great music, we showed a video regarding the Sam Spady Foundation and informed the benefit-goers about the dangers of college drinking. We also participated in a Swing-a-Thon with the girls of Alpha Phi Sorority.

The event went on for three days and helped raise money for the Sam Spady Foundation and Women’s Cardiac Care. We are proud to welcome 13 new brothers from the Delta pledge class into our chapter. Finally, we are also proud of our own Alumni Advisor E. Andrew Morris, for his installation to Grand Council as the Grand Herald.

Beta-Eta Chapter This fall, our chapter had an exciting and memorable semester. We entered the semester with the second highest GPA on campus and received the Best Inter-fraternal House Award, which is voted on by our Greek peers. In November, nine Alpha Gamma pledges were initiated, including IFC new member of the year Chris DeGour.

Also in IFC, Chris Leong and Michael Pinochi, were elected IFC officers.

This is the first time in our chapter’s history two active members are on the IFC board simultaneously. During Thanksgiving Weekend, we held our first annual “Stuff the Turkey” raising money and collecting canned goods for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Next semester, our chapter is looking forward to continue with the great success we have had.

Rowan Zeta-Chi Chapter On the heels of winning the Most Improved Fraternity at Rowan University, we welcome another enthusiastic pledge class along with a new executive board. The executive board hopes to continue to build on the success of the previous executive board. Additionally, the brothers of Zeta-Chi Chapter had another semester filled with community service projects, which included a blood drive and March of Dimes. We also hosted a brotherhood dinner at a local hibachi restaurant. Next semester we look forward to our ACE Project which we hope to get other fraternities and sororities involved and yet another successful spring rush.

Saginaw Valley State Theta-Beta Chapter Theta-Beta closed out the semester strong with an amazing rush/pledge which blossomed into 14 solid new brothers. Not only did we win Saginaw Valley’s overall homecoming trophy, we also crowned another homecoming king (former Sage Nick Freese). Overall we had an amazing semester and the future only looks brighter.

Santa Clara Zeta-Eta Chapter The Brothers of Zeta-Eta chapter are looking forward to a busy winter quarter this year. After a successful fall rush which brought in a pledge class of 15, we are preparing a winter rush to bolster our numbers again.

Our philanthropy committee is in fullswing again this year, coming off of last year’s committee-of-the-year win.

A number of brothers were able to give up part of their winter break to go to Mexico and help build houses for needy families. We are also planning to join teams with one of our school’s sororities to do work with Habitat for Humanity this quarter. Zeta-Eta is planning our mother/son weekend to take place in early March. We have had father/son weekends yearly and now we feel that it’s time for a classy weekend in honor of our mothers.

Seton Hall Delta-Epsilon Chapter Things are looking up for the brothers of Delta-Epsilon Chapter as we conclude the fall semester. The new executive council, led by Sage John Budis, will take Delta-Epsilon into the heart of 2006-2008 biennium and will “work diligently” to get Seton Hall well inside the Top 25 Chapters. Delta-Epsilon owes a great

deal of gratitude to Kyle Sarausky as his presidential term comes to an end. In recruitment, the spring class is expected to be bigger then ever, while at the same time adding quality to our brotherhood.

On an alumni note, we have big plans to get the alumni club re-chartered thanks to Delta-Epsilon legend, Paul Gorman. Delta-Epsilon would also like to thank Jay Montemayor’s (’90) for his effort for this spring’s Founders Day! Congratulations to Brother Dwayne Harris (’90) for receiving the NAACP’s Annual Presidential Award.

Southern Illinois - Carbondale Beta-Nu Chapter As the semester goes on things are continuing to move forward for the brothers of Beta-Nu. In the past month the brothers had a strong showing at the SIUC Greek sing over, parents’ weekend, and homecoming was huge success for the brothers. Paired up with the ladies of Alpha Gamma Delta the long float competition was once again won for the parade. Along with homecoming thanks to all the alumni who came out to the tail gate and dinner. This year’s homecoming was a huge success due to all the brothers and alumni hard work and donations.

Southern Illinois - Edwardsville Delta-Omega Chapter The brothers of Delta-Omega had yet another successful fall semester with 18 projected initiates. We held our 3rd Annual Run for Breast Cancer Awareness to raise money for the Komen Foundation. Currently, Delta-Omega has perfect efficiency. The spring semester will bring another Toilet Bowl on February 5, as well as the 5th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, tentatively set for April 21. Alumni, feel free to contact our newest first counselor at dschild@siue.edu.

TCNJ Theta-Delta Chapter Theta-Delta continues its tradition of strong brotherhood. We accepted seven new brothers into Theta-Delta who are all extraordinary brothers and

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Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Theta-Lambda Chapter With the fall semester at an end, the brothers of the Theta-Lambda Chapter prepare for a desired break. The Zeta class has gone through initiation, and has proved to be a great addition to the chapter. We hope to continue the progress that we have made on campus by winning the Greek Week games in the spring, like we did in the fall.

Rhode Island

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12 Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

C H APTER NEWS Valparaiso Beta-Tau Chapter The fall semester was very successful for the Beta-Tau Chapter. We held several philanthropy events, including our annual campus-wide volleyball tournament. In addition to charity work the chapter had an excellent alumni turnout for our homecoming activities and a successful winter formal on Dec. 2.

We also had a strong pledge class this fall that will only further strengthen our chapter as we look forward to a productive spring semester.

Vincennes Theta-Delta, TCNJ, brothers with PGS John Williams Jr.

have already took on responsibilities within the Fraternity. We welcomed John Williams to TCNJ this semester as part of our ACE Project. Our largest fundraiser, the Pi Sale, was moved to next semester due to scheduling difficulties. We look forward to making our largest philanthropy donation next semester with the Pi Sale. We continue to volunteer at the visitation home as well as adopt-a-highway. Recently, we installed our new executive board.

Theta-Delta has high expectations for the upcoming year. We continue to have high attendance in supporting other Greek organizations on campus as well. Best wishes to brothers Jason Taetsch and Jay Shilling who are both studying abroad in Australia during the Spring Semester.

Temple Kappa Chapter Kappa Chapter had a great fall semester. We had a group of nine pledges join Kappa Chapter. We were very busy last semester with different events such as the MS Bike Ride along with helping the community of Philadelphia clean up the streets on Philly Cares Day. This coming semester, we hope to have a strong Rush which we hope to have seven to eight pledges.

We are doing more community services such as Adopt-A-Highway, Little Brothers, and also helping out other local organizations. Our goals this coming semester are to build up our chapter and show leadership throughout Temple’s campus.

Texas Tech Theta-Kappa Chapter The active brothers of ThetaKappa welcomed the Eta pledge class members as brothers on December 5, 2006. This fall, we held numerous brotherhood events including tailgating before every Texas Tech home football game at Raidergate. We also held our 2nd Annual Halloween Party at our house. For community service we cleaned our two-mile section of Highway 84 south of Lubbock.

Toronto Eta-Omicron Chapter Eta-Omicron is cruising along through the midterm-laden months of October and November. On Canadian Thanksgiving, a number of brothers and some friends prepared a full turkey dinner at the chapter house for those that couldn’t make it home for the holiday. For Halloween, the chapter attended a number of Greek events offered by Toronto Fraternityand-Sorority-Council (FSC) affiliated chapters. Pledge education is going well, and we are continually running brotherhood events (such as poker nights, road hockey games, etc.) to keep pledges and actives motivated.

Just this past weekend we held our traditional Big-Brother Little-Brother dinner at a particular Pizza Hut (as is tradition), which was a great success.

Towson Eta-Nu Chapter We welcomed the Alpha-Eta pledge

class into our brotherhood this past fall. We are proud to report 100 percent retention for this pledge class.

The Chapter hosted its first annual Timothy R. Lawrence basketball invitational. All proceeds were given to the Sam Spady Foundation. The chapter had a nice semi-formal at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. On December 5, we installed our 2007 executive council: Michael Naviasky, Sage; Michael Kociemba, second counselor; Jeff Rosier, third counselor; Matt Hornstein, fourth counselor; Brett Rubin, first counselor; and Robert Gilligan, herald.

UTSA Colony The UTSA (Texas - San Antonio) Colony of Sigma Pi was established a few short weeks ago, but we are already going strong. We are the second biggest fraternal body on campus with forty members, and have more interested every day. We have a huge potential to do something significant here and leave a great legacy behind.

The UTSA Colony has already established meetings, and we have fundraising ideas in action. Also, we are working with the Greek advisor on campus trying to get an ACE Project structured. Overall, we are getting off to a great start with a large number of members all with the focus of chartering. Sigma Pi has given us all a chance to be immortalized and we are doing everything we can to use that to our advantage.

Alpha Chapter This fall and winter seasons have been great at Alpha. We had a quality pledge class go through this past semester, and hope to initiate soon. We have also improved university relations with our Thanksgiving dinner activity that was very successful, and also hosted a canned food drive went well.

Virginia Beta-Pi Chapter The fall pledge class of 2006 has just completed its pledge education process and will be initiated as brothers when we get back in the spring. Also on the horizon is spring rush that will begin the first week of spring semester. We look forward to getting a great new class of pledges for our house. We had our winter semi-formal three weeks ago that was well organized and we all had a great time. The fall pledges also assisted our philanthropy chair in coordinating a food drive for Thanksgiving through Comfort Zone, which was able to gather over 600 pounds of food for local families. We also participated in the MidAutumns Carnival sponsored by UVA, where we set up a carnival booth for the underprivileged kids of Charlottesville.

We are optimistic that the growth of Beta-Pi Chapter will continue into the next semester.

Wake Forest Alpha-Nu Chapter Alpha-Nu is excited to get back to another semester at Wake Forest.

This fall saw Sigma Pi crowned as the Greek Week Champs at Wake Forest, another memorable Mountain Week-

end, thrilling tailgates for our ACC Championship football team, and one of the most successful homecomings ever. Spring 2007 should see another outstanding rush season, our annual Orchid Ball brother retreat, several more intramural sports championships, as well as continued progress and involvement in the ACE Project.

Last year Alpha-Nu expanded the scope of the project by involving faculty and staff in addition to several other philanthropic efforts around the Wake Forest campus, and this spring should develop these additions even further. Alpha-Nu will continue its focus on admitting exceptional new members while encouraging diversity in the upcoming Spring Rush. Social events like our Nuclear Fallout party, Viking Fest, and a continued effort to foster alumni ties will undoubtedly serve to continue Sigma Pi’s respected legacy on campus.

Intramurals is moving along in the school year and now we are in the middle of volleyball season. Sigma Pi has five teams in competition. We hope to continue the great year as we get closer to the end of the semester.

West Chester Zeta-Alpha Chapter The Brothers of the Zeta-Alpha Chapter at West Chester University just recently welcomed 11 new men to our brotherhood and the new executive office is already working hard to keep our chapter at the top of our campus. In addition to meeting new member goals we yet again had a very strong showing in Greek Athletics where we had three brothers named as Greek Athletic All Stars. Aside from athletics, we just recently had a brother elected as the IFC president and in the month of March we look to hold yet another “Sigma Pi Sorority Showdown” which is our annual fund-

sitting poised to expand significantly.

We currently stand 21 strong. After losing seven brothers in fall of 2006, we are aiming at attaining a spring pledge class of 15. The chapter house is located at 304 N Ward St. at the old Phi Kap house. We are renting the house from Freetly and Hunziker Rentals. This past weekend we painted the basement and upstairs, and are working on other house improvements. For community service, we have completed one ACE Project and are planning another.

In April, we are planning the Sam Spady Alcohol Awareness week. This weekend is aimed at advising students of the dangers of alcohol abuse. We are looking for a keynote speaker for Wednesday April 4, 2007. In the past 6 months we have made great strides at Western. We have men working on a monthly alumni newsletter, as well as a chapter website. We are looking for help concerning fundraising and

Eta-Nu, Towson, brothers taking a break from playing football to go over strategies

raiser held to benefit the American Red Cross. This spring, we strongly look forward to marching into Greek Week with our flag held high as we are determined to further solidify our status as number one.

Western Illinois Epsilon-Zeta Chapter Currently, Epsilon-Zeta Sigma Pi is

a yearly event. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel founder’s day and Formal for this year. In reviewing last year’s event, the house had some set backs. In lieu of this, we are looking at the advantages of hosting an alumni barbeque either in late April or over the summer.

Wisconsin - Madison Tau Chapter This fall semester, Tau Chapter is doing great. We took first place in homecoming events on campus. We are ending this semester with 13 new brothers and graduating three seniors who are founding fathers. Tau Chapter is always working diligently to serve the University of Wisconsin community with our philanthropic events and have great aspirations for this coming spring. We are planning our annual Date Auction for the Red Cross. We are looking forward to the Spring Semester with our newly elected officers: Sage Marty Fried, Second Counselor Russell Peacock, Third Counselor Rowan Sbaiti, Fourth Counselor Adam Laurent, First Counselor Adam Larock, and Herald Eric Pannell. Tau would like to give a special thanks to our alumni who came to visit and help with our homecoming and initiation events this semester.

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

West Alabama Theta-Gamma Chapter The Theta-Gamma Chapter is enjoying an excellent year on the campus of West Alabama. We have done several projects recently including a brotherhood campout, a brotherhood road trip to support the UWA Tiger football team as they visited Delta State, and several philanthropy events.

West Virginia Tech Gamma-Xi Chapter This quarter has been wonderful for the Gamma-Xi Chapter. We are continuing to expand our brotherhood. We have had Christmas social this winter and have planned our Orchid Ball for March 24. This summer we would like to invite everyone to our annual white water weekend.

It is held on Memorial Day Weekend, on the New River in West Virginia.

The cost is under $100 per person and includes: two nights of camping, breakfast, lunch, dinner, six hours of rafting, and an experience you’ll never forget! If you are interested contact the Gamma-Xi Sage Mike McGreal at Smartguy2b@yahoo.com (Subject: White Water Weekend) or call him at 304-281-4876.

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14 Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

CAMPUS

EXPANSION

Sigma Pi Returns to Florida State University

by Matt Besselman

On February 9, 2007, Expansion Consultants Peter Bolac (ΑΝ, Wake Forest ’06) and Matthew Besselman (Θ, Penn State ’06) colonized a group of 25 men at Florida State University.

Originally established in 1988 as the Eta-Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Pi and the third group within the state of Florida, the re-colonization marks the first appearance of Sigma Pi at FSU since the chapter was closed in 2001.

Future Expansion: Currently, our scheduled expansion projects include: 4University of Maryland (College Park, MD) - Alpha-Chi Chapter was established March 4, 1949. Formed as a colony of Sigma Pi in 1948.

Inactive since 1993.

4University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) Alpha-Beta chapter was established April 4, 1925. Originally Beta Phi Delta founded in 1921. Inactive 19331949, 1952-1966 and since 1970.

The new colony is already off to a fast start as many members continue to join the group since

colonization.

The group has a number of highly motivated and strong leaders who are aiming to charter as quickly as possible. The Eta-Epsilon Colony is composed of a number of leaders with involvement in the Resident Housing Organization, student government, club athletics, former military officers, and a number of freshmen who were leaders at their respective high schools. A number of area alumni are immediately

getting involved in the group, including Seminole Alumni Foundation President Spencer Klein (’94) and Colony Director Alfredo Cruz (ΔΨ, Troy ’92).

Eta-Epsilon Colony joins Sigma Pi chapters at Embry-Riddle (Daytona Beach) and the University of Florida as the third active group in the state of Florida. Led by Colony President Joe Drain (’09), the group is looking to have an immediate impact on the Florida State campus and develop a strong foundation to ensure its success for years to come.

Recommend an undergraduate Brothers, do you know a current undergraduate or college-bound senior that would make a great addition to an existing chapter of our Fraternity? Is your son or brother attending a school where he would be a legacy of Sigma Pi? If so, complete the Recommend a Man submission form online and let us know! Current chapters of Sigma Pi benefit greatly from receiving names of quality individuals attending their college or university.

The link to this service can be found on the main page of www.sigmapi.org. If you cannot access the internet, please send a form that includes your name and contact information, the name and school of the recommended man, and his contact information to: Director of Expansion Sigma Pi Fraternity P.O Box 1897 Brentwood, TN 37024

Sigma Pi returns to UC – Santa Barbara

by Jim DiVita

On January 27th, 2007, Director of Expansion Jim DiVita (ΖΜ, Michigan State ’04) colonized 25 men at the University of California – Santa Barbara.

Originally established February 28, 1948 as the AlphaOmicron Chapter of Sigma Pi and the third group within the state of California, this colonization marks the first appearance of Sigma Pi at UCSB since the chapter was closed by the Executive Office in 1976 for low membership.

nizations. The Alpha-Omicron Colony is composed of many leaders on campus within the Resident Hall Association, student government and intramural sports. Area alumni are already getting involved as alumnus Gary Grubacich (’68) currently serves as colony director.

Alpha-Omicron Colony stands among 12 other chapters/colonies within the state of California joining the Southern California Province of Sigma Pi. The group is looking to make waves on campus as they look to restore Alpha-Omicron Chapter to greatness.

The new colony is already off to a fast start as many interested members have joined since colonization. The group is aiming to charter very quickly and set the standard on campus as one of the most diverse orga-

Gamma Re-Colonizes at The Ohio State University

by Kyle Jackson

On January 23rd, 2007, Expansion Consultants

The colonization marks the return of one of Sigma Pi’s most historic groups. The Gamma Chapter at Ohio State was established on June 6, 1908, by Francis L. Lisman, the first Grand

With this new beginning, the group has the opportunity to extend the history of one of this Fraternity’s most important chapters. This is the first time Ohio State has hosted a colony of

Sigma Pi (before 1908, the group existed as Phi Kappa Phi local fraternity). The new colony consists of on-campus leaders involved in organizations such as residence hall government, ROTC, the honors program, and IA scholars.

With excellent leadership and outstanding alumni support in the area (specifically from the Sigma Pi Columbus Alumni Club), this group will continue to grow, and will once again establish itself as a leading organization at The Ohio State University.

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Peter Bolac (ΑΝ, Wake Forest ’06) and Kyle Jackson (ΔΕ, Seton Hall ’06) colonized 15 men at The Ohio State University. This successful expansion effort was a result of the collaboration between Gamma Alumni, the Sigma Pi Executive Office, and the Greek Life Department at OSU. The Gamma Colony becomes the third group in the state of Ohio, and the ninth school for Sigma Pi in the Big Ten Conference.

Sage of the Fraternity. It is the Fraternity’s third oldest chapter, and was a leader in the Greek community on campus from 1908 to 1995.

The Gamma Chapter was also responsible for the name change from Tau Phi Delta to Sigma Pi, and hosted the first national convocation in 1909.

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Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

16

Conceived by Erahm Christopher and filmed almost entirely by students in California, Teen Truth is a raw look at the widespread problem of physical bullying, emotional harassment, social stigmatizing and ostracizing that plagues students at schools across the country. Over one hundred hours of footage was edited and combined with

Presenting t interviews from experienced educators,

psychologists, and counselors whose comments complement the students’ responses and provide valuable insight as to how the problems can be addressed.

Christopher and his producing partner JC Pohl developed TEEN TRUTH: LIVE, a 60-minute multimedia presentation, to bring the film to the schools and encourage positive discussions about the bullying problem with students in the area.

Executive Producer Brian Johnson says, “I am amazed at Erahm and JC’s constant drive to change the world around, them and I am sure that TEEN TRUTH: LIVE will inspire students, teachers, and parents to do the same.”

TEEN TRUTH: LIVE includes the 22 minute TEEN TRUTH: BULLY film, Christopher’s motivational speech and personal story about bullying, and a 35-page teacher’s guide that focuses on in-class discussion and teaching tools to encourage students and teachers to work together to stop bullying and school violence.

TEEN TRUTH’s distributor, HRM Video, is one of the leading K-12 publishers of supplemental educational products in the United States, specializing in video-based programs in a variety of subject areas including health, drug education, career education, science, math and language arts.

“TEEN TRUTH is one of the best bully films that I have ever come across,” said Andy Schloat, President of HRM Video. “With so much violence prevalent on campuses today, this powerful film can help teenagers understand themselves, their emotions and how they can better fit into a complex and difficult youth society.” 4

the truth

BY ADAM DIBBLE

Erahm Christopher’s (ΖΗ, Santa Clara ’98) artistic career began in high school when he received an acting scholarship to Santa Clara University in California.4

3JC Pohl (ΖΗ, Santa Clara ’98) is an independent filmmaker and interactive producer that has created menus and enhanced content for 100’s of DVD’s.

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

The Emerald had the opportunity to interview these brothers.

We are thankful for their time.

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Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

18 For what reasons did you choose Sigma Pi when you were in college?

JP I chose Sigma Pi because it was the only fraternity that felt like a family to me. The older guys were people that I genuinely thought I could look up to, and the younger guys were unique and creative in their approach on life. Every other house on campus seemed to have their look and feel, but the Sigma Pi’s were so diverse and different that I felt they would truly be my best friends and that I could fit in without any judgment or expectations.

EC I chose Sigma Pi because it was represented by a group of guys that shared the same interests, ambitions and enthusiasm that I had. It was not my original plan to pledge a fraternity at all, however the diverse group of guys I met during pledge week made me realize that these friends would be an integral part of my life. A great example is the fact that one of them became my business partner.

What positions did you have while an undergraduate member of Sigma Pi? JP I held several positions.

I started as pledge class vice president, moved on to rush chair, positions on the executive council, and ended my career as sage of the house.

EC I was on philanthropic event committees but did not hold a fraternity position. The acting scholarship I received from the university did not allow me enough time to hold a position dutifully.

How did you deal with the responsibilities and time commitment involved with those positions?

JP These responsibilities are what shaped me as a man, and ultimately turned me into the producer that I am today. College is a fun fast paced environment, between class, internships, and

During his four years

at Santa Clara University, Erahm Christopher acted in six productions and directed his own show.

He won the lead role in three plays and was the recipient of the Helen Hayes award for his contributions to the theater. After graduation he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

In Los Angeles, Christopher pursued acting while also working as a location supervisor for commercials, films and television shoots.

Projects under his supervision included, STORY OF US, POWER RANGERS, and MYSTERY MEN. In 1999 he took a job as an executive assistant to a Business Affairs executive at CBS, where he learned the business side of the television industry. His duties included; managing correspondences between agents and executives, drafting deal memos, and tracking production budgets for shows, such as SURVIVOR and JUDGING AMY. Christopher was later recruited to manage, vFive, a small graphic jobs it seems like you never have enough time. The commitments to the Fraternity were considerably large, but they were so gratifying, and really allowed me an opportunity to grow. Dealing with the responsibilities and time commitments of being a sage was major, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. It has paid huge dividends in my life, career, and friendships.

EC Although I did not hold any positions, managing my time between academic, scholarship, job, internship and Sigma Pi responsibilities was a valuable learning experience. I found that my brothers were very supportive during the process because many of them were facing the same challenges. Everything is a little easier

design firm in San Francisco. At vFive, he went on to produce creative print, web, digital video and motion graphic projects for clients such as, EPSON, BILABONG, OXYGEN, and MACROMEDIA. His work at vFive garnered several web graphic awards and was published in the book, SIMPLE WEBSITES, by Rockport Publishing.

Film school beckoned, so after spending two years with vFive, Christopher moved to Montreal, Canada and studied film in Concordia University’s distinguished program. During his three years at Concordia, he produced, edited and directed four short films and three claymations. In the first year, he received the Michel Trudel Production Award for his film INVANE and during the three years of school, each of his films played in film festivals in the United States and Canada. Upon graduating with honors, he received a grant to write, produce and direct a short comic opera film for BRAVO! Canada television. to handle when you are all in it together.

What advice would you give potential members who are thinking about joining Sigma Pi? JP If you are thinking about joining Sigma Pi realize a few things… 1. It will be with you forever. 2. It will give you the best of friends. 3. It will make you want to grow as a person. So, if you want to become a better man and professional do it. Being a Sigma Pi will define your memories of college.

EC Sigma Pi gave me skills, friends and an experience that will last me a lifetime and each one of the elements has helped me overcome life challenges and make me the person I am today.

In the past year, Christopher has produced, edited and directed documentaries and two educational films focusing on the social issues teenagers face. The educational films, TEEN TRUTH: BULLY and TEEN TRUTH: DRUGS, were created in collaboration with over twenty-five teenagers throughout California. With the help of his business partner, Christopher created TEEN TRUTH: LIVE, an interactive, motivational presentation to help stop bullying and school violence in high schools and middle schools. In just four months, he has delivered presentations to over 25,000 teenagers in California and Canada. Currently, Christopher is finishing another TEEN TRUTH film on parent communication and creating another interactive tour around his TEEN TRUTH: DRUGS film. He has finished several feature film scripts that he hopes to put into production soon, including one based on the life story of an autistic teenager and another based on a children’s book titled ZACH’S LIE.

What was the transition from college to your professional career like?

JP Leaving college was hard on me. I left a small school with great friends, and moved straight to Los Angeles. I didn’t have any friends in LA and I was working two jobs just to make ends meat. Luckily within three months I had three fraternity brothers move down, I had connected with some older guys who lived locally, and I slowly started to build a life. It was during this summer that Erahm and I started Horizon Intertainment. He had been my fraternity brother at SCU, and was a close friend, but we soon realized that creatively and politically we were on the same page. The company was born with the idea that we could change the world, we haven’t looked back since.

JC Pohl is currently working at B1 Media, and has produced titles for clients such as Warner Brothers and Fox Sports Net. Previous to B1, JC worked as a freelance producer for Disney DVD where he co-produced ESPN’S ULTIMATE X, which included over two hours of bonus content, 3D in-

EC The transition from college to my career was a bit like jumping into a large river that was flowing in the opposite direction that I wanted to swim. It was very difficult to keep from drowning.

I moved down to LA to act. I believe 5,000 people move to LA each week to do the very same thing. It was quite humbling.

At one time, I was working four jobs, seven days a week to pay the rent and afford to pursue acting.

I finally decided to forge a different path to pursue my goals and teamed up with JC to do it. It was a critical decision in my life. We gave each other the push we each needed to get where we are today.

As a Sigma Pi, what helped you prepare the most for that transition?

JP Sigma Pi taught me structure

teractive menus, and “The Ultimate Interactive Version” of the film. He has won DVD industry awards for his work on HARRY POTTER & THE GOBLET OF FIRE, CORPSE BRIDE, and BLUETORCH. JC has also served as an Associate Producer for AFI’s New Media Ventures Department where he created value-added programming for all films and filmmaker portfolios on AFIfilm.com. In addition, he coordinated AFI’s corporate relationships within the Internet, interactive TV, software, hardware, distance learning, and film related arenas.

EC I believe the support that I received from my brothers and the skills that I gained from my experience in Sigma Pi were both instrumental in preparing me for the transition out of college and into a professional career. When you are in Sigma Pi you feel strength in the brotherhood and this strength transfers to you as an individual. It is this strength that makes me realize I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

project on teenage pressures and high school violence. Schools across the nation are currently using TEEN TRUTH: BULLY and TEEN TRUTH: DRUGS to help encourage their students to want to make a difference. With the help of Christopher, JC created TEEN TRUTH: LIVE, an interactive, motivational presentation to help stop bullying and school violence in high schools and middle schools. In just four months, they have delivered presentations to over 25,000 teenagers in California and Canada.

JC has also worked for Walt Disney Studios, KFOX Radio, and the ever-popular Mo’s Restraunt.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Santa Clara University. He has also taken extensive production classes at AFI and UCLA.

What is a typical day like for you?

JP Being a producer is like being in a football game. You get hit from every side all day long and you just try to stick to a game plan that will allow you to win. I normally wake up to 30-40 emails, work all day on stuff that I wasn’t planning to work on, and then about 4pm I get to what I was planning to do, and some how get it all done before I hit the gym.

Producers have to be a jack-of-alltrades; unfortunately we are often masters of none!

EC Every day is different. It really depends on what project I am working on. Some days I spend writing or researching, others I spend shooting or editing and with TEEN TRUTH: LIVE picking up momentum, I am touring at least one week out of the month. At this stage of the game, I find myself multi-tasking at an alarming rate. Hopefully, I find time to sleep at the end of the day, if there is an end of the day.

Explain your current career, and how it balances into your life?

JP As an independent producer my career is constantly in flux. I produce DVDs and visual effects as well to supplement my income.

Most of the DVD work is done for studio level clients. The film career is a passion, and a lifestyle commitment. Unfortunately, when you are a filmmaker there is no balance. It consumes you. You become your films. If you don’t… they won’t get made. Passion is what drives independent film. Of course, I make sure I still get to the gym, still get out on the softball field, and still find time to hang with friends and my girlfriend.

But Hollywood doesn’t sleep and unfortunately neither do we.

EC I don’t really like to call what I do a career, it is a passion.

I believe when you can work on a project without thinking about

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

In early 1999 he founded Horizon Intertainment with partner Erahm Christopher. Horizon is a production company that has a foundation in developing interactive entertainment for the new media and traditional film arenas.

Horizon has produced several short films and websites, developed numerous feature length screenplays, and produced TEEN TRUTH an educational documentary

and taught me how to talk to people. I can now walk into a room (much like rush) and talk to anyone. Networking in LA is key, building friendships in Hollywood is what makes things work; the fraternity gave me that foundation and confidence to make things happen.

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Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

20 how it will pay you, it becomes a passion. Someone once said if you find work you love, you will never work a day in your life. I have been fortunate enough to find something I love to do and I can wake up every day and do it. Of course some days are more challenging than others because you have to make sure you end with enough cash to pay the bills.

But overall I can’t complain. The challenge is making sure that the passion doesn’t consume every aspect of your life. I was recently married this past Fall to a wonderful woman that understands how much I love what I do. She was a huge support during some of the roughest times and continues to be an inspiration in everything I do. I believe that you need people that make sure you don’t let your work completely consume you.

It can be unhealthy at times. I figured that out after forgetting to eat on shoots and sleep during post-production. The balance comes from those around you. JC and I are business partners as well as brothers and we make sure what we do doesn’t impede our personal life and that we always have a good time.

What motivated you to start TEEN TRUTH? Where do you get your passion?

JP Erahm and I care about the world we live in. We are sons of teachers, so we are constantly looking for ways to make a difference through our work. After Columbine we were floored, we couldn’t believe how kids could do what Dylan and Eric did. At the time the press was talking to everyone on earth, they were blaming music and video games, they were talking to parents and teachers, but at no time were they really talking to the kids. We wanted to do just that. We wanted to give the kids a voice, to empower them to make a difference in the world. Once we started there was no turning back.

We found 5 diverse teens, we gave them cameras, and we had them shoot for a year. Erahm coached them every day and got the very best out of them. In the end we had over 100 hours of raw footage that we then cut into TEEN TRUTH. I think kids love TEEN TRUTH for one simple reason… because it is true. It is like we held up a mirror and said this is you guys. This is what you think. This is how you can make a difference.

EC As JC said, we care very deeply about the future of the world that we live in. Even though we are both very young, we feel like we have seen dramatic changes in the behavior of adolescents around the world. Teenagers do not feel like they are understood or being heard. We developed TEEN TRUTH to give teens a platform that they could use to tell the truth about how they feel in an effort to inspire other teens to do the same and ultimately spark dialogues in the classroom and at home. I believe effective communication is the key to any successful relationship and if one side is not listening, you do not have effective communication. School violence can be an external reaction to the lack of help and attention that some students need to cope with the everyday social problems that they are facing.

It is a sad reality of today’s society and JC and I wanted to find a way to inspire kids to find alternative ways of expressing themselves and find solutions to their problems.

We created a project that allowed the kids to use the video medium to express themselves and create art at the same time. The end result is entertaining, educational and empowering. Hopefully it will motivate many kids to think about how they affect each other so they can start helping each other and making a positive difference in each other’s lives.

With TEEN TRUTH: LIVE you are literally affecting hundreds of

kids everyday. What is the most rewarding thing that comes from this?

JP You can see it on our MySpace site. They Email us every day thanking us and telling us that they want to make a difference. If that is not rewarding I don’t know what is.

EC For me, it’s seeing that we truly can make a difference. When a teenager approaches me to tell me that the film made her realize that she was treating a girl badly and that she is going to apologize to the girl for her actions, it proves to me that the film made her think enough to change the way she treats others. The daily emails and comments we receive from students of all ages makes me realize that our passion is making a difference on their lives and hopefully it will inspire and empower teens to go out and make a difference in the lives of others.

What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?

JP Well, I have a dog named Max. We hit the parks and the beach a lot. I play softball a few times a week. I love the gym. And of course my girlfriend is a huge part of my life. We love to travel, watch movies, and go out to nice dinners. Also my family is very important to me, so I do spend a lot of time with them in San Diego.

EC I am a ski junkie, so I try to get as many snow days in during the winter and spring as possible.

I also recently started running and find it amazing how fulfilling running for no reason can be. During the free time my wife and I watch films, take pictures religiously, travel every chance we get and of course visit the family.

What is your favorite Sigma Pi experience/memory?

JP Pledge period of course! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but at the same

time, it was one of the most awesome. So many great guys to look up to, and so many new friends that I became a brother with.

EC I would have to agree with JP Pledge period was an experience that I will never forget. The brothers that I went through it with are still some of my best friends today and the actives that guided us through it made it unforgettable.

What things would you like to share with the Emerald readers about your lifelong Sigma Pi experience?

JP Sigma Pi has been a foundation for me. It seems like most things in my life right now are from some derivative of Sigma Pi. Even the support that we are getting right now in the Emerald is unbelievable —made possible from a reference from our brother Justin Beck (ΖΗ, Santa Clara ‘95).

It will help our efforts so much with TEEN TRUTH. It seems that the more people that learn about TEEN TRUTH, the more support we continue to get. We are hoping that some of our recent publicity can lead to a sponsorship for TEEN TRUTH: LIVE. It is our dream to be able to offer TEEN TRUTH: LIVE to schools for free… maybe there is a Sig Pi out there that can help :)

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JP I love to check the Emerald out to see what current brothers are doing in school. It is fun to see youth and excitement still alive in the organization that I love.

EC I always look forward to reading about what other Sigma Pi’s are doing. It is like reading postcards from old and new friends, I want to know what is new and how everyone is doing.

It’s great to see passion still burning strong.

Learn more about TEEN TRUTH, visit: TEENTRUTHLIVE.COM OR MYSPACE.COM/TEENTRUTH

In response to the support of Sigma Pi after the Virginia Tech tragedy, one brother writes. . .

Dear Sigma Pi Brothers: Thank you. While I am a brother of Mu Chapter at Cornell (1973), my son goes to Virginia Tech and is there now. The outpouring of support from the academic community and beyond has been truly inspiring. I am proud of my connections with both Virginia Tech and with Sigma Pi. Thank you.

Bruce A. Wicks, MHA Chief Administrative Officer University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

EC Sigma Pi started out as a curiosity and transformed into a solid foundation for lifetime friends, experiences and support. I agree with JC when he states that several elements in his life can be traced back to Sigma Pi. I can find that connection in several elements of my life as well. When I meet a Sigma Pi I can immediately see the same determination, passion and commitment to excellence that I have known in the brothers that I went to college with. It is this kind of support that will continue to make individual Sigma Pi endeavors a success and the fraternity stronger as a whole.

What do you look for when you get the Emerald in the mail?

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Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

22

life is a B Y A D A M D IBBLE

Not many people can say they own a professional sports franchise. Tom Moore, Jr., can. And if you ask him, he’ll tell you it’s all been a blast. He can also tell you about a lot of other things he’s done. Moore, a graduate of Western Michigan University with a BBA and Grand Valley State University with an MBA, lives in West Olive, Michigan, with his wife where they have raised their three children. Moore’s background is in banking, having worked for 20 years with First Michigan Bank Corporation, prior to becoming Huntington Bank Corporation.

He is an avid race fan and works at all Indianapolis Motor Speedway events. Owner of his own business, Advanced Planning Resources, he provides strategic planning services to small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations.

Moore is an adjunct instructor at Davenport University and Northwood University where he teaches upper level management and accounting and finance. He is Chairman of the Board of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation, an international non-profit organization providing scholarships and educational grants to Sigma Pi Fraternity.

He is also an owner of the Grand Rapids Flight professional basketball team and an owner and General Manager of the Holland Blast professional basketball team, both of which play in the International Basketball League.

After the Blast won a recent game, Moore celebrated another victory and gave the Emerald a chance to learn more about him.

For what reasons did you choose Sigma Pi when you were in college?

I come from a family of Beta Theta Pi’s. So naturally I was inclined to check out the Greek life at Western Michigan University.

There wasn’t a Beta chapter on campus and I didn’t like what I saw anyway, so I didn’t go Greek.

One day a buddy from high school came to my dorm room and asked me if I wanted to go Greek. I told him my story and he told me that we had the opportunity to start our own fraternity. The rest is history and I’ll forever be indebted to my high school buddy and fraternity brother, Curt Bunte.

What positions did you have while an undergraduate member of Sigma Pi? I was a finance major, so I served as third counselor for two years. I’m sure I had other responsibilities, but most colony members reading this know you all pitch in and do what you have to do. I remember a group of us preparing our petition for charter one summer.

How did you deal with the responsibilities and time commitment involved with those?

You always make time for what is important in your life.

What advice would you give potential members that were thinking about joining Sigma Pi? Always check out the Greek system. And I have a special place in my heart for Sigma Pi - so I may be biased, but I believe Sigma Pi will change your life forever!

Well, I went to work for Sigma Pi for four years after graduation.

I had the privileged to work for

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Will you walk me through a typical day in your life?

Typical??? I own one professional basketball team and am GM of that, I’m minority owner for another team, I teach at two different universities (upper level management, and finance and accounting), I still work for Sigma Pi in a volunteer role, I serve the global outreach area of my church.

I own my own business, Advanced Planning Resources, providing strategic planning consulting for small- and medium-sized businesses. A few of us are a part of Group RHM, providing Christian mentoring and solutions for individuals seeking solutions to problems in their lives, and I try to be a father and a husband. Typical? Depends which day of the week you are talking about.

How long have you been involved with the International Basketball League?

Basically this is my third year.

The IBL has a fantastic business model. It’s not a copy cat NBA. Minor league basketball has lots of faults but I believe in this business model. You’ve seen it … I think we have a significant strategic differentiation. My first year was GM and co-owner for the Grand Rapids Flight. We decided that it went so well, that we’d purchase a second franchise in Holland Michigan in our second year.

Well, that was too much and we’ve since sold off majority interest in Grand Rapids and we’re concentrating in Holland this year. It’s going great.

Learn more about the Holland Blast HTTP://WWW.IBLHOOPSONLINE.COM/TEAMHOLLAND.ASP

There are many community service projects in your community, are there any projects specifically that you think stands out? Is your organization involved with them?

I have always had a soft spot for children of the community. Joyce and I adopted our middle son from a very bad set of circumstances.

That opened our eyes to children in need of help. I’ve served as Chairman of the Board for two terms for the local Child and Family Services Board. Our team supports the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland, Rock Christian Ministries (children with parents in the City Mission). We have a very close relationship with Holland Police Department whereby we provide 75 scholarships to kids for a 3-day basketball camp sponsored by the Holland Blast and the Holland Police Department.

Our team is all about kids. If you look at our team mission: Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Holland Michigan area through 1) providing affordable fun family entertainment, 2) providing role models for the children of our community, 3) supporting local youth programs and 4) partnering and promoting local business relationships.

As the Chairman of the Board of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation what is your vision for the future of our organization?

Very simple … a $1 million permanent general endowment to ensure the long term for Sigma Pi Fraternity. We’ve come a long way in the last couple of years. We’ve hired a fund development professional from the National Rifle Association, Richard Robinson.

Richard and our Board of Directors have set a long term strategy that will begin to reap rewards within the next year.

What is something about the Educational Foundation that most people do not know?

Most people don’t have a clue about the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. But through our alumni we make a difference in the lives of undergraduate Sigma Pi’s. We are a 501(c)(3) organization which means contributions are tax deductible. We provide financial support for the Fraternity’s leadership conference in St. Louis for 350 undergraduates. We also provide financial support for the leadership programs at Sigma Pi University each summer at Vanderbilt University. We provide scholarships for worthy Sigma Pi’s.

What is your favorite Sigma Pi experience/memory?

Meeting my wife. Joyce was working for Sigma Pi when I graduated and moved to Vincennes to work for the fraternity.

We’re now coming up on 35 years of marriage. Man, it doesn’t get any better than working for something you love and believe in, then, meeting the love of your life, my best friend, my business partner, my life partner.

What things would you like to share with the Emerald readers about your lifelong Sigma Pi experience?

Keep involved. The more you give the more you get back. It’s non-stop.

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

What was the transition from college to your professional career like?

Jim Hills and Dean Crook. There is no doubt in my mind that those three years as an undergraduate Sigma Pi and four years working for Sigma Pi made me the person I am today.

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IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN

SIGMA PI COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT UPDATE

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

D MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Chapter, School, Synopsis of Project Epsilon-Xi, Fairleigh Dickinson, Freshmen Move In AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Alpha, Vincennes, Land Clean up Epsilon-Omicron, SUNY-Buffalo, Campus Clean-Up ERVICEBeta, OFIndiana, GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Fire Safety Awareness Epsilon-Pi, Christopher Newport, Raffle for Alumni Society scholarships D MAN Zeta, IN Ohio THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN Northern, Drunk Driving Simulator/Alcohol Epsilon-Rho, Drury University, Campus Clean-Up E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Eta, Purdue, Tree Planting Epsilon-Phi, Embry-Riddle (AZ), Admissions Sneak Preview Day Assistance THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Theta, Pennsylvania State, Alcohol Awareness Zeta-Alpha, West Chester, Campus Clean-Up AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Iota, California, BBQ for University Police Dept, & local Police & Fire Dept Zeta-Delta, Colorado, Donation to Boulder’s People Clinic ERVICEXi,OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Iowa, Asst. Orgainizing and preparing University Engergy Expo Zeta-Epsilon, Michigan Tech, Alcohol Awareness Speaker D MAN Rho, INNorth THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN Carolina State, Moveout Help Zeta-Zeta, Florida, Landscaping/Beautification E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN Zeta-Eta, THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Sigma, Iowa State, Volleyball Tournament Santa Clara, Essay Contest for local School THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Tau, Wisconsin-Madison, Survey,Campus Safety Research Zeta-Mu, Michigan State, City Clean up after football game AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Upsilon, UCLA, Fundraising for Health Center Zeta-Omicron, Lawrence Tech, LTU’s Spirit Rock ERVICEPhi,OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Illinois, SP’s Project Save a Life-alcohol awareness Zeta-Pi, Oakland, Pig Roast D MAN Omega, IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN Oregon State, Campus Cleanup Zeta-Tau, Northern Colorado, Sack Lunch for Faculty E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Alpha-Delta, Auburn, Handing out test sheets,pencils, cocoa/cider on exam day Zeta-Chi, Rowan, Improve Campus Image THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Alpha-Iota, Missouri-Rolla, Risk Management Week Eta-Alpha, Cal State-Sacramento, Handing out supplies for exams AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Alpha-Nu, Wake Forrest, Campus Clean-Up Eta-Gamma, Hofstra, Alcohol Awareness ERVICEAlpha-Pi, OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Arkansas State, Campus Beautification Eta-Delta Colony, Cal Poly, Campus Clean-Up D MAN Alpha-Rho, IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN Southwest Missouri State, Finals Week Goody Bags Eta-Eta, Bridgewater State, Parking Help for the 2007 Job Fair E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN Eta-Iota, THE Cal SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Alpha-Omega, San Diego State, Risk Management for girls & Alcohol Awareness State-Dom. Hills, Child Development Services THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Beta-Gamma, Eastern Illinois, “Girls Fight Back”-women’s safety program Eta-Kappa, East Carolina, Exam Relief for Students AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Beta-Eta, San Jose State, Alcohol Awarenss Seminar Eta-Mu, Missouri Southern State, Assisting w/Internationa Piano Competition ERVICEBeta-Kappa, OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Arizona State, Security for Campus Event Eta-Nu, Towson, Car Wash, Alcohol Awareness, Dinner, Cleanup D MAN Beta-Nu, IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN SIU-Carbondale, Donation to SIU’s IGC webpage Eta-Pi, Kutztown, Alcohol Awareness E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Beta-Omicron, Cal State-Long Beach, Workshop on Alcohol Awareness Eta-Tau, Fitchburg State, Memorial Bench THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Beta-Pi, Virginia, Food Drive Eta-Upsilon, California-Irvine, Drunk Driving Awareness AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Beta-Sigma, Northern Illinois, Alcohol Awareness Eta-Phi, Miami (Ohio), Charity Baseball Game VICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O Beta-Tau, Valparaiso, Campus Clean-Up Eta-Omega, Johnson and Wales, Landscape/Maintenance Help N IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN TH Beta-Chi, Loyola-Chicago, Tours to Potential Freshmen Theta-Beta, Saginaw Valley, Pi Stock Social entertainment for students E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN Theta-Delta, THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Gamma-Alpha, Detroit-Mercy, Easter Egg Hunt College of New Jersey, AWARE Project lecture by John Williams THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Gamma-Beta Colony, Eastern Michigan, Capture the Flag Theta-Epsilon, Indiana of PA, Moving Service for Students AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Gamma-Gamma, Central Missouri State, Campus Beautification Theta-Eta, Old Dominion, Safe Spring Break Campaign VICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O Gamma-Theta, Texas, Drunk Driving Awareness Theta-Theta, Ferris State, Know Your Rights Awarness Program N IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN TH Gamma-Kappa, Indiana Tech, Sponsored Band and Movie on Campus Theta-Mu, Chico, Campus Clean-Up E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Gamma-Xi, West Virginia Tech, Cleaning the Tech Trail Theta-Nu, Houston, Alcohol Awareness Week THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Gamma-Rho, Western Michigan, Drunk Driving Simulator/Alcohol Theta-Xi, Salisbury, Asst. Students moving out of dorms/End of Year Celebration AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Gamma-Sigma, Missouri, Alcohol Speaker Theta-Omicron, Alabama, Health Education VICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O Gamma-Upsilon, Murray State, Labor and Service to the Women’s Center on Campus Theta-Pi, Arizona, Alcohol Awareness N IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN TH Gamma-Omega, Wayne State, Self Image Week Theta-Rho, Grand Valley State, Luau Pig Roast & Sporting Tournament E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN Theta-Sigma, THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Delta-Alpha, Central Michigan, Easter Egg Hunt Ursinus, Cancer Awareness Week THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Delta-Beta, Monmouth, Substance Awareness Week Theta-Tau, William Patterson, Hot Chocolate Handout AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Delta-Epsilon, Seton Hall, Freshmen Alcohol Awareness Program Theta-Upsilon, Texas State, Volunteering with University Social Work Program VICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O Delta-Zeta, Missouri-St. Louis, Banquet/Silent Auction Theta-Phi, Penn College, Assist w/Autism Networking Picnic N IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN TH Delta-Iota, Wisconsin-Platteville, Alcohol Awareness & Assault/Hate Awareness Theta-Chi, Saint Joseph’s University, Fundraiser for Campus Safety E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Delta-Omega, SIU-Edwardsville, Ice Cream Social Theta-Psi, Southern Indiana, USI Call-A-Thon THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Epsilon-Alpha, Southern Tech, Alcohol Awareness Theta-Omega, Middle Tennessee State, See Spot Run/Race for Habitat for Humanity AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Epsilon-Beta, Kentucky, Campus Clean-Up Iota-Alpha, Kansas State, K-State Proud Foundation-Event Operations VICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O Epsilon-Gamma, Illinois Wesleyan, All Campus Beautification Texas A&M Colony, Texas A&M, Alcohol and Drug Education Programs N IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN TH Epsilon-Epsilon, Emporia State, Renovating Basketball Courts Kennesaw Colony, Kennesaw State, Campus Graffiti Clean up E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN Cal THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO Epsilon-Zeta, Western Illinois, Bus Stop Clean-up UP Colony, Cal University of Penn, Campus Clean-Up THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER Epsilon-Theta, Elon, Campus Restoration Minnesota Colony, Minnesota, University Staff Brunch AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND M Epsilon-Kappa, Southern Arkansas, Reindeer Run Oregon Colony, Oregon , Cemetary Clean-Up VICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O Epsilon-Lambda, Eastern Kentucky, Campus Appreciation Week San Antonio Colony, UT San Antonio, Campus Clean-Up N IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN TH E OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SER

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Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

N THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SE ICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T ERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD A On August 4, 2006, the Grand MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity HE SERVICE OF GOD IN THE SE unanimously voted toAND adopt MAN the ICE OF SAM GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O Spady Foundation as the OF GOD A OD AND MAN INPhilanthropy THE SERVICE International of SigmaSERVICE Pi Fraternity OF during the MAN IN THE GOD AND MAN 48th Biennial Convocation of the HE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SE ICE OF Fraternity.

GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O mission of the SERVICE SAM Spady OF GOD A OD AND The MAN IN THE Foundation is to educate all parMAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN ents andOF students on AND the dangers HE SERVICE GOD MAN IN THE SE alcohol, specifiMAN cally high-risk ICE OF ofGOD AND IN THE SERVICE O consumption, and the signs and OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD A symptoms of alcohol poisonAND MAN MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD ing. The Foundation honors the HE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SE memory of Samantha Spady, a 19ICE OF year GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE O old student at Colorado State OD AND MAN IN SERVICE OF GOD A University, whoTHE died of alcohol AND MAN MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD poisoning on September 5, 2004.

HE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SE Samantha was a dear and deSERVICE O ICE OF voted GOD AND MANPi.IN friend to Sigma WeTHE cherOD AND IN THE OF GOD A ishMAN her friendship andSERVICE choose to honorSERVICE her memory by MAN IN THE OFpartnering GOD AND MAN with the SAM Spady Foundation.

IN THE SE HE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN Sigma Pi and the ICE OF Together GOD AND MAN INFounTHE graduate members, both present SERVICE O dation educate the masses, inform OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE and future. the individual, and protect our MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Projects undertaken by Sigma Pi most valuable asset with whom we ERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THEchapters SERVICE GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE this yearOF are listed below.6 have been trusted…our underOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OFEpsilon-Alpha GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Chapter, School, Date of Project, Synopsis of Project, Amount Raised , Southern Tech, 2/26/07, Car Bash, Alcohol Awareness ERVICEAlpha OF, Vincennes, GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Epsilon-Rho , Drury University, 4/19/07, Alcohol Free par-3 golf tournament 4/21/07, Broadcast Spady DVD, Non-alcoholic social OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND Epsilon-Phi , Embry-Riddle (AZ), 4/20/07, “Lose if You Misuse” Day Beta , Indiana, 4/16/07, Passing out Spady cards and showing DVD MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Epsilon-Omega, SUNY-Potsdam, 3/17/07, Handed out Spady Cards & Showed DVD Theta , Pennsylvania State, 9/18/07, Alcohol Awareness, Patty Spady as Speaker ERVICERho OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Zeta-Epsilon , Michigan Tech, 3/24/07, Alcohol Awareness , North Carolina State, 2/24/07, Skate for Sam, $1,200.00 OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND Zeta-Eta , Santa Clara, 6/1/07, Alcohol Awareness Phi , Illinois, 3/28/07, Alcohol Awareness Forum MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Zeta-Mu , Michigan State, 4/14/07, Volleyball Tournament/Laua Alpha-Iota , Missouri-Rolla, 4/25/07, Passed out Spady Cards ERVICEAlpha-Nu OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Zeta-Pi , Oakland, 10/15/06, Handed out cards to 500 students , Wake Forrest, 4/20/07, Asst. with Fundraiser, $500.00 OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND Zeta-Tau , Northern Colorado, 3/5/07, Alcohol Awareness Week Alpha-Rho , Southwest Missouri State, 4/18/07, Search for Athena MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Eta-Alpha , Cal State-Sacramento, 3/21/07, Sorority Superbowl Rally-Alcohol Awareness Alpha-Omega , San Diego State, 4/4/07, Alcohol Awareness ERVICEBeta-Gamma OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Eta-Nu , Towson, 12/3/06, Basketball Tournament, $350.00 , Eastern Illinois, 3/26/07, Alcohol Awareness Education OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND Eta-Pi , Kutztown, 4/11/07, Sam Spady Rockathon Beta-Omicron , Cal State-Long Beach, 4/29/07, Miss Greek Competition, $1,000.00 MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Eta-Upsilon , California-Irvine, 3/8/07, Alcohol Awareness Education Beta-Pi , Virginia, 3/30/07, Handed out cards to students ERVICEGamma-Alpha OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE Eta-Phi , Miami (Ohio), 3/8/07, Selling T-Shirts and handing out Spady cards , Detroit-Mercy, 4/3/07, Easter Egg Hunt Raffle OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND Theta-Theta , Ferris State, 1/16/07, Book Drive, $100.00 Gamma-Beta Colony, Eastern Michigan , 1/31 & 2/20/07, Alcohol Awareness, handed out cards, MAN IN THE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OFTheta-Mu GOD, Chico AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T showedSERVICE DVD , 5/10/07, Passed out Spady cards, drinks, and food ERVICEGamma-Gamma OF GOD, Central ANDMissouri, MAN IN THE GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE 2/27/07, Handed SERVICE out cards, showedOF DVD, speaker, Theta-Xi , Salisbury, 5/15/07, Passed out Spady cards OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND Gamma-Theta , Texas, 4/12/07, Benefit Dinner Theta-Pi , Arizona , 4/4/07, Alcohol Awareness Week MAN IN THE SERVICE OF4/9/07, GOD AND MAN GOD, Grand AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Gamma-Kappa , Indiana Tech, Handed out Spady Cards IN THE SERVICE OFTheta-Rho Valley State, 11/29/06, Sigma Pi Date Auction, $790.50 ERVICEDelta-Alpha OF GOD AND MAN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE , Central Michigan, 3/12/07,IN Alcohol Awareness Week Theta-Tau , William Patterson, 4/10/07, Pi Sale-Auction for services, $515.00 OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND Delta-Beta , Monmouth, 4/23/07, Substance Awareness Week Theta-Phi , Penn College, 1/8/07, Passed out Spady cards during PC’s alcohol awareness week MAN IN THE SERVICE OF2/7/07, GOD AND$175.00 MAN IN THE SERVICE OFCalGOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T Delta-Zeta , Missouri-St. Louis, Fundraiser, UP Colony, Cal University of Penn, 5/2/07, Passed out Spady Cards ERVICEDelta-Omega OF GOD AND MAN INCardboard THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE , SIU-Edwardsville, 4/15/07, Boat Regatta OD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN T ERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN IN THE SERVICE

26 SIGMA PI AND THE SAM SPADY FOUNDATION

ER-

NEWS FROM

ALUMNI

Gamma Alumni Club Our club is up to 121 members, and we have added two new officers to our ranks. We would like to welcome Phil Manogg (’66) as our new alumni rush chairman, and Bob Chirico (’66) as our new fundraising chairman. Our monthly meetings have grown, and we have to move to a larger venue. Our meetings are always open to members.

Gamma-Upsilon Alumni First and foremost, we want to congratulate alumnus E. Andrew Morris on his election to the Grand Council as Grand Herald.

We are truly thankful for all the years of support and dedication that E. Andrew Morris has provided to our active chapter. Thank you, Andy.

We also want to remind you that Summer Reunion 2007 is almost here. Summer Reunion 2006 was a weekend to remember.

Part of the weekend festivities included our third annual Brotherhood Golf Scramble. The Trophies were presented by Joe Allen Mattingly (alumni president) to the winners Paul Hetrick and Tony Mattingly. They were presented with individual trophies and their names will be added to the traveling trophy. For the twenty-third consecutive year, the alumni have defeated the actives in the traditional softball game, with a final score was 15-4. Summer Reunion 2006 also included a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament on Saturday night. The “for fun” tournament was won by alumnus Les Wright with a close second place being awarded to active Brian Rickard. Other activities for the weekend included boat rides at the lake, BBQ at the house, and lots of good ol’ stories that should not ever be printed in publications. All in all, the weekend was

Executive Director Mark Briscoe presents Gamma Alumni Club with a beautifully framed charter.

Gamma-Upsilon Alumni’s third annual Brotherhood Golf Scramble winners: (left to right) Paul Hetrick, Tony Mattingly, and Alumni President Joe Allen Mattingly.

continued on next page

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

D THE E OF AND N IN EROF AND N IN EROF AND N IN EROF AND N IN EROF AND N IN EROF AND N IN EROF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF D THE E OF

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28 A L UMNI NEWS a success and we hope to see you soon at Summer Reunion 2007.

Remember, it is always the third week in July. We will be establishing a committee to plan our 40th Anniversary in 2008.

This fall we will again play fantasy football (free) and hope to have more teams than ever.

This is a popular event for our alumni. Additional details will be sent out via our e-mail newsletter. If you want to get involved in these activities or contact other alumni, please contact us at Sigmapialumni@hotmail.com.

Epsilon-Zeta, Western Illinois Our alumni golf outing will be on August 11. For more information contact Chapter Director Mark Compton, epsilonzetacd@sigmapi.org.

Alumni Updates: Chris Chesney (ΘΚ, Texas Tech ’04) recently started a new job at First Community Bank Fort End, as a credit analyst.

Jason Dix (ΕΟ, SUNY Buffalo ’96) and his wife Christina are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Hannah Jesse on January 6th 2007.

Eric Fisher (ΔΑ, Central Michigan ’86) and his wife Leanne (Cowper) Fisher (Alpha Chi Omega) announce the birth of their son Theodore Earl Fisher on October 6, 2006. Mother and baby are doing fine, and Theodore’s sisters, Madison (6) and Olivia (3) are happy to have a new brother in the house.

Mark O. Hagenbuch (ΒΩ, Lock Haven ’75) is retiring in June, 2008 after 34 years in public education, 13 years teaching and 21 years as an elementary school principal.

Dr. Robert Hauer (ΑΟ, San Diego State ‘69) is an Air Force senior level civilian employee going to manage a joint service education center under Army auspices in Afghanistan. He is being seconded/loaned to the Army for six months. He has 31 years federal simple service 28 with Army, before three with USAF. Brother Hauer would like to get in touch with his Alpha-Omega brothers and can be reached at baronbob@hotmail.com.

Steve Katz (ΒΟ, Cal. StateLong Beach ’95) and his wife recently had their second son William Edward Katz and have relocated to the Portland, Oregon.

Gamma Alumni Club with Executive Director Mark Briscoe after receiving the charter

Donald Patterson (ΓΡ, Western Michigan ’01) has completed four years of active duty in the Marine Corps and will be employed with IBM in Fairfax, Virginia. working as a senior consultant in supply chain management and will reside in Stafford, Virginia.

James Price (ΓΠ, Indiana State ’92) was recently recognized with a Lifesaving award from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Jim has been employed with the Law Enforcement Division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources since 1995 and is a conservation officer currently assigned to Steuben County. He lives in Angola, Indiana with his wife, Hilary and three children.

Alumni Chris Chesney, Justin Cruce and Jay Vaden at Cruce’s wedding

Jim Price receiving a Lifesaving Award from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

New Jersey Alumni Luncheon On Saturday, March 24, 2007, the New Jersey Province of Sigma Pi Fraternity gathered for some major events at Monmouth University’s campus in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The first of these was the New Jersey Alumni Luncheon – an event designed to bring alumni together from around the province for interaction, reconnection, and fun. The luncheon saw over 25 alumni from Alpha-Mu, Delta-Beta, ThetaDelta, Gamma-Eta, and GammaPi chapters come together to talk about common issues that affect our undergraduate brothers, our province alumni clubs, and the Grand Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity. Topics included what types

of events that alumni clubs should sponsor, the best ways that alumni can help the progress of the Grand Chapter, and how alumni can become more involved at the local, province, and international levels.

A special guest discussion panel was assembled to bring in expertise from both the Grand Council and the Executive Office. This panel included International Executive Director and Honorary Grand Sage Mark Briscoe, Grand Third Counselor Chris Brown, and Grand Herald E. Andrew Morris.

The wealth of knowledge that this panel brought to the luncheon was greatly appreciated by all who were in attendance – especially the representatives of the North

by Joe Palazzolo Jersey Alumni Club, Jersey Shore Alumni Club, and Theta-Delta Alumni Association. Of the panel, Jersey Shore Alumni Club member Joe Cilurzo said, “We received so much support from these guys as undergraduates that it’s great to know they are still available for us to ask questions of as alumni club members.”

and former Director of Expansion Keith Ritson asked whether any of the attendees would be interested in volunteering their time and skills to the undergraduates, more than a few hands were raised.

Russ Furnari of the North Jersey Alumni Club summed up the event by saying, “The luncheon was great!”

Besides the discussion, alumni had a chance to reconnect with one another. Zeta-Chi Chapter Director Michael Ciavarella commented that he hadn’t seen fellow luncheon attendee and Delta-Beta alumnus Steve Kaufman in more than three years. The good feelings continued throughout the day and when Theta-Delta alumnus

Sigma Pi alumni in and around the New Jersey area should be on the lookout for information on upcoming alumni events. Also, be sure to check at http://www.

SigmaPiNJ.com for news on what is going on in the New Jersey Province.

New Jersey Pledge Province Workshop

The workshop began with New Jersey Province Archon Joe Palaz-

zolo welcoming the undergraduates and introducing the day’s special guests: Executive Director and Honorary Grand Sage Mark Briscoe, Grand Third Counselor Chris Brown, and Grand Herald E. Andrew Morris. After the introductions, Justin Saponara (ΘΔ, TCNJ ‘02) spoke to the undergraduates about the excitement and benefits of being in Sigma Pi Fraternity. His speech was directed towards the pledges and provided a great, energetic start to the day’s presentations!

Next up was Palazzolo who presented some basic facts about Sigma Pi Fraternity in New Jersey.

For example, did you know that Sigma Pi’s first Executive Office was in the great Garden State?

Highlights of the presentation included a review of the great Sigma Pi men of New Jersey and a brief discussion of the Alpha-Mu Chapter’s five Founders’ Award winners. Future plans for the province were also touched on including the statewide scholarship fund that was recently established.

Brown and Delta-Epsilon Sage John Budis 08 co-presented the first AWARE session after Palazzolo’s presentation. The focus of this session was Sam Spady’s tragic story and the effects of alcohol poisoning on the human body.

Many of the undergraduates were shocked to hear how high Spady’s blood alcohol level was that night. As Sage Budis passed out some information sheets and tests about the effects of alcohol on the body, Brown reiterated that being continued on next page

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Saturday, March 24 was a great day for the New Jersey Province. After a successful alumni luncheon, undergraduates from all over the province gathered at Monmouth University’s Young Auditorium for the New Jersey Pledge Province Workshop. This workshop set a record for the province as more than 100 undergraduates attended, filling the Young Auditorium to capacity!

by Joe Palazzolo

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30 A L UMNI NEWS

Epsilon-Xi, Fairleigh Dickinson receives their official charter

AWARE is not about completely refraining from alcohol consumption. He stated the objective of being AWARE as keeping an eye out for your brothers and party guests who may be consuming alcohol and to take action in the event that someone needs help.

One of the major points of this presentation was Sigma Pi’s Good Samaritan policy. This is a unique policy that states if a chapter is doing something “wrong” and a brother or guest is in serious need of emergency help, the Executive Office and Grand Council will not unduly reprimand the chapter for whatever “bad” behavior was taking place so long as the chapter gets the necessary help for the injured or inebriated person.

Another unique component of this policy is that the Executive Office staff will even work with the chapter to ensure that a similar situation never happens again.

The benefits of such a policy are obvious – a carbon copy of Sigma Pi Fraternity’s policy was recently adopted at Monmouth University, Delta-Beta Chapter’s host institution.

The next topic saw Theta-Delta’s Lou DeGeorge (’07) co-pres-

ent with the Palazzolo about how chapters function and Sigma Pi Fraternity’s governance structure.

The presentation served two major purposes. First, it provided a basic understanding of the organizational hierarchy of a Sigma Pi chapter – a useful piece of knowledge for the pledges present in the room.

Second, the presentation highlighted what the standard structure is for the governance of Sigma Pi Fraternity and how the various levels interact with each other.

DeGeorge did a masterful job in explaining many pertinent points during the presentation, not the least of which was that a well-run fraternity will thrive, no matter what its campus surroundings.

After a short break, Briscoe talked about the history and operations of Sigma Pi’s International Executive Office. Briscoe spoke about how the Executive Office has evolved over time and its recent move to Nashville, Tennessee.

He also touched on the various consultant and director positions that are the lifeblood of the office.

Briscoe also briefly touched on the expansion efforts of the Executive Office and the progression of the New Jersey Province over the last

few years. Many of the pledges said after the workshop that they found Briscoe’s personal story interesting as he moved up the ranks from being an educational leadership consultant to director of chapter services and then up to the assistant executive director and ultimately to the position that he currently holds as Sigma Pi’s executive director.

When Briscoe finished his presentation, Morris spoke with Brown about the Grand Council. They focused on the role of the Grand Council in the overall structure of Sigma Pi and their specific roles on the Council.

Both men also spoke briefly about their personal histories with Sigma Pi and the path that they each took toward being on the Council.

Their presentation helped the undergraduate executive council members in attendance gain a better understanding of how the Grand Council operates. The pledges present were also able to meet and interact with two of the highest ranking members in the Fraternity.

The final events of the day included presenting the EpsilonXi Chapter with their official

charter and watching a YouTube video of the Theta-Tau Chapter’s stroll. Before the undergraduates headed outside for a group picture, Briscoe, Brown, and Morris hosted a question and answer period where many of the undergraduate executive council members were able to draw on the trio’s years of experience as both volunteers and employees of Sigma Pi. Most of the undergraduates’ questions focused on handling difficult situations in their chapters and how similar situations have been handled in other chapters around the nation.

This workshop was, by far, the most successful workshop in the history of the New Jersey Province.

Not only were all of the province chapters in attendance, but some great information was passed along to our new generation of leaders from current local, provincial, and national leaders.

For more information and pictures of the New Jersey Pledge Province Workshop and news on the upcoming Fall Workshop, contact Joe Palazzolo at njpa@sigmapi.org or check http:// www.SigmaPiNJ.com.

Poland selected to head Defense Health Board

by Adam Dibble

The Emerald had the chance to ask Dr. Poland a few questions. . .

How would you explain your childhood?

My dad was in the Marine Corps, so we moved around quite a bit. I learned a lot about service, and leadership from those experiences.

Have you always been interested in the medical field?

Since age six I’ve wanted to be a physician, and never changed what I wanted to become.

What made you choose Illinois Wesleyan? And Sigma Pi? Illinois Wesleyan is a liberal arts university with an excellent academic reputation which I knew would prepare me for my career. I chose Sigma Pi because it offered leaderships positions, and the guys were focused on academic success while being very involved in many aspects of the university.

How did Sigma Pi Fraternity help prepare you for future endeavors?

Who supported you during residency?

My wife supported me through residency.

“The Defense Health Board was What do you do at the Mayo Clinic, and with this new board position?

I’m the Director of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group, where I’m the professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the Associate Chair for Research for the Department of Medicine, the Director of the Immunization Clinic and the Director of the Program in Translational Immunovirology and Biodefense at Mayo Clinic.

I develop and test new vaccines. I am also the newly approved president of the Defense Health Board, along with the other board members; we give definitive expert advice on issues of all areas of health. The Board advises the Secretary of Defense on health-related issues.

Which is your passion, being in the field, or on the board?

My passion is to fight infectious diseases, and create/develop vaccines to stop deaths from preventable causes.

With both positions I’m allowed to pursue these endeavors.

How will this transition affect your battle against infectious diseases?

The merging of the boards (the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board and the Defense Health Board) will allow me to keep shape National Policy for all vaccines.

Why were the boards merged and the Defense Health Board created?

The boards were joined to steer

formed to provide the Secretary of Defense with independent advice and to perform a broad health-related mission that will enhance effectiveness and reduce administrative costs and requirements,” said Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., assistant secretary of Defense for health affairs.

Dr. Poland is the Mary Lowell Leary Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, and Director of the Program in Translational Immunovirology and Biodefense.

Dr. Poland was the immediate past President of the Armed Forces

Epidemiological Board, and has over a decade of experience working with the Department of Defense as a civilian consultant.

“We currently estimate that there will be six board meetings a year,” Winkenwerder said. “The board will be able to establish subcommittees that are necessary to carrying out the mission of the board. The recommendations of the subcommittee will be reported to the full board for discussions before the recommendations will be brought forward to the secretary of Defense.”

information and integrate the flow of information into one area. Essentially the merging of the boards allows us to streamline our advice and communication to better serve the Department of Defense.

on matters things such as mental health conditions of returning soldiers amputee care, and what the future of DoD health care should look like.

How were members of the board selected and how will members be selected in the future?

Absolutely. Some of my chapter brothers are still my best friends today.

The board members are experts in their respective fields and are appointed to the board because of their knowledge and experience in each area.

What are the objectives of the board?

What needs does the board hope to fill?

The Defense Health Board’s objective is to give expert advice on any health issue which effects the military population. The Department of Defense is in need of this definitive expert advice to shape policy.

How big is the budget this board uses, and how are the funds put to use?

It is a multi-million dollar operating budget, which funds the research, operations, administration, and travel expenses of the 25 members. None of the board members are paid so we all do this as a service to our country.

How will the work that this board accomplishes effect the population?

We wrote the opinion for the Department of Defense on how to react to biological warfare, which could affect the entire population. The board oversees many smaller committees that advises

Do you still stay in contact with any of your brothers?

What is your most memorable Sigma Pi experience?

When I was pledging all the brothers took a trip to Vincennes and I was honored to meet Judge Shake. I still have a signed postcard from him which really makes that experience so special to me.

What do you look forward to when you get the Emerald?

I do read the Emerald, and I usually look to see what my chapter is doing, but also to see what other alumni are doing.

It’s also how I keep up to date on things the fraternity is doing internationally.

Is there anything about your life or job that you would like to share with your brothers that they might not know?

Joining the Fraternity as an undergrad is a training ground, and based on those experiences Sigma Pi members will move on to shape our communities.

Service and leadership are solidified in the crucible of membership. I really like meeting brothers, it’s meaningful to meet new guys and know that we share more than a handshake, but also a deeper understanding of each others principles.

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Sigma Pi gave me an opportunity to become a leader, which fostered new interactions. Our chapter was very diverse and I got a chance to develop relationships with guys from different backgrounds and different countries.

I was also given the responsibility to recruit new members which gave me an opportunity to develop a recruitment model which was very successful.

President Bush has named Gregory A. Poland M.D. (ΕΓ, Illinois Wesleyan ’77) president of the Defense Health Board. The Department of Defense established the Defense Health Board Oct. 1, merging the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board, the Amputee Patient Care Program Board of Governors and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Scientific Advisory Board. In addition, the congressionally directed DoD Task Force on Mental Health will come under the new board’s responsibilities.

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Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

32 ADYTUM

ON HIGH

G

ifts in memory of a brother of Sigma Pi are accepted by the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. Once a gift is received, a card of acknowledgement is sent to the donor and, if possible, a card announcing the memorial contribution is sent to the immediate family of the one remembered or person honored. Please contact the SPEF office (800) 332-1897, email: edfound@sigmapi.org

Akron – Gamma-Nu Donald Vaughan ’76 Donald Maze ’85, 2006 Arkansas State - Alpha-Pi Bardford Scott ’81, 1/26/07 William Harrelson ’72 Frederick Crook ’63 Thomas Sylvester ’50, 2001

Mississippi State – Alpha-Lambda Frank Scarborough ’49, 3/26/06

Saint Lawrence – Alpha-Zeta Richard Farney ’31, 1/2/07

Missouri Southern State – Eta-Mu Billy McAnally ’06, 7/31/06

Southern Arkansas – Epsilon-Kappa David Hill ’79, 3/06

Morehead State – Delta-Rho Roy Senters ’83, 3/15/06

SIU-Edwardsville – Delta-Omega Edward Whittleman ’94, 2006

Murray State – Gamma-Upsilon Robert Hite ’79, 10/27/00 John Watkins ’88

Slippery Rock – Gamma-Delta Edward Bulger ’89, 1/4/07

Auburn - Alpha-Delta Thomas Pridmore ’44, 4/13/06 Christopher Galvin ’91, 11/19/06 Thomas Mills ’84, 2/07

New Mexico State – Beta-Xi William Fiske ’36, 9/19/05

California – Iota Earl Mitchell ’36, 11/05

NJIT – Alpha-Mu Walter “Wally” Schirra ’44

Cal State-Fullerton – Epsilon-Nu Michael Condatore ’84, 2/11/07

North Carolina State – Rho Willie Mayo ’57, 9/89 Robert Kelly ’46, 6/4/06

Cal State-Long Beach – Beta-Omicron David Dykstra ’75 Central Michigan – Delta-Alpha Michael Harris ’91, 2/13/07 Detroit-Mercy – Gamma-Alpha James Baker ’67, 12/31/06

Temple – Kappa Edward Borr ’51, 1997 Tulane – Omicron Robert Armbruster Jr. ’47, 10/23/06 Lawrence LeBeuf ’47, 2006 UCLA – Upsilon Jan Humble ’59, 2/29/04 Leonard Eilers, Jr. ’53, 6/29/06 Claude Blakemore ’32, 11/24/06 James Randal Ross ’49 William Sewell ’50, 1/2/07 Alex West ’49

Northern Colorado – Zeta-Tau Doug Seward ’90, 11/06 Ohio Northern – Zeta Harry Banks ’51, 11/9/06

Utah - Pi Jan Peterson ’59

East Stroudsburg – Beta-Psi George Martin ’62, 1/07

Oregon State – Omega Sean Fennerty ’04, 1/21/07 Peter Wolfe ’42, 7/31/06

Vincennes - Alpha Donald Rhodes ’72

Eastern Illinois – Beta-Gamma Delbert Moncel ’58, 11/23/06

Penn State – Theta Edward Kubacki ’41, 5/28/06

Wake Forest – Alpha-Nu Durward Hart, Jr. ’62, 9/80

Elon – Epsilon-Theta Richard Marchman ’77, 1/28/07

Rochester Tech – Beta-Phi Charles West, Jr. ’62, 10/26/06

Emory – Psi George Ricketson ’38, 3/25/05 William Wilson ’53, 2/14/93 Clifford Oxford ’43, 2/28/07

Saginaw Valley – Theta-Beta Renato DiBartolomeo, 12/14/06

Washington – Alpha-Gamma William Estep ’32, 8/8/06 Lester Byerly ’34, 11/16/06

Illinois – Phi Arnold Allen ’63, 1/05 Indiana - Beta John McMahon ’56, 9/22/06

San Diego State – Alpha-Omega Selby Dalton ’54 Waldo Miller ’57, 10/05/06 San Jose State – Beta-Eta Walter Ackemann ’57, 2002

Wayne State - Gamma-Omega Howard Cohn ’79 Michael Shepperd ’72 Western Illinois – Epsilon-Zeta Craig Glattly ’81

Iowa – Xi John Bishop ’68, 11/27/03 Mercer – Alpha-Epsilon Robert Reagan ’39 Michigan – Alpha-Beta Robert Bates ’69, 1/8/07

4

Consider an online gift in memory of a loved one.

SIGMAPI.ORG/EDFUND

Sigma Pi Alumnus, Veteran Astronaut Walter Schirra Dies “We shared a common dream to test the limits of man’s imagination and daring,” Schirra wrote of America’s early astronauts. “Those early pioneering flights of Mercury, the performances of Gemini and the trips to the moon established us once and for all as what I like to call a space faring nation. Like England, Spain and Portugal crossing the seas in search of their nations’ greatness, so we reached for the skies and ennobled our nation.”

Pioneering astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra, Jr. (ΑΜ, NJIT ’44), the only man who flew in all three of America’s first human space projects – Mercury, Gemini and Apollo – died at the age of 84. Schirra’s family reported he died of natural causes.

Schirra was one of America’s original seven astronauts, selected in 1959, and was commander of the first crew to fly into space aboard an Apollo capsule, Apollo 7, following the tragic launch pad fire that claimed the lives of the crew of Apollo 1.

4

As commander of Gemini 6-A, which launched on December 15, 1965, Schirra flew with astronaut Tom Stafford on a mission that included the first rendezvous of two manned, maneuverable spacecraft.

Gemini 6-A and Gemini 7 flew in formation for five hours, as close as one foot to one another.

During his 11-day Apollo 7 flight, which began October 11, 1968, he and fellow crewmembers Walt Cunningham and Donn Eisele tested the Apollo systems and proved Apollo was ready to take astronauts to the moon.

Images and video from Schirra’s years with NASA HTTP://WWW.NASA.GOV/VISION/SPACE/FEATURES/WALTER_SCHIRRA.HTML

Schirra’s military awards included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals, two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Philippines Legion of Honor.

He was awarded honorary doctorates by several institutions of higher learning.

He complemented CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite and the two became a powerful space-coverage team. Schirra worked for CBS from 1969 to 1975. He also engaged in a range of business activities and in 1979 formed his own consultant company, Schirra Enterprises.

Schirra was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on March 12, 1923.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945, and from Naval Flight Training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, in 1947. After service as a carrier-based fighter pilot and operations officer, he attended the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland. During the Korean War he flew F-86 Sabres under an exchange program with the Air Force.

After leaving NASA, he participated in a number of television presentations and films, and served as national spokesman for several organizations and companies. He also held numerous directorships for a variety of businesses, in addition to

He was active in a number of organizations. He was on the Advisory Committee of the Oceans Foundations, the Advisory Board/Council of U.S. National Parks, the Advisory Board of International “Up With People” and was a founding member and director of the Mercury Seven Foundation.

He also was a director of the San Diego Aerospace Museum, a trustee of the Scripps Aquarium, and a member of the International Council of the Salk Institute.

Schirra lived in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Survivors include his wife Josephine, his daughter Suzanne and son Walter Schirra III.

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

“With the passing of Wally Schirra, we at NASA note with sorrow the loss of yet another of the pioneers of human spaceflight,” NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said.

“As a Mercury astronaut, Wally was a member of the first group of astronauts to be selected, often referred to as the Original Seven.”

Schirra’s first space flight was piloting the fifth Mercury mission on October 3, 1962, orbiting Earth six times in nine hours and 13 minutes.

During the flight he took hundreds of photos of Earth and space phenomena. Schirra’s capsule, Sigma 7, splashed down only five miles from the recovery carrier.

Schirra retired from the Navy as a captain and from NASA in 1969 and became a commentator with CBS News. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the space program coupled with his charismatic onthe-air presence made him an even more widely known national and international figure.

his consulting work. He also wrote two books, “We Seven” published in 1960 and “Schirra’s Space” published in 1988.

33

Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

34 A DY TUM ON HIGH Kenneth Edward Nelson (ΕΓ, Illinois Wesleyan ’71), born March 23, 1949, in Chicago, passed on to the Adytum on High, on Friday, March 2, 2007, surrounded by his family, following a battle with brain cancer. He earned a political science degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he met and married Nancy Coleman of Longview, Texas.

Nelson will always be remembered as one of the original four founders of the local Zeta Epsilon Fraternity at Illinois Wesleyan University in 1969, which became the Epsilon-Gamma Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity in 1975. All the brothers initiated since 1969 have learned about him, along with other founders PGS Jack Fields, Pat Cox and Brian Wilson. Nelson left Wesleyan in 1971, before the chapter was chartered, and was not initiated as a Sigma Pi brother until 35 years later.

In March 2006, Nelson and his wife, traveled to Wesleyan for Founders’ Day and met with all the chapter brothers and many alumni to relate his memories about how and why the Fraternity was founded. The highlight of the day was the formal initiation ceremony when Nelson was initiated as a brother of Sigma Pi. Although suffering from brain cancer and the effects of chemotherapy, Nelson was excited and honored to become a brother in Sigma Pi, and it appeared to have profound meaning to him after so many years. It was also a meaningful experience for the active brotherhood to initiate a brother who had been so instrumental in founding the original group. Grand Herald John Michelich (ΕΓ, Illinois Wesleyan ’74), who knew Nelson as an undergraduate, participated in the initiation ceremony. After the ceremony, Nelson spent almost two hours describing the history of the founding of Zeta Epsilon, which was video-recorded by the brothers for historical purposes.

Nelson and his wife were honored again that evening at the Founders’ Day dinner.

Brother Nelson was a businessman

in Texas, who founded a telecom consulting firm, Nelsontech, which pioneered telecom applications. His clients included the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas County government offices, Johnson Swanson & Gibbs, Hermann Memorial Hospital, Microsoft, Nortel, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Nelson was a renowned speaker, and helped establish the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management MBA in Telecommunications.

Nelson had a passion for politics, and participated in the winning Bill Clement’s gubernatorial campaign and ran numerous state and local campaigns. Nelson was appointed the Red River Compact Commissioner from Texas, making him a one-man state agency. Nelson served his community as president of the Wolf Creek HOA, member of the Plano Homeowner Council and president of Texas Neighborhoods Together. He was active in the Power for Living Bible Fellowship, Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Nelson was preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother, Catherine. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter Christy Payne and husband Bryan; sons David and Daniel Nelson; adopted son Kyron Sullivan; father Wil Nelson and sisters Judy and Bonnie Nelson.

James Randal Ross, (Υ, UCLA ’49) retired Orange County Superior Court judge and a greatgrandson of western outlaw Jesse James, passed to the Adytum at age 80.

As an alumnus, Ross served Sigma Pi in many capacities including Legal Committee Advisor, Chapter Director, Province Archon, and a member of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation.

In 1992, Ross was honored with the Founders Award, the highest honor bestowed upon our brotherhood.

Judge Ross, who spent 29 years as a lawyer in Los Angeles, served as a Superior Court judge from 1983 until his retirement in 1995. He was a Fullerton resident at the time of his death. In 1984, he gained notice for

his ruling that Disneyland had violated the civil rights of two gay teenagers when security guards removed them from the Anaheim amusement park for dancing together. The next year, Disneyland ended its longtime policy prohibiting partners of the same sex from dancing together.

As a boy, Ross used to listen to his grandfather, Jesse James’s son, Jesse E. James, tell stories about the outlaw, who, along with his brother Frank, fought with Confederate guerrillas during the Civil War and then launched the string of robberies that made them infamous. Ross tapped those stories in writing “I, Jesse James,” his 1988 book published by Dragon Publishing Corp.

“He did a lot of research of facts and then he filled in the facts with what his grandfather had told him, a lot of family history,” said Ross’s daughter, Liza Ross-Suwczinsky.

In a 1995 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Judge Ross said the experience of writing the book, which is told in the first-person voice of Jesse James, strengthened his bond with his family heritage. “I don’t know what he actually said or thought, of course, but I feel I know so much about him that I can capture the way it might have been,” he said.

In writing the book, his daughter said, “He wanted the accurate story of Jesse James told, both the good and the bad, and let people decide for themselves.” Ross-Suwczinsky said her father, who once appeared on a History Channel segment on Jesse James, had a collection of James memorabilia, including a gun and holster, a rifle and boots, and other family heirlooms, which he donated to the Jesse James Farm and Museum in Kearney, Missouri.

Besides his daughter, Ross is survived by his wife, Rosemary; another daughter, Bonnie Jo Barnes; two sons, Randal and David; and five grandchildren.

William R. Sewell, (Υ, UCLA ’50), passed away January 2, 2007 in

Danville, California.

Sewell was rush chairman in the fall of 1949 and acquired great talent for the chapter. He loved to play bridge and worked hard for social gatherings.

After graduation, Bill moved to San Francisco, employed by the Matson Navigation Company and enjoyed a marvelous ten year career as staff officer and chief purser of the SS Lurline and other passenger ships of the era.

Sewell was born in a small hamlet near Pecos, Texas, and raised in Visalia, California, where he graduated from high school in 1944. After two years in the Army, he graduated from Visalia College (now known as the College of the Sequoias) in 1948.

Sewell married “Miss Matsonia” Verna Mae Shaw, and settled in Hawaii at the time of statehood, where they raised three children. He established himself in the real estate and home building industries, and developed several thriving partnerships and businesses, two of which are still active. He was also Hawaii’s first home inspector.

Sewell was twice elected to neighborhood boards, twice elected to the board of realtors, and served as president of the Home Builders Association (now known as the BIA.) Sewell was also a member of the Ala Moana Rotary Club and the Mercury Business Association.

Sewell retired to Danville, California, and then re-married.

He is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth of Danville, California; three children William Shaw Sewell (Nova Scotia) Michele Elaine Harris (Hawaii) and Scott Reeves Sewell (California) his sister Mary Frances Alexander (Arizona) and three granddaughters.

This notification was submitted

by Brother Sewell’s daughter, and it was in his last minutes in life that he thought of his brothers and this great Fraternity. “This text was prepared by my father before he passed away on January 2, 2007,” said his daughter.

2 Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

6

Six Ways to Remember the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation There are many ways to remember the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation in your estate plans, and you may be surprised to discover how inexpensive most of these are to accomplish. Here are six options to consider: 1. Amend an existing insurance policy to add the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation as an additional beneficiary. You could also purchase a new policy for Sigma Pi’s benefit.

2. Visit your personnel office and ask to amend your group life insurance policy or retirement plan to add The Sigma Pi Educational Foundation as one of your beneficiaries.

3. Instruct your lawyer to prepare a simple, inexpensive codicil to your existing will, creating a bequest for the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation.

4. Deed your house to the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation and continue to live in it. Your income tax savings from the gift may cover the legal costs.

5. Leave written or verbal instructions for your surviving spouse to include the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation when redrawing his or her will.

6. If you have a sizable estate, let us show you how a charitable trust may benefit both you and the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. Again, the tax advantages are significant and may offset any legal costs.

Some of the gift arrangements are revocable and others cannot be changed once established. Some work better with cash and others with appreciated assets. There are many variations, enough so that a giving plan can be tailored to your needs, desires and capabilities.

Although the Educational Foundation does not practice estate planning, President and Chief Development Officer Richard Robinson can sit down with you and explain these things to help you get the ball rolling. For your protection, he will urge you to check with your professional advisor(s) before completing any planned gift. He is also available to meet with your advisor(s) to assist in the process.

If you wish, you can call RichardRobinson at 800-332-1897. You can also contact him by email at rrobinson@sigmapi.org . You will appreciate his knowledge about planned giving, and his commitment to honor your wishes.

Sigma Pi Educational Foundation to Honor Governor Mike Beebe On August 17, 2007, the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation will honor Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe (ΑΠ, Arkansas State ’68) at a dinner to be held at the Governor’s residence in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Governor Beebe will be honored by the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation for his many accomplishments, not only as a scholar, but as a leader, exemplifying the ideals found in the Creed of Sigma Pi. In honor of Governor Beebe, the Governor Mike Beebe Veterans Fund is being established in his name.

This scholarship fund is being established to provide educational opportunities for veterans and the children of servicemen and women killed in action, regardless of affiliation with the Sigma Pi. Proceeds from this dinner will benefit the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation Endowment and the Governor Mike Beebe Veterans Fund. Attendees will be treated to an open reception at the Governor’s residence prior to the event, a dinner with Beebe, prepared by the Governor’s chefs and the ceremony honoring the Governor. Sponsors of the event will also be invited to take part in a private reception with the Governor prior to the event.

Seating for this event is limited to 220 attendees. If you would like more information about how you can be a part of this historic event as an attendee, an event sponsor, or would like to contribute to the Governor Mike Beebe Veterans Fund, please contact President and Chief Development Officer Richard Robinson. He will be happy to assist you and can be reached toll-free at 800-332-1897 or by email at rrobinson@sigmapi.org.

Sigma Pi Motorcycle Rally 2007 There is nothing better than riding on a motorcycle through the hills, unless you are with Sigma Pi brothers. For the past three years, the Fraternity hosted the Sigma Pi Motorcycle Rally in coordination with the Honda Hoot ™ in Knoxville Tennessee. Every year it is a great time to get out and ride the motorcycles with Sigma Pi brothers. Last year, the group rode the Deal’s Gap, Cherohala Scenic Skyway and saw beautiful Tennessee scenery.

In addition, there was a Sigma Pi hospitality suite overlooking the fireworks display. From the suite, participants had the absolute best view of the fireworks. In addition, the venue provided great rides every day and one of the biggest midways to purchase motorcycle accessories.

This summer, join Sigma Pi for the fourth annual Sigma Pi Motorcycle Rally with other Sigma Pi brothers at the thirteenth annual Honda Hoot ™, June 19-23, 2007 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Honda Hoot ™ offers the perfect chance to immerse yourself in four days of motorcycle magic. Ride long, winding roads through lush, green forests and rolling hills, discovering new destinations along the way. Further you can look at and take and test ride on an array of new motorcycles in the demo area.

Meet new friends and reminisce with other Sigma Pi brothers during the week. Everyday there will be special events during the day and of course nightly festivities under the stars. Experience warm southern hospitality as you discover all the exciting attractions Knoxville and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Sigma Pi will have its own calendar of events, including a hospitality suite one night. It will be a great time for all.

When you pre-register directly on the www.hondahoot.com website, pre-register for the following Honda sponsored events that Sigma Pi brothers can attend together, and make your reservations to stay at the capital Honda Hoot HQ - Marriott Hotel in Downtown Knoxville or one of the nearby hotels.

Sigma Pi Educational Foundation Annual Corporate Meeting Saturday, July 28, 200741:30 p.m.

4Friday, June 22-Poker Run, includes lunch. Benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor foundation $18.00 4Saturday, June 23-Best Dam Ride and Fish Fry Ride, includes lunch $18.00 Mark your calendar now for June 19-23, 2007. Should you have any questions, please contact Cliff Wilke at (202) 409-0875 or via email cawilke@usa.net.

Spring 2007 • www.sigmapi.org

Vanderbilt University4Nashville, TN Location: Saratt – Room 110 Agenda4Corporate Update Corporation Contact: President & Chief Development Officer Richard Robinson, (800) 332-1897

1

Emerald of Sigma Pi Fraternity

FROM THE

FOUNDATION

Foundation Volume IV, Number 2 • Spring 2007 FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman Thomas A. Moore (ΓΡ, Western Michigan ’69) Vice-Chairmen Gary T. Dvorchak (Ξ, Iowa ’86) Edward J. Panconi (ΕΣ, Loyola Marymount ’84) Allen W. Yee (ΑΦ, Georgia ’99)

Dear Brothers:

Moore

Our Board of Trustees bears the responsibility for the financial health of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. This responsibility includes not only current needs, but also the financial needs of the future. One of the ways the board addresses this future obligation is through planned giving.

While some planned gifts are aimed at current needs, the bulk of these gifts provide resources for tomorrow. For example, our endowment program sets in place an assortment of enduring funds that address the ongoing needs of Sigma Pi. Another example is our emphasis on bequests, whereby donors can make gifts from their estates at death.

All of these planned giving donors express foresight. These friends understand that the future may hold unusual challenges and opportunities . . . and they want the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation to be financially able to meet these demands.

Treasurer L. Nelson Farris (ΒΟ, Cal State – Long Beach ’66) Secretary John J. Merino (ΒΟ, Cal State – Long Beach ’58) Trustees Donald J. Cox (Κ, Temple ’55) G. Mason Cozart (ΕΚ, Southern Arkansas ’83) David L. DeFilippo (ΕΝ, Cal State – Fullerton ’92) Brenan C. German (ΕΝ, Cal State – Fullerton ’91) Paul W. Hansen (ΒΤ, Valparaiso ’80) John D. Kitch (Η, Purdue ’73) John J. McCann (ΑΜ, NJIT ’83) R. Todd Miller (ΕΤ, Tennessee – Martin ’87) Larry P. Rovira (ΕΝ, Cal State – Fullerton ’85) Marc S. Saffren (ΗΛ, SUNY – Albany ’92) Michael J. Simmons (ΕΝ, Cal State – Fullerton ’87) Jay M. Vaden (ΘΚ, Texas Tech ’03) Clifford A. Wilke (ΔΖ, Missouri – St. Louis ’80)

Managing Editor Adam L. Dibble (ΘΘ, Ferris State ’06)

Our President and Chief Development Officer Richard Robinson has a complimentary brochure on the subject of planned giving. You may request it by calling our toll-free number at 800-332-1897. You can also request a personal visit by Richard. He will be happy to show you how you too can demonstrate your foresight through a planned gift. Your forward thinking will help to secure the future of Sigma Pi, its educational programs and scholarships for all brothers that follow.

President/Chief Development Officer Richard Robinson (ΕΤ, Tennessee – Martin ’87)

The fact is, we need all of our friends to support the mission of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation in every way possible.

FOUNDATION STAFF

We appreciate our friends who stick by us year after year with annual contributions and special gifts.

We could not exist without you. But we also want to honor those who look into the future and address the unseen needs that lie out there before us. You give us hope and confidence in a bright tomorrow.

Administrative Assistant Jennifer R. Wyatt

ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICES

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Sigma Pi Educational Foundation Post Office Box 1897 Brentwood, TN 37024 Tel: (615) 373-5728 Fax: (615) 373-8949 Email: edfound@sigmapi.org Website: www.sigmapi.org

Thomas A. Moore, Jr. Chairman Sigma Pi Educational Foundation

Helping Our Fraternity Build “A New Generation of Leaders”

Copyright © 2007 Sigma Pi Educational Foundation

Foundation www.sigmapi.org • The official publication of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation • Spring 2007

Governor Mike Beebe VETERANS FUND Arkansas Capitol

Sigma Pi Educational Foundation Annual Corporate Meeting • Saturday, July 28, 2007 To Parents/Guardians: Your son’s magazine is sent to his home address while he is an undergraduate in college. During this time we hope you enjoy reading about the true benefits of Sigma Pi Fraternity. But, if he is no longer living at home or attending college, please send his new permanent address to: Sigma Pi Fraternity, P.O. Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37024, or via email at emerald@sigmapi.org. Thank you.

Prsrt Std Non-Profit U. S. Postage

PAID

Sigma Pi Fraternity P. O. Box 1897 Brentwood, TN 37024

Lebanon Junction, KY Permit No. 441

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