Emerald_Winter_2004

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Sigma Pi Fraternity’s Official Publication

In th

Winter 2004

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a M e service of God and

SIGMA PI HELPS OTHERS WORLDWIDE.

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PUBLISHED SINCE 1911 VOLUME 90, NUMBER 1 WINTER 2004

F E AT U R E S In the Service of God and Man 4 Brian Newton wins poker tourney 24

D E PA R T M E N T S Chapter News 10 Alumni News 22 Adytum on High 26

E D I T O R I A L S TA F F

Sigma Pi alumni and undergraduates: It’s time to prepare for success in 2005!

Andrew D. Smith ( , Troy State ’00) Managing Editor Mark S. Briscoe ( , Arkansas State ’82) Business Manager

V O L U N T E E R S TA F F PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Adam Shores ( , Troy State ’98), Chairman Larry Rovira ( , Cal State Fullerton ’85) Jeffery Seay ( , Florida State ’91) Chris Mundschenk ( , Southern Ill.-Carbondale ’97) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark Reed ( , Georgia ’69) Mike Liskey ( , UCLA ’90) Oliver Culley ( , Virginia ’95) Christian J. Miele ( , Towson ’04)

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 82,000 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) The EMERALD OF SIGMA PI FRATERNITY (ISSN 10745289, USPS 011-013), is published quarterly by Sigma Pi Fraternity, P.O. Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37024. Periodical Postage paid at Brentwood, Tennessee, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SIGMA PI FRATERNITY, P.O. Box 1897, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37024. MEMBERS: When making an address change, please send your full name and chapter with both the old and new addresses to the International Headquarters (see address below).

Submission Deadlines: Spring Summer Fall Winter

December 10 March 10 June 10 September 10

Submit Emerald news to:

Member, National Interfraternity Conference

Member, College Fraternity Editors Association

Sigma Pi Fraternity, Attention: Emerald Post Office Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37024 Telephone: (615) 373-5728 Fax: (615) 373-8949 E-mail: asmith@sigmapi.org Web site: www.sigmapi.org

Correction: This is the Winter 2004 edition (Vol. 90, Number 1.) The 2003 Winter edition (Vol. 89, Number 1–Chivalry cover) was erroneously listed as “Winter 2004.”

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Get ready to join us for the Mid-year Leadership Conference February 4–5, 2005 Call (800)332-1897 for more information on this event.

You’re Invited!

All alumni, especially those in the St. Louis area, are officially invited to attend the Sigma Pi International alumni event on Friday, February 4, 2005, at the Airport Hilton, home of the 2005 Mid-year Leadership Conference.

For more information, contact Director of Alumni Services Paul Wydra at pwydra@sigmapi.org or (800)332-1897.

Enjoy the benefits of lifelong membership!

Join us in St. Louis!

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FROM THE GRAND SAGE

Gilmer’s Law of Leadership states “Look over your shoulder now and then to be certain that someone is following you.” I don’t know who Gilmer is, but this is pretty good advice and I intend to follow it. However, it occurs to me that the only way to be certain that the brotherhood is willing to stand behind me as Grand Sage, behind the Grand Council, behind the Educational Foundation, and behind our headquarters staff, is to let you, the brothers of Sigma Pi, know what I see our Fraternity doing for the next year and a half. To do that I first need to explore with you who we are and why we do what we do.

The first step in this exploration, I think, is to identify why Sigma Pi Fraternity exists. What is its purpose? What is its reason for being? Why do we take such pride in a 19th century organization formed by four college men at a small school in the heartland of the Midwest? Are there valid reasons justifying our continued existence? Well, of course I believe there are, or I wouldn’t have remained involved with Sigma Pi after my college graduation, I would never have run for the Grand Council, and I wouldn’t have asked for the job of Grand Sage at the Biennial Convocation in Chicago. Okay, so then what is that purpose? What are those reasons for being?

Obviously, since we are a social fraternity a significant element of our focus is on social matters. Our chapters and alumni groups “gather round the fireside bright” because we like each other’s company and because we have common bonds that draw us together in a spirit of brotherhood. The Fraternity gives us a social identity, and when we wear our Greek letters on our chests we are telling the world that we’re a part of something good, something special, and something fun.

However, I submit to you that our Fraternity’s most important purpose is not just social. I believe it is nothing less than to foster the highest and best personal development of each and every one of its members, undergraduate and alumnus alike, so that all of us will be positive assets to our society. Look at the first line of our century-old motto: “Progress, man’s distinctive mark alone. . . .” Our creed establishes a highly personal goal for each brother “to advance truth and justice, promote scholarship, encourage chivalry, diffuse culture and develop character,” and we “strive to make real the Fraternity’s ideals” in our individual lives “in the service of God and man.” Our Fraternity’s slogan, “A New Generation of Leaders,” demonstrates our dedication to the goal of helping our undergraduate brothers become strong and valued members of society through education and example. Therefore, to be true to our mission we must direct our efforts to these purposes.

I am pleased to report that in cooperation with and supported by the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation we are doing exactly that. For example, the Grand Council and headquarters staff has initiated the ACE Project, which stands for Altruistic Campus Experience. This program, which sets Sigma Pi apart from any other Greek organization in North America, is a philanthropic partnership with our host colleges and universities to carry out a service project directly benefiting the host institution. The purpose is to give something back to our respective alma maters and to develop a strong relationship with our schools. The ideas for ACE projects vary widely, and we are striving this year for participation in an ACE Project by every chapter and colony in the world of Sigma Pi. Please go on our website, sigmapi.org, and click on “ACE Project” for more information.

Another important program is our Mid-year Leadership Conference, which will be held in St. Louis February 4–5, 2005, at the Hilton Hotel Airport Property. At this educational conference sages and third counselors will learn principles of leadership and financial management, and alumni volunteers will gain valuable information to help them better serve the brotherhood. Won’t you block this out on your calendar now and plan to attend? The Educational Foundation and the Grand Council will host an alumni reception that weekend, and we would like to see you.

These are just two of our programs; there are many more. Browse the website and you can see that Sigma Pi is committed to its mission of progress, personal development, and service. I hope that you will join with us in this mission, and that when we look over our shoulders to see if we have any followers, you’ll be there.

Fraternally, John D. Kitch Grand Sage

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In the

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Man

Long after our undergraduate years, the lessons we learned and the habits we created during our collegiate and our Fraternal experiences still shape and define us as men. For many of us, the words of our Creed have been burned deep into our hearts, and we are conscious to follow it in our daily lives.

Of all of the ideals in the Creed of Sigma Pi Fraternity, the one that may be the most important is the last mission of our membership: To develop character in the service of God and Man. The effects of service from our membership can be felt by countless people, as good will and charity brings out the best in everyone. The Fraternity’s current emphasis on service projects, including our devotion to assisting local church groups, the Red Cross, and our own campuses with the Altruistic Campus Experience (ACE Project), has increased as undergraduates are building a strong service ethic that will last a lifetime.

We now take a moment to acknowledge the work of a few of our members and encourage readers to support these individuals in their efforts to serve others internationally. We hope the following personal accounts will inspire alumni to become more involved in their communities and encourage undergraduates to keep up the good work in their chapters. Together, we will help make this world a better place as we do what we can to help others as we strive to make real the Fraternity’s ideals in our daily lives.

Brother Mark “Beatle” Bailey ( , Central Michigan ’79) rides for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, July 2003.

Brothers at Millersville University (Zeta-Gamma) sponser a campus-wide clean up as part of their ACE Project.

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In the Service of God and Man

Brother Mark Reed pictured left (right,) spent time in Haiti helping others in 2004 with a group from Fellowship Bible Church at Roswell, Georgia.

Mission to Haiti

By Mark Reed ( , Georgia ’69)

S

ince pledging Sigma Pi as a freshman at the University of Georgia and first memorizing The Creed of Sigma Pi, I have tried to put into action the various components of the Creed. In my view, the most important words in the Creed are “... in the service of God and man.” After 39 years of carrying these words with me, I may have finally put them to full use.

From May 12–17, 2004, I went on a mission trip to Haiti, sponsored by my church, Fellowship Bible Church, in Roswell, Georgia. I accompanied Crawford Hitt, a missionary from my church affiliated with New Directions International (NDI).

Crawford is an old Haiti hand, having been to Haiti many times.

He took good care of me and exposed me to many of the almost overwhelming needs in Haiti.

This past year I felt led to explore the possibility of taking teams of men to Haiti on mission trips, and I felt it was imperative that I see Haiti firsthand in order to give credibility to my efforts.

I have now been to Haiti, and it was an eye-opening experience.

While the United States Department of State still has a travel advisory on Haiti for American citizens, I must say that I felt absolutely safe during my time there. In fact, I was told by numerous missionaries, pastors, local officials, and rank-and-file Haitian people that it’s safe to travel in Haiti. It’s a dangerous world in which we live, and traveling in any country outside the United States can have certain dangers associated with it. The recent

Reed helps a young child.

past has shown that it can be dangerous within our borders as well. In Haiti, using common sense and the same caution you would use crossing a mall parking lot after hours serves you well.

That being said, I had a wonderful trip. Haiti is a feast for the eyes and all the other senses. It is a beautiful country in many

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ways, although it has the dubious honor of being the western hemisphere’s poorest nation, and for good reason. There are tremendous needs in Haiti, from the most basic, such as food and health care, to the simple things we in America and the rest of the developed world take for granted—things such as running water, electricity, and air conditioning. We are spoiled and do not even realize it. I don’t say that to give us a hard time; it’s just that we are blessed in so many ways. I know there are people in America who are in great need also, but count your lucky stars and thank God that you live in America.

I had the honor to meet and spend time with some of America’s finest young people while in Haiti. No, I’m not referring to Sigma Pi brothers. I’m talking about U.S. Marines. Lift them up in your prayers. Whenever you have the opportunity, let them know how much you appreciate them. The men and women serving our country appreciate being appreciated more than you know.

During my trip, Crawford and I had the honor of being invited to the National Presidential Palace (Haiti’s White House) for a morning of prayer for Haiti, led by prominent Christian pastors

Haitian school children are glad to see the Americans and wave hello.

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Haiti is a beautiful country, but has the dubious honor of being the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere.

and religious leaders from all across Haiti. Although the president and prime minister were not present, many government officials and administrators were. Surprisingly, as the only “blanc” (white) people present, we were escorted to VIP seats in the front row with an interpreter behind us to translate the proceedings, which were in French-Creole.

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There is a contingent of U.S. Marines living on the palace grounds to provide security to the new government. Their helmets and weapons are stacked within easy reach in a row beside their billet area. We talked to some of them as we passed through security at the palace grounds, and one young Marine, being a Tennessee boy, got a big Georgia boy hello from me!

From the time I arrived in Port Au Prince to the time I left, I was on the move and received an introduction to Haiti that you don’t get from a travel guidebook or a Club Med vacation. What an interesting country! What lovely people! Haitians may seem somewhat reticent at first. While they may not be the first to talk to you or wave at you, once you say bon jour and wave, they break into great smiles, call to you, and wave with abandon. For the most part, Hatians seem to love Americans and appreciate us being in their country, probably because they know there can be no other reason for us to be there than to help them in some way. Haiti is not a big tourist destination!

All of the missionaries and the various missions to which I was introduced while in Haiti are doing unbelievably good things in unbelievably harsh conditions. They need so much. It may seem, because of the great need, that anything we do is just a drop in the bucket. How easy it would be to think that no single person could possibly make a difference. Let me tell you, that is not the case. I have seen the difference one person can make in turning a life around. Haiti, and for that matter, any place around the world that needs help, can be helped by one person, one situation at a time.

That one boy or girl who is given a helping hand to escape abject poverty and need, who is given hope for a better life, and, even more importantly, is introduced to God, may be the future leader of his or her home, church, community, or country. I believe we are called to give people this chance. As Jesus said in the Bible, “What you do for the least of these, you do for me.”

There is so much more I could share about this trip, but there is no way to say it all and fit the parameters of this article.

Experiences from my trip are still whirling in my head. Although I journaled during my time in Haiti, the gaps in that narrative are considerable. I have a feeling I will be adding a lot to my journal as time goes by and as more and more comes to mind.

Going on this mission trip has been one of the most important things I’ve ever done. I don’t know what God has in store for me with regard to my future involvement in Haiti or any other mission field in the world, but I do know this: I wholeheartedly recommend that you go on a mission trip or participate in some fashion. It just might change your life or the life of a person with whom you come in contact. As a friend of mine said, “It’s just your everyday, ordinary, life-changing experience!’

I’ll be going back to Haiti at some point. Come with me.

There just might be something exciting in store for you. We can make a difference in the world. Maybe just one child, one man, or one woman at a time, but that’s OK, as long as it’s “in the service of God and man.”

The country is ravaged by annual hurricanes and poverty, yet Haiti can be quite scenic.

American influence is helping the young residents, and they are thankful.

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Coach Mike Liskey Shares Faith and Basketball i

By Mike Liskey ( , UCLA ’90) Dear Brothers, During my Sigma Pi days in Upsilon Chapter at UCLA, I received an excellent education that went beyond textbooks and lectures. I experienced and learned many painful life lessons that are required to grow and mature. The Creed of Sigma Pi also taught me a great moral code of conduct and chivalry that encourages our Brotherhood to live our lives “...in the service of God and man.” These hallowed words and my Christian faith have been my rallying points, and have directed my path to where I am today.

In August 2003, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Benin, Africa, to teach basketball and Christian principles to members of the Benin National Team and other players who were being developed in their sports/basketball academy. Coach John Block, a former NBA All-Star, organized the trip and included a small group of Christian coaches from across the country.

Benin was an adventure that has forever changed my life. The experience challenged my views on education, politics, economics, religion, and everything in between. My heart and soul were irreversibly touched by complete and unconditional love from impoverished strangers. This trip to Benin may arguably be the most influential event in my life so far.

Basketball is a way to bring missions to Benin.

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was the primary slave port in Benin is located in West Africa.

Western Africa, bordering Luckily, President Mathieu the North Atlantic Ocean, Kerekou of Benin is a fellow between Nigeria and Togo.

Christian who is very supportColonized by the French, ive of our efforts and goals. He Benin won its independence helped arrange our safe travel only 40 years ago. After a while in the country and creseries of military coups, the ated opportunities to share country went red with a God’s word and God’s love Marxist Leninist ideology in with the Benin nationals. the early 1970s. After being President Kerekou also met the People’s Republic of with our team and talked Benin for about 15 years, the Mike Liskey (R) with a friend. about his process of “reconcilNational Conference voted iation” with the surrounding African counto abolish the Marxist ideology and move tries. Benin is taking its blame for participattoward a democratic and multiparty system. ing in and benefiting from the African slave Benin is now in its first decade of democracy. trade and having one of the largest slave ports This colorful political past creates a in Africa. The president’s efforts at reconciliaunique environment. Economically, Benin is tion and forgiveness are truly humbling and in the beginning stages of capitalism, but a speak of God’s words. majority of the country still lives in poverty Our time in Benin consisted of numerous and has not recovered from its colonization basketball camps in both the southern and from France. Most of the Benin infrastructure northern parts of the country. Our daily schedand culture, including education and lanule included camp for beginners from 8–11 guage, is still French. However, the communist a.m., camp for more advanced and developed influence from China shows politically in a players from 1–4 p.m., and practice for the very slow, bureaucratic, and corrupt governNational Team from 6–9 p.m. The temperature ment. The architecture from the past 40 years was always at least 90 degrees and was often is also greatly influenced by the financial conin the 100-degree range. The humidity often tributions of the Chinese, including the Benin fluctuated between 80 and 90 percent. When National Sports Complex. Regarding religion, we were lucky, we held our camps in the the country is a blend of Christians, Muslims, National Sports Complex in the southern part and voodoo worshippers. Voodoo actually origiof the country. Unfortunately, the complex had nated in the Benin slave port of Ouidah, which no air conditioning and few windows to allow a breeze. When the sports complex wasnít available or when we were in the northern part of the country, our team of coaches held camps outside in the African sun. Despite our grueling work schedule, the coaches developed many friendships with the players and camp participants. The coaches also had the opportunity to play in an exhibition game with the Beninese National Basketball Team, and we actually won with a burst of scoring in the fourth quarter. The final score was U.S. Coaches 67, Beninese National Team 47. I somehow scored 10 points, but my main job was to be the scrappy and defensive stopper.

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l in Benin Our Benin team experienced many victories on the court and with the people. We also struggled and transformed from within as our vision united and the fruit of our soul harvest materialized. Our team was also blessed by an amazing trip to the northern part of the country, where we experienced true faithfulness

by Christian villages who love God and their neighbors unconditionally.

My first mission trip was a blend of fear and anticipation of what lies ahead. I learned obedience and faithfulness to God, especially when the weather and long coaching days took their toll. I rested with comfort that the Biblical missionary Paul shared the word of God with fear, trembling, and without eloquent words. I allowed my heart and actions to speak for me. But during my most difficult times, I always came back to Sigma Pi. In the evening of my memory, I heard the echoes “... in the service of God and man.” I heard a thundering of a great moral code from brothers past, calling out “... in the service of God and man.” And I know in my heart that my pursuit of these ideals and traditions has helped me “strive to make real the Fraternity’s ideals in my own daily life.”

The trip to Benin, Africa, has forever changed my life and made me a better coach, man, husband, brother of Sigma Pi, and faithful follower of God. I hope to continue to work with the Beninese National Team and the people of Benin to solidify positive change and growth in faith.

I want to thank all of the Sigma Pi brothers who supported our Benin Team financially and in prayers for our safety and success.

Brother builds a community through soccer

By Olliver Culley ( , Virginia ’95) Dear Sigma Pi International, My years as a Sigma Pi at the University of Virginia were the best part of my collegiate experience. Some of my best friendships were forged during those years.

Currently, I am volunteering for 27 months in the United States Peace Corps in the town of Isperih, Bulgaria. During my time here, I am working on a multitude of projects primarily geared toward helping the local community organize sustainable development projects that can enhance their lives long after my service ends.

The town of Isperih has 10,000 residents. It is an extremely poor town, with an unemployment rate around 40 percent, having suffered mightily during the transition from a centrally planned to a market-based economy, exacerbated by the overall emigration of the population to larger cities in Bulgaria and overseas. As a result, the people in Isperih are much more focused on trying to find work than they are on being able to create positive, long-lasting organizations for their children.

Like elsewhere in Europe, Bulgarians are soccer crazy. We have a budding soccer league in Isperih that is trying to get its feet off the ground. There are approximately 250 children between the ages of eight and 19 who have signed up for the league, including 32 children from the local orphanage. These children will form the basis for approximately 17 teams, including two women’s teams. We are planning for the inaugural season to run from April through August of 2005.

Through the formation of this league, we are hoping to capitalize on the broad interest in Isperih to play soccer, encourage competition, and hone the playing skills of the participants. In addition, we want to encourage greater cooperation and teamwork between the three ethnic groups that exist here: Bulgarian (30 percent of the population), Turkish (60 percent of the population), and Romas (who are commonly known as “Gypsies,” 10 percent of the population). Thus far, we have received strong support for this idea from all three groups.

Unfortunately, in a community living under trying conditions, it is extremely difficult to obtain all of the necessary equipment to properly start a soccer league. There are many families that have difficulty paying their monthly electricity bills, let alone purchasing shin guards or soccer shoes for their children. This situation presents an excellent opportunity for you to make a real impact on some very needy children.

If you would like to make a contribution to help purchase/construct the following items that are essential to start such a league in Isperih, please let me know. Our needs include soccer goals, soccer nets, soccer balls, a chalking machine, chalk, and jerseys.

Please accept my heartfelt thanks, as well as the appreciation of the people of Isperih.

Yours in Brotherhood, Oliver A. Culley, CPA United States Peace Corps Volunteer—Isperih, Bulgaria oliverculley@hotmail.com

Brother Liskey reaches out to the children of Benin through basketball camps.

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CHAPTER NEWS “and I will strive to make real the Fraternity’s ideals in my own daily life.” —from The Sigma Pi Creed

fun and school spirit.” Sigma Pi Fraternity was greatly appreciated by the Office of Student Life.

—Samuel Moreno, Herald zwanfighter@aol.com

CAL. STATE-LONG BEACH Beta-Omicron Chapter Beach City’s alumni reminds everyone to contact John Merino at jjmerino1@comcast.net to get details for Beta-Omicron’s 50th anniversary celebration, which will be held Saturday, February 26, 2005, at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach.

CAL. STATE-SACRAMENTO Eta-Alpha Chapter

Brothers of Epsilon-Zeta on the first night of rush week

ARIZONA STATE Beta-Kappa Chapter Things are looking great for BetaKappa Chapter. After winning Chapter of the Year in spring ’04, brothers put much effort into winning it again this year. The chapter initiated 12 men in spring ’04, and they are already starting to take chair positions in the house and improve the chapter even more. Since the start of fall ’04, Beta-Kappa has had 65 men who are interested in becoming Sigma Pi brothers, so the chapter is planning to have a successful rush.

Brothers have been working hard on an upcoming philanthropy event, which will include a blood drive and a canned food drive for the victims of hurricane Charlie.

Congratulations to former Sage Ferron Dunham who was elected to be a student body president for ASU. The chapter’s new sage, Michael O’Hair, is doing a great job so far. Best of luck to brothers Scott Blair and Jared Lauer who graduated in spring ’04 and are starting a successful life after college.

—Ryan Swanson, Herald

CALIFORNIA Iota Chapter Brothers made major improvements to the house over the summer, which helped the chapter come back from summer break with a lot of momentum. The brothers who lived in the house over the summer spent much of their time making the common area more comfortable. Brotherhood

remained strong over the summer as members, who were scattered all around the state, came together for a road trip to Southern California.

The chapter was very busy during the first weeks of the semester.

Brothers worked hard to put together a successful rush week that brought quality new members to the house.

Members enjoyed a weekend brotherhood trip to Las Vegas in the middle of September. The chapter had an excellent semester with the many social, brotherhood, and philanthropy events.

—Matt Campos, Herald Campos29@berkeley.edu

CAL. STATE-DOMINGUEZ HILLS Eta-Iota Chapter

Eta-Alpha has begun to move forward in community service and campus involvement. Chapter numbers are growing, and brothers look forward to having a successful rush this semester. Teams have already begun practicing for intramurals, and members expect to do very well in all areas of Sigma Pi. —Stefan Sanborn, Sage S8ndude@aol.com

Theta-Mu Chapter

Welcome Week was held on campus September 13–17. Like always, Sigma Pi was among the most active organizations on campus. Most of the EtaIota actives volunteered to set up canopies early in the morning and to set up for a live performance by a local rock band. Later that day, Brother Angel Garcia volunteered as a cook in the traditional free barbeque for students in the Sculpture Garden, were all major events are held. On September 14, Brother Alex Gutierrez volunteered in the dunk tank, where he was dunked plenty of times.

Brother Alex said, “It’s all part of recruitment. When someone sees you’re Greek, they immediately think

Theta-Mu Chapter started off the year strong. Brothers completed a successful fall rush, ending up with 19 pledges, almost doubling their chapter size. Sigma Pi has the largest pledge class out of any of the Chico fraternities.

Theta-Mu is hoping to become back-to-back champions in volleyball and should be contenders for the championship in football this semester.

Brothers are still promoting leadership by holding positions as president and head of recruitment for IFC, and by having members in Order of Omega. With a young executive board, the chapter has high hopes for the coming year.

—Andrew Williamson, Herald awilliamson2@mail.csuchico.edu

Help is here! Beta-Kappa brothers help freshmen move in at Arizona State.

CAL. STATE-CHICO

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CARLETON Eta-Rho Chapter Rush week is booming, thanks to the actives’ large participation in Carleton’s Orientation Week. Special thanks to rush chairs Eric Hazelton and Kyle Comber for their fantastic efforts.

Eta-Rho’s annual golf tournament was the most successful one yet, raising $1,450 for the Reece J. Scofield Bursary Fund. Tournament organizers Preetham Natarajan, Ian Shepard, and Shawn Willick are thanked for nearly doubling last year’s turnout.

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CHAPTER NEWS Chapter reports are those submitted by the September 10, deadline.

Don’t forget, Eta-Rho is hosting their annual TundraBowl in late January/early February. Check out the chapter’s our new and improved web site, www.sigmapicanada.com, for updates and contact information.

—Ian Shepard, Herald ian_shepard@yahoo.com

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT Epsilon-Pi Chapter This summer, Epsilon Pi Chapter received three awards at convocation: the William J. Cutbirth Community Service Award, the (chapter efficiency) 800 Club award, and All-Collegiate Honors, which was won by Sage Alan Moore. The chapter is very proud of these awards.

This fall went well for Epsilon-Pi. The chapter had a great rush and expects an even better one in the spring. Epsilon-Pi’s relations with the school and with all of the other Greeks on campus continue to get better. Brothers had a camping trip with Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and

enjoy football Saturdays and tailgating. The chapter initiated six brothers into the Fraternity and had one of the largest fall pledge classes on campus.

The chapter’s brotherhood has grown even stronger with large groups of brothers traveling all the way to Texas A&M and Miami to follow the Clemson football team. Another brotherhood event that everyone looked forward to was formal at Lake Lanier in Georgia. Formal is always a highlight of the semester, and this year was no different. The chapter also participated in several philanthropy events, including Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority’s dodge ball tournament and cleaning the chapter’s “Neat Street” in Clemson. Finally, special congratulations are due to Past Sage Adam Hammond, who was elected undergraduate student body president. Everyone in Eta-Psi Chapter worked hard to campaign for Adam, and brothers are extremely proud of his accomplishment.

—Daniel Toeppner, Herald rhino8dt@hotmail.com

COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY Theta-Delta Chapter

Zeta-Gamma brother John Reichert and a rushee clean up the parking lot at Millersville University. are planning events with other sororities on campus.

One way members hope to grow in brotherhood is by taking a road trip to visit a Sigma Pi chapter at another school. Although the chapter is unable to play in the school’s intramural league, brothers still regularly play football on campus on the weekends.

The chapter hopes to have another great year in philanthropy and fund raising, and is in the process of planning events.

—Brad Sisson, Herald BSISSON5@AOL.COM

CLEMSON Eta-Psi Chapter Eta-Psi Chapter is off to another great semester. Everyone was glad to be back at school after the summer to

The brothers of Theta-Delta are excited to embark on another semester at TCNJ. It was quite an eventful summer, as the chapter brought home a plethora of awards from convocation, including the Grand Sage’s Cup. The fact that so many founding brothers were in Chicago to accept the award made it that much sweeter.

Thanks to the help of brothers during the chapter’s annual Brotherhood Week in June, some major renovations were made to the chapter house.

These renovations included gutting the kitchen and installing new cabinets and sinks, thoroughly cleaning the yard, and installing a washer and dryer.

It was a busy and fun-filled fall semester as the chapter worked on community service projects such as helping at an autism home and volunteering in the Trenton Adopt-a-School Program, not to mention planning for the chapter’s much anticipated Pi Sale Bachelor Auction, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross.

From a social aspect, brothers teamed up with Zeta Tau Alpha sorority members to defend their title as Greek champions during the school’s homecoming week. Homecoming was a great chance for the undergraduates to catch up with its alumni brethren at Theta-Delta’s giant tailgate.

The men of Beta-Gamma celebrate their third year in a row as overall champions for EIU intramurals.

Finally, chapter members would like to send their prayers to Brother and Past Herald P.J. Spigner, who is serving in Iraq. Everyone wishes P.J. a fast and above all safe return home.

—Mike Frankel, Herald frankel3@tcnj.edu

COLORADO Zeta-Delta Chapter There are many things for ZetaDelta Chapter to look forward to during the coming year. Members completed an amazing rush, led by rush chairs Tom Wartman and Brad Long, where 35 quality guys were recruited.

Within this pledge class, Zeta-Delta obtained the most cross bids and was once again among the leaders in terms of a quality rush. There are many expectations for this new class of pledges, especially when it comes to winning pledge foot-brawl. Last year, the chapter’s team came in second, and brothers look forward to winning it all this year.

The fall semester also included an ACE Project, homecoming, and semiformal. Congratulations are in order for the entire chapter as Zeta-Delta won Greek Week, making it three out of four years in the top position. Great job, guys!

—David Greengard, Herald dgreengard@zetadelta.com

by someone new. New paint, new carpet, new furniture, as well as a refinished basement, and front and back porches. The new house was christened with some excellent social events. Parties, road trips, and camping brought back alumni as well as students living off campus for the summer.

Detroit’s new executive council is: Sage Jeff McCarthy, Second Counselor Jon Pearn, Third Counselor John Adams, Fourth Counselor Bill McVae, First Counselor Dave Pantaleo, and Herald Jeff Guina. They came together despite difficult summer schedules to plan for fall rush. We are excited to start the school year.

Finally, the active brothers at Gamma Alpha would like to honor our most recent alumni: Jim Bishop, Joe Stangle, Kyle Anderson, Patrick McCarthy, Robert Paxton, Saiful Islam, and Yung-chi Chia. Thank you for all your hard work in the past and good luck on the future.

The chapter is looking to start a new beginning in the fall term. If you’d like to know more, check out the new website www.udmsigmapi. com.

—Jeffrey Guina, Herald jeffguina@yahoo.com

DRURY Epsilon-Rho Chapter

DETRIOT-MERCY Gamma-Apha Chapter The brothers of Gamma-Alpha Chapter were busy all summer with renovations and new plans for the fall. The house was entirely transformed with every room being filled

Epsilon-Rho proudly welcomed 18 new pledges. Thanks go out to rush chairs Ryan Corely and Andrew Atteberry, who spent an incredible amount of time on rush over the summer. Brothers worked hard last semester to complete their mission of

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“getting back to the basics” by working with their academic chair to put Epsilon-Rho back on a winning track for grades. This semester, brothers look forward to reaping the benefits of last semester’s hard work.

Epsilon-Rho’s brotherhood is stronger than ever. A special thanks goes out to Brotherhood Chair Nathan Fitzgerald who stepped up and made it happen.

—Jeff Seifried, Herald JSEIFRIE@DRURY.EDU

Eta-Tau Chapter After a restful summer, Eta-Tau Chapter tackled fall semester head on. The chapter had a successful rush, run by Brother Bryan Massey, and pinned eight pledges. The chapter’s new pledge program is being run by Brother Andrew James Leduc. EtaTau has been busy with their fundraiser, which is working at New England Patriot games. The chapter enjoyed alumni weekend; it was fun to see a lot of brothers from years past.

—Matthew Curtis, Herald redsox4308@comcast.net

EASTERN ILLINOIS Beta-Gamma Chapter Beta-Gamma has a lot of trophies and accomplishments to defend, and there is always room for improvement. Brothers got an early start on intramurals this year, as the chapter is the three-year, back-to-back defending champs. Brothers had a great time participating in homecoming and defending their Homecoming Champion title. The chapter also received the Best Float award.

As always, the chapter encourages alumni to visit so they can witness that Sigma Pi has a strong group of leaders dominating the Eastern Illinois campus. Anyone with questions can call call Zach at (217) 345-3200.

The chapter is excited to welcome back Sgt. Eric Nelson, who was in Nasiriyah, Iraq, for the past year as a chemical operations specialist. The chapter is glad to have him safely back home and has nothing but pride for brothers who serve this country. If you have questions about the chapter, please contact Jeff Houch at (217) 345-2658.

—Tim McNulty, Herald timmy8100@yahoo.com

GEORGIA Brothers of Phi Chapter kick back and play a game of bags.

Hopefully, as time progresses, the chapter will grow even closer to best represent Sigma Pi and continue to hold a dominating presence on the Eastern Kentucky campus.

—Ryan Dwyer, Herald ryan_dwyer2@eku.edu

EMBRY RIDDLE-ARIZONA Epsilon-Phi Chapter The semester started out really well for Epsilon-Phi with a successful fall rush. The chapter’s goal was to have a new member class of 20, a number that the chapter has not seen in many years.

Brothers enjoyed seeing alumni at “Octoberwest” during the first weekend of October. Undergraduate and alumni brothers had a great time, as always.

If anyone is going to be in the Northern Arizona area, please stop by.

You can reach us at our house: (928) 442-0083. Ask for Sage Hermes Garcia or Herald Ian Wright.

—Ian Wright, Herald wrigh2aa@erau.edu

FERRIS STATE Theta-Theta Chapter The men of Theta-Theta Chapter returned for fall semester with 40 active members who were prepared to bring the chapter beyond that after the semester’s rush period. The chapter worked closely with IFC to organize an all-Greek FIPG risk management seminar. Brothers welcome Mr. Brian Kurisky to the chapter as their new chapter director. Theta-Theta has positioned itself to be the best fraternity on campus in 2005. Sigma Pi to the top!

—Andrew Babik, Herald a_babik@hotmail.com

Alpha-Phi Chapter Alpha-Phi Chapter reached an incredible moment in its history during fall semester. After months of negotiations, the chapter finally acquired its own, brand new house, an accomplishment long dreamed of

by Alpha Phi undergrads and alumni.

This grand achievement is due to countless hours of tremendous effort, which will not be forgotten. The chapter would like to thank the Executive Office and Grand Council for their tremendous support during this endeavor, as well as alumni Mark Reed (’69), Matt Collins (’84), Brian Conley (’98), and the entire Alpha Phi Housing Corporation for its tireless work and determination in finding a permanent home.

Another group that should be recognized for its hard work is Alpha-Phi, Inc. The chapter would not have been able to achieve this goal without alumni brothers like Greg Karambelas, Jason “Gilligan” Walker,

EASTERN KENTUCKY Epsilon-Lambda Chapter Epsilon-Lambda Chapter preformed well during fall semester. Rush went well, and the chapter recruited many quality guys who are all about Sigma Pi. Sigma Pi is the largest fraternity on campus, which helps with the chapter’s continuing dominance over the other fraternities in academics and athletics.

The chapter will be starting its annual philanthropy events, beginning with Excel Gym, which the chapter has participated in every semester.

Members are proud to say that their brotherhood has grown stronger and is continuing to grow. Weekly brotherhood events are the main reason why the chapter has grown so strong.

Beta-Gamma Chapter and Sigma Kappa Sorority organized a car wash to raise money for a local charity.

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CHAPTER NEWS Wesleyan. Rush brought in a new group of quality pledges who will someday become involved members in the chapter.

Brothers would like to congratulate alumnus John Michelich (’75) on being elected Grand Herald, and Matt Iwanicki (’06) on his initiation at convocation by Grand Council.

The chapter is sad to report that Epsilon-Gamma founding father, Chapter Director and PSG Jack Fields died during the fall semester.

Brothers’ thoughts and prayers are with his family.

—Larry Polanski, Herald lpolansk@iwu.edu

Alpha-Nu brothers (back row) with the visiting brothers from Christopher Newport and PGS Gary Tash (front, left) on the Wake Forest campus. and, of course, Chapter Director J.J. Jackson. This house and these men encompass all that is good about the chapter and Sigma Pi Fraternity.

The chapter began the year with an incredibly successful rush, attracting 15 pledges. Soon after, the chapter held its semester-opening party, Pajama-rama. During the semester, the chapter thrived at UGA with four socials with outstanding sororities, including a toga social with the women of Alpha Gamma Delta.

In philanthropy, Alpha-Phi continued its tradition as a community service-oriented chapter. Biannually, brothers visit a local retirement home called Iris Place and host a poker event. This is an incredible time of fellowship with some of the elders of the community. Brothers also participated in Dance Marathon, benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network of Atlanta. Many brothers played in the golf tournament to raise money for the Network, while even more brothers participated in Dance Marathon itself. Tim Waite (’07) was invited to speak at the event for the second year.

Homecoming was a momentous event with the presence of Past Grand Sage John Williams and Grand Sage John Kitch, among other National officers. The chapter was pleased that these and so many other brothers could come to Georgia to cheer on “them Dawgs” to one of the best football seasons the campus has ever seen.

Finally, the chapter would like to invite all brothers to the Founders’ Day Celebration in February. For more information, call Brian Blackwell at (678) 231-8691.

—Brian Blackwell, Herald bgbdawg@uga.edu

GRAND VALLEY Colony Since school started at GVSU, brothers have been hustling to get the petition to charter. The colony is hoping to charter on December 3 or in late February. Members are getting their act together, especially with recruitment. Colony members would love to hear from alumni who are interested in helping them find a house.

—Ryan Slusarzyk, Historian RyRy712@aol.com

ILLINOIS Phi Chapter The brothers of Phi Chapter had another great start to the semester after attending a recruitment seminar, hosted with the help of Ed McLane. Congratulations to Randy Wimmer on becoming the new alumni association president, and thanks to Bill Connell for his many years of service in that position.

Phi Chapter’s adopted pathway is looking great, and brothers look forward to more community efforts. The men of Phi Chapter appreciate all of the help alumni have been giving them, from contact information for incoming freshman to new windows and plumbing for the house. It’s an exciting time to be a Phi! —John Campbell, Herald jfcampbe@uiuc.edu

ILLINOIS WESLEYAN Epsilon-Gamma Chapter The brothers of Epsilon-Gamma came to school after an extremely successful convocation in terms of policy and general progress, and had another great year at Illinois

INDIANA Beta Chapter Brother Nic Habicht passed away due to injuries sustained in a fire late last year. The brothers of Beta Chapter will always remember Nic for his optimistic attitude, genuine kindness, a smile that could turn any situation into a positive, and dedication to what brotherhood really means.

Nic will be truly missed but will never be forgotten.

Beta Chapter won its fourth consecutive Greek Intramural Championship in 2004. This year, brothers look to continue their dominance in the quest for five consecutive intramural championships in the Greek division.

The chapter is working on better relations with alumni. If you have questions about the chapter, please contact First Counselor Scott Stouder at sstouder@indiana.edu or (574) 265-3445.

—Paul A. Young, Herald

INDIANA OF PENNSYLVANIA Theta-Epsilon Chapter Theta-Epsilon Chapter is hitting back hard on the campus of IUP. With a second place homecoming float under their belt and a 10-man pledge class, the future is looking great. The chapter would like to thank their alumni who traveled to see them during homecoming. The chapter also thanks ELC Tim Walker for coming back to hang out with them.

Some things to look forward to in the future are the alumni pig roast in the spring and more active communication with alumni. The chapter has the format for a great newsletter. If you haven’t received one yet, you will.

Changes have been made in the chapter’s constitution to allow funds from the chapter to be deposited into the housing corporation account.

Brothers have a few prospective, per-

manent homes in mind, and are working hard to obtain a house for their alumni to come back to each year.

—Richard Macurak, Second Counselor, rmacurak@hotmail.com

IOWA STATE Sigma Chapter Sigma Chapter reached new heights by finally achieving its decade-long goal of purchasing and moving into a permanent residence.

The chapter has put $250,000 toward renovations, including four new executive officer suites, air conditioning, new windows, new doors, new carpet, and even a new cook, Ira, who makes every meal like a five-star restaurant.

None of this could have been possible without the generous donations of more than $30,000 from Sigma alumni.

Brothers are excited about the chapter’s performance at Convocation, earning awards for the Best Overall Ace Project, the 900 Club, the Grand Council Award, and the Grand Chapter Award. In addition, Brother Kyle Hewitt received All-Collegiate Honors. The chapter looks forward to the chance to win the Grand Sage Award in 2006.

Sigma Chapter enjoyed its homecoming pairing with Kappa Delta Sorority and Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. Brothers had a great time trying to win events such as the lawn display, Yell Like Hell, the banner display, and blood drive participation.

The rush committee did an outstanding job of pledging 14 great guys.

Brothers participated in a community service event to raise money for the K9 Cadaver Response Association and held a powder puff football event to raise money for the American Red Cross.

Congratulations to all of the deans list members, to Pat Trizila for being one of 11 finalists for a national Tau Beta Pi Engineering Society award, to Zach Mangrich for his completion of Air Force ROTC field training, and to Brett McCarthy and Tony Latoria for leading the number one ACE Project.

Thanks also to Xi Chapter at The University of Iowa for hosting a fun weekend, and to everyone who attended the house dedication ceremony during homecoming weekend.

—Zach Mangrich, Herald ztm@iastate.edu

JAMES MADISON Epsilon-Mu Colony Greetings from Epsilon-Mu colony at James Madison! Colony members are excited about moving closer to

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CHAPTER NEWS the semester with a large number of interested rushees. Brothers held a number of rush events, which included numerous open houses, open cookouts before football games, and a day at Lake Claiborne where they went tubing and water skiing. Members have also been working on the house and have made renovations, repainted their crest, and built a backyard fence.

Things are looking very good for Delta-Lambda, and brothers feel this will be the year for Sigma Pi and Louisiana Tech.

—Chris Pedeaux, Herald under-sk8er@juno.com

LYNCHBURG Theta-Zeta Chapter Eta-Mu brothers sponsored the “Campus Car Bash.”

earning their charter. The colony has set a spring 2005 chartering date.

Members wish to thank alumnus J.D. Carlin for his contribution to the chartering fee.

Colony members recently sent golf outing invitations to alumni, and all alumni are invited. The colony is increasing its numbers and expects to induct 10 more founding fathers this semester. For more information, call us at (540) 421-9770.

—Christian Barmoy, Historian barmoycm@jmu.edu

KENTUCKY Epsilon-Beta Chapter The actives of Epsilon-Beta Chapter agree that the academic year started with a bang. After acquiring a new big-screen TV, Sunday football games turned into great opportunities to hang out with brothers.

During rush, brothers met more than 400 potential pledges, finally choosing 40 quality applicants. Pledge Educator Jared LeFaivre is pleased with the quality of the pledges.

President Justin Klensch stated, “I’m a senior. I’m happy and nervous to graduate. However having 40 classy individuals pledge Sigma Pi makes it easier to leave, knowing that the chapter will be in good hands when I return as an alumnus.”

The chapter helped with the campaign for Jay McChord, a distinguished alumnus, who ran for a position on Lexington’s city council.

Brothers and pledges held up signs in hope of swaying voters Mr. McChord’s way.

Epsilon-Beta continues to be a force in athletics. With an early win in tennis singles, and with both A and B football teams looking strong, the sky is the limit.

One of the highlights of fall semester was the chapter’s annual Parents Weekend, which was jampacked with a full day of activities.

The day started out at one of the most prestigious racetracks in America, Keeneland. After Keeneland, brothers, pledges, and parents went to Commonwealth Stadium to watch Kentucky’s surprising Wildcat football team take on a tough South Carolina ball club.

Finally, brothers in Lexington encourage all Sigma Pis from around the country to stop by and say hello.

—Zachary Miller, Herald ZSM83@aol.com

LAWRENCE TECH Zeta-Omicron Chapter Summer was an exciting time for the guys of Zeta-Omicron Chapter at

Lawrence Tech. One word can explain it all: convo. At this year’s convocation, the chapter received the Most Improved Chapter award. Brothers have been diligently working toward this award for the past two years. It seems that their hard work paid off.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Fall semester started off on the right foot with a solid pledge class and a positive attitude within the chapter, which will keep ZetaOmicron on an upward climb. With some new ideas from new E-board, members, and actives, and with minds open to suggestions, brothers are excited to see what they can accomplish.

—Brian Green, Herald bgltu10@aol.com

LOUISIANA TECH Delta-Lambda Chapter Things are going great for brothers at Louisiana Tech. The chapter had a successful fall rush after going into

Members of Alpha-Iota Chapter put the finishing touches on the new BBQ pit.

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Echoing laughter and smiles from ear to ear are present in the new home that was once Theta-Zeta’s original stomping ground. There’s something about the old/new chapter house that makes everything feel great. After $60,000 was put into 225 Vernon Street, brothers moved in with old memories and new expectations.

Though times have changed, the spirit of Sigma Pi still rings through the hallways.

Recently adopted Vernon Street is the chapter’s new cleanup area after many days of wear and tear from the community. The sign was placed right in front of the chapter house for all to see.

The chapter’s ACE Project holds a new idea for the campus. Brothers will place a plaque under a newly planted tree to go along with all of the expansion on and around campus.

Brothers had a great time playing intramural flag football under the lights in the finals this season, and they expect to carry their success into the spring.

—Stephen Davis, Herald sigmapi212@hotmail.com

MONMOUTH Delta-Beta Chapter Delta-Beta Chapter had a great summer. Seven brothers attended convocation in Chicago and had a great time. The chapter was surprised to receive several awards.

Brothers worked on various philanthropy events, ranging from the Hand in Hand Festival, the Light the Night Walk, and a campus blood drive.

There are many brotherhood nights planned in the spring, as well as rush events.

—Brian Murray, Sage murdawg4@yahoo.com

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Ingram, Todd Carlson, and Justin Shacklette for their help.

The men of Delta-Zeta raised a large amount of money to help with the STRIPES anti-drunk driving program at UM-St. Louis with a Battle of the Bands. Another Battle of the Bands is already scheduled to help the campus even more. Needless to say, the Sigma Pi name remains great on campus.

As always, the chapter invites brothers to visit and have a good time.

Please contact the chapter at (314) 426-0078.

—Mike Davis, Herald mykedstl@yahoo.com

Zeta-Mu Chapter The brothers of Zeta-Mu Chapter were busy fall semester maintaining their dominance in the Greek community through philanthropy service, academics, sports, and social events.

During the Greek Gala banquet, ZetaMu was awarded the 2004 All-Sports Champions trophy for the second consecutive year and the Chapter of the Year award.

In philanthropy, the chapter was highly competitive in raising money for the American Red Cross during its fifth annual Miss Greek Beauty Pageant. The chapter hosted a sellout crowd of students at the Temple Club in Lansing and raised more than $1,500.

Zeta-Mu placed first in Chi Omega sorority’s Karen King Kickoff Fraternity Soccer Tournament to benefit battered women, and third in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority’s Greek Cookoff. The chapter also completed its ACE Project as more than 45 brothers cleaned the Red Cedar River in early October for Michigan State’s Clean River Day. In sports, Sigma Pi maintained dominance in Greek intramurals. The chapter repeated back-to-back first place championship titles in Greek league football and soccer.

Fall rush went very well. Zeta-Mu had many young men come through for rush, and the chapter ended up with a record-setting pledge class of 34 quality guys.

Congratulations to graduating brothers Jim Divita, Troy Horning, Ronald Austin Marks, and Jon Komorowski. Best of luck in your future endeavors! Brothers’ thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Alex White (’07) who is serving his second tour of duty for the United States Army in Iraq.

Socially, Zeta-Mu had a fun fall semester. The chapter was blessed to host closed rush events at awesome night clubs in downtown Detroit with Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Delta sororities. The chapter also held its annual hayride date party in late October, as well as a slew of one-onone events with Michigan States finest sororities.

Zeta-Mu had its best turnout ever during Alumni Weekend, which is held every year during Michigan State’s homecoming weekend. The chapter also had a good turnout for its 2004 Orchid Ball in Windsor, Ontario.

For the spring, Zeta-Mu looks forward to increasing its numbers even more through rush. Brothers are also

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE Eta-Mu Chapter Eta-Mu Chapter gathers at a philanthropy event. looking forward to closed rush with Alpha Phi sorority, to achieving first place in intramural basketball and softball, and to great brotherhood events such as the annual Founders’ Day event.

Brothers, your Sigma Pi experience does not end when you leave college.

Several alumni are in the process of creating the Spartan Sigma Pi Alumni Association. If you’re interested, please contact Jim Divita (’04) at divitaja@msu.edu or Jamie Jakubiak (’03) at jakubiak7@msu.edu. For additional information about the chapter, check out Zeta-Mu’s award winning web site at www.msu.edu/ ~sigmapi, or contact Sage Derek Bush at bush103@hotmail.com or Alumni Rep Greg Baracy (’05) at baracygr@msu.edu.

—Philip Bolus, Herald

MISSOURI Gamma-Sigma Chapter The men of Gamma-Sigma continued their good fortune by signing 14 new members during the fall, making the house full for the first time in years. Brothers made some muchneeded renovations to the house, thanks to the strong alumni support that has come from the chapter’s success over the past year and a half.

Members worked with the women of Chi Omega sorority and the men of Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity during this year’s homecoming. Brothers also worked hard to bring their ACE Project to reality by hosting a Greek Town Smackdown, which involved wrestling in sumo suits.

If you’re interested in visiting the chapter or if you have questions about the chapter, feel free to contact Herald Kevin Kilker at (573) 999-3577 or kwkgw7@mizzou.edu.

—Kevin Kilker, Herald

MISSOURI-ROLLA Alpha-Iota Chapter The men of Alpha-Iota Chapter had a great start to the semester. The chapter signed 14 great pledges over the summer. Brothers continued the tradition of devoting the week prior to the beginning of classes to a workweek to beautify the house and make general improvements, which included finishing a barbeque pit and shed from the previous year.

Greek Week began September 18, and the chapter finished second overall in the opening games. At convocation, Alpha-Iota won several awards including the 900 Club Award for Chapter Efficiency, the Top Ten GPA award, the Grand Chapter award, and the Grand Council award. Sage Rob Rogers (’05) won the Michael P. Carey Runner-up Leadership Award.

—Scott Buchholz, Herald smbz5b@umr.edu

After attending convocation in Chicago, the brothers of Eta-Mu got some fantastic ideas for rush, philanthropy, and the chapter house.

Eta-Mu worked hard to ensure that their float clinched the homecoming parade first place trophy. Sigma Pi was the only fraternity to participate in the area Relay For Life benefit over the summer, which gave the chapter a lot of publicity. Brother Mark Kinsley is the weekend anchor for the local ABC affiliate, and he reports every philanthropic event and all of our activities to the community.

—Adam Marold, Herald cometobigdaddy@hotmail.com

NORTH CAROLINA STATE Rho Chapter Fall semester was quite a success for Rho Chapter. The chapter pledged nine great guys and looks forward to getting more in another rush. Rho celebrated homecoming with some of its alumni on October 2 and hopes to have alumni participation in many more events.

Later in the semester, brothers participated in Adopt-A-Highway as well as other chapter events to foster brotherhood. The spirit of Sigma Pi is strong in Rho Chapter!

—Tommy Rodwell, Herald tarodwel@unity.ncsu.edu

NORTHERN COLORADO

MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS

Zeta-Tau Chapter

Delta-Zeta Chapter The men of Delta-Zeta Chapter had a great time during fall semester, winning its first Greek Week championship in six years.

Many improvements were made to help with the upkeep of the house.

The chapter thanks alumni Jeff

Zeta-Tau Chapter had a fantastic fall rush, which brought in 12 excellent guys. The chapter looks forward to seeing what these new members can do for the house in the years to come.

Zeta-Tau’s domination in athletics jumped right out of the gates with a

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CHAPTER NEWS clean sweep of the IFC softball tournament, putting Sigma Pi in the lead.

By the end of the year, brothers hope to bring the Greek Cup back where it belongs.

The chapter is planning its new ACE Project, which will be a Drunken Driver Awareness Week on campus.

Brothers hope to hold the event in March and will keep everyone posted if anything changes.

If you have questions about the chapter, contact Sage James Foster at (303) 619-8341.

—Chris Lauck, Herald lauc9211@blue.unco.edu

NORTHERN ILLINOIS Beta-Sigma Chapter Fall semester was busy for Sigma Pi at Northern Illinois. The new house is coming along nicely, and brothers would once again like to thank their alumni for their continued efforts and contributions to house improvements.

The Alumni Room and the Chapter Room will be completed soon. The volleyball court was cleaned up and put to good use during fall semester when the chapter hosted its women’s volleyball philanthropy. Fund-raising efforts were high this fall as brothers made multiple trips to Great America during the semester.

The chapter thanks Chapter Advisor Kevin Kegarise for guiding the officers in the right direction and for his support over the last several months.

During homecoming weekend, Beta-Sigma held its alumni barbeque for alumni, family members, and friends. The chapter hopes to see many people come out for other events in the coming months.

Lastly, the chapter encourages members from other chapters to come to Northern and visit BetaSigma. Contact us at cloverde@ niu.edu and we’ll set it up.

—Chris LoVerde, Herald cloverde@niu.edu

Theta-Gamma Sage Danny Hyche serves snowcones at the Tiki “bar” during a rush event. ed to all of NJIT’s presidents—past, present, and future—in recognition of their role in guiding NJIT through the decades. The carillon bell tower is a clock tower that also plays songs throughout the day instead of just chiming the parts of the hour. This tower provides a spark of imagination, creativity, and knowledge for all of the campus.

Along with the carillon bell tower, the new student center was completed this semester, replacing the old student center (formerly known as the Hazell Center). William Hazell was one of NJIT’s past presidents, as well as an Alpha-Mu founding father.

The brothers of Alpha-Mu would like to see the new student center renamed the Hazell Center. If any NJIT alumni could help make this a reality, both the campus and Sigma Pi would appreciate it. It is always nice having a building on campus named after an alumnus. May the New Year bring happiness to each of you and your loved ones.

—Niles Leisti, Herald niles_leisti@yahoo.com

NJIT

OAKLAND

Alpha-Mu Chapter

Zeta-Pi Chapter

Greetings, brothers! Fall semester was a wonderful success because of new member recruitment, which brought in the largest number of new members the chapter has seen in four years.

A wonderful gift of music has been given to New Jersey Institute of Technology: a carillon bell tower. It was donated by one of the chapter’s alumni, H. Gail Clarke (’44), and his wife, Dorothy. The tower was dedicat-

After a summer filled with planning and relaxing, Zeta-Pi Chapter went into fall semester with a strong plan for a promising year. Despite having a few brothers graduate in the spring, the chapter went into the semester 34 members strong. After the first pinning on September 12, the chapter already had eight pledges.

The summer convocation in Chicago was attended by 15 Zeta-Pi brothers (seven actives and eight

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alumni) and brought about many changes for the Top-15 Zeta Pi Chapter. Not only was there a renewed sense of energy and motivation coming out of Chicago, but there

were also several changes from an advisory standpoint. Tom Moore decided to focus on his position as Chairman of the Educational Foundation and left the Michigan Province to Mike Grant, a Zeta-Pi Alumnus and former rush advisor.

Brothers send their thanks to Steve Moore, who passed on the torch after many years of service as pledge education advisor. Taking their places are Pat Kroulik as rush advisor and Jeff Haase as pledge education advisor.

Zeta-Pi kicked off the school year with its 10th annual pig roast, planned by Justin Doescher, which was a great success. A special thanks goes out to Rob Waters and his wife, Kim, who helped raise money at the pig roast for the Children’s Therapy Fund. Thanks also to all of the brothers who came to the event, including Grand Third Counselor George Hakim, Educational Foundation Chairman Tom Moore, and Alan Scott, past academic advisor.

Attention alumni. Orchid Ball is being planned for mid-March. Please contact Sage Matt Rice at (586) 4190542 or Zeta Pi Alumni Association President Bob VanAcker at (586) 3371897 if you have any questions or would like more information about upcoming events. If you have moved recently, please update the chapter so you can be informed of future events.

—Jeff Zapinski, Herald jfzapins@oakland.edu

OLD DOMINION Theta-Eta Chapter During the summer months, ThetaEta’s Executive Board (many of whom attended convocation) and Rush Committee revamped the way the chapter approached rush. Two weeks into the fall semester the chapter had 20 pledges, with the hope of attaining its goal of 30 pledges by the end of semester.

Fall events included camping, fund raising, and working to improve chapter community service and philanthropy projects. Brothers hope to finalize their efforts in setting their first alumni event, during which they will release new projects that they’ve been working, such as a brand new web site.

—Mike Whelan, Herald mwhel001@odu.edu

OREGON STATE Omega Chapter Alpha-Mu alumnus H. Gail Clarke ’43 donated a carillion bell tower to the NJIT campus.

Omega Chapter at Oregon Sate recently moved into a new house. The house is by far the best fraternity or

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CHAPTER NEWS sorority house at Oregon State and makes Omega’s previous house look obsolete. Because of the new house, brothers pledged 24 men into the new Omicron rush class, one of the biggest classes ever. The men of Omega Chapter would like to thank their alumni for helping them purchase the house.

—Nicholas Pommé, Herald Pommen@onid.orst.edu

PENNSYLVANIA Delta Chapter Delta Chapter started the school year in a new house and got ready for fall rush. Many brothers are hard at work planning and organizing this process for spring, and Delta Chapter is proud to have alumni around to help with the planning.

Delta Chapter graduated its first large alumni class of nearly 20 members. The chapter is happy to have many of these alumni in the area.

Delta Chapter congratulates and wishes the best of luck to the graduated brothers who are starting their careers. Thanks for your years of dedication to Delta Chapter.

—Mark Mushkin, Herald mushkinm@sas.upenn.edu

PURDUE Eta Chapter Once again, Eta Chapter would like to congratulate John D. Kitch on becoming Grand Sage of Sigma Pi. We can all take a page from his book.

Hopefully all Eta alumni can be as successful and as honorable as Jonathan.

Progress is a word that every Sigma Pi knows well, and it is just the word to describe Eta Chapter. Each new year brings change, and in the case of Eta Chapter, nothing could be more true. “Restore Eta Day” in August was a terrific success, thanks in part to the alumni who came to help out and the active brothers who participated.

Because of Restore Eta Day and the tireless efforts of brothers over the summer, the house is recapturing its original charm and glory, the kind of charm that can only be seen in a house approaching its 100th birthday.

With an extremely promising pledge class, thanks to our rush chair, morale better than ever.

—Andrew Fisher, Herald FISHO3@aol.com

ROWAN Zeta-Chi Chapter During fall rush, Zeta-Chi obtained the proper men so they may learn

Eta-Omicron actives and pledges have a good time during Greek Week 2004. what it means to be a member of Sigma Pi. Several brothers continue to volunteer for a club called Quixote Quest, which is a non-school based service club for South Jersey teens.

The organization assists and mentors teen volunteers who donate their time to the selected “quest.” Brothers teach these teens about the values and commitment of brotherhood. This service takes a major commitment and is suitable only for those driven to make a difference.

Zeta-Chi received some publicity during fall semester. President Matt Malagerie and Secretary Mike Scicolone were quoted in The Gloucester County Times on the chapter’s participation in freshman move-in day.

—Nick Capriolo, Herald sinixcap@yahoo.com

SAGINAW VALLEY Theta-Beta Chapter Theta-Beta had an outstanding fall semester that culminated with the 12member Xi pledge class, which was one of the best classes the chapter has ever had. Other highlights included a “Pi Stock,” which was the chapter’s ACE Project. The men of ThetaBeta also threw several events with sororities on campus.

This past summer, Sage Nick Frees (’06) attended the 2004 convocation, during which Theta-Beta received two Grand Council awards for being a Top 25 and Top 15 chapter, an ACE Project award, and the 900 Club Award for Chapter Efficiency Points. This was the second time that Theta-Beta has won the 900 Club award.

Congratulations go out to Rob Piroozshad who was elected Brother of the Year by the chapter for 20032004. Theta-Beta also sends best wishes to alumni Josh Swackhammer, Chris O’ Dea, Jeffery Hogan, Brad Chanter, and Chad Dunlap on their recent marriages. Brothers would also like to acknowledge the engagements

of alumnus Jason Sierocki and Eli Adams (’06).

—Matt Wingblad, Herald Rockhhh16@hotmail.com

SAN DIEGO STATE

Matt De Witt has made it his mission to raise money for the chapter.

He purchased recycling containers so the chapter can recycle its cans. With Matt’s determination and brothers’ cooperation, this has turned into a successful campaign. In just two months, Matt has amassed a dozen 50-gallon trash bags filled with cans.

He has yet to cash them, but assures the chapter it will be a nice return.

The chapter recently pinned 11 pledges. Brothers anticipate their initiation, as this is the last class in the alphabet. Since the chapter was reinstated in 1993, it has obtained class paddles from Beta to Psi. The paddles were organized in such a way that a spot is assigned for the Omega paddle. This class promises to be a great one.

SETON HALL

Alpha-Omega Chapter Sigma Pi is one of the top fraternities on campus and continues to grow as a result of each semester’s increase of quality new brothers. Thanks to Rush Chair Jon Goodwin, fall semester was filled with lots of potential new pledges who visited the house.

Alpha-Omega recently held a brotherhood event to repaint the chapter house. It was a good day of bonding, barbecuing, and painting. Everyone is excited for future events such as philanthropies, social exchanges, fundraisers, intramural sports, community service, and more.

The entire Alpha-Omega Chapter would like to congratulate the Mu spring ’04 pledge class for becoming Alpha-Omega’s newest active members. They are a great group of guys and have already been a great addition to the chapter.

—Jason Wilbur, Herald medium8080@aol.com

SAN JOSE STATE Beta-Eta Chapter Every chapter has an outstanding alumnus who devotes time and effort to the chapter. For Beta-Eta, Michael Panos is that alumnus. Michael is in every sense of the title, Housing Director. He has done everything from adding track lighting to designing and implementing a bunk bed system. At Founders’ Day, the chapter gave an award to Michael for his devoted service. The chapter even named its annual spring party after him.

Although it may not always show, the active chapter is more than grateful for Michael’s efforts, ideas, and sacrifices.

Delta-Epsilon Chapter Sage Santi Formoso and Herald Joe Mazza attended the 47th biennial convocation and brought back a lot of useful information to advance the chapter. Much of brothers’ energy this semester focused on living up to the Gold Standard in their daily lives.

This is being accomplished by monitoring efficiency points, reaching perfection, helping the South Orange community through philanthropy service projects, and helping Seton Hall through the chapter’s newly adopted ACE Project.

Another strong focus for the chapter is its rush program. Delta-Epsilon has been improving its rush program simply by meeting the incoming freshmen and the rest of the student body.

Brothers actively participate in freshman move-in day and achieved much success from the event.

Sigma Pi continues to gain an excellent campus image, and brothers are in the process of making a Sigma Pi campus newsletter to list: rush, philanthropy, and ACE Project achievements. Brothers feel this is another great way to increase their membership and improve their campus image.

—Joe Mazza, Herald mazzajos@shu.edu

SOUTHERN ILLINOISEDWARDSVILLE Delta-Omega Chapter Sigma Pi is dominating all fraternities on campus in academics, athletics, and philanthropy. For example, Delta-Omega’s fall rush set new records not only in the chapter, but for all fraternities on campus. Last semester, the chapter had the highest

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CHAPTER NEWS cumulative GPA among all Greeks at SIUE in the last six years and also set a new record for themselves.

Brothers are currently raising money for the walk for diabetes and many other charities. Brothers are looking for guidance in project planning and working on the house. If you’re interested, please contact Herald Martin Sutherland at msuther@siue.edu.

Most importantly, the chapter sends its regards to the family of John Tipton, one of our brothers who was killed in Iraq.

Hello to the brothers at UMSL! —Martin Sutherland, Herald

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI Alpha-Rho Chapter Another successful rush started the school year off well for Alpha-Rho. Out of the 30 selective invitations that were given, 27 quality men decided to become new members.

Football, hockey, and softball are just around the corner, and expectations are high. It’s almost a guarantee that the chapter will once again be in the running for the Greek athletic championship.

Homecoming was held the week of October 18–23, and the chapter enjoyed being paired with the women of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and the men of Kappa Alpha Order.

More great news is that Brother John Klopstein will soon be returning from his tenure in Iraq. Also, major house improvements are in the planning stages and will be made soon.

Thanks to everyone who helped make these improvements possible. The chapter would like to give special thanks to alumni for their continued help and support. For more information, contact the chapter at (417) 685-1008.

—Adam Rainey, Herald amr232s@smsu.edu

SOUTHERN TECH Epsilon-Alpha Chapter The brothers of Epsilon-Alpha had a very busy semester. Fall rush went just as well if not better then expected, giving the chapter several new members. A few brothers from ZetaBeta Chapter in Daytona Beach decided to pay a visit to the brothers at Southern Tech while hurricane Francis visited their school. EpsilonAlpha brothers wish them the best of luck as they get back on their feet.

Epsilon-Alpha is also planning to compete in intramural sports with the other groups on campus. If this year

goes anything like last year, the chapter is in for some fun!

—Jake Veilleux, Herald flyupsidedown@myway.com

TORONTO Eta-Omicron Chapter The brothers of Eta-Omicron Chapter returned from their summer holidays energized and ready to tackle the challenges of the new academic year. Energy was immediately focused on organizing a successful fall rush. A booth was set up at the university’s annual Clubs Carnival, which attracted the interest of many potential members. Many of these potential members were introduced to brothers at exciting rush events such as the hockey-themed night spent cheering on Canada in the World Cup of Hockey finals, and at an afternoon barbeque and evening poker night. After meeting so many quality men interested in becoming part of Sigma Pi, EtaOmicron is confident that it will be greatly enriched by the addition of many new brothers.

The beginning of the school year also saw the completion of two basement bedrooms. These rooms allow the chapter to accommodate more brothers who wish to live in the house and also provide extra revenue to help run chapter activities.

For more information about the chapter, please visit iamsigmapi.ca.

—Francis Tong, Herald f.tong@utoronto.ca

TOWSON Eta-Nu Chapter Progress truly is man’s distinctive mark alone. No one knows this better than the brothers of Eta-Nu Chapter at Towson. Just four years ago, the chapter cleared a longstanding debt with the Executive Office and attended its first convocation in six years in an attempt to save a ship that had been sinking. Since then, the leaders of Eta-Nu have been committed to restructuring the chapter and its operations. Tireless work and dedication, coupled with a focus on the Ritual, propelled the chapter to excellence in every area of fraternity development. The brothers of Eta-Nu made a conscious decision to not just settle for mediocrity, but strived for greatness. Eta-Nu leaders envisioned a chapter that would be a model and inspiration to other fraternities on campus and to other chapters in Sigma Pi. The achievements of Eta-Nu over the past two bienniums speak for

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Alpha Chapter at Germanfest. (L–R) Rushee Marty Beleher, Alumnus Jim Hills, Brother Mark Warpenburg, and Sage Jeff Lavery. themselves. The chapter won the 2003 IFC President’s Cup for best overall fraternity on campus; claimed five consecutive IFC Greek Week championships; received three consecutive Beyer-Fryburg Awards for perfect efficiency; won the Most Improved Chapter Award, a Grand Chapter Award, and two Grand Council Awards; maintained good scholarship and the largest chapter size at TU; and, had in its membership, an SGA senator, an SGA director of communications, an IFC president, executive vice president, vice president of programming, and director of public relations; and members of the College Republicans, College Democrats, and several other worthy student organizations.

Finally, years of hard work and unwavering devotion to doing things the Sigma Pi way paid off at the Fraternity’s 47th Biennial Convocation in Chicago. On the evening of August 7, in front of an audience of more than 500 brothers and guests, it was announced that Eta-Nu Chapter had won the coveted Grand Sage’s Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a chapter. This pinnacle achievement is a testament to the notion that dreaming big and acting on those dreams can lead to the realization of goals once thought unachievable. Eta-Nu Chapter believed.

—Matthew Weiner, Herald

URSINUS Colony The Ursinus colony had an outstanding summer and was ready to begin the second year of its existence after starting in the spring. The summer started off with a trip to

Malaysia, where four brothers spent two weeks bonding and enjoying the environment of a different culture.

The colony then took part in working at a local amusement park in Pennsylvania, where brothers worked in various sections of the park.

President Michael Malone (’07) and Sergeant-at-Arms Nate Wagner (’07) came back from convocation with a better understanding of how an international fraternity works, and inspired the colony to move forward.

During the fall semester, the Ursinus colony decided to take care of the recycling around the campus.

Colony members wanted to show the students and faculty that they are striving to be the best fraternity in the social service aspect of Greek life.

The colony still has the same goals it had last spring, which is to enhance the service side of Greeks on campus and show incoming freshmen the ideals in which Sigma Pi believes. Colony members sized up the new students and found some good prospects that they hope to recruit.

For more information, please email pawaldron@ursinus.edu.

—Patrick Waldron, Historian

VALPARAISO Beta-Tau Chapter The brothers of Beta-Tau had an exciting summer and start of the academic year. With the help of alumni, many improvements were made to the houses, including renovating a bathroom, redoing two staircases, and rewiring the houses for internet.

These improvements helped the houses feel homier.

The fall pledge class had everyone excited about their impact on Beta-

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CHAPTER NEWS Tau and the Greek community as a whole. The chapter’s favorite philanthropy event, the Tighty Whitey Volleyball Tournament, was a huge success. It was a great day of philanthropy, volleyball, and friends. The chapter’s carwash with the Pi Beta Phi sorority was also a resounding success.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Sage Matt Smith at (219) 465-7215 or matt.smith@valpo.edu.

—Keith Vogel, Herald keith.vogel@valpo.edu

VINCENNES Alpha Chapter Fall rush was very successful. Even though the campus Greek system is slowly weakening, the chapter is growing after the signing of 35 pledges for the fall class. The chapter’s traditional hog roast was a big help in finishing rush. A special thanks goes out to Jim Morrison and his sponsorship. With support from the new university president, Dr. Helton, everyone had a good time and brothers got to interview some rushees.

The fall tube race was very competitive. The chapter’s team finished seventh out of 18 teams, which was a great finish with the tube “Not Really Too Serious.”

Alpha Chapter is healthy, growing, and becoming even more active upon campus.

—Derek Knowling, Herald derek_knowling@yahoo.com

WAKE FOREST Alpha-Nu Chapter Alpha-Nu completed another fun fall rush and happily took four new guys. All the brothers who went to convocation had a great time and are getting ready for New Orleans in two years.

During the fall, Alpha-Nu enjoyed their 44th annual Mountain Weekend in Fontana Dam, Reggiefest (a fundraiser for the American Red Cross), their seafood fry, and a visit from Beta-Pi Chapter at Virginia.

The intramural teams are looking strong, and brothers hope to bring home multiple championship shirts.

—Zach Barker, Herald Barkzd1@wfu.edu

WAYNE STATE Gamma-Omega Chapter Things are going great for brothers at Wayne State. Over the summer, brothers did some fund raising at

Michigan International Speedway, helping prepare and serve food to race fans. The chapter also brought television personality Mo Rocca to the university to lecture on the importance of voting. The chapter also had a packed fall social calendar.

—Brian Moineau, Herald mcir23@hotmail.com

WEST ALABAMA

Chapter members are trying to contact alumni that they’ve lost contact with over the years. Please e-mail the chapter at gammarhosp@yahoo. com.

—Jimmy Weakland, Herald j3weakla@wmich.edu

campus, in light of recent events. If anyone is interested in contacting Gamma-Xi Chapter, please direct correspondence to Ernest “D.” Chafin at Chaos_Th3ory@hotmail .com.

—Ernest Chafin, Herald

WILLIAM AND MARY

WEST VIRGINIA TECH

Alpha-Eta Chapter

Gamma-Xi Chapter

Alpha-Eta has been having another great year. Despite losing many great brothers to graduation, the chapter has grown very cohesive. Brothers started off by running a rush retreat for the second consecutive year. The focus paid off as the chapter now has a solid group of pledges who are eager to join the house.

Alpha-Eta also threw some great theme parties to kick off the social year. Events included the annual Nerf SuperBowl philanthropy to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, homecoming, and Formal Date Party.

—R.J. Delnicki, Herald rjdeln@wm.edu

Gamma-Rho Chapter

Gamma Xi experienced a productive fall. The chapter is finally closing out house remodeling and renovations, and is now endeavoring in other projects concerning the makeup of the house. The most pertinent of these projects is enabling the house to allow more people to move in.

Tech chapter is also very happy with the outcome of homecoming and all the alumni support they are blessed with. Alumni were very supportive throughout the homecoming process in October and made Sigma Pi glisten.

Newly implemented pledging techniques seem to be paying off for Gamma-Xi, and the chapter is well on its way to achieving its goal of replenishing the chapter ranks.

This year’s Whitewater Weekend will be held in Gamma-Xi’s home area over Memorial Day weekend toward the end of May. The price is still in the air as of the time of submission, but includes food for the weekend, refreshments, and two days of camping, along with other perks. The actual price will be based on head count, so if you’re interested in coming this year, call Gamma-Xi at (304) 4428237. The estimated price, as of September 2004, is $125.

Alumnus Mike Maxson was named in the 2004 edition of Who’s Who Among American Teachers. As a parting note, Sigma Pi is still the most respected and respectable house on

The chapter’s annual alumni golf outing was held in July and was a huge success with many alumni participating. Best of luck to former Chapter Advisor Brian Kurisky, who accepted a job at Ferris State.

Congratulations are also in order for Scott Wilde, the chapter’s new advisor.

Despite changes to a formal recruitment, fall rush went very well for the chapter. Throughout the semester, the chapter house received many improvements, including painting, reflooring, and landscaping.

Brothers have been involved in many community service events such as Walk for Breast Cancer and blood drives, with the hope of breaking the chapter’s untouchable record of 1,200 service hours.

Alpha-Nu brothers present a check to the American Red Cross. The money was raised at the chapter’s annual Reggaefest fund-raiser.

Theta-Gamma Chapter The brothers of Theta-Gamma Chapter made a noticeable impression on campus. During the fall, incoming freshmen were welcomed

by Brother Jamie Parker (’07) who served as an orientation leader, and

by Brother Kaylan McDuff (’07) who served as a university ambassador.

Brother Danny Hyche (’05) also spent a good amount of time with new students as SGA president.

The summer was capped off by a rewarding trip to convocation. The chapter was thrilled to accept the Homepage Award and a Top-25 Chapter Award. Also, many congratulations to Brother Danny Hyche (’05) for being presented with the coveted Harold Jacobsen Award. All of these events led into another promising year.

Fall rush was fantastic. ThetaGamma held a luau, which brought in a large number of interested guys.

The chapter now has eight new associate members and are working on a couple more.

All of the brothers are very pleased with the year so far, and they all feel very confident about having a successful year.

—Daniel K Bryars, Herald bryarsd@uwa.edu

WESTERN MICHIGAN

WISCONSIN-MADISON Tau Colony Tau colony had a productive summer during which minor repairs were made on the house. Brothers were very optimistic about fall rush and were determined to meet their goal of a 25-man class.

Brothers took the final steps necessary to meet all of the requirements to receive a charter in January.

Brother Vineet Sudame deserves credit and thanks for his work on making plans for the event and compiling the Chartering Petition.

For information about Tau, contact William Warner at wmwarner@wisc. edu.

—William Warner, Historian

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EXPANSION NEWS Jacksonville State University Colony

By Christian J. Miele (Eta-Nu, Towson ’04), Expansion Consultant

Colony Members

Jacksonville State University Colonization on October 3, 2004.

The expansion effort at Jacksonville State University began on April 5, 2004, when then Sigma Pi Fraternity Director of Expansion Keith Ritson gave a presentation to the JSU fraternity selection committee. The panel, consisting of Assistant Director of Student Life Megan Radison, faculty members, and one representative from each Greek organization, chose Sigma Pi as the next fraternity to emerge on campus.

Sigma Pi Expansion Consultant Christian Miele arrived in late September to begin the recruitment campaign. He targeted student leaders and a diverse group of men to become founding fathers. After making hundreds of students at Jacksonville State University aware of the benefits of Sigma Pi, 35 excited young men were ready to pursue excellence as a part of our organization and become the sixth NIC fraternity on campus.

On the evening of October 3, 2004, Miele, Colony Development Consultant Lorne Book, Expansion

Committee Chairman Jim Wisherd, and South Atlantic Province Archon Jason Beck installed the colony in the Roundhouse Building on campus.

The following men were elected and installed as the colony officers: Adam Narrell, president; Justin Davis, vice president; David Howton, treasurer; Joseph McElrath, secretary; Cary Poarch, sergeantat-arms, and Caleb Flanagan, historian. In addition, the colony voted unanimously to select Zeta Tau Alpha sorority member Cambrey Jordan as its first sweetheart.

Sigma Pi Fraternity is represented at JSU by men who make a difference on campus, including four Student Government Association senators, the SGA vice president of student activities, three members of the marching band, numerous National Guardsmen and ROTC cadets, and the vice president of the JSU History Club.

Mr. Richard Heath Anderson ’08 Mr. Benjamin Jeffrey Blevins ’06 Mr. Cody Nathaniel Bonds ’09 Mr. Axel Rolando Borrero ’06 Mr. Adam Kendell Brooks ’06 Mr. Nathan Ashley Bryan ’07 Mr. Daniel Preston Burford ’06 Mr. Matthew Aston Burns ’06 Mr. Josh Lynn Busby ’06 Mr. Jesse Michael Chandler ’08 Mr. Jesse Dan Daniel ’05 Mr. Justin Kyle Davis ’05 Mr. William Thomas Dowdy ’07 Mr. Robert Michael Esneault Jr. ’07 Mr. Joseph Spencer Fetyko ’07 Mr. Caleb Allen Flanagan ’06 Mr. Daniel Francis Fry ’08 Mr. Jonathan Derek Greene ’06 Mr. Shawne Matthew Greene ’06 Mr. Jason Matthew Hallberg ’06 Mr. Michael David Howton ’06 Mr. Dovaris Tremaine Kelley ’06 Mr. Rance Dean Kelly Jr. ’06 Mr. Matthew Alan Law ’07 Mr. Joshua Clay Matthews ’07 Mr. Joseph Preston McElrath Jr. ’05 Mr. Michael Allen Miller ’07 Mr. Mark Adam Narrell ’05 Mr. Kyle Brent Osborn ’08 Mr. David Carrington Poarch ’06 Mr. Mardracus Ladell Russell ’06 Mr. Charles William Simmons Jr. ’05 Mr. Aaron Michael Swenson ’07 Mr. Derek Lane Talley ’05 Mr. Neil Jon Thoney ’08 Mr. Donnie Lynn Wells Jr. ’06

William Paterson University Colony

By Christian J. Miele (Eta-Nu, Towson ’04), Expansion Consultant An interest group led by sophomore psychology major Matthew Krupka contacted Assistant Executive Director J. Dave Edwards about the possibility of starting a new fraternity at William Paterson University.

The group had been looking into several inter/national fraternities, and after several conversations with Edwards and Expansion Consultant Christian Miele, decided to affiliate with Sigma Pi Fraternity. “We felt comfortable with this organization,” Krupka said.

In mid-October, Miele traveled to Wayne, New Jersey, to meet with the interest group and discuss the expansion process. He also met with WPU Assistant Director of Campus Activities Christopher Conzen, who was excited about expanding the Greek system at William Paterson.

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On the evening of October 17, Miele, Jason Murphy ( , Towson), and Patrick Palmieri ( , NJIT) installed the William Paterson Colony.

Murphy will serve as colony director, and Palmieri, the older brother of one of the colony members, will serve as recruitment advisor.

The following men were elected and installed as the colony officers: Matthew Krupka, president; Kenneth Ellsworth, vice president; Matthew Palmieri, treasurer; Aaron Visco, secretary; Brad Kotuski, sergeant-atarms; and Robert Velasquez, historian.

Members of the colony are involved in varsity athletics and student organizations such as the Education Club and the Music & Entertainment Industry Student Association.

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EXPANSION NEWS

Kennesaw State University Colony

By Christian J. Miele (Eta-Nu, Towson ’04), Expansion Consultant J. Ross Fowler, an initiated member from Alpha-Phi Chapter at the University of Georgia, transferred to Kennesaw State University in the spring of 2003. He had little problem adjusting to the new campus, but felt like something major was missing from the college life he was accustomed to.

Thus, Fowler conceived the idea of starting his own Sigma Pi chapter at Kennesaw State, but would certainly need to enlist the help of others. He began correspondence with Expansion Committee Chairman Jim Wisherd (Alpha-Phi, Georgia) and fellow KSU students John Terry (Alpha-Phi, Georgia) and Benjamin Curry (Epsilon-Alpha, Southern Tech), who were eager to join the expansion Kennesaw State University Colonization on October 12, 2004 . effort. The three undergraduates began the recruitment phase of their journey and interested some 20 other men in Sigma Pi. The university opened its doors for fraternity and sorority expansion at the beginning of the fall 2004 semester. The interest group wasted no time in estabColony Members lishing contact with Director of Student Life Kathy Mr. Brent Allsup ’08 Mr. Lawrence Patton Alday, who encouraged Sigma Pi Fraternity to expand to Mr. Donnie Alf Balenger Jr. ’05 McDonald Jr. ’05 KSU. Mr. Joshua David Cox ’05 Mr. Andrew Miller ’08 Expansion Consultant Christian Miele arrived in Mr. Benjamin Curry ’05 Mr. Jonathan Charles Pascoe ’06 Kennesaw (just outside of Atlanta, Georgia) to work Mr. Joshua Glenn Davis ’08 Mr. Scott Ashley Rager ’06 with the interest group, helping them recruit and preMr. Paul Michael Ferguson ’05 Mr. Travis Russell Schweitzer ’06 pare for colonization. On the evening of September 12, Mr. Scott Taylor Fleming ’05 Mr. Kevin Keane Skelly ’05 Miele, Wisherd, South Atlantic Province Archon Jason Mr. Jude Michael Fontenot ’08 Mr. Daniel Harrison Smith Jr. ’06 Beck, and Michael “Sparky” Bushaw installed the Mr. Jerry Ross Fowler ’05 Mr. Paul Shawn Telaro ’05 Kennesaw State University Colony. The following men Mr. Brad Michael Hendrix ’05 Mr. John Robert Terry ’06 were elected and installed as the colony officers: J. Ross Mr. Jared Matthew Hopkins ’06 Mr. Michael David Thompson ’07 Mr. Andrew Stephen Johnson ’05 Mr. Nicholas Christopher Fowler, president; John Terry, vice president; Lawrence Wood ’06 McDonald, treasurer; Benjamin Curry, secretary; Scott Rager, sergeant-at-arms; and Paul Ferguson, historian.

Mr. Hil Garvin McWhorter Jr. ’05 Mr. Scott Joseph Guthrie ’08 Mr. Brian Michael Sutton ’08 Mr. Andrew Hong Djoen Tan ’06 Mr. Parker Monroe Waller ’06 Mr. Tyler Thomas Wiman ’08

William Paterson Colony Members Mr. Brett Bogden ’08 Mr. Daniel Paul Brautigam ’07 Mr. Edward Alexis Echeverri ’07 Mr. Kenneth Michael Ellsworth ’07 Mr. Davin Larse Forsberg ’08 Mr. Brett Edward Graffeo ’08 Mr. Keith Robert Hildebrandt ’08 Mr. Ryan Mikael Holder ’08

Mr. Brad Jeffrey Kotuski ’08 Mr. Matthew Ryan Krupka ’07 Mr. Matthew Bryan LaRusso ’07 Mr. Jesse Matthew Mazza ’08 Mr. Thomas Paul Morris ’07 Mr. Alexander Joseph Muniz ’07 Mr. Jordan Michael O`Donnell ’07 Mr. Matthew Steven Palmieri ’07

Mr. Anthony I. Perchicca ’08 Mr. Christopher John Reed ’07 Mr. Antonio San Roman ’07 Mr. Nicholas Robert Schulz ’07 Mr. Harold Ben Tat ’07 Mr. Robert Douglas Velasquez ’05 Mr. Aaron Ross Visco ’07

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ALUMNINEWS “Kindred Minds . . .�

—from the Sigma Pi Creed

Dr. Adam Teichman ( , Colorado State ’95) was elected chief surgical resident for 2004–2005. He will complete his training in June 2005.

Brother Teichman is currently training in Hoboken, New Jersey, specializing in foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma.

Mike Hatchey reports: Geoff Flynn (HO, Toronto ’02) and the Mad Men dart team he captains in the Queen Street Dart League took first place at the end of the summer season. The summer league consisted of 26 teams from Toronto with skill levels ranging from beginner to provincial and national championship.

White Water Weekend 2005 Gamma-Xi Chapter invites all brothers and their families to the annual White Water Weekend. This event is an entire weekend of camping, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting. There is something exciting for everyone. For more information, contact Alex Watson at longborder_11@hotmail.com; (540) 207-1266 (cell); (304) 442-3448 (home); or www.songerwhitewater.com.

Brother Eric Smith ( , Central Michigan ’88) was elected Macomb County prosecutor by a wide margin on November 2, 2004. Macomb County is a large, suburban area in Detroit and is one of the most populated counties in Michigan.

Pierre Charmasson, CMP ( , Northern Arizona ’85), has been tapped by the San Diego Old Aztec Athletic Club to act as their director of protocol and the assistant director of corporate sponsorship for the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival, scheduled for May 15–22, 2005.

Charmasson has been an active member of the Old Aztecs Ruby Football Club since 1989 and currently serves as the U.S.A. rugby youth development officer for San Diego County.

Charmasson is an experienced corporate meetings and events planner with Professional Event Solutions in San Diego, California.

Any Sigma Pi member interested in obtaining international exposure for their business or product is urged to contact Brother Charmasson ( , Northern Arizona ’85) at (619) 2992991 ext. 15 or cmp@proeventsolutions.com.

Michael W. Brown ( , Cal StateFullerton ’82) was promoted to vice president, assistant general counsel,

assistant compliance officer and privacy officer at InSight Health Services Corp. Brown lives in Aliso Viejo, California, with his wife of 15 years, Donna, and their two children, Taylor and Vanessa.

Congratulations to Dave and Wendy Barnard ( , chapter ’??) on the birth of their son and future Sigma Pi, William Cole Barnard. William was born July 29, 2004. He was a really big boy (probable three-sport star at lineback, third base, and eight-man at USC), weighing 9 pounds 6 ounces and measuring 21-inches long. The first thing out of the doctors’ and nurses’ mouths was, “He’s huge!�

Congratulations to John ( , Cal State Sacramento ’95) and Kasey Muraoka on the birth of their son, Joseph John, who was born June 22.

Joseph weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces and was 21-inches long.

Andrew Hackman ( , Kutztown ’99) and wife Kristen proudly announce the birth of their first child, Alyssa Sage Hackman, born August 9, 2004. Alyssa weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 21 1/2inches long. Everyone is in good health and lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Alumni can contact Andy at ahackman@rcn.com.

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Brian Lemon ( , Rochester Tech ’81) reports: A small summer gathering took place at our annual Sigma Pi alumni pool party. The fifth annual pool party was attended by seven local alumni and their families. This group gets together four to six times per year. Additional annual events include Christmas at the Vlosky’s and Mardi Gras at the Berndt’s.

Impromptu dinner trips to Geneva, hosted by the D’Amico’s, are also a

highlight. Local alumni are welcome to join in the fun. Contact Brian at blemon@ rochester.rr.com or call “Mole Man.�

Jason Dix ( , SUNY Buffalo ’96) resides in Orlando with his wife, Christina. Jason is a meeting planner for Marriott International at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.

The Beach Cities Alumni Association will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Beta-Omicron Chapter (Cal. State-Long Beach) Saturday, February 26, 2005, at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach. For more information, contact PGS John Merino at jjmerino1@comcast.net.

The Upsilon Alumni Association reports: Jim Ballard, Rob Ward, Steve Lantz, Rich Marcus, and Jay Ross road tripped to Seattle on September 18 for the UCLA-Washington game, and also caught a Mariners game.

The brothers ran into former UCLA quarterback Cory Paus after the game.

Herman Quispe ( , UCLA ’93) hosted a pre-game cookout for UCLA’s opener against Oklahoma

Eta-Nu Alumni Club Chartering Eta-Nu Alumni Michael James Bakert, Christian Miele, Jason Murphy, and Christopher Frew formed an Alumni Club Chartering Committee soon after their chapter had won the coveted Grand Sage’s Award at the Fraternity’s 47th Biennial Convocation this past summer. “Our alumni have been very excited about the chapter’s achievement and we felt now would be the right time to get this thing started while their interest is peaking,� said Miele. On the morning of October 9, the alumni and active chapter met to discuss the purpose and mission of such an association. Officers were elected, a constitution and bylaws adopted, and speeches on the chapter’s history and recent successes were given. After the meeting, the 40+ alumni in attendance would join the actives in a memorable tailgate for Towson’s homecoming game. The Grand Council approved October 27 (the founding date of the chapter) as the chartering date for the alumni club.

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ALUMNINEWS Heitmeier finishes career with brother

How long has it been since you met with your alumni. Plan a meeting soon.

State. Tom Miller, Bill Kealey, David Finkel, Chris Daughters, Gabor Fabian and others showed up. Jeff Bara attended, and then doubledipped with the NASCAR race in Fontana the next day to jeer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sean Bloch ( , UCLA ’92) road tripped to Las Vegas for the AVP finale.

Mike Liskey ( , UCLA ’90) is busy recruiting for his new job as assistant basketball coach for Santa Ana College.

Dan Romero ( , UCLA ’98) and his wife, Amy, welcomed a daughter April 18.

Abel Somilleda ( , UCLA ’95) and his wife, Liza, welcomed a son, Noah, this summer. Abel, Sean Bloch, and Jay Ross went to the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert at the Hollywood Bowl August 6.

Former Sage Sean Topp ( , UCLA ’98) married April Phillips October 2.

Mike Martin ( , UCLA ’94) organized an epic bachelor party road trip in Las Vegas.

Won Park ( , UCLA ’93) has indulged in late-night, online poker and watched every episode of “American Idol III.�

Larry Furst ( , UCLA ’91) and his wife, Nu, returned from a trip to Thailand in the winter.

John Parker ( , UCLA ’51) made a trip to Indochina and Mongolia, following in the steps of Xanadu chapter founder Marco Polo.

Derrick Hindery ( , UCLA ’91) began his professorship in environmental studies at the University of

Hawaii and hopes to catch some waves on the north shore.

Ajay Patel ( , UCLA ’91) works as counsel at USC and attended the Dodgers-Padres Western Division showdown on September 14, getting comped for field-level dugout seats.

He saw Olympic softball pitcher Jennie Finch throw out the first pitch, then went for seconds on the prime rib.

Check out the Upsilon Alumni Association web site, www.SigmaPi UCLA.com, or for more information, e-mail Jay Ross at ross_jay@hotmail.com.

Thomas Krumenacker ( , SUNYPlattsburgh) was kind enough to thank his brothers for saving his life in a story that ran in The San Diego Union-Tribune on Friday, August 13, 2004. “Twelve years later, I have not given up and look forward to the rest

Beta-Mu alumni (from left to right) Thomas A. Goodwin, IV, Barry W. Jenkins, and Mark Byrne pose in front of Virginia Dale, Co. CafĂŠ and Post Office

Not everyone gets to finish a great career in the presence of another Sigma Pi brother, but alumnus Bill Heitmeier ( , Iowa ’66) had that privilege as a pilot for Skywest Airlines. During his time as a professional pilot, Heitmeier discovered not only a love for the sky, but a kindred mind in his company. While there is a great fraternalism among pilots, Heitmeier also found a Sigma Pi connection with pilot and Brother Jeff Warren ( , Cal. State-Dominquez Hills ’95).

Jeff Warren (L) and Bill The two men discovered their comHeitmeier pilot for Skywest. mon bond during a conversation they shared in 2001. The two brothers teamed up and flew together for eight months in a row, leading up to Heitmeier’s retirement this summer. “I knew when I was going to retire,� Heitmeier said, “and I wanted to fly my last flight with Jeff. Skywest arranged for us to go to Las Vegas, and together we flew the last flight back to Palm Springs in an EMB 120 Brazilia (twin turboprop). We were the only two in the cockpit for my last trip.�

After decades of flight, which began with the U.S. Air Force, Heitmeier described his last flight routine. The retired lieutenant colonel said that during his last flight, he and Jeff reminisced a while about their careers, but the flight back was a little quiet.

As the wheels touched down in Palm Springs, the airport fire department brought two trucks to create an archway of water over the plane as it taxied into the terminal, a custom for pilots who have finished their final flight. This honor was a nice tribute before Heitmeier’s official retirement party at Warren’s home.

Although Sigma Pi has several pilots in our membership, Jeff Warren was the first Heitmeier had ever met. “We get along great,� said Warren. “Bill is not only personable and easy to fly with, but he’s also a great pilot.�

of my life,� Krumenacker said in an e-mail to Sigma Pi. In the story by staff writer Don Norcorss, Krumenacker talked about how his congenital liver failure was so bad that he was “living much of his life in a nightmarish daze.�

Krumenacker first became aware of the problem as an undergraduate when he thought he was just having flu-like symptoms, but instead, passed out. Though he was just lightheaded, his brothers got him to the hospital where doctors discovered Krumenacker had been bleeding internally, and the acts of his friends may have saved his life.

Doctors performed an endoscopic procedure (where bleeding veins would be tied with rubber bands) several times over the next 11 years before more problems made it neces-

sary for Krumenacker to have a liver transplant in May. Though at one time things were so tough on him that he suffered weakness and confusion because of toxins in his blood, Krumenacker, who is now much healthier, was able to enter and run the American’s Finest City Half Marathon earlier this year.

After waiting 10 years for a liver to replace the one that had been ailing him, a living donor, Krumenacker’s sister-in-law, Heather Colombo, donated 60 percent of her liver to our brother.

We thank Colombo and the staff at Scripps Green Hospital for everything they’ve done to help Krumenacker get his life back and make him strong enough to play with his family, especially young daughter Samantha.

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Alumnus Brian Newton wins St. Louis p

By Andrew Smith ( , Troy State ’00) ust about all of us have seen a great poker movie or a poker show on television and have dreamed about the chance to sit with the best of the best at the final table. Yet, often the most excitement we get in our card-playing lives is in besting our friends in a game of Texas Hold ’em on tables that are a far cry from the soft, felted tables of the World Series of Poker held annually in Vegas.

Few people ever get the chance to play for something that matters, to test wit and will against the best bluffers and card sharks in the neighborhood, let alone the whole city. Brother Brian “Newt” Newton ( , Missouri-Saint Louis ’03) is one of those rare men who has...and after playing the best card sharks in St. Louis, he came out on top.

The following interview was graciously given by Newt less than a month after his dramatic victory. Sigma Pi is proud of Newt and wishes him luck in the future. May the rest of you feast off the flop, triple up on the turn, and float winners on the river.

J

1. Sigma Pi: What’s the name of the tournament that you won?

Newt: I defeated 152 other players at Pokerpub.com’s Tournament of Champions—St. Louis Region.

2. Sigma Pi: How did you find out that a tournament was being held?

Newt: Every Monday night, a few of my friends go to Caleco’s in South St. Louis County for “Monday Night Football.” In late September, The Poker Pub started having no-limit Hold ’em games at 7:00 and 10:00 p.m., and there was no cost to enter. On October 4, I played in both games and made the final table in both, out of about 25 to 30 players. I finished second and seventh, respectively. If you made it to the final table, or “the final 8,” you automatically qualified to play in the Tournament of Champions game on October 9, in downtown St. Louis. The tournament itself had 152 players from the St. Louis area.

3. Sigma Pi: How long have you been a poker player?

Newt: I’ve been playing cards since I was 4 years old, but I actually started playing poker 8 years ago when I was in high school.

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s poker championship 4. Sigma Pi: Has the recent publicity on ESPN and other TV networks boosted your interest in the game?

Newt: I actually started playing in small no-limit Hold ’em games about three years ago, but I would have to say that yes, it has boosted my interest. I now know who people are when I watch the games on TV. Gus Hanson is my favorite because he isn’t afraid to play any hand and no one can ever seem to read him.

5. Sigma Pi: Where was the tourney held?

Newt: In a downtown St. Louis nightclub called Velvet.

6. Sigma Pi: What did you win?

Newt: I won a $400 voucher good for a trip to Las Vegas that covers airfare and three days, two nights in the hotel of my choice.

7. Sigma Pi: Do you plan on making a run at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas?

Newt: Since I won this tournament, I’m automatically qualified to play in a PokerPub.com-sponsored tournament where first place wins an automatic bid to the World Series. I think it’s going to be held in Kansas City.

PokerPub is supposed to call me with the details. As soon as I find out, I’m going to make plans to play in that game. Playing in the World Series would be amazing, but I certainly don’t have the 10 grand it costs to enter!

Brother Brian “Newt” Newton, right, (DZ, Missouri-St. Louis ’04) sits happily as the last man at the final table of Pokerpub.com’s Tournament of Champions. (Photo courtesy of pokerpubs.com)

your skills. The only thing wrong with playing online is you can’t play the player as well. You can’t pick up tells by looking at a computer screen.

11. Sigma Pi: Besides playing, where have you learned the most about the game’s strategy?

Newt: By watching games on TV. Try this: Watch the pros play on ESPN and the Travel Channel, and then try watching the celebrities play on Bravo. The difference between how to play and how not to play is so evident. It all comes down to experience and knowledge of the game, and some of those celebrities haven’t even played the game before! Listen to the commentators too. They know what they’re talking about.

12. Sigma Pi: What is your favorite draw?

8. Sigma Pi: Poker is part of American folklore and has been featured in several films. How many poker films have you seen, and what is the best poker movie of all time?

Newt: I honestly haven’t seen too many poker movies, but “Rounders” and “Maverick” are classics. “Tombstone” had some classic poker scenes in it as well. If you’re a Hold ’em fan, you have to love “Rounders.” Maverick had more luck on his side than anything. Matt Damon in “Rounders” had the skill. His character showed you don’t have to have the best cards to win.

9. Sigma Pi: Do you play poker at the casinos in St. Louis or online to practice?

Newt: I used to play every now and then at the casinos, but since these free, no-limit games have been popping up in the area, I’ve been playing in those on Mondays and sometimes Tuesdays. The casino tables aren’t no-limit games, so the person who sits down at the table with the most money is usually the person who wins the money because they can afford to fish for cards. I can’t tell you how many hands I’ve lost because of that!

10. Sigma Pi: Where are the best places for people to play for free and hone in their skills?

Newt: You can play for free online. There are plenty of poker sites nowadays, but I find playing for free at area bars is much better for sharpening

Newt: Before any cards come up on the board, I love seeing a pair of anything in my hand. Seeing that third one come after the flop makes calling a pre-flop raise with a pair of fours all worthwhile!

14. Sigma Pi: As a gambler and a superstitious person, I can’t ask you a 13th question! Are you superstitious?

Newt: Not really when it comes to poker. I don’t have any fossils, rabbit’s feet, or funny sunglasses with me at the table. I just try to play my hand the same way, no matter what cards I have, and try and make sure I can’t be read. I do play 3, 9 whenever I’m dealt it, because 39 is my number.

15. Sigma Pi: As an educated Sigma Pi, you understand the risks involved in gambling. How do you make sure you enjoy the game in a healthy manner and don’t become addicted?

Newt: By understanding my financial limits and not crossing them. I love the thrill of playing for money, be it at the casino or at a home game, but I also realize that at this stage in my life, I don’t have much money to spare on gambling. I don’t care how talented or how skilled or even how lucky a person may be, gambling is never a sure thing. If it was, I certainly wouldn’t be working for a living! Taking advantage of free games around the area has certainly soothed my itch for poker, and so far, it’s paying off because I finally get to go to Vegas!

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ADYTUM ON HIGH Cornell (Mu) John Oliver McDonald ’66

Lycoming (Beta-Lambda) Mark R. Stevens ’89 7/02

Drexel (Beta-Theta) Allen D. Kremer ’51 12/26/03

Missouri-Rolla (Alpha-Iota) Mark J. Smith ’80

Detroit-Mercy (GammaAlpha) James E. Butke ’73

Northern Arizona (BetaIota) Russell Ready ’51 6/1/04 William W. Mitchell III ’62

Emory (Psi) James R. Flournoy ’39 7/12/02 Franklin and Marshall (Nu) Glenn E. Irwin Sr. ’47 7/5/04 Peter Fortis ’46 2/13/04 Houston (Theta-Nu) Jeremy Hyett ’04 10/23/04 Matthew Glowacz (P)’09 10/23/04 Joseph Marsh III (P)’09 10/23/04 Indiana (Beta) Borden R. Purcell ’34 5/5/01

Ohio (Epsilon) William J. Kuhner Jr. ’41 Oregon State (Omega) Robert A. Baer ’40 2/04 Parsons (Gamma-Zeta) Edmund Wysocki Jr. ’71 Pennsylvania State (Theta) Richard D. Gates Jr. ’52 Purdue (Eta) Richard Hendricks ’51 Col. William R. Ourand Jr. ’40 Richard Frederick ’33 10/01

Southern Illinois-Carbondale (Beta-Nu) Nathan Stahlke ’72 Utah (Pi) Dr. L. Reid Shepard ’39 9/13/04 Roland Wise ’35 9/8/04

Richard “Dick” Lee Kruger ( , UCLA ’51) 9/19/1928–9/6/04 Richard “Dick” Kruger stood tall and proud, and was respected and admired by all who knew him. He grew up in Los Angeles, the son of Gus and Minnie Lee Kruger. While attending UCLA, he met and married Jan Johnson, and together they raised four daughters in Whittier, California. During these years, Kruger graduated from the

Police Academy, earned the rank of sergeant in the Los Angeles Police Department, obtained his bachelor’s degree from CSULA, and cofounded MTK Enterprises to operate Huskie Freightways.

Kruger also worked for California Distribution Services, then Dittemore Insulation Contractors. He enjoyed the friends he made through Sigma Pi, relaxing at the family cabin, hunting, fishing, gardening, photography, traveling, and surfing the ’net.

Many enjoyed his political newsletter “Krugerskwips” and other e-mails. He is survived by his mother, wife, and four daughters.

Alpha-Rho Loses Young Leader in Auto Fatality On October 29, 2004, Alpha-Rho Chapter at Southwest Missouri State suffered a tragic loss as 21year-old Ryan Trigg, a fall 2004 pledge and dedicated U.S. Marine, was killed on a slick road as he was heading home to St. Louis.

Everyone who met Trigg saw a well-rounded young man who was a perfect pledge. Trigg was the leader in his pledge class of more than 20 men. He was the mature pledge brother who everyone looked up to; he was a dedicated Sigma Pi. Although Trigg was a Sigma Pi for a very short time, the entire chapter benefited from his presence. Trigg’s smile could light up a room, and he had a big heart.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his girlfriend, and his close friends. We are proud he chose to be part of our chapter, and we’re proud to call him a brother. Brother Trigg will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

For more information, contact Alpha-Rho Chapter Sage Ryan E. Johann at rej212s@smsu.edu.

Ryan Trigg (1983–2004)

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ADYTUM ON HIGH Sigma Pi Mourns Loss of Past Grand Sage PGS Jack Fields (Epsilon-Gamma, Illinois Wesleyan ’75) passed in his sleep to Adytum on High on October 21, 2004. Fields had been suffering from cancer since early August. Grand Herald John Michelich, who had spent considerable time by his chapter brother’s side, was in Bloomington, Illinois, when Brother Fields passed.

Fields had a love for helping others, which is probably what led him to a career in higher education. He served as the registrar and assistant dean at Illinois Wesleyan University until his illness made it impossible for him to continue.

Fields was initiated into Epsilon-Gamma Chapter as a founding father on January 25, 1975. During his tenure at Epsilon-Gamma, Fields served as colony president, pledge educator, rush chairman, and Epsilon-Gamma’s first chapter sage.

Fields began his service on the Grand Council on August 9, 1986, as Grand Third Counselor. In 1988, he did not seek reelection, but rejoined the Council as Grand Third Counselor on August 1, 1992. Fields continued his service on the Council as Grand Second Counselor in 1994, Grand Sage in 1996, and Past Grand Sage from 1998–2000. After his service on Grand Council, Fields volunteered as a trustee for the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation from October 15, 2001, through August 3, 2002. Brother Fields also served on the Fraternity’s Scholarship and Standards, Housing and Finance, and Expansion committees.

During his involvement with the Fraternity, Field’s commitment and dedication to his undergraduate chapter never wavered, which he demonstrated by serving as chapter director from 1983 until his death.

“We all have fond memories of Jack, and we are all fortunate to have known him,” said Executive Director Mark Briscoe. “Jack epitomized the values and ideals of Sigma Pi, and was truly one of the finest men I have ever known.”

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FOUNDATIONNEWS From the Desk of the Chairman

Sigma Pi Fraternity Educational Foundation Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas A. Moore, Western Michigan

Vice Chairmen G. Mason Cozart, Southern Arkansas Gary T. Dvorchak, Iowa Ed J. Panconi, Loyola-Marymount Gary B. Tash, Virginia

Treasurer L. Nelson Farris, Cal State-Long Beach

Dear Brothers, Parents, Friends, and Supporters of Sigma Pi: The new biennium has gotten off to a great start.

The board conducted a fall retreat with the Grand Council to review key joint strategic objectives. As a result of our meeting, we established the following goals: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Focus on alumni development Enhance our Annual Fund program Develop pre-campaign planning activities Expand regional alumni events Continue support of educational programming

Secretary John J. Merino, Cal State-Long Beach

Trustees Donald J. Cox, Temple Frank C. Fryburg, Pennsylvania State Brenan C. German, Cal State-Fullerton Paul W. Hansen, Valparaiso John D. Kitch, Purdue John J. McCann, New Jersey Tech Adam R. Shores, Troy State Cliff A. Wilke, Missouri-Saint Louis John H. Williams, Widener Jay Vaden, Texas Tech

We are pleased to welcome Jay Vaden and John Kitch to our board. Each year we seek new board members who have fund-raising or development background. Should you be interested, please contact me at tmoore@sigmapi.org, or our office at 800-332-1897. I would also like to thank retiring board member PGS Howard Beyer for his many years of dedication to the Foundation and to Sigma Pi. It is not often that our Fraternity receives a fund-raising challenge. The Foundation Board and Grand Council are grateful to Tony Siress for his past and current support. Siress received the Fraternity’s highest award, the Founders’ Award for Business and Support to Sigma Pi. We have a number of events planned for this year. I invite you to attend:

Foundation Staff Chief Operating Officer Mark S. Briscoe, Arkansas State

Director of Operations J. David Edwards, Christopher Newport

Director of Alumni Services Paul V. Wydra, Missouri-Saint Louis

Administrative Assistant Jennifer R. Wyatt

■ The Mid-year Leadership Workshop and alumni reception in St. Louis, Missouri, February 4–5 ■ The inaugural Sigma Pi cruise, May 21–26. It leaves from New Orleans, Louisiana ■ Sigma Pi University in Nashville, Tennessee, July 28–31 Thank you for your support as we build and grow our Foundation. Our goal is to make 2005 bigger and better for our Next Generation of Leaders.

Fraternally, Thomas A. Moore Chairman

Administrative Offices Sigma Pi Educational Foundation Post Office Box 1897 Brentwood, TN 37024 Tel (800) 332-1897 Fax (615) 373-8919 edfound@sigmapi.org www.SigmaPi.org

Helping our Fraternity to build

“A New Generation of Leaders”

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The Educational Foundation is actively seeking fellow Brothers to help the Foundation as an Advisor or Trustee who have: Worked professionally as a fundraiser Worked for a university Development Office Participated in a fundraising campaign Volunteering to help the Foundation will be a rewarding experience. Our Staff and Board leadership will make sure your time is well managed.

If you are interested, please contact Ed Panconi at eapanconi@sbcglobal.net or call Sigma Pi at (800)332-1897.

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Atlanta alumni gather for a time of fun and baseball.

Alumni Services

By Paul Wydra ( , Missouri-Saint Louis ’01) Director of Alumni Services There have been many exciting events this year in Alumni Services. On Saturday, September 25, 44 Atlanta-area alumni and undergraduates went to an Atlanta Braves baseball game. Before the game, members met in a picnic area for food and drinks. There were brothers from numerous Sigma Pi chapters: Georgia (Alpha-Phi), Emory (Psi), Kentucky (Epsilon-Beta), California (Iota) Western Michigan (Gamma-Rho), and members from our Kennesaw State colony. It was great meeting and talking with a spectrum of members who came from different chapters and had different experiences.

The night went better than expected as the Braves won the game.

On November 5, we had an alumni event in Nashville, Tennessee.

The event was a gathering of local alumni, the Grand Council, the Educational Foundation board, and the Executive Office staff. During this informal event, alumni got to meet some of the Fraternity volunteers. It was a great evening of food, drink, and memories. I would like to thank everyone who attended or contacted me about an international alumni event.

Future international alumni events will be held in St. Louis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, and possibly in Texas, Arizona, and Florida. Please check the web site for other future locations. If you would like to have an event in your area, please contact me at the Executive Office.

We are excited to announce that Sigma Pi is planning a five-day, five-night Western Caribbean cruise from May 21–26, 2005, which will be open to all members as well as their wives, children, fiancés, and girlfriends. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet other brothers and their families. For more information, visit www.sigmapi.org, or call Paul Wydra at the Executive Office, (800) 332-1897. Call now, because we only have a certain number of cabins reserved.

Sigma Pi is always looking for volunteers to assist in various roles.

Chapter/colony directors, province archons, housing corporation

advisors, and alumni advisory board volunteers are sorely needed.

Our undergraduate brothers need the support of alumni who have been through many of the same things they are going through right now! A strong chapter has great alumni support. If you have some extra time, please consider becoming a volunteer for Sigma Pi. It can be a rewarding experience.

The following chapters/colonies need chapter directors: Indiana Tech, Illinois Wesleyan, East Carolina, Johnson and Wales, Old Dominion, Radford, and Cal State Chico. The following colonies need colony directors: James Madison, Florida, and Jacksonville State (Alabama).

Alumni advisory boards are also being formed for chapters/colonies right now. We need alumni who enjoy assisting a group and watching them move in the right direction.

Sigma Pi Alumni Advisory Boards Sigma Pi Fraternity initiated a new program to help our chapters and colonies improve and maintain alumni involvement. One of the keys to a successful organization is the involvement of a core group of alumni advisors to assist and guide undergraduates with various aspects of chapter operations. The bottom line is this: A successful chapter/colony has good alumni support. The descriptions below outline the various alumni advisor positions. Alumni advisory boards are not voted on; they do not have or need bylaws or corporation status.

Alumni advisory boards are in place for one reason: to guide the undergraduates. Advisors do not have to be members of Sigma Pi.

Chapter Director The main role of the chapter director is to guide undergraduates in everyday chapter operations. The director is also the liaison between the chapter, the Province Archon, and the Executive Office.

The chapter director helps with officer training, finances, paperwork, member recruitment, risk management, and the recruitment of other alumni to assist the chapter/colony. The chapter director is

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FOUNDATIONNEWS the contact person for parents, new members, or potential members who have questions or concerns. The chapter director position is the only position that’s voted on by the chapter.

ment policy of the Executive Office and the university, and see that the chapter maintains a good relationship with neighbors and community members.

Faculty Advisor

Member Education Advisor

The faculty advisor helps with undergraduate scholarship and programming. Acting as a liaison between the university and the chapter, the faculty advisor may assist with study hours, academic advising, campus image, and ways to improve/maintain overall chapter GPA.

Hazing is a thing of the past and is detrimental to what brotherhood and being The New Generation of Leaders is all about. The member education advisor is in contact with the undergraduate membership education chair(s) and makes sure new members are taught the proper values and core ideals of Sigma Pi. The new Foundation of Membership Manual should be used by all new member education chair(s) to teach new members of Sigma Pi.

Housing Advisor Image is an important aspect of a college fraternity. Our chapter houses must maintain a safe and livable standard. The housing advisor is the contact for the undergraduate house manager. The advisor makes sure fire safety equipment is checked regularly and remains current; that the chapter house is kept clean through the timely performance of house duties; and that there are no safety issues in the chapter house or on chapter house property. If there is a major project that needs to be completed, the house advisor can assist the undergraduate house manager to ensure the work or maintenance gets done properly. The housing advisor must know the risk manage2004 Atlanta Alumni at a Braves game.

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Finance Advisor The finance advisor guides the undergraduate Third Counselor (treasurer) on chapter finances, fund raising, auditing the books, and saving/budgeting for the chapter’s future. The finance advisor also is a liaison between the undergraduate chapter and an alumni comptroller of the housing corporation. The finance advisor should be aware of the dues paid per member, what payments the chapter owes the Executive Office, and what bills the chapter may have. The finance advisor should be able to see the accounts that the chapter has at a bank and/or with a financial service company.

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Los Angeles alumni event at UCLA in 2004.

Alumni Advisor The alumni advisor maintains communication between the undergraduate chapter and alumni through an e-mail list, a group page, and/or an alumni newsletter. The alumni advisor maintains communication with the undergraduate First Counselor regarding updates on area alumni. The alumni advisor also assists in organizing active/alumni events such as homecoming, Founders’ Day, chapter formals, and golf outings.

Rush Advisor The rush advisor assists the undergraduate rush chairmen in preparing for and executing the recruitment period. The rush advisor should know all of the university and Executive Office policies regarding recruitment. The advisor should maintain an open line of communication between undergraduate chapter brothers and keep them focused on rush, which is the lifeblood of the chapter and the Fraternity. The rush advisor should also make sure all of the proper forms and fees are submitted to the Executive Office.

Alumni from all over Georgia gathered for a Braves game.

Additional resources Please use www.sigmapi.org as a resource for officer, recruitment, scholarship, housing, and volunteer manuals. The web site can also be used for ideas and communication with other alumni volunteers.

For more information on Alumni Volunteers check out www.sigmapi.org/alumniservices/advisory.cfm

Grand Third Counselor George Hakim and Addam Arrington at the Nashville alumni event.

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FOUNDATION SIGMA PI EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

A Quarterly News Update

Special Notice for all Parents and Members Please take a moment to fill out the form below so we can update our records. Sigma Pi is doing more to reach its members than ever before, and we want to make sure that you receive the news as early as possible. We need your help.

Parents, if this publication is reaching your house after your son’s graduation, please help

us update his information by sending his new address to our offices.

This year we want to reach all of our alumni at their homes and continue to build the lifelong bonds of brotherhood we share in Sigma Pi. We have several regional alumni events planned for 2005, and we need this information for your invitation.

Sigma Pi Alumni Address Update for 2005 Name: ______________________________________ Graduation Year: __________ Chapter/School: ________________________________________________________ Street Address: ____________________________________ Apt: ________________

Update online now at: www.sigmapi.org Please click the Alumni tab on the upper bar, then go to Alumni Addresses to update your information.

City/State: ________________________________________ Zip: ________________ E-mail: ____________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Sigma Pi Fraternity never shares personal information with outside vendors!

This is only for our information to send you news fast.

❑ Updated information for Sigma Pi only ❑ Addressee unknown, please stop delivery

We need your help. Please send us this information today so we can stay in touch with you.

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