Sigma Chi - University of Kansas

One is prominently displayed in the South Formal and the other hangs in our chapter room. The original charter will be properly stored in a protective enclosure in a cool, dry environment. We're very fortunate to have our beautiful charter. Be sure to look for it the next time you're at the house. Restoration Work Completed on Alpha Xi Charter O ur chapter was founded May 23, 1884, as the 54th chapter of Sigma Chi. Many chapters founded in the early years didn't survive and we are one of the few to have operated continuously since our founding, thus maintaining our original charter. The earliest charters in Sigma Chi were hand-drawn. In fact, founder Wil- liam Lewis Lockwood was the first charter artist, writing in 1857 to Eta chapter at the University of Mississippi, "when you receive it, you will doubtless be disappointed in it. It is a plain charter, drawn by unworthy me, as we could not trust anyone not a member with the construction." Our 134-year-old charter is a lithograph document, signed by the national officers, with Alpha Xi, Lawrence, Kansas, and the names of our founding members in fine calligraphy. It's approximately 27 by 17 inches and the Fraternity used this charter design from 1874 to 1892. For many years our charter hung largely unno- ticed in a dimly lit corner of the chapter room. The years and the humidity were beginning to take their toll on the document. It was fading and had several holes and scrapes. House Corp. recently began an effort to have the charter restored. Sigma Chi's archivist Noah Phelps told us that restoration of the original document is rarely advisable, as any invasive treatment could damage or destroy it. He recommended taking a high-resolution scan and having the document enhanced (basically photoshopped) and printed on a high-quality parchment. That project was completed just in time for the Grand Consul's visit to the chapter earlier this year. We had two copies printed and framed. ALPHA XI page 2 Grand Consul Tommy Geddings, South Carolina '85 Visits Alpha Xi O n February 27, the chapter was honored by a visit from Sigma Chi's 70th Grand Consul, Tommy Geddings, South Carolina '85. The oc- casion was our scholarship dinner with special guest speaker, Jim Hanna '92. Brother Geddings passed out scholarship checks totaling some $10,000 to our Fall Scholars. Housemother Kathy Kennedy had the tables set with flowers and Jayhawk centerpieces, along with our fine china. Prior to the dinner, Brother Geddings toured the house and sat in on a joint meeting of the chapter's executive committee, Advisory Board, and House Corp. After dinner Geddings attended chapter meeting, led by Consul Ryan Carter '19. Eric Packel '90 inspired us all with his recitation of our ritual. We are deeply grateful for Brother Geddings' visit to Alpha Xi. He spoke about developing programs and policies in the fraternity and energized us all by his deep love for Sigma Chi. Before and After

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