Sigma Chi - Montana State University

4 BOBCAT SIG T he Beta Rho Chapter has been working diligently to increase operations on all fronts, pursuing every opportunity to increase our presence within our surrounding community while strengthening the unity of our brotherhood. Last year's executive team generated an immense amount of momentum during our 100th year anniversary, which our current team has capitalized on to increase involvement in public relations and philanthropy. Our relationship with the Montana State campus is at an all-time high, and Sigma Chi international has recognized us as a significant chapter by awarding us the Peterson Award at our Balfour Leadership Training Week. This year has already proven to be a successful one, and what is even more exciting is we still have the time and drive to accomplish more. MAKING A DIFFERENCE One of the biggest advancements has been the dramatic increase in public relations and philanthropic events. We partnered with the American Red Cross to host biannual blood drives at our house, and during our first one we provided enough blood to help 682 patients. Other events have included highway cleanups, car washes, campus fundraisers, and helping a local farm harvest over 3,500 pounds of crops that were donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank to feed hungry families. On the side of philanthropy, we have already raised over $9,000 through our various events and are working hard to reach our goal of $20,000 by the end of the academic school year. We are planning our next project, which will be a blanket drive, in which we will accumulate and donate blankets to homeless families before the harsh winter starts. INCREASED INVOLVEMENT Our brothers put a lot work into helping our fraternity, but what's more important is that most of them are also involved in campus organizations or hold jobs. Our chapter is well represented within Montana State's Interfraternity Council, and brothers have several seats on the Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU) Senate, both of which we use to make a positive difference on our campus. Other brothers are part of clubs such as Engineers Without Borders, Earth Science Student Colloquium or are on a club sports team. We even have a few brothers who have started their own club, or own businesses. In all, 84 percent of our members are associated with other organizations, ensuring that Sigma Chi's values are well integrated into our community. A UNITED BROTHERHOOD Even with the advance in chapter activity, our brothers maintain a 2.97 GPA, which is up from last year's 2.84 and still on the rise. This is due to the immense support that our brothers provide for each other and the strict adherence to Sigma Chi's core values that our chapter practices. Our chapter now sees more brotherhood events than large social events, which strengthens our bond and keeps us focused on what we want to accomplish. In a time where Greek organizations are facing increased scrutiny, the Beta Rho Chapter of Sigma Chi remains strong and rooted in our high ideals of friendship, justice and learning. In Hoc, Brent Eaton '18 Consul brenteaton.l@gmail.com BETA RHO SETS THE BAR Chapter Leads the Way in Philanthropy and Involvement Brothers at our "Give a Hand in the Fight Against Cancer" event where students and faculty donated $1 to trace their hand on our banner in support of cancer research. Donating blood at the Sigma Chi house. Brothers collected 48 bins of vegetables at God's Garden that were donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank to help feed hungry families in the community.

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