Sigma Pi - Cornell University

Winter 2019 Newsletter

Mu Chapter of Sigma Pi at Cornell University, Educational Foundation

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President's Message As we look back on 2018 and celebrate the end of our 11th year, I am pleased to report the pro- gress and impact the Educational Foundation has had on leadership and educational programs within the Sigma Pi community and the greater Ithaca area. This letter will review some of the highlights of the past year; however, we end the year deeply saddened by the death of one of our great leaders and visionaries, Jim Keene '57, and concerned about the health of our founding patron, Bert Harrop, as he recovers from a seri- ous health issue near his home in Texas. We all wish Bert the best as he continues to improve. The board remained committed to fulfilling the vision that both Bert and Jim believed when they established the Foundation in 2007. This past year continued to show progress with pro- grams and educationally oriented infrastructure becoming an important and integrated part of undergraduate life at the chapter house. The building blocks are in place, and brothers recog- nize the benefits. Events in the Learning Com- mons occur on a frequent basis, and Mu Chapter brothers' commitment to participation in Col- lege Mentors for Kids remains strong. Brothers continue to participate in leadership conferences and programs sponsored by the Foundation. We could not do any of this without the generous contributions of the alumni community, and we are forever grateful. The focus on education has helped to generate a cumulative GPA of 3.43 for the spring 2018 semester––among the highest of all fraternities at Cornell. Learning Commons Update The Learning Commons has become a state- of-the-art location for collaborative study for brothers throughout the semester. At virtually any time, brothers can be seen utilizing the high- speed Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions and con- ducting small group meetings. In addition to the daily impact, the Learning Commons has hosted a variety of events. We hosted prominent speak- ers including Greek University CEO Michael Ayalon, who Winter 2019 S I G M A P I • M U C H A P T E R MU CHAPTER OF SIGMA PI EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION A Year in Review spoke about leadership and the state of the Greek system, and Dr. Kurt Rasmussen '80, who shared his perspectives as the Director of the Di- vision of Therapeutics and Medical Consequenc- es for the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The brothers also used the Learning Commons to host an Open Mic night, a new and unique way for the chapter to support philanthropic activity, which raised more than $500 for the Ithaca Com- munity School of Music and Arts. College Mentors for Kids Update The Foundation's signature program, College Mentor for Kids, went through a period of transition during the past 12 months. Sigma Pi did not retain the leadership positions it once enjoyed; however, our commitment to the pro- gram remains strong as a record 10 new brothers joined the team, two of whom became transpor- tation directors. We look forward to rebuilding our large leadership presence in the program during the coming years. Board Member Activities and Changes As we mentioned earlier this year, Kurt and Sandy True '78 were recognized for their out- standing work in their professional and volun- teer lives respectively. I have assumed a new role with an early stage technology company that helps companies and individuals maximize their philanthropic activity and participation. Additionally, the board voted to add Connor Riser '16 as treasurer, replacing Aaron Klein '12, who remains on the board. As a result of transitions and departures, we are actively looking to fill open board seats with in- dividuals who can help take the Foundation to the next level. Please contact me or anyone else on the board if you are interested to learn more. Thankful for Continued Support We thank all of you have supported the Foun- dation with generous donations during the past year. 2018 was a very successful year, as 52 alumni and friends of Mu Chapter contributed $33,420. We look forward to continuing to build the Foundation and its impact within the broth- erhood as well as the Ithaca community. Fraternally, Tom Silver '81 President tsilver10359@yahoo.com (914) 582-1604 Educational Foundation Sees New Success in 2018 LinkedIn Sigma Pi Mu Chapter Alumni Instagram @CornellSigmaPi F o l l o w U s O n l i n e Website musigmapifoundation.com

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