Sigma Chi - University of Missouri

THE TIGER SIG Page 2 Summer 2019 John Qualy '70, Jay Shields '76, Dan Slickman '77, and Larry McMullen '53 surround major scholarship recipients Joe Pedrotti '21, Nick Beckett '21 and Nikko James '21. in word and picture those who give foundation to our scholarship program. First in line must be the Sigma Chi Mother's Club. When the smoke cleared, it was quite late to even think of holding the annual lun- cheon. Alumni, with some caution, approached the moms whose at- titude was one of "Don't worry about the constraints, we'll do it," and they did. All was organized, the site was unique, and everything went smoothly down to each mom carrying a white rose into the ceremony. Their attitude was reflective of their sons during the past few months: accept the challenge, get it done. $19,250 was awarded to Chapter members with amounts ranging from $350 to $4,000. Smaller Chapter numbers meant fewer overall scholarships. Again, the foundation for financing the awards came from John Qualy's '70 $100,000 donation in memory of his Broth- ers William and James, with additional $50,000 amounts given by Rich Elias '72 in honor of his son Rich, and John Dickey '50, who created a PALS scholarship honoring Jim Whitacre '49, Bob Evans '49, Andy McCanse '49 (all members of his 1945 pledge class) and Thaddeus McCanse '49 who mentored them. In hoc, George Gale '54 (573) 449-4029 / georgetg@centurytel.net Triumph Born out of Turmoil (Continued from page 1) Consul John Costigan '19 received the Ike Skelton Award as the outstanding Xi Xi junior. F ollowing are the thoughts of John Costigan '19 who, at the request of alumni, assumed the role of Chapter leadership at a most difficult time. John followed with a focus and strength that both energized and directed our path. Opportunity, a word we have used quite often to describe the perspectives we have taken in the Xi Xi Chapter over the past few months. An opportunity for growth, realignment, brotherhood and strength. Our great challenge became one of translating opportunity into planning and action. The past months have been a time of great challenge for the Chapter. It all started with us facing a conduct suspension followed by a demanding period of negotiation with the university and the International Fraternity. During this second period, a membership review was held with actives and freshmen. The fallout of this was a Chapter dramatically revised in structure and in purpose. This highly reshaped entity entered a three-year process called the Restorative Justice Program, a condition of performance engendered by the International Fraternity. THE FIRST STAGGERING BLOW The membership review, held the first week in December, proved to be our first hurdle. Active members were given the choice of either facing the review or opting out, which, if they did the latter, immediately put them on a suspended member status. Further possible status repercussions depended on performance during the interviews. Pledges faced the same process. The interviews were conducted by a panel of alumni selected from across the country. When the dust settled, 16 active members and 35 pledges remained. We had lost half our actives in just the opt-out process and more were eliminated in the interviews. Two pledges left the fold, and this was merely a start of the Restorative Justice Program. HEAVY GOALS AND LITTLE TIME We were given goals which the Chapter had to reach over a three-year period. Whereas the first year only encompassed the spring semester, the final two follow calendar periods. Our immediate challenge was to implement a scholastic program which would lead us to 3.25 accumulative GPA. Every brother was required to go through Preparation for Brotherhood, the basic pledge education program. Sigma Chi headquarters made continuous visits with personnel facilitating retreats on alcohol and drug education. The result of approved participation is the allowance of more privileges in terms of participating in social and campus events. At the time, still feeling the impact of the membership review, the program facing us seemed like a mountain impossible to climb. Besides the requirements of Restorative Justice, we had to take separate focus on how the Chapter would function, how we would maintain morale and—which is a classic problem in a condition such as ours—how we would maintain separation among those on suspended status with our active members. We made a key and successful decision: instead of relegating responsibility among a chosen few, we involved a significant portion of the Chapter in various areas of management. The stake in the success of the house was then shared by many. A NEW STRUCTURE THAT SPREAD OWNERSHIP Former chairmen positions became small committee responsibilities. Ritual, scholarship, philanthropy, house management and recruitment were designated as vital areas. Members could join one or more committees, THE CONSUL LOOKS BACK (Continued on page 4)

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