Sigma Pi - Cornell University

Summer 2020 Newsletter

Mu Chapter of Sigma Pi at Cornell University, Educational Foundation

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T he Board of Directors of Mu Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity stands firmly with our Black brothers and all those who seek an equitable society. We are deeply concerned with the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd and recognize that these are only the most recent manifestations of long-standing injustices. We are committed to supporting our undergraduate brothers' efforts to effect meaningful change on Cornell's campus and beyond. To this end, we have formed a working committee with the aim of engaging with our alumni brothers in conversation, education, and action. If you would like to participate in these conversations moving forward, please contact Slater Goodman '19, Alumni Board Secretary, at jsg325@cornell.edu. D ear Brothers of Sigma Pi Mu Chapter, We hope this note finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. As many of you know, the Mu Chapter Alumni Corporation closed the chapter house for the remainder of the spring semester in keeping with Cornell's policy requiring students to leave campus and return to their permanent residences to complete their courses online. The undergraduate brothers moved out the week of March 16. Among the brotherhood, there are individuals who have already been affected by this rampant virus in some way, shape, or form. Unfortunately, there will likely be more. In response, the Education Foundation is doing what we can to help the undergraduate brothers in a time of uncertainty. We recently polled active members to find out how we can help, and the results were startling. At least six brothers to date have lost their summer or full-time employment offers, and more than 30 are still looking for opportunities. Many of these brothers were in the final rounds of interviewing when the crisis escalated. These employment opportunities are a significant supplement to our undergraduate brothers' education. The Educational Foundation has launched a special $25,000 campaign to help the Mu Chapter brotherhood. The sponsorship opportunities from the fund will be determined based on the funds received, but overall they will support activities such as sponsoring brothers in unpaid internships, covering the relocation costs for brothers struggling to afford to start a new internship, and other initiatives as the Foundation finds the best ways to help. The campaign has nearly reached our goal of $25,000. The members of the Foundation Board of Directors began the fundraising with a $5,000 challenge to the alumni. Young alumni made gifts via a GoFundMe page; others sent in checks. Many alumni made their gifts through Family Foundations and Donor Advised Funds. The important thing is that the brothers of Sigma Pi responded to a need. Although we planned to close the campaign on June 30, we are continuing to accept gifts. The foundation has been fortunate to provide stipends for brothers in need—those whose summer internships and jobs were interrupted by the Covid virus. You can donate online by visiting www.sigmapicornell.org/150- giving-edufound.asp. Thank you for your consideration and continued support of the Educational Foundation. We wish you, your friends, and family the best of health. Together, we will overcome this! Fraternally, Joseph M. Zanetta '75 Educational Foundation President josephzanetta@yahoo.com / (310) 963-4173 summer 2020 S I G M A P I • M U C H A P T E R MU CHAPTER OF SIGMA PI EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION An Update Regarding COVID-19 and Mu Chapter Educational Foundation Launches $25,000 Undergraduate Sponsor Campaign A StAtement from the mu ChApter of SigmA pi frAternity

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