Sigma Chi - Montana State University

L I F E L O N G B O N D S Michael DiFronzo '91 FinDs satisFaction in his role as a sigMa chi Brother BOBCAT SIG 2 M ichael DiFronzo '91 went through recruitment during the fall semester of his freshman year in 1986. roughout the process, he and his friends had three fraternities they were seriously interested in: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Sigma Chi. "During the rush events, I formed an immediate connection with Sigma Chi," Mike said. "Call it a gut feeling, or better thinking than my friends, but for me Sigma Chi simply felt like home." As an active member, Mike served as pro counsel, house manager, and two terms as social chairman. "Sigma Chi helped form who I am as a person and a leader," he said. "e lessons learned in my leadership positions are very much at the core of my success throughout my career." Mike can't imagine what his time in college would have been like without Sigma Chi. From the study groups together, to standing in three feet of snow with a beer in hand, to all the experiences in between, lifelong friendships were formed during these times. Mike graduated from Montana State with a bachelor of science in accounting and went on to law school at the University of Montana. He later obtained his masters of law in taxation from New York University. Mike ended up in the tax field aer law school by combining his CPA and legal training. He worked for a series of large law and accounting firms before taking a position as the Deputy Associate Chief Counsel (International) with the US Treasury. His primary responsibility in that role was oversight over the publication of all administrative guidance related to international taxation. "I worked there for two years under the Bush Administration and two years under the Obama Administration," Mike said. "While the work may not sound exciting, it put me in the middle of the largest global acquisitions and dispositions— the ones that make the front page of the Wall Street Journal." Today, Mike is a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he leads the firm's Washington National Tax Office's international tax practice. He enjoys the fast-paced, challenging, fun work environment, which has given him the opportunity to travel all over the world. Despite his busy schedule, Mike makes a point to stay connected to Beta Rho Chapter. Before he had kids and moved to the East Coast, Mike didn't miss a Homecoming weekend for over a decade. He last returned to Bozeman for the 100th anniversary of Beta Rho and had a great time catching up with his friends and meeting brothers from other eras. He now stops by on occasion to check on the house on his way to his home in Big Sky. "e friendships and brotherhood that we had during our time at MSU live on and are just as strong as they were," Mike said. "All you need to do is reach out and you will find that Sigma Chi is alive and well." He encourages alumni to consider giving back to the brotherhood to support programs that will make the next generation of Sigma Chi just as strong as past eras. "Because I now live in the Washington, D.C., area, I have had great opportunities to work with the National Fraternity along with other accomplished alumni," Mike said. "Sigma Chis are all around us, working as leaders of business and government. at is true no matter where you live." Mike and his better half, Miaka, live in McLean, Virginia, with five children between them and he can be reached at mdifronzo@hotmail.com. "I don't think it's a stretch to say that every significant decision I make is somehow influenced by my experience with Sigma Chi." O n June 29, 2019, Brother Ryan Roseleip '97 was inducted into the Order of Constantine during the 82nd Grand Chapter held in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was joined by Cory Rigler, Beta Delta '98. e Order of Constantine Award was created in 1948 to recognize members who have performed outstanding service to the fraternity in a manner the founders would have commended. Induction into the Order of Constantine is considered to be the highest honor that Sigma Chi bestows upon one of its members. To be considered for induction, prospective members must have performed years of faithful service to the fraternity and be endorsed by five Sigma Chi brothers for admission, at least three of whom must have been inducted into the select group in prior years. In his acceptance speech, Ryan thanked the brothers of Beta Rho for working together to create a strong chapter. "Holding each Order of Constantine Congratulations, Ryan Roseleip '97 other accountable at times wasn't easy," Ryan said, "but we were stronger because of it. I have taken many of the lessons I learned as Consul into my work at Johnson & Johnson and am grateful for the group of brothers in the chapter who were committed to a common purpose." Ryan served as Beta Rho's Consul from 1996-97 and went on to work at Sigma Chi Headquarters for the next three years. His fraternity service includes sporadically serving as Consul and Pro Consul faculty for the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop (2001-2013), served as the International Fraternity's Ritual Director for Chapter Installations (2003-2007), Mission 365 Recruitment Committee member (2004- 2006), Beta Rho Bobcat Sig newsletter editor (2004-2008), Alumni Service Programming Committee member (2010-2012), and Jordan Initiative Eradicate Hazing Committee member (2012-2014). Ryan Roseleip '97 and Cory Rigler, Beta Delta '98

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