Sigma Chi - University of Alabama

SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA | EST. 1876 FALL 2020 G reetings, brothers! In a time of such uncertainty and struggle, I am pleased to share with you some good news from the summer and fall at Iota Iota Chapter. At the virtual Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop this past summer, Iota Iota received its fourth Peterson Significant Chapter Award in a row. This achievement is a testament to our success and growth as a chapter, and we hope to continue this progress in the upcoming year. Iota Iota would also like to extend a warm welcome to the fall 2020 pledge class. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic looming large, we were able to run a successful fall recruitment, leading to 54 accepted bids. The men joining our brotherhood this semester are from all corners of the United States, and they are eager to learn about Sigma Chi through our Preparation for Brotherhood program. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many obstacles to our chapter's normal operations, including a delayed new member education period. However, we are excited to announce that the pledges will be initiated this semester. The pandemic has also resulted in required safety measures for Iota Iota. We are required to wear masks and social distance at all times, and many of our brotherhood events have been canceled. Although Iota Iota may look a little different this year, we are learning to adapt to these changes and are making the most of them. Thank you to all of our alumni and Iota Iota family for your support. In hoc, James Nielson '21 Chapter President jmnielson@crimson.ua.edu | (502) 889-6375 Thriving Through Adversity Iota Iota Chapter Earns Fourth Straight Peterson Award Brothers mask up to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A s a year of challenges comes to a close, it would do us all good to reflect on what Iota Iota Chapter taught and ingrained in us. Sigma Chi was founded with the purpose of cultivating and maintaining the high ideals of friendship, justice, and learning. The Spirit of Sigma Chi, as conceived by the founders more than 150 years ago yet visible and alive today, is based on the theory that friendship among members sharing a common belief in an ideal and possessing different temperaments, talents and convictions is superior to friendship among members having the same temperaments, talents, and convictions, and that genuine friendship can be maintained without surrendering the principle of individuality or sacrificing one's personal judgement. The Sigma Chi Creed also taught us that: • I believe in fairness, decency and good manners. • I will endeavor to retain the spirit of youth. • I will try to make my college, the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and my own chapter more honored by all men and women and more beloved and honestly respected by our own brothers. • I say these words in all sincerity; that Sigma Chi has given me favor and distinction; that the bond of our fellowship is reciprocal; that I will endeavor to so build and so conduct myself that I will ever be a credit to our Fraternity. As we recruit new members for the coming year, keep in mind what our standards are, and what they are not. The Jordan Standard represents the requirements for all recruits, pledges, and brothers to live by. When founder Isaac M. Jordan, who was then a member of Congress, addressed the Grand Chapter in 1884, he provided the basis for The Jordan Standard in its current form. The confidence of the founders of Sigma Chi was based upon a belief that the principles which they professed and the ideal of the Fraternity which they sought were but imperfectly realized in the organizations by which they were surrounded. The standard with which the Fraternity started was declared by Isaac M. Jordan to be that of admitting no man to membership in Sigma Chi who is not believed to be: A Man of good character… A student of fair ability… With ambitious purposes… A congenial disposition… Possessed of good morals… Having a high sense of honor, and A deep sense of personal responsibility Our society has faced adversity, turmoil, and challenge during this difficult year. As Sigma Chis, we have an excellent roadmap to helping our communities address problems, provide solutions, and take action to overcome them. In hoc, Bill Stiers '86 and Will Yeldell '86 Iota Iota House Corporation bamasig@gmail.com REFLECTING ON 2020

• Cover