Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi at Gettysburg College
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1352218
3 SIGMA CHI FACING CHALLENGES HEAD-ON Theta Chapter Collegians Adjust to the New Normal at Gettysburg College T he eta Chapter of Sigma Chi at Gettysburg College is responding to the challenges of COVID-19 through a reaffirmation of our mission to support the three great aims of Sigma Chi: Friendship, Justice, and Learning. Like the rest of the United States, Sigma Chi operated virtually for much of 2020, facing challenges to connect with each other and preserve the relationships between brothers and our college community. e chapter began 2021 on a strong note by pledging and initiating 15 exceptional individuals into our chapter, all done virtually. Magister Will Hopkins '22 notes: "I was incredibly fortunate to initiate 15 young men over winter break. As with any new member education process, there were many obstacles. Having to conduct the entirety of the experience over Zoom presented even more challenges. ese obstacles did little to curb the enthusiasm of the pledges. Every week, they brought their high spirits and friendly faces, ready to discuss the importance of the values of Sigma Chi." Furthermore, our successful efforts with recruitment will carry on toward our philanthropy goals. Philanthropy Chairman David Wiener '22 says: "In adherence with COVID-19 guidelines on campus, we continue to have our eyes set on achieving a hybrid Derby Days that incorporates some socially distanced in-person elements in addition to online initiatives. Most importantly, we want to highlight the 'why' behind our philanthropic efforts as a reminder of the great things that can happen when our brothers come together." As a chapter, we are dedicated to making eta more inclusive for all members of our college community. Campus Equity and Inclusion Chairman Alejandro Sánchez '21 asserts that: "e main missions of the Equity and Inclusion Committee are centered on strengthening our brotherhood internally via discussions within the chapter regarding race, sexuality, and other topics. Additionally, we would like to better connect our brotherhood to groups on campus such as the Black Student Union and the Latin American Student Association." With the goals of our determined executive board in mind, and the challenges faced and overcome from COVID-19, the eta Chapter of Sigma Chi is committed to making our brotherhood and community stronger than ever before. In Hoc, Giacomo Coppola '22 Consul Jack Kenyon '21, Dylan McKeever '21, and Christian Rodriguez '21 proudly display the Sigma Chi flag at End of the World, Hawaii, in December of 2020. Will Hopkins '22 and Dylan McKeever '21 stand atop Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vt., on January 15, 2021. This photograph was displayed on the Sigma Chi Instagram page and won the Campus Classics Flag Friday challenge for that week. "We are always excited to represent our fraternity," Will said. "It was an honor displaying the beautiful colors of Sigma Chi at the top of the mountain." Brother Daniel Petrillo '21 from Bridgewater, N.J., is a future United States Marine Corps officer. Brothers of Theta Chapter host safe and successful recruitment events amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Such efforts resulted in the initiation of 15 men of high character this spring. Our brotherhood continues to rise to and surpass the challenges presented to us by the COVID-19 pandemic. THETA BY THE NUMBERS GPA: 3.63 New Members: 15 Total # Brothers: 63 Spring Service Hours: 6 Intramural Winners: Oliver Yancey '21 and Daniel Janzow '21