Sigma Phi Delta - University of Illinois

DELTA DISPATCH 3 F rom adapting to the changing environment on campus and adjusting to fraternity operations without a house, this past year has been a difficult one for our Delta brothers. I'm happy to say that this semester is going great; our members are enjoying the brand-new house with a refreshed sense of brotherhood. The semester kicked off with a productive brotherhood Work Weekend. House Manager Carter Pobloske '22 organized a busy three days of setting up furniture, supplies, and equipment as well as decorating common areas with important memorabilia. The hard work paid off, as actives of all classes are experiencing the benefits of the renovated house together. Head Recruitment Chairman Rohan Suresh '22 organized an effective recruitment effort. Along with the rest of the recruitment chairmen and the support of the chapter, the first four weeks of the semester drew a large number of interests in the fraternity. We attended the annual Quad Day, which was a massive success, and hosted a variety of events in the brand-new house, which helped us recruit 16 new members. This interest has continued past recruitment, and we hope to grow and develop our membership for years to come. This semester has been exciting with the return of in-person activities. Brothers and friends of the castle are enjoying events and the improved quality of amenities at the new house. After a year of social distancing, we are fortunate to participate in events together again as they have been great for the brotherhood as well as mixing with sororities and other organizations. One highlight of the semester was an eventful Homecoming. Thank you to all the alumni who visited the house for the weekend; it was great to connect with brothers of all generations and spend time in the new house. Delta Chapter wouldn't be what it is today without your efforts and contributions to the fraternal experience. As far as philanthropic efforts, Delta Chapter has been taking part in any way we can. We organized a canned food drive and bake sale to donate to organizations such as the Eastern Illinois Food Bank. We are optimistic that we will be able to get even more involved with the community now that COVID-19 regulations are subsiding. Delta Chapter was represented by six brothers at Sigma Phi Delta's 44th General Convention in Denver, Colorado, this past summer. We met brothers from other chapters, worked to improve fraternity operations, and reconnected with Delta alumnus Jack Panella '19, who organized the convention and serves on the Supreme Council. Our accomplishments don't stop here; Delta Chapter was also recognized for having the highest GPA of all chapters this past year. In spring 2021, our GPA was a 3.61, with 14 brothers receiving a 4.0. Despite the setbacks from the ongoing pandemic, our members never back down from a challenge—they face it head- on and come out stronger! For career development, some brothers secured internships and full-time offers with Amazon, Facebook, Tesla, and Ford, while some are continuing with graduate school. Our active members play a huge role on campus, holding engineering research positions, teaching assistant positions, and securing memberships in engineering student organizations, including Formula Electric, Illinois Space Society, and Engineering Council. Brothers are always looking for opportunities to improve professionally, as we have a strong culture of helping one another find opportunities, such as preparing for the career fair. This semester, Vice Chief Engineer Brett Lofendo '22 met and networked with several companies on behalf of the chapter prior to the career fair. Then, we held resume review and career fair preparation sessions to ensure brothers stood out among the applicants. Thank you to all the actives and alumni who have continued to support Delta Chapter over the past two years of facing many challenges. I'm excited to see Delta Chapter continue to grow and prosper into the future. Hail, Sig Phis! Fraternally, Shyam Upadhyay '22 Chief Engineer smu2@illinois.edu A New Year Calls for New Opportunity COVID-19 Taught Us That Tough Times Never Last, But Brotherhood Does Rohan Suresh '22 is likely completing some computer science assignments before our first chapter meeting of the semester. Take a look at our new furniture, floors, and walls that make up our living room! The bonfire recruitment event with Alpha Omega Epsilon saw a great turnout to bring in a large number of new members this semester. Brothers are thrilled to participate in a variety of philanthropy events this fall, including a softball fundraiser with Delta Delta Delta. Homecoming was a success! Alumni and actives of all generations came together to experience a major loss against Wisconsin, but we had a good time doing it.

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