Sigma Chi - Montana State University

FALL 2021 the Beta Rho Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity Montana State University FEATURES: Better Call Paul Award 2 • Significant Sig 3 • Alumni Updates 3 BETA RHO HOUSE RENOVATION UPDATE W e announced in the spring edition of Bobcat Sig that we decided to delay the start of our renovation on the dorm side of the house (Phase 1) by a year. We have now determined that contractors in the Gallatin Valley are maxed out because of the booming property development taking place in the area. Consequently, we will be forced to delay the start of Phase 1 until the summer of 2023. In the meantime, planning will continue. We have finished preliminary discussions with the Sigma Chi Foundation regarding the amount of educational space the renovated premises will have. Our architects have drafted detailed plans that will enable us to have discussions with mechanical and electrical engineers and, most importantly, general contractors. Each dorm floor will be identical in design with four double rooms, three single rooms, and one double-room-sized group study. Each brother occupying a room will have a built-in bed and desk. At this point, the plan is to begin demolishing the dorm-side interior in May 2023 and have it rebuilt for the opening of classes in mid- August. The renovation to the rest of the house and the exterior (Phase 2) will take place in the summer of either 2024 or 2025. The total cost of these renovations is largely an educated guess at this point. We know that costs of material and labor have increased dra- matically over the past two years, especially in the Gallatin Valley. We have approximately $1.2 million of donations that have been col- lected and are at our disposal. Once we have obtained cost estimates from general contrac- tors, we will know more precisely where we stand financially. In Hoc, Norman C. Achen '65 norm@normanachen.com I nduction into the Order of Constantine is the highest honor that Sigma Chi bestows upon one of its members for years of outstanding and faithful service to the fraternity. Paul Boylan '64 received this award based in part on the endorsement by several Beta Rho alumni. Presented below is the endorsement letter from Brother Bill Gum '63, which takes a comprehensive look at Paul's impact on Beta Rho over the span of nearly eight decades. "It is a great pleasure to submit this letter of recommendation. I have enjoyed a unique, 76-year relationship with Paul Boylan and truly believe he is worthy of the distinction of the Order of Constantine. From playgrounds to conference rooms, he has been a friend, mentor, role model, advisor, and on many occasions, a co-worker. As a college freshman, I was educated by Paul on the attributes of becoming a Sigma Chi. I became an inspired pledge whose proudest moment was being initiated into Beta Rho under Paul's leadership as consul. A much deeper meaning was instilled into our friendship. Paul's task as consul was not easy with 62 active chapter brothers living in the house and another 78 actives and pledges living in apartments and dorms. But his leadership was fair, clear, and consistent. Our renderings for the third-floor renovation, which includes upper living spaces and dorm rooms! Congrats, Paul Boylan '64, on the Order of Constantine Award! (Continued on page 2)

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