Sigma Chi - University of Virginia

Psi Chapter: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Virginia • Winter 2021-2022 A t a recent event to commemorate the completion of the rebuilding of 608 Preston Place, House Corporation President Jim Mallon '81 remarked that if there were ever to be a "Mt. Rushmore of Psi Chapter," Don Sours '58 would be on it. It is unlikely that any Brother has done more than Don Sours to preserve, protect, and promote Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Virginia. Don graduated from Washington – Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, in 1954, entered the University of Virginia that fall, and joined Sigma Chi in 1955. His thoughts about Sigma Chi and the reasons he rushed and then pledged have not changed. He was impressed by its "smart, witty, fun-loving members, who were also in positions of leadership on the Grounds." Sigma Chi has been at the center of his life ever since. After graduation from the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Don began a career with DuPont "building chemical plants around the country." During this time, he also served as a captain and company commander in the Army National Guard. Commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC program at UVA, Don is proud of his service to his country. In the early 1970s, Don and his family returned to Charlottesville, where he began a highly successful career as a professional engineer, project manager and a corporate officer for R.E. Lee & Son Construction Company, eventually becoming president. He retired in 2002. During these years, Don also became involved in his community and the University. Among his many activities, Don served as chairman of the City of Charlottesville Planning Commission and as a member of the city's Board of Architecture Review (BAR). With the university, Don became a member of the University of Virginia Engineering Foundation Inc., organized to support the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the University of Virginia Foundation. In 1980, Don was appointed by the Sigma Chi Grand Praetor for the Eastern Region of Virginia to be a member of the Psi Chapter House Corporation Board of Directors. He became president of the board shortly after that. His record of 40 years of service, including 25 years as president, is unmatched. A few of his most noteworthy accomplishments include bringing the fraternity into a property management contract with the UVA Foundation and its Historic Renovation Corporation, arranging the financing and managing the 1983 restoration of the Chapter House, and organizing the early planning and financial strategy that led to the recently completed rebuilding of the Chapter House at 608 Preston Place. Don is now a director emeritus on the House Corporation and continues to stay involved with Psi actives and Alumni. His unwavering commitment to Psi Chapter was recognized in 1998 when he was inducted into the Order of Constantine, the highest honor that Sigma Chi bestows upon a Brother for his commitment, dedication, and service to the fraternity. Don stays in touch with his classmates and has faithfully gathered once a year for the last 30 years for a football game, and often a visit to the "the House"—frequently alongside Mike Daniel '58, George Wilkes '59, and Bud Senell '59. Speaking of Don, Bud put it this way: "Don loves this fraternity. He's given much of his life to it, and we are all the beneficiaries of his tireless dedication and service. He is a good Sig". Don and his wife, Josephine, live in Keswick, Virginia. The couple has six adult children and six grandchildren. You can contact Don at ch1636@aol.com A GOOD SIG Celebrating Don SourS '58 We Want to Hear from You! T ell us what you're up to! How have you lent a hand in your community lately? Do you have any career highlights or family updates you'd like to share with your Sigma Chi Brothers? How have you been coping with life during the pandemic? Have you reached out to any Brothers for support during this time of uncertainty? Share your story and it may appear in a future issue of The Constantine Sig! Submissions can be sent to our communications coordinator at aolbrych@ penningtonco.com. Now more than ever, it's important to stay connected to our Psi Brothers. We hope you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

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