Sigma Phi Delta - University of Illinois

Seeking Alumni Involvement Overall, the spring semester reminded us of our ability to remain resilient, patient, and strong, and we have shown undeniable improvements since readjusting to in-person learning last fall. Although things are looking bright, Delta Chapter is struggling to stabilize the unforeseen effects of online operations, as they are still creating strain, especially with the new house and brotherhood that emerged last August. While the active chapter is working hard to address and solve these issues, we request that the alumni assist in this endeavor by continuing to contribute to the renovation. Plans and fixes were delayed indefinitely due to the lack of cash flow from pledged amounts, which puts financial pressure on the active chapter as we continue to work on projects without the necessary funding for them. Everyone involved has been working on measures to strengthen the brotherhood, both culturally and financially, now and in the future. Support from brothers everywhere will be needed in the coming years to fully recover from the pandemic and continue operating as the premier engineering fraternity at the University of Illinois. Hail Sig Phis! Fraternally, Dino Keserovic '23 Chief Engineer 2 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS OUR COMEBACK IS STRONGER THAN OUR SETBACK Delta Chapter Seeks Alumni Involvement to Expediate House Renovations T he spring 2022 semester started with challenges that seemed worrisome for the active chapter. To name a few: a snowstorm, a spike in coronavirus cases, and special elections for recruitment chairmen made for a grim beginning this semester. However, the brothers of Delta Chapter persevered, and we welcomed six new pledges. Now that things are looking brighter, we are diligently working to make this semester one of the best, socially and professionally. Delta Chapter's house manager, Nick Bingenheimer '23, did a deep clean of the house for a fresh start to the new year. The chapter house also underwent small improvements, including an updated lock on the kitchen door, curtain selections for the new windows around the house, and a new mural in the basement, courtesy of our historian, Andrew Beusse '23. We are thrilled to report that, as the new house has returned as the center of our operations, our brotherhood has strengthened as a result. Prioritizing Connections In addition to starting off the spring in a spruced-up home, brothers kicked off the semester with a short brotherhood Work Weekend, which was an uplifting endeavor considering the previously mentioned weather setbacks and COVID-19 cases. As we saw a glimpse of what the social aspect of the semester would hold at Work Weekend, we greatly anticipated successful turnouts at events, and just as we had hoped, they were a hit. At the house, we hosted AOE, PSR, and Phi Mu at various themed events. In addition to small mixers with other organizations, we also had successful blacklight and room parties. Matthew Lotarski '23, our vice chief engineer, also hosted a reverse career fair at the house and several events to improve brothers' professional development. Philanthropy Chairmen Alex Galik '23 and Will Greene '24 coordinated a waffle brunch the morning after our semiformal, raising $980 for Crisis Nursery. These opportunities build our bonds with not only each other, but the university and community as well. We look forward to what the next academic year holds! Demonstrating Excellence Brothers have several accomplishments to be proud of; whether they are making their mark on campus or showing exemplary progress in their academics, members are continually prioritizing their aspirations. We have several brothers involved in leadership positions on campus, including Akarsh Vankayalapati '22 (wrapping up his engineering council term as EXPO co-director), Ravyu Sivakumaran '24 (leading as president of the UIUC Singapore Students Association), and Riley Loveday '23 (serving as arena chairman and ESPL coordinator of Illinois Robotics). Also, Matthew Lotarski was recently named the assistant VP of recruitment for Interfraternity Council. As the active chapter has grown its network with members, we are seeing record high student organization involvement this semester. On top of their campus involvement, brothers are looking toward a bright future based on their scholarly achievements. Delta Chapter accomplished a GPA of 3.34, which is higher than the IFC GPA and the undergraduate GPA. Many brothers also secured internships over the summer and jobs after graduation. Brothers will be working at various companies, including Amazon, Facebook, Northrop Grumman, Ford, Enercon, BP, Exxon-Mobil, Space-X, and Psyonic. Nick Bingenheimer '23 leads the way on a trip to Matteson State Park. Kishan Challagulla '24, Grant Brown '23, Daniel Spatz '22, and Carter Smith '24 follow behind him as they navigate difficult terrain. Steven Dimov '23, Jacob Stocco '25, and Nicholas Krowicki '23 watch in anticipation as John Goodpaster '23, competing on the red team, and Andrew Beusse '23, competing on the black team, battle for the title of Foosball Champion. "Daniel Spatz '22, pictured sitting on the couch, is probably losing in Super Smash Bros," Dino Keserovic '23 jokes.

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