Sigma Chi - University of Missouri

A s student body president, Nathan Willet '18 wanted to help Mizzou heal from the many issues surrounding the 2015 protests and bring back a positive message. He had the full backing of his Xi Xi Brothers when he decided to run. "We wanted students in Greek life to be heard and not to let the negative claims go unchallenged," he said. "I saw so much good at Sigma Chi and throughout the Greek community, and those stories weren't being told." Enrollment at Mizzou, which decreased during the protests, has returned to ideal numbers as well. Nathan was drawn to Sigma Chi by Xi Xi's impressive history on campus, including many notable alumni who built a tradition of excellence. The student body election was one of many ways the Chapter proved to be a supportive brotherhood. "The Brothers, and roles like house manager, helped me grow as a leader." BRINGING NEW PERSPECTIVES Nathan's leadership endeavors didn't end at Mizzou—in August, he began his first four-year term on the Kansas City City Council, representing District 1. He is the youngest councilperson elected from Northland, Kansas City, having won his general election on June 20. "The point of the city government is to support our neighborhoods, support law enforcement, and make sure you have good constituent services," Nathan said. He aims to pursue those on behalf of the next generation and buck the trend of young people not getting politically involved. Nathan's campaign team knocked on over 10,000 doors, and he won every precinct in the district on election day. "People don't really want a controversial candidate; they want people they can trust, who know their neighborhoods and will fight for them." Since graduating, Nathan has also worked as a teacher, starting with math at KC's Central High School through Teach For America. His presidency at Mizzou included a seat on the strategic enrollment management committee, which opened his eyes to the struggles of both rural and urban students in the state. "Teach For America allowed me to jump right in and see things firsthand, and I was proud to help raise the school's test scores in algebra." MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER Since the pandemic, Nathan has taught in the Park Hill School District of Kansas City; he now teaches part-time alongside his City Council duties. He also keeps up with the KC Alumni Chapter of Sigma Chi and is grateful for mentors like Larry McMullen '53, Johnny Walker '60, and Dan Slickman '77. "Don't be afraid to get involved and make connections on campus—that strengthens you as well as our fraternity," Nathan suggests for today's Brothers. "You don't want too much on your plate, of course, but finding one or two things outside of Sigma Chi can make a difference. And lean on your Brothers for advice and wisdom; having even a few people to believe in you and give you confidence is important." When Nathan isn't at work, you'll find him woodworking or enjoying Mizzou and KC sports. You can also reach him at nwillett14@gmail.com. From Mizzou to KC, Nathan Willet '18 Shares Lessons in Leadership Just Getting Involved O ur Delta Associate Chapter continues its work toward reestablishment here in Columbia. Four members attended the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop in August, where our Chapter earned certificates to aid in the recharting. Along with that process, our Chapter had its first formal recruitment: one of our top priorities going into the new school year. The Chapter brought in 10 potential new members from informal and formal recruitment. "I can't wait to aid in the development of the next class of brothers," Magister Adam Dickinson '25 said. "My passion is teaching, and in my role as Magister, I know that this group already understands what it means to be in Sigma Chi." VALUED TRADITIONS RETURN Looking back, our brothers wrapped up the 2022-23 year strong, hosting events like Parents Weekend for their first time. Parents were treated to a cookout, a Mizzou softball game, and good food from Gunter Hans and The Heidelberg. For their first Derby Days, our associate members learned how to raise money and promote the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute. Monday included a telethon in which members reached out to loved ones, friends, and Xi Xi alumni to ask for donations. Tuesday included a Pay-to-Pet event in the quad: on their way to class, students passing by could donate money to play with dogs for a little while! Wednesday's event was Trivia Night, where sororities and other fraternities competed in trivia on the history of both Sigma Chi and Mizzou. To end the week, the Chapter hosted a Gala in Bourbon, Missouri, where members brought dates to celebrate. In the end, we raised $5,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute. As I write this, Delta Associate Chapter is excitedly preparing to compete in its first Mizzou Homecoming in October! We all look forward to what's in store for the rest of the fall, and we hope alumni will reach out in any way to show support as we aim to reestablish the Xi Xi Chapter at Mizzou. In hoc, Tyler Thomas '25, Consul Shaping Our Own Future "I saw so much good at Sigma Chi and throughout the Greek community, and those stories weren't being told." ASSOCIATE CHAPTER GETS INVOLVED ON CAMPUS Nathan Fields '25 gets pied to help raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute during Derby Days 2023. Brothers and their lovely dates at the 2023 Derby Days Gala, which marked the end of the fundraiser.

• Cover