Sigma Chi - University of Virginia

www.psiofsigmachi.com "At the last meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Chapter full approval was given to Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi to use the name "Constantine Memorial Chapter House" in an official capacity. This act was the culmination of one of the greatest hopes and dreams of all Psi men for many years. We have at last taken the great step and have become the Constantine Memorial Chapter. "Thinking it would be of extreme interest not only to the alumni of this chapter, but to all Sigs in general, to know how this has come about, herewith is presented a short account of the acquisition of our new home. When the new officers for the spring term were installed last January, Consul Bob Fair '50 appointed Brother Bill Chalfant as the Chairman of the House Committee. Up until this time, preliminary foundations had been poured, and much valuable ground work had been laid. Projects definite and concrete had been accomplished such as the founding of the Constantine Memorial House Fund. The plan was there. Now was the time to act. "By March 1, action had been taken. A house had been found and it was close to what we wanted. Therefore, full approval was given to the House Committee to commit us to buying it. But the time was not yet quite ripe. As the final negotiations were being made, another fraternity on the Grounds, Kappa Alpha Order, sealed the purchase. It was a bitter disappointment to us all when a week later Brother Chalfant reported this fact to the Chapter. "It was therefore with great jubilation the following meeting that the House Committee reported that we had found "it." "It" was a beautiful fourteen-room brick mansion, situated but four blocks from the Rotunda, procurable by this summer for $38,500. The house had amble room for dining facilities: it had a large basement capable of being made into a combined bar-rumpus room; it had sleeping room for eighteen brothers; it had a lawn of magnificent proportions; it had everything that we wanted for a fraternity house that was worthy of the proud name to be attached to it. "The chapter voted its confidence unanimously, as to any action that the Committee deemed fit. Working speedily and with utmost secrecy, hand in hand with the Alumni Committee, Psi Chapter acquired the right to purchase the house within a week. When the final contracts were drawn up we found that we would take possession of the property in June. This was a little sooner than hoped for, but we had our cake and it seemed as if we were eating it too. It came as a very wonderful surprise, and plans were a little confused for a while." "By now, however, things have smoothed out considerably. Grass has already been planted in the lawn; plans drawn up for the renovation of the basement; all exterior trim is to be painted before school closes. All this work is being done by the brothers, themselves, due to the extremely limited budget that such a purchase entailed. "No article about the new Memorial Chapter House would be complete without a word of our extreme gratitude to the two members of the Alumni Committee, Brother Bob Harmon and Brother Joe Vaughn, who have helped Psi at every turn in this important new step forward. Their help has been the true inspiration of Sigma Chi. "And now a final word about the House. To fittingly dedicate this Chapter House, Psi Chapter has set the date of December 2, 1950 as the day for the ceremonies. To all members, active and alumni, Psi men and others, we extend the most cordial invitation to be present. It, we sincerely believe, represents one of the great milestones in the history of the Sigma Chi fraternity." – Written by Bob Fair '50 The Constantine Memorial Chapter House CHAPTER ROOM DEDICATION (Continued from page 1) the new Chapter Room addition. Dick Dyas '68 then provided a heartfelt narrative on Rick Donlan who left UVA in 1967 during his third year, enlisted in the Army, and served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, where he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Dick emphasized Rick's loyalty to God, country, friends and family, and patriotism. Jay Donlan '66 and his wife Mary represented the Donlan family. Jim Mallon '81 followed with a similar remembrance of Glenn Kirwin who, on September 11, 2001, was a senior vice-president at Cantor Fitzgerald headquartered on the 101st-105th floors of One World Trade Center. Jim highlighted Glenn's inquisitive, innovative mind, and mature temperament – always steady, confident, and wise. Jim introduced Glenn's family who were present – wife Joan and sons Miles and Troy, all of them fellow Wahoos. Mike Clabby '83 also provided personal anecdotes on Glenn. It was difficult to re-open these old wounds, but the memories of Rick and Glenn are cherished and their legacies remarkable. One indication of their impact is that more than one- third of the current pledges were made in memory of Rick and Glenn. The day closed with a band party in the new belowground party venue and outdoor terrace. Bret Holden generously funded the event. For those who shared the day with us—thanks for coming. For those who could not make it—we missed you. Please consider a visit to our Psi House and see what we have done. You will be astounded and proud. For more than 150 years, the Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi has been an important part of the culture of the University of Virginia. While our Chapter has historically distinguished itself in its preparation of leaders at the University and beyond, it is the irrevocable bond of our Brotherhood that sets us apart from other fraternities on the Grounds. It is this connection to our past, our present, and our future that our Alumni most treasure. Without this special bond, we would not have been successful in continuing Psi of Sigma Chi's long tradition of excellence. There is no better example of the vital role Alumni have played in preserving our history than our long-standing collective care of the Chapter House. Many of you may not know that our Chapter House was originally purchased with the private funds of the Actives from the 1950s who later transferred ownership to what we know today as the House Corporation. The article below is by Bob Fair '50 taken from the spring 1951 edition of the Cavalier Sig, a twice yearly publication published by the active Brotherhood, explains the House purchase. Reading the article below and reflecting on the story's parallels with where we are today should make all Sigma Chi Alumni proud of the bricks-and-mortar legacy we have helped create. Our Chapter's past is secure, our present is thriving, but our future depends on our vigilance in supporting Psi. The Psi Chapter Honoring Our Past, Building our Future capital campaign is depending on you.

• Cover