Sigma Chi - Gettysburg College

Fall 2020 Newsletter

Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi at Gettysburg College

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The BATTLEFIELD SIG theta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity at Gettysburg college Fall 2020 I t's truly been an unprecedented year in the history of the Theta Chapter. When I last updated you, we had high hopes that our undergraduates would be able to return to campus for a relatively normal semester. Unfortunately, Gettysburg College made the decision to send home the vast majority of students on September 4 after ordering a campus- wide quarantine earlier that week. The goal of this action was to "dedensify" the on-campus population with the hope that COVID-19 cases that had recently spiked could be contained. Students had returned to campus only two weeks prior, so it was quite disappointing that it had come to this after the college spent the entire summer planning on how to safely reopen. The chapter had just finished recruitment and was looking forward to beginning the new member education process, which is now on an indefinite hold. For the second time in so many months, 240 Carlisle Street sits empty. One bright spot in an otherwise disappointing few months was the chapter's annual Derby Days fundraiser for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Despite the fundraising being completely virtual, the chapter raised over $30,000. I would like to congratulate our undergraduates for this huge achievement. It gives me great confidence in their ability to endure as a chapter despite the circumstances that they (and the rest of the world) currently face. For those of you wondering about the status of the brick paver project, we were planning on having our first installation during this year's Homecoming activities. As Homecoming is no longer occurring, this has been delayed. However, this does mean that there's still time for you to buy a brick and help support the chapter as it goes through these difficult times. We are also in the early stages of a project to honor the late Brother Gerry Royals '52, who passed on to Chapter Eternal earlier this summer. We will provide more information on this as the project takes shape. Stay safe out there. IHSV, Sam Blum '15 House Corporation President samrblum@gmail.com (301) 938-3150 GettysburG ColleGe sends students Home two weeks into Fall semester 240 Carlisle Street Empty Again I t is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Brother Col. Gerry Royals '52 (Ret.) entered Chapter Eternal on July 6, 2020. Anyone who met Gerry knew that he was larger than life. Active as an alumni brother with the chapter since our recolonization, Gerry was a constant fixture at 240 Carlisle Street. As undergraduates, we became familiar with the sight of his old Town Car parked in front of the house, complete with his signature Gettysburg College bumper sticker and Vietnam veteran vanity plate. It was clear to everyone: Gerry had arrived. He retained the spirit of youth at every tailgate, barbecue, and alumni event that he could squeeze in when he wasn't at football games in Maryland with his daughter. He attended almost every chapter meeting, always giving wise advice and level-headed counsel to the undergraduate chapter. He gave his time selflessly, participating in the ceremonies of initiation every year. Brother Royals took those same ideals of selfless service to all parts of his life. He served his country with distinction, ending his military career as a colonel after serving in both Korea and Vietnam. He was a prominent and respected figure on campus and well-known in the community at large. The impact that Gerry had on the Theta Chapter cannot be understated. For years he was a rock for the young men of our fraternity. He was truly engaged in making a genuine connection with each and every brother, ensuring they dedicated themselves to their academic pursuits and developed into well-rounded and principled men. He was a link to the rich past of our chapter, and happily shared his fond reveries and memories of times long since passed. At the end of each academic year he would pass along a special gift: a complete set of quarters from each of the 50 states, lovingly assembled for each graduating brother. In the end, his life's work reflected compassion, care for friendships and family, and a commitment to the gratification of others, always before himself. He was an exemplary role model for our young men, a father figure and confidant to many, and a good friend and true brother to all. All honor to his name. Details regarding funeral arrangements for Brother Royals will be circulated via email as soon as they are finalized. ALL HONOR TO HIS NAME

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