Sigma Chi - Kansas State University

2 O ne of the best decisions Jim Schroeder '63 made was choosing Sigma Chi over three other fraternities that were recruiting him. The fraternity's warm welcome, the stressed importance of brotherhood, and his family friend, Sid Jones '61, who was highly admired within the chapter, made ΣX an easy choice. Almost 60 years later, it's a decision Jim has never regretted. "If I had not become a Sigma Chi, I'm sure my life would not have been the same," Jim said. "I learned to live with and share my life with other young men of vastly different backgrounds yet likeminded. I found true friendship and carry many happy memories." A few years after college, Jim joined Great Western Mfg. in 1968 to help his father assure the company's future after his business partner unexpectedly passed away. Jim was previously a development engineer for Westinghouse Electric's large power transformer division. As his father's health declined, Jim found himself in charge and climbing a steep learning curve. Fortunately, he inherited a business with an excellent reputation and no debt. Jim relocated the company in 1981 from its more than 100-year-old multistory factory building to a 50,000-square-foot, one-floor building. The new facility allowed them to expand the product line and improve efficiency. Adding a separate office building provided more factory workspace and room to increase engineering, design, and sales. "Certainly, I did nothing single-handed," Jim said. "Over the years, many excellent, hardworking people did the heavy lifting. I always maintained incredibly supportive customer relations. Customers were always treated as friends." To recognize Jim for his exemplary achievements, he is being presented with a Significant Sig Award from International and will be honored at a reception on October 15 in Manhattan, Kansas. "I'm truly honored and did whatever I have done simply out of love for Sigma Chi," said Jim. "I so want it to remain an important part of the college experience. Times change and people change, but the principles, teachings, and leadership development needs will never change." Sigma Chi gave Jim an abundance of memories—from his time at 1224 Fremont with his brothers to the memories made with family. "As I wrote these responses, my Sigma Chi memories flooded my mind," Jim said. "Having my late wife named the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, serving as pledge trainer, Good of the Order nights, pinnings, serenading sororities, working on the kitchen crew, and then seeing my son and grandson initiated into Sigma Chi will always be special to me." Sigma Chi Changes Lives Significant Sig Jim Schroeder '63 Humbled by Recognition I learned to live with and share my life with other young men of vastly different backgrounds yet likeminded. I found true friendship and carry many happy memories. F rom April 26-30, Sigma Chi hosted its revival of Derby Days. The week consisted of a car wash, a field day full of fun activities, a volleyball tournament, and, of course, a dance off. Eleven sororities on campus participated, and we had a blast organizing and engaging in the event. Even though this was the first time our chapter hosted Derby Days since the pandemic started we were ecstatic with how well Derby Days was received amongst all participants. Overall, the week was a smashing success, raising over $14,500 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation in Salt Lake City, Utah. In Hoc, Jack Dillavou '24 Recruitment Chairman A Successful Extravaganza Summing Up Our Annual Derby Days Sororities hang banners on the chapter house in celebration of Derby Days.

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