Sigma Chi - West Virginia University

THE MU MUSE | 2 S igma Chi had a profound impact on Todd Sergi '96—one that he didn't fully realize until well after graduation. He recently uncovered his pledge book and copy of The Norman Shield; flipping through both brought back vivid memories of the fraternity and brothers who shaped him as a young man. "It reminded me of the value and importance of relationships, and how they are made stronger by our experiences together." The Jordan Standard and Sigma Chi Creed also provided Todd with a solid foundation for his life, including for his roles as a father and businessman. All of Todd's leadership roles (like pledge class president, Derby Days chairman, and IFC president) benefited his future career in real estate development. Derby Days is an especially fond memory, as the chapter booked Dave Matthews Band (who were just on the verge of going big) and were amazed by both the turnout of roughly 4,000 and the money they raised together. "From tailgates to Derby Days and Homecoming, college was just more special and meaningful by being part of Sigma Chi." Todd has come far in his career thanks to his Sigma Chi values as well as contacts from Mu Mu and the IFC. He was lucky to work with Jack Bell '93 in formative jobs, and he later founded his own firms: Capital Development Partners (retail development) and Single Tenant Retail (real estate). From tough career choices to a challenging divorce (and now navigating a pandemic), Todd is thankful for the relationships and opportunities that have helped him through the hard times. He's proudest, however, of his three amazing sons, Marshall (18), Hayden (15), and Christian (12). "I am grateful that my career has allowed me to be present and spend lots of time with them." In his alumni years, Todd has kept up with Sigs like his Big Brother, Rocco Perciavalle '94, his pledge brother, Ben Brown '96, and Dave Thomas '93 and Brian Schnopp '94 (both of whom he worked with on his first real estate deal). He has met many others in his home of Scottsdale, Arizona, and he looks forward to reconnecting with more brothers in the future— especially at Mu Mu's 125th anniversary celebration this year—and rekindling relationships that helped shape his life. "I know life is busy, but we should all make an effort to stay in touch with the chapter," he said. "Every time I visit, there is an instant connection and a lot of great memories." If you'd like to connect with Todd, he can be reached at tsergi@capdevaz.com. K udos to the 20-25 brothers from 1990-94 who maintain both a large email chain and a smaller texting network to stay in touch. Steve Oliva '91 writes: "We exchange memes, complain about WVU football/hoops and NFL teams, and plan lots of get-togethers—whether Morgantown for football games, at a beach over the summer, or just meeting up when we're in the same area. We live all over the country, but our texts and emails know no time zones." Steve adds: "We do this because we all have that tight Sigma Chi bond and still enjoy each other's company. We all 'grew up' together in college, and as we know now, life is too short—so a simple text or email to say hello, make someone laugh, to vent or whatever, keeps us involved in one another's lives. Everyone is very supportive." Kendall Coleman '94 chimed in: "Every week, I am in touch with guys with whom I went to school. We have been doing this for more than 20 years! Everything Steve said is spot on: games, kids, good news, bad news, or just stupidity. It is a great forum when you need a laugh, support, or just to vent about our athletic demise (on most occasions). It's a fun way to keep the Spirit of Sigma Chi alive and well." Well done, brothers! In Hoc, Steve Bailey '72 I n the fall of 1951, Latelle M. "Bud" LaFollette III '54 pledged with the Sigma Chi Fraternity at WVU. A Charleston boy, he was influenced by the alumni powerhouse that Mu Mu had in Charleston in the middle of the 20th century. Mu Mu had all the "cool guys" from the capital city, and Bud (to his friends) was one of them. He took his membership in the brotherhood seriously and involved himself in the chapter operations. When the capital campaign was organized in the early 1960s, he held the respect of the recent alumni and active chapter and was asked to take the job as treasurer of For 700 North High—a major undertaking. Along his path, he served the fraternity as Big Brother to a pledge named William Rader Dod '57. Brother Dod's pledgeship was successful and he, too, became a loyal Sigma Chi. About 27 years later, William Rader Dod Jr. '86 joined Mu Mu as well … but the story does not end there! The class of 2023 includes William Rader Dod III '23, who currently serves as pro consul. When Bud received his copy of the Mu Muse, he sat down and wrote a check for the annual fund—as he so often does. Before sending the envelope, he included a short note explaining that W. R. Dod Sr. had been his Little Brother in the 1950s; he also included a check payable to Will Dod. Bud remembered that every college student needs some "walkin' around money" and acted on the warm memories he holds for his college days and Will's grandfather. Everyone can agree that we have witnessed a charming, generous, and heart-warming expression of the bonds of the brotherhood. When Will received his check, his comments were ones of surprise, and he said, "That really is the brotherhood. That's what it really is." Pro Consul Will Dod '23 Will the Circle Be Unbroken? By Bart Loar '65, Mu Mu Historian Mu Mu Sigs make their "Net" WORK! BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION How Sigma Chi Shaped Todd Sergi '96

• Cover