Sigma Chi - University of Cincinnati

A s a baseball player at the University of Cincinnati, Steve Lee '77 was no stranger to belonging to a group. He wanted something more—a brotherhood for life— and that's just what he found in Sigma Chi. "I was interested in learning about people and learning how to live with people. I was a country guy, and these guys, for the most, part were all from the city," Steve shared. "We all have different temperaments, talents, and convictions, and that has helped me unbelievably in my life and career." Zeta Psi has been a valuable experience for Steve, teaching him many life lessons along the way. "One of the things I use every day is the Sigma Chi Creed," he said. "I believe in fairness, decency, and good manners in everything I do. I use it in the halls of the Pentagon, my clients' businesses, and Wells Fargo." In 2020, Steve was recognized as a Significant Sig for his achievements. He is proud to serve as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and is committed to his soldiers and their families. Throughout his time volunteering for the USO, Steve has received many honors. Among them is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest-ranking award a civilian can receive from the military. He was also honored to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in December 2021. In addition to his work with the Army, Steve is also a managing director at Wells Fargo, where he has worked for more than 40 years—an opportunity he credits to Zeta Psi. "I'm truly blessed to live the life that I lead, and it all goes back to Sigma Chi," Steve said. "I played baseball at UC, and that was fun, but I didn't have the talent to go any further. Our chapter advisor worked in the business, so when I graduated, I called him up and said, 'Do you think I could do this?' He said yes." The rest is history! Due to his busy career, Steve wasn't actively involved with Zeta Psi for nearly 20 years, but his friendships persisted. "It's a brotherhood," Steve said. "I've tried to step up and help them with hardships and their path through life, and they've done the same thing for me." Steve has also made sure to give back to the chapter through the Zeta Psi 140: Leadership Lives Here campaign. "It's simple—it's where I lived, and I know how hard it is to maintain something," he said. "I'm making my gift in memory of one of my brothers, David Blum '77. He and I were friends from the day that I stepped into the Sigma Chi house until he died, and that gave me a push to get myself going." Steve looks forward to making more contributions to the chapter in the future, and he encourages others to give back as well. "We owe it to these young people to do this and help with their education and careers," he said. "Someone did it before for us, and I want to do it better than they did." Due to his demanding career, Steve has not had much time for a personal life for many years. This is something he hopes to work on now. He is incredibly proud of his daughter, Katie Lee, and her accomplishments with Revlon and the Food Network. Connect with Steve at stephenlee32@me.com to learn more about his career and why he supports Sigma Chi. THE BEARCAT SIG Zeta Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at The University of Cincinnati V Spring 2022 W hen we announced the Zeta Psi 140: Leadership Lives Here campaign last year—a campaign to renovate the Sigma Chi chapter house—we had high expectations of our alumni. And so far, you've delivered. We've already raised over $2.8 million toward our $3 million goal thanks to 175 generous brothers. On behalf of Zeta Psi, I am truly impressed and humbled by the support and loyalty you've shown to date. Make no mistake: this campaign is by no means over. Recent years have shown us the importance of adapting and rising to meet new challenges, and this is no exception. Fraternities and sororities across UC are upgrading their facilities as well to preserve and strengthen the Greek experience. It's important that we do the same to keep building principle-driven leaders at 2617 University Court. The figures you read above put us at roughly 14% participation. Again, this is remarkable progress—but did you know the average participation rate of successful Greek capital campaigns is 20%? We already know Zeta Psi is above average; this is our chance to prove it. If everyone gives, Sigma Chi succeeds. This is a time to think back on the memories and friends you made at 2900 Woodside Place and 2617 University. Consider the importance of keeping our home up to date—not only so current members have a safe place to gather and study, but also to ensure we keep recruiting quality men for generations to come. It's also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni. You can encourage one another to match a brother's pledge or even come together and arrange a class gift! Zeta Psi's future is bright, and we'd like all alumni to be active participants in that future. Please consider using the enclosed pledge card or visitng tinyurl.com/ZetaPsi140Corporation to make a pledge today. Remember, you can extend your pledge payments over 5 years. Our progress proves that there's strength in numbers; please keep doing your part to preserve Zeta Psi's legacy. In Hoc, Elliott Hilsinger '69 Campaign Chairman ehilsinger@cinci.rr.com Steve Lee '77 (right) receives a medal in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Flag Room at the Pentagon. STEVE LEE '77 IS HONORED TO GIVE BACK With You on Board, We Will Succeed! Join the Zeta Psi Campaign Today SI GM A CH I FOR LI F E

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