Sigma Chi - Oklahoma State University

SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY • OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY • SPRING 2022 Inside • Making Progress p. 2 • 2022-23 Executive Board p. 2 • Welcome Brothers! p. 3 • Hard Work Pays Off p. 4 • Our Potential Is Endless p. 4 The Sig The Sig Scroll Scroll W hen Charles Shaw '89 (better known as "Chuck" by friends and Sigma Chi brothers) looks back on his college years in Sigma Chi, he could share a thousand funny and fond memories of how the brotherhood changed the trajectory of his life. But for him, the memories and significance of his initiation week truly stand out. "The bar is so high now that I'm not so sure I would squeak by today, honestly," Chuck said. "But for some reason, those guys gave me a chance. The initiation process that we went through together was something that you don't soon forget." Chuck lost touch with much of Gamma Delta after graduating, but that changed completely with the initiation of his son, Nate Shaw '24, and the sons of his pledge brothers. To see Nate go through the same initiation process and rituals was an indescribable, yet truly meaningful, experience. "I only wanted him to pledge if he thought it was right for him," Chuck said. He had not put much stock in the idea of legacy members beforehand, but reliving those formative days through his son changed his outlook completely. "Now I highly recommend alumni encourage their sons to pledge Sigma Chi." Forming Bonds Chuck came to OSU as a shy, introverted student who didn't see his own full potential. His closest childhood friend, Randle Admire '91, helped change his perspective on fraternities and encouraged him to give Sigma Chi a shot. Though he eventually held Chapter leadership roles such as magister and consul, Chuck credits the early tasks and assignments given to him, including pledge class kitchen manager, with teaching him to take responsibility within the organization and value the brothers' trust in him. "I wanted to do a good job for them, and it became a fantastic first step for me and my development," he said. Through those roles, meetings, and other events, the brothers showed Chuck patience and grace, allowing him to learn from his mistakes and challenging him to do his best. "I was fortunate to work alongside far more capable leaders who were willing to coach me along the way. That's the main reason I decided to stay on the executive committee and live in the house through my senior year, and honestly, I wouldn't trade that for anything." Lasting Brotherhood With so many years away from Sigma Chi, Chuck was relieved to be welcomed back with open arms. His pledge brother and lifelong friend Juergen Janzen '89 convinced him to join the housing corporation board soon after that, and Chuck is honored and happy to volunteer alongside such quality, professional men. Chuck hopes his story will encourage fellow alumni who may have lost touch as well. "There's never shame or condemnation—they'll welcome you back and help you find a way to contribute." For Chuck, the upcoming centennial celebration is about celebrating a lifelong brotherhood, showing alumni how the Chapter has changed for the better, and sharing the amazing programs to help younger brothers grow. He hopes as many alumni as possible will come celebrate and learn. "When someone asks me what fraternity I was in, I tell them that I am a Sigma Chi." Chuck has learned firsthand the difference that alumni support makes for our undergraduates and would love to discuss it with any curious brothers. "When I'm done, you'll become a believer." If you'd like to connect with Chuck, he can be reached at cshaw@inceed.com. A s with the start of each semester, Gamma Delta Chapter commenced the spring with a successful executive retreat facilitated by the Chapter's Alumni Advisory Board. Each executive officer presented and set their own SMART goals pertaining to their role within the Chapter, while the executive board as a whole set three SMART goals to strive toward throughout the 2022 calendar year. Working to accomplish these goals set by our executive team helped the Chapter build a high morale, which has led to great achievements. Gamma Delta Chapter was one of only two fraternities at Oklahoma State University to be scored as a Gold Chapter for the 2021-22 academic year. A Gold Chapter is characterized as a well-rounded Fraternity in the areas of campus life, philanthropy, and new member curriculum. This accolade is something that we strive for every year and will continue to achieve in the future. Brothers Joey Tripodi '21, Grant Sisk '22, Ryan Jeffries '23, and Grant Randle '23 on a study abroad trip in Iceland at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's many waterfalls. (Continued on page 3) A Believer in Sigma Chi What Chuck Shaw '89 Learned from Reconnecting Trying Leads to Triumph Gamma Delta's Efforts to Succeed Pave a Path to Prosperity

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