Sigma Chi - University of Cincinnati

Zeta Psi Chapter 2 T he Seven Lights Award recognizes alumni who demonstrate significant service to Sigma Chi for 10 years. Kelly Nichols '97 proudly wears his Seven Lights Pin to formal fraternity events, but his service isn't about awards and recognition—it's about celebrating the accomplishments of his fellow brothers. As a former chapter advisor and current Grand Praetor, Kelly is proud of the commitment and generosity he's seen from his fellow Zeta Psi alumni over the years. "When I get the opportunity to travel the country for Sigma Chi, I am proud to share that we have the biggest and most engaged alumni." A PASSION FOR ZETA PSI Kelly knew nothing about fraternities as a freshman, but he knew he wouldn't make it through college without some help. He joined the Ohio National Guard to help pay tuition and accepted a Sigma Chi recruitment invitation from Brian Starner '95. By bonding with his pledge brothers and active members, Kelly soon found his home away from home at Sigma Chi—a new concept for a military kid whose family lived all over, offering little time to make friends. "Sigma Chi showed me it was OK to be myself and not fake who they wanted me to me," Kelly said. "I learned how to get to know people and to help them open up and share their life experiences. My passion in life was to help people." From Derby Days and Midnight Madness for UC basketball to helping with public relations and initiation, Kelly found his place in Zeta Psi and worked hard to make the community a better place. His communication skills from living in the chapter house have made him a top performer throughout his sales career as well. As an alumnus, Kelly received a call from a brother who told him Zeta Psi had lost its way. e house was half full with no money, and nobody knew how to conduct initiation. Kelly offered to become the Chapter Advisor; the chapter said yes a week later. Kelly quickly learned his duties and shared his own Zeta Psi memories with the active chapter of about 60 undergraduates, trying to explain what they could do and try instead of telling them everything they couldn't. "I think this helped me to build credibility and show that I was not there to be their parent or their boss." Kelly was devoted to preserving the fraternity for future generations but knew he couldn't do it alone. Over time, he rallied alumni to get involved—on the House Corporation, as ritual peers and alumni big brothers, and more—to support Zeta Psi together. SERVANT LEADERSHIP Aer 10 years as Zeta Psi's advisor, Kelly became the Grand Praetor of Southern Ohio, where he has served for nearly four years. "I wanted to take what we did at Zeta Psi and share it with Southern Ohio chapters." Today, he's proud to say that each Southern Ohio chapters excels in the classroom, each within the top five percent of fraternities on their campuses. ey also raise thousands for Huntsman Cancer Institute each year. Kelly is responsible for the safety of the region's 400 Sigma Chi undergraduates and takes this role seriously. anks to Collin's Law, Ohio universities require all members to take 16 hours of anti-hazing training; Sigma Chi International Headquarters offers relevant programs as well. If a chapter does get in trouble, Kelly works with the brothers and university to navigate the investigation process. He also works with alumni leaders at each chapter, ensuring advisors are trained to handle daily operations and hold members accountable. Kelly is glad to have played a part in Zeta Psi's success story and always loves connecting with brothers at Homecoming or on Facebook, watching them graduate and enjoy life. He continually recommends outstanding brothers for Sigma Chi leadership roles and writes recommendation letters for scholarships, graduate school, and more. "When I see these brothers, they are just as glad to see me today as they were during their chapter meetings." SIGMA CHI'S STORY CONTINUES Kelly served in the Ohio National Guard from 1991-97, one weekend a month and two weeks each summer, working as a tank mechanic. Today, he lives in Cincinnati with his wife; they have two grown children, Jacqueline and Jacob '16.e family enjoys ski boating on the Ohio river—a great excuse to invite friends, family, and brothers over for a few cocktails. Overall, Kelly is grateful to the Zeta Psi alumni from every generation who've supported the chapter—as well as the undergraduates who've put up with him through the years. "My hope and prayer has always been to give them the great life experience I had—and stories they can share for the rest of their lives." LIFTING UP OUR BROTHERS From Advisor to Grand Praetor, Kelly Nichols Proudly Serves Kelly and his family. You can reach Kelly at kelldgg@gmail.com.

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