Sigma Chi - University of Memphis

"I saw the special brotherhood here and wanted to be a part of it." –Gus Iverson '26 "I was looking to surround myself with a group of high-quality guys that strive to be better men every day and challenge those around them to do the same. I found that here." –Phillip Benedict '24 3 SIGMA CHI Luke Argo '26* Germantown, Tenn. (Stephen Brimm '99 Michael Rose '99) Phillip Benedict '24 Memphis, Tenn. Ben Caviness '26 Memphis, Tenn. Patrick Cowan '26 Collierville, Tenn. Kole Crenshaw '25* Selmer, Tenn. (Thomas Crenshaw '89) Gus Iverson '26 Memphis, Tenn. Travis Jones '26 Bartlett, Tenn. RJ Jordan '26 Germantown, Tenn. Jonas Kannady '26 Memphis, Tenn. Evan Klement '26 Walhalla, S.C. Erik Martinez '26 Memphis, Tenn. Stephen Roberts '26* Memphis, Tenn. TJ Rogers '26 Cordova, Tenn. Maverick Rorie '25 Collierville, Tenn. Thomas Stamps '26 Collierville, Tenn. Joseph Woodard '25 Brighton, Tenn. J amie Russell '02 was born in Bartlett, Tennessee. He had the option to attend a school outside of Memphis but wanted to stay; his family was here and he had a love for his hometown. His dedication to the city is why he has chosen to remain in Memphis even after graduation and raise a family. Jamie started as a music major and then shifted to marketing management. He joked, "I am a drummer and I could not pass some of the music theory classes." Jamie didn't pledge Sigma Chi until he was a sophomore. He worked, lived, and met brothers in the meantime. Then, the summer between his freshman and sophomore year, he received a bid from the Chapter. Some of the influential people in Sigma Chi who pushed him to join include Danny Knight '00, Neil Oldham '99, and Dave Hagger '00. Whether he was working at Putt-Putt Golf and Games with brothers or simply hanging out at the house with them, Jamie felt a sense of community and a bond that would last forever. During his time at Epsilon Kappa, Jamie served in many capacities, including as recruitment chairman, pro consul, and consul. His leadership was not limited to the Chapter exclusively. He was engaged in Frosh Camp, the Student Government Association, the Interfraternity Council, and many other organizations. His involvement on and off campus propelled him after college. In January of his last semester, the old Chapter House caught fire and was unusable. Alumni relations before the fire were in a lull, but alumni were quick to take action and lead the charge, vowing to rebuild while staying engaged in the Chapter through the tumultuous times. After graduating soon after 9/11, the labor market fluctuations made it difficult to find a firm footing in the job market. Jamie worked at Best Buy during his first year out of college. An alumnus led him to a job at First Tennessee Bank, now First Horizon, where Jamie worked at the headquarters. After 20 years, he still is proud to be at First Horizon Bank. The bonds made at Sigma Chi during his tenure have never wavered or broken. He stated, "Never. Two of my best friends to this day I tailgated with recently. They are as close to me as real brothers." Jamie was Chapter advisor from 2004-09. He sat on the Chapter advisory board to for a long time. He also helped establish the MidSouth Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter, which was chartered in 2018, where he served as president. He then served as communications chairman of the alumni Chapter until last year. While he understands the recent cultural shifts away from Greek life as a whole, he wholeheartedly believes Sigma Chi has positioned itself to survive in the future. He shared, "The fraternity will continue to lead. At the end of the day, if it all falls, I believe Sigma Chi will be the last man standing." He highlighted the Krach Transformational Leadership Workshop and how they are evolving with the world around them and building leaders of the future. Jamie has now been married for 18 years to Lauren. They have two daughters, Anna Claire and Mary James. Thank you, Jamie, for your time and all that you have done for Epsilon Kappa! It does not go unnoticed. A L A S T I N G B O N D Jamie Russell '02 Is Grateful for His Epsilon Kappa Connections Welcome, New Members! Why We Joined Why We Joined | HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR NEW MEMBERS "I believe in Sigma Chi's values, and I felt the most at home." –Luke Argo '26 "I believe that Sigma Chi holds its brothers to higher standards, and I wanted to be part of something that would make me a better man." –Stephen Roberts '26 *Legacy

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