Sigma Chi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

4 O n Saturday, February 10, Ritual Master and Past Grand Consul Bob Jones '73 trained 11 Delta Psi alumni and 20+ Delta Psi undergrads to become Ritual Peers. Internationally, Brother Jones is one of a handful of Sigma Chis that have earned the title Ritual Master. He is our Fraternity's leading authority about Sigma Chi history and the history and meaning of our ritual. A Ritual Peer is a brother who has received training in the meaning, history and the details of our ritual from one of the Fraternity's Ritual Masters and has passed an exam demonstrating his knowledge. The program has already paid dividends for our chapter. Our spring initiation was greatly enhanced by the training our undergrads received, and our new alumni Ritual Peers provided strong feedback for future improvements. Our new Alumni Ritual Peers are John "Leroy" Pfaff '71, Bob "Justa" Eckart '73, Jim Manocchi '75, Tom Hamlin '83, Ron Gecsedi '84, Jim O'Brien '85, Kurt van Wagenen '85, Patrick Conroy '98, Mike Greenberg '15, Roddy Yagan '12, and James Schneider '12. I recently had the privilege of taking part in the reinstallation of the Iota Psi chapter at Rutgers. And it was nothing short of inspiring. Connecting with alumni and actives from all over the province, including those from the original Iota Psi chapter and our own Delta Psi chapter, as well as the members of the colony that were getting initiated, was an invigorating experience. Witnessing the passion and dedication of these individuals to uphold the values and traditions of Sigma Chi reignited a sense of pride and belonging within me. It was a reminder that the bonds of brotherhood transcend time and distance. The active brothers of Delta Psi played an especially important role in this reinstallation. Many parts of the INV were filled by the actives in attendance from Delta Psi, including Ryan Ing '25, current Consul, as well as Ben Sepulveda '26 and Alex Pierce '26. In addition, Brothers Tiago Da Costa Campos '24, Charles Clarke '25, Collin Jackson '26, and Collin Kolbe '27 were in attendance and helped with critical aspects of the setup. It was great seeing such a strong presence from our chapter and in such a vital role. Moreover, the occasion provided a unique chance to meet our Grand Consul, Bob Wilson, and Grand Pro-Consul, Ryan Temby—who was himself an alumnus of Iota Psi Chapter. Engaging in meaningful discussions and sharing insights with these influential figures underscored the significance of our fraternity's network and its impact on shaping future leaders. It was an excellent reminder of the enduring legacy of which we are all a part. Participating in this unique experience not only allowed for personal reconnection with the ritual, but also emphasized the continued relevance and strength of Sigma Chi's mission. As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the journey, knowing that together, we will continue to grow and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. After ritual training, alumni trekked across campus to the 46th Annual Big Red Freakout. From left: Steve Rosato '85, Tom Hamlin '83, Aislynn Schneider '12 and James Schneider '12, Allison Albrecht and Roddy Yagan '12, Ron Gecsedi '84, Jim O'Brien '85, Kurt Van Wagenen '85, Lyn Schmidt and RPI President Marty Schmidt, John "Leroy" Pfaff '71, Bob Jones '73, and Bob Bedard '75. Past Grand Consul Bob Jones '73 Leads Ritual Training Workshop Delta Psi Brothers Assist Rutgers Reinstallation By John "Leroy" Pfaff '71 | johnpfaff3@gmail.com By Patrick Conroy '98 | patrick.j.conroy@gmail.com

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