Sigma Chi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

2 S ometime around 2018, the undergraduate brothers began assembling weight and exercise equipment in the garage, which was until then used for storage (aka junk). It started with basic weights, a punching bag, and a cable machine. The setup allowed brothers to work out without driving to campus, and it became popular with the new initiates. By 2021, the amount of donated equipment had grown, along with the number of brothers using it. As Chapter Advisor Bob "Justa" Eckart '73 saw the gym grow in popularity, he observed glaring problems. The gym was frigid through the winter, and the equipment was a hodgepodge. He helped the actives brainstorm how they might transform the gym into a professional amenity. At the same time, Eckart and Bob Bedard '75 began pitching the Phi Epsilon Phi board on the benefits of a garage renovation project. Although Alan Hanbury '74 reinforced the garage structure several years ago, the Phi Epsilon Board engaged a structural engineer to assess its current condition. The engineer concluded that Hanbury's work was sound (no surprise!) and the structure was in relatively good shape. Phi Epsilon Phi grew comfortable with the plans for a renovation. John "Leroy" Pfaff '71 engaged Hanbury and Jack Belletete '71 to plan a renovation that would allow for heating and cooling. The duo spec'd a materials list, and Belletete generously donated a shipment of new lumber, windows, and doors from New Hampshire. Ron Gecsedi '84 arranged to have the slate roof repaired. Satbir Nayar '85 hired insulation, electrical, and heating contractors. Construction began at the 2023 Summer Work Party, with a large team of undergrads and alumni joining forces over two days. Joe Saracino '75 even flew in from Jacksonville, FL, to help! By the end of the weekend, carpentry was 80% complete. In the weeks that followed, Nayar spent countless hours completing the carpentry and coordinating the remaining trades. We owe a debt of gratitude to Satbir! The undergrads painted the interior and installed rubber flooring. To equip the new space, active brother Charlie Clarke '25 researched, selected, and purchased $6,000 of new gym equipment, $5,000 of which was funded by Phi Epsilon Phi. To put the cherry on top, Justa donated a beautiful $2,500 cable machine. By the end, the cost of the renovation project to Pinewoods Educational Foundation for the project was $14K, a small price for such a valuable amenity and recruitment resource. Once again, Sigma Chi and its alumni set the bar for the fraternity and sorority system at RPI. The new gym equipment includes a full dumbbell weight set. John Bianco '25 demonstrates the cable machine. By Ron Gecsedi '84 | refrong@gmail.com Alumni Rally to Transform Garage into Dedicated Gym

• Cover