Sigma Chi - Gettysburg College

3 SIGMA CHI A fraternity's long-term success relies on strong leadership and a dedicated alumni base. Members of Theta Chapter's House Corporation Board took time to discuss their fraternal backgrounds and why they chose to serve the brotherhood. What compelled you to join Sigma Chi? "When I arrived at Gettysburg, some of my first friends were Sigs. I saw them as campus leaders who knew how to balance working hard and playing hard." –Alec Cottone '17, Events Chairman "Greek life was very foreign to me, and I was dragged unwillingly to recruitment week by my sophomore- year roommate. I ended up being drawn to Sigma Chi because of the caliber and rich variety of men who formed its brotherhood." –Michael Boncardo '18, Secretary "Freshman-year friends convinced me to join based on interactions with the brothers and the fraternity's reputation for being gentlemen who knew how to have fun." –Chris Severini '18, President "Upon discovering that Theta Chi—my father's fraternity—was suspended, I joked with him I'd join the one with most similar sounding name; however, I joined Sigma Chi because of the solid connections I made during recruitment." –Kevin Isky '21, Vice President "Seeing the older Sigs and their commitment to both team and fraternity exposed me to the brotherhood and possibility of a balanced life. I found my people. The genuine brothers, their honest hospitality, and the deep insight I gained by pledging was mind-boggling." –Gus Brouillard '22, Young Alumni Liaison What motivated you to join the HCB? "Sigma Chi was such an important, formative experience in my life that I feel compelled to give back and support future Sigs." –Alec "I served as Consul as an undergraduate and came to understand that the chapter only operates due to selfless service of undergraduates and alumni. The continuation of my service is the natural growth of my time as Consul. I strive to make other alumni understand continued service helps the undergraduate chapter thrive." –Michael "The brothers I met in those few years at Gettysburg continue to be my best friends to this day. Brothers have helped me in my career, have shown themselves to be men of character, and lent me support when I've been down. These experiences led to my continued involvement." –Chris Can you share a goal you hope to accomplish during your HCB tenure? "Securing the chapter's long-term financial and operational independence from the Gettysburg administration. This means investing enough funds such that the chapter can sustain its needs. While the House Corporation can facilitate that goal, we cannot accomplish it without advocacy, support, expertise, and contributions from our alumni." –Kevin "I would like to publish something on Theta's history at Gettysburg. As an undergraduate, I wrote a 20-page paper on the chapter's history and found it enlightening and fun. As a person working in the field of public history, I always wanted to make history relevant for people. Theta's history and the role it serves is not only something misunderstood but also fascinating for our brothers." –Gus What is your vision for Theta Chapter's future? "I want to see Theta continue to be a tight-knit group of men who recognize the value of academics and working hard while also enjoying their fleeting time together." –Alec "I envision a chapter which provides the same sense of brotherhood and belonging as the one I received when I was an undergraduate." –Michael "I hope our chapter will maintain its aims of friendship, justice, and learning and continue its tradition of excellence. Being a fraternity brother at Gettysburg today is a lot different than when I was a student in 2014! Despite current challenges, I envision Theta will remain a beacon for young men of character to socialize and forge lifelong friendships." –Chris "I see Theta continuing in its current form, albeit at a smaller scale. With college enrollment declining, the chapter may downsize to its traditional 30-to-35-brother membership. I see this as a positive for tightening fraternal bonds, mitigating risk, keeping traditions, and maintaining the high quality of our chapter." –Kevin "I joined to give undergraduates the same experience I had, with great older brothers to look up to and guys who put their words into action. I want them to understand that it is not all partying, but it includes learning how to function as a group of men. I also hope to regain ownership of the house from the College and improve it for better use going forward." –Gus Get to Know the House Corporation Board Moving Theta Forward

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