Sigma Phi Delta - University of Illinois

DELTA DISPATCH 3 A recruitment letter Burt Wagner '93 received is what initially piqued his interest in Sigma Phi Delta. The letter, which discussed the low retention rate in an engineering program at the University of Illinois, stated that 85% of Delta Chapter members graduate with an engineering degree. Knowing he would be academically challenged in his program, Burt knew Sigma Phi Delta could help him. Burt fondly looks back on his initiation as one of the happiest moments of his life. "There was a moment during our initiation when we were really tired and didn't know if we could go any further," he recalled. "That's the moment when everybody says, 'That's it; you're done. Congratulations.' When they call you brother for the first time." Nicholas Krowicki krowickin@gmail.com Systems Engineering Riley Loveday riley.loveday@gmail.com Civil Engineering Carlos Paredes charlsgee53@gmail.com Computer Engineering Jack Stubenvoll jacktstubenvoll@gmail.com Computer Science/ Molecular and Cellular Biology "THE MORE YOU LOVE THE HOUSE, THE MORE THAT HOUSE LOVES YOU BACK." You can connect with Burt at bwagner3@gmail.com. S I G M A P H I D E L TA F O R L I F E Burt Wagner '93 on Fraternity Relationships and Involvement Coming from a small family, Burt found 30 "siblings" at Sigma Phi Delta and bonded with many of his brothers. The academic support he received during his membership was crucial to him getting through his program. Because of the brothers and all that Sigma Phi Delta has done for him, Burt has remained a big supporter of the fraternity. He was the Delta Chapter alumni president for a few years and served two terms as a national officer. He loved both experiences. "Alumni have always been incredibly supportive of the guys who are currently in school, and you learn to pay that forward." Burt remains grateful for his Sigma Phi Delta friendships. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and recently traveled to Chicago for business. While there, he reached out asking if anyone wanted to meet up; 10 alumni immediately replied, and an otherwise unremarkable rainy Tuesday turned into a night of tiki drinks and memories. "Everybody's willingness to reconnect and continue the relationship is what keeps you in the fraternity for the rest of your life." Though Burt graduated with a civil engineering degree, it was during a job recession, and he began his career in IT in 1999. He remains in the field today, 25 years later. The interpersonal skills he learned in the house have helped him get his career to where it is today. As a data solutions architect at Broadcom Software, he works in the national security space supporting the federal government, especially in counterterrorism efforts. Burt's passion is being a scuba instructor, which he has done for over 30 years. He also enjoys cooking and archery, which he did in college. He has a 15-year-old son who loves playing the trombone. Congratulations, December 2024 Graduating Seniors Nicholas Adam Carpentersville, Ill. Robert Childs Plainfield, Ill. James Douglas Bloomington, Ill. Conor Finn Chicago, Ill. Liam Hood Wake Forest, N.C. Eric Liu Xiamen, China Desar Mulla Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Zach Perkins Arlington Heights, Ill. Andrew Tao China Welcome, NEW Members

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