Sigma Chi - Montana State University

BOBCAT SIG 2 J eff Hardegger '91 went through recruitment twice—the first time ending when he was accepted as a walk-on player on the Bobcat football team. He tried again as a sophomore, and upon meeting the Beta Rho Consul, he decided Sigma Chi was the real deal: "Thoughtful, discerning, personable guys who valued academics as well as good times while exhibiting faiths and beliefs that meshed with my own." Jeff's father (a Beta Rho alumnus like his own father) encouraged him to try balancing football with the fraternity, which became one of the best decisions of Jeff's life. To live under one roof, the brothers quickly learned to love and respect one another's temperaments, talents, and convictions. "From developing patience and becoming a better public speaker to my first experience with leading others, Sigma Chi's foundational impact on my character and confidence was immense," Jeff said. Most of Jeff's favorite Beta Rho memories come from simply gathering in the dining room and enjoying close friends' company. His time as House Manager and Magister, meanwhile, gave him the confidence to succeed in other leadership roles, including IFC President and Student Body Senator. All of this propelled him to complete his MBA at the University of Colorado and spend 25 great years at Qwest Communications (and its successors); he is now in semi-retirement as he plans his next chapter. "I have always kept in touch with many of my Beta Rho brothers, and seeing so many of their great business successes has motivated me throughout my career." Every week, Jeff is in touch with a small group text of brothers who meet up once a year for a football game somewhere in the nation. Jeff's daughter came to MSU in 2023, and as he made Homecoming plans with his wife (also an MSU graduate), he tracked down about 30 era brothers to invite as well. ("Turnout was very good!") He has also been active in urging brothers to donate to Beta Rho's renovation efforts. "Sigma Chi and Beta Rho were such an impactful part of my life that I cannot imagine not giving back," Jeff said. "I remind brothers how that house allowed us to gain such deep, personal, and everlasting friendships—and that we can help future generations gain that same, lifelong love." Jeff and his family live in Golden, Colorado, and he is active in his church as well as on the board of a local charity helping to weatherproof homes. He still loves to ski, mountain bike, and dirt bike when time allows! "My college days were certainly a highlight of my life, and Beta Rho was a highlight of college, so Sigma Chi ranks really, really high. I am so blessed to have been a part of it, then and now." You can reach Jeff at jeffhardegger123@gmail.com. Brothers Now and Forever Jeff Hardegger '91 Blessed by Sigma Chi "Sigma Chi and Beta Rho were such an impactful part of my life that I cannot imagine not giving back." Jeff and his daughter, Taylor, hiking up Hyalite Canyon near MSU. A t this year's December 13 commencement ceremony, Montana State University will be recognizing General Paul E. Funk II '84 with an honorary doctorate to commemorate his decorated career in the United States Army. Paul developed a reputation as an honorable leader during his service that saw him reach the rank of four-star general, and his Sigma Chi membership played a large role in his personal and professional development. Paul continued a family legacy of Montana State graduates, and he remains grounded in his Montana roots as a proud Bobcat. Read more on Paul from MSU at tinyurl.com/general-funk-MSU. Montana State Honors a Beta Rho Sig

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