Sigma Chi - Montana State University

FALL 2024 the Beta Rho Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity Montana State University The house renovation NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL HELP NOW! Even small donations or donations over a period of time will make a difference. DIG DEEP and make your donation TODAY. UPDATES FROM BETA RHO A fter great early successes, round two of fundraising for the chapter house renovation has slowed down considerably. While some existing donors and additional brothers stepped up with major donations, the fact is that more than 1,000 brothers still have not donated anything. To date, donor contributions stand at $1.8 million. We estimate that even with a $1 million mortgage, we will be short by $300,000 to begin negotiations with contractors for a complete renovation. We will focus on these 1,000 brothers over the next couple months but will need a contribution of $500 or $1,000 from a substantial number of alumni to make a complete renovation a reality. Many of us lived in the house. Looking back, we had a blast, created lifelong memories and relationships, and loved the house as our home away from home. We learned and revered the names of the alumni who built the current house in the 1960s. But even then, we knew that one day, we would be asked to return the favor to help secure Beta Rho's future for the next century of Sigs. NOW is the time to step up and donate to make this renovation happen and support the active chapter, which continues to be the top fraternity on campus with more than 90 members. As you will see below, there are several tax advantage opportunities for brothers to make a material difference in fundraising. B y the time you read this, our architects will have completed the bidding package of detailed plans and specifications, and we will be in the process of discussing and receiving bids from local contractors. The plans included revisions to the entire house, but the most significant change will be completely renovating the dormitory side. The dormitory plans include 13 double bedrooms, 8 single bedrooms, and 2 study rooms. The planning has involved undergraduate members as well as alumni who are professionals in the housing sector. The construction market in the Gallatin Valley is still tight with many housing and industrial projects in planning or underway, so construction resources are still at a premium. We hope to start construction in May 2026, or even 2025, depending on fundraising efforts. We are told that because of the limited number of subcontractors available, construction could take up to 9-12 months, so undergraduates will have to make plans for alternative housing during this period. FUNDRAISING STATUS CONSTRUCTION PLANNING COMPLETE ALUMNI AND HOUSE COMPANY UPDATE T he undergraduate chapter held their annual Homecoming reception at the chapter house on October 4. There were about 100 Sigs from various generations in attendance, including a considerable number from the 1980s and 1990s and some from as far back as the 1950s. The House Company held its annual meeting prior to the reception, and Dillon Haskell '15 was elected as a director for a five-year term. He joins John Hertz '89, who was elected to the board last year, as assistant treasurer. OPPORTUNITIES FOR DONORS 1. If your donation is $2,500 or above, you are eligible to make a tax-deductible donation to the Sigma Chi Foundation. There are opportunities for tax-advantage donations for appreciated securities, farm crops, or donations from charitable trust or donor advisor fund accounts. Most importantly, if you are 70, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your IRA. Note that at 73, you are required to make a minimum distribution from your IRA account, which will be taxed at your ordinary income rate. Contact Rick Dissly '66 at rdissly@comcast.net or (408) 348-4337 for details. 2. For donations to Beta Rho of Sigma Chi House Company, visit bobcatsigs.org/vision-2025/donate, where you can also make monthly and yearly donations. Please add 3% to your contribution to cover the credit card fee. If you wish to avoid the fee, send a check instead. Make checks payable to Beta Rho of Sigma Chi House Company and mail them to: Rick Dissly, 6651 Leyland Park Dr., San Jose, CA 95120.

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