Sigma Chi - University of Missouri

W hen a high school friend introduced Mike Olszewski '76 to Sigma Chi, he was drawn to its true brotherhood and felt at home. While establishing strong connections with his brothers, Mike fondly recalls attending social events at the house and football weekends. He developed leadership skills as Consul, a position in which Mike was honored to serve in 1975. "The house was struggling financially that year, but with the help of several key officers, we became financially stable." That year, his younger brother, Rick '78, followed in his footsteps and joined Sigma Chi. "I recall being so impressed when I attended the Sid Weber barbecue in St. Louis and met many alumni from all over the country," Rick shared. "The strength of the friendships and brotherhood made my decision easy." "It was so special and emotional to be able to pin the White Cross on Rick as my blood brother and as Consul," Mike said. In addition to his experience as a new member, Rick remembers having a blast during Derby Days and mixers at the house and hosting alumni for football weekends. He gained discipline as a member, which helped him in his academics. "The solemnity of our chapter meetings and taking on leadership responsibilities in the chapter was fulfilling." Upon graduating, Mike and Rick both immediately got involved with Sigma Chi as alumni, but their involvement waned as they moved around for their careers. At the request of Dan Slickman '77, Mike got involved on Xi Xi's Educational Foundation Board. "After my retirement and with Xi Xi's needed return to 500 College, I felt it important to reengage to make sure Xi Xi continues its long tradition of leadership and presence at Mizzou." Throughout his life, Rick has always appreciated the instant bond between Sigma Chi brothers, which has benefited him professionally and personally. "After Xi Xi lost its charter for the second time, I must admit I lost confidence in the chapter. But when I saw the effort being made to bring Xi Xi back to Mizzou and the tremendous engagement, commitment, and involvement of the alumni leadership, I was inspired to participate and support this effort." Both brothers serve on the Reigniting Our Tradition of Leadership capital campaign board. Although there is some skepticism from brothers about Xi Xi's sustainability, because of the commitment from alumni to Xi Xi's return to Mizzou and their support of the campaign, Rick and Mike are confident of the chapter's success. The brothers themselves are proud supporters of the campaign. "Xi Xi was such an important part of my life that I wanted to share that impact with the rest of my brothers. I also wanted to make sure that the Sigma Chi and Xi Xi experiences of leadership development, scholarship, social opportunities, and true brotherhood are available to the next generation of men at Mizzou," Mike said. They encourage their brothers to join the effort. "Our experience at Xi Xi and Sigma Chi paved the way for us to be successful in life. Young men today need the strength of the fraternal system, and Sigma Chi is the pre-eminent fraternity in the country," Rick commented. THE TIGER SIG WHY THE OLSZEWSKI BROTHERS ARE INVOLVED WITH XI XI Sharing the Sigma Chi Impact Maintain our high GPA and push for the top fraternity GPA at the University of Missouri. Fill the Chapter House with at least 50 Brothers. Win Homecoming in the fall and break our Derby Days fundraising record in the spring. Chapter Goals "I look forward to 500 College Avenue being back on campus and an important and engaged organization in Greek Life at Mizzou." –Rick "The campaign board has secured more than half of our goal of $1.5 million during the current phase of the campaign. Now it's time for the rest of our brothers to step up during the next phase and make a pledge. Be a man of good character." –Mike You can connect w ith Rick at rickolszewski@bellsouth.net and Mike at mikeolsz@aol.com. Simon King '27 plays his guitar near the chapter house. WIN THE PETERSON AWARD FOR CHAPTER EXCELLENCE.

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