Sigma Chi - University of Virginia

Spring 2018 Newsletter

Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Virginia

Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/981902

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 0 of 3

Psi Chapter: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Virginia • Spring 2018 Thank You, Alumni – Phase 1 Completed We Need Your Help to Finish Our Project – Phase 2 to Begin Summer 2019 A s this issue of The Constantine Sig goes to press, we are pleased to announce that the contributions to Psi Chapter: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future Capital Campaign total $1,619,436. This impressive number has been made possible by the generous contributions of 240 Brothers and friends of the Chapter allowing us to complete and dedicate Phase 1 of our project. The new Donlan-Kirwin Memorial Chapter Room and the associated social spaces, outdoor terraces, and new parking lot are proving to be wise investments as the active Brotherhood now enjoys modern and efficient social facilities unmatched by other fraternities at the University. As other articles in this edition confirm, the current Brotherhood is enjoying a very successful year with a very large pledge class totaling 25 new members. With this increasing membership, it is time to move ahead with Phase 2, the final phase of the campaign and the Chapter House renovation. This phase focuses on the living spaces inside 608 and includes a new kitchen dining facility, new heating and air conditioning systems, and upgrades to bathroom facilities. An addition to the rear of the building will include new single bedrooms allowing a total house occupancy of 21 Brothers. Architects' plans are nearly complete and cost estimates are being prepared. A project start date is targeted for the summer of 2019. To make this happen, we will need to raise an additional $400,000 to meet our original capital campaign goal of $2,000,000. The House Corporation Board of Directors and the capital campaign leadership believe this goal is achievable. Look for more information on Phase 2 giving opportunities in the coming months and call or email us if you can help us meet this giving goal and finish our work at 608 Preston Place. In hoc, Steve Herbert '68 Bret W. Holden '83 Campaign Co-Chair Campaign Co-Chair r.s.herbert@hotmail.com bholden@sycomtech.com I arrived at UVA in the fall of 1977. Being a Jersey boy, the last thing I planned to do was join a fraternity. But Bob Crumplar '78, senior to me in my Navy ROTC chain of com- mand, extended an invitation to visit Sigma Chi, so I went and kept going. I enjoyed the tremendous camaraderie of the Brothers. They clearly enjoyed each other's company. It was a diverse group that bonded immensely well. Those '78, '79, and '80 fellas knew how to have fun, and I wanted to be part of the magic. I even got an early bid despite introducing myself to Mickey Furey '81 and referring to him as the President of Sigma Chi. He immediately corrected me–stating that he was actually the Consul of the Psi Chapter! The only official position I held was Kitchen Manager and that was only because Mark Echelberger '79, my predecessor, asked for volunteers and everyone else ran for the hills. Aside from ROTC, my time was devoted to Sigma Chi. I guess I assumed an unofficial "assistant social chairman" role, taking over as Thumper Leader from Sean Dwyer '78, helping build many bonfires to "roast" fellow Brothers and ensuring Scott Stadium had ice cold draft beer during football games. Intramurals were fun, and we did well across the board. A roll to Clemson with half a dozen Brothers during my fourth year brought back what we titled the Road Trip Boogie – and it spread like wildfire among the sororities. As a Psi pledge studying the Norman Shield, much of it resonated with me and my faith. I learned the primary purpose of Sigma Chi is to promote friendship, justice, and learning. The Jordan Standard is a great template with which to live life, and it certainly influenced many aspects of my 25-year USMC career. It definitely applies to the dozens of Psis with whom I maintain close contact. I can honestly say they are all great friends and men "of good character, with properly placed ambitious purposes, congenial dispositions, possessed of good morals, having high senses of honor and deep senses of personal responsibility." Most of us were definitely students of fair ability (that's a C average, right?)…and the successes of my Brothers are amazing. I had a wonderful time during college and that's primarily due to being a Psi. Since then, the dozens of Brothers I continue to call friends have brightened my life. I have gotten a great return on my initial investment and want to give back to ensure future generations of Psis will be as fortunate. I keep in mind our Creed: "I believe in fairness, decency and good manners. I will endeavor to retain the spirit of youth. I will try to make my college, the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and my own Chapter more honored by all men and women and more beloved and honestly respected by our own Brothers. I say these words in all sincerity: That Sigma Chi has given me favor and distinction; that the bond of our fellowship is reciprocal, that I will endeavor to so build myself and so conduct myself that I will ever be a credit to our Fraternity." Jim and his family reside in Charlottesville. He serves as a member of the House Corporation Board of Directors and the Capital Campaign Committee. Reflections on Psi Chapter Memories Written by James Mallon '81 Campaign Status At-a-Glance As of April 23, 2018 Campaign Goal $2 Million Total Commitments $1,619,436 Total Contributors 240

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Sigma Chi - University of Virginia - Spring 2018 Newsletter