Sigma Chi - University of Virginia

Spring 2024 Newsletter

Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Virginia

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Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Virginia • Spring 2024 Gratitude for His Service Remembering Don Sours '58 I t is with great sadness that we share the passing of Don Sours '58. Don entered Chapter Eternal on October 31, 2023, peacefully in his sleep. He will be greatly missed and thought of kindly and often. At the celebration of the completed renovations at 608 Preston Place, Jim Mallon '81 remarked that if there were ever to be a Mt. Rushmore of Psi Chapter, Don Sours would be on it. It is unlikely that any Brother has done more than Don to preserve, protect, and promote Psi. Don graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, in 1954, entered the University of Virginia that fall, and joined Sigma Chi in 1955. He was impressed by Sigma Chi's "smart, witty, fun-loving members who were also in positions of leadership on the Grounds." Sigma Chi was at the center of his life from then on. After graduating from the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Don began a career with DuPont "building chemical plants around the country." During this time, Don also served as a captain and company commander in the Army National Guard. Commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC program at UVA, Don was proud of his service. In the early 1970s, Don and his family returned to Charlottesville, where he began a highly successful career as a professional engineer, project manager, and corporate officer for R.E. Lee and Son Construction Company, eventually becoming president, retiring in 2002. During these years, Don also became involved in his community and the university. Among his many activities, he served as chairman of the City of Charlottesville Planning Commission and as a member of the city's Board of Architecture Review. Don became a member of the University of Virginia Engineering Foundation Inc., organized to support the School of Engineering and Applied Science in addition to the foundation. In 1980, Don was appointed by the Sigma Chi Grand Praetor for the Eastern Region of Virginia to be a member of the Psi Chapter House Corporation Board of Directors. He became president shortly after that. His record of 40 years of service (including 25 years as president) is unmatched. A few of his most noteworthy accomplishments include bringing the fraternity into a property management contract with the UVA Foundation and its Historic Renovation Corporation, arranging the financing and managing the 1983 restoration of the Chapter House, and organizing the early planning and financial strategy which led to the recently completed rebuilding of the Chapter House at 608 Preston Place. Don was a director emeritus on the house corporation and stayed involved with Psi Actives and Alumni until his passing. His unwavering commitment to Psi Chapter was formally recognized in 1998 when he was inducted into the Order of Constantine, the highest honor that Sigma Chi bestows upon a Brother for his commitment, dedication, and service to the fraternity. Don stayed in touch with many of his contemporaries and leaves behind his wife, Josephine, six children, and six grandchildren. Bud Senell '59 put it this way: "Don loved this fraternity. He gave much of his life to it and we are all the beneficiaries of his tireless dedication and service. He was a good Sig." All honor to his Name. In Hoc, Mark Senell '87 HRC President If you would like to make a donation in Don's name, the best way to give is via givecampus.com/campaigns/21200/donations/new Any donations made through this link will support the UVA Fund. If you would prefer to mail a donation, please do so at: UVA Fund P.O. Box 400314 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4314 S C A N H E R E T O D O N AT E

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