USU’s Sigma Chi celebrates 80 years
A typical fraternity includes brotherhood and a rush week. Add service projects, more than 80 years on campus and a building on the National Register of Historic Places, and you have Sigma Chi, a USU chapter located on the corner west of the HPER Building.
Sigma Chi celebrated 80 years in June with a gathering attended by about 250 alumni of the fraternity.
An effort that started in 2002 to place the nearly all-original building on the National Register of Historic Places came to fruition in time for this celebration, since the house was recognized Sept. 15, 2005. The building was dedicated Oct. 13, 1940, and was designed by renowned architect Georgius Y. Cannon.
After rush, held during the first week of September, fraternity leadership expects to add about 20 new members to the existing 45. Cam Gordon, consul of the fraternity, has been a member since 2000.
” I went on a mission, though,” Gordon clarified. ” I’m not just dumb.”
Sigma Chi’s motto is “In hoc signo vinces,” which is Latin for “In this sign you shall conquer.” The motto stems from Constantine’s vision of the white cross and the fraternity’s symbol, a white Greek cross, is also derived from this story.
Under their motto, Sigma Chi participates annually in several service projects and fundraisers. About half the fraternity is actively involved in the “one in four” program, which is an educational outreach to educate people about rape and sexual assault. In addition, the fraternity will host the traditional Derby Days event during the first week of November to raise money for both the Children’s Miracle Network and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Sophomore Brett Lopinsky said last year’s Derby Days event was his favorite service project so far.
“I always have something to do, and it’s with my best friends,” he said.
Several members interviewed at their rush week luau said service is both rewarding and another opportunity to bond with one another.
“When an opportunity comes, I try to be there,” said sophomore Rich Wilkinson. “These are really good people, and living here you are never far away from them.”
Gordon agreed, saying, “It has been the best experience. I’ve had so many opportunities to volunteer and have met the best friends of my life.”