EMERALD www.sigmapr.org Sigma Pi Fraternity's Official Publication Spring 2004 Brian Thornton Brings Cavalier to Cleveland story on page 28 page 26 Parsons Brothers Unite for 10th Reunion + FROM THE GRAND SAGE EMERALD Dear Brothers: The academic year is beginning to wind down. For those of you who are PUBLISHED SINCE 1911 graduating and moving to the next stage of your life, be assured that in VOLUME 89, NUMBER SPRING 2004 addition to the lessons you have learned in the classroom, you have learned equally valuable lessons through your membership in Sigma FEATURES Pi-lessons you will carry with you for the rest of your life. The Mid-year Leadership Conference in St. Louis was a huge success. Grand Council Reports 3 It was an opportunity for chapter sages and third counselors, CDs and Gamma-Zeta Brothers Share 10th Reunion 26 PAs, Grand Council and Executive staff to meet and renew relationships. Foundation News 29 The Grand Council met all day Friday and hosted the opening reception later that evening. Those in attendance were treated to a practical lec- DEPARTMENTS ture on dressing for success and heard a positive expansion report from that committee. The next day, two great breakout sessions focused on the Expansion News 6 responsibilities of the officer positions that were represented, and three presentations were made Chapter News 12 regarding the Educational Foundation, risk management, and the state of Sigma Pi. Alumni News 22 During lunch, ED Mark Briscoe and GSC John Kitch led an informative discussion about the Adytum on High 28 move to Nashville and future plans for Shadowwood. The audience had good questions. And let's not forget the inspiring remarks by Brad Phillips. Busses left for The Landing later that evening, giving EDITORIAL STAFF brothers some social time together. Special thanks to Jon Frost, Keith Ritson, Paul Wydra, Mark Briscoe, Dave Edwards, and staff for making this conference so successful. Andrew D. Smith (AY, Troy State '00) The Educational Foundation met in Nashville in January. Meetings were held Friday evening, Managing Editor Saturday, and Sunday morning. During that time, we evaluated the Brody Report, a feasibility study Mark S. Briscoe (AII, Arkansas State '82) of Sigma Pi's ability to conduct a successful capital campaign (remember the goal of $10M by Business Manager 2008?), staffing for the Foundation, investment policies, eBay auctions, and the Sigma Pi Fraternity Alumni Association. The proper framework is being prepared by the Foundation to do great things VOLUNTEER STAFF for the Grand Chapter. The trustees on this board work tirelessly with one goal in mind-to provide PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE the resources for educational programs deemed necessary and important by the Grand Council. Adam Shores (AY, Troy State '98), Chairman Thank you, gentlemen, for your dedication and vision. Dr. Dennis Day (AP, Southwest Missouri St. '75) I had the opportunity to attend the Michigan Province Workshop in January. George Hakim, Ed Larry Rovira (EN, Cal State Fullerton '85) Levesque, and I represented Grand Council. Tom Moore, Educational Foundation Chairman and PA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS of the province, coordinated the workshop. With more than 100 people in attendance, we participat- Brian Ingles (OA, Radford '05) ed in some great workshop topics and observed our Ritual, performed by undergraduates from Zeta Keith Ritson (04, College at New Jersey '02) Pi (Oakland) at the Masonic Temple of Michigan. What a privilege it was for the Grand Council David Edwards (EII, Christopher Newport '96) members to observe this. Brothers, we are proud of you. Gene Baumwoll (TZ, Parsons '68) I attended the educational portion of the North American Interfraternity Conference in San Sigma Pi Fraternity was founded at Vincennes Antonio, Texas. Attending the NIC is an opportunity for the leadership of fraternities and sororities, University, Vincennes, Indiana, on February 26, 1897. Sigma Pi has chartered over 200 chapters in North executive staff, and university administrators to meet and discuss common issues. Plans are being America and has initiated over 81,000 members made for the Congressional Reception, which will be held in Washington, D.C., in April. This event is since 1897. The Founding Fathers of the Fraternity also attended by U.S. senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It is an excellent are: opportunity for NIC members to lobby Congress for some Greek-friendly legislation and to establish Rolin Rosco James (1879-1953) William Raper Kennedy (1877-1944) good public relations. James Thompson Kingsbury (1877-1950) I always enjoy the "Fireside Chats" at the NIC, which is an opportunity for Greek administrators George Martin Patterson (1877-1960) to meet with us to discuss our chapters on their campuses. I am pleased to say that I met with more than 21 representatives of various universities where we have chapters. Most report how well Sigma The EMERALD OF SIGMA PI FRATERNITY (ISSN 1074- Pi does at their university. 5289, USPS 011-013), is published quarterly by Sigma Pi Throughout my term as Grand Sage, I have visited many chapters. Whether for a chartering, a Fraternity, P.O. Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37024. Periodical Postage paid at Brentwood, Tennessee, and additional workshop, Founders' Day, or a brotherhood visit, I am heartened by your hospitality. You are proud mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to of your history and of the good reputation you have on your campus. You have embraced the ideals of SIGMA PI FRATERNITY, P.O. Box 1897, Brentwood, the Fraternity and have made them part of your daily lives. It shows. I am truly thankful to serve Tennessee, 37024. MEMBERS: When making an address such a fine group of men as your Grand Sage. change, please send your full name and chapter with both The culmination of the biennium is convocation. This summer, August 4-8, the 47th Biennial the old and new addresses to the International Headquarters (see address below). Convocation of Sigma Pi Fraternity will take place at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago. For many of you, this will be your first convocation, and you will be impressed to see more Submission Deadlines: than 500 brothers in attendance. This will be an opportunity for you to participate in the business of Fall June 21 Member, National the Fraternity-to voice your opinions and to contribute to the good of the whole. Winter September 21 Interfraternity Conference Spring December 21 For many of you who have come to several convocations, this will be an opportunity to mentor Summer March 21 your younger brothers and to renew friendships. This is THE Sigma Pi event to attend. Each convo- Submit Emerald news to: Member. College Fraternity cation that I have attended has been better than the last. Make your plans now. Get involved in Editors Association Sigma Pi Fraternity, Attention: Emerald Sigma Pi. I'll see you in Chicago! Post Office Box 1897, Brentwood, TN 37024 Fraternally, Telephone: (615) 373-5728 Fax: (615) 373-8949 sigmapiemerald@yahoo.com John H. Williams Jr. Web Site: www.sigmapi.org Grand Sage 2 SPRING 2004/EMERALD OF SIGMA PI FRATERNITY