THE EMERALD OF SIGMA PI | VOLUME CVII, NUMBER 1 | FALL 2023 A Marathon of Love Chris Varney Honors Family's Resilience ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Introducing Sigma Pi Engage Trae Smith & the New Sports Landscape R Honoring the Badge OTMU REBEKAHS Securing Your Legacy Through FreeWill 29089 BOSTON ADATUAN® John Hancock BOSTON ATHON® News IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES 01 News from Sigma Pi 02 Upcoming Events 03 Fraternal Headlines 12 The Foundations 14 Partners 18 Fraternity Values 20 Communications 22 Chapter Reports 27 Accomplishments 28 Growth 30 Volunteers 32 Adytum on High 04 From the Archives 36 Sigma Pi Pride 37 Photo Finish R CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR 04 Chris Carter (Middle Tennessee '08) From Tragedy to Triumph ASSISTANT EDITOR Summer Clarkson BUSINESS MANAGER SIGMA PI Jen Wyatt CONTRIBUTORS Alex Beaven (Pennington & Co.) Drew Carpenter (Middle Tennessee '18) CEO Jonathan M. Frost (UMSL '99) ENGAGE Jake Reed (Arkansas '19) GS Kent Varney (Kentucky '97) 08 16 Sigma Pi Engage A New Era for Student-Athletes ABOUT SIGMA PI ABOUT THE EMERALD UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION Sigma Pi Fraternity was founded at Vincennes VOLUME CVII, NUMBER 1 - Fall 2023 To update your contact information, University, Vincennes, Ind. on February 26, 1897. please visit: (ISSN 1074-5289, USPS 011-013) The Executive Office is located in Nashville, sigmapi.org/updateinfo Tenn. Sigma Pi has chartered more than 230 The Emerald has been published since 1911 by: or send an email to: chapters in North America and has initiated over Sigma Pi Fraternity records@sigmapi.org 118,000 members since 1897. 1101 Kermit Dr., Suite 730 Nashville, TN 37217 CONTACT INFORMATION The founding fathers of Sigma Pi Fraternity are: and additional mailing offices. sigmapi.org Rolin Rosco James (1879-1953) William Raper Kennedy (1877-1944) SUBMISSION DEADLINES emerald@sigmapi.org James Thompson Kingsbury (1877-1950) 615.921.2300 Fall June 1 George Martin Patterson (1877-1960) Spring December 1 O @sigmapi FRATERNITY NETWORKING GROUP COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION sigmapi.org/linkedin Copyright C 2023 Sigma Pi Fraternity; Sigma Pi, and the crest are trademarks of Sigma Pi, all rights reserved. Fall 2023 sigmapi.org Contents NEWS FROM SIGMA PI FROM THE CEO JONATHAN M. FROST (UMSL '99) WYDRA HIRED AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER igma Pi is excited to announce S Among his primary responsibilities, " Paul Wydra (UMSL '96) as its Wydra will strategically manage the new Chief Development Officer fund development program, oversee Progress, Man's Distinctive Mark Alone. These words remind (CDO). In this pivotal role, Wydra campaign operations, and cultivate will spearhead the organization's me to stay diligent, embrace relationships with donors and change, and avoid complacency. efforts to secure vital resources and prospects. He will collaborate closely contributions, ensuring its continued with the senior management team, Last academic year, Sigma Pi saw a growth and success of its foundations. governing boards, and staff to shape 7% rise in student membership, a Drawing upon his extensive the strategic direction and amplify its 27% increase in General Fund gifts, and over 60 Chapters honored experience in fundraising, impact. Wydra's leadership will be with Grand Chapter Awards. organizational development, and instrumental in cultivating a culture leadership, Wydra is well-equipped of philanthropy, driving engagement, It's inspiring to witness our student to drive the Fraternity's philanthropic and securing vital resources to leaders pursue excellence, all while fostering relationships initiatives to new heights. With a support the Fraternity's continued and a world-class brand. proven track record in fundraising growth. Wydra's experience will This fall, we're optimizing and a passion for philanthropy, further facilitate engagement with Wydra's vision will be instrumental individuals, corporations, foundations, volunteer recruitment for efficiency, and much more. supporting Chapters and Alumni in strengthening the Fraternity's Clubs, and innovating growth engagement efforts and enhancing its he had this to say about the strategies. Our groundbreaking fund development program. opportunity: "This Fraternity has approach involves hiring current Wydra's journey into this position is given me SO much; I wanted to come students for one-month contract marked by years of dedication and back and help where and how I could, recruiter roles, aiming to expand because I believe in the direction we this immersive experience. accomplishments. After he graduated from the University of Missouri-St. are going, and am excited to be a part We thank all of you for your time, Louis in 2002, Wydra joined the of that positive momentum." talent and treasure. Without our Sigma Pi Executive Office staff. After alumni, friends, and volunteers As the Fraternity enters this exciting four years on staff, he went on to we would not be able to provide new chapter with Wydra at the helm the fraternal experience we do. work in both alumni engagement of development initiatives, Sigma and fundraising at Middle Tennessee Pi reaffirms its commitment to State University for 16 years. Wydra's empowering individuals, fostering commitment to Sigma Pi has been connections, and making a positive unwavering, and his return to the difference in the lives of its members organization marks a significant and the broader community. milestone in his professional journey. THE EMERALD 1