Sigma Chapter Priorities: Why We Exist

Look, I have no idea if anyone else ever views this Blog. I assume it's just me and a handful of Sigma Brothers who check back every now and then. I don't subscribe to any Web Analytics to see who reads this stuff...

Tonight, though, I sent a lengthy e-mail to an unnamed Sigma Graduate Brother who wrote noting that the House was messy when he last visited 20 West Ferncliff in 1993. Here's an excerpt of what I wrote in reply:

"I've been one of the principal alumni advisors for Sigma Chapter at Wittenberg since I graduated in 1980. I've spent thousands and thousands of dollars on the chapter, and dedicated thousands and thousands of hours. For example, I live in Chicago, but I'm driving down to Wittenberg this weekend for the third out of the last four weekends....just to do fraternity work. No one reimburses me for anything. I do it -- as I have for nearly 30 years -- because I strive to help the Undergraduate Brothers gain from their Fiji experience much the same way as you (I assume) and I did. Mile after mile, hour after hour, year after year. I'm not asking for your sympathy or appreciation; I just want you to know.

So, I grow tired of hearing Sigma Graduate Brothers complain that the chapter house was messy the one time they stopped by in 25 years. And, for that, they won't donate money to the Sig Fiji Alumni Association? Sigh... I don't get it. I probably never will.

Sure, the chapter house was probably messy when you stopped by nearly 16 years ago. So what? It's probably messy tonight, were you to stop by. It was messy when I lived there in the late 1970's. Yes, yes, yes...we try to instill respect for the House all of the time, and we "get on them" every now and then for stuff lying around. They try, and it works for awhile, and they always get it clean before the Graduate Brothers return. Frankly, I recall doing the same when I was there. Jeez, they're 19-to-22-year-olds...

We've spent about $20,000 to $25,000 annually for the last 20 years keeping the house up to code and in good repair. That house is old, and the repair work we do is NOT due to the Undergraduates damaging it -- stuff needs replacing, like old gutters, roof tiles, rotted pipes, inefficient windows, etc. We've re-carpeted hallways, bought new furniture, installed Internet access, painted everything, and always, always, spend whatever money is necessary for fire, health, and safety issues.

Look, I care less about how disheveled the House may have looked for you and your son 16 years ago. I'm sorry it looked that way. I care far more about the lifelong friendships these guys develop as Fijis, the sense of Brotherhood they feel, their scholarship commitment, the leadership skills they learn, the philanthropy lessons they exhibit, and, most of all, the maturity and growth they experience while in college primarily due to their membership in Phi Gamma Delta. I'd trade a messy chapter house any day for the lifelong lessons we facilitate for them.

So, wait if you wish -- I'm pretty confident the House will look its absolute best on April 17-19, 2009. I sense that you'll be impressed. But we need regular, consistent donations from Sigma's Graduate Brothers, or else we cannot maintain the foundational upkeep of a 100-year-old facility. Or else we cannot ensure an environment best suited to teaching the lessons Phi Gamma Delta has to offer.

Honestly, should you choose to come back a few days after the 125th Pig Dinner to inspect, it will probably be messy, again. I could care less...

Just take some time while you're there to meet these kids, ask them about what it means to them to be a Fiji, and listen. Listen closely to how the fraternity has changed their lives, gave purpose to their time at Wittenberg, enabled lifelong friendships, and how Sigma Chapter has made a difference in who they are, what they stand for, and what they'll become in life. Phi Gamma Delta did that. Messy house notwithstanding..."

-- Skip Buckley '80

Perge!