Sunday, May 24, 2015

Condolences and Congratulations: Four Days in the Life of Sigma Chapter

 
"Enjoy your achievements, as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time...
 
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself...
 
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy."
 
-- Desiderata

For a fraternity chapter that has existed for 131 years, you might not think that four days would make a difference.  But it did. Some lives will be changed forever.  From May 14, 2015,  to May 17, 2015, Sigma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at Wittenberg and its Brothers endured the very depths of remorse and consolation with the loss of a friend and Brother, and the very heights of joy and celebration with the graduation of 15 Senior Brothers.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, Charles Quincey "Chase" Gage IV '17 lost his life in a one-car, rollover crash outside of Springfield, Ohio.  His only passenger, Fiji Brother Derek Williams '18, survived the crash with minor injuries.  Chase's obituary is here.


And just a little over 48 hours later, while his Brothers were still shocked and in mourning, 15 Sigma Fijis graduated from Wittenberg University.  The graduating seniors remembered Chase on their caps...




With Chase still deeply on their minds, the seniors still matriculated in the presence of family and friends...






And then the Undergraduate Brothers of Sigma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta decided to honor Chase by planting a beautiful Red Oak tree on the fraternity lawn.  Chase ran his own landscaping business for several years, and he loved Oak trees.  On Sunday, May 17, with about 100 students, guests, and Brothers present, Sigma Chapter performed a Phi Gamma Delta ritual service in memoriam of an undergraduate brother and planted the tree.  Wittenberg University President Dr. Laurie Joyner attended and offered remarks.





 
 
 
Photo credit to Craig Olson, Sigma '74, who did an extraordinary job editing this photo in honor of Chase.
Our beloved Sigma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta / Fiji at Wittenberg University since 1884 has survived World War I, World War II, the Depression, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and countless other challenges and tragedies over 131 years.  And it will survive this...

"Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth."
 
-- Desiderata
 
Fraternally,
 
Skip Buckley '80
 
Perge!


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