A Moment in Time Charles Valan (Mount Union) spent only a few months in the Sigma Nu chapter at Mount Union College. It was just enough time to go through pledgeship and initiation before an illness in his family had him transferring to a college that was closer to home. It was enough time, however, for Valan to form a bond with Sigma Nu and his fraternity brothers that would last a lifetime. In 1983, while he was still in college, Valan made his first contribution to the Sigma Nu Foundation.

He gave this gift in memory of Michael Hardy (Mount Union), a chapter brother who was killed in a drunk-driving accident after Valan left campus. He learned of Hardy’s death in a letter from one of his fellow Sigma Nu brothers shortly after it happened, and he remembers the impact it had on him. "Michael wasn’t my pledge brother or big brother, but he was a nice guy who was fun to be around." So every year, for the last 23 years, Valan has made a contribution to the Foundation in memory of Hardy. "I do it so the brothers don’t forget, and so that I won’t forget either. It’s a reminder to me of how precious life is."

The accident and the death of his fraternity brother, even hundreds of miles away, had an impact on Valan’s life at the time. "It helped me make better choices, evaluate situations and the potential risk involved, and understand my limitations and the limitations of those around me." He says it made him more responsible, especially when making decisions about driving after a night out. "Michael’s death taught me the importance of responsibility and that no one is indestructible or invincible."

Understanding those things led Valan to further recognize the importance of finishing school, getting a good job, and giving 100% of himself to his commitments. "You never want to lose sight of the things in life that impact you. Now that I'm able to do so, I remind myself by supporting our Fraternity and keeping the memory of Michael alive through contributions both to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and the Sigma Nu Foundation," says Valan.

"The [fraternity] experience of having to lock arms with a group of guys meant a lot to me," recalls Valan. "I recognized the importance of sound direction and responsibility when others are counting on me. I try never to go into something expecting others to give it their all without attempting to contribute my best as well. I still carry that with me today," he comments. Even though Valan was only in the chapter for four months, the influence it had on him was significant. "Today I find myself doing things and pushing myself beyond what I might have ordinarily done. I’m not always sure if I can do it, but I will always make the effort to try, and if it doesn't work out, so be it." It was this kind of determination that he learned in the Sigma Nu chapter.

"The pledging experience had such a positive impact on me and my feelings towards teamwork, dedication, commitment and accomplishment that those rewards alone are the reasons I have such an appreciation for the fraternity system." he says.

Recently Valan’s wife Debra asked him why he continues to support Sigma Nu. "I give to the Foundation first and foremost because I believe in the fraternity system," asserts Valan. It’s not the amount that matters, he says, but it’s the value of the gift and the reason you are giving it. "I give because I believe in it. I think this is a system that needs to survive. If everyone gave $10 a year, we could all help a lot of people. Even with the little bit that I give back, I hope I can make a difference," he says.

"I believe that my donations are being put to phenomenal use. I read The Delta and learn about different things that are happening and the charities the Sigma Nu supports. It’s clear that there are a lot of dedicated people involved in the organization from alumni to the current undergraduate membership," he says.

"My greatest disappointment," says Valan "is that when I transferred schools, there wasn’t a Sigma Nu chapter. I’m disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to get more out of fraternity life." But the values he learned during his short time in the chapter have stuck with him. "I carry those values with me in my everyday life and in business. It's one of the reasons I feel I have been successful," he says. He also says that, 23 years later, he’s still carrying his original Sigma Nu membership card in his wallet, a reminder of a significant life experience.

Although his four months at Mount Union College in the Sigma Nu chapter were only a moment in time, the Sigma Nu memories, ideals and values live on in the life of this man, now a husband and proud father of two girls: Daria (7) and Brooke (4). At the close of a recent e-mail to the headquarters Valan says, "Here's to another 23+ years of recognition and thanks for what Sigma Nu has done for me."