SPOTLIGHT
Fat Matt's Rib Shack... the American Dream!
By James Owens, Foundation Executive Vice President

As a young boy growing up in Augusta, Georgia, I envisioned the "American Dream" as owning a teardrop Corvette and my own hotdog stand. Just a few hours up the road in Atlanta there was another young boy-just two months younger than I. He too had his own idea of the "American Dream."

Matt Harper (West Georgia) dreamed of owning a barbeque restaurant and driving an Eldorado. Although slightly different from my "American Dream," the major difference between us is that Matt's dream is now a
reality.

Fat Matt's Rib Shack has been around since 1990 and is one of Atlanta's favorite hot-spots. Featuring great barbeque and live blues nightly, it's a casual setting for the whole family to enjoy.
Along with making his dream a reality, came a lot of hard work. "Those first 6-8 years were intense on-the-job training with 70-80 hour weeks," says Matt. He was multi-tasking the many roles in his burgeoning business, rotating from head cook to dishwasher to bus boy to head rib-buyer and everything in between. "I had to wear a lot of hats," he says.

All his hard work over the years has definitely paid off. The Blue Ribbon television show on Turner South awarded Fat Matt's Rib Shack the 2005 Award for Best Wet Ribs in the South.*
NEWS FLASH
The Winds of Change

Though the winds of change are constant and the Fraternity's Rose "is a physical reminder of our undying tradition of change," the fundamental purpose and principles of Sigma Nu remain steadfast and timeless. In fact, Sigma Nu teaches that our Rock "is a symbol of our enduring strength" and, like our ideals, "it is unchanging, constant." So, when faced with organizational change, we recognize it for what it is, return to our strengths and embrace the inevitable.

James Owens and Brad Hastings


Such change is underway within the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation. Executive Vice President James Owens (Charleston) will begin the next chapter of his career starting January 1, 2007. Brother Owens said recently, "I began working for Sigma Nu upon
graduating from college in 1987 and have thoroughly enjoyed my service to the Legion of Honor. Now, as I begin my 20th year here in Lexington, another opportunity has presented itself that I cannot let pass."

Mike Long (Drury), Chairman of the Foundation, reported that the Foundation has hired Brad Hastings (West Georgia), current Director of Fraternal Operations for the Fraternity, to serve as the Associate Executive Vice President of the Foundation. Over the next two months, Hastings will transition from the Fraternity to the Foundation. Brad Hastings said, "I am happy for this chance to expand my service to Sigma Nu. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further the Foundation's mission of supporting the educational initiatives of Sigma Nu."
PROGRAM PROFILE
If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when or if you ever get there?

The Fraternity and Foundation developed strategic plans in 2000 and 2001, respectively. These plans serve as road-maps to guide the two organizations
well into the future. Each year, the plans are reviewed and adjusted to maximize
the effectiveness of both organizations.

The newly elected High Council members recently held their Strategic Planning Session. Their plan deals with numerous issues including:
1.   Improving educational and leadership programs 
2.   Increasing the number of volunteers and improving volunteer education
3.   Communications
4.   Expansion (Re-colonization and adding new colonies)
5.   Alcohol and substance abuse and misuse
6.   Improving our chapter homes
7.   Anti-hazing

The same weekend, the Foundation Executive Committee and development staff met to discuss how the Foundation can best serve the Fraternity. Since 2001, the Foundation has made great strides. The donor-base has been broadened and most importantly, the Foundation has significantly increased its funding to the Fraternity.
. . . That we are grateful for your support?

Thank you for your support of the Fraternity through your contributions to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation. Your support is helping to change the lives of our collegiate brothers. With your help we are able to support ethical leadership through the LEAD Program; community service through the Helping Hand Initiative; and, chapter excellence via the Pursuit of Excellence Program.
IRS Wisdom For Year-End

 What gift records should I keep? It is important to keep all records and receipts. The IRS holds you personally responsible for obtaining a written acknowledgment from a charitable organization, such as Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, Inc., for any single contribution of $250 or more before you claim a deduction on your 2006 federal income tax return.