WELCOME
Dear Brothers and Friends of Sigma Nu,

First, to our long time supporters. . . Thank You! Thank You! Thank you! Thank you for your continued support! Second, a special welcome goes out to our 463 first-time donors who have joined us in 2004! Thank You for including Sigma Nu in your charitable giving.

It has been said that one cannot express his gratitude too much or too often. In our case, with contributors, literally around the globe, we definitely have not shown our appreciation for your ongoing support enough. I hope that in some small way this inaugural issue of the Foundations News Briefs Online helps to fill that void. This bi-monthly newsletter is a special publication sent only to our faithful supporters and it has therefore been created with you in mind.
Click to view our electronic holiday gretting.

Each issue will contain relevant articles to keep you better informed about important topics that pertain to Foundation and Fraternity initiatives. Additionally, there will be educational articles related to taxes, planned giving, charitable deductions, etc.

I certainly hope that you enjoy reading this issue and look forward to receiving future issues. We know that you have many choices regarding which charitable organizations and worthwhile causes that you support. The over 8,000 collegiate members of Sigma Nu are grateful for your commitment to and support of the Legion of Honor!

By the way, have we said "Thank You" lately?

James A. Owens
Executive Vice President
PROGRAM PROFILE
The Pursuit of Excellence Program

In August 2000, at the 59th Grand Chapter in Phoenix, Arizona a group of undergraduate members came together and suggested that the Fraternity implement a minimum standards program. Their desires were two-fold: to measure the success of chapters who are effectively representing the values and mission of Sigma Nu, and to lift up and offer support to those chapters that were struggling to do so especially in areas of chapter management, leadership and operations.

This student led initiative sparked interest among the High Council, and in March of 2002, an appointed committee met to begin conversations about implementing "minimum standards" for chapter performance. After thorough discussions they made a recommendation suggesting that minimum standards were necessary to support the Fraternity's mission. Such standards, they agreed, should be flexible enough to allow for each chapter's uniqueness and that in implementing such standards initially, the Fraternity must allow adequate time for preparation by the chapters. These initial conclusions guided the work in developing The Pursuit of Excellence Program.
Year-End Tax Tips

The bad news is that tax season is just around the corner. The good news is you can save a bundle on your taxes if you make the right moves before the end of the year. Here are a few tips to help you lower your tax burden.

Gift Receipt

For tax purposes, the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation will mail the 2004 contribution receipts to donors by January 31, 2005.
Sigma Nu's LEAD Program Highlighted at Leadership Educators Institute.
Did you know. . .
that obtaining life insurance while you are young and healthy is very important for reasons other than paying for final expenses? Young people enter obligations such as buying a new home and starting a family. These new obligations need to be protected in the event that you are no longer there to take care of matters. Life insurance can help your family maintain its standard of living.