January 2006
Bid for Brotherhood

The Foundation will host its first-ever Bid for Brotherhood (B4B) in conjunction with the 62nd Grand Chapter to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 15-19, 2006. The B4B is a live and silent auction, which will be held on July 14 to kick off the Grand Chapter. In addition, 50-60 days prior to the event, alumni and members will have the opportunity to view and bid on the items via an online site. So, you don't have to make it to Grand Chapter to be part of B4B!

Keep reading to see a list of auction items we have already received.

The Future of The Rock

For the past year this e-newsletter we call The Rock has been delivered every other month to the inbox of more than 34,000 members of Sigma Nu on behalf of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.

Starting in February, The Rock will become a joint publication of the Fraternity and the Foundation and will be delivered on a monthly basis. You can expect to read the same interesting articles about Foundation-supported programs as well as new information provided by the Fraternity.

If you have chapter brothers who are not receiving The Rock, it is most likely because we do not have their e-mail address. Please use the Forward 2a Brother button in this message and help us make sure they don't miss another issue of The Rock!
Preparing Commanders for Success

Every year at this time new Commanders step into leadership at the chapter level. They are responsible for budgets, members, events and risk management at a level greater than many small businesses. Yet the recent trend for Commanders has been younger members taking on this role, many times as sophomores without much longevity in the chapter. While it is commendable to have younger men stepping up to accept this responsibility, it necessitates increased training to prepare these younger leaders for a successful term.

The Sigma Nu Institute--a training program for Commanders that was piloted this month--was developed to address this challenge. The first Institute was held January 5-8, 2005, at Sigma Nu Headquarters, and 24 Commanders from chapters across the nation were selected to attend. These men were handpicked to participate in three days of intense training created
John Stevens, Valdosta State University, attended the Sigma Nu Institute
around the LEAD curriculum. The Commanders met in both large and small groups where they were challenged to be honest about where their chapter would rank in a variety of situations and discussed potential solutions to ensure the highest quality standards for their chapter.
Remembering Our Loved Ones

Dale Archer (Central Oklahoma) recently sent the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation a donation in memory and celebration of the life of his father. He sent with it an idea for those who would like to honor the memory of their deceased loved ones. In Dale Archer's words, here is his suggestion:
 
As you may know my father, Bob Archer, recently passed away. In thinking about how to perpetuate his memory, my family is developing some ways to honor my father's memory on my parent's anniversary, Father's
Dale Archer and his father,
Bob Archer
 
Day, Christmas and his birthday (which coincides with New Year's Day and the birthday of our brotherhood). With the money we would have spent on him for gifts, we are going to establish memorial accounts with various organizations that will perpetuate his life of ministerial service.
The 500 by INDY Campaign Update

With only 5 months remaining, the 500 by Indy campaign is picking up speed! The goal for this campaign is to gain 500 first-time donors by the close of the 62nd Grand Chapter to be held in Indianapolis, July 15-19, 2006. Since the campaign was announced on May 20, 2005, the Foundation has acquired 356 first-time alumni donors. Additionally, 218 new student donors have joined the 1869 Club during this same time period.

Congratulations to these new donors. . . together we are making a difference in the lives of our collegiate brothers! If you are a non-donor, Sigma Nu needs your help today, to reach this goal. To do so, simply click on this link to make a gift online.

For those who would rather mail their contribution, checks should be sent to: Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1869, Lexington, VA 24450.

Contributions to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation are tax-deductible and support the educational and leadership programs of the Fraternity.
Epsilon Chi (Bowling Green) Colony Approved for Chartering

The Epsilon Chi colony just received approval for chartering. The festivities will be held March 24-26, 2006, in Bowling Green, Ohio as follows:

Friday, March 24, 2006
Evening - Individual reunions at the Hampton Inn

Saturday, March 25, 2006
10:00 AM - Initiation Ceremony at Prout Chapel (Initiates only)
7:00 PM - Banquet at Stone Ridge Country Club

All alumni and their guests are welcome to attend. Also, written invitations will be forthcoming for Epsilon Chi alumni.

For more information click here.