September 2005
Brother Long Receives Outstanding Foundation Volunteer Award

This past weekend the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) honored Brother Michael D. Long (Drury and Southwest Missouri) with the Outstanding Foundation Volunteer Award, presented at the annual Foundations Seminar in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mike served as President of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, Inc. from June 2003 through June 2005. His many accomplishments with the Educational Foundation were acknowledged at the Awards Banquet on Friday night. Mike's role in establishing the Foundation's Strategic Plan, his contribution to the significant growth of the
Conference Co-Chairs Rebecca Zanatta, Alpha Phi, and James Owens present Mike Long with the Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Foundation over the last four years and his personal interest in growing the planned giving program, retiring the headquarters mortgage and engaging one-on-one with our donors were all highlighted in his nomination.

It is no wonder that a committee of his peers selected Mike as the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award this year. His selfless commitment to our Foundation and Fraternity has shown through in his contribution of time, talent, and energy to lead well and produce measurable results during his tenure.

It was Mike's idea to establish a special "grassroots" fundraising effort to retire the mortgage on Sigma Nu's headquarters property. From this idea came the birth of the Omega Society with membership open only to current and past volunteers and staff. Each member agreed to pay $2,000 annually to be applied directly towards the principal of the mortgage until the mortgage was retired. After that time, the commitment would be reduced to $1,000 annually. The Omega Society has been a huge success with 39 current members contributing over $175,000. The mortgage, which stood at $735,000 in 2001, was retired on May 27, 2005. (The NIC also recognized the Foundation with the award for the "Best Special Event" for the Omega Society reception held at the 2004 Grand Chapter.)

Over this past year, Mike traveled on behalf of the Foundation in excess of 55 days, most of which were at his own expense. This meant significant time away from his family and his business, but it truly emphasizes his level of commitment to our Foundation.

Most importantly, Mike is a leader who understands the relationship between the board and the staff. He has made the vision and mission the board's primary focus and has left implementation in the hands of Foundation staff--an arrangement that is healthy and effective for both entities.

Mike has long been committed to the mission and values of Sigma Nu, and the Fraternity and Foundation will continue to benefit from his leadership for many more years. We are grateful for his service and congratulate him today on receiving this richly deserved award.

(L to R) Bill Stoffer; Craig Haesemeyer, holding the Omega Society Award; Erik Tomalis; Cathy Long; Mike Long, Outstanding Foundation Volunteer; Don Densborn; James Owens; Kathryn Densborn; and Josh Nay