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October 14, 2002
Consul: October 14th, 2002
Brothers—
It has been said that in Sigma Chi the undergraduate chapter serves as the energy—they that possess the spirit of youth. A spirit which alumni brothers can look towards to embody the things which we all hold dear.
However, in Homecoming 2002, I would argue that graduated brothers personified that youthful attitude just as much as the undergraduates. It was a Seth Schickel-led group of alumni—including Pedro Cuerva, Travis Scholl, Jon Schaar, and Matt Trapp—who opted to band together and ‘assist’ undergrad Joe Puetz in carrying out his agreement to shave his head if the chapter raised over $5,000 in Derby Days. (Which it did.) It was Scott Prindiville who took over the annual sunrise football game, needing multiple brothers to climb his back in order to bring him down. It was Mark “the Swan” Novell who, for a few short moments, settled back into his old role of choosing the music at a dance. (Who else would choose Billy Ray Cyrus and John Denver for dinner music?) Jason Fechner reminded us what cool really was (no, really). John Chenowith appeared long enough to give several a first-time glimpse of the man who has become legend.
And it was only a few weeks earlier that found over 40 Iota Sigs convened on campus to witness the wedding of brother Andy Nunemaker and his bride, Leanne. After the beautiful service in the Chapel of the Resurrection, Leanne was serenaded in song by over 80 Sigs, greeting her with The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. It’s difficult to describe the feeling of such a large group of people sharing such a special moment together.
Several alumni commented that Homecoming served as a rejuvenating experience of sorts, reminding them not only of days gone by but also the values and beliefs held true. In the same way, the undergraduate chapter received a reminder from its wiser and much older graduated brethren that the times and experiences had here at the University are good ones. Are important ones. Times in which character is not built, but rather challenged and developed. Experiences that not only give skills and tools for practical application in the real world but more importantly, values and friendships upon which to rely.
Maya Angelou, the American poet and author, spoke at the close of the Homecoming weekend and spoke about courage, amongst other things. She said that courage was not something that was inherited at birth—that only bluster and bravado could be claimed as our own. Instead , she argued, courage must be developed—one tough decision at a time. The ability to choose ‘the right’ is not always an easy one, however it is the simple and small battles prepare us for the bigger ones to come.
I cannot speak everyone here with me now or those that came before me. However I can say with confidence that the experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate in Sigma Chi have made me stronger…and perhaps a bit wiser. And maybe most importantly they’ve given me strong arms of support upon which I can depend.
This weekend, I heard it in the conversations with alumni brothers and saw it in their actions. And as I sit and reflect for a moment, I realize that being a part of this group of gentlemen has been a blessing in so many ways—and with certainty has me better prepared for those bigger battles to come.
Guard well,
David Martens
drmartens99@yahoo.com