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February 18, 2002
Consul: February 18th, 2002
Brothers--
A common phrase you'll hear from Iota Sigma Sigs is "I love my brothers". Whether it's during a chapter meeting, watching Matt Stine perform 'O Suzanna' on a foot piano (think Big the movie) at the Mr. Valpo competition, or catching Joe Puetz at any point in time, the guys are still proud to be part of an incredible brotherhood.
Given that I have time to think nowadays, I thought about the phrase a little more and found myself bringing up that old Lutheran question: "What does this mean?" One could ponder the issue indefinitely, but there are certain things inherent to the bonds of Sigma Chi (and especially Iota Sigma) brotherhood that should never be forgotten.
Sigs must never lose the ability to trust one another. This is often difficult, but such honesty is the first step toward the character we build and ideals we seek. Sigs must constantly be striving to individually and collectively improve themselves, to reach their goals as fully and as nobly as possible. In so doing, work and play--responible fun--must be balanced, and we owe it to each other to help our brothers when they, and we, fall short. These are just some of the critical components to truly loving your Sigma Chi brothers. (Or as Dick Hester, among others, always puts it, Living Our Values Everyday.)
I try to keep these thoughts in mind as the school year, and my undergraduate tenure, draw to a close. I already realize how much I will miss Iota Sigma after I'm gone, so I'm trying to make the most of it now. Slacking off is easy and occasionally necessary, but as Sigma Chis, we are simply in the business of giving a damn. Always.
That said, I urge you to take a moment or two in the near future to take a little time for yourself and examine how things are really going in your life. Look at how far you've come, and look at what aspects of life you, and we, must still strive for.
One way to get rejuvenated is to touch base with undergraduates, be it Iota Sigma or anywhere else, and re-experience the spirit of youth and our Ritual. We recently had an alumni brother from Indiana, Ed Pegalow ('44) join us for a chapter meeting. A truly amazing experience. We'd love to hear from you as well, and look forward to when we may experience the bonds of brotherhood with you again.
In Hoc,
Ryan
P.S. The ball is now officially rolling on the Northwest Indiana Alumni Chapter! We'll be having a formative meeting on Saturday, April 6, from 4 - 6 PM in Hammond, courtesy of Brother Adam Gawlikowski. We'd love to have as many of you on the rolls as possible. Please drop us a line for more information!
Posted by Consul at February 18, 2002 01:02 AM