To Parents of sons who are considering joining Sigma Chi,
As a parent of a son that is a current member of the Gamma Tau chapter of Sigma Chi at North Dakota State University I would like to share some thoughts about why I am so proud of him for this decision.
We are from Minnesota. My son had spent a couple of years in Arizona after high school graduation then transferred to North Dakota State University. The first year he was there he lived in an apartment that was quite a distance from campus. Having not been there for the “dorm life” time of his life he had the challenge now of finding where he fit in on campus and finding ways to meet people.
Then one day he told me he was considering joining a fraternity. No one in our family had ever been part of the Greek life and, to be honest, I didn’t have the greatest impression of the whole fraternity/sorority world. I went to a college where there was only a small presence of Greek life. My impression was formed by hearing about the wild parties, and watching movies like Animal House, or from hearing the term “frat” being equated with snob or cliquish. I didn’t quite see James fitting in on a long term basis with either of these. Not being naïve about young adults in college enjoying a little partying in their life I figured that was the draw and he would join this for awhile but then leave it behind as he realized to be successful in college you can’t party til you drop.
As he started to visit the different fraternities he would share with me what things he liked about each. Then he started to tell me about Sigma Chi. What he told me attracted him to the Gamma Tau house was the programs about leadership and building character. He talked about the commitment to community service. He felt that Sigma Chi really is about friendship, building character and promoting learning. And….he felt like they were really a solid bunch of guys that he would enjoy being around.
I was still a bit skeptical and thought they had done a great job with their recruiting events and materials, but….really? James? A fraternity? “This too shall pass” was my thought.
Well, I have found out that James had great insight into an organization that is 100% solid and truly delivers on their fundamental purpose and mission. The brotherhood that exists based on their core values truly does create an environment where members are supported by each other and the organization. There is encouragement to succeed and many opportunities for leadership and service. It seems I am constantly hearing about another way that the chapter is helping out with something on campus or in the Fargo/Moorhead community.
Do they have fun? Oh yeah. They have a good time. I have met many of the brothers and been to the house many times and I would say, as a parent, I couldn’t ask for a better group of people for my son to associate with.
So, if your son is telling you he is considering the Gamma Tau Chapter of Sigma Chi at NDSU, I would encourage you to visit with some of the current members. Ask them to tell you about the service projects they have done, the leadership conferences they have attended, the friendships they have made. They won’t be shy! And if you want your son to be part of an environment that will truly aspire him to greatness, then encourage him to join this strong brotherhood.
With great sincerity,
Charlotte Hand