Sigma - Fall 2010

THE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER OF PI KAPPA PHI AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

FALL 2010

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1) The Sigma chapter house during the barbecue luncheon; 2) DJ Jones, Elliotte and Lyndsey Quinn; 3) Brothers Joe Tomlin, T.J. Dennis, Nate Mark and Josh Johnson at the Oyster Roast; 4) Alumnus Fred Quinn with his date, Willamina Holler; 5) T.J. and Rachel Dennis.

sigma chapter celebrates its centennial It is well known throughout Sigma chapter circles that 2010 is a milestone year for the fraternity as March marked the 100th anniversary of the chapter. Starting nearly a year in advance, a coalition of alumni and undergraduates planned several events for the occasion.

Sigma’s centennial anniversary was celebrated March 19-21 with five main events, beginning with an alumni oyster roast on Friday evening. Alumni of all ages gathered at the University House across the street from Williams-Brice Stadium to enjoy an evening of shuckin’ oysters and visiting with old friends.

Following the oyster roast, the undergrads hosted a party at The Loose Cockaboose Bar and Grill. Undergrads, guests, and alumni were all welcomed to the event. The main attraction of the night was the Jouvert Steel Drum Reggae Band.

The following afternoon, the undergraduates hosted a luncheon for the alumni at the chapter house. On the menu was pulled pork barbecue with sides of coleslaw and potato salad. After the barbecue, alumni and undergrads met up at the Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Shandon for an alumni initiation. At the alumni initiation, Sigma

chapter welcomed three new men into the brotherhood; Elliotte Quinn (Sigma-1367), George Johns (Sigma-1368), and Sigma’s newest initiate, House Director, Wallace Crosby (Sigma-1369).

The final event of the centennial took place at the Downtown Marriott Columbia. Alumni as well as undergrads gathered in the lobby for a cocktail party prior to the dinner banquet. More than 225 alumni, students, guests, and friends gathered in the Marriott Ballroom for the banquet and dinner. Highlights from the dinner included a state-of-the-chapter address from chapter archon John Kagley as well as a keynote speech from National President Jeff Wahlen, Alpha Epsilon (Florida). Other topics of the banquet included gifts from the National Headquarters, as well as awards given out by the undergraduates.

Following the banquet, the Rose Ball was opened with the first dance by Brother Fred Quinn (Sigma-93) and his date, Willamina.

The Rose Ball was a huge hit with brothers of all ages, and included “shag dancing” to the music of The Embers, one of the Carolina’s premier beach music bands. Following the ball, many brothers went to the Rooftop Bar at the Sheraton where the brothers of Sigma continued their celebration late into the night.

gamecock football schedule September 2 | Southern Miss September 11 | Georgia September 18 | Furman September 25 | @ Auburn

October 2 | Bye October 9 | Alabama October 16 | @ Kentucky October 23 | @ Vanderbilt October 30 | Tennessee

November 6 | Arkansas (Homecoming) November 13 | @ Florida November 20 | Troy November 27 | @ Clemson

ARCHON’S REPORT PI KAPPA PHI

SIGMA

SIGMA SPEAKS publisher

Sigma Speaks is published by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Headquarters on behalf of the Sigma Housing Corporation. Please submit questions, comments and correction to alumniservices@pikapp.org.

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224 (800) 929-1904 www.pikapp.org

upcoming events HOME FOOTBALL GAMES - Game Day at the Sigma House - Undergraduate Tailgate NOVEMBER 6 | HOMECOMING - “Razorback Roast” Alumni Dinner - USC vs. Arkansas *If you would like to attend the game with other Sigma alumni and spouses, contact Bob Berry at bberry@sc.rr.com or (803) 622-2472 for group tickets.

notes RECONNECT WITH A BROTHER If you would like to reconnect with a chapter brother and need their information, please contact Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters at (800) 929-1904 or alumniservices@pikapp.org.

The last few months have been quite exciting for the Sigma Chapter. March 5 marked Sigma‘s centennial anniversary. As Pi Kappa Phi’s fifth chapter to reach this milestone, the event was one to remember. The chapter celebrated with alumni from as far back as the 1930s with an oyster roast at University House, a home-cooked BBQ luncheon at the Pi Kapp house in the USC Greek Village, and a banquet at the Downtown Marriott with members from the National Fraternity and the Pi Kappa Phi Properties Board. The event also included a keynote address by then-National President Jeff Wahlen, Alpha Epsilon (Florida), and musical guests The Embers of beach music fame.

Not only were we able to celebrate our chapter’s century of success but also the announcement that Jerry Brewer (Sigma-582)—USC’s vice president for student affairs and past national president of Pi Kappa Phi—would be honored as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi 2010 at Supreme Chapter in Orlando, Florida.

Just a week later, Sigma was honored to receive two Chapter Achievement Awards for scholarship and service at USC’s annual Greek Awards ceremony. In addition to the chapter awards, Archon John Kagley (Sigma-1289) was given the Chapter Loyalty Award for unsung service, Vice Archon Ricky Kopec (Sigma-1310) was given the Outstanding New Member Award, and Sam Mahoney (Sigma-1359) was awarded a scholarship to the 2010 UIFI Leadership Seminar at Indiana University this summer.

In other news, Sigma continued its traditional spring service project for Push America and held the 9th annual Palmetto Centurion Ride. As is custom, members of the chapter raised donations for Push America around Columbia, USC, and the Greek Village to support our cause and benefit the ride. Early in the morning on April 17, the cyclists and the brothers who volunteered for the support team made the long haul down Old Charleston Highway to the coast using only their own will power and always hoping for a nice tailwind to help them along.

Now that summer is over everyone has moved back to campus, the chapter has recruited 13 new men this fall. Last year’s retention improved more than 20 percent, and we hope to keep that trend of retaining the men we recruit. This fall and next spring, Sigma hopes to recruit another 10 -20 men in order to remain a top recruiter among the Greek Village fraternities as well as put us at the threshold of a 100-man chapter. To help us recruit the best and brightest leaders among the incoming freshmen, Sigma has risen to the second highest GPA in the Greek Village with an all-chapter average of 3.07, and received awards for both scholarship and service at the Greek Life Awards Ceremony in April.

I know I am excited for another season of South Carolina football and enjoying the games with the brothers. We wish to welcome any and all alumni and their guests to come join us for the home games at Williams-Brice Stadium this fall as we cheer on our Carolina Gamecocks in true Sigma style.

alumni spotlight: RHODES BROTHERS Sigma Speaks recently caught up with two brothers who wound up at USC and as members of Pi Kappa Phi. What brought you to USC? David Rhodes (D.R.): My dad went to USC, so I followed his lead and went to USC also. I was also accepted at UNC, but my father encouraged me (I think he told me he would pay for USC but would not pay for UNC) to go to USC. I’m glad I did go to USC. I started off in the Pharmacy School at USC, did not like it, and transferred to the Business School my first year.

visit sigma’s website at:

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BY JOHN KAGLEY

Stephen Rhodes (S.R.): I graduated from high school in Chattanooga, Tenn., and was looking for a change in scenery. My father and David both graduated from USC. My visits to Columbia to see relatives growing up also influenced my decision.

What led you to Pi Kappa Phi? D.R.: My high school football coach, George Thompson from Grainger High School in Kinston, NC, recommended Pi Kappa Phi. The boys at Pi Kappa Phi also did a very good job, as I remember, of following up on my coaches’ lead.

S.R.: David was living in Columbia when I arrived on campus in the fall of 1973. He introduced me to the brothers before fall rush started. Several of the seniors also knew Rick.

I felt very comfortable around the guys and that primarily influenced my decision. I’m sure the fact that I was a legacy also influenced the brothers as far as extending me a bid. (continued on page 3)

alumni updates Oliver Janney Σ-1128 Oliver changed jobs in March and is currently managing the Roth Staffing office in Raleigh, N.C. Chris Glasser Σ-1101 Chris welcomed his son, Ryan Christopher Glasser, on May 11, 2010. He also completed his Masters of Accountancy in December.

Ryan Padgett Σ-1201 Ryan was recently promoted to general manager of the Ansonborough Inn on June 1, 2010. He stays active in the athletic world by participating in flagfootball and is the “star-studded” QB. Rob Evatt Σ-1197 Rob has been deployed to Afghanistan to clear IEDs.

alumni spotlight

Adam Bourne Σ-1092 Adam is a newly-elected member of the Alabama Republican Executive Committee. A lawyer and Chickasaw city councilman, Adam is also vice president of the Mobile County Municipal Association.

T.J. Dennis Σ-1167 After leaving the Army, T.J. relocated to Winston-Salem, N.C., to complete the MBA at Wake Forest. T.J. fulfilled his military obligation with distinction; during his time as a commissioned officer, he led more than 100 combat patrols throughout Iraq, earning the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Upon his redeployment to Fort Campbell, Ky., (he took command of a 100-man Forward Support Company and served as the assistant operations officer of a 550-man Combat Engineer Battalion.

T.J. is married to Rachel Wells of Columbia, S.C., and they are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child (a boy) in early December!

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Tell us about your experience as a brother?

D.R.: I handled several officer positions including archon. Several brothers including Ron Farkas, Ben Stephens, and JB Davis standout. Our meetings were very good and helped prepare me for jobs later in life.

I also met my wife, Judy, at a Pi Kapp function. We were married in October of 1970, and our two sons went to USC as well. They were in KA fraternity since they knew a lot of guys in KA fraternity, plus I believe Pi Kapp was inactive at the time.

S.R.: I served as an officer for several semesters, the highest position being treasurer either my junior or senior year. I believe my roommate at that time, Jerry Brewer, succeeded me in that position. I remember having some great roommates, Jerry Brewer, Martin Huggins and Phil Claytor to name a few. We played hard, had a good time and developed some very good friendships.

Were you in the chapter at the same time as your brother and was that meaningful?

D.R.: Stephen is eight years younger than me, so we did not attend USC at the same time. I was chapter advisor when he was there with Jerry Brewer, the Claytors, Mike Tonguor, etc.

We had another brother, Rick, who was to begin at USC the year after I graduated, but he was killed in a hayride accident. He likely would have joined Pi Kapp though ATO was after him

as well. I encouraged him to be a Pi Kapp (as did a lot of the fellows in the chapter), but I do not remember encouraging Stephen to be a Pi Kapp.

He joined on his own, and I was glad he did.

S.R.: As David stated, we were eight years apart. If our brother Rick had lived, we would have been in school together at least one year.

I learned from several of the older brothers that Rick had actually committed to Pi Kapp but elected to go on the Sunday evening ATO hayride during which he suffered fatal injuries. If things had worked out differently, it would have been more directly impactful and meaningful to me. As it was, David was active as Sigma’s chapter advisor and was a presence around the chapter house my first few years in the fraternity.

What do you do for a living?

D.R.: I worked for Bank of America (and its predecessors before) retiring in 1999.

S.R.: I have been a banker at Wells Fargo (and its predecessors) for more than 30 years, the past 18 in Charleston, S.C. I have held various risk management positions for the past 28 years.

How did your fraternity experience prepare you for your career?

D.R.: Being in a fraternity was a great help to me in my various jobs. Running our chapter meetings when I was archon, with the various

personalities present at the meetings, was particularly helpful.

S.R.: We had a very diverse group of personalities in the chapter. Quite a few members were from New Jersey and other northern states. Learning to develop relationships with such a diverse group and serving as an officer has certainly helped.

What value does “fraternity” hold?

D.R.: Being a brother helped me develop selfconfidence, which assisted me in later years.

S.R.: I think the developing friendships developed with the members is very important.

I had a core group of friends and acquaintances all during school as a result of my fraternity experience. This helped ground me as I grew and hopefully matured during my college years.

What advice do you have for future brothers?

D.R.: Try to get elected for the various officer positions. Holding an officer position will prepare you for later in life opportunities.

S.R.: Develop your priorities early on. I had a wonderful fraternity experience during my college years, but we had too many members who academically fell by the wayside. Of my pledge class, I was one of the few who graduated on time without summer school.

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Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224

SIGMA SPEAKS

SIGMA

2000

Members celebrate the rechartering of Sigma chapter on November 11, 2000. After being dormant for less than four years, the chapter reactivated with 68 men. Pat Figley, Chi (Stetson), and Jerry Brewer, Sigma (South Carolina), served as the chartering officers. Alpha (Charleston) and Epsilon Lambda (USC-Upstate) performed the Ritual of Initiation.

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