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)