The spring semester was one of growth and progress above all else for Zeta Phi members.

We mourned the unfortunate passing of brother Jim Bixby ’64 (ZΦ254), who touched countless Sigma Nus across several decades and was truly committed to the mission of our fraternity. Many members attended the celebration of life held in his honor, and we recently put up a new plaque at the landing of the stairs dedicating the chapter house to Jim.

To further honor his legacy, the men of the chapter whom Mr. Bixby helped influence remain dedicated to the Bradley community and our academic pursuits. We placed second in grades among all 13 fraternities. Last fall, we had one of the largest turnouts for our Scholarship Dinner in several years.

Game Ball Run also wrapped up with us receiving an astonishing level of support from all who donated. We want to give a special thanks to the Zeta Phi alumni community for their continued support. We crossed $20,000 raised this semester for Almost Home Kids at OSF Children’s Hospital for the third year in a row.

We placed second overall in Greek Week. We were paired with Pi Beta Phi, Phi Kappa Tau, and Phi Beta Sigma, and the men of Zeta Phi participated in a dodgeball tournament, card-writing campaign, and Greek Sing, which was a blast to enjoy with our other Greek friends! We look forward to future IFC events and especially to recruitment in the fall.

With the current executive board’s term almost at an end, we have a few goals that we’d like to see accomplished before leaving office. First and foremost is the Commander’s Newsletter, which will be an independent separate newsletter sent out to current members and parents each month reviewing the prior month and recapping events. This will help increase transparency between the chapter and parents as well as keep them in the loop and promote involvement. We also look forward to reinstituting the Zeta Phi Hall of Honor and inducting special alumni into our Order of the White Rose. This opportunity will be one for alumni to be recognized and honored forever in the chapter house.

Looking ahead, Zeta Phi Chapter is asking all alumni with potential connections to share their information with our recruitment chairmen at sigmanu.org/prospective-members/membership-referral. This would help us connect with potential Zeta Phis before they are on campus and build a healthy transition to college life. As always, thanks to our alumni for their countless contributions to Zeta Phi and the mission of Sigma Nu.

SIGMA NUS HARD AT WORK

Looking Back on a Wonderful Spring

The members of Zeta Phi were busy this spring. We had 10 newly initiated members who continued to show their dedication to the principles of being a gentleman of Sigma Nu. Among all members, there was a renewed dedication to classroom and project endeavors. They represented Sigma Nu in leadership roles in student government and other organizations across campus. Men were also employed in various roles on campus while also working hard on résumés and interviews to confirm jobs and internships for the summer. Even our seniors had their sights on jobs and what their next phase of life will look like.

This year’s Game Ball Run saw another successful fundraising effort! The men were able to raise $10,000, which was matched with a generous contribution of $10,000 by Mr. Palumbo. This is the third year in a row that the Zeta Phi men were able to present a check for $20,000 to Almost Home Kids at OSF Children’s Hospital.

Spring was filled with studies and shenanigans. After the men returned from spring break, a golf etiquette competition took place to prepare the men for the alumni golf outing on April 6. A golfing clinic also took place to help brothers bring their best swing to the golf event.

As always, it is a pleasure to work with these men to work through challenges and celebrate their successful efforts.

Love, honor, truth,
Colleen Splitter
Chapter Advisor