During Alumni work weekend 2010, several alumni and undergraduates made improvements to the Sigma Chi Chapter House and property. Photos of the progress can be viewed on the Alumni Work Weekend 2010 Album. Two major projects were started, first the original retaining wall on the north west corner of the lot bordering the Sigma Chi sign had begun to collapse onto the sidewalk. Through donations and three days of hard labor the railroad tie retaining wall was replaced with a professional grade landscaping block wall. Additionally the landscaping and shrubs were updated to improve the curb appeal of the house. The second major project undertaken by Alumni was to repair and paint the walls of the chapter's 21 study rooms. Something that had not been done since the 1994 renovation and was very much needed. Though this activity was not fully completed we are on schedule to have it 100% complete by the time the undergraduates return to school in August. For those who would like to help complete this task several of us plan to return to Ames on Saturday August 7th to paint additional rooms, touch up paint, and complete edging. If your available on either Saturday or Sunday please contact Jon Hall at 402-598-8805. Additionally the rack room was cleaned out and 20 new mattresses purchased for the house. The pit was once again emptied of all junk including old vending machines, broken furniture etc. Outside we completed several landscaping improvements around the house and power washed the front patio and entry way so this can be painted during work week. Additionally we cleaned out their utility closets, hung all tools and supplies and to ensure the outside remains well kept a new Lawn Mower was purchased for the house.During the remainder of summer break we will complete new installation of lighting in the study rooms and remove 16 loads of dirt and sand from the parking lot so we can add rock and properly grade it. Additionally we plan to complete a much needed roof repair. This puts us on track for a very promising fall semester.
Chapter Update
After some challenging semesters the chapter looks to have one of the largest in house pledge classes in recent memory. The chapter, under direction of Consul Scott Kettner, has had a very successful summer rush. The chapter expects that at least 8 pledges will move into the house this fall. Additionally history has shown that they could expect to pick up a few additional pledges in the first few weeks of the semester. This should build a strong foundation to turn declining numbers around. Additionally the chapter has planned an aggressive schedule of activities this fall including for the first time in over 5 years a Derby Days event from September 12th through 19th. If you get a chance please come back this fall for homecoming or any of the home football games to see these improvements. As always we offer you a chance to park at the house.
With the recent investments in the house, feedback from alumni, and changing policies on campus the Beta Omicron of Sigma Chi Fraternity Corporation Board has made the decision to begin the process of becoming a "dry" fraternity at Iowa State. We realize that this will be a significant effort and a difficult process, but we believe alcohol has become a serious problem that is affecting membership, relationships with Sororities, rush, grades, and the condition of the Fraternity House. This year we have instituted new processes and policies aimed at turning this around. First each and every member will sign a binding undergraduate commitment and room and board contract and we will diligently track room deposits and assess damages as they are identified in an attempt to keep our improvements intact. We are instituting a new Alcohol Policy that will limit and enforce the consumption of Alcohol to only those of 21 years of age or older in their private rooms and behind closed doors. No consumption of Alcohol will be allowed in public areas inside or outside of the house starting this fall. Consistent with the direction of university policy we are discontinuing sponsored parties that include alcohol from being held at the Sigma Chi House. As a trial this year we will still allow consumption of Alcohol for unplanned small social gatherings not to exceed 25 members and close friends who are of 21 years of age in the Pit only. We believe this policy is consistent with over two thirds of the Fraternities at Iowa State and will not put us at a disadvantage on campus. We look forward to your support and invite you to attend an all chapter informational meeting on August 22nd at 5pm to discuss the new policy with the undergraduate chapter. Alumni support and involvement will be critical to the success of this policy. If you have questions or would like to discuss this change please contact Corp Board President Jon Hall at 402-598-8805 or Chapter Advisor Graig Schadle at 319-404-4757.
