Columnist Erin Franczak talks about Sigma Chi, a fraternity that returned to Ohio University in Fall Semester 2014.
Sigma Chi has recently returned to campus. The fraternity came back to Ohio University in Fall Semester 2014. On Sunday, I sat down with three amazing brothers — John Brownlee, Kevin Fortunado and Andrew Hucek — and asked them what it was like to be initiated into a recently renewed organization. Andrew Hucek, a member of the alpha class, said being brand new means they get to shape their own image. They want to be gentlemen: The type of men who make sure that a girl gets home safe.
The men of Sigma Chi actually have a code that they must follow, known as the Jordan Standard. It states all the values and priorities of the fraternity, and it is the bare minimum for recruitment. For the men of Sigma Chi, recruitment is less about the number of brothers interested and more about finding the men who understand their values: friendship, justice and learning. Having this standard in place highlights the great values of the fraternity.
When it comes to friendship, the Sigma Chi brothers know how to do it right. Hucek, Brownlee and Fortunado all mentioned feeling connected with their brothers. They consider them their family away from home. Hucek talked about a story that really emphasized this: He said that a brother once lost an immediate family member. His brothers drove anywhere from two hours to eight hours to be there for him.
Hucek said he wants his fraternity to be approachable and known as just another on-campus organization. Brownlee mentioned that when it comes to hanging with other organizations, it’s how you act not who you know. He also talked about his favorite memory: Derby Days.
Derby Days is a week-long philanthropy that is focused on giving back in fun and creative ways (my favorite was taking a picture with a Sigma Chi for a dollar). Everyone in Greek life is involved, and the goal is to try and make it as fun as possible. Even if you’re not involved in Greek life, it’s still something to check out. Hucek was recently in charge of this incredible event. He said that it was a great experience, but it was also a lot of work. Most of the men wanted to play a role, so he was the one who divvied up responsibilities and planned the event.
Brownlee has other responsibilities within the chapter as the chapter editor. He is the go-to person to talk for anything Sigma Chi. He loves his position, but says it is important that he speaks correctly because he is the voice of his fraternity.
Fortunado is the new member educator. He said that he really enjoys helping his brothers grow and said that “his position teaches him to be ready for the real world.” He is a great guy and does his job effectively.
All in all it's a blessing to have this Greek organization on campus, and I am really looking forward to interacting more with these amazing men soon.
Erin Franczak is a freshman studying journalism. Have you attended Derby Days? Email her at ef441614@ohio.edu.
