Support our Chapter’s “Regalia Renewal” campaign!

My Brothers,

This past semester, I had both the honor and pleasure of assisting our Sigma Chi Chapter by performing “Connie” during the Ceremonies of Initiation for the 2024 Spring pledge class. I was very impressed by the attendance, appearance and enthusiasm of our undergraduate brethren. Participating in the Investiture brought back many fond memories of our time at JU. From passing the Challenge opening the ceremony, to the Charge, all the way to concluding with the Friendship Circle – it was both invigorating and enlightening. I left with a newfound pride for the legacy that we left them!

I do have one main concern and that is with most of the Chapter’s regalia. The exact same ones that we used in the 80’s are still being utilized today. I am disappointed (but not surprised) to report that over the past thirty-six years, the regalia is now at a point where the majority of it needs to be replaced. The remaining items’ condition vary between mediocre to unacceptable to several that have gone “missing” over the years. I was informed that this past year, several RA’s allegedly broke into our Chapter Room and stole several ritualistic items.

Some notable examples that need replacing include: the illuminated box to display The Great Seal and the taper lighter/snuffer (stolen), the pane of glass that depicts “The White Cross” is cracked and held together by duct tape and must be illuminated by a Brother holding a flashlight. Most of the robes have their tassels torn away and the officers’ robes and mantles are in desperate need of replacement as they have turned brown from age, inadequate storage and improper cleaning.

Knowing this, I am asking Brothers to join me in contributing by pooling our resources to make this a reality. I wish we would have had 50 year old alumni who did well in life provide us with financial support. Please know that the Active Chapter does not know that I am doing this. They are not begging for help. They are just using what the previous classes have passed down and making do the best that they can. I believe our new initiates deserve better.

It is my intention to engrave the names of the donors on a plaque and mount it inside of “Connie’s Black Box” so that future Brothers will know of our generosity and will hopefully follow our example later in life when they have the ability to contribute.

Robes range from $260 for the Consul’s to $68 for a Member’s. The Great Seal alone costs $330. All in total, the bare minimum that we need to replace the stolen and damaged items is $3594. However, with $5961, we can purchase all new regalia from Nationals. This translates to 18 alumni donating $200 each for the bare minimum or 30 alumni donating $200 each to start the clock over from 1988! I believe that we can easily raise these funds. I would rather attempt to get it accomplished without spamming the entirety of our alumni Brothers – and leaning on the ones who shared the Bonds of Friendship on the first floor of Merrill Hall.

I am honestly requesting – if you are financially able – please join me in making this a reality for the Chapter.

In Hoc and Godspeed,

John Drew

Iota Gamma 91