Zeta Nu Chapter Fund
Sigma Chi-Zeta Nu - Past, Present, Future and how you can help!
The Chapter
The Zeta Nu Chapter of Sigma Chi has made great strides overthe last 10 years. While we have somehow managed to maintain continuity at WMU as one of the largest and arguably the best Fraternity on campus for more than 5 decades, in recent years the bar has risen in many ways…..including some that have not been typical for us in the past.
Academics: In 2017 we began an initiative to place greater emphasis on Academic Achievement by recognizing brothers who either earned or maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This includes a plaque recognizing the individual members achievements, and a scholarship dinner each semester where the highest active member GPA, new initiate GPA, and most improved GPA each earn a $500 academic scholarship. The result has been an increase from approximately 20 brothers being recognized in 2017 to more than double that number 3years later. The spring 2020 semester GPA at Zeta Nu was 3.4 with a cumulative average of 3.14.
Campus Recognition: The chapter has also been recognized on campus recently as one of the best Greek and student organizations at WMU.
Sigma Chi Recognition: For the first time in 37 years, Zeta Nu has earned the coveted Peterson Significant Chapter award for the 2019-20 academic year, recognizing us as one of the best Chapters, in THE best Fraternal organization in the world.
Summary-
The chapter is currently 68 brothers strong despite covid andfollowing a spring initiation that was delayed until late August. Based on current interest, they are looking at a potentially large Fall 2020 pledge class of 25-30. They are without question, firing on all cylinders and acting like a brotherhood of which we can all take great pride.
The House
House Corp has also been active over the past several years with significant renovations starting in 2017 in order to both maintain and improve the 50+ year old chapter house. This has included:
➢ purchasing and installing new kitchen equipment,
➢ remodeling of the upstairs bathrooms and showers
➢ installing new flooring in the stairwells, upstairs hallways, and main floor lobby and hallway
➢ purchasing and installing “The Founders Bar” a focal point for meals, studies, and other festivities
➢ patching and sealing the driveway and to date a portion of the parking lot
➢ complete renovation of the foyer and main floor hallway with new ceilings, paint and reconfiguration
➢ installation of a new women’s bathroom off the main floor hallway
➢ Installation of a utility and storage closet in the former mailroom
➢ Conversion of the former “cave” to a study/library/archives room.
➢ Repainting the upstairs hallway
Despite all that has been done, there remains a seemingly endless list of projects that need to be addressed in the future. Off the top of our heads this would include:
➢ Repainting both stairwells
➢ Flooring and renovation of residential rooms
➢ Replacement of Ceiling tiles in the Founder’s Bar and Brother’s room
➢ Repair the fireplace flue
➢ Update the sweetheart patio
What we are experiencing, is that a process of continued upkeep and improvement, results in excitement and enthusiasm among both active and alumni membership. We have built a great deal of momentum, but now we need to maintain it.
How can you help?
Needless to say, at this time Zeta Nu could use some additional funds. The purpose of this “Go Fund Me” campaign is to restore capital reserves while allowing us to continue to make small infrequent renovations here and there in order to continue to preserve our big, old, and classic Chapter House.
In addition, we will direct a fixed portion (25-30%) of the proceeds raised to a dedicated Chapter scholarship fund. This will provide continued support for our Academic incentive programs and is critical in order to emphasize the importance of ongoing academic achievement.
While our initial $100,000 goal is a lofty one, we think that given the size of our alumni body, is should be attainable. Our timeline is aggressive as well as we would like to reach the goal by Christmas.
Please consider supporting Zeta Nu in this campaign. For a Chapter as old and large as we are, we are unique in that we have been able to maintain our existence largely on a “pay as you go” basis, without the support of an alumni endowment. We know that there are brothers who are willing to make significant contributions to an organized and sustainable effort for the benefit of Zeta Nu, but this is something that just hasn’t been part of our history. It is time to change this and make deliberate plans for the continued future of our beloved Fraternity at Western Michigan University.
In addition, we need you to help spread the word to all of the Sigs you know and are in contact with. We now have more than 1400 alumni, but only have current contact information for about 600 ZN brothers which means that we have many more to find. Seek out your pledge bros and initiate a pledge class goal/challenge to raise $1,000 or $5,000 or even $10,000. Share your goal on our Facebook page and inspire others to do the same. If you have or discover contact information for brothers who are not on social media please make sure to share that information. Download the Sigma Chi app and find and update your own information.
The final aspect of this fundraiser will be the renewal and continuation of the brick campaign. We have had many inquiries and requests for this, therefore donations of $100 or more will include a small brick, and donations of $500 or more will include a large brick. Watch for additional details about this and more.
Together we can make this happen. Please reach out to either of us with any questions.
In Hoc Signo Vinces…..in this sign we shall conquer!
Mike Johnston
President, Zeta Nu House Corporation
Scott Doherty
Zeta Nu Chapter Advisor