State of the Alumni Chapter- A new direction and purpose
As we build on momentum from 1st Quarter 2008, I would like to share with you some of our accomplishments from the beginning of January until now and also share with you a new direction that the Central Ohio Alumni Chapter of Sigma Chi is headed in the future.
Some of our accomplishments this quarter include:
- Exceeded total 2007 membership by March 28th, 2008
- 34 Brothers attended the 1st Quarter lunch, despite the Blizzard
- Strong First Thursday attendance month after month
As our chapter continues to evolve we will make changes and reevaluate our goals and objectives on an ongoing basis much like any organization. In my first “State of the Alumni Chapter” message I provided the three key points to the chapter and once again they are outlined below:
We want to provide an opportunity to:
Ÿ Maintain friendships, rekindle old ones and build new ones
Ÿ Establish a means of networking for professional opportunities
Ÿ Express the values of Sigma Chi through philanthropic activities
As alumni, our focus often moves from going out with friends or attending social events to focusing on careers and family. It is also important that we look to assist and enhance the lives of Brothers and their Families throughout life’s challenges. I want to share with you two stories of Central Ohio Sig Alums.
Ethan Scharver is the son of John Scharver, a Kent State Alum. Ethan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in January 2006 at the age of 3. ALL is a cancer of the blood. Ethan’s protocol consist of daily oral chemotherapy, routine visits to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for blood tests, IV chemotherapy and a spinal tap every 12 weeks. He misses out on normal everyday activities of a now 5 year old boy because of his weakened immune system and ongoing treatment. He will be undergoing treatment until May 2009.
Elizabeth Szasz is the daughter of Steve Szasz, an OSU Alum. Elizabeth was diagnosed with a form of Epilepsy known as Partial Complex Seizures in 2005. Elizabeth is now 3 years old and continues to battle this disease day to day. Elizabeth has been in the hospitals numerous times since she was diagnosed. She is currently taking 3 medicines daily, the medicines still are not working. She recently was seen at the Cleveland Clinic and will continue to work with them in hopes of finding the right medicine to suppress her seizures.
As I sat with each Brother and listened to them explain how courageous their children were for their attitudes and battles, I could not help to think how these two Brothers represent the ideals of the White Cross of Sigma Chi in their daily lives. Being the father of an 8 year old daughter and 5 year old son, I could not imagine going through what these families endure on a daily basis, when I sometimes complain about juggling gymnastics, soccer, karate, and other activities that fill our calendars.
These are just two cases of childhood diseases, however, these hit close to home. After brief discussions with the Steering Club and several other Alums, it was decided that we should refocus our direction and purpose as an Alumni Organization. Childhood disease touches everyone no matter if it is your child, niece, nephew, or grandchild. That being said, our golf outing “Sigs for Kids” is the first step in helping to raise money for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the name of Ethan Scharver and Elizabeth Szasz. This event, on Sunday June 8th at Tartan East, will go to support the battle against Childhood Diseases. This is an ideal way to help not only our community but to help our own. As we all know family comes first, especially the families of our Sigma Chi Brothers.
Please see the website for details on “Sigs for Kids” Golf Outing. Our success depends on you and your continued support. Go to http://www.centralohiosigs.com to find out more about upcoming events. Please feel free to give us your feedback and suggestions on the direction of the chapter. In addition if you have any items to donate or contribute to a silent auction at the Golf Outing please email Mike DeAngelis via the website.
In Hoc,
Tim Dimond
Zeta Lambda ‘93
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