Delta Delta Celebrates Brothers’ Achievements

The chapter held its third Alumni Honors Dinner at the chapter house on November 8, 2024.  During the evening’s festivities five brothers received Significant Sig awards and another, the Ben Taylor Award.  It was an inspirational evening as the honorees and their pledge brothers spoke of their accomplishments and the role Sigma Chi and being part of Delta Delta contributed to their success.

Alumni, guests and undergraduate brothers attend 2024 Alumni Honors Dinner.

Brothers and Guests Welcomed

The evening began with Consul Mitchell Rittman ’26 and House Corp President Tom Hall ’81 welcoming the over 50 alumni and their guests, along with the 50 undergraduates in attendance.  Mitch led us in the Sigma Chi Grace prior to dinner being served.

Honors Presentations

Gavin Philipps ’95 kicked off the honors presentations with opening remarks that reflected on the significance of having a chapter with so many accomplished alumni, and the critical skills and experience each of the honorees gained from their time living in the chapter house.

Phil Steele ’77 served as master-of-ceremonies and kept things moving.  Each award recipient’s background and accomplishments were read, followed by a pledge brother providing a few remarks, and then the honoree took the podium to speak to the audience.

Keith Langbo ’98 receives his Significant Sig award via video technology from Phil Steele ’77.

New Significant Sigs

The new Significant Sigs were John Pomeroy ’63, Norm Bafunno ’83, Jack Mollenkopf, Jr. ’95, Brian Craig ’98 and Keith Langbo ’98.  It was fun to hear what each pledge brother had to say about their relationship with the honoree and his pledge class.  The individual remarks from each of the Significant Sigs were extremely impactful and spoken from the heart.  With a number of wives, children and other family members present, it was a proud moment when each was presented his Significant Sig plaque.  Delta Delta remains the Sigma Chi chapter with the most Significant Sigs with 71.

Two of the recipients, Keith Langbo and John Pomeroy, received their awards and addressed the crowd remotely from their homes.  Keith, who currently resides in London, stayed up until after midnight to take part.  John, who is battling Parkinson’s disease, spoke passionately from his home in southern California.

Ben Taylor Award

Nate Gustus ’05 receives his Ben Taylor Award from Phil Steele ’77 (L) and former Consul David Kolsaak ’25 (R).

Nate Gustus ’05 was honored with the chapter’s Ben Taylor Award given in recognition of his extraordinary commitment, dedication, and ongoing service to Delta Delta.  Nate has served as Chapter Advisor for the past 10 years working diligently to address the upheaval caused by Covid in 2020 and has been ever present throughout the chapter’s recent challenges. Nate was named Purdue’s IFC Chapter Advisor of the Year in 2020.

Brother Remembered

The chapter also took a few minutes to recognize the life and contributions to Delta Delta of Jim Andrew ΕΩ ’71 (Ball State).  Steve Boyce ’98 reflected on Jim’s unconditional support of Delta Delta and the brothers over the 25 years he served on the House Corporation.  Jim’s two sons, Jay and Tom, are both Delta Delta Sigs.  Jim entered Chapter Eternal on April 11, 2024.

Songs and Thank Yous

No Sigma Chi event can be called “official” until the Sweetheart Song is sung.  Drew Watson ’98 led the crowd as they sang to all the Sweethearts in the audience.  We closed with Drew leading everyone in “My Name is Sigma Chi, Sir”.

Special thanks to Phil Steele ’77, Butch Brose ’09, Jay Milligan, Consul Mitch Rittman ’26 and Alumni Relations Chair David Kolsaak ’25 for making all the arrangements to host this event.

Class of ’63 members (L-R) Bill Vahle, Doug Wilton, Nick Fritsch and Jim Lopeman stand in for John Pomeroy ’63.

Norm Bafunno ’83 is surrounded by (L-R) Stew Jepson ’83, Nick Bafunno ’14, wife, Jill, and Dave Westerbeck ’83.

Class of 98 brothers celebrate with Brian Craig ’98 (center). L-R: Drew Watson, Andy Keene, James Cole, Steve Boyce, Dan Drewry, and Doug O’Neill.

Jack Mollenkopf ’95 stands in the midst of his pledge brothers (L-R) Eric Morgan, Kevin Jacobson, Brent Skelton, Brian Griffith, Chris Rabenold, Craig Johnson, Scott Hutton, Jason Baker, Jason Bedsworth and Gavin Philipps.