Sigma Chi

To review Sigma Chi, DTF will interview a valuable member of their fraternity. DTF chose to interview Daniel John Lamplot, an Intra-Fraternity Council Representative of Sigma Chi fraternity. Dan joined Sigma Chi in fall semester of 2007. DTF interviewed John regarding Sigma Chi on October 1, 2008.

What is Sigma Chi?

Sigma Chi has a rich tradition pertaining to the growth and development of its members.

Why would someone choose to be a member of Sigma Chi over other fraternities?

Sigma Chi offers a wide variety of opportunities to participate in both social and philanthropic events. These social events range from barndance, semi-formal, and formal. In regards to the philanthropic events, it ranges from Derby Days and Habitats for Humanity. In addition Sigma Chi has the best brotherhood at Illinois State University. Unlike other fraternities, we focus on brotherhood development from the pledgeship to the active level. During pledgeship, it is mandatory for each potential member to interview each active in the fraternity. With this, it allows the potential members to expand on their friendship throughout the whole fraternity.

What are some of Sigma Chi’s philanthropies?

The main philanthropy of Sigma Chi is called Derby Days. It is a weeklong event, which raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Our current goal this year is to raise close to $7,000 for the organization. In essence, Derby Days is a competition among sororities on campus. These events range from athletic activities such as the volleyball tournament, tug-of-war, obstacle course, eating content to fund raising events such as the coin change, t-shirt sales, and raffle ticket sales. In addition, Derby Days offers the members of the Sigma Chi fraternity and women from all the participating sororities to donate blood for the American Red Cross.

Besides Derby Days, Sigma Chi annually participates in Chi Omega’s March Madness, which raises money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. We also participate in Gamma Phi Beta’s Camp Week and Zeta Tau Alpha’s Foxy Lady. All of these events are fun for the members in the Greek community while raising money for worthy charities.

What are some of Sigma Chi’s social events?

There are several events in Sigma Chi’s social calendar. In the beginning of the year, we have an event called “Bid Night.” Bid Night is when two fraternities and two sororities join together to travel to a club in Champaign, IL. The focus of this event is to have all of the new members from each fraternity and sorority to socially meet each other and create relationships.

Besides Bid Night, Sigma Chi offers barndance in which all the members of the fraternity and their prospective dates travel to a barn somewhere in the Champaign, IL area. Everyone takes buses to the barn location. The theme of the event is to have everyone dress up in barn attire while engaging in activities such as dancing, hayrides, and hanging out around a campfire.

Have you had a pleasurable experience in Sigma Chi, thus far?

Yes, I have. Sigma Chi has been a great opportunity for me to meet new and interesting people. In addition, I have learned several lessons that will only help me grow as an individual. In pledgeship, I learned how to efficiently manage my time to meet all of my responsibilities. In addition, I learned the importance of meeting all of my obligations because the success of the fraternity hinges on everyone meeting their duties.