Sigma Pi, Beta Mu Colony
The University of Mississippi
Since the original Sigma Pi chapter closed its doors in 1991, Sigma Pi alumni like Leo Lazarus have been waiting for its return. They got their wish when Joe Ruggieri and Roy Hillman, expansion workers for Sigma Pi International came to the University of Mississippi as part of their efforts to widen Sigma Pi. Their efforts culminated towards the October 7th, 2009 pinning ceremony, which pinned the first members of the revamped Sigma Pi Beta Mu colony. Jacob Scoggin, who was elected Sage that night, focused his speech on promises of greatness, and dropped the gavel for the first time as a founding father at around 10:00 PM.
Work began immediately on building the fraternity, both externally and internally. Recruitment was the main focus, but brotherhood events were also held to boost the friendships of members. Campus contests and philanthropy events were another focus. During the 2009 University of Mississippi Homecoming Parade, Sigma Pi took first place overall for their float, a collaborative effort with Phi Mu and Sigma Nu. During the Alpha Omicron Pi Strike-Out Arthritis philanthropy event, Sigma Pi Ricky Harvey took first place in kickball, and Tyler Penny took first place in the minigames category. After Ole Miss's November 21 victory over LSU, Sigma Pi held a popular party at the Ghost Soldier tavern on the Square.
The fraternity was not all parties and games, however. Internal conflicts led to the departure of several Sigma Pis during the winter hiatus, and morale began to sink temporarily. The catalyst for positive change came during the second meeting of the spring semester, when it was announced that Leo Lazarus and John Mulkey, the alumni advisors for Beta Mu Colony, were in negotiations to fill the former Delta Kappa Epsilon house with Sigma Pis. As we continue to mature into a functioning chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International, and strive to change Greek culture on the campus of the University of Mississippi, we are driven by the power and pride of Sigma Pi, captured in the first line of our creed.
I Believe In Sigma Pi.
