 Christian Irvine (Fall '99) and his wife, Lettie, welcomed their third child into the world. Jacob Douglas Irvine was born on Saturday, November 6, 2018 at 8:46pm in Nashville, TN. Jacob was 20.5 inches in length and weighed in at 8lbs and 1oz and was delivered by his daddy, Christian!
Congratulations to the Irvine family.
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 Austin Parten (Spring '06) and his wife, Courtney, welcomed their second child into the world. Aaron Bryant was born at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 27, 2017 at 6:44pm. Aaron weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz and was 20 inches in length.
Congratulations to the Parten family.  LEBANON, TN – Sigma Pi Fraternity, International is proud to announce the appointment of Michael D. Gardner (Spring ’06) has been named as Northern Indiana Province Archon. Gardner will work with the undergraduate chapters at Purdue (Eta) and Valparaiso (Beta-Tau), as well as alumni clubs and house corporations in the province. Gardner received his Associate’s Degree from Vincennes University in 2008 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois University. He is currently serving in the Armed Forces as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class Petty Officer. He is currently stationed at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. Gardner has deployed twice since enlisting in 2010 and has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Gold Star. He received the George Martin Patterson Scholarship while serving as Sage in 2006. He also serves as an alumni volunteer on the Alpha Alumni Advisory Board and Housing Corporation.
“I want to devote my time and experience to the brothers at Eta and Beta-Tau,” said Gardner. “My fraternal experience would have been much different if not for the dedicated alumni who paved the road and guided me along it. I can say without a doubt I would not be the man and brother I am today if not for them. I am very fortunate for this opportunity to continue my service to Sigma Pi and I look forward to working with the Northern Indiana Province in their continued quest for excellence!”  (photo courtesy of Mick Birge/News Now Dubois County) By: Troy Guthrie, Vincennes University
CHAUTAUQUA, NY - The Vincennes University Golf Team showed outstanding ability to maintain its concentration, coupled with additional mental toughness to withstand pesky weather and a "refuse-to-lose" attitude in securing the program's second NJCAA Div. III National Championship. The Trailblazers - who also won the national title in 2013 - grabbed their latest national crown by 15 strokes over Georgia Northwestern Tech, 1198-1213. VU took command of the four-day tournament, led by three strokes after Day 1 and increased its lead after each day's play concluded. VU Coach Dennis Chattin (ΓΠ, Indiana State) who picks up his second NJCAA Div. III Coach of the Tournament award, had stressed the importance of maintaining concentration all the way through the event and getting consistent scores while having various golfers from throughout the lineup shoot low scores when needed. His team responded and performed. The result was a lead as wide as 20 strokes after the third round and a comfortable cushion until the end. "They really did the job," Chattin said of his team's ability to execute the Trailblazer gameplan. "One day, Jacob (Bartley) was the low guy, another day Jacob and Joe Davis tied as low man, a couple of other days Ian (Weyer) had the low score for us. Guys just really stepped up and allowed us to stay ahead. I'm really proud of the effort from everyone; the (total) score of 1198 is among the lowest ever at this location for the championship (tournament). "The round of 293 was also among the lowest for a round," he continued. "What's even more impressive is that they put that round together in some tough (weather) conditions and you might say that was the 'separator' (from the remaining field) for us. It was windy and chilly that day and it had rained earlier so it was wet too." For complete story, please visit here. For complete statistics from the 2016 NJCAA Div. III Golf National Championship, visit here.  Michael Bault (Fall '04) and his wife, Jordan, welcomed their first child into the world. Alexander Raymond was born at IU Health Women's Center in Avon, Indiana on June 6, 2016 at 5:06pm. Alex weighed in at 8lbs, 5oz and was 20 1/2 inches in length.
Congratulations to the Bault family.  Ryan Robertson (Fall '95) and his wife, Carolina, welcomed their second child into the world. Isabella Jane was born at Presbyterian Hospital in Denton, TX on June 2, 2016 at 3:14am. Isabella weighed in at 4lbs, 14oz and was 18 1/4 inches in length.
Congratulations to the Robertson family.  Douglas Welch Lindvall, 68, of Springfield, passed away at 1:53 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2016 at St. John's Hospital.
Douglas was born August 25, 1947 in Plymouth, Indiana, the son of Lawrence and Martha Welch Lindvall. Douglas attended Vincennes University and Eastern Illinois University where he was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. Douglas owned North Central Meats. He was a buyer for Bunn Capital Corporation and while there, established their meat department. He also owned Nelson's Catering for 20 years. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rochester, where he served as an Elder. He had a passion for coaching high school basketball, and was dedicated to thoroughbred horse racing. He was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter Madelyn Trapani and sister, Marsha Banning. He is survived by two sons, Joshua Lindvall and Jeffry (Rebekah) Lindvall both of Springfield; one daughter, Jennifer (Larry) Trapani of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Addison and Kennedy Lindvall; Juliet, Aurora, and June Lindvall; and Dominic and Matthew Trapani; one brother, Lawrence (Janet) Lindvall of Indiana; one sister, Sharon (Norman) Witt of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February, 2, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February, 3, 2016 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1 Camelot Drive, Rochester, with Pastor Samuel Jansen officiating. Graveside Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the Masonic Cemetery in Culver Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Jimmy V. Foundation – E.S.P.N., 14600 Western Parkway, Cary, NC 27513. Published in The State Journal-Register on Jan. 30, 2016.  Michael A. Johnson, 67, of Frankfort, passed away Friday, January 15, 2016, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.
He was born June 10, 1948, in Frankfort, to the late William Thomas Johnson and Mary Elizabeth (Sentz) Johnson, and she survives. On August 12, 1978, he married Cathy Ogden in Frankfort. Mike graduated from Frankfort Senior High School in 1966. While at Vincennes University, Johnson pledged the Alpha Chapyer of Sigma Pi Fraternity in 1967. He was a farmer and worked at Sun Chemical as a Lab Technician. He served six years in the US National Guard as an Infantry Scout. He was an avid tennis player and loved Purdue Basketball. Surviving are his wife, Cathy Johnson; two children, Michael O. Johnson of Frankfort, and Morgan Elizabeth Blair, and her husband Martez, of Panama City, FL; one brother, Randy L. Johnson, and his wife Vicki, of Tucson, AZ; and three grandchildren, Liam Michael, Leyton Martez, and Lane Morgan Blair, all of Panama City, FL. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Frankfort, with Pastor Ed Pearson officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 11:30 a.m. until time of service. Memorials in Mike’s name may be made to Clinton County Cancer or Trinity United Methodist Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.  Shane Deaton (Spring '06) was recently elected to the position of City Council in Austin, Indiana.
Deaton was sworn in during a ceremony held on Saturday, December 19, where he will serve for four years and can run for re-election thereafter. As a member of the legislative body, Deaton and the other members of the City Council can exercise many of the powers given cities through the passage of ordinances and appropriation of money.  Hector Contreras (Spring '08) and Gillian Alvear welcomed their second child into the world. Itzel Evie Contreras was born at Franciscan St. Anthony Health Hospital in Crown Point, IN on Thursday, November 12, 2105 at 6:25am. Itzel weighed in at 7lbs and was 19 inches in length.
Congratulations to Hector and Gillian.  Sanders pictured with Dyer PD Officer Trichak, past recipient of the NIck Schultz Award for Top Physical Fitness. (courtesy of Dyer PD) Bryan Sanders (Fall '08) recently graduated from the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Hobart, Indiana. Sanders received the Nick Schultz Award for Top Physical Fitness while at the academy.
Sanders graduated from VU with a BS in Homeland Security and is a patrol officer with the Dyer (IN) Police Department.  Leffler at the controls for the Jaguars at EverBank Field. (courtesy of Charles Wagoner) Eric Leffler (Fall '96) also known as DJ E.L., has been selected as one of the official DJ's for the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.
At every Jacksonville Jaguars home game this season, DJ E.L. will perform in the FAN ZONE for Jaguar fans. This will add to Leffler’s current duties as the official DJ of the Jacksonville Armada FC, NASL soccer team. After graduating from VU with a general studies degree with emphasis on broadcasting, Leffler started spinning and working the mic. DJ E.L. has worked for such organizations as Carnival Cruise Lines and 107.5 Outlaw Country in Santa Fe, New Mexico as the Voice and Imaging Director. In addition, DJ E.L. has worked as a professional ring announcer, announcing and Djing MMA matches, which included great fighters such as Jon Bones Jones, Thiago Alvez, Corey Smith, Rashad Evans, Seth Petruzelli, Luigi Fioravanti, Jarrod Card and many others. In addition to Leffler’s new role Djing for the Jaguars, DJ E.L was just announced as the official DJ of the Florida Georgia Weekend Tailgate Party, headlined by The Band Perry, where he will be tasked with entertaining the 8-10,000 concert-goers in between sets of the bands. Some other notable mentions for Leffler include being the official DJ for the Murray Brothers Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL where he opened for Bill Murray. He also opened for Jake Miller, Sky Blu (formerly of LMFAO), DJ ENFERNO (Madonna's Tour DJ, J-Dash, Uncle Kracker, Steve Azar, Preston Pohl and many more.  Randall E. Neal (Fall '96) and his wife, Jamie Zajac-Neal, welcomed their first child into the world. Peyton Eugene Neal was born at Lutheran Hospital in Wheatridge, CO on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 1:10pm. Peyton weighed in at 6lbs and 7oz.
Congratulations to the Neal family!  Michael Ernest (Spring '98) and his wife, Maggie, welcomed their third child into the world. Andrew Arnold Ernest was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Andrew weighed in at 8lbs and 5oz.
Congratulations to Ernest family!  Brendon Hope (Fall '99) and his wife, Robin, gave birth to Emmitt Thomas Hope at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis, IN on September 10, 2015 at 8:45am. Emmitt weighed in at 7lbs and 2oz and was 19.5 inches long.
Congratulations to the Hope family.  Matthew Hyde (Fall '07) and his girlfriend, Ashley, welcomed their first child into the world. Nora Grace Hyde was born at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville, IN on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 10:28pm. Nora was 20 inches in length and weighed in at 6 lbs and 15 oz.
Congratulations to Matt and Ashley!  Kevin Beard (Spring '09) and his wife, Ruby, welcomed their first child into the world. Theodore Matthew Beard was born at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, IN on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 9:32am. Theodore was 19 inches in length and weighed in at 8lbs and 1/2 oz.
Congratulations to the Beard family.  Scott Allen Cooney, age 44, New Castle resident, passed away Friday, May 1, 2015. He was born December 9, 1970 in Rushville, In, a son of Joseph Darrel and Beverly Williams Cooney.
He was 1989 graduate of New Castle High School and attended Vincennes University for three years. He was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity (Alpha, '90). He loved family activities, camping, and making people laugh. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with the love of his life, his daughter Cassidy. He attended New Covenant Worship Center and was blessed to go on a mission trip to Honduras, Central America in 2010. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Cooney and Aunt Barbara Gosser. Left to cherish his loving memory include his daughter, Cassidy Cooney of New Castle, father, Darrel Cooney of New Castle, sister, Cynthia Lenz (husband Robert) of New Castle, three nieces, Leslie Lenz, Tiffany Owens (husband Jason), and Misty Lenz all of New Castle, two great-nephews, Robert Huesman and Logan Owens of New Castle, and one great-niece, Alexis Smith. Friends may visit from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Macer-Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Macer-Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Pastor Eric Haler officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery. Online condolences may be made online at www.macerhall.com. Macer-Hall funeral directors are honored to conduct the services for Mr. Cooney.  Former Indiana Speaker of the House and Alpha Chapter Alumnus, John Gregg '72, will make a second run for governor in 2016. Gregg, a Democrat, officially announced his plans in a video announcement with the news Thursday via his campaign page, greggforgovernor.com
 To celebrate the 50th Anniversary since the re-installation of Alpha Chapter in 1965, the Alpha of Sigma Pi Educational Corporation in partnership with the Vincennes University Foundation, have established a new giving campaign, the 1897 Society of Sigma Pi. The 1897 Society seeks to fortify Sigma Pi for the future and next 50 years by improving and strengthening the financial need of the Alpha Chapter at Vincennes University. The 1897 Society recognizes alumni and friends making donations equaling 1897 which represents the founding date of Alpha Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity on the Vincennes University campus. The Alpha of Sigma Pi Educational Corporation is committed to providing funds to support educational and leadership programs for our members on their “quest for excellence.” To accomplish this important goal, we need strong, steady financial support from our many alumni who attribute at least part of their success to the valuable lessons they learned as members in Sigma Pi. In becoming a member of the 1897 Society, Sigma Pi brothers pledge to pass forward the opportunities they had to be successful to our younger brethren who are and will be walking in our footsteps. It is the Fraternity's desire to grow these funds through the commitment of donors who generously contribute on a monthly, annual or one-time basis. Your commitment will be recognized as a member of the 1897 Society and for this caring support, members will receive a member’s-only lapel pin along with other honorary recognition. Options to join the 1897 Society of Sigma Pi
Contributions may be made my check, online, online with monthly contributions, or as a planned gift commitment. In making your decision, you may want to keep in mind the tax consequences of your gift. Gifts may be designated to the following funds:
To donate to the 1897 Society of Sigma Pi, please click below and select the 1897 Society of Sigma Pi. To learn more about the 1897 Society of Sigma Pi, please click here.  Balance as of January 1, 2015 The Ryan M. Donnoe Memorial Scholarship Committee and the brothers of Sigma Pi, Alpha Chapter, are happy to announce that they have reached their initial endowment goal of $10,000 for the Ryan M. Donnoe Memorial Scholarship.
Since January 2009, the Alpha Alumni Association and a few key Alpha Alumni, have been working tirelessly to raise the $10,000 to endow the scholarship. The Donnoe Scholarship is named after Alpha Alumnus Ryan M. Donnoe '97. Born December 3, 1977 in Houston, Texas; Donnoe graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 1998 with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. While at VU, Donnoe became an active member of the Alpha Chapter and sat on the Executive Council as the Chapter’s Treasurer. Other achievements included his membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, as well as being the recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award from the Vincennes University Greek Council in 1998. After graduating from Vincennes, Brother Donnoe continued his education at Indiana University where he majored in Psychology and graduated in December 2000 with honors. Sadly, Brother Ryan M. Donnoe passed away to the Adytum on High on September 8, 2005 due to unforeseen complications brought on by pneumonia. His commitment to academic excellence was inspiring and his loyalty and dedication to Sigma Pi made Brother Donnoe a role model with the Fraternity. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them on family trips and vacations and during the holidays. He was an outstanding musician, lyricist, and vocalist and was apart of two bands during his time in Bloomington. Brother Donnoe had a tremendous pride in his affiliation with Sigma Pi and a bond with his fraternity brothers that lasted until his passing. If you have not yet contributed, please consider a tax-deductible gift today to help a future VU Student. Several Alpha Alumni have stepped up and joined the 1897 Society by contributing $18.97 a month, for a yearly donation of $227.64...only .62 cents a day! Join the other Alpha Alumni by supporting this important cause and honor Ryan's memory by making a difference in a student's life by donating today. Give now at alumni.vinu.edu/give. Select the last option 'An existing Scholarship or College Fund'. From here, you can search "Donnoe." All donations to the Ryan M. Donnoe Memorial Scholarship are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law. You can find more information on the Ryan M. Donnoe Memorial Scholarship here.  Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/The Indianapolis Star By: Tim Swarens, The Indianapolis Star
John Gregg (Alpha '72), “the guy with two first names,” is one of the great characters of Indiana politics. And I mean that kindly. So when a press release landed in my In Box this past week announcing that John would “splat” in the New Year by releasing 15 watermelons — yes, watermelons — from a 75-foot high platform in his beloved Vincennes, I just had to talk to him. He didn’t disappoint. “Mike Pence won the election and he got to go to the Holy Land for Christmas,” John said. “I came in second — it sounds better than saying I lost — and I get to go to Vincennes.” Still, I teased, being the official watermelon-dropper has to be one of the defining moments of a long political career. “Absolutely,” the Democratic nominee for governor in 2012 said. “It rates right up there with frying fish at the Knox County fair.” That’s John. Down home. And proud of it. Not everyone was enamored with the flavor of Gregg’s 2012 campaign. It was heavy on small-town Hoosierdom and John’s self-deprecating sense of humor, and, for the most part, scooted past the heavy issues facing Indiana. The “nice guy to have over for a cookout” approach was intentional. A poll early in the campaign showed Gregg’s statewide name recognition at a meager 7 percent — well behind not only Pence but also just about every other state and federal elected leader in Indiana. “If the Lord ever wants to humble somebody, he just needs to take a poll,” Gregg said. To counter the low name ID, Gregg and his team created a series of commercials that focused on his life in his hometown of Sanborn, population 415. The goal was to personalize a political unknown. And Gregg says that it worked — in more ways than one. His name recognition climbed to 72 percent by Election Day, and although Pence eventually won, the vote was much closer than many expected. An added bonus, depending on your perspective, was that one of John’s buddies, a guy known as Hobo, became a minor celebrity after one commercial described his battle against cancer (it’s now in remission). “Hobo got a letter from a widow in South Bend who offered to come to Sanborn and nurse him back to health,” John said. “Hobo’s wife didn’t find that as funny as everyone else.” Still, Gregg admits, the country gold act wore thin on some. “Most of the people I met around the state told me they liked the commercials,” he said. “But the left-wing whack-a-doodles, the political types weren’t impressed by that.” Left-wing whack-a-doodles? Did I mention that John is a Democrat? Speaking of which, he’s contemplating another run for governor in 2016. He campaigned for the party around the state this fall (“You saw how well that worked out”). And he plans to make the call on his own political future next year. But politics can wait for now. There are melons to drop. The great Vincennes Watermelon Drop — think of the Southern Indiana version of New York City’s Times Square celebration — is in its seventh year and has attracted national attention from the likes of CBS’ “Sunday Morning” and Country Living magazine. CNN even covered it live last year. So John’s decision to stay up late for the big drop — “we’re usually in bed by 10:30 on New Year’s Eve” — may be more politically crafty than it seems. “You know, they’ve not invited Mike Pence to drop watermelons,” he said. “Score one for me.”  Chris Swisher (Fall '95) and his wife, Angie, welcomed their second child into the world. Colin Daniel Swisher was born at Community South Hospital, in Indianapolis, Indiana on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 8:25 am. Colin was 21 1/2 inches in length and weighed 9lbs 3.6oz.
Congratulations to the Swisher family!  Balance as of December 1, 2014 The James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship Committee and the brothers of Sigma Pi, Alpha Chapter, are happy to announce that they have reached their initial endowment goal of $10,000 for the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship. After the passing of James L. Hills this past February, a memorial scholarship was created through the Vincennes University Foundation that will provide funds for a Sigma Pi Fraternity member currently studying at Vincennes University. “Jim Hills was one of the most dedicated members of Sigma Pi I have ever had the honor to meet,” states Brian C. Alley, Sigma Pi, Alpha Chapter alumnus and member of the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship Committee. “Throughout his 60 plus year involvement with Sigma Pi, both international and locally with the Alpha Chapter at Vincennes University, he brought guidance, laughs and joy to the lives of hundreds of young men. Jim was a brother, mentor, and close friend to many, and is missed daily." The scholarship committee set out with a goal of raising the initial endowment goal of $10,000 by February 2015, one year after the passing of Hills. Since the initial endowment has been met, the first James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship will be awarded at the Alpha Chapter's 50th Anniversary Founders' Day Banquet, which will be held on February 28, 2015 in Vincennes, Ind. Several family members of Hills will be in attendance to present the first scholarship to a deserving Sigma Pi at Vincennes University. “This scholarship, in memory and honor of Jim, is a positive reflection upon his dedication to Sigma Pi Fraternity, to the generations of fraternity brothers he influenced and to his commitment to higher education,” stated Bumper Hostetler, president of the Vincennes University Foundation. “We are grateful to the members of Sigma Pi Fraternity Alumni Association - Alpha Chapter and Jim's family for their efforts and support in establishing this scholarship to recognize the many years of service given by one of the most respected Sigma Pi brothers.” If you have not yet contributed, please consider a tax-deductible gift today to help a future VU Student. Several Alpha Alumni have stepped up and joined the 1897 Society by contributing $18.97 a month, for a yearly donation of $227.64...only .62 cents a day! Join the other Alpha Alumni by supporting this important cause and honor Jim's memory by making a difference in a student's life by donating today. Give now at alumni.vinu.edu/give and select the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship from the list. All donations to the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law. You can find more information on the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship here.  Kevin Beard (Spring '09) and Ruby Salinas announce their upcoming wedding, which will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2014.
The bride-to-be is a graduate of Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, where she was a member of Chi Alpha Omega Sorority. The bridegroom was born and raised in Northern Indiana and is a graduate of Vincennes University, where he was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. Beard and Salinas first met in Selma, Texas while Beard was working for Shambaugh & Son. The wedding ceremony and reception will be held at Lakeside Occasions in Topeka, Indiana. For more information on the couple and wedding, please visit here. |
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Alpha Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International
P.O. Box 1869 | Vincennes, IN 47591
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P.O. Box 1869 | Vincennes, IN 47591
© Copyright 2020 | All Rights Reserved