Wilson receives James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship

The Alpha Alumni Association of Sigma Pi Fraternity and the Vincennes University Foundation is proud to announce that Brad Wilson was the first recipient of the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship.

Wilson, who is from Noblesville, Ind., is a Homeland Security major at VU and is a past chapter president and current chapter vice president. 

In Wilson's application, he stated "I believe that I deserve the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship because I have always dedicated myself to my academics and this Fraternity. I have shown myself to be a more than capable leader and brother.  The well being of my chapter has always been of great importance to me and I have always done what I can to make sure nothing infringes upon our ideals and beliefs. When I first joined this Fraternity I was a bit skeptical about the whole idea of fraternalism, but after getting to know the brothers and seeing how close everyone was, the idea become for appealing.  I wanted to be a part of something that would better me as a person and also prepare me for my life after graduation.  Another reason I would like to receive this scholarship was because of my friendship with Jim.  Jim was an unbelievable influence within the fraternity and also a great role model for the chapter.  He was the perfect example of what a brother should be and also was never afraid to tell us when we were doing something wrong.  He kept us on track and made sure the house was always going the direction it should be.  Learning from Jim has given me the chance to better myself as a person and brother.”

The James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship was created after the passing of Jim Hills in February 2014.  "This scholarship, in memory 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 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." 

Wilson received the scholarship at the chapter's annual Founders' Day Celebration on Saturday, February 28, 2015 in Vincennes, Ind., where the chapter celebrated 118 years since the founding of Sigma Pi on the VU campus in 1897 and the 50th Anniversary since the chapter was re-installed in 1965.  Several members of Hills' family were on hand including his three children to present the scholarship to Wilson.  More than 150 alumni and undergraduates were also on hand during the celebration weekend.

To read more on the James L. Hills Memorial Scholarship or to donate, please click here.

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