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.
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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. During the Vincennes University commencement exercises this past weekend, three brothers of Alpha Chapter turned their tassels as they became alumni of Vincennes University and went from undergraduate brothers of Sigma Pi to alumni brothers.
Congratulations to the following Alpha brothers on their recent achievement.
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. The Alpha Alumni Association of Sigma Pi Fraternity and the Vincennes University Foundation are proud to announce that Branten Rayl is the recipient of the 2015 Ryan M. Donnoe Memorial Scholarship. Rayl, who is from Shirley, Ind., is a Precision Machining major at VU and is the current chapter sergeant-at-arms. In Rayl's application, he stated "I feel myself slowly becoming a person of confidence and am striving to reach all the goals I have set for myself. To make it in this world one has to be bold, intelligent, and strong. I feel I have all of these attributes and am continuously developing them throughout my everyday life. Those who are closest to you will either fail you or make you proud. I don't want to be known as the failure. This is why I strive to be the best brother/person I can truly be!” The Ryan M. Donnoe Memorial Scholarship was created in 2009 by the Alpha Alumni Association of Sigma Pi Fraternity to honor brother Ryan Donnoe, who passed after unforeseen complications brought on by pneumonia in 2005. While an undergraduate at Vincennes University, Donnoe became an active member of the Alpha Chapter and sat on the Executive Council as the chapter’s treasurer. Some of his other achievements included his membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award from the Greek Council in 1998. After graduating from Vincennes, Donnoe continued his education at Indiana University where he majored in Psychology and graduated in December 2000 with honors. Donnoe’s commitment to academic excellence was inspiring and his loyalty and dedication to Sigma Pi made him a role model for all. It was for these reasons, the Alpha Alumni Association decided to create a scholarship in his honor. Rayl 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. More than 150 alumni and undergraduates were on hand during the celebration weekend. To read more on the Ryan M. Donnoe Memorial Scholarship or to donate, please click here. 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. 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. 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! 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. By: Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.com Indiana conservation officers responded Monday to a 911 call placed by LaGrange County Sheriff's Department in regard to six canoers/kayakers who were lost on the Pigeon River near the Steuben County/LaGrange County line, according to a news release from the Indiana DNR Law Enforcement Division. Conservation officers Jake Carlile and Kyle Buchanan (Fall '09) located the kayakers on foot at approximately 3 a.m. in a heavily wooded area. The boaters were found without lights and suffering from the early stages of hypothermia as a result of long-term exposure in cold water and falling nighttime temperatures. One woman suffered from early-stage hypothermia, and the remaining boaters were led to the nearest river access. While waiting for transportation home, one man suffered a minor seizure but refused transport or medical assistance. Matt Shoup (Fall '01) and his wife, Brooke, welcomed their second child into the world. Amelia Ann Shoup was born at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis, IN on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 10:47am. Amelia was 21 1/4 inches in length and weighed in at 8lbs and 8oz. Congratulations to the Shoup family. Cole Smith (Spring '07) graduated from the United States Air Force Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX on August 15, 2014. Smith received a graduate medal, marksmen medal, top honor graduate (top 10%), and was the only Airman to graduate to receive four medals out of his flight. Smith was part of the 331st Training Squadron, Flight 478, where he was Flight Leader (Dorm Chief). Congratulations Cole! Michael Ernest (Spring '98) and his wife, Maggie, welcomed their second child into the world. Madeline Elizabeth Ernest was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on Monday, August 11, 2014. Madeline weighed in at 7lbs and 6oz. Ernest is a Captain in the US Army, currently serving as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot and the Commander of all US Army Air Traffic Control Operations in the Middle East. He is currently based in the Northern Kuwait desert near the Southern Iraq boarder. Congratulations to Michael and Maggie on the birth of Madeline and we thank him for his dedicated career of service to our country. On Thursday, August 7, 2014 the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Pi was presented with a Grand Chapter Award from Grand Sage, Ed Levesque, at the Fraternities 52nd Biennial Convocation in Orlando, Florida. The Grand Chapter Award is presented biennially to the top 25 chapters of Sigma Pi across North America. This was the fourth time Alpha Chapter has received this prestigious award, taking honors in 2008, 2010, and 2012. In addition, the Alpha Chapter was also presented with a 900 Club Efficiency Award for tallying 968 of 1,000 efficiency points for properly reporting to the Executive Office of Sigma Pi during the 2013-14 academic year. Michael Gardner (Spring '06) and his wife, Jessica, welcomed their first child into the world. Michael David Garnder II was born at Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 6:52pm. Michael was 22 inches in length and weighed in at 10lbs and 14oz. Congratulations to the Gardner family. By Christian J. Miele (HN, Towson '04), President, Sigma Pi Historical Society For the first time ever, the entire catalog of The Emerald is available digitally to you...for free. Ever wish you could flip through the pages of the very first issue of The Emerald (circa 1911) without having to pay a special visit to the fraternity's Executive Office? How about having the ability to peruse the issue covering your chapter's chartering from the comfort of your own home? Well, for the first time in the history of Sigma Pi, you can! At their meeting at the 2012 Sigma Pi University, the Historical Society voted unanimously to authorize the creation of a Digital Archive. The Society, in partnership with the Executive Office, has entered into an agreement with the document digitization leader, Enivation, who scanned in all issues of The Emerald catalog in its entirety. That's right, all 368 issue to date (including the most recent), spanning 103 years and an estimated 19,000 pages worth of rich Sigma Pi history is easily available. Based out of Claysburg, Pennsylvania, Enivation has completed similar projects for a number of other national fraternities and sororities, including Phi Kappa Tau, Pi Kappa Alpha, Alpha Delta Pi, Gamma Phi Beta, and Phi Sigma Sigma. The company is also an affliate of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), Fraternity Executives Association (FEA), and the Fraternity Communications Association (FCA). The Digital Archive is hosted by Enivation at enivation.com/SigmaPi. Issues of The Emerald will be presented in flipbook format, which will allow Sigma Pi to showcase its official publication with real page-turning features, full-text searchable pages, and internal and external hyperlinks. Future plans for the Digital Archive include the scanning of pledge manuals, Convocation minutes, and Fraternity correspondence of historical value, among other documents. Founded in 2010, the Sigma Pi Historical Society is dedicated to promoting and preserving the history of the Fraternity, and fostering an appreciation of the same among its members. Membership in the society is open to intimated members who have attended at least two Convocations, with full membership reserved for those brothers who have attended five or more. To view the digital archive, just visit enivation.com/SigmaPi
By: Vincennes Sun Commercial Courtney Polk and Bobby Osborn (Spring '08) announce their engagement and approaching marriage. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Shari Buhmeier and Daniel Batcher of Boonville. The bridegroom is the son of Kenneth and Beverly Osborn of Vincennes. The couple will marry at 4 p.m. on July 12 at Maria Creek Chapel. The ceremony will be officiated by Rev. Dave Parman. A reception will take place following the ceremony at the Knights of Columbus in Vincennes. Ms. Polk is a 2008 graduate of Boonville High School and is currently a dispatcher with Professional Transportation Inc. Mr. Osborn is a 2007 graduate of North Knox High School and a 2011 graduate of Vincennes University where he received an associate degree. He is currently a direct support professional with KCARC. Robert "B.J." Clark, Jr. 33, of Indianapolis, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He was born April 6, 1981 to Robert, Sr. and Cynthia Clark. B.J. was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and attended Vincennes University, where he pledged the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Pi in the Fall of 1999. He was in management with his family owned business, Clark Appliance, for many years. B.J. was a born again Christian who was attending Warren Baptist Church. Visitation will be Sunday, June 1, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington Street in Indianapolis with funeral services Monday at 12 noon at Franklin Road Baptist Church, 51 N. Franklin Road in Indianapolis with visitation there from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. B.J. is survived by his parents, Robert, Sr. and Cynthia Clark; wife, Michelle Clark; grandmother, Shirley J. Clark; parents-in-law, Jeff and Angela Legner; several cousins who were like brothers and sisters; and two nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Trinity Mission House, 817 N. 12th St., Lafayette, IN 47904. Obituary for Robert "B.J." Clark can be found here. On Saturday, May 10th, the leadership of the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International successfully launched its new website to commemorate its 50th Anniversary of the re installation of Chapter. Originally founded on February 26, 1897, the Chapter was closed in 1911 due to low enrollment at Vincennes University. After a 55 year hiatus, the Chapter was reinstalled on February 26, 1965. Next year marks the 50th Anniversary of the re installation of the chapter. The Chapter is busy planing next years Founders' Day, which will be held on February 28, 2015 in Vincennes, Indiana. In keeping with this year’s theme, “A Vision Forward,” the new website will showcase aesthetic, functional and structural enhancements to make communication easier with the chapter and alumni. The goal was to develop a more resourceful tool for all members of the chapter, both undergraduate and alumni, while reinforcing their identity to the public. The new website is one of many steps Alpha Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International is taking towards “A Vision Forward.” In celebration of the chapter's 50th anniversary since being reinstalled, the organization welcomes everyone to visit www.sigmapivu.org. The site also has a mobile platform built in for users to view on their mobile and tablet devises. |
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