The story behind the award
How did the Eta Mu Alumni Scholarship happen
Working with Jay Ford and Heidi Holley at the Sigma Chi Foundation, I established the scholarship with a $52,000 contribution. Of that amount, $2,000 funded the first award, and the remaining $50,000 was invested to support future scholarships. I specified that the award must go to an Eta Mu applicant.
The Foundation also allows me to participate in reviewing and scoring applications and recommending a recipient. This year, I reviewed 13 applications, including some from other chapters. It was an incredibly rewarding experience.
One non-EIU applicant described becoming homeless during his senior year of high school. When he arrived at college, he attended rush for the free parties, but found something much more meaningful: a family and a sense of belonging he had not felt in years. He hoped the scholarship would help cover his dues and food. I read his essay three times. His story reminded me of the difference our brotherhood can make and made me proud to be a Sig.
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