Congratulations to the members, pledges, family, and friends of Theta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity. It is a privilege to have been able to present the stained glass window representing "The White Star of Sigma Nu" to your fraternity as a central focus for your new home. Unfortunately, I cannot be present at the dedication ceremony. In my place, I have asked my son Chuck, who I understand is the first legacy member of your chapter, to represent us on this special day.

Today is a very special moment in the history of your chapter. Today you will dedicate this house and make it YOUR chapter headquarters. The term headquarters is defined as the center of operations and administration of an organization. In this case, the organization is YOUR fraternity. What is a fraternity? What should a fraternity be? Even more importantly, what can a fraternity be? A successful college fraternity is an organization that provides the SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, and INTELLECTUAL support needed to assist each member to successfully complete their college objective. What is your college objective? First and most importantly it should be to graduate. If done well, you will also learn career skills and social skills necessary to make you successful in later life. Secondly, it should teach values such as honor, integrity, and loyalty, values all too frequently missing in today's world. These values can be learned and nurtured if you value and live the principles of Sigma Nu fraternity. Support your brothers and help them through their college years. The brotherhood and relationships you develop during these years will be with you the rest of your life. Cherish them.

The very virtues of a fraternity I just talked about do not come without effort. These virtues come from the members. Each of YOU are the members. You cannot expect to receive if you do not give. When you see your brother struggling, whether it be with his studies, a hurting relationship, or even sickness, reach out and treat your fraternal brother as you would a member of your own family. I still remember an incident during my college years. I was a member of the Eta Mu Chapter of Sigma Nu at what is now Kettering University in Michigan. I was 2000 miles from my home in California and I had contracted pneumonia. Our fraternity house had a third floor sleeping dorm where I was recovering. A few of the members would come up several times a day and show genuine concern for how I was doing.

I was feeling depressed and really needed their support at that time in my life. I was ready to quit college. It was their support that helped me through the difficult times. I will never forget them. This to me was the value of my fraternity.

Look for the opportunity to help YOUR brothers. You will know when it's your time to provide support to them. Great fraternities are made up of simple individuals who focus on the values of brotherhood. In today's day and age, many people think of a fraternity as simply a place to party. Fraternities frequently have this undeserved reputation in the community at large. It is the responsibility of all of us to change that image. Let's exhibit the integrity and responsibility we would like others to admire in us as individuals and as an organization. Let's make our fraternity headquarter a showplace on our campus for which we all can be proud. I'm proud to be a part of your beginning. Your future success is in the hands of each of you.

Written by: Joseph Bibeau (Eta Mu - Kettering University)
Presented by: Chuck Bibeau (QI 225)
April 15th, 2000

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