To fully understand this chapter is to know our careful adherence to ritual, our steadfast commitment to building one another’s character, and our constant pursuit of excellence in the Greek community, university, and beyond.

As a chapter, we understand that the ritual is at the core of our existence. This means holding a thorough, structured chapter every Monday without exception, having numerous practices and meetings for Initiation, and conducting multiple post initiation training sessions. We believe this attention to detail is a principle reason that our chapter has received the honor of five consecutive Petersons.

Also, Alpha Upsilon firmly acts out the idea that the fraternity does not break down members to build them up, but rather meets individuals where they are and works to develop them into an even better man. Our diverse roster shows that we recruit members based on values and are searching for men of different temperaments, talents, and convictions. During pledging, hazing is absolutely forbidden and all our members are placed on an even plane. Once initiated, our brotherhood is strengthened through our chapter’s semi-annual retreats to places like a hockey game, a cabin in the mountains, or even a paintball course. We are constantly striving to positively develop the relationships between all brothers in this chapter.

In addition, our chapter’s efforts aren’t just focused internally. There are countless examples of members extending themselves to benefit the Greek family, the university, and the surrounding community. Alpha Upsilon has been extremely successful at Derby Days and raised nearly

$150,000 dollars for Children’s Miracle Network over the last three years. Our chapter also boasts a staggering 11 members in Undergraduate Student Government including the President, Director of

Campus Affairs, and all three Greek Senators. Lastly, many members have gone beyond the single week of Derby Days and developed an extremely close relationship with Children’s Hospital of LA.

Members visit the hospital once a semester and we even have some patients over for a formal dinner. Our chapter is constantly pursuing excellence in various areas like these. Supporting Document

This report came on April 26, 2010 in USC’s school newspaper. It is widely distributed all across campus. Link: http://dailytrojan.com/2010/04/25/future-trojan-feels-fraternal-connection/

Home » News » Future Trojan feels fraternal connection

Future Trojan feels fraternal connection By REBECCA BUDDINGH · Daily Trojan Posted Yesterday at 7:18 pm in News

When Andrea Edoria was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm at age 3, she spent six months at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Fifteen years later, Edoria, who has fully recovered, is a spokesperson for CHLA — and a future Trojan.

Through her work with CHLA, Edoria connected with her dream school, USC. Specifically, she connected with the Sigma Chi fraternity, which raised more than $50,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network at CHLA last year during its annual Derby Days philanthropy. Derby Days, which consists of a series of activities and a concert, typically raises more money than most other fraternity philanthropies combined. Admission to the concert typically costs $20 to $25 and the fraternity also collects funds from corporate sponsors.

According to Lisa Coleman, assistant director of the Children’s Miracle Network at CHLA, most of the money goes toward meeting the needs of families with ill children — families like Edoria’s.

Edoria met members of Sigma Chi for the first time last year, when she was invited to a barbecue. She was asked to speak at Derby Days to recount her experiences as a young child battling illness at CHLA. She has since been in constant contact with members of the fraternity.

“I’ve met these [Sigma Chi] boys on different occasions, and they’re really good guys at heart,” Edoria said. “They’re really supporting a good cause.” For Edoria, who just recently committed to USC, working with Sigma Chi is just the beginning of her relationship with USC.

“It’s like a dream come true,” she said.

Edoria will be studying journalism at the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism. She said she is very excited to become a Trojan and is grateful for the support she has received from members of Sigma Chi.

“Since I was about 7 or 8 years old, I have always wanted to write. When I came across USC, I knew that was where I wanted to go,” she said.

Though she officially becomes a Trojan in the fall, Edoria said she already feels like part of the Trojan family thanks to her relationship with Sigma Chi.

“I definitely feel welcome,” she said.

Although new restrictions from the Interfraternity Council forced Sigma Chi to limit the length of Derby Days this year, Stephen Lindgren, a member of Sigma Chi and one of the chairs of Derby Days, said the fraternity still had high hopes for the amount of money they could raise.

“We’re hoping to match last year’s donations,” Lindgren said. “We feel a deep connection to Children’s Hospital and to Andrea.”