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Written By: Summer Clarkson 
If you know a volunteer or undergraduate who should be recognized in the Quarterly, fill out this simple form. The volunteer recognition is not limited to Chapter Advisors and Province Archons, and the undergraduate recognition is not limited to Sages.
Volunteer of the Quarter
Honoring Decades of Dedication: Karl E. May’s Enduring Impact on Zeta Chapter
Sigma Pi Fraternity is proud to recognize Karl E. May (Ohio Northern ’68), who has been honored with a Proclamation from the Grand Council of Sigma Pi Fraternity in recognition of his decades of leadership and mentorship with Zeta Chapter. The proclamation commends Karl for his unwavering service, steadfast leadership, and dedication to advancing the mission of the Fraternity.
A constant presence in the life of Zeta Chapter, Karl attends nearly every chapter meeting in an advisory capacity via Zoom. He remains an active leader within the Zeta Alumni Association and Alumni Board of Trustees. His impact stretches across generations—both as an undergraduate brother and as a guiding alumnus. As an undergraduate, he served as new member educator, third counselor, and second counselor, and was voted Active of the Year for 1970–71 by his brothers.
Karl’s dedication was further recognized when he was named Fraternity Advisor of the Year for 2024–2025 at Ohio Northern’s Greek Awards Banquet, an honor initiated by the brothers of Zeta Chapter who nominated him for his exceptional mentorship and example. He also played a leading role in the 2017–18 colonization and rechartering of Zeta Chapter, helping restore a legacy that began in 1912.
“When the fraternity ran aground a number of years ago, Karl was among the first who answered the call to make things right again. Without his efforts, Zeta Chapter would likely be a footnote in history instead of a leader in ONU fraternity life,” Larry Niederkohr (Ohio Northern ’70) said.
Beyond his fraternity service, Karl has distinguished himself in his professional career. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America in Securities Regulation (2017–2025) and named Lawyer of the Year (Cleveland) in Securities Litigation (2019) and Securities Regulation (2023). He is also the author of the novel When Autumn Comes (Temple Publishing, 2003), written under the pen name Evan Ames.
“I’m glad to be part of Zeta Chapter, which, having been founded in 1912 and in continuous existence since then (except for brief pauses during WWII and 2012–2017), makes us one of the few chapters that share virtually the entire Fraternity story,” Karl reflected. “That history gives us the responsibility to carry on the Fraternity’s traditions and lead by example.”
Karl’s unwavering commitment, leadership, and love for Sigma Pi embody the values and brotherhood that continue to strengthen the Fraternity.
Chapter of the Quarter
Theta-Psi Chapter Raises $20,000 Through Annual “Smoke on the Ohio” Event
The brothers of Theta-Psi Chapter at Southern Indiana once again made a lasting impact on their community through their annual Smoke on the Ohio event, a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition held during Mt. Vernon’s River Days festival.
This year’s event drew 26 professional barbecue teams from across the country, along with 23 certified judges, making it one of the festival’s most anticipated attractions. Attendees enjoyed a weekend full of great food, live music, and community celebration as the brothers helped ensure the competition ran smoothly from start to finish.
Chapter Leadership and Community Involvement
The event’s success was the result of months of planning and dedication. Over the summer, three brothers—event organizer Breckin Sauer (Southern Indiana ’22), Cole Like (Southern Indiana ’24), and Winston Young (Southern Indiana ’25)—took on the challenge of preparing for the festival while balancing full-time jobs. Once the weekend began, the rest of the chapter stepped in to provide essential support.
Brothers worked tirelessly behind the scenes—checking in with cooking teams, delivering ice, hauling trash, assisting with food judging, organizing samples, and helping with stage setup and cleanup. Their teamwork ensured that every aspect of the competition ran seamlessly and that both participants and visitors felt welcome.
A Record-Breaking Philanthropic Effort
This year, Smoke on the Ohio raised an incredible $20,000, all of which was donated directly to charitable causes. Funds supported several local organizations, including St. Jude’s, Posey County Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Feeding the Future, and the Posey County Humane Society, among others.
By donating the entire amount toward philanthropic efforts, Theta-Psi Chapter reinforced its reputation as a chapter deeply committed to service and community betterment.
Looking Ahead
Following such a successful year, the brothers are already setting their sights on the future. The chapter plans to restructure the event’s planning process to make it more sustainable for student organizers. A new committee system will divide responsibilities into roles like sponsorship, teams, judges, and logistics—allowing active members to focus on event execution while engaging alumni in leadership and mentorship roles.
The chapter also plans to launch its first alumni association by the end of the year, with hopes of making Smoke on the Ohio a joint alumni-and-active brotherhood event. Beyond that, Theta-Psi Chapter will continue its philanthropic momentum through Amazing Day and other service initiatives that strengthen their connection to the community.
Through hard work, leadership, and a spirit of service, the brothers of Theta-Psi Chapter continue to live out Sigma Pi’s values—proving that even a weekend of barbecue can bring lasting impact and brotherhood to life.