
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
Endless Avenues to Get Involved
Why Shane Ray (East Carolina ’90) Volunteers with Sigma Pi
Becoming a founding father of Eta-Kappa Chapter allowed Shane Ray (East Carolina ’90) to create something new as well as to learn and grow as a person while having fun. Staying connected after college—from leading the Eastern North Carolina Alumni Club to assisting Eta-Kappa’s recolonization—has provided him with further unique opportunities for growth.
“In any organization, there is a difference between being a member and an active member,” Shane said. “Creating momentum as alumni organizations is key in reaching your goals and building a legacy that lasts for decades to come.”
Shane believes every brother’s “why” is important to understand when they engage with Sigma Pi as alumni. For him, it’s a love of creating things and helping organizations grow. “It always energizes me to shape our younger brothers into men with integrity and passion for what they believe in.”
Recently, Shane began a new role as Secretary of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. He looks forward to expanding his knowledge and influence of Sigma Pi, two important factors in his volunteer work.
“Once you know your ‘why,’ there are many ways alumni can plug in based on their interests,” he said. “The Educational Foundation is key to creating scholarships and supporting chapter housing funds. Sigma Pi University participation has been a blast for me, especially mentoring undergraduates through Tony Siress Leadership events. Each local chapter needs support—and, more importantly, needs to see that the alumni are engaged in keeping their legacy going. Without this, many local chapters may fail. Giving your time and donations are critical to Sigma Pi’s success.”
To make all this possible, Shane and his Eta-Kappa brothers strive to keep alumni connected and having fun. Homecoming, happy hours, or phone calls are all great ways to keep the bonds strong after graduation. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Eta-Kappa’s chartering, and he looks forward to a high alumni turnout this spring!
“One day, you will wake up and be in your 60s or older, and you may have missed out on many years of fun and development after college. Don’t wait—act on it now!”
To learn more about getting involved, feel free to reach out to Shane at m.shane.ray@gmail.com.
Undergraduate of the Quarter
Putting the Brotherhood First
Jack Madden (Monmouth ’22) on Personal Growth, Sigma Pi Devotion
Alex Beaven (Pennington & Company), contributing writer
Fraternal service is a humbling experience, especially for brothers who go the extra mile for their Sigma Pi chapter. Jack Madden (Monmouth ’22) is proud of his accomplishments as outgoing Delta-Beta president, and his selflessness earned him IFC President of the Year honors.
Making New Connections
Jack had a great first impression of Sigma Pi and sensed the members’ respect for one another and the Fraternity. When he joined Delta-Beta Chapter, Jack took pride in being a part of something bigger than himself.
“The brothers felt like they were friends I’d had for a lifetime,” he added. Each spring, he cherished the opportunity to meet alumni at Founders’ Day gatherings and share Sigma Pi stories across generations.
Serving Sigma Pi
As a chapter president, Jack learned to manage different personalities and overcome conflicts so the brotherhood could succeed as a team. He still appreciates the mentorship he received from Past Grand Sage and Chapter Advisor Joseph Palazzolo (Monmouth ’00), who provided valuable insight on fraternal leadership and personal growth.
“Every day, I had to complete my tasks as a student while balancing working a part-time job and being chapter president,” Jack said. “It helped me learn a lot about time management and how to balance work and life. The experiences I had in this role will leave a lasting impact on my life, and they have better prepared me for my future as a leader in the professional world.”
Jack’s IFC President of the Year recognition is a testament to his excellent leadership, and he was humbled to have his fraternal dedication recognized amongst Sigma Pi peers. “It felt to me that I was being recognized for outstanding work the chapter completed in the past year, and it made me extremely grateful.”
Jack intends to pursue an MBA in management at Monmouth University. Afterward, he hopes to utilize the Sigma Pi alumni network for a career in marketing and management. You can contact him at jsmadd15@gmail.com.