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
Stepping Up for Sigma Pi
Bailey Joseph (Worcester Polytechnic ’17) on Fraternity Volunteerism
Alex Beaven (Pennington & Company), contributing writer
For Bailey Joseph (Worcester Polytechnic ’17), the undergraduate Sigma Pi experience instilled a sense of pride as he bonded with brothers and represented the Fraternity on campus. As an alumnus, Bailey is glad to stay engaged with Sigma Pi through committee volunteer roles.
Fraternal Responsibilities
Bailey joined Sigma Pi for the tight-knit group of brothers that shared a common bond. Balancing college life with fraternal duties posed challenges, but Bailey appreciates lessons in time management and teamwork that resonate in his professional career today. “I learned plenty about leadership and responsibility while serving as an executive council member.”
Ahead of the 2022 Convocation, Past Grand Sage Joe Palazzolo (Monmouth ’03) requested that Bailey serve on the elections committee due to prior undergraduate national committee service. He appreciated the chance to give back to Sigma Pi as a young alumnus, discussing the elections with fellow alumni and the undergraduates attending their first Convocation.
Becoming a Leader
Bailey was presented with the opportunity to become elections committee chairman for the 2024 Convocation after Kevin Carey (Illinois Wesleyan ’09) moved on from the position.
“I am not a very extroverted individual; even Convocation is a lot of engagement for me,” Bailey said. “Only after the election concluded and I stepped away from the podium and walked to the back of the hall did I appreciate how much work I spent organizing and facilitating the successful process.”
Bailey’s chairman duties required effective communication and leadership to work with undergraduates and alumni from across the country. The Grand Council application process was also a daunting task as Bailey gathered various Sigma Pi perspectives on how to find the best prospective members for the Sigma Pi Board of Directors.
Looking ahead, Bailey is excited to continue his Sigma Pi service as the new ritual committee chairman. He looks forward to working with Grand Sage Christian Miele (Towson ’00), sharing similar goals and ambitions to engage with chapters and spread ritual awareness.
“The Fraternity’s ritual is one of the most sacred things that bonds Sigma Pi members together.”
You can connect with Bailey at baileypjoseph@gmail.com.
Undergraduates of the Quarter
Moving Forward Together
Mackenzie DeLaGarza (Ferris State ’17) on Escaping the Theta-Theta House Fire
Will Marsh (Pennington & Company), contributing writer
On June 6, around 7:30 a.m., Mackenzie DeLaGarza (Ferris State ’17) woke up abruptly; a power outage had turned off his CPAP machine. Mackenzie got up to investigate, and upon seeing smoke in the halls and out the window, he realized the Theta-Theta Chapter house was on fire. He woke his fellow brothers up, telling them to grab only what they needed and get out immediately.
All eight residents and their dog escaped unharmed. “As soon as we got outside, the fire just took off and lasted for a good six to seven hours,” Mackenzie said.
The damage was staggering. The brothers lost clothes and personal belongings, important school files, and more than 20 years of Theta-Theta history. Despite having just graduated, Mackenzie lost the laptop containing his resume and important coursework for his job search. The few things he managed to save included his CPAP machine and Sigma Pi paddles. “On the brighter side, I didn’t have much to move home.”
Thankfully, none of the brothers faced it alone. A GoFundMe to support Theta-Theta and its members has raised $8,000, and Ferris State University helped provide housing and meals as the Chapter waited to move into its new home.
The experience reaffirmed to Mackenzie the reasons he joined Sigma Pi: a brotherhood that welcomes one another, differences and all and works together to make a good organization work better. “Hardships like this are easier knowing that we can work through it together,” he said. “It’s also a reminder: renter’s insurance is important!”
Mackenzie, a graduate of Ferris State’s plastic engineering program, lives in Grand Rapids, Mich., and is looking for work in the area. In the years to come, he looks forward to visiting Theta-Theta for the annual spring Pig Roast, Homecoming events, and more. “I don’t live super far away, and I told everyone that if they need anything, they can always give me a call.”
Want to connect? Email Mackenzie at macattack3199@gmail.com.