Resources
Written By: Summer Clarkson 
25 Years of Brotherhood
Will Marsh (Pennington & Company), contributing writer
For Nathan Ruger (IUP ’03), the 25th Anniversary of Theta-Epsilon Chapter at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is both a milestone and a personal full-circle moment – one shaped by family legacy, lifelong friendships, and a brotherhood that continues to influence his life and career.
Ruger’s parents met at Drexel University, where his father was a Fraternity brother and his mother was a Sigma Pi Sweetheart. He grew up hearing their stories about the Fraternity, which influenced his decision to join. Theta-Epsilon gave him camaraderie and support in college, shaping how he approached his career, business relationships, and leadership roles. “The idea of having a core group of people who support each other and work toward something bigger – that mindset has carried directly into how I operate professionally and personally.”
Preparations
Planning his Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Reunion allowed Ruger to give back to Sigma Pi, and his professional background in event planning made that opportunity a natural fit. He led and coordinated efforts, including planning the weekend itinerary, coordinating communications (between undergraduates, alumni, and the IUP Alumni Association), and developing the banquet program.
The goal wasn’t merely to have a fun weekend or celebrate a number on a calendar; it was to honor the strength and continuity of Theta-Epsilon.
“Our history reflects generations of brothers who have contributed to building something that lasts,” Ruger said in the weeks prior. “This is an opportunity to recognize that legacy, reconnect with it, and help ensure the relationship between alumni and the Chapter continues to grow.”
The Chapter aimed to unite brothers across eras, and coordinating across decades of alumni proved to be the biggest challenge. Volunteers rose to the occasion with a major renovation of the Chapter’s alumni contact list, with support from the Sigma Pi Executive Office and IUP Alumni Association. Managing general logistics, while striving for a cohesive experience for all alumni and their families, was far from easy. Yet even before the big weekend, the engagement Theta-Epsilon experienced proved rewarding in and of itself.
“Watching guys, reconnect, contribute, and get excited about coming back reinforced that this is about more than just an event; it’s about the relationships,” Ruger said. His hope was for alumni to walk away feeling reconnected – to one another as well as the Chapter. If the weekend strengthened those bonds and encouraged lasting engagement beyond one fun event, then it would be a success.
A Weekend to Remember
The first weekend in May, brothers and families arrived on campus for a Sigma Pi Alumni Weekend celebrating Theta-Epsilon’s 25th anniversary. Early arrivals played a Friday morning golf game, followed by an evening welcome reception at The Coney. After campus tours and shopping the next day, brothers enjoyed the Annual Pig Roast before attending the evening banquet in the Blue Room of John Sutton Hall, featuring many moving speakers. The weekend concluded with a Sunday morning brunch before everyone said, “See you later!”
Men returned to campus for the first time in over a decade or more, feeling like no time had passed. Everyone came together in celebration: Founding Fathers and early alumni, recent graduates and current undergraduates, international Fraternity leaders, even parents and university supporters. The weekend exceeded every expectation, and Ruger could not have been more proud or grateful. “It reminded us all that Sigma Pi is much bigger than our undergraduate years – it is a lifelong connection rooted in friendship, leadership, shared experiences, and tradition.”
Founding Father (and Ruger’s Big Brother) Frank Fontaine (’01) spoke at the welcome ceremony, reflecting on the Chapter’s early days. Banquet speakers included Founding Fathers Dan Crossett (’01) and Robert Manzi Jr. (’01), past Sage Aaron Meyers (’01), and Maurice Charles (’03). The greater Fraternity was represented by Support Consultant Nathan Wynkoop (Coastal Carolina ’23) and Chief Growth Officer Alexander Pettigrew (IUP ’15). Even Ruger’s parents had a part to play: his father, Steven (Drexel ’69), spoke about Fraternity legacy and tradition, and his mother, Almeda, led the group in prayer before dinner.
Another emotional moment was when the Chapter honored two brothers residing in the Adytum on High, Stephen Batton Jr. (’01) and Homer Berkowitz (’03). “Many alumni weren’t able to attend their funeral services, so pausing together in remembrance meant a great deal to everyone in attendance,” Ruger said.
Minor logistical adjustments occurred in planning, but Ruger and his fellow volunteers were proud to see the event through with no major issues. “There are far too many brothers to fully recognize individually, but we had volunteers assisting outreach, registration support, photography, fundraising, and so much more – plus helping mentor and engage undergraduate members all weekend. One highlight was alumni teaching them how to properly host a traditional Pig Roast – a symbolic passing down of our traditions to the next generation.”
Enjoying the Pig Roast with his brothers was also a highlight for Pettigrew, who had the honor of representing the Executive Office at his own Chapter’s anniversary. “Seeing brothers united across the last two-and-a-half decades is such a surreal feeling,” he said. “It’s humbling but also inspiring to know the things you’ve helped build are still here today and will be tomorrow. I hope Theta-Epsilon remains a place where young men are able to find success and brotherhood like I have.”
Lessons for the Next 25 Years
Event feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Alumni showered the undergraduate Chapter with praise and were thankful to reconnect with brothers across the decades. Many shared interest in staying more involved and creating more gathering opportunities in the future – exactly as Ruger hoped.
Now, he hopes that sentiment becomes a turning point for long-term Chapter engagement over the next 25 years and beyond. “This showed our younger members that Sigma Pi is a lifelong brotherhood. If the weekend proved anything, it’s that the bonds of Sigma Pi remain strong regardless of how much time has passed.”
To Ruger and the countless alumni he’s spoken to, the 25th Anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of how meaningful Theta-Epsilon has been in the lives of so many men. There was a genuine appreciation for the Chapter’s history – and excitement for its future.
“This was not simply about celebrating the past,” Ruger said. “It was about honoring the legacy built by those who came before us, remembering brothers we have lost, reconnecting as a brotherhood, and helping position Theta-Epsilon for another successful 25 years ahead.”