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MORE WRITINGS
We invite you to share any inspirational writings you've gathered
over the years by posting them via the Brothers Connect
services. Or if you prefer, email
us a copy and we'll post them on the site. Please include your name,
school, and year of graduation so we can give you credit for your
contribution.
The Sigma Chi Grace
Remembering Brother Daniel S. Gillespie '91
What it means to be a Sigma Chi
A Brother's Message
The Sigma Chi Grace
(By Alice Tuttle, Oklahoma State housemother)
Our Father,
We Thank Thee for
Thy many blessings.
Keep us from harm.
May the White Cross guide us
And teach us to be true
to each other,
Ourselves, and Thee.
Amen.
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Remembering Brother Daniel S. Gillespie '91
Remembrances from a true friend and brother - Daniel Stewart
Gillespie (June 4, 1968 to February 23, 1997)
On February 23, 1997, Brother Daniel
S. Gillespie '91 passed into the Chapter Eternal after being
critically injured the day before in a truck pedestrian accident in
Plymouth, Mi.
Funeral services for Brother
Gillespie, who grew up in Novi, were held Wednesday afternoon,
February 26, 1997, at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown
Farmington. Over forty Zeta Rho brothers were present to pay their
last respects to Brother "Giller" at the standing room
only service. An emotional White Rose ceremony was held in the
Roselawn Cemetery Chapel in Royal Oak, which was conducted by Dan's
high school friend and Zeta Rho brother, Alan Rosenberg '91 and
fellow chaptermate Todd Russell '93.
Dan is survived by his mother, Mrs.
Pauline Lake, step-father John Lake, father Larry Gillespie, and
younger brother Doug. At the family's request, condolences may be
sent in care of the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, 23720 Farmington
Hills, MI 48336.
Brother Gillespie was initiated into
Sigma Chi on January 23 ' 1988. Known for a very outgoing social
nature, Dan held a number of offices during his tenure at Zeta Rho,
including Chapter Editor. The following passage is from an article
Dan wrote for The Magazine of Sigma Chi in 1991. His feelings for
the Fraternity touch all of us who knew him. In turn, we'd like to
share it with you:
"During the Fall of 1987, I
chose to pledge Sigma Chi. Throughout these years as an active, I
have seen many men come and go. We all hate to see change,
especially within our own fraternity; a fraternity in which we have
dedicated part of our life to hone and refine. All this to make
Sigma Chi the best it could possibly be.
Through my years here at Zeta Rho, I
have witnessed an incredible brotherhood turn over rate. Those of
you who once actively knew me can attest to the fact that I have
been here - for ages. Moreover, I want you, the alumni of Zeta Rho,
to know that the pride and dignity of ZP Sigs still lives up to the
Zeta Rho of old. The quality of brotherhood is better than I've seen
in years.
Brothers, I hate to be humble, but we
are number one again. This has come strictly through hard work
externally and internally. I am so proud to be a witness to the
changes taking place; changes for the continued betterment of our
chapter. Indeed the torch has been passed and the air reeks of
tradition.
As a graduating senior, I will be
looking forward to revisiting Zeta Rho. Literally, it is my present
home as it shall continue to be as long as I wish. Living in this
house makes me proud to be a Sigma Chi. It has been coined the
"sharpest looking" fraternity house on campus, and indeed,
it is for those of you who have invested memories in 604 South Main,
you know how much it means to you. True, time has taken its course,
but the House means as much to the current undergraduates as it does
to you alumni.
For some reason, once graduation
occurs we feel a need to leave the institutions we once valued
behind. This not need happen! Remember too, that we are all
Brothers. Come back as often as you wish, to share your valuable
time and wisdom with the undergraduate chapter. We always look
forward to seeing you.
This is why I invite you to throw a
spark into the ho-hums of alumni life and visit Zeta Rho. Come share
the eternal Sig spirit we all cherish. Come rekindle memories and
establish a new-fond brotherhood. Remember that Sigma Chi is always
part of us, as we are apart of it. Brothers, Godspeed."
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What it means to be a Sigma Chi
(Extracted from an essay by Pledge Brother Jeff Nemens, Zeta Rho,
Central Michigan University, Class of '68)
Brotherhood is that intangible feeling that is the core of a
Fraternity. There are many exterior signs of it . The pride of a
victory or a job well done is a example.....
There is also a responsibility to
your brothers. You must respect them for what they are. Each man is
an individual and must be accepted as such. Perhaps this is very
difficult sometimes, but you must look past the surface to the bond
that makes a man your brother. You must never fail him.....
The one thing that sums up
brotherhood for me is love - and who has ever been able to define
that word? I truly love each of my brothers. And, although I give of
myself, I am much stronger for it. It's just a very, very special
feeling - and I'm damn glad this chapter has it!
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A Brother's Message
To all my brothers,
May peace be your prevailing mood,
and angles be the guides of your steps as you go placidly through
the noise and haste of the paths that lead you through life. And
along the way, listen, please, to the echoes of your beating heart,
for it is the rhythms of faith that carry us through the worst of
times.
Stop not for the lure of those who
try to stray you from your chosen path, the devils and daemons that
walk the streets side by side with the rest of us. But let this
caution not deter you from the kindness of strangers that that pass
along the way. Love, and happiness are certainly worth stopping for
on this trip.
Stop, also, to notice that which
pleases your senses, that which will leave you with a memory worth
treasuring, for when all has been accounted for they are the most
prized of our possessions.
No matter how sought after they maybe
by heathens and thieves, they remain solely yours, and yours alone.
Most of all, realize that it is not where you are going that
matters, look not for the destination. It only comes in sight at the
end of the road when all hope is lost, and all that lies ahead is a
baron abyss. Instead, love the journey. Be Happy.
In Hoc and Love,
Roi Dagan - Iota Gamma '00
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