Sigma Pi educational fund

The Sigma Pi Educational Foundation, originally known as the Byron R. Lewis Educational Fund, was established by a vote of the delegates at the 1948 Convocation to further the educational objectives of Sigma Pi. During the preceding three years, the Grand Chapter had been the recipient of several monetary gifts from Honorary Grand Sage and Past Grand Herald Byron R. Lewis (Vincennes 1902). It had been his hope and recommendation the money be used to begin a fund for educational purposes. PGS Becher W. Hungerford (Michigan 1925), being receptive to the idea, appointed PGS M. Atlee Ermold (Temple 1909) to chair a committee which would research the subject and propose an organization for the administration of the Fund. The proposal, unanimously approved by the Convocation delegates, included a Resolution of Organization and a Trust Indenture providing for a Board of Trustees.

As stated in the proposal, and later incorporated in its constitution, the purposes of the fund were to assist and supplement the work of colleges in the educational development of students, to assist needy and deserving students to complete their education, and to aid aged or disabled former students who are in need or worthy of assistance. Under the original plan, the PGS of the Fraternity automatically became chairman of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Thus, PGS Jonathan B. Hillegass (Franklin & Marshall 1918) was the first to serve in that capacity. His fellow trustees were Becher W. Hungerford, M. Atlee Ermold, PGS Cyrus E. Palmer and Executive Secretary Harold Jacobsen. These five trustees recommended to the 1950 Convocation the Fund be reorganized and incorporated as an independent educational foundation governed by a Board of Trustees elected by its membership. The Convocation delegates approved the plan and the incorporation was completed on June 5, 1952, under the laws of the State of Indiana. For the first two decades of the fund’s existence, contributions were made at a slow but gratifying rate. By 1970, over $11,000 was available to further its objectives. Today, thanks to the generosity and loyalty of Sigma Pi alumni and friends, the total assets of the Foundation are approximately $3,000,000. Per the bylaws, any member of Sigma Pi in good standing may become a lifetime voting member by contributing a total of at least $5,000 in unrestricted cash, securities or physical property. Members of the Fraternity in good standing may also become annual voting members by contributing at least $500 in the year they propose to vote. The Board of Trustees consists of 13 corporation members elected at biennial meeting to serve four-year terms. The officers are chairman, four vice chairmen, treasurer, and a secretary.

Through the generous support of our alumni, parents, undergraduate members and corporate sponsors, the Educational Foundation is able to fund scholarships and grants for undergraduates. Educational loans to students totaling more than $75,000 have been provided to Fraternity members and the Educational Foundation also sponsors awards given to Sigma Pi pledges, undergraduates and chapters for academic excellence. Additionally, scholarships totaling over $40,000, are awarded annually. Contributions to the Educational Foundation are tax-deductible and are thus an excellent way to aid the work of Sigma Pi. Permanent scholarships may be established in the memory of friends, relatives, or brothers.

Further information may be obtained from the Educational Foundation by contacting the Fraternity’s Executive Office at 615-921-2300 or sending an email to spef@sigmapi.org.