Alumni Relations Notes

By Tejas Kulkarni and Aidan Spizz

As the former Alumni Relations Chair, this will be my last Gamma Nus. It has been a pleasure meeting Gamma Nu Alumni whether it was virtually, or in person at Homecoming or other events. I've also enjoyed keeping you all updated on our achievements at 700 Oxford, and I'm sure there will be many more to come via our new Alumni Relations Chair, Aidan Spizz.

And now an introduction from our current Alumni Relations Chair:

My name is Aidan Spizz and I am a freshman in the College of Engineering studying Computer Engineering.  I am from Long Island, New York.  I'm honored to have been elected as Alumni Relations Chair and I look forward to working with everyone who Sigma Nu, Gamma Nu means so much to!  

Congratulations to Incoming Officers

As we begin the Winter Semester, our chapter has elected its new officers. A special thank you goes out to the outgoing officers who put in their time and effort into building up our Gamma Nu Chapter. I'm sure our new officers will continue the good work and congratulations on being elected!

Commander: Cole Marshall

Lt. Commander: Patrick Mochnal

Treasurer: Sam Bernstein

Recorder: Jeff Hitchcock

Recruitment Chairman: Evan Nyquist

Social Chairman: Max Nemoy

Marshal: James Hawkins

Chaplain: Sudhir Venkat

Sentinel: Ben Gordon

Philanthropy Chairman: Josh Strand

Community Service Chairman: Ishan Goel

Alumni Relations Chairman: Aidan Spizz

Campus Involvement Chairman: Michael Rosso

LEAD Chairman: Ben Gottlieb

Scholarship Chairman: Chris Pallares

PR Chairman: Drishaan Jain

Historian: Logan Cox

Wellness Chairman: Jack Wolfe

IM Chairman: Alex Schestag

Commander's Corner

by Former Commander Drishaan Jain and Commander Cole Marshall

Hello all, my name is Drishaan Jain (DJ) and I’m Gamma Nu’s outgoing Commander. As I reflect on the past 12 months serving in this role, I’m extremely proud of our chapter’s accomplishments and excited to look to the future.

The beginning of the term in January was challenging as our new Executive Board navigated ever-changing COVID restrictions, our first-ever hybrid recruitment period, and obstacles surrounding philanthropy efforts. Our officers and brothers definitely rose to the occasion: we successfully recruited 13 new members as well as raised $4,050 for Autism Alliance of Michigan through our first-ever Hot Dog Eating Contest (in lieu of our traditional Winterfest event).

As we moved into the summer months, attention turned towards planning for a more “normal” Fall semester. Committees met regularly throughout the break to plan brotherhood trips, in-person recruitment, social events, and philanthropic efforts. We kicked off the Fall strong in August by reinstating the “Work Week” tradition under the direction of AAB Chairman Mike Thwaites. During the week leading up to the first day of classes, house live-ins worked together to repaint bedrooms, deep clean common areas, and beautify the chapter house in preparation for the new school year.

In September, our rush period resulted in the extension of 33 bids, 23 of which were accepted—our largest pledge class yet. We also hosted our Homecoming event, which gave many Alumni the opportunity to visit 700 Oxford after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Finally, the Gamma Nu chapter partnered with the Epsilon Rho (Michigan State) chapter to bring back the “Ball Run” philanthropy event—brothers from both chapters ran a football from the Big House to Spartan Stadium and raised over $5,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. This semester, we also set a record for the highest cumulative number of community service hours per semester amongst all Gamma Nu members: a total of 290 hours!

We wrapped up the year with elections for our new officers and the initiation of 19 members from our Eta class. I could not be more satisfied with the progress our chapter has made throughout this term and I am very honored to have had this opportunity to serve the chapter. I appreciate the constant support from the Alumni, IFC, and Sigma Nu headquarters to make these strides possible. As we look to the future, I have no doubt that Gamma Nu will continue to excel and thrive, even amidst obstacles, as our members will rise to the challenges with character and honor.

And now an introduction from our current Commander:

My name is Cole Marshall and I am a sophomore in the Ross School of Business studying to earn my Bachelor’s of Business Administration. I am from Danville, California located in the East Bay about an hour away from San Francisco. Growing up I participated in numerous leadership retreats and served in a variety of elected and designated leadership positions. I was a varsity soccer player and have been playing the sport my whole life. On top of that, I love the outdoors and have been on some amazing treks and adventures whether it be 100 miles of backpacking over a couple of weeks, exploring the boundary waters by canoe, or diving in the keys. My love for the outdoors comes from years of scouting where I had my first and most formative experiences with leadership and ultimately became an Eagle Scout. It's my honor to have been elected Commander of my chapter and so proud to represent and lead such a good, strong group of brothers. I am excited to see what 2022 holds for this chapter and ready to get to work!

Recently Initiated Brothers

Congratulations to our newly initiated members.  We look forward to seeing everything they do for our chapter!

Alejandro Arguello (Miami, Florida)

Freedom Atienza (Royal Oak, Michigan)

Julian Decollubis (Miami, Florida)

Lawder DeSantis (Mission Hills, Kansas)

David Diokno (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania)

Ryan English (Grosse Pointe, Michigan)

Charlie Foster (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)

James Gerard (Stamford, Connecticut)

Ben Gordon (Palo Alto, California)

Zach Jacobs (Santa Monica, California)

Christopher Lin (San Mateo, California)

Sebastian Llanes (Miami, Florida)

Max Scott (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)

Jonathan Shapiro (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)

Michael Spinelli (Toledo, Ohio)

Aidan Spizz (Port Washington, New York)

Ethan Sprole (Wilton, Connecticut)

Max Steiger (Cleveland, Ohio)

Jeff Zhang (Great Neck, New York)

Alumni of the Year 2021

Congratulations to Mark Brown on being awarded the Sigma Nu, Gamma Nu "Alumni of the Year" award for 2021. He follows in the footsteps of Phil Micali, 2019's "first ever" award winner. Due to Covid last year, no Alumni was presented the award. Mark is the House Corps President and has been involved with the Chapter from before we lost our charter in 2010. In the Fall of 2011, PIKE moved into 700 Oxford so Sigma Nu National had a tenant to pay the bills and keep the lights on. The abuse of the house began, and continued, for the next 9 years. Mark stored the Sigma Nu letters from off the house in his basement for the day, he hoped, Sigma Nu would return to the University of Michigan.

In the Fall of 2017, a Sigma Nu legacy student enrolled at Michigan. Jack Behm had looked at the current Greek houses and didn’t see one that appealed to him. Through his father, Mike Behm (and other 80’s era Alumni), Mark was connected with Jack.  Over the next year, Jack recruited an initial group of guys that showed interest in trying to re-colonize Gamma Nu/Sigma Nu. Sigma Nu National got involved and told us the steps we needed to take. By April 2018, Mark, Jack Behm, those students interested, and Sigma Nu National made a pitch to the IFC to be allowed to return to campus. That request was granted and in the Fall of 2018, the re-colonization process began.

With the aggressive efforts of Mark, Sigma Nu National, Jack Behm, the group of interested students, and Alumni (via House Corp and the Alumni Advisory Board), a group of 40+ candidates was formed to gain Colony status. HC/AAB felt this was enough momentum for us to end our lease with PIKE a year early, and in the Fall of 2019, Sigma Nu returned to 700 Oxford, still with "Colony" status. Over the following year, we officially re-chartered and became an official fraternity in the eyes of Sigma Nu National.

Marks perseverance, hard work, and dedication to Sigma Nu is recognized in his receiving 2021's Gamma Nu "Alumni of the Year" award. Congratulations Mark!

Homecoming 2021 Recap

by AAB Chairman Mike Thwaites

On Saturday, September 25, about 150 Alumni returned to 700 Oxford for Homecoming 2021 where they got to see Michigan defeat Rutgers 20-13. A tailgate of appetizers and beverages went down pre-game, with a buffet, drinks and music after the game. A big thanks to Gamma Nu Alumni Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell for providing the food and beer! Active brothers enjoyed meeting the Alumni, gave tours of the chapter house, and heard old "back-in-the-day" stories. After a year of covid restrictions and a missed 2020 Homecoming, it was great to see familiar, and new faces back at the house. Fun was had by all! 

Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2022 against Maryland, September 24. We hope to see you back in Ann Arbor!

Alumni Advisory Board Notes

by AAB Chairman Mike Thwaites

The Gamma Nu House has reached the point of needing some much-needed TLC. A "Capital Campaign" is ramping up to take care of overdue immediate maintenance issues and long-term Home Improvements. For example, the roof needs replacement to stop major leaks to the tune of $50,000 and the house has not been painted in over 25 years to the tune of $100,000. The Chapter has done a fantastic job of re-emerging back into the Greek world as a leader at the University of Michigan. We have all waited and dreamed about the day when Gamma Nu would be back and that day did arrive! More details on how you can help be a part of the restoration of 700 Oxford will be forthcoming.

Winterfest 2022

One of the Nation's largest and most effective collegiate philanthropy events each year, Winterfest is the culmination of the University of Michigan Greek Life Community's charitable efforts. Members of each of the dozens of chapters are uniting to support three charities in a monumental way: Autism Alliance of Michigan, The Women's Center of Southeast Michigan, and Fisher House Foundation.

To show our solidarity with each of these charities' missions, our community is coming together to compete in a Broomball tournament. Winterfest raised over $110,000 to individual charities in 2020, the last time it was done, with over 4000 people attending throughout the day!

We would love to see your support by contributing to our donations page, under Sigma Nu! The donation link is below:

Homecoming Shirts Order Form

If you are interested in purchasing a Homecoming Sigma Nu shirt, we have some remaining in sizes Large, XL, and XXL. Below is the design of the shirt, as well as the order form. Any profits will go to the chapter.  

We want to emphasize that Alumni are always welcome at 700 Oxford. Whether it's at a scheduled event or just a spur of the moment visit, we encourage you to swing by and say hello! Brothers are always on hand and will be happy to show you around the house! If you want to schedule a time to make sure you get easy access and an awesome tour, please contact me at (516) 297-6937 or aspizz@umich.edu. 

In addition, if you have any recent personal achievements that could be included in the Gamma Nus, reach out to me and I will include it in upcoming editions. Also, if you know of any brothers that are not receiving the Gamma Nus, please let me know, and I can add them to the email list!