Our featured guests for the monthly alumni Zoom meeting on March 18 were the Fresno State Veterans Education Program Team. Members of the team included Katie Bewarder -KKG-Fresno State, Dan Bernard, Tyler Velasco – US Army, Tyler’s father Rick Velasco – US Army and fellow Sigma Chi Dr. Scott Moore (14-S) who is Dean of Continuing/Global Education at Fresno State.

During the meeting, brother Moore shared screen with us producing a photo of him at the 2016 commencement celebrating with several Sig brothers. From left to right are Trevor Patrick (10-F), Dan Towey (11-F), Kevin Ngo (09-S), Mark Anderson (12-F), Jared Bertoni (13-S), Bryce Sousa (15-S), Austin Encinias (08-F), Niko Kazanjian (14-F),  Katchen Anderson (sweetheart), Anthony Komlosy (12-S) and Garrett Austin (15-F).

A paragraph was taken from the Fresno State website describes the program: “Established in 2012, the Veterans Education Program provides opportunity and access to resources at Fresno State and connects veterans to support organizations in the Central Valley. We facilitate a sense of belonging for veterans on campus by providing a lounge, study area, dedicated smart classroom, and academic skill sets required for successful careers.”

Their presentation was a catalyst for a very moving discussion among our Sig veterans participating in the meeting, and this made it one of the best gatherings we have had during the pandemic.

Brothers in attendance were brothers Rob Bell (95-F), Brandon Cohrs (98-F), Tom Downing (62-F) Past Consul, Brad Fischer (78-S), Will Herring (76-F) Abilene TX, Dusty Lacefield (12-F) Chapter Advisor, Bill Matesso (63-F), Scott Moore (14-S), Dan Mueller (65-S) Los Gatos, Rick Nelson (65-S), Dan O’Brien (61-F) Sun City West AZ, Mike Patton (63-S), Frank Puccio (01-S), Dave Reuland (69-F), Bill Robinson (70-F), Larry Spikes (75-F) Hanford, Tim Vaux (66-F) and Norm Winslow (57-S). 

From the Sigma Chi International website: As one of the Fraternity’s highest honors, The Significant Sig Award recognizes those alumni members whose exemplary achievements in their fields of endeavor have brought great honor and prestige to the name of Sigma Chi.

Our chapter’s first two Significant Sigs were both recognized by Sigma Chi International in 1973. One is Phil Sanchez (52-T), the father of brother Mark Sanchez (70-F). The other is Sy Tacchino (52-T), the father of brother Jack Tacchino (66-S). Unfortunately both Phil and Sy have passed into the Chapter Eternal.

Local fraternity, Sigma Tau, was founded at Fresno State on November 10, 1921 and affiliated with Sigma Sigma Chi International on February 23, 1952. Over the sixty-nine years of being a Sigma Chi chapter, Epsilon Eta has been able to honor a total of only seventeen Significant Sigs including the two awarded this year, averaging one every 4.1 years. That appears to be a small number, but since the program was started in 1935, only 1,900 brothers have been recognized which averages one per chapter every 11.0 years.

Epsilon Eta at Fresno State, now within months of being on campus continuously for 100 years, has two new Significant Sigs.

 I have known brother Brad Fischer (78-S) for forty years, and I am proud to announce his recognition as a 2021 Significant Sig. Brad began paying dues to our alumni chapter in 1981 following his graduation from CSU-Fresno in 1980, and his contributions to our Active Chapter, Alumni Chapter, House Corporation and Endowment are well documented. Now his achievements in the banking industry can also be celebrated.

Brad has spent forty-three years in the banking industry and has become one of the most productive and respected bankers in our region. During those years he has proven his leadership in his industry, and his employers have rewarded him with advancement, honors and awards. The fact that he has served only two banks during his long career is a strong indication of his abilities, achievements and also his loyalty. Brad began his career at Bank of America where he met his wife, Linda, and is now Operations Area Manager for Premier Valley Bank.

 Joining Brad in the 2021 class of Significant Sigs is brother Darryl Horowitt (75-F). Darryl graduated from CSU-Long Beach in 1978 with a degree in history, and earned his law degree from Western State University, College of Law in Irvine, CA. He was admitted into practice in 1981 and worked in Orange County for a few years before joining a law firm in Fresno. He affiliated with our alumni chapter decades ago and has attended many events.

I am also proud to announce Darryl’s recognition as a 2021 Significant Sig. I met Darryl more than a quarter century ago when our company needed legal advice. He has several areas of expertise including construction.  Darryl is managing partner of Coleman and Horowitt, LLP in Fresno, and the firm has offices in six California cities. He has many honors and awards in the law industry including being named one of the Top 100 Litigators in California by the American Society of Legal Advocates, an invitation only association of top attorneys.

Let us be proud to welcome the two newest Significant Sigs, brothers Brad Fischer and Darryl Horowitt! – by Mike Patton (63-S)

 Fresno State announced on March 8 their selections for the 2021 Outstanding Alumni Awards. Rosemary Waters, spouse of Seven Lights Alumni, Jerry Waters (62-F), was named for the College of Science and Mathematics. Rosemary earned a B.A. in 1966 and a M.A. in 1972.

Although the university will not have an in-person event this year, they announced this year’s event will be held virtually and will air on ABC 30 on Sunday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. The event will also be live-streamed.

Congratulations Rosemary and brother Waters!

On February 22, 2021 Fresno Sigma Chi alumni who were initiated in the 1950 held their 4th Zoom reunion with Significant Sig and Order of Constantine Tony Flores keeping everyone laughing and reminiscing about the good-old days.

In attendance were Bob Buckenberger (56-S) Past Consul, Bill Ceresa (56-F) Penn Valley, Tony Flores (56-S), Jimmy Johnson (58-S) Fair Oaks, Willy Kollmeyer (57-S) Nevada City, Joe Monachello (54-F) Atwater, Homer Potts (52-T) Fair Oaks, Frank Small (53-S) Pismo Beach – Past Consul, Bob Smith (54-F), Norm Winslow (57-S), Ed Boswell (58-F) Kamuela, HI and Les Sherry (60-S) Vallejo.

Several slides from the Campus yearbooks from the 1950s were shared. Those were the days when student athletes were amateurs, and Sigma Chi had several brothers participating in sports.