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Sigma Chi - AU Chapter
Building a Legacy of Leadership
for Over 100 Years!
“Men join fraternities; leaders of men join Sigma Chi.”
~ John Wayne, Alpha Upsilon Chapter
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Brothers,
We begin a new year for the Trojan Sig Foundation with deep appreciation for the bonds, traditions, and shared experiences that define us as USC Sigma Chis. For many of us, Alpha Upsilon wasn’t just a chapter; the house wasn't just a house... it was a place where lifelong friendships, memories, and values were formed.
As 2026 unfolds, our focus remains on stewarding that legacy that will reflect the strength of our brotherhood and is able to support today’s undergraduates in mind, body, and spirit. Thank you for staying connected, for giving back in ways large and small and for helping ensure future generations of Trojan Sigs have a place to call home, build relationships with their brothers, and grow into the leaders they're meant to be…
In this edition of the TSF newsletter, you will:
- Welcome the Spring 2026 Pledge Class
- Enjoy the first Sigma Chi Sweetheart to be chronicled in the new (and much anticipated) AU Sweetheart Series
- Explore FAQs about the plans for a new AU Chapter house
- Learn how to secure your exclusive copy of The Proud History of the Trojan Sigs
- Celebrate many generous brothers who recently stepped up to shape AU's legacy and future by contributing to the Four Pillars Capital Campaign
In Hoc,
Kerry McCluggage, '76, President
Kendall Young, '83, Treasurer,
Jim Burk, '74, Director
Chip Herman, '78, Director
Bob Vogelzang, '81, Director
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AU's 2026 Spring Pledge Class
As 24 pledges participated in their pining ceremony, we are reminded of how meaningful this milestone is in the Sigma Chi journey. It marks the moment when pledges formally become AU brothers. Rooted in tradition and symbolism, the ceremony reflects Sigma Chi’s enduring four pillars of friendship, justice, leadership, and learning that connects them not only to their fellow Trojan Sigs, but to generations who came before them and those who will follow.
"A great pledge class that is worthy of our chapter's proud history. Water polo studs, international students, and a couple of legacies - these prospective new members will honor our chapter's traditions," said Chapter Advisor, Jeffrey Schwartz, '88.
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Just in time for Valentine's Day, we are kicking off a new series: Profiles on past USC Sweethearts of Sigma Chi.
First up is Mary McCluggage, 2010 AU Chapter Sweetheart. From President of Kappa Alpha Theta to AU Sweetheart to Rose Queen, and now wife and mother, Mary exemplifies brains, beauty, and success!
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We Hear You
Building a new AU Chapter house does not come without challenges. Alumni, actives, and parents have expressed their concerns. We hear you and want to take the opportunity to address the most commonly expressed questions with thoughtful, proactive answers and solutions. Please click here to read the FAQs
https://bit.ly/4av9AFu
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Join the Four Pillars Capital Campaign Book Club!
The exclusive Four Pillars Capital Campaign Book Club is reserved for our most dedicated alums who contribute $25K or more to help build the new Alpha Upsilon Chapter House! As a member, you'll receive your own copy of "The Proud History of the Trojan Sigs: Alpha Upsilon Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity" by renowned author, Jeff Burnside, '79. But that’s not all... your generous gift will leave a lasting mark on our chapter’s legacy, helping make the "Legacy of Leadership" a reality for generations of Sigs to come. Make history with us, and become a member today!
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Building Our Legacy:
The Four Pillars Capital Campaign
With over 43% of funds raised to build a new chapter house, we are well on our way to securing the legacy of AU alums and building a future home for incoming Trojan Sigs. The house will be built to the highest contemporary standards so that our investment will serve the Chapter for many years to come and secure our place as the most prestigious and sought-after fraternity at USC.
Additionally, all donors will be invited to ground breaking and opening ceremonies to celebrate being a part of the over 100-year history of the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Sigma Chi. Brothers, this is where you step up. This is where you make history. This is where your name gets added to the Alumni Donor Wall as one of the men who helped usher the new Alpha Upsilon Chapter House into its next, proud era.
| | A HUGE AND GRATEFUL THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED! | | |
Four Pillars Society $1M+
David Pyle, '80 (Executive Board &
Founder's Room)*
1889 Society $250K+
Kerry McCluggage, '76
Jordan Standard Society $100K+
The Ginger and Tony Allen Family Foundation
Tony '59 and Ginger Allen, Scott Allen, '82,
and Steve, '83 and Tracy Friedmann
Scott Burnham, '79
Jim Connelly and Family, '77
Rick John, '80
Stephen Krach, '11
Matt Matteson, '81
Jon Muller, '84
Norman Shield Society $75K+
Rick Myers, '79
Cardinal & Gold Society $50K+
Anonymous (Fitness Center)*
Pledge Class of 1978 (Volleyball Court)*
Mike Femino and Family, '92 (Study Lounge)*
John Geisbush, '78
Chip Herman, '78
Bill Holl, 79
Dr. Paul Olivera, '78 (Foyer &Library)*
Tom Ralphs, '75
Dan Smith, '85
Joe Wirht, '81
907 Society $25K+
Jeff Armour, '77
Jim Burk, '74
Jeff Gill, '78
Andy Gilmour, '76
Andy Jessup, Jr. '88
Craig Johnson, '91
Sean Kell, '91
Kent Lucas, '78
Brad McCroskey, '77
Jim Morouse, '83
Hon. Victor Person, '68
Mike Severson, '84
Dennis Slattery, '67
Joe Tavarez, '78
Garrett Van Konynenburg, '23
Nelson Wheeler, '77
Brett White, ZK, '81
Dana Woudenberg, '68
Kendall Young, '83
$10K+
Gerald Anderson, '87
Gene Erbstoesser, '67
Dr. G Wayne Gertmenian, '62
James House, '80
Kirk Jensen, '78
Andrew Jessup, Alpha Chapter, '55, "In
honor of my son and our Brother,
Timothy (Tim) Dutton Jessup, AU '91,
Chapter Eternal, '05"
Rich Miailovich, '62 (Miailovich Family Foundation)
Jim Mitchell, '72
Blake Patten, '01
Crane Patten, '73
Dan Plunkett, '79
William Rakow, '68
John Scudder, '68
Jim Sprinkel, '74
Rick Sullivan, '80
Dan Vogelzang, '78
Billy Walk, '02
$5K+
Chuck Fry, '81
Larry Hall, '76
Lacy Marlette, '68
Doug May, '81
Keith Moreland, '82
Bob Vogelzang, '81
$1K+
Kory Arntson, '91
Hunt Barnett, '80
W. Brockermeyer, '93 (Brockermeyer Family Fund)
Tod Byers, '81
James Carreon, '89
John Cervenka, '82
Mike Cobo, '78
Robert Davis, '75
Doug Hadnot, '68
Joe Hillings, '59
Gordon Jennings, '69
Kevin Jones, '08
Stephen Kiefer, '78
William Kiefer, '81
Gerald LaFlamme, '93
Greg Martin '86
Keith Moreland, '82
Jeff Morton, '71
Scott Mullins, Chapter Eternal, '93
Fred O'Banion, '69
Robert Olive, '69
Jeff Olson, '81
Tom Pecht, '74
Bill Rakow, '68
Blake Rosendin, '10
Max Rosendin, '07
Raymond Rosendin, '51
Ronald Rus, '72
Christopher Sayer, '06
Jimmy Slusher, '08
Stephen L. Smith, '70
Thomas Smith, '68
John Sorgenfrei, '76
Franklin Taylor, '74
Tony Tootell, '01
Craig Waite, '81
William Waller, '17
Bruce Watson, '81 - In memory of Jack Watson, Chapter Eternal, '53
Aaron Webster
Jim York, '70
Up to $1K
Anonymous
Dan Bozzo, '80
Blake Brewer, 09
Robert Bryant, '86
Richard Cottrell, '83
Dylan Dann, '11
Peter Doder, '81
Matt Douglas, '19
Daniel Durfey, '59
Robert Eres, '02
Shane Foley, '91
Robert Hendershot, '74
Mark Hochgesang, '68
Marc Kazarian, '78
John Miller, '69
Mark Muller, '81
Michael O'Toole, '82
Gary Potter, '63
Spiro Psaltis, '81
Robert Renouard, '85
Parker Reuter, '15
Maxxwell Sellers, '21
Jeffrey Schwartz, '88
Jim Scofield, '71
Robert Skoro, '77
Bruce Smith, '76
Scott Spearman, '90
Jim Sprinkel, '74
Ed Stanton, '90
Jeff Swan, '81
Brian Ulf, '80
Derek Westervelt, '78
Mark Whiting, '07
*Naming Rights
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HELP BUILD OUR LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
All donors will be recognized as noted below. In Hoc!
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NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
Chapter House - $3M
Pillar #1 Friendship - $1M
Pillar #2 Justice - $1M
Pillar #3 Learning - $1M
Pillar #4 Leadership - $1M
Executive Board Room and Founder’s Room - $1M (David Pyle, '80)
Chapter Room - $200K+
Dining Room & Kitchen -$150K+
Leadership Training Room - $75K+
Study Lounge- $50K+* (Mike Femino, '93 and Family)
Foyer & Library - $50K+* ( Dr. Paul Olivera, III, '78)
Fitness Center - $50K+* (Anonymous)
Basketball Court - $50K+
Volleyball Court - $50K+* (Pledge Class of '79)
Courtyard - $25k+
GIVING SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Four Pillars Society - $1M+
Craig Nason Jr. Society - $500K+
1889 Society - $250K+
Jordan Standard Society - $100K+
Norman Shield Society - $75K+
Cardinal & Gold Society - $50k+
907 Society - $25K+
To secure Naming Rights for a given room or space in our new Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chi Chapter house, contact TSF President, Kerry McCluggage, '76 kerry@craftsmanfilms.com or Executive Director, Four Pillars Capital Campaign, Lisa Dulyea ldulyea@outlook.com. Naming Rights will be granted on a first come, first served basis.
The Trojan Sig Foundation is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and all gifts are tax deductible and can include one-time gifts, matching funds or pledges of up to three years. Non-cash assets (like equity stocks or bonds), in-kind gifts, and more are appreciated as well. If you'd like to donate using our secure online portal, follow this link https://www.uscsigmachi.org/donate-to-four-pillars or scan the QR code below. If you prefer to send in a check, or make a pledge via U.S. mail, please fill out the Donor Form on our website https://www.uscsigmachi.org/
| | Stay Connected on Social Media | | All gifts to the Trojan Sig Foundation's (a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization) Four Pillars Capital Campaign are tax- deductible and can include one-time gifts, matching funds or pledges of up to three years. Non-cash assets (like equity stocks or bonds), in-kind gifts, and more are appreciated as well. | | | | |
