Dear President Herbst, Members of the Board of Trustees, and Alumni,

We are writing in response to the recent decision to permanently withdraw recognition of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity on the Colgate campus. We would like to voice our support for the Chapter, as well as open a dialogue between the Administration and this group of alumni in order to reestablish a damaged relationship. We understand that the Chapter has dealt with infractions and struggles recently, but we would like to work on moving forward in a positive direction.

Colgate provided all of us with a distinguished education enabling us to contribute in a vast array of fields and professions. Additionally, being a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and the Greek Life community significantly contributed to our education and experience at Colgate. The characteristics that were instilled and relationships that were forged still last to this day, and will continue for the remainder of our lives. As we all learned when were bestowed the honor of becoming brothers, membership of the esteemed fraternity would go beyond our four years in Hamilton. We would be a part of an organization with thousands of members, those that came before us and those that will follow in our footsteps. As brothers, we care deeply about the fraternity’s continued health and survival on Colgate’s campus.

At this time, we ask that Colgate’s Administration be open to a discussion with alumni in order to repair and strengthen the relationship between the Colgate Community and Sigma Chi. We wish to make a renewed effort to support the current students, and ensure the vitality of the Chapter on campus. As younger alumni, we have faced similar situations as the current brothers and want to provide assistance in any way possible, including working closely with the University.

With the ultimate goal of a lasting relationship between Sigma Chi and the Colgate Community in place, we feel confident that significant support for Colgate will continue. If such relationship is broken and the Chapter is no longer recognized, Colgate will lose the support of many of the brothers and tarnish Colgate’s reputation in the minds of many of us. This lost support will not only hurt the current active brothers, but also the Colgate student body as a whole.

The names of the Sigma Chi bothers attached to this letter fully support its message, and are determined to make an effort to work with the Chapter, Administration, and Colgate Community to rectify this situation. We hope this dialogue can lead to a stronger relationship and a better environment for the Colgate Community.

Sincerely,

The Alumni Brothers of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity