Recently, Denis Schanberger ’69 responded to our alumni profile survey to tell us about some of his favorite memories from the Sigma Chi days.
To see Denis’ answers to our alumni survey, please keep reading below. To submit your own responses and be featured in an upcoming communication, take the survey here!
- Tell us about the house when you were at Maryland. What was your favorite hangout spot? What is one of your best memories?
George Wall always winning the Derby Day (keep your derby contest). But, I also loved the Fraternity Sings and many sports moments.
- What’s a good/funny story you remember from your fraternity days?
In the old house, two “funny” stories (of many) that I remember fondly were: me playing Janis Joplin’s “The combination of the Two” LOUDLY over and over again (until the track was white) trying to drown out a record that Ralph Beachly played all of the time. And, then there was the time that some of the brothers talked a pledge into trying to break the “infinity sit-up record”.
- What Brother or group of Brothers made the most impact on your time at Maryland? Why?
Bob Hubsher because he is the one that I would fit in at Gamma Chi.
- How has another alum had your back at some point in your life … can you tell us the story?
Nothing in particular. But, many brothers had my back in helping me along the way in college.
- What impact did Sigma Chi have on your life after graduation? How did it prepare you for life?
It gave me a sense of pride in knowing that I was associated with a group of men that would be successful in life and who I would be bonded to forever. It also taught me the right way to live your life.
- What is the value of having Sigma Chi on campus in today’s world? How is it adding to the Maryland experience, and preparing undergrads for life?
For the reasons that I mentioned above. Especially, Gamma Chi Chapter for all of the philanthropy that it does.
- Can you finish this sentence: Without Sigma Chi, I wouldn’t ________
have enjoyed the college experience half as much as I did, and I would have missed out on meeting many outstanding young men.
- Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I am proud to be a Sigma Chi, especially Gamma Chi Chapter. Even though I have moved on, it has made me a better man.