Earlier this month, we initiated 19 new Brothers into our undergraduate chapter following a successful rush, thanks largely in part to our Magister, Jake Kranz ’25. Jake, who served as the primary pledge educator for this pledge class, knows firsthand how important it is to ensure the Brotherhood remains strong for generations to come.
Jake’s time as Magister allowed him to set a great example for the future of Sigma Chi–an example that he remembers his own Magister setting for him. In fact, Jake said that his fondest memory of being in Sigma Chi was going to hibachi dinner with his entire pledge class and Magister during their away weekend in Virginia Beach, a weekend that he said he will “never forget.”
It was this positive influence from the older undergraduate Brothers that initially convinced Jake that Sigma Chi was where he belonged. “There was a clear sense of brotherhood that other fraternities didn’t have, and it was very welcoming when I came to rush events,” Jake said.
This strong bond, as modeled by older Brothers in the chapter, is what makes Sigma Chi campus philanthropy leaders, according to Jake. Derby Days is a point of pride for the undergraduates, and this year, Derby Days raised over $60,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
“It brought together the entire campus–not just our chapter, but also other Greek organizations and students–all working toward a common cause,” Jake said. “It was a great example of how a strong brotherhood can make a real impact.”
Although Jake will soon graduate from UMD with a degree in Economics and a minor in Statistics to pursue a finance career, he says that it is his time in Sigma Chi that helped him grow personally and professionally.
“Without Sigma Chi, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” Jake said. “I have learned how to lead in a group of peers, navigate different tasks, and be accountable.”
Giving back, Jake said, is what allows us to keep doing what we have always done–continuing Sigma Chi’s tradition of fostering personal growth and togetherness.
According to Jake, this is precisely why your support is so crucial. “The older guys that were here before us showed how giving back creates a strong sense of brotherhood and will ensure that future generations have the same experience we had, and that we can keep the legacy going,” he said.
As Jake prepares to pass the torch to the future leaders of Sigma Chi, he looks forward to his own future, enriched by his time in the chapter. “After graduation,” he said, “the connections and friendships I have built will last me a lifetime.”