“You can’t make a new old friend”: Mark Updegrove ’84 on friendship, laughter, and Sigma Chi

Mark Updegrove ’84, (mark_k_updegrove@yahoo.com) came to Sigma Chi needing a house to live in, but he came away with lifelong relationships, priceless memories, and deep connections that would last him a lifetime. Mark also is a Significant Sig; President of the Lyndon Johnson Foundation; historian and author of five books; former President of the Johnson Presidential Library; and a commentator. Here’s a look into his time in the house and how Sigma Chi formed some of his most treasured friendships. 

For Updegrove, joining the Sigma Chi house was like finding his place. “I didn’t have a place to live at the University of Maryland and, as luck would have it, there was a spot available in the Sigma Chi house. I moved in and thought the guys were terrific. Pledging was a no-brainer.” 

He was struck by the great spirit in the house while he was there. “Most of us were from middle-class backgrounds, some working class, so there was a lot of grit and determination, and a certain scrappiness and competitiveness. There was a good work ethic, though not always related to our studies. On balance, the Sigma Chi guys have done pretty well for themselves because I don’t think we took anything for granted.” 

One of Updegrove’s favorite memories was the continual laughter. “We laughed a lot–often at each other’s expense — and almost developed our own language that only we could understand.” 

Aside from the camaraderie and good times, a core memory for Updegrove had to do with the notorious midnight move of the Baltimore Colts. “A number of the brothers and I, as part-time movers for Mayflower Moving Company, moved the Baltimore Colts out of Baltimore in the middle of the night. It’s an infamous chapter in NFL history and has become legendary Sigma Chi lore over the years.” 

His time in the house left him with invaluable friendships that lasted well beyond his years at Maryland. “As I often say, you can’t make a new old friend. Those old friendships are so important. Even if we haven’t seen each other in years, we can go right back to the way things were as though no time has passed. 

Without Sigma Chi, I wouldn’t have met a whole lot of really great guys who have meant something important in my life. Also, the Baltimore Colts might still be in Baltimore!