Last weekend, Sigma Nu held the 25th Anniversary of the purchase of their house. The anniversary celebration was also meant to honor Jim Degrandre, who helped significantly in the purchasing of the house. Many of Sigma Nu’s 481 alumni gathered last Saturday for a barbeque and get-together.
Sigma Nu was formed in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute and it was formed on the principle of not hazing new members, which is a reason why people still join today. Sigma Nu has about twenty members living in the house.
“The main thing we have that sticks out is the LEAD Program which stands for Leadership, Enrichment, Achievement, and Development,” said Josh Lachance, a Sigma Nu member.
The LEAD program consists of four phases that will teach skills needed for the future, and life beyond college. In the first phase, potential members, or “pledges” learn organizational skills and time management. The second stage focuses on teamwork, followed by a third stage where brothetrs learn practical skills like running meetings. In the final stage one learns to put together a professional resume and sell oneself in an interview.
“Coming to our meetings is like going to class; you’re going to learn,” said Lachance.
“Past members have gone on to become successful attorneys, members of the Maine state legislature, members of the USM alumni board, successful educators, and so on.” Bruce Roullard said. Bruce Roullard is a Sigma Nu alumnus who graduated in 1984. He serves as the president of housing and division commander and is a successful real estate broker. James Cloutier, former mayor of Portland and Mike Kucsma, Gorham’s deputy fire chief are also Sigma Nu Alumni.
Last weekend the fraternity helped put on the homecoming dance and on that extremely hot day in August they helped the freshman move in. Their newest project is cleaning up the cross-country trail on the Gorham campus.