“It’s all about the people. Without people, none of it matters and nothing is meaningful.”

Meet Mark Smith, Central Missouri – This is his brotherhood story.

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Mark Smith, Central Missouri ’81, has been lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the greats, including Sig Tau legends of Founder Carl Chapman, Marvin Millsap, Earl Webb, and Colonel Irwin Graves.  He fondly remembers Brother Graves giving him a home to live in, and the hours spent driving Brother Millsap around town.

At the time, he didn’t realize how fortunate he was to have built relationships with these men but attributes his understanding of true Brotherhood to the lessons these great men taught him.

As the first Michael J. Steinbeck Graduate Fellowship recipient, Mark continued his education in graduate school at Central Missouri. It was here he began serving the organization that had given him so much already. Mark joined Headquarters Staff for two years. In this short time, he visited 55 chapters and put more than 70,000 miles on his car. “I like to say you get your Bachelor’s degree in ‘Fraternity’ during your years as an active member. You get your Master’s degree in ‘Fraternity’ as a staff member or volunteer and beyond. That’s when I learned the most about what it meant to be a Sig Tau and how much it would shape my life.”

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Like many brothers, Mark appreciated the organization’s push for diversity. Sig Tau was open to everyone who believed in and lived by the Principles; no matter someone’s background, personality, or experiences, they were bonded in Brotherhood. This diversity taught Mark to engage and interact with anyone, expanding his relationships, and developing his leadership.

Mark’s dedicated service to the Fraternity didn’t stop after his tenure on Staff. He became an unofficial advisor and continued to support his chapter. He also served as a Trustee for the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation. Mark draws a direct line from his professional skills and success to what he learned from Sig Tau and hopes every brother before and after him feels the same. “I hope the next generation gets the building blocks and solid foundation to become better people. I like the idea of ‘Noble Men.’ I want future brothers to have the spirit that building the rest of their lives starts with Sig Tau”. 

We’re pleased to highlight Mark and his Sig Tau Story during this Founder’s Day Challenge. He is one of many brothers helping to Honor our History and Build our Future. Donate today to celebrate brothers like Mark and help us raise $100,000 to celebrate Sig Tau’s 100 years of Brotherhood.

ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY
Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, the organization will commemorate its 100th Anniversary in 2020. With a presence on 81 campuses in 29 states, our membership includes more than 2,700 undergraduate men and 63,000 living alumni. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation, and WPN Housing Company, is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, 12 miles from the center of downtown. Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information.