UPDATED JULY 17, 2017

GREENSBORO, NC – Sigma Tau Gamma Headquarters has learned that 23rd National President Ronald Erickson, UW – Superior ’65 entered Chapter Eternal on Saturday, July 15, 2017.

Past National President Erickson’s journey with Sig Tau began on March 9, 1965, when he became an associate member of the Beta Psi Chapter at Superior State University (now known as the University of Wisconsin – Superior).

After a two-week associate membership process, on March 24, 1965, Ron became a fully initiated member of Sigma Tau Gamma. It did not take long for Ron to become a leader of the chapter. Just two short years later, he became Beta Psi Chapter President. Under his presidency, the Beta Psi Chapter saw massive growth. With Erickson as president, in the spring of 1968, the chapter reported 23 new associate members, and according to Sigma Tau Gamma records, is still the largest associate member class ever from the Beta Psi Chapter. To add to his list of accomplishments, Ron is the only brother from the UW – Superior Chapter to be a Sigma Tau Gamma Undergraduate Hall of Fame Inductee; receiving the honor in 1969.

Ron later served the national organization as the 23rd National President from 1984 – 1986 and as an Honorary Foundation Trustee from 1993 – 2003. His influence is still alive and strong within Sigma Tau Gamma, particularly with one of the most important programs in the history of the organization – the Earl A. Webb Academy of Leadership. 20th National President and current WPN Housing Company Chairman Buz Barlow, UW – Oshkosh remembers the exact moment this idea came to life.

“Ron conceived and brought to life a dream he called the President’s Boot Camp. That idea described to me for the first time on a napkin during a White Rose banquet we were both attending in Arkansas. It has evolved into what we know as the Webb Academy program today. The Academy has long distinguished us among other Greek organizations and has directly delivered our Principles to new generations of Sigma Tau Gamma leadership,” Barlow said. “Consequently, Ron’s legacy will live on for ages long after his passing to the Chapter Eternal. Caring, kind, generous to a fault… Ron Erickson was the kind of Brother we should all aspire to be; truly the noblest of gentlemen and a real Sig Tau for Life.”

36th National President Richard Harguindeguy, Northland shared very similar sentiments as Barlow.

“He took an interest in this new alumni member, and we developed a good relationship. He not only was a brother he became a good friend and mentor. He was loyal as anyone that I have met.”

Chief Executive Officer Steve Latour, said of Erickson, “Brother Erickson was someone who truly embodied our principles and wanted to see young men succeed as leaders. I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet him at Grand Conclave 2014 in New Orleans.”

CEO Emeritus Bill Bernier, Kent State said, “Ron Erickson was a passionate Sig Tau leader who excelled at building friendships and mentoring younger brothers.”

Erickson asked before his passing that any gifts made in his honor be made to the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation in support of the Webb Academy program. Gifts can be made online at www.sigtau.org/donate by completing the tribute information near the bottom of the donation form. Checks made payable to Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation and then mailed to Sigma Tau Gamma Headquarters, 101 Ming Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Please include “In Memory of Ronald Erickson” in the memo line of the check.

If you have any fond memories, stories, or accounts of Ron, HQ would love to hear from you. As we work to compile an article for the SAGA Magazine. Please email noblemen@sigtau.org with the subject line “Ronald Erickson Memory,” so that these beloved stories can be used at a later date.

Information about Ron’s arrangements can be found below.

Wednesday, July 19 – Visitation

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EDT

Forbis & Dick Funeral Home

1118 N Elm Street, Greensboro 27401

Thursday, July 20 – Funeral

1:30 pm EDT

Christ Lutheran Church

3600 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro 27408

https://www.forbisanddick.com/obituaries/Ronald-Erickson-3/#!/TributeWall

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded in Warrensburg, Missouri at the University of Central Missouri. On June 28, 2020, the fraternity will commemorate its 100th Anniversary. Today, there are more than 2,500 undergraduate members on 76 college/university campuses in 30 states. There are 60,390 living alumni. The Fraternity is headquartered 60 miles east of downtown Kansas City in Warrensburg, Missouri. Additional information about the fraternity is available at https://sigtau.org/