Grand Conclave Postponement Frequently Asked Questions

Published on May 8, 2020 in News, Press Releases, Foundation, WPN Housing

A brotherhood message from the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity Board of Directors was published announcing Grand Conclave Kansas City will be postponed to 2022. The Fraternity Board of Directors and Headquarters Staff have monitored the updates surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and how it has affected our brotherhood.

  • Who made the decision to postpone Grand Conclave Kansas City and why was this decision made?
    This decision was made by the Fraternity Board of Directors. After multiple conversations with our hotel liaison, trusted partners in higher education, and closely monitoring what officials are stating at the city, state, and national level, the decision to postpone Grand Conclave Kansas City was made out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our members.
  • How will this affect the House of Delegates and voting procedure?
    Due to this decision, the House of Delegates will also be postponed to 2022. Legislation presented from all House of Delegates Committees and the election of the Fraternity Board of Directors will be also be postponed.
  • What will happen to the Fraternity Board of Directors?
    The current Board of Directors will be in place until Grand Conclave Kansas City 2022 and will remain as follows:
    • 40th National President: Jim Johnston, Carnegie Mellon
    • President-Elect: Jeremy Daus, UW โ€“ River Falls
    • Past President: Jonathan Proehl, UW โ€“ River Falls
    • Senior Past President: Alyx Parker, Illinois
    • Secretary: Scott Kaspar, Illinois
    • Treasurer: Paul Phillips III, Southeastern Louisiana
    • Director-at-Large: Joe Gallo, Michigan Tech.
    • Director-at-Large: Jeremiah King, Missouri S&T
  • Who is required to attend Grand Conclave Kansas City 2022?
    Each active chapter and associate chapter are required to be represented. Past National Presidents, Society of Seventeen members, and the Fraternity Board of Directors are all called to be a voting member of the House of Delegates. Recognized alumni associations are also called to be voting members of the House of Delegates.
  • What if I registered to attend the program this June?
    Undergraduate Members: Undergraduates and chapters have not been billed for registration costs. Sigma Tau Gamma Headquarters Staff is committed to offering reduced pricing and special programmatic aspects for brothers who graduated during the 2019 โ€“ 2020 and the 2020 โ€“ 2021 academic years to attend Grand Conclave Kansas City 2022.
    Alumni & Friends of Sig Tau: Alumni and friends of Sig Tau will be able to receive a refund of their registration cost or can gift their registration to the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation to support current undergraduate brothers. 
  • I made hotel reservations/travel accommodations for the program this summer, what are my next steps?
    Those who have made travel arrangements/hotel accommodations will need to contact the Kansas City Marriott Downtown at +1 816-421-6800 to cancel their reservation.

  • Will any workshops or learning opportunities be available this summer?
    Workshop and virtual learning opportunity discussions are currently underway. Headquarters Staff is working with numerous volunteers to enhance our learning experience through multiple webinars from industry leaders throughout the summer.
  • How are we going to honor brothers/chapters who have received recognition by winning a national award?
    Sigma Tau Gamma Headquarters Staff is working through solutions to virtually celebrating the accomplishments of those deserving brothers throughout the month of June.
  • We take time every summer conference to reflect on those brothers who have entered Chapter Eternal. What will this look like this year?
    Honoring brothers that have passed to Chapter Eternal is essential for our brotherhood. Sigma Tau Gamma is dedicating June 17, 2020, to remembering those brothers and to publically display how those brothers will be missed on a local, regional, and national level.
  • Has the House of Trotter donor recognition event been rescheduled?
    Donors will still be recognized for their generous contributions this fiscal year. Much like awards and scholarships, Headquarters Staff is exploring opportunities to virtually acknowledge and thank all those who have supported and who continue to support the Foundation. Donor recognition gifts will be presented during the next large, in-person gathering. To continue supporting the organization this year, consider making a gift to the Founderโ€™s Day Challenge.
  • How will the Fraternity celebrate 100 years of brotherhood?
    The Fraternity is investigating options to virtually celebrate our 100th Founders Day on June 28, 2020 and will offer suggestions for chapters and alumni to celebrate in their local communities. Current plans include honoring brothers and chapters who are recipients of national awards, spotlights of brothers who have shown resiliency, and featuring our history in new and creative ways.
  • Do I need to take time off my schedule from June 25 โ€“ 28, 2020?
    We know that many have careers, internships, and summer coursework. Headquarters Staff is working on ways to virtually celebrate Founders Day on Sunday, June 28, 2020. At this moment, we do not anticipate those having to take multiple days away from their careers, internships and coursework to virtually celebrate the Centennial.
  • Has postponing summer business meetings happened before?
    Yes. For the first five years of the organization, Grand Conclave did not exist. The business meetings of the organization were sporadic, with some taking place over extended holiday breaks during the wintertime. There have been two periods of time, the Great Depression and World War II, where Sigma Tau Gamma went multiple years without official business meetings.
  • Can I still celebrate by purchasing Centennial related items?
    Yes. Centennial related merchandise can still be purchased through the Sig Tau Marketplace at the Sig Tau Marketplace.