CARMEL, INDIANA – This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we recognize the alumni, brothers, and friends who continue to raise their hands long after graduation. They are the mentors, board members, and advisors working to ensure Sigma Tau Gamma continues to thrive. Among them is the foundation chairman, Jeff Russo, who decided nearly 40 years ago that he was “never really ever going to leave this.”

Getting Hooked on Service

Brother Russo traces his lifelong commitment to Sig Tau back to a very specific time and place: January 1987, inside the Headquarters building in Warrensburg during Presidents Academy. At the time, he was an undergraduate and president of the Delta Xi Chapter. What truly changed his trajectory wasn’t establishing a new chapter, it was witnessing the people behind the organization.

“I remember looking around at all the leadership and participation by alumni volunteers. They were sharp people who were giving their time, talents, and experience. And I remember thinking: I am never leaving this.”

That weekend, Brother Russo saw firsthand how volunteers didn’t just support Sig Tau, they shaped it. From alumni mentors who offered practical leadership advice in conversations, to foundation leaders who spoke passionately about stewardship and responsibility, he realized Sigma Tau Gamma was something he could both contribute to and grow through.

A Lifetime of Impact

Since that weekend in 1987, Brother Russo has lived out that commitment in countless ways—most recently as Chairman of the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation. Looking back on his tenure, pride isn’t rooted in one single accomplishment, but in seeing the Foundation’s expanding ability to impact undergraduates and alumni alike.

“Sigma Tau Gamma is large enough to make a difference in the lives of others, but small enough that one man can make a difference.”

That belief has guided Brother Russo’s leadership and mirrors why so many volunteers continue to serve year after year. When experiences are positive and meaningful, they create what he describes as an upward spiral of involvement.

“Good experiences lead to deeper commitment.
Deeper commitment leads to service.
Service strengthens Sigma Tau Gamma for the next generation.”

The Power of Volunteers

Brother Russo is quick to point out that no volunteer serves alone. Throughout his journey, he’s been inspired by fellow alumni and leaders who invested in both the organization and in him personally, people who shared knowledge, encouragement, and trust.

Their impact reflects a broader truth about Sig Tau: volunteers are the heartbeat of our Fraternity.

Volunteer Appreciation Week reminds us that Sig Tau’s strength has never come from one position or one person, but from generations of brothers willing to step up and give back.

As Brother Russo’s term as Foundation Chairman concludes this summer at Grand Conclave Charlotte, his optimism remains firmly pointed toward the future. He believes every member has a role to play in advancing the Fraternity’s mission. Sometimes that means serving in an official capacity, other times it simply means supporting the work financially, so opportunities continue to exist.

That’s why moments like Founders Day matter. Founders Day gives all of Sigma Tau Gamma a chance to reflect on where we have been and where we are going. Initiatives like the Founders Day Challenge ensure that leadership development and brotherhood experiences remain accessible for generations to come.

When asked what he hopes undergraduates and alumni take away this Volunteer Appreciation Week, Brother Russo’s message is simple: stepping up matters. Whether through time, talent, or treasure, each act of service helps make Sigma Tau Gamma just a little bit better for the next brother.

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920. Since its Founding, the organization has called 197 campuses home and has more than 77,000 initiated Members. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation and WPN National Housing Company, is located in Carmel, Indiana. Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information.