On behalf of the undergraduate brotherhood, I would like to express our utmost condolences to all the friends and family who had the pleasure of knowing Jim Keene. The current undergraduates were all lucky enough to meet Jim during our time in the house. Speaking from my personal experience, which was echoed by many in the house, the talk Jim had with each of our new-member classes as freshman and sophomores is what first solidified for each of us what it meant to be a Sigma Pi at Mu Chapter.
From the moment he began to speak to my class in the spring of 2017, we could sense his genuine compassion and how important he felt it was to pass on his wisdom to the next generation of Pi men. Through all the stories he told and advice he gave, it was clear his most important message was to be selfless. Since I’ve been a part of this fraternity, I’ve heard and repeated the phrase, “No matter how much you give to the brotherhood during your time as a brother, you will never come close to giving to the brotherhood as much as it will give you.”
Jim just might have proven us wrong. He helped all of us see the bigger picture, that being a Sigma Pi is about so much more than simply upholding the reputation of those that came before us. It’s about spreading the culture of Sigma Pi everywhere we go and utilizing the gift of our fraternity experience to make a difference in the lives of those around us. While it will be extremely difficult to replace the presence Jim had within the brotherhood, I am confident that the next generation of Pi men will ensure that his legacy and messages of brotherhood and commitment to others will be shared with those who did not have the honor of meeting him.
Fraternally,
Alex Ewald ’20, Sage
