By Zach Gilbert ’16, from The Muse, Fall 2014
Last fall, Sigma Pi celebrated its centennial year at Cornell, not only highlighting all the fraternity has accomplished and produced in the last 100 years, but also signifying that the transition of the Mu Chapter into the 21st century is well underway. Coinciding with this transition into the technological age, one alumnus, Dick Cahoon ’77, jumpstarted the fraternity’s high-tech capabilities with a recent pledge of $100,000 to the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. This is in addition to his $25,000 contribution to the Centennial Campaign.
Among other things, Dick’s gift will go toward a Technology Center in the West Lounge with a state-of-the-art portable video-conferencing system for undergrads to better interact with alumni. The money will also fund a wireless speaker system throughout common areas of the house, a security system around the outdoor perimeter, new furniture for dedicated education space, and an endowment for rainy-day technology maintenance and updates.
Undergrads and alumni alike are excited for this Tech Center, which will allow for one-to-one and one-to-many webcasts between alumni and undergrads. Alumni Board President Jarett Wait expressed his belief that “the possibility of significantly enhancing the technology, multimedia, and the living experience at Mu Chapter will be a real catalyst to differentiate Sigma Pi from the rest of the fraternities at Cornell.” The current undergrads could not agree more. Everyone is excited that Sigma Pi will be focusing on meeting the academic and career needs of members in addition to social needs. The undergraduate Pi men believe that this will be a real distinguishing factor for potential incoming members.
In discussing his motivation for supporting the Educational Foundation, Dick explained: “although I only spent two years at Cornell, my time at the Pi house was the best time of my life up to that point. I believe that the Pi house has a lot to offer to young men who are learning their way in society. It helped me understand group dynamics and the real meaning of community. For us to attract the best of the best, we have to be prepared to be 21st century ready.”
Dick believes that the easier it is for undergrads to network with alumni, the better opportunity undergraduates will have as they prepare to enter the job market and work place. For Sigma Pi to be meaningful in the future, Dick envisions the fraternity being competitive by providing the most opportunity both on campus and with career outreach. Dick sees his contribution as an investment in the future, hoping that the coming generations of Pi men will be better equipped when they leave Cornell.
When asked what advice he would give undergrads as they prepare to pursue their own careers, Dick said he would encourage undergrads to remember that “the world is not about you but how you fit into the world. A Cornell degree does not make you better than anyone else. See how you can fit in first, and effect change second.” Dick explained that this reflects his own philosophy—to find a place in the world and to create value.
