Benefits

Why would you commit the time, energy and resources to join Sigma Rho?  For those that know Sigma Rho Alumni, you’ll find these answers after a short conversation.  But for those that don’t, unfortunately we have to bore you with text to try to describe the value of being a Brother of Sigma Rho.   Below you’ll find seven major benefits.  They’re in no particular order and, in-fact, the list in incomplete.  In reality, each member has his own list.  A list forged through countless personal experiences that they would not have had if they hadn’t made the choice you are contemplating right now.  Read below, take them for what they are worth, and head out to the Sigma Rho house.  You’ll find the answers there….

Brotherhood/Life-long Friendship

You will form bonds that transcend ordinary friendship…. Perhaps the most mentioned aspect of Sigma Rho is the friendship and camaraderie that exists between our members. At Sigma Rho, the development of close ties between members can be attributed to many things.  Perhaps it’s the process by which we become members.  Perhaps it’s the unforgettable social events like Homecoming, Winter Carnival, K-Day, or brotherhood retreats where the entire fraternity gathers.  Perhaps its cues taken from/examples set by the countless Alumni that stop buy when they are in town on business or pleasure.  Maybe it’s the countless smaller events where brothers with common interests enjoy hunting, fishing, or camping together.   For some maybe it’s the thrill of competing together in intramural sports, or the mutual reward that follows the agony of brothers "pulling all-nighters" for finals.  It can't be stated in specifics but by working toward common goals, living, and having – literally – the BEST time of your life together, the relationships that you form WILL transcend ordinary friendship.  After you graduate, you will choose to live near and stay in touch with your brothers.  You will meet on a regular basis at gatherings both large and small.  You will enjoy weddings together.  You will support each other during funerals of loved ones.  You will share in career success and you will find unconditional support when you stumble.  You will find your best friend, or as we like to say….your “brother of another mother”.

Leadership Opportunities

You will hone your leadership skills through hands-on experiences and adopt effective leadership habits that are coveted by employers…Sigma Rho offers an extraordinary opportunity for you to become a leader. The fraternity is self-governing and provides hands-on leadership experience. Sigma Rho has a responsibility of services to its members, MTU and the community. To meet these responsibilities, you will have no choice but to gain valuable leadership skills.  To run day to day and fraternity-related activities, Sigma Rho has multiple offices and a variety of committees.  By holding an office or by participating in a committee, you will gain important knowledge and experience in organizing and working with people.  Whether you hold such an office, organize an event, balance the chapter books, maintain the chapter house, provide a community service or help a brother with his homework, you will hone your leadership skills through experiences and adopt effective leadership habits.

In addition to Chapter-specific leadership opportunities, members of Sigma Rho are encouraged to participate in the Interfraternity Council (IFC).  The IFC is the major governing body of the Greek system at MTU and provides members the opportunity to take part in rule-making, interaction with MTU faculty and gain valuable leadership experiences.

Scholarship Opportunities/Academic Support

You will have access to scholarships, the support of those around you, and academic resources that create a solid foundation for your academic success…Let’s face it, the academic portion of your college life is the greatest determinant of your success. Although the classes you have taken in high school were undoubtedly difficult, much more will be demanded of you in college. For most college freshmen, this transition is often very challenging. Being a part of Sigma Rho will provide you with the resources it takes to make this transition and give you the foundation to succeed.   Sigma Rho makes an important contribution in this area by:

  • Setting a minimum grade point average for membership;
  • Giving you the chance to earn scholarships and awards to advance your education;
  • Giving you the chance to learn from your peers and upperclassman in a supportive environment;
  • Providing organized study areas to encourage proper study habits; and
  • Providing valuable tutoring/study sessions,

The resources available to members of Sigma Rho put you in a position to excel and create a solid foundation for your academic success.

Community Service & Philanthropy

You will have the opportunity to help others while broadening your knowledge of people and society… Working together on community service/philanthropic projects not only benefits the community and worthy causes but also fosters personal growth and greater unity among members. Participation in these types of projects will give you a great sense of satisfaction, keep you grounded, and foster your development as a well-rounded, productive member of society.  Just a few of the numerous activities that Sigma Rho volunteers participate in include:

  • Shoveling snow and raking leaves for the elderly through Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly (Note:  you’ll have a hard time finding a member who didn’t get to eat a homemade pasty, piece of pie, or cookie after assisting a very appreciative homeowner);
  • Spending time with the under-privileged children of the Goodwill Farm;
  • Helping maintain/improve the Tech Trails;
  • Judging local Halloween costume contests and parades;
  • Assisting with the local Strawberry Festival;

In addition to the community service events mentioned above, Sigma Rho sponsors numerous additional events during Homecoming in the fall, Winter Carnival in the winter and Greek Week in the spring.  These events, which promote a positive image for Sigma Rho, offer an opportunity to give back to the university and showcase our school spirit. 

The House and Grounds

You will be amazed by the house you’ll call home…A beautiful chapter room built solely through alumni donations, a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops funded through alumni donations, 1,000 feet of lakefront, a sand volley ball court, and many many other amenities adorn the magnificent Sigma Rho house and grounds located in Chassell, Michigan.  Located 7 miles south of Houghton, the Sigma Rho House is like a vacation home that you will be able to call your own - when you are an active member and for the rest of your life.  The house is always open to alumni and there is hardly a month that goes by where an alumni isn’t stopping by to camp, hunt, fish, boat, sail, or simply to say hi and treat the active members to some tall tales from “their time a Tech”.

During your time as an active member you’ll be responsible for maintaining and improving your house.  As part of this responsibility, the members gather each weekend for “work detail”.  It may seem like a small part of your life but when you look back you’ll realize that some of your fondest memories and biggest laughs came during those few hours each weekend.  It’s a time when brothers create a strong bond as the result of teamwork and a job well done.  It’s a time when you learn the finer trades such as carpenter, plumber, drywall repairman, carpet layer, painter, mop technician, dish washer, cook and so on.   It’s a time when you develop a feeling of ownership in the house and the desire to look after what is yours.  Maybe most of all it’s a time when you begin to appreciate naps in the afternoon…

Don’t be deterred by the location of the house.  Its location and amenities provide so many more advantages than disadvantages.  If the setting itself doesn’t convince you, you’ll be happy to hear that you can live in the house without a car and make it to class or any event you’ve committed to, on time, every day.  The simple fact is that there are always several brothers ready and willing to drive/car pool, etc. to accommodate those that don’t have cars.  And to be able to head home after a day of classes to 1,000 feet of lake front…..how nice is that?

Social Activities

You will assemble a treasured collection of memories… Want to fill up your social schedule? At Sigma Rho you’ll have more social events to choose from than you’ll ever be able to attend.

Sigma Rho realizes that the most essential reason you attend MTU is to learn and excel academically, however many students will agree (ok, demand) that campus life extend beyond the realm of classroom and include the delicate balance between academia and social life. Social and recreational activities give you the opportunity to meet a variety of people and strengthen your bonds of friendship and brotherhood. Formal dinners, retreats, athletic competitions, alumni, Homecoming activities, Winter Carnival activities, Greek Week, Sigma Rho’s Lawn Party, workshops, interfraternal mixers, campus activities, and small private gatherings of chapter members (to name a few) all offer the opportunity to relax and assemble your treasured collection of memories…


The numerous events we sponsor and participate in throughout the year allow members to truly experience college. The social aspects of fraternal life at Sigma Rho are what will make your college experience more than school.

Alumni Support

You will feel alumni support and encouragement on a daily basis… Sigma Rho has a substantial and deeply interested alumni base.  As an active member you will feel alumni support and encouragement on a daily basis and you’ll be amazed by the generous donations of money, gifts and time.  The role of the alumni as advisors, Incorporate Board members, and as general consultants is substantial. Alumni are able and willing to assist with everything from house repairs to job seeking to providing a place to sleep when you are traveling.  Alumni are responsible for financing the beautiful chapter room, breathtaking granite countertops in the kitchen, new doors and windows and the list goes on and on. 

When you’re looking for a job a few years from now, your skill set often is not as important as your connections. This is unfortunate, but it’s a reality. Being a Sigma Rho is a great way to connect with people, both in your era and through members who have graduated and joined the working world. These relationships often assist members in finding great employment opportunities and advancing in the workplace.

Oh yeah, alumni are great for buying dinner when they come up for a visit…