Sigma Nu: It’s a Wonderful Life!

As the holidays and the end of 2015 rapidly approach, a few of our alumni have offered their thoughts about what makes Sigma Nu at UNC “a wonderful life.” They share the same sentiment as does the holiday underdog, George Bailey, from It’s a Wonderful Life. In his words, he encourages us to “remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” What better memory of that than your days at Psi Chapter among some of the best friends you will ever have. Read through the memories of your fellow brothers … in their own words … and to leave a few of your own in the box below. Happy Holidays!

 

Greg Grove ’69

 My years as a Sigma Nu at UNC did have an impact on my life to some degree. I would say that being a Sigma Nu at UNC provided a friendly and secure atmosphere in which to study, mature and develop lifelong friends. Much controversy surrounds fraternities and sororities through the decades since I graduated in 1969, but the benefits and relationships gained far outweigh any perceived negative aspects.

I’ve been relatively successful and content with my accomplishments and life since UNC.  I’m pleased that being a Sigma Nu and life’s lessons learned during those years have played a part. (Note: Greg was the president of Grove Capital Corporation from 1984-2000 before becoming the president and CEO of the Guardian Foundation, Inc.)

I’ve been married to Nancy Whalen (Grove) for 35 years this coming June 6th. We have two great sons: Hunter (31), living in NYC, and Taylor (29) here in Atlanta — both doing well in their professions.

 

 

Yes, that handsome guy in front of the Sigma Nu house before the UVA game on 11/09/1968 is Greg Grove with girlfriend and ADPi, Sarah Lynn Dorsey.

 

The 1968 Beat Dook Parade on 11/23/1968.

 

Vance Forbes ’71

The Sigma Nu experience for me has been life changing. Upon graduation in 1971, I went into business with two of my brothers, and although we are no longer business partners, we remain very close friends. As a matter of fact, I can confidently say that even today after all these years, my closest friends are Sigma Nu brothers. Some live in Wilson as well, but some of the others are spread all over the state. A group of us arrange an annual weekend in Chapel Hill around a basketball game and stay at the Carolina Inn. Merry Christmas and thanks for spreading the word about the merits of the Psi Chapter experience.

 

Tim Ward ’76

Now 40 years removed from living in the house, it still seems like home. As long as the brothers continue to believe that “this is the Life, the Way, and the Light of Sigma Nu,” fraternity will bind us together.