From the Sigma Chi International website: As one of the Fraternity’s highest honors, The Significant Sig Award recognizes those alumni members whose exemplary achievements in their fields of endeavor have brought great honor and prestige to the name of Sigma Chi.
Our chapter’s first two Significant Sigs were both recognized by Sigma Chi International in 1973. One is Phil Sanchez (52-T), the father of brother Mark Sanchez (70-F). The other is Sy Tacchino (52-T), the father of brother Jack Tacchino (66-S). Unfortunately both Phil and Sy have passed into the Chapter Eternal.
Local fraternity, Sigma Tau, was founded at Fresno State on November 10, 1921 and affiliated with Sigma Sigma Chi International on February 23, 1952. Over the sixty-nine years of being a Sigma Chi chapter, Epsilon Eta has been able to honor a total of only seventeen Significant Sigs including the two awarded this year, averaging one every 4.1 years. That appears to be a small number, but since the program was started in 1935, only 1,900 brothers have been recognized which averages one per chapter every 11.0 years.
Epsilon Eta at Fresno State, now within months of being on campus continuously for 100 years, has two new Significant Sigs.
I have known brother Brad Fischer (78-S) for forty years, and I am proud to announce his recognition as a 2021 Significant Sig. Brad began paying dues to our alumni chapter in 1981 following his graduation from CSU-Fresno in 1980, and his contributions to our Active Chapter, Alumni Chapter, House Corporation and Endowment are well documented. Now his achievements in the banking industry can also be celebrated.
Brad has spent forty-three years in the banking industry and has become one of the most productive and respected bankers in our region. During those years he has proven his leadership in his industry, and his employers have rewarded him with advancement, honors and awards. The fact that he has served only two banks during his long career is a strong indication of his abilities, achievements and also his loyalty. Brad began his career at Bank of America where he met his wife, Linda, and is now Operations Area Manager for Premier Valley Bank.
Joining Brad in the 2021 class of Significant Sigs is brother Darryl Horowitt (75-F). Darryl graduated from CSU-Long Beach in 1978 with a degree in history, and earned his law degree from Western State University, College of Law in Irvine, CA. He was admitted into practice in 1981 and worked in Orange County for a few years before joining a law firm in Fresno. He affiliated with our alumni chapter decades ago and has attended many events.
I am also proud to announce Darryl’s recognition as a 2021 Significant Sig. I met Darryl more than a quarter century ago when our company needed legal advice. He has several areas of expertise including construction. Darryl is managing partner of Coleman and Horowitt, LLP in Fresno, and the firm has offices in six California cities. He has many honors and awards in the law industry including being named one of the Top 100 Litigators in California by the American Society of Legal Advocates, an invitation only association of top attorneys.
Let us be proud to welcome the two newest Significant Sigs, brothers Brad Fischer and Darryl Horowitt! – by Mike Patton (63-S)