by Mike Patton – Alumni serving on our Fresno Sigma Chi House Corporation Board get to know many in the Active Chapter. I had the pleasure of getting to know Nathan Labiak 94-F during the 1990s, and he was a perfect example of what a Sigma Chi should be. He was soon elected Consul.

Nathan earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Fresno State, and his commitment to his alma mater can be seen in his love for his bulldog, Bella. He moved from Fresno to San Diego in 2003, and is a passionate supporter of San Diego sports teams. He is an active supporter of many community organizations, including the San Diego Humane Society, Helen Woodward Animal Center, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy.

He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Cardiff-by-the-Sea along with their daughter Charleigh Mae 5 and son Gavin 1. In his free time, He enjoys outdoor activities such as running, cycling and surfing, as well as watching San Diego professional sports events.

Nathan moved from Fresno to San Diego in 2003 to join Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He manages money and helps high net worth clients with wealth strategies. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designations and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

With those credentials no one should be surprised that Nathan was named 2021 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors,” which includes only the best 100 in California. He was number 46 for “high net worth advisors” in Southern California. As Nathan puts it, “I am super stoked and honored to have been recognized. And I’m living the dream, but always miss the great friends and people from Fresno!”

by Dusty Lacefield – California came of out of lockdown from the pandemic on June 15, 2021. To mark the occasion, Brothers Evan Selander (12-S), Cody Gomes (12-S) and Dusty Lacefield (12-F) organized a golf tournament which was held on June 26 at Dragonfly Golf Club at 43369 Avenue 12, Madera, CA. The format was a two-man team scramble. Significant Sig Brandon Chaney (90-F) Indiana University donated a 3-pack of his Silverado In Hoc wine, The Founders Red blend, Norman Shield Pinot and Sweetheart Chardonnay in a custom wooden box. Besides being the first social event for Fresno Sigma Chi, it was a fundraiser for the Active Chapter.

 A total of 75 brothers battled the heat and enjoyed an excellent day of brotherhood over 18 holes of golf, with proceeds benefiting the Epsilon Eta chapter. Nearly every generation of Epsilon Eta initiates were represented, with Tom Downing (62-F) and Larry Johnson (71-F) being the solo representatives of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

The day started early as brothers began arriving at the course around 6:30 AM for an 8:00 AM shotgun start. Brothers were provided custom Sigma Chi golf balls, tees and ball markers. Following the tournament, brothers gathered at the  clubhouse for the raffle and awards banquet. Lunch was served and a special thanks to Justin Dervishian (00-F), owner of Deli Delicious on Shaw by Fresno State!  Many brothers took this opportunity to catch up on life and enjoy old stories together.

 Epsilon Eta Active Chapter Fundraiser Chair Logan Mann (20-F) sold custom golf tournament t-shirts, hole sponsorships, and  raffle tickets with proceeds going to support the Epsilon Eta chapter. In total, Logan raised over $3,000!

 Gross Handicap Winners – 1st place: Mark Springer (09-F) and Michael Follansbee, 69, 2nd place (two-way tie): Tom Austin (84-S) and Marc  Graham (84-S), 72, 2nd place (two-way tie): Will McCormick (16-S) and Hunter Medina (16-S), 72.

 Net Handicap Winners – 1st place: Dustin Lacefield (12-F) and Hayden Sorbo (15-F), 61, 2nd place (two-way tie): Jacob Balfanz (10-F) and Nate Avedian (12-S), 63, 2nd place (two-way tie): Chasen Simpson (13-F) and Grant Ogata (11-F), 63.

 

From the Sigma Chi International Fraternity website: “The mission of the Board of Grand Trustees is to assist house corporations in the acquisition, construction, renovation and maintenance of chapter houses that are appropriate residences for our brothers, and worthy of the reputation of Sigma Chi. Grand Trustees are senior elected volunteer officers who serve terms of four years. There are 18 Grand Trustees at any given time, nine of whom are elected at each Grand Chapter.”

On June 26, 2021 Signifiant Sig and Order of Constantine Tony Flores (56-S) was elected to his 4th 4-year term. Previously he had served 2 years as Vice Chairman and 4 years as Chairman. Tony is the first and only Epsilon Eta Sig to serve on the national board.