On May 28, 2026 Sigma Chi International announced Brother Sergio Ilic (87-F) was chosen to be a Seven Lights Alumni, Epsilon Eta’s eighth since 2014.
For the last twelve years, Brother Sergio has contributed to Epsilon Eta in three important areas:
1-Through his decorative concrete company, Heritage Bomanite, he supported the House Corporation to maintain our most important icon as the premier chapter house at Fresno State mostly at no cost. The improvements added to the fun and brotherhood of being a member of Sigma Chi, and the fine chapter house was a feature to be used as a recruiting tool.
2-Similarly, he provided free concrete work for our endowment’s donor brick program which raised $100,000. Our endowment has raised $2M and has pledges for another $1M. When everything is in place we will be able to award $120,000 in scholarships per year, in perpetuity, to our undergraduate brothers at Fresno State.
3-Finally, Sergio, as an important member of the Fresno Sigma Chi Wine Tasting Committee for the last four years, has personally raised $25,000 for our endowment by auctioning priceless dinners at his home. The wine tasting is a fundraiser for our endowment, but its primary purpose is to be a brotherhood event.
Brother Ilic’s efforts and resulting contributions to the three areas above have “cemented” Sergio as one of Epsilon Eta’s most effective supporters.
Testimonial by Past Consul Jordan Ayerza (17-F) – As a proud alumnus, former two-time Consul of the Epsilon Eta Chapter (2020–2022), and recipient of a Founders Scholarship, I am honored to recognize Brother Sergio Illic for his remarkable contributions to our fraternity and his enduring impact on the active chapter. In 2018, Sergio played an instrumental role in the design, funding, and construction of our chapter house’s patio remodel. His vision and commitment not only enhanced the functionality of the space—with additions such as built-in seating and an improved layout—but also elevated the aesthetic appeal and overall presence of our chapter house. The project became a symbol of excellence and pride, directly reflecting Sigma Chi’s enduring values of high ambition, leadership, and brotherhood.
Following the completion of the remodel, the chapter experienced a tangible improvement in both the quality of brotherhood and the reputation of Sigma Chi within the Fresno State Greek community. The new patio quickly became a central gathering place where brotherhood was deepened, events were hosted with distinction, and the values of Sigma Chi were lived out daily. Sergio’s dedication serves as an inspiration to both alumni and active members, reinforcing the Jordan Standard and other excellent foundations that define Sigma Chi. His contributions truly embody the spirit of the Seven Lights Alumni Award and stand as a lasting example of what it means to be a lifelong brother of Sigma Chi.
Testimonial by House Corporation President John Ballinger (65-S) – Sergio has always had a deep passion for Sigma Chi and his alumni involvement over the past twelve years or more proves this fact.
I first met Sergio through my involvement as a member of our House corporation. As the owner of Heritage Bomanite, a long standing decorative concrete installation company, Sergio had been actively involved in our very successful donor brick walk of fame fundraising project. Two years later I would assume the duties of the House Corporation president, and I continue to contact Sergio for his advice and services. Since that time he and I have become close friends as well as fraternity brothers. His love for Sigma Chi began as a freshman when he moved into the house as a pledge. Sergio did not move out until his graduation 4 years later! This past year he addressed his ”bucket list” and took a trip to visit our national headquarters. Upon his return he shared his visitation highlights with our Wine & Scholarship Committee members.
Our fraternity house continues to be the flagship of our Greek Mall. This is in no small part attributed to the generous contributions of brother Sergio Ilic. He has provided his resources and expertise to our many projects over the past years.
Testimonial by Chapter Advisor and Past Consul Giordano Primavera (17-F) – Brother Sergio has made many meaningful contributions to the Epsilon Eta chapter, but perhaps the most impactful, was his design and execution of the patio remodel outside of the Chapter House.
Before the patio remodel, the space outside the house was fairly unremarkable. It consisted mainly of some shrubs and trees, and while it served its purpose, it wasn’t somewhere that naturally drew brothers outside to spend time together. After the remodel and the addition of the new concrete and built-in seating, the entire feel of the space changed. It created a place where brothers could gather, talk, and spend time together in a way that simply didn’t happen before. The patio quickly became a central spot for community and connection, and it noticeably strengthened the social atmosphere around the house.
I remember one night in particular where nearly all of the brothers were outside together around a bonfire. A few of the guys had brought out their instruments and started playing music while everyone else sat around talking and enjoying the moment. It was one of those rare, genuinely wholesome nights that perfectly captured what brotherhood is supposed to feel like, and it’s a moment I will never forget. The patio made experiences like that possible. This is just one of Brother Sergio’s many contributions to the chapter, and it’s a great example of why I believe he is truly deserving of the Seven Lights Alumni Award.
