Sigma Chi Inductee Enjoys Conference Of ‘Brothers’

Local resident Matthew Klaus, a student at American University in Washington, D.C., never imagined that he would join a fraternity, but last fall he decided to “rush” and “pledge” his American University’s local chapter of Sigma Chi.

Inducted this past May, Matthew enjoyed his first experience as a “brother” at the July 13–20 leadership conference, held in Snowbird, Utah. Founded in 1999, the unique conference is offered three times each summer and hosts approximately 50 “brothers” per session. The program, including lodging, food, and travel, is free of charge to all participants because of the generosity of alumnus Keith Krach, co-founder and president of Ariba, Incorporated, a business-to-business electronic commerce service based in Sunnyvale, Calif..

Matthew faced many physically and mentally demanding challenges while at the conference, evoking personal introspection and self-understanding. Activities included the completion of a high-rope course, bridge building, and orienteering. The program allows all of its participants to expand and fine-tune their leadership skills so that they can be applied in their home and academic communities as well as in their future careers and interpersonal lives.

Matthew plans to apply the various leadership skills he acquired while continuing his positions at Newtown Parks and Recreation, where he assists in summer office work, and at St Rose School, where he is upgrading and revitalizing the school’s computer network. Upon his return to American University this fall, Matthew will begin coordinating “Derby Days,” a weeklong fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network held during the spring semester, as well as directing the University’s Catholic choir.