Since its re-founding in 2006, Sigma Nu Fraternity at Northern Illinois University (NIU) has earned a distinguished reputation as a premier leadership incubator on campus. The Theta Eta chapter has strategically positioned itself as “NIU’s leading fraternity,” dedicated to developing young men into influential leaders within the Student Government Association (SGA), the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and the broader campus community. Through meticulously planned four-year career trajectories, Sigma Nu has consistently placed its members in top leadership positions, supplementing their educational experiences and preparing them for successful futures. Chapter leaders have held an SGA Executive position in 13 of the last 18 years.
A Legacy of Leadership
The Theta Eta chapter’s impressive roster of student government leaders includes:
- Adam Novotney: 2006-2007 SGA President
- Brent Keller: 2008-2009 SGA President
- Erik Calmeyer: 2009-2010 SGA VP, 2010-2011 SGA President
- Nathan Lupstein: 2015-2016 SGA President
- Matt Holmes: 2016-2017 Student Trustee
- Nathan Hays: 2017-2018 SGA Treasurer, 2018-2019 Student Trustee
- Kevin Schaeffer: 2019-2020 SGA VP
- Kyle Jacobson: 2020-2021 SGA VP
- Jimmy Holmes: 2021-2022 SGA VP
- Raaif Majeed: 2022-2023 SGA President
- Landon Larkin: 2023-2024 SGA Treasurer
- James Innis, Aidan Obrien, Manny Corpuz: 2024-2025 SGA VP, Student Trustee, Speaker of the Senate
In addition to their roles in SGA, Sigma Nu members have consistently held significant positions within the IFC:
- Zack Altoff: 2024 IFC President
- Mason Deyo: 2023 IFC President
- Jimmy Holmes: 2022 IFC President
- Raaif Majeed: 2021 IFC VP
- John Irwin: 2020 IFC President
- Kyle Cowherd: 2019 IFC VP of Risk Management
- Zack Maeder: 2018 IFC VP
- Tyler Denham: 2017 IFC VP
Alumni Success Stories
The leadership experiences cultivated at Sigma Nu have translated into remarkable professional achievements for its alumni. Notable Sigma Nu graduates and their current occupations include:
- Jimmy Holmes: Associate at Merrill Lynch
- Raaif Majeed: Consultant at Gallup, Inc.
- Nathan Lupstein: Recruitment Strategist at Google
- Brent Keller: Compensation Partner at DataDog
- Adam Novotney: Associate Director of Policy Engagement at Indiana Farm Bureau
Testimonials from Sigma Nu Leaders
Current members of Sigma Nu have expressed profound gratitude for the fraternity’s role in their personal and professional development:
Aidan O’Brien, Student Trustee
“Becoming a member of Sigma Nu has provided me with numerous leadership opportunities that have significantly contributed to my personal growth. Sigma Nu facilitates the comprehensive development of young men, enabling them to implement significant and lasting changes on our campus. I am forever grateful for the true fraternal experience Sigma Nu has given me and am dedicated to passing on even better opportunities to future members.”
James Innis, SGA VP
“Being involved in Sigma Nu reminded me how important being a member of a brotherhood is. Surrounding myself with successful individuals that push me beyond what I thought I was capable of has made my undergraduate experience exceptional. Through the guidance and mentorship of the fraternity, I have been able to assist countless students in my positions in Student Government. Men need other men like blades need a whetstone, and Sigma Nu has kept me sharper than ever.”
Zack Althoff, IFC President
“Being a part of Sigma Nu has transformed me as a leader and allowed me to excel within a group that emphasizes personal growth and development. Getting involved not only impacts me as a current undergraduate, but also prepares me for a successful career. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that was provided to me to join Sigma Nu.”
Sigma Nu at NIU stands as a testament to the power of fraternity and sorority life in shaping future leaders. Through its unwavering commitment to leadership development, Sigma Nu continues to empower its members to achieve greatness, both on campus and beyond. As the fraternity looks to the future, it remains dedicated to fostering a legacy of excellence and leadership that will benefit NIU and its students for years to come.
