Sigma Chi Fraternity Sets Embry-Riddle Student Organization Fundraising Record
The Eta Iota Chapter of Sigma Chi, which calls Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus home, has been honored for its fundraising efforts on behalf of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
During the 2024-25 academic year, the fraternity raised more than $50,000 and earned the title of highest fundraising student organization in Embry-Riddle history.
For the brothers of Eta Iota, raising funds for the Huntsman Cancer Institute has been a passion, a privilege and a reflection of the power of the Eagle community. The Huntsman Cancer Institute — which offers innovative cancer research, treatments and patient care — was founded by Sigma Chi brother John Huntsman, Sr., and became Sigma Chi’s sole preferred philanthropic partner in 2012.
“Raising $62,000 is a testament to the good that the Embry-Riddle community can do,” said Christopher Adam, the 2024-25 philanthropy chair for Eta Iota. “It truly shows the power of the community here when a chapter as small as ours is able to beat larger chapters.”
Eta Iota’s fundraising effort shattered its own fundraising record of $27,000, set three years ago. The fraternity hosted more than a half dozen events over the course of the year, including its first-ever Call-A-Thon as part of Sigma Chi Derby Days.
During Derby Days — a week-long philanthropy event held by many Sigma Chi chapters — Eta Iota pooled the hard work of its brothers with the generosity of the Embry-Riddle community. The chapter raised more than $12,000 in just two hours during its inaugural Call-A-Thon.
“It was a huge momentum boost for our chapter during Derby Days,” Adam said. “Many people told me that it would not be possible for a call-a-thon to succeed, so watching the support from my brothers and others was a moment that made me very proud.”
The chapter also hosted its annual 5K color run, as well as raffling events for the back-to-school and holiday seasons.
“These efforts have become shining examples of purpose-driven leadership and action,” said Nicholas A. Damiano, associate director of Fraternity and Sorority Life on the Daytona Beach Campus. “Eta Iota’s impact is both significant and far-reaching.”
In addition to setting an Embry-Riddle record, the chapter also earned inclusion in the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s 50K Club, an honor reserved for Sigma Chi undergraduate chapters that raise at least $50,000 in a given year.
“It was a far-off thought when I started as philanthropy chair to reach $50,000,” Adam said. “To break $60,000 and be in the top 20 chapters nationwide of fundraising for the Huntsman Cancer Institute is the result of the work of my brothers and many individuals around campus.”