The brothers of Sigma Chi really know how to choose their sweethearts.
Fraternity sweetheart and recent University of Memphis graduate Amy Jackson was recently named International Sweetheart of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
“This is such an honor because it means that Sigma Chi as a whole trusts me as a part of their organization,” Jackson said. “It means that they believe I share the same ideals and qualities that they value. It is a great privilege to be associated with such a strong organization, committed to building better men across the country.”
The U of M Sigma Chi chapter selected Jackson in February 2004 as the chapter sweetheart because she had helped the chapter out a lot over the past year.
“I helped them with the capital campaign to raise money to build their new house, helped members improve chapter grades, helped them organize community service programs for the pledges and more,” Jackson said.
Sean Riley, president of the local chapter, said there is no one more deserving than Jackson.
“She has done a lot for us over the past two years,” he said. “She got us involved on campus, gave us tips for interviews, set up mother and son brunches and father and son tailgates. She just gave us a lot of ideas and helpful hints on improving our chapter.”
Jackson, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, became involved with Sigma Chi shortly after a fire destroyed their fraternity house in 2001.
“I was so impressed with the way all of the brothers banded together even in the midst of hardship and the way they demonstrated that being a fraternity man is not about having a house to throw parties in, but is about being a part of something that makes you better,” Jackson said. “I (then) developed some very close friends within Sigma Chi, which led to knowing them more as a group.”
The International Sweetheart application process is a tedious one and the Sigma Chi brothers nominate their sweethearts only when they think they have a strong candidate.
“Amy is only the 30th international sweetheart of the fraternity,” said Brett Collins, Sigma Chi and U of M alumnus. “It is a very exclusive club.”
After completing the nominating letter, application, resume, and reference letters, Jackson passed into the second round. Then, after a phone interview Jackson received the news that she had made it into the finals along with two other sweethearts. As a finalist, Jackson had to give a speech at the fraternity’s Grand Chapter meeting in Cincinnati, where the fraternity also celebrated its 150th anniversary.
“One of the most famous Sigma Chi’s is David Letterman,” Riley said. “So, Amy’s speech was the top 10 reasons she should be sweetheart.”
The undergraduate delegates at the ceremony then chose the winner.
Jackson’s title will last two years and she will not only act as an ambassador for Sigma Chi but will also travel to all major national events and training workshops.
“The international sweetheart coming from Memphis is such an honor,” said Collins. “She is such a good role model for other chapter sweethearts.”
