Charlie Weigand - Founder
Charlie Weigand - Founder
Admin Edit:
Our beloved founder, Charlie Weigand passed away on
November 16, 2021 at the robust age of 95. What an extraordinary life he led! In honor of Charlie's impactful life, and his lasting impact on Sigma Gamma, we held a special memorial tribute service in Oswego on Saturday December 11, 2021. It was a very special event that was also attended by various alumni and SUNY Oswego Alumni Office staff. During this service, alumni Peter Devine (Spring 1983) shared some moments from Charlie's life and recounted the origins of the fraternity. As well, the unique fraternity Creed that Charlie personally composed in 1949 was read aloud for effect. All present lifted a cold one to toast the incredible life of Charlie Weigand. We invite you to hop over to our NEWS PAGE
to see more coverage of this event and for a link to Charlie's memorial tribute.
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JUNE 2017 INTERVIEW WITH CHARLIE WEIGAND, FOUNDER OF SIGMA GAMMA FRATERNITY, 1947
In preparation for Sigma Gamma’s 70th Anniversary, alumni Peter Devine compiled a book chronicling the history of our fraternity. As he was writing the book, it occurred to Peter that there were some details that could only be provided by the founders. Unfortunately, most of our founding brothers aren’t with us anymore. But, our founding President, Charlie Weigand is still with us, as of June 2017 and retired out in Phoenix, Arizona. Peter sent Charlie some questions to reflect on and his responses appear below. It’s pretty awesome to be able to hear directly from the very first President of the fraternity!
Just prior to the 70th, in June 2017, Joe McInerney, another alumni, who also lives in Arizona went to go see Charlie at his home. While there, Joe presented Charlie with a set of Sigma Gamma colors that were made up especially for Charlie, and featured an ER on the front and “Charlie 1947” on the back. Charlie proudly held those up and gave a very inspirational, impromptu pep talk to the brothers that Joe recorded and is posted on this site.
Charlie also held up the very first set of colors ever made up, his classic sweater with the Sigma Gamma crest and his name embroidered on the pocket.
Here’s Charlie’s words as he was holding up this timeless treasure:
“This is the original sweater that 23 of us wore to the first concert that we attended. We shocked the campus with our green and orange and white. It’s a beautiful sweater. This is the founding sweater!”
Then, Charlie spoke to the brothers via video recording and here’s what he had to say:
“We just celebrated a 90th birthday, and I want to wish each of you that are attending the reunion to realize that the fraternity is 70 years old. It’s grown and it’s staying. Anytime you have any doubts in your mind, just reach for that Sigma Gamma creed that I wrote way back in 1947. I think it says a lot. Please do refer to it, don’t forget the Creed. It’s been a real ride, and I’m very proud of you and let’s keep this Sigma Gamma thing going, ok?”
A few weeks after, Charlie followed up with the interview memorialized below:
Q) So, Charlie, can you sum up what inspired you to start the fraternity?
There were very few fraternities at Oswego in 1947, and of them, they only pledged white males. I felt there was a need for new fraternity that did not discriminate in race, religious, or national origin. To my knowledge, when we were founded, in 1947, we were the first fraternity in the State of New York to have anti - discrimination clauses in their Constitution. We should be proud of that. Sigma Gamma was at the very forefront of the nation’s Civil Rights movement. I consider that quite an achievement!
To me, and other founding brothers, the need for more fraternities was obvious. Returning discharged WW11 vets were right there wanting brotherly contact and association. Our group of founding brothers laid the ground work that led to the final constitution and set our fraternity history in motion.
Q) What thoughts did you have on your fellow founding brothers?
Early leaders emerged because they got strong experience by running the fraternity. They faced opposition of those from other organizations that were already established at Oswego who kept putting them down. We were a mixed breed to the fraternity world. I told them we were on the right side and they knew it. We all knew it!
Q) What can you tell me about the fraternity’s first adviser, Dr. Kenneth Gabel? He was a math professor, correct?
Ken Gabel was a man among men. He stood for what was right! He nurtured freedom. I honor Ken as my brother and the strength he gave all of us at times we needed help. When he passed away, it was sudden and it was a surprise to all of us. It was a few years after I left Oswego. But, he made quite an impression on our brothers and we honored him by commissioning a portrait painted of him in 1958. It is still on display at Sheldon Hall and I know you covered than in your history book, as you should have. He really set the mold for future advisers.
Q) Let’s go back to the original meeting you called in the Fall of 1947 where you outlined your vision for the new fraternity. What was the feeling like in that small cabin?
You could feel the pride and spirit in that room! After the meeting, each member was charged with a specific task and completion date. We started running the fraternity as a business from Day 1! Our constitution was hammered out and a formal application was made for the acceptance of Sigma Gamma as a fraternity at Oswego State.
Q) How did you come up with the name Sigma Gamma?
Sig Tau Gamma was a National Fraternity in 1947. They were established as a national organization and were starting up in Oswego around the same time that we were conceiving our fraternity. But, we felt there were some unacceptable clauses in their constitution at that time. We had some friends who were going to be in Sig Tau, so we almost joined them! Someone, one of our new founding brothers, I don’t remember who, suggested dropping the Tau. We then became Sigma Gamma - The S for Scholarship and The G for Goodwill. From that day in 1947 to now, we remain a local fraternity grounded in our traditions.
Q) Back in the founding days, for the first 8 – 10 years or so I think, Sigma Gamma used the color orange in its colors. Now we are strictly green and gold! What can you tell me about the color orange and its meaning?
Our colors remain from the colors of heraldry. Green for Joy and Loyalty. Gold for wisdom and Constancy. Orange for ambition. White for purity and strength.
Q) I’m sure when you first started the fraternity, you and your brothers experienced some challenges. Any thoughts about those challenges?
Our first obstacles were getting to live together and proving to everyone in our college that we were really a worth while fraternity. The Intra-fraternal Council was on our backs for the first year and continued to ride herd on us with everything we tried to do.
Q) What are you most proud of when you look back on the starting point?
My greatest pride was that the fraternity continued to grow with brotherly love and become accepted as part of so many lives.
Q) I know it’s 70 years, but can you look back and share any observations you might have about some of your founding brothers?
Many Charter Members were outstanding especially Joe Giorgio, 1st Vice President. Ed Nalbandian, Kraft was an outstanding Pledge Master establishing early rituals. Bill Horan got things done. Bill ran Horan’s Taxi Cab Service and helped Gamma to be part of the community. I really could go on for quite some time about our founding brothers. They were all terrific!
Q) What stands out as far as special memories of the early days?
I have fond memories of us regularly winning Fraternity Intermural championships. The Greek Games were started by Joe Giorgio and lasted many years. One outstanding service by us that we started from the very beginning was the Sigma Gamma Used Bookstore which as you know, we ran for many decades. I’m sad that we don’t have that source of income now. I wish the school, and the College President would have been more helpful to us in holding on to that tradition. I remain disappointed that something we started and put so much effort into for decades was just taken away from us without much consideration for what it meant to us.
Q) What inspired you to write the incredibly memorable and inspiring Sigma Gamma Creed in 1949?
I do not know what really inspired me to write the Sigma Gamma Creed. But, I do know that our world changed after the atomic bomb started a new age. Living a life became more fragile. I questioned what Sigma Gamma as a fraternity could do to help make our world a fit place to live. Our principles have never changed! We must continue to act as examples to others.
Q) Sigma Gamma has many unique symbols associated with it. One of those unique symbols is the classic size, shape and color of the Sigma Gamma paddle. What can you tell me about how it came about?
The paddle was designed by Ed Nalbandian in the Industrial Arts woodshop. The shape of the paddle was purposely made because of our desire to make a difference. Ed also designed our crest. He was an incredible guy. Full of energy and talent in every way!
Q) The original Sigma Gamma sweater looks like it was the first set of Sigma Gamma colors made up. I’m impressed that you still have it all these decades later! Wow! What happened to all of those sweaters? How do you think we could track some of them down?
We wore our outstandingly sweaters with pride. Our colors stood out with our Crest for all to see. It spoke to everyone that Sigma Gamma was here to stay. In the late 40’s – early 50’s, fraternity sweaters were in. We shocked the school with our colors of heraldry. Our crest was designed by Nalbandian. I also suggest we request help from the College and Alumni Association records. Spread the word to education oriented publications and alumni groups that we want help finding those sweaters! I know they have to be out there somewhere!
Q) I know we keep bouncing around, but any more thoughts about the founding days?
I had no idea how our new approach to fraternalism would flourish within an environment that at the time, at least from what we could see going on with other fraternities, seemed to promote a discriminatory, bigoted, way of pledging new members. We just kept going on with our vision of an open fraternity and we became successful. We knew we were on the right side.
Q) As you know, the original founding brothers all signed a document, known as The Charter, that was signed in 1947 it has been in the fraternity ever since. It was laminated and mounted on a nice frame and we passed it around at the 70th. It’s really an incredible piece of history and it’s terrific that it’s still with us considering everything that the fraternity has endured over the years. Any thoughts about that?
We knew what we were doing in starting a new fraternity was significant, so yes, having each founding brother sign that same paper was something we took seriously. I’m very proud of that document and delighted that we still have it. I’m glad that you showed it to brothers at the 70th. That means a lot to me.
Q) What are your suggestions for improving the fraternity’s communication to alumni?
From my point of view we needed to establish the fraternity for a few years then build communications with alumni of the future. Keep asking alumni to send things to you. Frequent E-Mails to our alumni are a must item today. I don’t do social media but others do, and the active brothers should regularly update the alumni on what’s going on. Keep the connections strong, that’s what is most important.
Q) What can you tell me about the first house at 84 Sheldon Avenue? You spearheaded the move of the fraternity from the small cabin right behind it to that house, starting with the 1948 – 1949 school year.
When we took over the house we knew it would be a great continuing financial struggle. Frankly, it was over our heads financially. Living together was always our goal. We knew that doing so would bring us closer and closer. I thought a leasing agreement for an X number of men living in the same house could be done. Later on, the Murabito’s served as the House Mother & Father, and they kept the brothers on their toes.
Unfortunately, to my knowledge, we have not been willed significant bequests by our deceased brothers, but what a gift that would be if a brother made arrangements in his estate planning that would pave the way for another house on the scale of 84 Sheldon or 53 West Seneca Street! I keep hoping that might one day be the case. I noticed that you mentioned this very thing on the new web site you built. That’s a good move!
Q) To your recollection, did any of the original brothers go on to achieve any degree of fame after Oswego?
Not necessarily, I mean to my recollection they didn’t achieve fame as most people would use that phrase. But, several were successful business leaders, and teachers, and professionals such as attorneys and doctors. And several started their own businesses. I am certain however that in their own lives they have achieved great successes and that’s what that really counts. Following our Creed is only one way to great peace and success.
Q) When was your last visit back to Oswego?
My last visit to Oswego was in 2000 for a conference and my 50th year Anniversary Celebration. I was impressed with the growth of the school. My visit was not what I expected it to be, considering what a terrific visit I had in 1997, for Sigma Gamma’s 50th anniversary. For some reason, Brotherly love was not expressed as it should have been while I was there on that visit. Maybe I just caught up with the brothers at a bad time?
Q) After you left Oswego, what did you focus on?
I served in the USAF Reserve Active duty for 42 years. I also served 24 years as a Professor of Flexograpy at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Q) When you were recruiting new prospective brothers, what things did you stress?
We informed the new people of what we stood for and what values they would be expected to live by. We promoted freedom and civil rights. Equality for everyone.
Q) We touched on Greek Games previously, any more thoughts about them?
The school had nothing like the games on their list. The Games brought everyone into its activity and interaction. It also put Gamma in the spotlight as a leader.
Q) It must have been quite a sight to see that first composite. Any recollections about that?
The first composite photo welded us together. We were on the same page together for the first time. It mirrored our achievement for the first time for everyone to see. We had proved that we existed and we looked forward to many composites in the future.
Q) Were you able to keep up with your fellow founding brothers after you graduated?
After graduation, we each had a future ahead of us. We had to work hard to survive in a society that was less than perfect. There was little time to keep up with the actives on campus. Except for occasional phone talk or chance meetings, very little transpired. Our yearly reunions did the most good in terms of keeping up with how each of us were doing.
Q) The first picture in the student yearbook of Sigma Gamma as a fraternity features a picture of you and Charlie Kirnon. He was the very first brother who wasn’t a “white male”. What are your recollections of that picture?
Not only was Charlie Kirnon the very first black brother in Sigma Gamma, but he was the first black person to be in any fraternity at the school! I suggested that he and I show our solidarity in as many ways as possible. That’s why we were in the first picture of Gamma brothers in the yearbook. Meanwhile, the Civil Rights movement forged ahead in the 50’s. We continued to grow in so many ways.
Q) What other thoughts do you have about going forward related matters?
In my 2000 visit I saw the tremendous growth of the school and of our fraternity. In the decades since our founding, things seemed to have gotten better. There are a lot of improvements that we have to make for the benefit of all of us. Equality has to continue in our lives with others. We have to improve and continue to love one another.
Q) Do you have any advice for new brothers?
Read our Creed. All good character traits flow from it. Our members are free men who treat each other with equality and respect in all the good ways of life.
My advice to Brothers now and in the future, is to continue to believe in all that Sigma Gamma has stood for. Show others how human life should be freed of bigotry, hate, discrimination, and all the evil things that destroy the dignity of mankind.
Q) You know that the house we have now isn’t quite the same as the classic Sigma Gamma House at 53 West Seneca Street. We are currently in the midst of a fundraising campaign associated with Sigma Gamma’s 70th anniversary. Any thoughts around that?
I suggested many times over the years that our brothers start a Sigma Gamma Foundation with the prime purpose of getting a new house. I know things have changed in Oswego, but I hope that can happen again. I guess time will tell. Regular monthly donations by members of $25.00 would raise enough money to allow the purchase of another house. Raising money in five years for the purpose of buying a house does seem possible. Our Business Alumni could set up a working program and manage our account. I know you’re working with other alumni on these efforts and I appreciate your efforts!
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