LTW... Some thoughts on the Experience

The Balfour Leadership Training Workshop, established in 1947, is a program designed to improve the quality of leadership in the Fraternity. Each August, chapter leaders from Sigma Chi's undergraduate chapters spend four days on a college campus, deeply involved in presentations, discussions, and problem-solving sessions about chapter operations and other issues that affect a chapter's viability. This August the workshop was hosted by the Sigs here at Murray State University, Murray Kentucky.

These are some of our own brothers thoughts & reactions from the weekend...

"Leadership Training Workshop was more than just sitting down and talking about each chapters problems. It was an experience that both leaves you with an overwhelming, unforgettable Sigma Chi experience. 1400 Sigma Chi's come to workshop not really knowing what to expect, and then the bonds of the Sigma Chi Ritual take over and each brother, from all parts of the country and Canada, are united with one common goal, the embetterment of our fraternity, their chapter, and themselves. LTW is more than a leadership conference, it is a walk through our past, an experience where each individual member is reminded of where we came from, why we're here, and where we're going. It reminds us, that we are indeed the "Hope for the Future" _Brother Mike Maxwell

"All I can say is "amazing experience"... an unbelievable chance to meet great guys from across the country who have witnessed and experienced the same things we have and the ability to learn from them... I spent most of my time talking with guys from other chapters. Most of the time, I didn't tell them I was from Murray at first. I wanted to find out who they actually were and what they actually thought of Murray. I was extremely surprised to find that most were extremely pleased with our house, campus, and events... When I did tell people I was an alumni from Murray, I received nothing but compliments. Everyone loved our house, we all don't know how lucky we are...some guys don't even have a... house to call their own. We should all learn how to take care of it a little more. That video at the closing session was awesome. It made me extremely proud not only to be a Sigma Chi but to be from Epsilon Tau and especially proud of all the undergrads who did their part to help. All I can say is...keep up the good work and take this momentum into the fall semester... _Brother Doug McClure

Some LTW Sigs make the trek across campus...

"There was a quote given at LTW. "Nothing is more powerful than the human soul on fire." After it was all said and done... after almost 1600 brothers came together sharing the same goals and beliefs.... after taking part in that which we hold so dear to us....I was touched, moved, inspired. I left LTW with new friends around the country. I left LTW wanting to be a better person. I left LTW with my soul on fire for life, brother hood, and with the spirit of Sigma Chi." _Brother Brent Kleier

"I along with several other brothers went to the house Sunday morning to help clean up the aftermath of that four day party we like to call LTW. I was delighted to find one thousand and six hundred and fourty-two (empty)beer cans, most of which where nattie light and one unopenned beast light. But more importantly the house was still standing and actually better than before. Whoever fixed the columns you are my hero. It was probably a joint effort so every one of you deserve this thanks. Those columns made our house look terrible they bothered me everyday. Now they look great. It really makes the house look good. We have a wonderful house and a chapter to match. Looking forward to next semester..." _Brother Josh Polk

"I feel even more Wally than Gates is... I almost wish that school would have started today(monday) with the fire that was lit under my ass for sigma chi this week, i wanted to have a GO and start the semester out with a bang ... the fire was so strong, it almost felt like being re pledged and re initiated IN FRONT OF 1500 brothers!!!!! Dont let this fire burn out ..." _Brother Devin Davis

The Sig House all cleaned up for the conference...

"Brothers... Thank you for making this one of my best memories of Sigma Chi, if not the best, ever. To those alumni that got us here, your labors brought us to this point and now have placed our chapter on the map as one of the best in the nation. Our brothers across the nation now see what we know and preach, that we are the best. The credit belongs to you as much as it does to any of us. Mike Maxwell... Without him, its hard to say how this LTW would have come out... Enjoy having him at our chapter for the next year, because his shoes will not easily be filled. For those that missed the last core session with the ritual interpretation. That was the single most gratifying moment that our chapter has ever received. After a perfect showing, we were greeted by 1,500 of our brothers giving us a standing ovation. That standing O was for US as a chapter... We represented you well. I could tell stories for hours about how great this LTW was and what it has done for me. All I ask is that we all remember that we took an oath to strive for the 7 ideals of Sigma Chi on a daily basis, are you doing that today?" _Brother Greg Gates

"To the Ritual committee that spent 6 hours a day putting (in) their time, heart, and soul... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have brought new luster to my life and the White Cross of Sigma Chi. You shined tonight, and... should be proud of... your accomplishments... the most unforgettable moment of your Sigma Chi experience. To the alumni who offered their support throughout the whole experience, thank you. Your chapter's name is now held in high esteem by an influential group of people far beyond Murray Kentucky... Your chapter represented you well this week." _Brother Mike Maxwell

See Photos of the LTW Festivities