Eta Iota Joins Huntsman's 100k Club
Breaking Records, Setting the Standard
The undergraduates of the Eta Iota Chapter continue to set the standard for leadership and service on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Through hard work, brotherhood, and a commitment to something greater than themselves, the Eta Iota Chapter has continued to raise the bar year after year—not only within the chapter, but across the university and the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
During the 2024–2025 school year, Eta Iota raised an incredible $62,000 in support of Sigma Chi’s national philanthropy, the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. The achievement more than doubled the chapter’s previous fundraising record of $31,000 while simultaneously setting a new school fundraising record. While that accomplishment alone was something to celebrate, the men of Eta Iota were far from finished.
During the 2025–2026 school year, the chapter set its sights on a goal that many considered nearly impossible: $100,000 for cancer research. Through months of hard work, fundraising events, generous alumni support, and an unwavering commitment from the brotherhood, Eta Iota accomplished what once seemed unthinkable. The chapter raised $100,000, earning its place in Huntsman Cancer Institute’s prestigious 100K Club.
The milestone represents far more than a number. It represents the countless hours spent fundraising, the support of the Embry-Riddle community, the generosity of alumni, and the determination of a group of brothers who refused to settle for what had already been accomplished.
A Mission With Meaning
Leading the charge was former Eta Iota Philanthropy Chair Will Short #1052, whose personal connection to the cause made the $100,000 goal especially meaningful.
Joining the 100K Club for Huntsman is an impressive milestone for our chapter. It’s amazing to see what a group of guys can do when we all work together and support a cause that is so near and dear to our hearts. I took on philanthropy chair because I lost my cousin to cancer in 2024. He is the reason I had such an ambitious goal, and I hope I’ve made him proud.
When I told the chapter my goal was to raise $100,000, the guys rallied behind me, brought support, and sacrificed so much to hit our goal. The Eta Iota Chapter could not have done it without the help of the amazing sororities that participated in Derby Days: Alpha Xi Delta, Sigma Kappa, and Tri Sigma.
We are also so thankful for our generous alumni who enjoy breaking records and donating to such an amazing cause just as much as we do, and for supporting us in our record-breaking year. Every dollar raised is helping us become the Generation to End Cancer.
I hope future generations will no longer have to raise money for cancer research, but until then, the Eta Iota Chapter will continue to break records and achieve milestones to end this battle.”
The success of the $100,000 campaign was truly a chapter-wide effort. The support of Alpha Xi Delta, Sigma Kappa, and Tri Sigma through Derby Days played an important role in helping Eta Iota reach its ambitious goal. The chapter also owes tremendous gratitude to its alumni, whose continued generosity and commitment to Sigma Chi’s mission helped make this record-breaking year possible.
For Eta Iota, philanthropy has become more than an annual event or a fundraising competition. It has become a reflection of the chapter’s values. The men of Eta Iota understand that leadership is not simply about holding positions or receiving recognition—it is about using those positions to make a meaningful impact on others.
The Next Challenge
With a new chapter record now standing at $100,000, the challenge for the 2026–2027 school year is already clear: break it again.
Eta Iota is determined to set a new fundraising record for the third consecutive year. While the goal may once again seem ambitious, the chapter has already demonstrated that its greatest achievements come when its members work together toward a common purpose. The men of Eta Iota continue to embody the ideals of Sigma Chi through leadership, brotherhood, service, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
The record may be $100,000 today, but for Eta Iota, it is simply the next milestone to surpass.