Four years ago this spring, the Delta Delta chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity lost one of its own. Michael “Cheese” Delo, DD 1394, entered the Chapter Eternal on May 29th, 2007, cutting his life, college career and term as Eminent Commander tragically short.
Though Cheese was gone, he was never forgotten. When the undergraduate chapter wanted to plan and host its own philanthropy, we knew immediately we wanted to honor Cheese’s memory. Thus began “Grilled Cheese for Cheese”.
This year, we solicited the assistance of the ladies of Sigma Alpha sorority to give the philanthropy an extra boost. We hoped that we could raise more money than had been in previous years for the Michael James Delo memorial scholarship.
The event took place on the 26th of January, 2011 at Sigma Nu fraternity and ran from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Grilled cheese and tomato soup were served up for two dollars each, with an “all you can eat” special for six dollars. Over the course of the whole day people all over campus came in and warmed up with some tomato soup and grilled cheese, and donated to a good cause.
Sigma Nu witnessed the bonds of true, lasting brotherhood that day. Cheese’s Little Brother, Pat Thompson, took time off of work and returned to State College in order to assist with the final preparations and execution of the philanthropy. This is the relationship we hope to honor.
At the end of the day a total of over $1,200 were raised for the Michael James Delo Scholarship. In the four years that the chapter has been holding this philanthropy, this is the largest amount we have ever raised for Cheese.
The Brothers of Sigma Nu would like to thank Sigma Alpha sorority for their extraordinary help in their efforts toward this event. We consider it an honor to help out a fallen brother and are thrilled that we could still keep this event running. Hopefully in the years to come we will be able to continue to build upon our success and continue the legacy of Michael “Cheese” Delo.