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News & Updates

The latest from Sigma Alumni Foundation — campaign milestones, foundation news, and stories about supporting OSU engineering students.

Theta Tau chapter house at 1946 Indianola Ave
Campaign Update

Campaign Launch: Bringing the Chapter Home

We are proud to announce the official launch of SAF's most ambitious initiative to date: a campaign to acquire the Theta Tau Sigma Chapter house at 1946 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH. After years of planning and preparation, Sigma Alumni Foundation is now actively raising funds to bring permanent, alumni-owned housing to OSU engineering students.

The campaign targets $200,000–$300,000 for a conventional down payment on the property. Once acquired, the ongoing mortgage will be financed through a combination of rental income from resident students and continued alumni contributions. The campaign runs through November 2026, giving us an 18–24 month window to reach our goal.

"This house is more than a building," said SAF President Gaven Zou. "It represents decades of alumni investment in engineering education and a commitment to the next generation of OSU engineers. We're excited to finally make this a reality."

Donors can give securely through our Zeffy campaign page. All donations are tax-deductible and, if the goal isn't met, will be redirected entirely toward scholarships and professional development. We encourage all alumni, friends, and supporters to contribute and share this campaign.

Historic Theta Tau group portrait
Foundation

SAF Officially Achieves 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status

Sigma Alumni Foundation is pleased to announce that we have received official recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization from the Internal Revenue Service. This milestone represents a critical step in our ability to serve OSU engineering students and provides donors with full confidence in the tax-deductibility of their contributions.

With our 501(c)(3) status confirmed under EIN 33-1355340, all donations to SAF are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors will receive official receipts for their contributions and can deduct their gifts on their federal tax returns.

"This recognition is foundational to everything we're trying to build," said Treasurer Abram Haghnazari. "It means donors can give with confidence, knowing their gifts are managed by a properly governed, transparent nonprofit organization."

This status also opens the door to additional grant funding and institutional partnerships that will help SAF expand its programs beyond the current housing campaign.

SAF Board of Directors
Leadership

Meet SAF's Inaugural Board of Directors

Sigma Alumni Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of dedicated alumni, each bringing unique professional expertise and a shared commitment to OSU engineering education. We are proud to introduce our inaugural board:

  • Gaven Zou, President — Leading SAF's overall mission and strategic direction.
  • Conner Appelgate, Secretary — Managing board communications and foundation records.
  • Abram Haghnazari, Treasurer — Overseeing financial management and donor stewardship.
  • Scott Ewonus, Trustee at-Large — Providing broad advisory guidance and alumni perspective.
  • Andrew Cornell, SAS Representative — Serving as the liaison between SAF and the Sigma Alumni Society.

The board meets regularly to oversee SAF's operations, financial stewardship, and strategic direction. If you're interested in getting involved or have questions for the board, please reach out via our contact page.

More updates coming soon. Check back for campaign milestones, events, and foundation news.

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