Sigma Nu
Photography by David Ni, Sigma Nu
“When many think about joining a fraternity, they think about making new friends, attending fun events, and even gaining knowledge along the way. But what I discovered at Sigma Nu transcended the typical fraternity stereotypes. Before joining Sigma Nu, the concept of “Brotherhood” was elusive to me. The term “brother,” in the fraternity context, seemed exaggerated and almost dramatic. However, my perception shifted dramatically after joining Sigma Nu and getting to know the people in the chapter.
One such individual was Mitchell Berry, a remarkable person whom I was honored to call my brother. Mitchell embodied the essence of Sigma Nu in every conceivable manner. He was a cornerstone of our community, known for his unwavering presence for anyone in need, his kind demeanor, and his soul.
In May 2022, our Iota Theta chapter lost Mitchell to a battle with his mental health.
Sigma Nu Iota Theta will continue to honor him, as one of the founding members of this chapter. His legacy teaches us to delve deeper into mental health, ensuring that members of our fraternity and in our surrounding communities feel safe and supported. Below you’ll find personal accounts of our brothers reflecting on Mitchell, our chapter, and mental health. If you’re reading this, you are not alone. You are valued by those around you.”
- Michael Castle, Sigma Nu Iota Theta President and Southern Methodist University ‘25
Mitch, if you’re reading this, you made a lasting impact on this chapter and your legacy will continue. We love and miss you.
“From the very first day I met Mitch, he made it known that he was someone I could rely on for anything. If you were ever upset, angry with someone, or just having an off day he was always available to listen. He was engaged in every conversation, which made you feel so welcomed and valued. Beyond his incredible support, he consistently went the extra mile to ensure everyone was having a good time. It was hard not to smile around him because he was so positive and uplifting. I’ll never forget his selflessness and support. Mitch, if you’re reading this, I’m so thankful for all the memories. You were a constant inspiration for me and I strive every day to have the same positive impact you had on everyone around you.”
- Carter Owings, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘25
“Mitch was a senior when I was a freshman, so while our time together was brief, I can say that behind every interaction I had with him, he was nothing but kind and high-spirited. In Mitch’s memory, our chapter has made it a priority to emphasize mental health, so that every brother has support and an outlet for their mental health concerns. Changing our philanthropy to Mental Health America, setting up an executive position focused on our brothers’ well-being, and working with outside organizations to learn how to support the people around you are just some of the actions we’ve taken. I can personally say that I’ve seen these changes positively affect the Sigma Nu community. I encourage everyone at SMU to consider that mental health is something that everyone deals with, so why not take the steps to positively affect those around you?”
- Thomas Powitzky, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘25
“Love, Honor, and Truth, often referred to as LHT, constitute the foundational values upon which the brothers of Sigma Nu fraternity are built. In espousing these principles, Mitchell Berry consistently ensured that you felt his affection, whether he was attentively listening to your stories or holding you accountable to the very ideals we all swore to uphold. Mitch's unwavering commitment to the brotherhood was always to be there for you, never allowing anyone in his life to fall below the high standards he set for himself. His selflessness came at a price of high self-expectation while prioritizing the goals of others over his own. Mitch encouraged you to embrace your true self, live your truth, and become the person you were destined to be. While I could share numerous stories of how Mitch evoked happiness, laughter, sadness, and even frustration in my experiences with him, he did so in such an unassuming manner that you always felt like the most important person in the room. Mitch exemplified not only the values of a Sigma Nu but also the qualities one would desire in an older brother. While Mitch did his utmost to exhibit the values of Sigma Nu fraternity, he did so at a cost to his own inner peace. Mitch left us with a legacy of remembrance of the person we all wish we could be, but he did so at the peril of his own health and being. His contributions to this chapter will not be forgotten, and the enduring impact of his legacy will continue to remind us of the importance of preserving our individual and collective mental health. Even in his absence, he will always be with us and remind us that however much we want to sheath our inner feelings, we have a brotherhood that is here for us and embraces Love, Honor, and Truth.”
- Chase Moabery, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘23
If you'd like to know more about Mitchell and his story, we invite you to read the previous heartfelt letter written by some of his closest friends here. Mitchell’s legacy lives on in this brotherhood and in our pursuits of Love, Honor, and Truth. In dedication to him, we invite everyone to join us to our annual Σets N’ Nets event supporting Mental Health America on October 14th or donate directly here. Here, we will honor his spirit and work towards a world where no one feels isolated in their struggles.
Sigma Nu, Iota Theta, Southern Methodist University
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