GSW Sigma Chi raises over $30,000 for cancer research, recognized by international fraternity

AMERICUS, Ga. (August 29, 2025) —Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) Eta Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity was recently recognized for their landmark fundraising in the 2024-2025 academic year. With the help of numerous alumni, generous individuals, businesses in the community and GSW’s sororities, over $30,000 was raised in support of the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah.

The Eta Theta chapter was recognized as one of the top fundraising chapters among the 244 across North America at a special event in Salt Lake City over the summer. GSW Sigma Chi raised the second-most dollars among Georgia chapters, coming behind only Georgia Southern University.

Derby Days Fundraising Chair and junior Harris Bennett of Eufaula, Ala. represented Sigma Chi at the event. “I’m so proud of what our chapter has accomplished,” said Bennett. “Brothers Devon Smith [of Leesburg, Ga.] and Perry Bennett [of Americus, Ga.] were our leading chapter fundraisers and were just incredible.”

He added that GSW sororities “hit a home run” this year. Bennett recognized Kappa Delta's Parris Purmort of Griffin, Ga. and Zeta Tau Alpha's Adriana Hortelano of Ellaville, Ga. for their incredible fundraising that earned them the title of Miss Derby. Kappa Delta edged out Zeta Tau Alpha by a very small margin to claim the title of top fundraising sorority.

This summer, Bennett was joined by chapter representatives Elijah Leon of Tamarac, Fla., Devon Smith, Davis Chatman of Leesburg, Ga., and Brady Henderson of Leesburg, Ga. at another event in Ohio where Sigma Chi was recognized again for their hard work and fundraising success by leadership of the international fraternity.

Sigma Chi will once again host its annual Derby Days, its primary fundraising event, in Spring 2026 as well as other fundraising and philanthropic events throughout the academic year. Learn more about Sigma Chi and Greek life philanthropic efforts on GSW's campus at gsw.edu/GreekLife.

Pictured are (left to right) Brady Henderson, Elijah Leon, GSW alumnus and former Grand Praetor Craig Herring, Davis Chatman, Harris Bennett and Devon Smith.