Donor Profiles

Giving Back to Sigma Nu

As an Ambassador for the Foundation's Building Upon the Rock Capital Campaign, Al Wurster (Purdue) has long believed in the unique impact of fraternity membership. He has been a Foundation donor since the mid-90s and has served Beta Zeta as House Corporation President, Chapter Advisor, and Alumni Chapter Worthy Commander.

Al also has a steady history of serving and giving back in his local community. He comes to the Foundation Board on the heels of his role as Chairman of the Board for The 500 Festival, a month-long state-wide celebration held each year prior to the Indianapolis 500. Now, after twenty-one years, he has completed his commitment to the board, but he says he'll still volunteer for the annual parade, an event second only to the Tournament of Roses Parade held each year in Pasadena.

Al came to college with the intention of joining a fraternity; and although he was a legacy of Delta Upsilon, he felt drawn to Sigma Nu. "The guys were great, and I really got along well with them," he recalls. He joined as a freshman, lived in the fraternity house for four years, and served the chapter as House Manager and Eminent Commander. Today, he's still in touch with a few of his pledge brothers. One in particular, Jim Cassidy, is also counted as family, since Al eventually married Jim's cousin, Sally.

In 1986, as a brand new alumnus, Al began thinking about the 100th anniversary of the Purdue chapter, which was five years away. He became President of the Alumni Association and spearheaded a committee of five that analyzed the possibility of either renovating the current Sigma Nu house or selling and rebuilding in the Acres, a popular location for fraternity houses at Purdue. In 1991, their dream was realized with the completion of the new house in time for the 100th anniversary. A few years later Al transitioned to a position on the House Corporation where he remained for two years until his responsibilities with The 500 Festival grew. More recently, he's involved once again in conversations about beginning another capital campaign for the chapter.

Al says giving back is his primary motivation for joining the Foundation Board. "I try to stay involved with volunteer activities," Al explains. "Now that I'm done with The 500 Festival Board, I thought this would be a great way to get involved again with Sigma Nu and make a positive impact on young men through all the Foundation does to support the Fraternity," he says.

He's especially proud of the LEAD Program. "It's one of the things that galvanizes Sigma Nu Fraternity and separates it from the rest," Al says. "Through the LEAD program, Sigma Nu creates an anchor—or, to put it in Sigma Nu terms, a rock—that allows the collegiate chapters to move in the same direction and not venture down a wayward path. It's a guiding light that keeps the Fraternity focused and heading in the right direction," he explains. And he believes alumni need to be involved. "Giving back to an organization that's given you so much is important. It's not just about donating money. Giving back to people and sharing your time is also a key element," Al says.

Al says the contacts and friendships he's developed are the most significant things Sigma Nu has given him. He also values the leadership experience he's gained. "I love Sigma Nu and what it's done for me," Al says. "I want to see that carry on with future generations."

Al and his wife Sally have three children, who range in age from 10 to 17 years old.