Donor Profiles

Investing in the Future of Sigma Nu

Twenty-five years since his college graduation, Bruce Roullard (Southern Maine) has remained connected to Sigma Nu as a long-time volunteer and financial contributor. Just three years ago, at the age of 45, he decide to establish a planned gift naming the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation as the beneficiary.

"I thank Sigma Nu every day. I don't know what my life would be like today if I had not joined Sigma Nu at the University of Southern Maine," he says.

He says one of the most significant things he gained as a collegiate member was the networking that took place within his chapter. One of Bruce's chapter brothers recommended him for a leadership position in student government. "It opened up a lot of opportunities for me to become a very active student leader on campus, which opened the door for me to be selected to work for the University of Maine upon graduation at a time when others were having difficulty finding jobs," he shares. "If it weren't for Sigma Nu, I wouldn't know the people I know today."

Bruce has served on his chapter's house corporation board for the past 25 years and held other positions along the way such as chapter advisor, district commander and, his current position, division commander. He also volunteers as a LEAD facilitator for chapters in his New England division. Staying connected to the collegiate experience has given him a strong appreciation for how the Fraternity builds better brothers and stronger citizens.

"LEAD is the single-most important endeavor the Fraternity has undertaken to contribute to the development of a young man. It is part of the reason I've donated to the Foundation over the years. I've seen LEAD evolve from one to four phases, and it continues to develop and become stronger. I think it's an outstanding program," he says.

Bruce hopes his commitment to a planned gift will encourage other brothers to do the same, whether that's naming Sigma Nu as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or designating a percentage of their estate. "A lot of people may not think about setting up a planned gift arrangement, likely because they don't have their estate planned yet. But I think more and more people are becoming aware. When you hit 40, you should really start to think about it. At 50, you should definitely make a commitment to have your estate planned. People who work for large organizations such as Bank of America, where I am employed, often have paid life insurance as part of their benefits package. One example of giving back to Sigma Nu is designating the Foundation as a beneficiary of a corporate paid life insurance policy," Bruce explains.

"Personally, I made the decision three years ago and, though I may modify my gift as I get older, it's important to me as I reflect on the experience I had as a collegian and as an alumnus over the last 25 years. I give because Sigma Nu gave me such a great learning experience. It also created leadership opportunities and some really long-lasting friendships. Altogether, these things kept me very interested in the Fraternity and gave me a real desire to want to give back," he shares.

"Everything I've received from the Fraternity has made my life what it is today. I have a great love for Sigma Nu. Because of that, it's important to me to communicate that Sigma Nu will be remembered by me," he says.