Sigma Chi makes donation to East Alabama Medical Center

In a powerful demonstration of philanthropy and community engagement, the Gamma Sigma chapter of Sigma Chi fraternity at Auburn donated $36,558 to the East Alabama Medical Center’s (EAMC) Spencer Cancer Center on May 7.

The donation, presented at the center in Opelika, Alabama, was the culmination of the fraternity’s annual Derby Days initiative: a weeklong effort focused on cancer research and patient support. 

 

Derby Days, a tradition newly reinstated by the chapter in the past four years, brought together students from across campus and the Panhellenic community for a variety of events, including a cookout sponsored by Smalls Sliders, a car wash, a dodgeball tournament and a community marketplace featuring local vendors.

The week also included a call-a-thon, benefit days at Chick-fil-A and Sweet Frog and a collaborative event with Irritable Bao and the CARE Humane Society to promote dog adoptions and raise funds.

"Sigma Chi’s Derby Days is a powerful example of how our students use tradition to create real impact. Their commitment to giving back reflects the best of what it means to be part of the Auburn Family,” said Lindsay Holdren, director of Greek Life. 

 

The $36,558 donation to the Spencer Cancer Center is a portion of the total raised during the week. Additional proceeds were also directed to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sigma Chi’s national philanthropic partner, and the Sherard Shaw Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research.

This year marked the first time the chapter chose to split its contributions, allowing it to make both a national and local impact. 

 

“This year, we felt a greater need to have a direct impact right here on the Auburn Family,” said Feb Aba, 2025 Derby chairman. “Through collaboration with some incredible men and women at the Spencer Cancer Center, we were grateful enough to donate the majority of our proceeds through our initiatives in Derby Days and hope to continue this partnership in the future.” 

 

“In 2025, our Auburn University [Sigma Chi] chapter realized a need and made the commitment to use their fundraising efforts to also support a local cause,” said Brian Snyder, chapter advisor. “This effort allowed our members to put a focus on helping those who need it within the university community. We are excited about establishing a longstanding relationship supporting the Spencer Cancer Center through Derby Days for years to come.” 

 

The funds raised will help support patients at the Spencer Cancer Center by covering travel and treatment expenses and providing new equipment for the on-site workout facility. EAMC staff were present at the donation presentation, which was also shared on social media to celebrate the impact of the gift. 

 

“Cancer touches so many lives and is such a delicate subject,” said Landon Miller, Chapter president. “My mom is a cancer survivor, so it has always had a significant impact on me and my family. Being able to donate to three worthy philanthropies, especially the Spencer Cancer Center where we could directly see the change we were making in our community, was a powerful and rewarding experience.” 

 

This year’s Derby Days marked the fourth since the event’s return to Auburn’s campus. Since then, Sigma Chi has raised more than $250,000 for cancer research. 

 

The fraternity’s commitment to philanthropy continues to highlight the positive role Greek Life plays in shaping Auburn’s campus and the broader community.