Service & Philanthropy - Building Better Communities
Giving back is at the heart of the Sigma Chi experience. Sigma Chis are committed to serving the Florida International University community and supporting causes that make a lasting impact locally and nationally.
Throughout the year, our brothers host and participate in various philanthropic events. These experiences strengthen our community, develop leadership skills, and reinforce Sigma Chi's commitment to leadership, service, and making a difference in the lives of others.
Merlin Olsen Day of Service
Every year on September 15, Sigma Chi chapters around the world participate in the Merlin Olsen Day of Service, honoring the legacy of Significant Sig, Order of Constantine Sig, and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Merlin Olsen (Utah State, 1962).
Derby Days and Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI)
What is Derby Days?
Derby Days is Sigma Chi's premier, annual philanthropy week, featuring friendly competition among campus sororities through daily events that promote service, unity, and impact. The week culminates in the Derby Darling competition, celebrating leadership and community involvement while raising funds for Sigma Chi’s official charities, namely the Huntsman Cancer Institute in its mission to eradicate cancer.
Locally, the Lambda Iota Chapter is deeply committed to this cause, historically setting campus fundraising records by raising tens of thousands of dollars every year through events like our Derby Days pageant, sporting tournaments, and FIU's first-ever 5K race.
In Derby Days 2026, Lambda Iota again raised over $20,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). This brings our lifetime Derby Days giving to over $250,000 for the benefit of HCI and other charitable causes.
Why Huntsman Cancer Institute?
Founded by Sigma Chi brother Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., HCI is a world-class cancer research and treatment center. Notably, 100% of donations to HCI go directly to cancer research, supporting groundbreaking, Nobel Prize–winning work that saves lives worldwide.
Sigma Chi's battle cry is to be The Generation to End Cancer™. The fraternity’s fundraising has contributed to major hospital expansions and dedicated floors named after top-performing chapters.
After fulfilling an $11 million pledge in 2019 and a $20 million pledge in early 2025, we announced that we are once again making the largest commitment to philanthropy in men's fraternity history with a $31 million pledge to create the Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation at Huntsman Cancer Institute. This Center will perform groundbreaking research, as well as propel new clinical trials that will lead to safer and more effective treatments, improved quality of life, and potential cures for patients across North America and beyond. Together, we are The Generation to End Cancer™.
