SALT LAKE CITY — In a groundbreaking commitment to the fight against cancer, the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Sigma Chi International Fraternity have announced a historic pledge of $31 million to establish the Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
This pledge, which is the largest single contribution in the history of men’s fraternities, is expected to be fulfilled within five to seven years, significantly surpassing the organization’s prior fundraising efforts over the past 12 years with Huntsman.
Sigma Chi previously made an $11 million pledge in 2019, and shortly thereafter committed an additional $20 million aimed at supporting women’s research, treatment, and prevention.
The fraternity plans to complete this generous donation ahead of schedule, with a finalization set for Fall 2025.
“Since 2013, Sigma Chi has embraced our brother Jon Huntsman’s vision of an end to cancer,” said Bob Wilson, the 73rd Grand Consul of Sigma Chi International Fraternity.
He elaborated on the fraternity’s commitment, stating, “Across North America, these men have worked tirelessly to raise money through grassroots events and their personal relationships, all in hopes of making the dream of becoming ‘The Generation to End Cancer’ a reality.”
Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., a notable alumnus of Sigma Chi and revered for his significant achievements, alongside his wife, Karen, founded the Huntsman Cancer Institute to enhance outcomes for cancer patients and ultimately discover a cure.
The institute is recognized as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and serves the largest geographic region of any such institution, leading global discoveries concerning inherited cancer genes.
The newly established Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation will support groundbreaking research and propel new clinical trials, aiming to provide safer and more effective treatments, improve the quality of life for patients, and potentially discover cures that could benefit individuals throughout North America and beyond.
Michael Delzotti, FAHP, CFRE, President and COO of Huntsman Cancer Foundation, remarked on the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Sigma Chi brings to bear the collective power of nearly 240 undergraduate chapters across North America all coming together to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation.”
He emphasized the partnership’s significance for cancer patients and their families, noting that it will lead to essential breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment.
Delzotti concluded by underscoring Sigma Chi’s rallying cry of becoming “The Generation to End Cancer,” highlighting the positive impact that such efforts have on the fight against this disease.
Undergraduate members of Sigma Chi across the U.S. and Canada have been instrumental in fundraising efforts, mobilizing campus communities through events like Derby Days and year-round fundraising initiatives.
During the 2024-2025 school year alone, Sigma Chi chapters achieved a record-breaking fundraising total of $5 million.
Mary Beckerle, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute, expressed gratitude to Sigma Chi for their renewed commitment, stating, “Huntsman Cancer Institute is united with Sigma Chi in our ambition to end cancer as we know it.”
She elaborated on the potential impact of the new center, which she believes will allow for the advancement of cutting-edge science and clinical trials that could significantly alter cancer outcomes across North America and beyond.
The Huntsman Cancer Foundation is dedicated to raising essential funds to support the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute, focusing on understanding cancer, developing and improving treatment, alleviating patient suffering, and providing education on cancer risk, prevention, and care.
As a public, functionally integrated Type 3 501(c)(3) organization, all fundraising initiatives for HCI are executed through the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
The collaboration between Sigma Chi International Fraternity and Huntsman Cancer Institute represents a significant stride toward innovation in cancer research and treatment, reflecting a shared commitment to defeating this pervasive disease.
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