“I have cancer. I knew that before I was elected Grand President,” says Phillip A. Cox, Indiana ’84. “But the doctors were convinced I had beaten it. Now, over two years since the first diagnosis, the cancer is back with a vengeance, and various treatments and surgeries have only slowed it down. I’m not certain what my future holds, but I know if I go out, I’ll go out swinging.”

Though rounds of treatment have weakened his body, Phil has kept swinging, inspiring thousands of brothers across the nation, especially the ones from his home chapter at Indiana.

To honor Phil, the Indiana Beta Chapter hung a sign above their stairway that reads, “FIGHT LIKE PHIL TODAY.” Brothers who walk through the house pay tribute by placing their hands on the sign as they pass by, encouraging them to seize each and every day.

“Every time I walk to that front door I think of everything that Phil has done for this organization, for me personally and for everyone he’s met in his entire life,” said Jonathan Coss, Indiana ’16, in an interview with the Indiana Daily Student..

Coss isn’t the only Fraternity brother Cox has impacted. His adult life has been defined in large part by his commitment to SigEp, his desire to help others, and the belief that “behind every great chapter is a group of dedicated volunteers.”

“Phil’s like a second dad,” said Denton White, Indiana ’15, to the Indiana Daily Student. “After my parents, he’s the first person I call when I need advice. You really don’t get why someone that important and successful would put his time and effort and every moment he has free into other people. It’s stunning.”

Cox’s “why” is simple: Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love (the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles). In his most recent letter to the Fraternity, he addresses the role that SigEp’s values have played in his life.

“The power of Virtue, Diligence and (especially) Brotherly Love is worth fighting for. And fight we will,” wrote Cox.

At Conclave, Brothers and Friends established the Phillip A. Cox Volunteer Institute to honor Cox’s legacy of service and volunteerism.

Learn more about the brothers at Indiana and their support for Phillip A. Cox.