The Fraternity is saddened by the passing of lifelong SigEp volunteer Rod Smart, Sacramento State ’77. While an undergraduate, he emerged as a chapter leader, serving as California Theta’s recruitment chair, vice president and president. Immediately after graduation, he hit the road as a regional director. His gift for connecting with others and developing leaders was evident as he assisted in launching 12 new chapters during his time on SigEp’s traveling staff.

A witty and warm spirit who always brought people together, Brother Smart will be remembered as one of the architects of the Freeark Society, a network that connects former SigEp staff members.

He continued using his gifts in service to the Fraternity during his long tenure as a district governor. He spent nearly 20 years in the role, recruiting and guiding countless volunteers in Southern California and Arizona. In addition to working with volunteers in his district, Smart was involved in the Fraternity’s national alumni engagement efforts as a member of the alumni task force and the alumni programming committee.

Smart also enthusiastically supported the Fraternity as a longtime member of the Board of Governors, SigEp’s lead donor group for the Annual Fund. In 2021, he was appointed to the SigEp National Advancement Council, a committee that supports fundraising for the Fraternity’s leadership programs.

Smart’s decades of selfless service were recognized in 2013 with the Fraternity’s highest honor, the Order of the Golden Heart.

Some of the brothers who knew Smart best reflected on his impact as a brother and a friend:

“Rod and I served on the SigEp staff in 1977 and remained very close our whole lives. We had many frequent and long calls filled with laughter and stories. Everyone loved Rod, everyone. Sigma Phi Epsilon was a part of his DNA, and he was a loyal and devoted brother his entire life. Rod had many talents and shared his love generously with his brothers and friends. He is irreplaceable in my life, and I will miss him for the rest of my life.” — Doug Nabhan, Purdue ’77

“Rod loved the brotherhood dearly, and it was a lifelong joy for him. Rod was a special guy who always had a smile on his face and a hug for his brothers. A great loss.” — Norm Nabhan, Purdue ’71

“Rod ensured fraternal glee and support. Quick wit, wonderful jokes; real compassion for brothers. He clearly understood, too, that fraternity requires resources of time and money. He served as a catalyst for both. Thanks, Rod.” — Ken Maddox, Oregon State ’75

“I served with Brother Smart as a regional director in 1977-78, and we maintained a very good friendship ever since. Rod would come across a funny thought, a new joke or hear a bit of news, and then he would just call. We would talk and laugh, trade barbs and occasionally have some very serious conversations. I always remember Rod showing up at SigEp events with a bunch of campaign-style buttons to hand out. These were usually faces of SigEps pasted over vintage photos, and they always produced some good laughs.

“Rod lived life so fully…not having him around certainly leaves a big hole. “May the world be a better place and heaven all the richer for the life, love, and labor of Brother Rod Smart.” — Bob Lanham, Indiana ’77

“Rod embodied SigEp’s cardinal principle of brotherly love. He was a friend-maker and a bridge-builder. He was competitive and loved a spirited contest, but he was always kind hearted. Rod was a masterful story-teller. And while he loved to tell a great joke, it was never at another person’s expense. He loved his family and friends and our Fraternity fiercely. My heart is full of gratitude for his friendship, wit, generosity and love.” — Chad Carlson, Baylor ’95