As a Beta Zeta alumnus, you may know the story of the late Ray Ewry, who we’re all proud to share a history with. In 1896, Ray joined the chapter as a graduate student at Purdue, and that was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the Fraternity. He later became an active long-time member of the New York Alumni Club of Sigma Nu and was a regular attendee at their meetings and events.
Ray’s story is unlike any other—and it is one that we’re proud to have associated with Beta Zeta Chapter. As a child, he was diagnosed with poliomyelitis or infantile paralysis and was told he’d never walk again. But he was determined he would—and after years of diligence, he achieved that and so much more.
After regaining the ability to walk, Ray set his sights on competing in jumping in track & field. He made a name for himself at Purdue and eventually went on to compete in the Olympics. He was never defeated throughout his Olympic career (1900-1908). In fact, up until 2012 when Michael Phelps won his 10th and 11th individual event gold medals, Ray held the record for the most Olympic individual event gold medals (10). …show more content…
Though Ray is unquestionably one of our most accomplished members, we know there have been many other Beta Zeta legends through the years (for their leadership, their kindness, their sense of humor, etc.).
We want to collect and document the stories of the “Beta Zeta Legends” from your era. Please email purduesigmanu@gmail.com with your story—or the phone number to reach you at—so we can publish it in our next issue of The
Ray’s story is unlike any other—and it is one that we’re proud to have associated with Beta Zeta Chapter. As a child, he was diagnosed with poliomyelitis or infantile paralysis and was told he’d never walk again. But he was determined he would—and after years of diligence, he achieved that and so much more.
After regaining the ability to walk, Ray set his sights on competing in jumping in track & field. He made a name for himself at Purdue and eventually went on to compete in the Olympics. He was never defeated throughout his Olympic career (1900-1908). In fact, up until 2012 when Michael Phelps won his 10th and 11th individual event gold medals, Ray held the record for the most Olympic individual event gold medals (10). …show more content…
Though Ray is unquestionably one of our most accomplished members, we know there have been many other Beta Zeta legends through the years (for their leadership, their kindness, their sense of humor, etc.).
We want to collect and document the stories of the “Beta Zeta Legends” from your era. Please email purduesigmanu@gmail.com with your story—or the phone number to reach you at—so we can publish it in our next issue of The