For Mike Roanhaus, Cal Poly – SLO ’70, joining Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity was less about recruitment and more about connection. “I basically followed people I liked being with,” he recalls. “My roommate my first year was a Delta Sig, and after moving off-campus, I ended up surrounded by people I respected—people who were already pledging.”

In the spring of 1970, Mike joined the Epsilon Rho Chapter at Cal Poly – SLO, a decision that would shape the rest of his life. “When I got to meet the brothers in the house, there were 105 actives when I was pledging. I had to get to know 105 different people.” That might be overwhelming for some, but for Mike, it was a chance to engage deeply with a diverse brotherhood. “There were great leaders, great athletes, people who were involved with school. It was the brothers in the house that got me there.”

Delta Sig: A Leadership Fraternity

Even in the early days, Mike recognized the value of leadership in the chapter’s culture. “I played all the sports, had several officer positions. I got to VP and probably could have been president, but I decided marriage was more important. You couldn’t be married and live in the house.”

Despite that shift, Mike never pulled away from the Fraternity. If anything, his involvement deepened. “I’ve never been a follower. I’ve always tried to be a leader. I like the view when you're leading versus following.” That leadership mindset carried into his professional life, where he worked for a large architecture firm. “A lot of people want to help, but they really don't want to lead. Someone has to take charge—and I felt comfortable doing that.”

Delta Sig, he says, played a critical role in helping him develop those skills. “You get out of life what you put into it. So the more involved you are, it may be work—but the payoff is real.”

Even 50 years later, Mike’s closest friends remain his fraternity brothers. “My fraternity brothers are my lifelong friends. We’ve stayed tight. I consider them my trusted advisors.” Through loss, like the passing of his wife, it was the brotherhood that lifted him. “If it wasn’t for the fraternity... I leaned on my family, but my core group of supporters has always been Delta Sigma Phi.”

A Brotherhood for Life

Mike’s story isn’t just about staying connected, he’s a cornerstone in keeping others connected, too. “I took control of our alumni database—tracking all 1,600 of our Epsilon Rho brothers since 1950. I called it a 19,000-piece puzzle. Couldn’t do it alone. We need to work as a team to accomplish great things.”

That bond has inspired Mike and others to keep giving back. Whether through organizing reunions, raising funds for charity, or chairing their annual Carnation Ball, Mike is a constant presence. “We do a Friday night Zoom call every week. Twenty brothers, grab a cocktail, just talk about life. We stay in touch, we show up for each other.”

The Epsilon Rho tradition is also marked by its quirks—like the lasting power of fraternity nicknames. “There are people who only know me by my nickname. That tradition stuck with us, and it’s part of what keeps us so close.”

As for the future of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Mike is optimistic. “I hope it continues to grow, continues to be strong, continues to create great leaders. And I hope that when I see someone wearing DSP letters, they’re as proud as we were.”

Making the Most of Your Convention Experience

In addition to his steadfast involvement with Epsilon Rho, Mike is also a regular at Convention—and passionate about encouraging undergraduates to dive in fully when attending. “Don’t try to stay in your hotel room and expect to get the most out of Convention. Go to the dinners, the wine tasting, the Bond Eternal. Dip your paws in as much as you can. You may not do it again. Run yourself ragged—and rest when you get home.”

To those attending their first Convention, his advice is clear: “Try everything. Get engrossed in everything that’s offered. You have to try it to see if you like it.”

Mike Roanhaus is a living testament to the power of Delta Sig—to the strength of brotherhood, the impact of lifelong community, and the lasting influence of leadership. Mike often reflects on the idea that you get out of life what you put into it, and throughout his Delta Sig experience, he has made sure to get the most out of his investment. His story is a reminder that when you fully commit yourself to brotherhood and leadership, the rewards truly last a lifetime.