Sigma Nu members are collecting money all week in order to fight a genetic disorder

The 30 or so brothers of Sigma Nu fraternity will go about their daily routines as usual this week, just without pants.

“I knew it would take something outrageous to get people’s attention,” said Michael Parisi, Sigma Nu philanthropy chair. “‘No Pants Week’ was the obvious solution.”

“No Pants Week,” a weeklong philanthropy, begins today. Sigma Nu members are wearing Sigma Nu shirts and anything but pants while raising money and awareness to combat neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on nerves all over the body.

After three of Sigma Nu Nick Cheyney’s family members were diagnosed with the disease, brothers in the fraternity decided to take a stance against the illness, Parisi said.

“I am very thankful that my brothers are helping my family out with this horrible disease,” Cheyney said.

They are carrying donation jars so students, faculty and staff can donate money to the cause.

“We made a schedule for the week to add a little flavor,” Parisi said.

Today is “Billboard a Butt Day.” Members will be wearing spandex while advertising their favorite sorority.

Sigma Nu member Ray Campbell will do stand-up comedy tomorrow at The Bar’n. All are welcome, and admission will be by donation at the door.

As part of “Keep Kampus Klean in Kilts,” brothers will perform campus clean-up services Wednesday while adorned in the traditional Scottish garment.

On Thursday representatives of the fraternity will put on a luau dance in Risman Plaza from 10 a.m. until sunset.

“The No-Pants Dance” is from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday in Room 204 of the Student Center. The event is an open dance for all willing to shed the traditional attire, and awards will be given for the “Best no-pants alternative” and the “Pants-Off-Dance-Off.” There will also be a live disc jockey for the dance, and admission is $1, with all proceeds going to the cause.

“We are extending an open invitation to all supporters of the cause,” Parisi said. “Everyone is welcome to discard their traditional attire.”

Contact Greek life reporter Jessica Lumpp at [email protected].