More than 370 Bryant students and other members of the university community came out to support this year’s Derby Days fundraiser, which collected $153,814 to benefit the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Organized by the university’s chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity as part of a larger national effort, the week-long drive, held April 23 to 29, set a new record for funds raised, surpassing the previous best of $115,000 set last year. All of the money collected will support cancer research and patient care.  

Bryant’s chapter placed fourth in North America for fundraising out of the 244 Sigma Chi chapters that participate in Derby Days. Bryant is the smallest school amongst the participants to raise more than $100,000.  

Derby Days is a signature event on campus. Bryant’s Derby Days council, made up of Sigma Chi brothers, sorority representatives and other students, engages the campus community throughout the school year in support of raising both funds and awareness. Their efforts culminate in the Derby Days drive, which took in donations from nearly every corner of campus and was supported by a broad range of campus partners, including headline sponsor Sodexo. Events such as a trivia night, fundraising challenges, and community gatherings all sparked friendly competition and solidarity in the name of helping others.  

“I think this event shows how the members of the Bryant community can come together and accomplish something great,” says Liam Fluharty ’23, Sigma Chi’s Derby Days chair.  

Established in 1995 by entrepreneur, philanthropist and Sigma Chi brother Jon M. Huntsman Sr., the Huntsman Cancer Institute is known as one of the world’s best cancer hospitals and a global leader in the study and treatment of cancer  at the molecular level. Derby Days unites Sigma Chi chapters around the country in support of the institute’s efforts and has raised more than $16 million for HCI since 2005. Over the past decade, Bryant’s chapter of Sigma Chi has contributed more than $442,000 toward that total.