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Brother Sheridan Settler, walked with MHF Charles I. Brown. During the founders month it is fitting for the Sigma Spotlight to reflect on the past and relish in the rich and deep history of this Wondrous Band. The Sigma Spotlight recognizes Bro. Sheridan Settler. Bro. Settler was born September 17, 1903. He joined Delta Chapter at Kansas State University in 1922. He is the oldest living African-American alumnus of Kansas State University. He received both his Bachelors and Master's degree in Agricultural Science from Kansas State University in 1926 and 1934, respectively. Delta Chapter was very active on the campus of Kansas State University from 1921-1927, pictures of Brother Settler and the chapter appear in the campus yearbook "The Royal Purple".

Picture from 1922

Earlier this year Brother Dr. James D. Hickman of Montgomery, Alabama, gathered a few brothers and interviewed Bro. Settler at his nursing home in Tuskegee, Alabama. Believed to be one of the few brothers alive who walked with Founder Charles I. Brown, when asked if he knew Founder Brown, Bro. Settler replied "yes, he was a small, dark, fellow who came to Manhattan (Kansas) to help us". Bro. Settler remembers the Sigma House at 1020 Colorado Avenue, about 2 miles from the Kansas State Campus; it was the only place where black students could live at the time. He was an avid boxer and athlete but talks about the times and how black athletes could not participate in intercollegiate sports.

Picture from 2004

Brother Settler went on to work as Director of Agriculture for Tuskegee University and Langston University. He knew and worked with Bro. Dr. George Washington Carver and Bro. Robert Russa Moton. He has fond memories of Dr. Carver and has some artifacts that belonged to our prestigious brother. At 101 years of age, Bro. Settler truly exemplifies the meaning of being a Sigma Brother.

Bro. Settler resides at the Magnolia Haven Nursing Home, 603 Wright Street, Tuskegee, AL 36083. If you are ever in the area stop by and say hello to a living Sigma Treasure. 82 years a Sigma Man, and still making strides and history in Sigma.

The Sigma Spot Light looks to recognize members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity who are doing great things in our communities. If you know a brother who may be a potential Sigma Spot Light candidate send his information to technology@pbs1914.org.