The David Harrop Memorial Scholarship

Every year, Sigma Pi awards one junior member of the fraternity the David Harrop Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000 award is given to the brother who demonstrates academic excellence while leading and supporting Sigma Pi, as well as staying active and giving back to the local Ithaca community.

The 2023 David Harrop Memorial Scholarship Recipient:
Robert De Jesus ’24

Robert De Jesus ’24

Rob De Jesus is a senior at Cornell’s ILR school and currently serves as the Sigma Pi sage for the 2023–2024 academic year. Rob has always valued his academic endeavors but is also a very committed member of the Cornell community. He served as the vice president of membership and alumni development on the Interfraternity Council and also is a committed member of his professional fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon. This past summer, he interned at Neuberger Berman, where he focused on wealth management operations.

To close, here are Rob’s thoughts on his experience as a Pi man: “I could not imagine Cornell without Sigma Pi. I arrived at Cornell during the COVID-19 pandemic, feeling lost and oftentimes isolated. Sigma Pi helped remedy that and showed me there is a community for me here, one that includes outstanding role models and lifelong brothers. I have served a multitude of roles, from social chairman, to vice president, to sage, but beyond those commitments, the fraternity has only pushed forward my commitment to academic excellence. As an underclassman, I always looked up to the upperclassmen and their ability to be leaders in and outside of the classroom. The culture of academic and professional excellence extends beyond just the undergraduate brotherhood. I have always felt incredibly supported by our vast alumni network and community. I am forever grateful for all the encouragement and support I have received as a Sigma Pi brother. The lessons learned from within the fraternity walls are ones I will cherish and call upon for the rest of my professional, academic, and personal life.”