Brain trauma victim Ryan Corbin, an alumnus and former Sigma Nu president, returns for charity event.
By Christine Paulson
Staff Writer
Sigma Nu kicked off its first Talent for Life philanthropy event Monday in a show that had its share of silly moments — as well as its dose of seriousness — to a full house in Elkins Auditorium, which benefited its philanthropy, Ryan’s Reach.
Judged on spirit, style and originality, the women of Delta Gamma won the event. Cindy Cordner of Caf fame even made an appearance as a judge.
“We had an awesome turnout,” Sigma Nu President Todd Smith said. “I feel this is Sigma Nu’s turning point in being involved with campus activities.”
Aside from the fun and games, there were many poignant moments as former Sigma Nu president and brain trauma victim Ryan Corbin came out in his wheelchair and was greeted with a standing ovation from the jam-packed audience. He is the inspiration for Sigma Nu’s philanthropy.
On June 19, 2001, Corbin fell through the skylight of his apartment complex, falling 40 feet to a concrete floor. There was little hope for Corbin to survive. After almost two years and enduring a six-month coma, he is on the road to recovery.
Before Corbin came on stage, his father, PHOTO COURTESY RYANSREACH
Doug Corbin, introduced his son and .COM
cautioned the audience to possibly be Singer Pat Boone and his
prepared for “Tourette-like outbursts.” grandson Ryan Corbin
But no outbursts ensued — instead,
Corbin gave the crowd two heartening thumbs-up.
“See what a $3 ticket can do?” the senior Corbin said to the audience about his son’s improved condition.
Corbin’s appearance on stage, despite his disability, showed many in the audience the importance of supporting philanthropies.
“When we do philanthropy events, we tend to forget about the cause and it gets lost in the fun and games,” Sigma Nu Philanthropy Chair Kevin Assemi said. “The cause of Talent for Life was clear.”
The crowd was inspired by Corbin’s presence.
“When he came out it made me realize how precious life is because as young people we don’t think that something like that can happen to us,” junior Janelle Clayton said.
Freshman Kristen Compean agreed.
“It was powerful when Ryan came out. It felt great to be a part of such a great cause,” she said.
In addition to all the sororities and most of the fraternities, members of the water polo team participated in the event.
“We came together tonight for such a good cause and such a great time. I loved the variety of organizations that participated,” Assemi said. “It’s rare to have that in a philanthropy event.”
Each organization participating in the festivities was required to come up with a skit and a dance that introduced their pledge class. Winners Delta Gamma did a spoof of “Saturday Night Live” called “Sigma Nu Live,” and topped it off with a choreographed dance routine to a medley of songs.
The beginning of the show immediately set the comical atmosphere of the event when the new members of Sigma Nu took a satirical approach to MTV’s Total Request Live. The show was concluded by the Sigma Nu pledges humorously performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
“I had fun watching the Sigma Nu pledge class perform. It was hilarious,” Compean said. “Overall, I thought the show was put together well and everyone had really funny skits. The performances were great to watch and I had a lot of fun.”
Although the first-ever Talent for Life appeared to be a success, the consensus was that “it ran a little long,” Clayton said.
For more information about Ryan Corbin and Ryan’s Reach visit www.RyansReach.com.
November 06, 2003