By Angelica Melara
Second year criminal justice major, Hayden Ives has added onto his schedule this fall semester by becoming an active member, and new Chapter Treasurer of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Originally from Ogdensburgh, New York, Ives played football and basketball. He also played baseball all four years of high school, which led his team to win the sectional championship four times.
In the spring 2020 semester, Ives became a part of SUNY Plattsburgh’s baseball team. While on the team, Ives said he participated in food drives and bottle drives, along with fundraisers for people with disabilities.
His fundraising experience came in handy when he became a member of Sigma Tau Gamma.
“For our philanthropy [for Sigma Tau Gamma], we have Journey Into Reading where we read to younger kids around the Plattsburgh area, and we also do fundraisers for the Special Olympics of New York,” Ives said.
Ives continues to make great progress with all of the community service projects he is involved in.
Many people have inspired Ives, and have pushed him further along in his successes.
“I can’t name enough guys that are an inspiration to me because they keep pushing me to do what I want to do, and keep encouraging me, and wanting me to bring out the best in myself.” Ives said.
Someone that Ives considers and inspiration is his big in Sigma Tau Gamma, Michael Buono, said “his [Ives’] charisma, caring and kind nature, and level headedness” are what make him stand out as an individual.
Buono also mentioned that Ives, being a well-rounded individual, would represent his tree very well, and would leave his [Buono’s] trees legacy in good hands when it comes time for Buono to graduate.
Having been around the brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma from the beginning of his college career, “he always came with a smile on his face and was always a good and welcomed guest in our house” said Buono.
Ives’ positive attitude, and personality is what made the brothers think he would be an excellent addition to the organization.
With everyone on campus helping him to become a better person, the people that have helped him most in life are his parents.
“They’ve always been there for me no matter what, and they constantly push me to be the best person I can be,” Ives said.
When he’s not participating in fundraisers, or hanging with the brothers of his fraternity, Ives likes to explore the outdoors.
“I like hiking, fishing, hunting, all that kind of stuff, and hanging out with friends,” Ives said.
This fun-loving individual is still able to connect with members of the community along with his friends amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Ives said that although COVID-19 has changed life for everyone completely, he will continue to do his part in trying to raise money for multiple organizations, and will continue to look at the positives in his life, which he encourages other people to do as well.
