This past May, our chapter lost a brother, a best friend, and one of the founding members of SMU’s Iota Theta Chapter of Sigma Nu to a battle with his mental health. He helped get us where we are today, and all we’re left to think about is how we can honor him. If you’re reading this, let this serve as encouragement that you do not walk alone in your struggles; there are people who want to listen to you and help you, even if you don’t feel like it. We wish we could tell Mitch how important he was to us and how much he improved our lives one last time, so we’re doing it here instead.
If you’re reading this, Mitch, this is what we wish we could tell you.
“Mitch was always someone who looked out for others and went above and beyond to bring out the best in people, pushing not just me but everyone around him to get out of their comfort zone and enjoy new experiences. It’s been a few months since I’ve seen him, and yet I feel like he’s not really gone. The memories so many people have shared about Mitch and the support for his memory and his family these past few months makes me feel like he’s still with us, cheering us on from the background. Mitch, if you’re reading this, I know you’re in a better place and I hope that I can live life pushing myself into new experiences, just as you always did for me. I’m proud to call you my Big and I hope I make you proud as your Little. I love and miss you, man.”
- Brandon Ahearn, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘23
“Mitch was more than just my grandbig; he played a mentor role in my life that was missing after my father’s passing. Mitch’s world view was inspiring and heartfelt. He always made sure to take care of those close to him because he valued relationships and family over anything. He and his family treated me like one of their own, and our time spent in Nola will never be forgotten. I wish Mitch was here, even just so I could tell him about my day. His ability to be so present and engaged in conversation made you feel valued and loved constantly. I know he’s there checking in on me and all of his loved ones. I love and miss you, Mitch.”
- Charles Gillespie, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘24
“Mitchell was the type of person that always made you feel like the most important person in the world every time you talked to him. He had the unique gift of crafting the perfect response to every word and sentence you said. From talking to him, you’d never have known anything was going on, you’d never realize the demons he was facing. Like all of us, he was struggling. He did so much for me, and I know he still is from up above. I love you man, and thanks for everything.”
- R.C. Goodwin, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘23
“In every way imaginable, Mitchell was a great friend. He was so special to be around because he carried himself in a fun-loving, lighthearted manner yet was also one of the hardest workers I knew. To this day, I’m still in awe over how selfless of a person Mitchell was too. Regardless of what was going on in his own life, he actively made himself a resource available for anyone going through personal struggles. For Mitchell, your well-being was the priority. If Mitchell were here today, I’d thank him for all the positive impacts he has made in my life. I’d tell him that his legacy of selfless love for others is living on through all the lives he’s touched while he was here with us. And I’d tell him I love him. Thank you Mitchell, we miss you.”
- Patrick McManus, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘22
After Mitchell’s passing, our chapter of Sigma Nu changed our philanthropy to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Especially within fraternities, there is a lack of emotional vulnerability and conversation surrounding mental health. We want to break that stigma so no one has to feel the pain our chapter and Mitchell’s family felt in May. We all have our own demons and instead of ignoring our struggles, we need to address them. No one should live in fear of judgment by talking about what they’re going through. Although they may not always be standing in front of you, there are so many people who care so deeply about you. We encourage everyone to love and support one another no matter what to avoid losing someone else.
Mitchell Berry was a finance and statistics student with a promising future ahead of him and a proud resident of New Orleans. Every day, we’re reminded of his kindness, humor, intelligence, love, and every positive quality he displayed. In honor of Mitch, we have a fundraiser, Σets and Nets with Mental Health America on Sunday, October 23rd. If you’d like to donate please do so here.
Sigma Nu Fraternity, Southern Methodist University
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