I was disturbed when I read the Collegian's article about Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity losing its charter. The article seemed to dwell on the negative, only mentioning an accomplishment of the house as coming in fourth place in Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon last year.

What you forgot to mention was that along with my sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, the brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi raised over $173,000 for small children with cancer last year.

A simple ranking of fourth place in Dance Marathon is insignificant, but the money raised for these children means the chance for them to live, enjoy the rest of their lives and spend it with their families who live each day thinking about Thon and anticipating it.

Throughout the years, Thon has brought smiles, laughter and joy to these families and it's because of the dedication of the brothers of "Alpha Sig."

Alpha Sig's participation in Thon is a large amount to overlook considering that since 1984, Alpha Sigma Phi along with Alpha Sigma Alpha has raised over $2 million for Thon, taking time away from fun Penn State weekends to go canning in the pouring rain, snow and ice and taking time away from school work and study sessions to phone solicit to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund and children at the Hershey Medical Center.

It was also not mentioned that Alpha Sig brother, Dave Lys was diagnosed with cancer in 1997 at the age of 21. The brothers of Alpha Sig bonded together and gave Dave the strength and support he needed to conquer this disease.

Since my freshman year, I have participated in Thon with Alpha Sigma Phi. This year will be different. My sorority will hold our heads high and continue to participate in Thon and put more effort than we ever have into this worthy cause that means so much to us.

Many of the brothers of Alpha Sig have already volunteered to continue their participation in Thon even though they are no longer officially part of our fundraising organization.

That shows their commitment and devotion to our cause.

It's so easy to point out the negative but we need to concentrate on the positive because the brothers of Alpha Sig have contributed to this university just as all other fraternities on this campus have in various ways.