Sigma Nu
Featuring Andrew Friedman, Ben Stephens, and Daniel Hesemann
In May 2022, the Iota Theta Chapter experienced a heartbreaking loss when our brother, Mitchell Berry, lost his battle with mental health. His memory continues to live on in the way we support one another, serve our community, and uphold the values Sigma Nu represents.
After Mitchell’s passing, Sigma Nu changed their philanthropy to Mental Health America, set up an executive position focused on mental wellbeing, and created philanthropy events dedicated to this mission, such as our annual Σets N’ Nets event.
What follows are reflections on mental health, loss, love, and the bond we share as a chapter. You can find more information about Mitchell and his impact at the end of this letter.
If you’re reading this, these are some personal and heartfelt accounts from our brothers advocating for Love, Honor, and Truth dedicated to Mitch.
People might tell you that they’re fine, but that doesn’t mean you know exactly what they are going through. Even the people closest to you could be suffering, and often you might never even know it. Unfortunately, we have grown up in a society that pressures young men to stay silent and “tough it out” in an act to overcome social norms and stigma.
When I was younger, I had one of my best friends attempt to end her life. I never understood nor could I process why she would consider doing that. To this day, I still can’t fully wrap my head around it. The truth was she was hurting deeply... and all I can think is that I wasn’t there for her. I will carry that burden for the rest of my life.
“If only I was there for her,” I think even now; I wasn’t there for her when she needed me the most. I let her down. As I’ve grown, I believe that you must be there for the ones you love.
I am currently a sophomore at SMU and college can exist as a scary, scary place. Hurting alone is the worst experience, and we have to be there for each other. We have to be better for the ones we love, and they need to be the center of our concerns.
If not you, then who else? Isn’t that what it means to be a friend? We have to be better and try harder for the people around us.
Gratefully, I found that Sigma Nu offers me this opportunity while providing that support. Thank you for listening.
Andrew Friedman., Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University
When I was 16 my uncle passed away, the loss hit me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
He was someone who carried light into every room, and suddenly that light was gone. It felt like the world kept moving, but I was stuck in place, replaying memories and wondering how to carry on without him.
In time, I realized that talking about what I was feeling was not just helpful, but necessary. Conversations with friends and confiding in my family allowed me to see that grief doesn’t have to be carried alone.
My uncle’s death taught me the importance of reaching out, of creating space where it’s okay to admit when things feel too heavy.
That’s why the mission of If You’re Reading This resonates so deeply with me. It’s about reminding people that even in moments of darkness, we are not alone, and that there is strength in vulnerability and in sharing our stories.
Ben Stephens., Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University
Coming to SMU was a complete change of scenery for me.
Part of the reason I chose a school so far away from home, and so different from home, was so I could start in a new place with a clean slate.
I thought I was alone feeling this way. This led to me feeling isolated and dealing with my mental health problems alone. However, I came to learn through my community of Sigma Nu that I am not alone in that struggle, and I do not have to deal with my mental health problems alone.
The outstanding support from my Sigma Nu brothers has completely flipped my outlook on life. I couldn’t be more grateful and happy to be a part of something that gives me this kind of support.
Daniel Hesemann., Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University
Mitchell Berry was a finance and statistics student, a proud resident of New Orleans, a son, a brother, and a friend.
“While I could share numerous stories of how Mitch evoked happiness, laughter, sadness, and even frustration in my experiences with him, he did so in such an unassuming manner that you always felt like the most important person in the room.”
- Chase Moabery, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘23
“It was hard not to smile around him because he was so positive and uplifting. I’ll never forget his selflessness and support. Mitch, if you’re reading this, I’m so thankful for all the memories. You were a constant inspiration for me and I strive every day to have the same positive impact you had on everyone around you.”
- Carter Owings, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘25
“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
“Mitchell embodied the essence of Sigma Nu in every conceivable manner. He was a cornerstone of our community, known for his unwavering presence for anyone in need, his kind demeanor, and his soul.”
- Michael Castle, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘25
“If Mitch were here I’d tell him that he was appreciated and a great energy in all of our lives… one that can’t be replaced.”
-Anthony Losito, Sigma Nu and Southern Methodist University ‘24
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at SMU on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to SMU students, visit our chapter’s homepage.