You might say that Sigma Pi inspired Brother Bob Van Acker to want to give back to his community and serve people who live there.
That is part of the reason why in early 2023, he finished his feat of becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Birmingham.
Graduating in April 2023 from the Oakland County community’s reserve academy, Bob earned the top spot in his class of 12 people and also served as class secretary. He’s responsible for foot and bike patrol for city events, and he serves as back up to the regular officers on duty.
This includes working summer month events in downtown Birmingham as well as the Woodward Dream Cruise, city parades, and high school sporting events. During the other times of year, Bob notes that he might ride as a 2nd officer during that regular police officer’s scheduled shift — he tries to serve at least once a month, usually for a weekend evening shift.
As part of this role, Bob completes continuing training once a month to sharpen skills that range from firearms, defensive tactics, or the legalities of police conduct.
“Serving the people and city of Birmingham is much broader in scope, than say working 1:1 or in more intimate focused groups within the fraternity roles,” Brother Van Acker said. “It’s a continued sense of duty and that it has allowed for me to continue to serve on a broader scale aligning with Sigma Pi ideals and values. This includes inspiring service, promoting the spirit of civic righteousness (doing good for others), and continuing to develop leadership and character.”
Now married in his mid-40s and working in project management field, Bob joined the Zeta Pi Chapter with the Psi pledge class in Fall 1996, He served as social chair, secretary, and sage before graduating in 2001 with a communications degree.
Brother Van Acker in 2013 took on the role of Chapter Director for four years before becoming a founding member of the reestablished Zeta Pi Alumni Association in 2023.
