Campus Connection

For the past four years, the Chi Phi fraternity at UWL has raised thousands of dollars to make our community safer through the annual Sara Softball tournament that remembers the life of Sara Hougom. Hougom was killed in a random act of violence in 2012. She was a friend to many of the members of the Chi Phi fraternity, like Adam Pannier. “Sara was such a caring person who just enjoyed being around people and brightening everyone’s day,” said Pannier. “I’ll always treasure my memories of her.” Pannier, ’14, has been at each event, including coming back both years after graduating. He sees it as a great time to reconnect with his friends and fraternity brothers and a chance to remember his friend. The tournament has grown from eight teams when it started four years ago on campus to 24 teams spread across three city parks. “I could never imagine something like this,” says Pannier, who helped organize the first tournament. “It’s so great to see how much it’s grown and that we’re having a lasting impact on the community.” But not everyone involved knew Sara. Only one of the current Chi Phi members met Sara, but that hasn’t stopped the brothers, like Logan Tate, from embracing her legacy. “The quote is ‘Live Sara Style,’” he says. “It’s all about living life to the fullest and bringing the best out in others.” Tate is a founding member of the Sara Rose Hougom Foundation. The foundation works with local organizations, like the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the La Crosse Police department to improve the community. This year’s softball tournament raised $7,500. “We want to make a positive impact and bring people closer together,” says Tate. “As much as we want to raise money, Sara Softball is an awareness event and we want people to be conscious of what’s happening in our community.” Sherry Hougom, Sara’s mother, has grown close to the fraternity, affectionately calling them ‘my boys.’ “How they honor my cherished Sara Rose is so beautiful and I will be forever grateful,” she says.