True Manhood. Democracy. Humanity. These are the ideals that Jimmy Caplan aspired to uphold when he enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1974. At the time, Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity was not part of the University of Michigan’s Greek Life, but that didn’t stop Jimmy. A determined, ambitious young man, he gathered a group of like-minded men to reestablish Sammy’s Sigma Iota Chapter on campus. By the time he graduated, men of outstanding character filled the chapter, and the fraternity thrived.

His dedication and drive to excel extended beyond his love of Sammy. Jimmy was also a talented athlete and an avid swimmer. For four years, he was a competitor on U of M’s intramural water polo team, and he spent college summers as a beloved lifeguard and swim instructor.

Unfortunately, Jimmy passed away while in medical school, but his legacy continues to live on in the heart and soul of every member of the fraternity. Every Sigma Iota pledge class knew his name and learned his incredible story during their new member period, and the Jimmy Caplan Award was created in his honor that only the most dedicated members with outstanding character received. His memory has inspired generations of young men to be leaders and to strive to be the best version of themselves.

Now, to honor his memory, the American Friends of Israel Sport Center for the Disabled is raising $2.75 million to renovate the Center’s Children’s and Hydrotherapy Pool and semi-Olympic pool, and to rename it the Jimmy Caplan Aquatics Center.

ISCD’s swimming program for athletes with disabilities is one of the most advanced in the world. Hundreds of children as young as three years old with varying degrees of disabilities begin their journey in the children’s pool, where they receive one-on-one sessions from specially-trained instructors. Built in the 1980s, the pool is warmer than a standard pool and has a variety of pressure and water movement settings. Because of the heavy usage of this facility and its age, constant renovations are needed. The American Friends of ISCD has set a big goal, and with your help, we can reach it, and honor the most impactful member of Sigma Iota chapter at the same time.