From the Grand President
SigEp programs bridge the campus-to-career skills gap
Chris Bittman is a 1985 graduate of the University of Colorado. He served SigEp as a regional director, started 21 new chapters as an expansion director and completed his time on the Headquarters staff as director of chapter services. After spending time on Wall Street with Merrill Lynch and then serving as president and CEO of a $5 billion San Francisco– area investment firm, he returned to his alma mater to become the chief investment officer of the University of Colorado Foundation. He is currently a partner and chief investment officer at Perella Weinberg Partners. A Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient and member of the Board of Governors for 30 years, he was first elected to the National Board of Directors at our centennial Conclave in 2001 and served for 14 years as Grand Treasurer. Chris resides in Denver with his wife, Kenda, and their five children.
This spring, young men and women across the country will take part in an age-old rite of passage that not only celebrates hard work and achievement, but also serves as inspiration for future accomplishments. Yes, graduation ceremonies are a big deal today. Celebrity commencement speakers go viral with stirring speeches as families beam with pride at young graduates who are brimming with optimism and excited to take the next step in their lives. But for many of these hopeful young graduates, what awaits them may be quite different from what they were expecting. Should they actually be a little bit worried? The numbers say, “Yes.” Recent studies show that while nine out of 10 college graduates believe they’re prepared to join the workforce, only half of employers agree. Employers say overwhelmingly that recent graduates lack soft skills in communication, leadership and collaboration. That’s bad news for soon-to-be graduates, as a significant number will be in for a rude awakening. You may be asking, what can SigEp take away from this sobering news? I’m proud to say that thanks to our leadership programs, you can be confident in the men who are graduating from SigEp chapters. Since 2012, the Fraternity has held free Life After College events across the country. Based on the response, our young brothers are clearly hungry for this type of career education. In 2018, 229 brothers from 35 chapters traveled to Indianapolis for training on a variety of topics, including communication, interviewing, creating a personal brand and working with a professional mentor. In addition, 191 of these brothers requested and received an individual career coaching session. Following the event, 95 percent of attendees said what they’d learned was more valuable than the resources available at their campus career centers. Other programs, like the Ruck Leadership Institute, provide undergraduate SigEps with hands-on opportunities to learn critical leadership skills. The institute helps brothers create a plan for building successful teams, setting and achieving goals, and becoming effective leaders — skills they can further develop during their time on campus and immediately put to use when they enter the workplace.
Our 2018 Ruck Scholars have already begun to successfully translate this experience. Jacob Levang, Northern Iowa ’20, said of his Ruck experience, “It helped me look at my team differently and made me go out of my comfort zone to build it. I was able to become a better resident advisor as I learned how to engage people more and [help them] believe in themselves.” David Mackey, Valparaiso ’19, said, “I have always been able to work well with my fellow members of the executive committee, but Ruck provided me the tools and experience to help others around me grow and develop as leaders on campus and in the chapter.” Brothers have turned the experience into results for their chapters as well. Wesley Haines, Wichita State ’19, was elected chapter president and helped to nearly double its manpower following successful recruitment efforts. He shared, “I could not have done this without the knowledge I learned from Ruck, as well as my outstanding executive team.” Jordan Jones, Toledo ’20, leveraged his Ruck experience by helping recruit 44 new members as vice president of recruitment. This group was not only the largest recruitment class of any fraternity on campus, it also had the highest GPA. But Jordan didn’t stop there. He has since been elected chapter president and is transitioning into his new role. Because of the Ruck Leadership Institute, each of these men has had an invaluable experience in teamwork and leadership that will undoubtedly prepare them to exceed the achievements of their peers after graduation. Thanks to our LinkedIn network, employers can easily connect with over 22,000 undergraduates and alumni across a wide range of industries. I have personally hired at least 15 SigEp brothers over the years because I know they leave campus ready to take on the challenges of the workplace. And I look forward to hiring more in the future. As employers prepare to hire a new class of graduates, I expect that the SigEp men joining their firms, companies and teams will be ahead of the pack, thanks to our programs. Fraternally,
Chris Bittman Grand President
O n the Cover
In this issue Following a successful career as a politician and attorney, John Thrasher, Florida State ’65, is now tackling fraternity reform as president of his alma mater. See page 30.
24 departments
4 Commentary Recruiting the right way Fraternity in the news
6 Save the Date 12 Alumni and Volunteer News Alumnus named to Wichita 40 Under 40 list Turner completes 60 at 60 Alumnus helps discover new mammal species Fallen brother honored on charity ride Major gift from alumnus helps students help others Adventurer shatters world records Son welcomes father as Renaissance brother Brother builds successful Triple-A franchise Florida State brother triumphs over early setbacks
36 Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation SigEp salutes Garry Kief at opening of new Foundation Headquarters Board of Governors The Balanced Man Scholarship: an effective alternative to rush features
42 In Memoriam
22
24 Greek Tragedies
Mothers united in grief bring anti-hazing message to Ruck
By Tyya N. Turner
30 ‘A new normal’ for Greek life
chapters
8 Red Door Notes Truman State builds new facility to align with decades of chapter excellence Nebraska alumni support chapter excellence with new top-notch facility
18 Chapter News Emory brothers, chapter take top awards Brother honored for upholding university mission Virginia Tech sets new record for philanthropy Montana State brothers excel on campus and in the classroom Doherty named Kemper Scholar NIC recognizes two SigEp undergraduates with Awards of Distinction Kansas State University celebrates 100 years of brotherhood Oregon Alpha celebrates 100th anniversary Central Missouri brothers mark half century Brothers look back on 50 years at Trine South Florida brothers celebrate 50 years
44 Index Wondering if your chapter appears in this issue of the Journal?
A former political heavyweight, John Thrasher isn’t pulling any punches in his fight for fraternity reform
By Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10
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30
Reader’s Guide 2017-2019 National Board of Directors
Fraternity Staff
Grand President
Chief Executive Officer
Christopher L. Bittman, Colorado ’85
grand.president@sigep.net
Spring 2019 Issue • Volume 116, Number 1 sigep.org • (804) 353-1901
Grand Treasurer
Daniel W. McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan ’90 Grand Secretary
Billy D. Maddalon, North Carolina State ’90
Editor Tyya N. Turner Copy Editors Ben Ford, Arkansas Tech Renaissance; Heather Kirk Art Direction Propolis Design Group
National Directors
Charles E. Amato, Sam Houston State ’70 Bruce W. Anderson, Texas-Austin ’71 Thomas B. Jelke, Florida International ’90 Amy Hecht, Ed.D. Garry C. Kief, Southern California ’70 Bradley C. Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89 Victor K. Wilson, Georgia Renaissance
Contributors Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10 Steve Cook, Oregon State ’76 Ali Harb, Drexel ’19 Bill Kalbas, South Florida ’69 Brian Kassar, Montana State ’95 Missouri Mu AVC Erin Mullally, Michigan State ’99 Aaron O’Roark, Central Missouri ’19 Andrew Parrish, Georgia ’13 Timothy Reynolds, Virginia Tech ’18 Jim Stump, Trine ’76
Subscriptions The SigEp Journal is published by Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity for alumni, volunteers, undergraduate members, parents and other supporters of the Fraternity. Published continuously since 1904, the Journal is issued twice a year. To maintain your subscription, please keep your address current at www.sigep.org/update or send address changes to address.update@sigep.net.
Submissions The Journal welcomes all submissions sent to communications@sigep.net or to Journal Editor, Sigma Phi Epsilon, 310 South Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220.
Advertising For information on advertising, please email communications@sigep.net.
Complete Journal archive online at: www.sigep.org/journal/archive
Student Directors
Kyle Clark, Loyola Marymount ’18 Benjamin Pavich, Christopher Newport ’18 Jacob West, Missouri State ’20
Educational Foundation Board of Trustees President
Edward H. Hammond, Emporia State ’66 Treasurer
Stephen B. Shanklin, Murray State ’70 Secretary
Richard W. Bennet III, Central Missouri ’74
SigEp National Housing Board of Directors President
Kenneth S. Maddox, Oregon State ’75 Vice President
AJ Siccardi, Florida ’98 Secretary-Treasurer
Brian C. Warren Jr., Virginia ’04 Directors
Clark H. Byrum Sr., Indiana ’57 Kenneth G. Christianson, Washington State ’74 Craig S. Kaufman, Washington-St. Louis ’86 Jerry A. Smith, Texas-Austin ’79 Jason St. John, MarylandCollege Park ’94 Daniel P. Sullivan, WPI ’12 Stephen L. Young, Kansas ’80
CONNECT WITH SIGEP VOLUNTEER District governors support our Alumni and Volunteer Corporations and help recruit new volunteers. To learn more about how to volunteer, visit sigep.org/districtgovernors to contact your district governor. Explore volunteer opportunities at sigep.org/volunteers
DONATE Visit sigep.org/give Email matt.parrish@sigep.net
Attend Join our mailing lists to stay current on SigEp events near your city. sigep.org/update Visit sigep.org/nationalprograms
NETWORK Connect with the largest private network of SigEps on LinkedIn and join the conversation at sigep.org/socialmedia
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sigep journal Spring 2019 | sigep.org
Brian C. Warren Jr., Virginia ’04 ceo@sigep.net
District Governors (by district)
1: Chris Lynch, Northeastern ’07 2: David Roman, Cornell ’73 3. Ryan Hayes, Cincinnati ’03 4: Matthew W. Engelhardt, Valparaiso ’91 6: Joseph W. Langella Jr., Connecticut ’83 7: Ron S. Binder, Toledo ’83 8: Josh Hodnichak, Case Western ’10 9: Steven D. Daniels, Memphis-Lambuth ’78 10: Steven B. Chaneles, Connecticut ’83 12: Kelly L. Williams, Tennessee ’92 14 & 15: Brian W. Tenclinger, Louisiana State Renaissance 16: Christopher S. Dillion, Illinois ’03 17: Matt Beck, Iowa ’90 18: Matthew D. Finke, Truman State ’04 19: Luke Luttrell, Wichita State ’02 20: Glenn A. Ezell, North Texas ’87 21: Justin Burnett, Sam Houston State ’02 23: Trent Morrison, Utah State ’14 24: Michael Johnson, Eastern Washington ’01 25: James M. Amen, Sacramento State ’96 26: Renato G. Villacorte, CalPoly-Pomona ’91 Vacant districts not listed
Fraternity Services
Operations
Chapter Services
Information Management
Fraternity Managing Director
Information Management and Technology Director
Zac Gillman, Austin Peay State ’15 zac.gillman@sigep.net Expansion and Senior Chapter Services Director
Paul Andersen, Northern Iowa ’16 paul.andersen@sigep.net Chapter Services Directors
Jason Esau, Murray State ’16 jason.esau@sigep.net Ben Weinberg, Drake ’17 ben.weinberg@sigep.net BMS Marketing and Services Director
Eddie Gonnella, Maine ’17
New Chapter Development Director of Expansion
Austin Chapman, Lawrence Tech ’14 austin.chapman@sigep.net A full listing of all regional directors and new chapter development directors for the academic year can be found online at sigep.org.
Elan Radbil, Massachusetts ’16 elan.radbil@sigep.net Database and Research Coordinator
Mindi Seidel
Membership Information Coordinator
Debbie Hunt
Marketing and Communications Chief Communications Officer
Heather Kirk heather.kirk@sigep.net
Marketing and Communications Director
James Poole, Virginia Commonwealth ’14
Communications Director
Ben Ford, Arkansas Tech Renaissance Communications Manager and Journal Editor
Tyya N. Turner
Volunteer Services
Finance
Volunteer Engagement Manager
Chief Financial Officer
Timothy Laboy-Coparropa, Christopher Newport ’17
Member Safety Member Safety Director
Gary Huff, Central Arkansas ’91 gary.huff@sigep.net Revenue Manager
Donna B. Jarvis
Kathy Johnston kathy.johnston@sigep.net
Accounting Director
Programs and Events
Finance and Human Resources Coordinator
Programs and Events Director
Stacy D. Nicodemus, CMP stacy.nicodemus@sigep.net Leadership Programs and Events Project Manager
Laura C. Curzi, PMP
Leadership Programs Strategy Director
Davis R. Orr, Alabama ’14
Leadership Programs Manager
Alex W. Stepanek, Northern Iowa ’16
Jennifer Meals
Korey Gardner, SHRM-CP Office Manager
Lindsay Morris
Auxiliary Services SigEp Store and Partnerships Manager
Chase Gunn chase.gunn@sigep.net
SigEp National Housing Managing Director
Fundraising and Advancement
Zachary Stull, Nebraska ’14 zach.stull@sigep.net
Director of Foundation Operations
Matt Parrish, Georgia ’08 matt.parrish@sigep.net
Alex Hendee, Fort Hays State ’13 Ben Hutto, South Carolina ’16 Conner Jackson, Nebraska ’16 Jamison Shields, Oregon State ’17
Associate Director of Advancement
SENH Executive Assistant
Emily Lowry Millhiser emily.lowry@sigep.net Director of Advancement
Jake Bredstrand, Washington State ’11 Advancement Officer
Kevin Knudson, Nebraska ’15 Donor Relations Manager
Brittany Outar
Director of Annual Giving
Andrew Gillette, Morehead State ’15
Asset Managers
Cassandra Ratti
Operations and Accounting Assistants
Lisa Nguyen Jennifer O’Donnell
Personalized Profile
Community feed
Record and reflect on your personal SigEp experience
An interactive stream of posts with the ability to like and comment
Activities & Meetings
Challenge Summary
Convenient access to a list of challenge activities and meetings
Monitor challenge progress and plan based on percentage of completed activities
Continuous development on the go Accountability
Officer Transition
Challenge coordinators can send reminders and notes of encouragement to keep everyone on track
Challenge information is stored in the cloud to help officers make a clean transition without any data loss
Meet members where they are
Motivation
An app-based platform is preferred by undergraduates, who are used to interacting on their phones
Chapter brothers can see how their peers are progressing, which encourages them to engage with the app and advance
Learn more at bmpapp.com
Commentary
Recruiting the right way Strong recruitment efforts can mean the difference between a chapter experiencing an amazing year or struggling to achieve its goals. But it’s often difficult for chapters that aren’t meeting their recruitment goals to determine what they should do differently. Here, several brothers share strategies their chapters used to not only recruit more members, but also to recruit the type of men who will be leaders within the chapter and on campus. BMS leads to chapter’s largest recruitment class Brothers, I’d like to tell you all how my chapter’s recruiting efforts have improved since we started using the Balanced Man Scholarship (BMS). At Oklahoma State, we participate in informal recruitment for a month and a half in the summer, so we had not been using the BMS to its full potential. But last year during Carlson Leadership Academy, I spoke with Headquarters staff about how the BMS could be utilized specifically for our chapter and got some helpful advice. The chapter began by creating an application in Google Forms instead of using paper, like we had in the past. University and Greek life officials were very helpful when approached about promoting the BMS to incoming freshman and provided us with email addresses so we could send the application out. Our chapter received 57 applications — well above the six we received the previous year. Those applicants included 25 potential new members with a 3.9 or higher high school GPA, 18 with an ACT score of 28 or higher, multiple valedictorians, 47 high school athletes and eight presidents of high school organizations. The 45 new members we signed in fall 2018 had an average high school GPA of 3.69. That’s the highest in our chapter’s history. Forty of those new members were high school athletes, eight were presidents of high school organizations and 19 had a high school GPA of 3.8 or higher. I believe that using the BMS helped our chapter recruit dozens of quality new members, some of whom only became interested in Greek life after learning about SigEp through the scholarship. Dylan Harden Oklahoma State ’20 Harden currently serves as his chapter’s president and prior to that, was vice president of recruitment.
Lessons on first impressions Brothers, First impressions matter. Be it a job interview, a date or a meeting with a potential business client, the first interaction in any relationship is vitally important. The Balanced Man Scholarship (BMS) is the perfect tool for making a positive first impression on high-quality potential new members before they even set foot on campus. 4
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At Wisconsin-Platteville, we have a rich history of using the BMS as our main recruitment tool. Since 2001, over 80 percent of our membership has come directly from the BMS. Despite this success, we recently received a low number of applications. This prompted the chapter to revamp its approach this school year with great success. We revised our marketing materials to improve the design and messaging. As usual, we mailed a postcard to incoming freshman males. We later took the additional step of sending a letter to parents whose sons hadn’t submitted an application. Marketing the BMS to potential members and their parents not only increased awareness of SigEp, it also enabled the chapter to make a positive first impression before other fraternities. The chapter received applications from 43 percent of the students contacted, resulting in a recruitment list of 334 men. This was double our previous chapter record. Applicants had an average GPA of 3.6 and were involved in a wide range of activities during high school. When combined with our other summer strategies, we saw our attendance at recruitment events nearly triple! Don’t leave anything to chance and always remember that first impressions matter! Chris Yerges Wisconsin-Platteville ’09 Yerges is the alumni mentor for Wisconsin-Platteville’s vice president of recruitment and Balanced Man Scholarship. He works in NASCAR as a race engineer.
Substance-free message appeals to new members Dear Brothers, At the University of Washington, the transition to a substance-free facility has positively affected brothers, the chapter and recruitment practices. We used this change as an opportunity to band together and move toward a new direction, focusing more on what we can do to contribute to a positive culture centered around genuine brotherhood. In return, our relationships within both the Greek and university communities have improved. As other fraternities on our campus begin to adopt similar policies, we’ve set the example for how to successfully make this transition. Promoting a substance-free message assisted us in signing a new member class of 30 balanced men within the past year. With a new member GPA of 3.87 and brothers who were student body class presidents, valedictorians, members of National Honor Society, state champion varsity athletes and so much more, we found that our message brought us individuals who were not only aligned with the values of SigEp, but also cared for their Fraternity from the beginning. As something that we use to distinguish our brotherhood and values from other fraternities, a substance-free policy is a step toward promoting a culture of inclusive brotherhood and a holistic college experience. Fraternally, Edward Afeiche Washington ’20 Afeiche serves as the Washington Chapter’s Sigma Challenge coordinator and was formerly vice president of recruitment.
Fraternity in the news North American Interfraternity Conference bans hard alcohol In September 2018, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) announced plans to prohibit hard alcohol from the chapter houses and events of its member organizations starting Sept. 1, 2019. This announcement, the result of a near-unanimous vote by the group’s 66 member fraternities, marks a major step in the movement to make fraternity houses safer for members, potential members and guests. Since the 2017 vote by SigEp undergraduates to make the Fraternity’s chapter facilities completely substance-free, efforts to curb excessive drinking among fraternity men has steadily gained momentum as the national leadership of Beta Theta Pi and Delta Upsilon also announced plans to make their fraternity homes substance-free, and Phi Kappa Psi announced an immediate ban on hard liquor. These “At their core, fraternities are about brotherhood, personal developpolicies, combined with the ment and providing a community of support. Alcohol abuse and NIC vote, demonstrate a its serious consequences endanger this very purpose. This action concerted effort by stakeshows fraternities’ clear commitment and leadership to further holders in the fraternity their focus on the safety of members and all in our communities.” world to prioritize safety ~ JUDSON HORRAS, NIC President & CEO and true brotherhood over tradition.
Louisiana governor signs strict anti-hazing legislation
New Pennsylvania law elevates severity of punishment for hazing
In May 2018, Louisiana Governor John Bel Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe signed Edwards signed into law several bills aimed at into law an anti-hazing bill named in honor preventing hazing, including the Max Gruver of Penn State sophomore Timothy Piazza Act. The new law is named for the Louisiana in October 2018. Piazza was pledging Beta State freshman who died in September 2017 Theta Pi when he fell into a coma and died in from alcohol poisoning while pledging the February 2017 after being forced to consume university’s Phi Delta Theta chapter. The multiple alcoholic drinks and sustainlaw entails steeper fines and longer prison ing several falls that went unreported by sentences for hazing that leads to members of the death or injury. Anyone convicted of chapter until the “Hazing is counter to the hazing in Louisiana can now be fined next day. experience we want for college as much as $10,000 and sentenced to Under the new students in Pennsylvania. We up to five years in jail. law, hazing that must give law enforcement the Other bills signed by the governor results in injury tools to hold people accountrequire colleges and universities to or death is a able and ensure schools have suspend or expel students caught felony carrying safeguards to protect students hazing and fine organizations that a maximum and curb hazing.” knowingly allow hazing. Together, fine of $15,000 ~ Pennsylvania Governor the new laws constitute some of and a possible TOM WOLF the toughest anti-hazing laws in seven-year prison the country. sentence. In addition, the law allows for properties where hazing occurs to be seized and provides “This legislation sends the clear message immunity to students who seek assistance that the state of Louisiana does not tolerate for someone in need of medical attention hazing of any kind. It is one important step if they remain with the person until help toward ending the culture of hazing and arrives. secrecy in university organizations and creating a culture of openness, honesty and accountability.”
Parents team with national organizations to combat hazing After losing their sons to hazing, four families recently joined with fraternities and sororities to create an anti-hazing coalition. The families have partnered with the North American Interfraternity Conference and the National Panhellenic Conference to strengthen anti-hazing laws and expand education for students in high school and college. A number of organizations in the fraternal community have pledged to support their efforts. The parents who are members the coalition are Richard and Maille Braham, parents of Marquise Braham; Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver, parents of Max Gruver; Brian and Lianne Kowiak, parents of Harrison Kowiak; and Jim and Evelyn Piazza, parents of Tim Piazza.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure no other child is killed or injured due to dangerous and illegal hazing. It will take more than tougher laws, greater parental awareness and university oversight, or a timely display of moral courage and decency to eradicate hazing. It will take all of these things, plus young people understanding that you don’t become a ‘better man or woman’ by watching and remaining silent as your brother or sister is harmed or killed.” ~ RICHARD BRAHAM Father of Marquise Braham
Leader of hazing prevention group calls for understanding, action “There are no real cookbook methods to [preventing hazing]. It’s so much more complicated and complex. It’s really about understanding the culture and community and getting all the constituents involved, from trustees to the student body. This is everybody’s job.” ~ LEONARD SANCILIO president of hazingprevention.org’s board of directors and dean of students at State University of New York at SUNY–Geneseo
THIS IS EVERYBODY’S JOB
~ Louisiana Governor JOHN BEL EDWARDS
commentary
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Save the Date
April 2019
Ruck Leadership Institute
Texas-Austin Founders Day
sigep.org/ruck
Richmond, Va. ........................................ 6/12-16
Austin, Texas .............................................. 4/6
Tragos Quest to Greece
texassigep.org
Greece .................................................. 6/13-23
East Tennessee State 65th anniversary celebration
sigep.org/quest
Johnson City, Tenn. ................................ 4/12-13
Missouri State Alumni/Undergraduate Golf Tourney
legfi.com/app/events/1721
St. Louis, Mo. ............................................. 6/15
Tennessee Tech 50th anniversary celebration
legfi.com/app/events/1425
Cookeville, Tenn. ....................................... 4/26 jabrooks21@gmail.com
Drake Relays Alumni Reunion Des Moines, Iowa ..................................... 4/27 tyler.r.boggess@gmail.com
Massachusetts Founders Day Parent/ Alumni Luncheon Amherst, Mass. ........................................ 4/27 josephlavoiejr@gmail.com
May 2019
July 2019 56th Grand Chapter Conclave Houston, Texas .................................... 7/24-28 sigep.org/conclave
September 2019 Rensselaer Annual Meeting and Alumni Mixer
Troy, N.Y. ................................................... 9/28 alumni.sigepnyd.com
Rensselaer Annual Clams Picnic Voorheesville, N.Y. ....................................... 5/4 alumni.sigepnyd.com
June 2019 Clarion Cheese Weenie Golf Outing Pittsburgh, Penn. ......................................... 6/1 jonbcatz@gmail.com
Lawrence Tech 28th annual Steven Iaquinto Memorial Golf Outing Whitmore Lake, Mich. .................................. 6/1 bclyall@comcast.net
Miami (Ohio) Event in the Tent XVIII Oxford, Ohio ................................................ 6/8 mdurket@rsanet.com
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Is your chapter hosting an alumni event between November 2019 and May 2020? If so, submit details to communications@sigep.net for possible inclusion in the next issue.
commentary
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Red Door Notes
The red door on SigEp chapter houses started at Syracuse University in 1928. While not the only factor in a highperforming chapter, well-appointed chapter facilities support transformative experiences created by the Balanced Man Program and SigEp Learning Communities.
Truman State builds new facility to align with decades of chapter excellence He recalled the difficult discussions regarding the future of the house and the In 1981, a new SigEp chapter was chartered on the campus of Truman State University chapter. “About a year before we made the (then Northeast Missouri State University). decision to close the house, we had started With groundbreaking programming and a preliminary discussions about developing a housing facility that aligned with the desire to set themselves apart from other, Balanced Man Program and was represtereotypical fraternities on campus, sentative of the chapter’s high level of members recruited top scholars, leaders and athletes from the student body. Within historical achievements,” Finke said. “AVC member Todd Birkenholz [’00], presented a few years, the Missouri Mu Chapter of the idea of ‘friend-raising before fundraisSigEp became one of the largest fraternities at Truman State. The chapter boasted ing,’ so we started recruiting alumni to get involved with the chapter.” one of the top GPAs among any men’s Finke also started conversations with organization, developed leaders of numerSigEp National Housing to gather inforous campus associations and groups, and mation about how to conduct a capital began a more than three-decade dynasty campaign associated with a major renovaas frequent winners of the Intramural All tion or new facility. He began reaching out Sports trophy. In the mid-1980s, the chapter purchased and engaging with alumni from all eras of the chapter. At that point, the chapter its first facility. The building was a small, roll was up to nearly 800 initiated men, 30-year-old, ranch-style residential home that sat on a little over an acre. Though not with many of the alumni at the mid-level of an ideal facility for a fraternity, it was situ- their careers. While a few were skeptical or disinterested, most were receptive to ated in a highly desired location adjacent helping the chapter. to campus. With some imagination and a With the backing of the AVC, led by little ingenuity, undergraduates converted Birkenholz; Brian Winkler, ’00; and Matt the family residence into a facility that could house 26 members and serve as a gathering place for the brothers to study, socialize and celebrate. But by 2014, the condition of the SigEp house at 1309 South Florence had deteriorated. The Alumni and Volunteer Corporation (AVC) made the very tough decision to close it and explore other housing options for the undergraduates. Upkeep on the property had become expensive over the years and left the chapter accounts with very little money. The undergraduate chapter was thriving and needed a facility that fit the outstanding programming and experience members enjoyed. Around that time, Truman State graduate Matt Finke, ’04, was serving as Missouri’s lieutenant district governor. He began working with the AVC and longtime chapter advisor Dr. Roger Festa, Truman State Renaissance, on a plan to provide stability along with ongoing alumni support and resources for the chapter. By the Missouri Mu AVC
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Carroll, ’00, Finke created a fundraising and construction committee that would determine the direction for the facility and be responsible for planning, executing and delivering the plan for a new state-of-the art Residential Learning Community. Finke reminisced about his alumni recruiting efforts for the committee, stating, “Recruiting alumni for a project like this is easy if you are able to locate brothers that are passionate about the experience that SigEp provided them when they were undergraduates. Initially, I was able to get commitments from three key alumni brothers who became instrumental in driving the project to success: CPA Eric Janson [’96], real estate attorney David Woods [’96] and sales specialist Matt Judkins [’95]. They jumped at the idea to participate, and their involvement lent instant credibility to our efforts.” The group added several other members to the committee, including Chris Janson, ’92, who had a history in property and facility management. Matt Stack, ’98, a real estate developer located in St. Louis,
also joined the committee, serving as a design and layout consultant. Overall, the committee was a veritable dream team of real estate, construction, finance and sales experts, and their counsel and expertise would prove instrumental in the planning and development of the facility.
A plan comes together By the spring of 2015, they developed a detailed plan to assess the property and the house. The group then engaged fundraising experts Pennington & Company to conduct a feasibility study to estimate the amount that could be raised in a capital campaign and drew up a financial plan to carry out the endeavor. They also engaged colleagues in their respective fields and university administrators to study student life on campus and assess local rental prices, taking into consideration the size of Greek organizations on campus and accounting for trends in student life. The property assessment led to the decision to tear down the existing house and build an entirely new structure. At the same time, results of the fundraising feasibility study showed the potential to raise between $750,000 and $1 million. Additional research with architectural firms and building contractors indicated it would take $900,000 - $1 million to build the new house. The committee realized
Nearly 200 Missouri Mu brothers contributed to fundraising efforts to replace the chapter’s aging home. The current facility sits on the site of the chapter’s former home, which was demolished to make way for the new 7000-square-foot building, complete with study rooms, a classroom and living accommodations for 19 brothers.
A classroom in Truman State’s new facility will enable the chapter to conduct classes at the residence. The chapter also plans to make the space available to other campus organizations and university professors.
Truman State SigEps returned to campus in fall 2018 to a brand-new chapter house designed to enhance the dynamic programming that has come to be a hallmark of the group’s nearly 40 years on campus.
it would be possible to raise enough to substantially pay for the new facility over a short number of years, enabling the AVC to hold a smaller long-term mortgage. With the data and research in hand, the committee decided to set a goal of raising $1 million. In order to hit that goal, a silent fundraising phase was started. Early on in phase one, lead donor Patrick Fontana, ’95, committed a major gift to the project. His generous gift provided the momentum to move forward, and within nine months, the team had gathered nearly 200 commitments. The final commitment came from the second largest donor, Bradley Parker, ’02. The two bookend contributions totaled more than 20 percent of the amount needed and brought the campaign total to nearly $1.1 million. As part of the plan, Woods and Eric Janson worked with local banks to secure bridge financing to begin construction and provide funding while the donations were being received. A concept for the new house was created, and the plans to bring a SigEp Learning Community to campus were finalized.
In September 2017, demolition of the previous house commenced and within a month, construction began on the chapter’s new home. The building was completed in July 2018 and opened in time for the 2018-2019 academic year. The 7,000-square-foot facility houses 19 members. In addition, the home contains a classroom and study rooms, ensuring that brothers will always have a quiet place to concentrate on their studies. The chapter will also make these spaces available to other campus organizations and university professors. The alumni group had little experience in fundraising or building a fraternity house, but under the leadership of Finke, Woods, Judkins and the Janson brothers, it developed a detailed plan to execute what many believed was a misguided dream. Through their constant diligence and tireless efforts, they delivered on their lifetime responsibility to the brotherhood of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Thanks to their dedication, the chapter now has a cornerstone facility that undergrads can call home and where future alumni will return long after graduation to provide continual support.
red door notes
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Nebraska alumni support chapter excellence with new top-notch facility
Brad Knuth, Ross Hecht, Kyle Arganbright, Mary Arth (Glenn Korff Foundation trustee), Ronnie Green (University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor), Tom Cabela, Chad Adams (Nebraska ’81), Todd Adams (’78), and Chapter President Spencer Hosch (’20) celebrate the official opening of Nebraska-Lincoln’s new learning community at a ribboncutting ceremony.
By Kevin Knudson, Nebraska ’15
Since 1929, a red brick building in the middle of Greek row has been a staple of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and home to the Nebraska Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Over the past 89 years, the chapter has counted among its membership Husker football players, student government presidents and leaders of a wide range of campus organizations. Its alumni have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, CEOs, university regents, political leaders and titans of some of the country’s most successful companies. And almost every one of these individuals can point to their time at the SigEp house at 601 North 16th Street as the launchpad for their success. But in recent years, it had become apparent that the quality of the chapter home was no longer meeting the standard of excellence established by the chapter and alumni. A committee was formed to oversee fundraising as the local Alumni and Volunteer Corporation (AVC) began discussing plans to build a premier chapter facility for one of the Fraternity’s premier chapters. 10
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“In every conceivable area, the chapter was meeting and exceeding expectations — every area except our facility,” said steering committee member Brad Knuth, ’84. “The programming that the chapter offers its members is unparalleled, and we realized the time was right for a major investment in the house that made all of those great things possible.” The foundation of that investment was made by Glenn Korff, ’65, who was a partner with Goldman Sachs. At the chapter’s centennial celebration back in 2011, Korff learned about the chapter’s vision to become the leading student development organization at Nebraska-Lincoln. Inspired by what the chapter was already doing to make that vision a reality, Korff, a former two-term chapter president, pledged his support toward that future with a $1.5 million estate gift to Nebraska Alpha. This generous gift would be split between the renovation and expansion of the chapter house and the continuation of the programming and resources he felt were essential to the chapter’s future.
Korff’s gift launched the Second Century Campaign, a $3 million project that has created a living-learning environment where the chapter can promote and showcase innovative educational programs that aren’t found anywhere else on campus. Upon completion in August of 2018, the construction added almost 8,000 square feet to the facility, bringing the house to a total of 19,000 square feet with new spaces for the 140-man chapter to hold its weekly formal dinner and chapter meetings. The most significant impact can be seen in the home’s academic spaces. The project has expanded the facility’s original library and study areas and added more study spaces, provided a classroom for the chapter’s accredited SigEp Learning Community courses, and added offices for the chapter’s faculty fellow and resident scholar. The Second Century Campaign was headed by a steering committee of five alumni (Knuth; Jeff Schumacher, ’79; Matt Nyberg, ’85; Kyle Arganbright, ’04; and Ryan Mendlik, ’06). The brothers
Common spaces on the ground floor (top) and in the basement (bottom) serve as gathering places for brothers and guests to socialize and exchange ideas.
“I can’t imagine a fraternity that defies the stereotypes more, that provides more added value to the campus, to the community and to the lives of its members than SigEp.” ~ Deb Mullen knew that the success of the campaign relied on engaging all generations of Nebraska Alpha alumni to give back to the chapter. To do this, they recruited trustees from almost every era, from Mitch Rodgers, ’07, to Order of the Golden Heart recipient Ross Hecht, ’54. These trustees were tasked with reconnecting brothers with Nebraska Alpha and helping build support for the fundraising effort. Some of the largest gifts to the campaign were made thanks to Nebraska Alpha’s strong history of legacy members. Gifts from the Adams, Holzfaster and Schumacher families were truly multigenerational commitments to help make a lasting impact on the Fraternity that has
done so much for their families. Familial brothers Clete Pillen, ’76, and Jim Pillen, ’79, both made significant contributions so that future Fraternity brothers would have the same great experience they did. Other major commitments came from brothers like Tom Cabela, ’75, and Mark Davis, ’90, who credit much of their professional success to the lessons and values they learned while at Nebraska Alpha.
Excellent programming propels campaign success Early on in the campaign, the steering committee realized that fundraising success often came by simply sitting down with an alumnus and sharing the incredible achievements of the undergraduate chapter. The members felt that even if alumni weren’t familiar with the SigEp of today, the chapter’s accomplishments would speak for themselves. “We tried to position any major gift to the campaign as both a gift back to SigEp for an incredible experience and an
investment in that experience for future young men,” said Arganbright, who serves as AVC president. “Most the alumni we were talking to haven’t been connected to SigEp for quite some time, so we wanted to reassure them that the Fraternity was still changing the lives of young men, just like it did when they were in school. And when they hear what the chapter is doing now, they’re blown away.” Much of the programming that leaves those alumni awestruck was developed by the chapter’s longtime faculty fellow, Dr. Deb Mullen. Mullen is the associate dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences and a member of the educational administration faculty. She’s served as Nebraska Alpha’s faculty fellow since 2005. During that time, Mullen has taught several for-credit classes that help members transition into college and introduce them to the challenges facing society today. Her commitment and impact also extends beyond the classroom. In recent years, Mullen has helped organize Nebraska Alpha trips to Colorado, Washington, D.C., the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador and the savannahs of Uganda. These trips expose brothers to different experiences and cultures they can’t find inside a classroom in Lincoln. She’s remained so committed to Nebraska Alpha because of the relationships she forms with the brothers and the chapter’s dedication to being a different type of Fraternity. “I can’t imagine a fraternity that defies the stereotypes more, that provides more added value to the campus, to the community and to the lives of its members than SigEp,” Mullen stated. “The campaign has helped us have a truly comprehensive, four-year program that is developmentally sound and rich with activities. It’s probably one of the best investments a person can make in the future of our leaders, fathers, citizens, teachers and employers.” That investment was recognized and celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Oct. 17, 2018, before the NebraskaMinnesota football game. Around 250 brothers, alumni and friends came together to commemorate the completion of the new Nebraska Alpha facility and a successful capital campaign. With the generous help of so many donors, the second century at Nebraska Alpha looks brighter than ever. red door notes
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Alumni and Volunteer News Alumnus named to Wichita 40 Under 40 list Wichita Business Journal named Dustin Kuhn, Wichita State ’11, to its 2018 40 Under 40 list from a pool of over 500 nominees. A rising star in financial management, Kuhn was also named in 2017 to Forbes Magazine’s inaugural list of America’s Top Next Generation Wealth Advisors. A financial advisor with Merrill Lynch for seven years, Kuhn works on a team that manages a portfolio of nearly 50 corporate retirement plans and also advises individuals on retirement planning. Outside the office, Kuhn serves as chapter counselor to SigEp’s Wichita State Chapter and is active in several other organizations, including the Rotary Club of Wichita.
Turner completes 60 at 60
Alumnus helps discover new mammal species Darin Croft, Iowa ’93, co-led a team of researchers who recently discovered fossils of two previously unknown species of mammals. The animals, known as lipoterns, are believed to have been similar in appearance to small moose or deer and to have been native only to Bolivia. The group has been extinct for about 12,000 years. Croft, an anatomy professor at Case Western Reserve University, is considered one of the world’s top experts on the prehistoric mammals of South America. The discovery has spurred excitement within the scientific community because the 13-million-year-old remains are among the few fossils of extinct South American animals of this age to have ever been unearthed.
An avid athlete, Will Turner, Virginia Tech ’80, decided to mark his 60th birthday in 2018 by completing 60 Ironman triathlons in one year. Starting in January, Turner averaged a race every six days. By early October, he had surpassed the Guinness World Record of 44 Ironmans in one year. Less than three months later, with a hometown crowd of friends and family cheering him on, Turner finished his 60th race in Richmond, Virginia, on Dec. 28. Aside from the usual biking, swimming and running, the quest also required a bit of creativity on Turner’s part: He had to develop his own solo events since there are fewer than 60 official Ironman races in the U.S.
Fallen brother honored on charity ride Since 2010, law enforcement officers and survivors of officers killed in the line of duty have participated in the Law Enforcement United bike ride in memory of fallen officers. When Craig Sutter, Western Kentucky ’96, learned fellow police officer and SigEp Ken Copeland, Sam Houston State Renaissance, had died in the line of duty, Sutter (pictured above, left) decided to honor him on the ride. “While I didn’t know Officer Copeland, he was a brother, both as a police officer and SigEp,” explained Sutter, a 17-year police veteran. The three-day, 250-mile ride from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Washington, D.C., raises funds for charities that honor officers killed on duty. 12
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Major gift from alumnus helps students help others Steve Hicks, Texas-Austin ’72, has ensured that social work students at his alma mater will have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of helping others. Aware of the support social workers provide to vulnerable members of society and that students often incur sizeable debt training for the profession, Hicks made a $25 million gift to the University of Texas at Austin’s school of social work. A portion of the gift is being used to create a permanent endowment for scholarships. The gift will also support fundraising, philanthropy, and expanded education and research on addictions. In recognition of his donation, the university renamed the school the Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Hicks has served on the University of Texas System Board of Regents since 2009.
Son welcomes father as Renaissance brother
Adventurer shatters world records In June 2018, mountaineer and endurance athlete Colin O’Brady, Yale ’06, kicked off his quest to climb the highest peak in each state in 30 days at Denali in Alaska. On July 19, he reached the top of Mt. Hood in his home state of Oregon, completing the 50-state challenge. What’s more, he finished in just 21 days, shattering the previous record of 41 days. As impressive as that was, O’Brady was already planning an even more astonishing feat. On Dec. 26, he became the first person to ski solo across Antarctica unaided by any wind device and with no resupplies. O’Brady completed the 932-mile route in just 54 days, two days ahead of British adventurer Louis Rudd, making them the only people in the world to have completed this traverse.
When Tim Rowe, Virginia Tech Renaissance, was initiated in the spring of 2018, it was a moment he had never expected to happen. A few years ago, he began volunteering with the chapter because his son, Matt Rowe, ’18, was a member. It was only after Matt joined the Fraternity that he learned his father had nearly become a SigEp himself while an undergrad at Virginia Tech. Due to the sudden passing of his brother, Tim put extracurricular activities on hold to spend time with his family and was never initiated. After getting to know him, chapter brothers invited the elder Rowe to join the Fraternity. Matt took part in the Renaissance of Brotherhood and was able to witness his father become a SigEp.
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Brother builds successful Triple-A franchise By Erin Mullally, Michigan State ’99
There are 160 minor league baseball teams scattered around the country, all of which are affiliated with major league baseball teams. These organizations provide the golden pathway for baseball players dreaming of making it to the “big leagues.” Michael Byrnes, St. Mary’s ’00, enjoys an up-close view as these players develop into the stars of tomorrow. He currently serves as the president and general manager of the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Triple-A baseball is the highest level of play in minor league baseball and the final step before a player advances to a spot in the major league. Byrnes began his career in sports management in 2001 as a sales representative for the Big 12 Championship Tournament held that year in Arlington, Texas. From there, he landed a marketing position with the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate for the Texas Rangers. “I steadily worked my way up the ladder with the RoughRiders, ultimately serving in five different roles before being appointed senior vice president for the organization,” explained Byrnes. In 2010, Byrnes was offered the position of president and general manager for the Oklahoma City RedHawks. At the time, the team was transitioning from serving as the Triple-A affiliate for the Texas Rangers to its new “parent” team, the Houston Astros. “Many people don’t realize that major league and minor league teams often change their affiliation,” Byrnes said. “Minor league teams usually act as their own independent organization, each looking out for its own financial well-being. If a relationship between a major league
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and a minor league team is not working out, affiliations can and do change.” Byrnes found himself in the middle of another such transition in 2014, when the RedHawks were sold to a partnership led by Mandalay Entertainment Chairman and CEO Peter Guber and the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a result, the RedHawks became the Triple-A affiliate for the Dodgers and were rechristened after their new parent club, officially becoming the Oklahoma City Dodgers. As the team’s president and general manager, Byrnes is responsible for running the team day to day, while all personnel and roster decisions are made directly by the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Whenever we have a player ‘called up’ to Los Angeles, traded or assigned to us from either Los Angeles or elsewhere in the Dodgers farm system, it has a domino effect down the line,” he said. “For example, if a player from our Oklahoma City team is called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers, another player from somewhere else in the Dodgers minor league system will be assigned to us to replace the player who has left.
Oklahoma City Dodgers President and General Manager Michael Byrnes gives an interview outside the team’s ballpark.
“All of the moving around and trying to stay focused on moving up to the next level can be tough for players, so we try to get to know them as well as possible. It can be a tough business, and we see many work their way up from Single-A to Double-A to our Triple-A level, or even back again. Last season, we processed 250 player transactions in Oklahoma City alone.” On occasion, there’s even a shift in the other direction and a star player from the Los Angeles Dodgers will spend a stint in Oklahoma City while rehabilitating an injury. “Three-time Cy Young Award-winner Clayton Kershaw helped us pack in a sellout crowd last summer as he recovered from a back strain,” Byrnes said.
Prioritizing work and family while paying it forward Byrnes’ job entails everything from overseeing team travel arrangements and accommodations to ensuring the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (the
Michael Byrnes leads a discussion at the Oklahoma Dodgers Sales Academy, a course that teaches fundamental sales strategies to people interested in working on the business side of the sports industry.
team’s stadium) is in good condition to building both corporate and community partnerships. “The partnership building is very high up on my own priority list,” he explained. “Not only purely for revenue generation, but it helps place us firmly at the heart of the Oklahoma City community. There are a lot of different chess pieces to keep track of, but it is one of the reasons that I love the job.” Byrnes and his team of 50 staff members work year-round to keep the Oklahoma City Dodgers running smoothly. Much of the off-season is focused on corporate ticket sales, hosting other events such as the Big 12 Conference Baseball Tournament and staff recruitment. This past December, the Oklahoma City Dodgers were selected by Baseball America magazine as the 2018 Triple-A winner of the Bob Freitas Award. This award is presented each year to baseball franchises exhibiting organizational excellence.
“I’m really proud of our team for “SigEp also encourages achieving this recognition,” Byrnes me to keep a ‘pay it forward’ said. “Keeping our team motivated and mentality.” engaged, as well as actively recruiting new staff members, is a huge part of what I do.” “It’s also important to keep industry He also enjoys a unique situation in timelines in mind as you try to break which he works closely with his wife, in. Approach teams during their quieter Jenna, who serves as senior vice presitimes or off-seasons, when they are dent for the organization. planning and preparing for the upcoming “It works out well for us,” Byrnes shared. “The demands of the job require a season.” Byrnes credits much of his own career lot of long days and nights, particularly in success to Sigma Phi Epsilon. the summer. We share a similar lifestyle, “I’ve learned so much as a result of and we’re able to balance our time as we being a SigEp,” he said. “During my raise our two young daughters.” undergraduate years, I had the chance What advice would Byrnes give to others who want to break into the profes- to serve as chapter president, which is where I learned how to motivate sional sports industry? people and manage different types of “It’s critical to find your way into the personalities. industry via internships,” he explained. “SigEp also encourages me to keep “The sports industry is a small one, a ‘pay it forward’ mentality,” Byrnes and people are very connected. If you concluded. “Whenever possible, I make complete one internship successfully, time to meet with anyone who is trying to the odds are that something else will be break into the industry.” waiting around the corner for you.
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Florida State brother triumphs over early setbacks Jake Bredstrand: In your recently released book, you discuss your difficult childhood, as well as the professional and personal successes in your life. Why did you feel it was important to share the hard times you experienced in those early years with readers? Kurt Varricchio: My objective in writing the book is to make an impact on our youth and on those who serve our youth, especially those who are facing the same challenges I faced growing up. Many of the issues I experienced are similar to the issues kids still face today, so it was important for me to open up about my experiences and to let them know that I, too, was in their shoes. I feel this resonates more with the youth I am trying to help.
Kurt Varricchio, Florida State ’93, endured a tough childhood after losing his father while a toddler and experiencing years of abuse. As an adolescent, he began committing petty thefts and skipping school. Yet, he always maintained an inner desire to succeed. His memoir, “Behind in the Count: My Journey from Juvenile Delinquent to Baseball Agent,” (www.behindinthecount.com) chronicles how he overcame his difficult childhood, completed a law degree and became a successful sports agent. Jake Bredstrand, Washington State ’11, spoke with Varricchio about the book, as well as his life, career and SigEp experience. An edited transcript follows.
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JB: You could have let your early experiences derail you. Who or what motivated you to succeed in school and in life? KV: I always tell people — including my own two sons — that you can either use your setbacks as an excuse to fail or as motivation to succeed. While we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond to what happens to us. I was tired of being told by others that I was going to be dead or incarcerated by the time I was 21, and I wanted to prove them wrong. JB: How did you end up joining SigEp? KV: While I participated in rush the first week of my freshman year, I wasn’t quite ready to jump into the fraternity scene because I wanted to get acclimated to college. Accordingly, I waited until my second semester to go through the rush process again. Prior to that, I met a couple of SigEps during my first semester at Florida State, and I thought their values meshed with mine. JB: What do you remember most about your time in the chapter? Were there any experiences or lessons learned that continued to influence you after college? KV: The thing I remember most about my time at Florida Epsilon (aside, of course, from the incredible social scene and camaraderie) was the amount of involvement by SigEps in campus activities. During my years at Florida State, SigEps permeated the campus: student body president, IFC
president and vice presidents, homecoming court, homecoming chairman, student government, theater/music/radio/ television, student alumni association leaders, orientation leaders, etc. The SigEps at Florida State were go-getters. These balanced men were recognized as Fraternity of the Year in 1991-92 and 199293 — a prideful accomplishment I share with all of my Florida Epsilon brothers. JB: Do you still keep up with any of your chapter brothers? KV: Definitely. A few of them actually helped in the early stages of the book. (Thanks, Brett Murphy [’92] and Scott Edinger [’92].) I have also called upon some of my Fraternity brothers to help my clients with legal matters, tax preparation, investment opportunities and real estate transactions. When I travel, I always try to connect with my Florida Epsilon brothers for lunch or dinner to catch up and reminisce. JB: While earning your master’s degree at UT Austin, you served as the resident scholar for Texas Alpha. How was your experience as a SigEp volunteer? KV: That was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, jobs of my early career. Texas Alpha had just undergone a membership review. When I arrived at UT, we had about 14 active members (down from 120+). These 14 members — backed by incredible alumni support — were unbelievably committed to the process of bringing SigEp back to its rightful prominence at the University of Texas. Over the next two years, we worked tirelessly to recruit the right type of student, and our efforts paid off as SigEp was recognized as UT’s Fraternity of the Year for the 1994-95 school year. Upon completing my master’s degree, the chapter’s membership had grown to about 95 brothers, and it was a force once again at the University of Texas. I’m still proud of the commitment those few remaining SigEps made in the fall of ’93 and value their resiliency.
from the Padres to focus on studying for the California bar exam. Fortunately, I passed and promptly launched my own law firm. At this same time, I knew I wanted to continue my work in professional sports, so I started recruiting young minor league players and kept grinding through the peaks and valleys. I’ve had a few partnerships along the way, but ultimately decided to branch off on my own for a myriad of reasons. Today, my firm represents players at the major league level, in Asia and everywhere in between. JB: How do you continue to grow and develop as a sports agent? KV: In this business, you are only as good as your clients. If you recruit the right type of players (skill set, character, etc.), then you are in a JB: Let’s shift gears a bit. Can you explain good position. We scout and recruit young, what a sports agent does and how you cultidraft-eligible talent, as well as current vate the agent-athlete relationship? professional players at all levels. In addition KV: My job as an agent is to provide to our major league clients, we must have guidance, insight, direction and support to the next group of players available at my clients. Whether we are marshalling Triple-A, Double-A, A+, low-A and rookie information and managing expectations for ball. We also must recruit draft-eligible our draft-eligible advisees, negotiating free players to fill the pipeline. We believe that agent deals, preparing for and presenting every single player we recruit has a legitian arbitration case, or working on marketmate chance to make it to the big leagues or ing and endorsement opportunities for our to play in Asia. clients, it is key for them to understand all Of course, not every player we repreoptions and the ramifications of choosing sent will make it to the major leagues one over the others. We educate our clients or Asia for one reason or another, but on the business side of baseball while we identifying the players who have a realmaximize their earning potential during istic chance to get there is of paramount their playing career. We recruit players importance. Using this approach, more whose values align with our firm’s core than 60 percent of our clients who have values, and we work on building trust and played three or more seasons of profesrespect with each client. sional baseball have either played in the JB: Please talk a little more about your career major leagues or in Asia. journey. How did you get started, and what JB: Are there any new challenges you’re path did you follow? looking forward to? KV: My first job in professional sports KV: I am always looking for new chalwas with the Kansas City Chiefs in their lenges because new challenges present corporate marketing department for the new opportunities. While my team and I 1995 season. In 1996, I was hired by the are working on some new challenges in San Diego Padres and spent the next seven the sports industry, I have embarked on a seasons working with the club in various personal challenge to make an impact on as capacities. While working with the Padres, many people as possible, particularly those I pursued my law degree at the University who are in a similar position as I once was. of San Diego and graduated with my J.D. In addition to the book, I am also speaking in 2002. At that point, I decided to “retire” with various groups around the country to help spread my message of perseverance, resiliency and commitment. I’m always
searching for ways to give back, and I’m hopeful this book and my speaking engagements will resonate with people. JB: What career or life advice would you give to a younger version of yourself? KV: First, understand that there will be peaks and valleys in your life (personal, professional, emotional, etc.) and be ready to deal with them because you have your eyes set on long-term goals. Second, trust your gut. If your gut is telling you something, it’s most likely because it is relying on your past experiences, your values and your rationale. Third, embrace failure as an opportunity to learn — don’t just accept it. In baseball, we know the greatest hitters in history have failed seven out of 10 times. Just as those players found valuable lessons in each of those seven failures, so, too, should you. Understand why you failed so you can avoid making the same mistake and use those experiences to successfully fuel your next endeavors. JB: What do you do to remain healthy, balanced and energized? What does that look like at this stage of your career? KV: Every day, I focus on further developing a sound mind, a sound body and a sound spirit. I try to exercise at least four to five times per week, and I watch what I eat. If I’m busy traveling and don’t have time to exercise, I tend to go overboard on the healthier eating to offset my lack of exercise, and I try to do little things to give me some type of physical boost (e.g., taking the stairs in the airport/hotel). To me, exercise is one of the most important habits you can have as you age because it helps facilitate the other two components — sound mind and sound spirit. As a sports agent and attorney, it is critical for me to stay in tune with the most recent developments in the industry (signings, labor agreements, arbitration rulings, etc.) and to maintain appropriate relationships with industry peers (front office executives, Major League Baseball Players Association union employees/ reps, media, etc.). Being on top of these developments (sound mind) and maintaining my relationships (sound spirit) is critical to my success and, ultimately, my clients’ well-being.
Alumni and Volunteer News
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Chapter News Virginia Tech sets new record for philanthropy By Timothy Reynolds, Virginia Tech ’18
Flex Out Hunger is a philanthropic event launched over a decade ago at Virginia Tech by Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After that chapter was closed, its former president and Byron Hughes, then director of fraternity and Emory brothers, chapter take top awards sorority life and current dean of students, asked SigEp’s Virginia SigEp’s Georgia Theta Chapter was recognized for chapter and Tech SEC to step in and manage individual achievement at Emory University’s 2018 sorority and the program in the spring of 2017. fraternity awards banquet. The chapter not only earned the The program aims to reduce Dean’s Cup for Fraternal Excellence for its hunger in low-income houseoverall performance, but was also recognized holds in surrounding areas. with awards for outstanding academics, leadProgram participants represent ership and member education. In addition, a wide cross-section of the Kaelan Saley, ’18, was named Fraternity Man community: While the majority of the Year and Zach Denton, ’18, received are disabled or the Highest Individual GPA award for earnunemployed, many ing a 4.0. others are nonSaley Since returning to Emory in 2014 and salaried Virginia rechartering in October 2015, Georgia Tech employees Theta has focused on academic achievement who interact with and community service. During the 2017students on a daily 18 school year, the chapter raised its GPA basis. Flex Out from 3.13 to 3.45 and launched an ongoing Hunger assists community service project with the South their families by Fork Conservancy maintaining trails and pooling balances performing general landscaping tasks at Denton left on student the urban trail and park system adjacent to meal plans at the Emory’s campus. The chapter’s accomplishments were also acknowledged at the end of the spring semester. The Carlson Leadership Academy with Excelsior Awards in 2018 for funds don’t roll over to the next Outstanding Chapter Operations and in 2019 for Recruitment. school year and would otherwise go to waste. Brother honored for upholding university mission In its first year running the Each year, the University of San Diego program, Virginia Tech SEC bestows the Alcalá Award on a graduat- surpassed all records set in the ing male and female who best exemplify previous decade, raising $27,500 the university’s mission through just from donations of excess academic achievement, participation meal plan money. These funds in co-curricular activities and service helped provide food to over 5,500 to the campus community. Theodore area families through a partCastro, San Diego ’18, was one of nership with the Montgomery the two 2018 honorees. In addition to County Emergency Assistance his involvement in SigEp, Castro was Program (MCEAP), a local active in a Filipino student group and nonprofit. took six trips through his school’s study While pleased with this abroad program. Post-graduation, he’s success, chapter brothers felt remained stateside, heading to Boston there was potential to raise even for a two-year assignment with Teach for America while studying more the next year. So, a goal for his master’s at Boston University. Reflecting on his time as a student, Castro shared, “USD made me the person I am today, and I want to be sure to give back as much as I can.” 18
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of $30,000 was set for 2018. The first time around, the group had just two months to prepare. But in 2018, the chapter was able to devote more time to strategy and execution. It started by forming an even stronger partnership with MCEAP to heighten awareness about hunger in the community. The chapter also created a website, flexouthunger.com, and worked with the university’s dining services and marketing departments to make sure students knew they could donate their meal plan credits.
This proactive approach paid off. The final tally for the spring 2018 campaign was just over $35,500, the highest amount ever for the program. The chapter’s commitment to the program has further enhanced its reputation on campus and provided an opportunity to live out SigEp’s cardinal principles while helping those in need. The chapter is now working to incorporate feedback from the university and students in order to make Flex Out Hunger 2019 an even greater success.
Montana State brothers excel on campus and in the classroom
Mason
By Brian Kassar, Montana State Renaissance
SigEp’s Montana State Chapter continues to model the way, Hoffmann both in campus leadership and academic excellence. Taylor Blossom, ’21, is currently serving as student body president, making him the second SigEp to lead student government after succeeding last year’s president, Kylar Clifton, ’18. The chapter earned a combined GPA of 3.52 in spring 2018, which was .61 above the campus’ all-fraternity average and .67 above the all-male student average. Current Learning Community Chair Sam LaPenta, ’21, observed that Montana Beta’s success has been heavily shaped by chapter culture and its SigEp Learning Community facility. “We have spaces to study, computers, tutor lists and brothers always willing to help each other out,” he noted. Another thing the chapter has is an impressive list of scholarship recipients. In the past eight years, the chapter has had two Rhodes scholar finalists, four Goldwater scholars and a Marshall scholar, as well as a current Rhodes scholar. In spring 2018, Ryan Mason, ’19, and Connor Hoffmann, ’19, joined this group of academic standouts. Mason was awarded a Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious national scholarships for students in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. He plans to use the award to pursue graduate study at MIT and Cambridge. In addition to co-authoring two research publications, Mason is a member of the MSU Triathlon Club and has inspired chapter brothers to compete in triathlons. Hoffmann is a recipient of the Truman Scholarship, which prepares students for graduate study and careers in public service. When asked to describe examples of leadership on his scholarship application, he drew on his experience as chapter president and a co-author of the substance-free facility legislation passed at the 2017 Conclave. Hoffmann and Mason also credit chapter mentors with encouraging their development, both as students and as leaders.
Doherty named Kemper Scholar Joseph Doherty, La Salle ’21, is one of just 16 college students nationwide named to the latest class of Kemper Scholars. The program, run by the Kemper Foundation, is a selective, threeyear program aimed at providing high-potential students with the practical and professional skills they need to succeed in the business world. As a Kemper Scholar, Doherty will receive scholarship funding for three years and career coaching. He’ll also have the opportunity to hone his skills through an internship with a leading Chicago nonprofit in summer 2019 and a national for-profit business in the summer of 2020.
NIC recognizes two SigEp undergraduates with Awards of Distinction The North American Interfraternity Conference’s Undergraduate Award of Distinction recognizes fraternity men who have utilized their collegiate experience as an outlet to develop as leaders and as men. They are exemplary fraternity men who serve their brothers, campuses and Greek communities with humble confidence. In 2018, just 11 men nationwide were chosen for this honor. Two are SigEp brothers.
Lucas Renz, Kansas State ’18 In May 2017, Kansas State dissolved its Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Advisors were transferred to another office, leaving chapters without direct advisory support. In his term as Interfraternity Council (IFC) president, Lucas Renz steered the organization through this difficult period by seeking perspective from alumni, helping secure the IFC’s finances and establishing an alumni mentoring board. “Lucas has been an incredible IFC president,” said one of his nominators. “He has added structure and motivated the
board, as well as inspired the 26 chapter presidents to engage in tough conversations.” Reflecting on the experience, Renz said his major goal as IFC president was to establish a network of support so that the mission and vision of Greek life at Kansas State would continue. He credited his chapter with helping him develop the skills that made him successful in the role, stating, “I would have never had the confidence to run for an IFC position had it not been for the leadership roles and encouragement that the brothers of Kansas Beta provided me with.”
Patrick Ryan, Toledo ’18 Patrick “Pat” Ryan believes there’s never too little time to get everything done if you’re spending your time doing things that excite you. He served as SigEp chapter president and a member of Blue Key and Mortar Board while also continuing his passionate support of Veterans Matter. Through these activities, Ryan connected with and became a role model for many in the Greek community at the University of Toledo. “He is the true definition of a servant leader and empowers fellow students to become leaders in
their own right,” said one of his nominators. Ryan expressed gratitude and humility when discussing what the award means to him. “This recognition is shared with the countless strangers turned to brothers, brothers turned to mentors, mentors turned to family, who I have met through my time in SigEp and the Greek community,” he said. “Chapter brothers invested, encouraged and coached me to be in a position to where I developed to be someone worthy of this accolade, and that speaks more to them than it does to me.” Chapter news
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Clockwise from top left: Jake Gittemeier, ’21, Ben Waldron, ’21, and Josh Morgan, ’21, flip through alumni scrapbooks; P.J. Greer, ’13, Drew McCart, ’11, and Lucas Renz, ’18 (in foreground); Bill Elliott, ’68, Steve Wood, ’69, Mike Black, ’68, Jack Piepenbring, ’68, Jack Ayers, ’68, retired Air Force General Jim Latham, ’68, and James V. Doran, ’68; Betty Jury, Jack Jury, ’53, and Scott Jury, ’87; former Kansas State AVC President Dan McEntee, ’86, and his son, Cole D. McEntee, ’19.
Kansas State University celebrates 100 years of brotherhood SigEp’s Kansas State Chapter commemorated 100 years of history, tradition and brotherhood in February 2018 at a celebration in Manhattan, Kansas. Brothers from the 1940s through today came together for a weekend of fun and fellowship as alumni reconnected with old friends and got to know current chapter members. Chapter Counselor Pat Pesci, Kansas State Renaissance, observed, “It was good to see the younger and older members share their stories and experiences.” AVC Treasurer Dirk Daveline, ’87, added, “Sigma Phi Epsilon is where I made some of my closest friends, and the reunion weekend brought back so many memories.” For many alumni, their fondest college memories centered around the times they shared at the chapter home. House mother Diane Veith and some of the undergraduates conducted tours, giving alumni a chance to view the chapter’s more modern facilities. That evening, 245 brothers and guests attended a banquet where they applauded the more than 2,000 Kansas Beta brothers who’ve become leaders in education, science, medicine, government and other fields. The occasion also marked an opportunity to celebrate the chapter’s future. Achievements of current brothers were highlighted as Carson Daniel, ’20, and Spencer Adam, ’19, were presented the Clifford C. Sawyer Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement. The keynote honored the chapter’s history as speaker Doug Scheibe, ’87, discussed Kansas Beta’s early days and its founders’ determination to create a truly special fraternity. In particular, he noted the contributions of three of the chapter’s 18 founders. Marshall Wilder, 1920, was an elite athlete who left Kansas State to serve in the U.S. Army during World War I before returning to finish his degree. Scheibe also spoke of Dr. John R. MacArthur, 1892, the chapter’s first faculty advisor. An Order of the Golden Heart recipient, MacArthur taught and mentored some of the nation’s brightest scientific minds at Cal 20
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Tech. Lastly, he profiled Order of the Golden Heart and SigEp Citation recipient Judge Earle W. “Jack” Frost, 1920, who was the school’s first student body president. Frost went on to become a municipal judge and civic leader who took on organized crime in his hometown. The standard these men set as scholars and leaders remains a hallmark of the chapter today. The chapter has maintained a GPA above 3.0 and the all-campus average for more than 10 semesters. In 2018, the chapter produced a Zollinger Outstanding Senior Award winner and a recipient of the NIC Undergraduate Award of Distinction. In addition, brothers are actively involved in the Interfraternity Council and other organizations on campus, as well as philanthropies that benefit the larger community.
1918 Oregon Alpha initiates Nine decades of Oregon Alpha SigEps: John Fox, ’49; Don Cook, ’50; Roger Bloedel, ’62; Ken Maddox, ’75; John Stirek, ’82; Nathan Gamble, ’95; Mike Newgard, ’07; Matt Kim, ’16; and Brian Kim, ’20.
Oregon Alpha celebrates 100th anniversary By Steve Cook, Oregon State ’76
Over the weekend of May 18-20, 2018, more than 350 alumni, undergraduates and guests gathered in Corvallis to celebrate the centennial of SigEp’s Oregon State Chapter. A welcome barbecue Friday evening was followed the next morning by the centennial chapter meeting led by former National Chaplain Jim Nissen, ’74; past Chapter President Jay Conroy, ’74; and former OSU Student Body President John Gartland, ’74. That afternoon, at a luncheon held at the newly remodeled Valley Football Center, Mike Rich, ’81, introduced special guest Jonathan Smith, Oregon State’s new head football coach. The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday evening banquet at the CH2M HILL Alumni Center — a building named for the late Jim Howland, ’38, and the company’s other founders. The program ran smoothly, thanks to skillful hosting by master of ceremonies Mark Pahl, ’91. Several alumni sponsored the attendance of more than 60 current undergraduates, making it possible for nine decades of Oregon Alpha SigEps to attend. Honored attendees included John Fox, ’49, and past Chapter President Don Cook, ’50. National Director Billy Maddalon, North Carolina State ’90, and Past Grand President Steve Shanklin, Murray State ’70, congratulated Oregon Alpha, with Shanklin observing Oregon Alpha brothers are “intrusively caring.” Oregon Alpha’s
Order of the Golden Heart recipients U.G. Dubach, 1918 (1961); H. Bob Robinson, 1920 (1963); Lloyd Gregg, 1920 (1979); and Ken Maddox, ’75 (2015), were also acknowledged. Chapter President Michael Kiever, ’19, provided an update on the current state of Oregon Alpha, noting that the chapter has continued its long-standing tradition of excellence in academics, campus leadership, and individual and team athletics — all ideals of the balanced man. Chapter President Michael Kiever John Stirek, ’82, chair of the chapter’s $2.5 million capital campaign, shared that more than $1.4 million has been pledged to date. These funds will be used to endow a leadership training program, increase academic funds to provide more than $50,000 per year in scholarships and endowments, and fund capital improvements to the chapter house and property. As the banquet concluded, all in attendance recognized Dave Klick, ’62, for his superior work in making the weekend happen, as well as the support provided by his many classmates.
Oregon Alpha centennial banquet attendees gather for a group photo. Chapter news
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Central Missouri brothers mark half century By Aaron O’Roark, Central Missouri ’19
On March 9, 2018, about 100 brothers from the University of Central Missouri kicked off a weekend celebration of the chapter’s 50th anniversary with a social at the Hidden Pines Country Club in Warrensburg, Missouri. Alumni and current chapter members reminisced, talked about the chapter’s future, and discussed the many ways SigEp has impacted them and the campus community since Missouri Theta was chartered on March 30, 1968. The next morning, alumni gathered at the chapter home as Justin Vann, ’18,
Jim Reeves, John Hartman and founding father Howard Gross, ’69, read a resolution from SigEp Headquarters.
Brothers look back on 50 years at Trine By Jim Stump, Trine ’76
On April 13-15, 2018, Trine University SigEps gathered to commemorate the chapter’s 50th anniversary with a weekend of celebrations, meetings and get-togethers. Of the chapter’s 813 alumni, 206 returned for the celebration. Most had not seen each other or even been on campus since their college days. Prior to the anniversary weekend, the chapter’s history was researched with assistance from SigEp Headquarters and using newspapers, yearbooks and other records at the Trine University Library. As a memento of the occasion, attendees received copies of the chapter’s history. It was originally founded in 1927 as the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Sigma Chi and 22
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Matthew Wallace, ’18, and Chapter President Jacob Hetzel, ’19, unveiled renovations to the trophy room and a new study room. The undergraduates spent months making the improvements as part of their effort to become an accredited SigEp Learning Community. With new computers, a printer and sound-proof doors, the area provides a quiet environment with the right tools for brothers to complete assignments and study. Afterward, the group headed to the campus chapel for the Epsilon Rite of Passage. The time that Chaplain Samuel Taylor, ’20, put into preparing for the ceremony was evident, as everything went smoothly. Brothers who had been initiated some time ago enjoyed seeing how the balanced man ceremony differs from the previous ceremony. The celebration then moved back to Hidden Pines for a BBQ lunch. During the lunch, the J. Edward Zollinger Outstanding Senior Award was presented to Vann for his leadership of and contributions to the chapter.
was later the Lambda Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon before being chartered as SigEp’s Indiana Theta Chapter on May 4, 1968. Twenty-two of the original charter members returned for the celebration. The celebration officially started on Friday with a meet and greet at the university’s MTI Center, a recently constructed venue for basketball, golf and alumni events. While brothers spent time getting reacquainted, a slideshow of more than 1,000 photos submitted by alumni played on a loop on TV screens in the background. The pictures prompted many memories, as well as quite a few laughs. Saturday morning began with a business meeting by the alumni board and was followed by lunch in the campus cafeteria. A formal dinner was held Saturday evening at the Trine Athletic and Recreation Center, with 346 alumni, undergraduates, spouses and guests attending. Tables throughout the room displayed personal memorabilia from alumni, including scrapbooks and historical items. The red door from the orig-
Missouri Theta’s founding fathers gather for a photo at the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The grand finale of the anniversary weekend occurred March 10 with a cocktail hour at the university’s recreation center, followed by a banquet hosted by Jim Reeves, ’80. The chapter was honored by the presence of three former Grand Presidents: John Hartman, Missouri ’61; Ed Hammond, Emporia State ’66; and Central Missouri’s very own Rick Bennet, ’74. The evening was filled with memorable moments. Members were pinned with the Founders Badge, learned about the current state of the chapter and held a remembrance for brothers who have passed on. In addition, attendees heard remarks from the university president. At the end of the banquet, the founding members of Missouri Theta were honored. The weekend was a great success, as alumni reconnected and the undergraduate chapter got the opportunity to share its current achievements and goals for the future of Missouri Theta with alumni.
inal chapter house was displayed onstage and became a backdrop for many brothers to take photos and share memories. Dr. Earl Brooks, president of the university, gave a presentation, and guests watched a video prepared by Trine staff about the campus and university. National Director Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89, presented a proclamation from SigEp Headquarters in recognition of the chapter’s 50 years. The alumni board announced its annual scholarship recipients, giving seven awards totaling $7,000 (double last year’s amount). A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of Fraternity Alumni Man of the Year for 2018 to the charter members, some of whom were in the audience. As the weekend came to a close, brothers got together one last time for a Sunday morning brunch at the campus cafeteria and exchanged hugs, handshakes and goodbyes before heading home after a memorable weekend.
Members of the reunion planning committee: Frank Goldstein, ’68; Karl Wieland, ’68; Joe DiGregorio, ’98; Bill Kalbas, ’69; Pete Pages, ’71; Steve Rinck, ’69; and Al Norris, ’70.
South Florida brothers celebrate 50 years By Bill Kalbas, South Florida ’69
After presenting roses to each of the ladies, Florida Iota brothers gathered to sing “The Lamplighter,” their traditional sweetheart song.
In 1966, the men of Verdandi Fraternity, a local fraternity at the University of South Florida, began searching for national affiliation. With counsel from SigEp alumni George Kaludis, Maryland-College Park ’60, and Ray King, Drake ’56, they successfully petitioned Sigma Phi Epsilon for membership. Florida Iota was chartered on May 25, 1968, with 33 brothers. Following their initiation, the charter members were installed by Grand Chapter President J. Edward Zollinger, William & Mary ’27, and the university’s first president, John S. Allen. On April 5-8, 2018, 12 of the 29 surviving founders joined brothers from across the country at the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration in Tampa, Florida. The weekend began with a reception for the founders and their wives at the home of Stan Blank, South Florida ’68, and his wife, Ann, and another for the “younger generation” at Skipper’s Smokehouse, owned by Tom White, Florida State ’68.
Saturday morning, alumni gathered to initiate one of their own. Jim Coppens, South Florida ’67, was vice president of the SigEp colony, but graduated and had to report for active duty in the United States Air Force before Florida Iota was chartered. Coincidentally, the initiation occurred on Coppens’ 75th birthday. That evening, more than 100 brothers and guests attended a banquet at the Gibbons Alumni Center. Retired United States Air Force colonel Dr. Frank L. Goldstein, ’68, served as master of ceremonies. King, founding chapter counselor and retired associate vice president of student affairs, was the evening’s featured speaker. Other brothers spoke about the past, present and future of Florida Iota, and SigEp Headquarters staffer Kevin Knudson, Nebraska ’15, presented a proclamation on behalf of the Grand Chapter. University President Judy Genshaft couldn’t attend, but sent a congratulatory message praising the chapter’s outstanding leadership in student government, the alumni association, the USF Foundation and the community. On Sunday morning, SigEp of Tampa Bay, a group of area alumni and volunteers, hosted the seventh annual Balanced Man Scholarship Golf Tournament. Since starting the event, the group has raised more than $30,000. Since its chartering, Florida Iota has won four Buchanan Cups, two Grand Chapter Scholarship Cups, four Excelsior Awards and two Chapter Home of the Year Awards. South Florida alumni have risen to the top of their chosen professions and gone on to serve the university, their communities and the nation with distinction.
The current Trine SigEp house is pictured alongside the red door from the original chapter house.
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Greek Tragedies Mothers united in grief bring anti-hazing message to Ruck
By Tyya N. Turner
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In an auditorium at the University of Richmond in Virginia, two women sit together on a stage talking. There’s a podium with a microphone, and camera equipment is being set up as people stream in to find a seat. The audience, composed mostly of undergraduate SigEps from chapters across the country, has come to hear them share how hazing devastated their lives and learn what they, as leaders, can do to combat hazing on their campuses. Evelyn Piazza and Rae Ann Gruver have dedicated their lives to ending hazing. But, this isn’t the life they envisioned. In an instant, the Piazza and Gruver families became headline news when their sons died in 2017 from injuries received while pledging fraternities. Even as they struggled to make sense of what happened and bring those responsible for their sons’ deaths to justice, Piazza and Gruver knew they needed to speak out. They have become outspoken advocates, challenging university officials and fraternities to address the safety issues that plague Greek life and speaking to young people about the dangers of hazing.
In one of their first interactions with fraternity leaders since the deaths of their sons, Piazza and Gruver gave a presentation in June 2018 at SigEp’s Ruck Leadership Institute. They shared their sons’ stories with the goal of increasing awareness and preventing more deaths from hazing.
When brotherhood goes wrong Hazing is “any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate,” according to Elizabeth Allan, a University of Maine professor. Allan co-authored the groundbreaking 2008 study “Hazing in View: College Students at Risk,” as well as a 2018 follow-up that includes a hazing prevention framework. According to Allan’s most recent study, 26 percent of students participating in campus organizations said they had experienced at least one behavior associated with hazing. The behavior doesn’t just occur in fraternities and sororities. Among college organizations, hazing has also been reported within service clubs, academic societies and even marching bands. It also happens within the military and sports teams. However, fraternities and sororities are the groups that are best known for hazing members and recruits. This may be due in part to the way the media normalizes the behavior within Greek organizations. Films like “Animal House” and “Old School” and shows like TV’s “Scream Queens” depict the excessive drinking and participation in humiliating acts that are commonly associated with hazing less as aberrant behavior and more as normal rites of passage all prospective members go through. Gruver challenged that long-held notion, telling Ruck Scholars, “Hazing
Following her emotional presentation with Rae Ann Gruver at the 2018 Ruck Leadership Conference, Evelyn Piazza embraces a Ruck Scholar. Piazza delivered a powerful anti-hazing message in the wake of her son Tim’s death while pledging Beta Theta Pi at Penn State.
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is not something that should be expected as part of your college experience or the college experience of any of your friends or fraternity brothers.” Nevertheless, it’s a fact that some fraternities and sororities test new recruits with mental and physical challenges to make them “prove” they deserve membership. What’s more, groups often conduct these activities in secret to create a bonding experience exclusive to members. Add alcohol and fear of getting in trouble to the mix, and these rituals can prove fatal. It was in situations like this that Tim Piazza and Max Gruver were plied with alcohol and later died after their brothers waited hours before seeking help. Tim Piazza was a bright, friendly, athletic young man who looked up to his older brother, Michael. Tim, a college sophomore, had a longtime girlfriend and loved to make people laugh. And he aspired to help others: An engineering major at Penn State, he planned to develop prosthetics, with a focus on children. Much like Tim, Max Gruver was smart, friendly and enjoyed hanging out with his siblings. He could easily rattle off player stats for a variety of sports and coached his little sister’s basketball team. Writing came naturally to him, and the 18-year-old was excited about studying journalism as he entered his first year at Louisiana State University. As Evelyn Piazza told the Ruck audience, Tim, Max and many other young
Rae Ann Gruver talks with a Ruck Scholar about what fraternities can do to eliminate hazing. Gruver has been committed to this issue since her son Max died from alcohol poisoning while pledging Phi Delta Theta at Louisiana State.
Piazza will never forget the phone call that forever changed her life. Her oldest son, Michael,
called her at work with upsetting news: Her younger son, Tim, was in the hospital with serious injuries. All Michael knew for sure was that Tim had fallen during his first night of pledging Beta Theta Pi and was being flown to another hospital a couple of hours away for emergency surgery. (Footage from video cameras set up throughout the house revealed that after being given 18 drinks in less than 90 minutes, Tim fell several times, including headfirst down the basement stairs. The video also shows him writhing in pain and in men who have died in hazing-related obvious need of medical assistance.) incidents were essentially “the same boy” Frantic, Piazza and her husband, — good students who cared about others, Jim, raced home from their jobs looked forward to making new friends in to pack and make the agoniztheir fraternity and had no idea what they ing drive to the hospital. When were getting into. Tim’s parents spoke on the phone to the doctor, he tried to prepare them for the worst, stating that he was “a very sick boy,” but Piazza didn’t comprehend the full extent of her son’s injuries at that time. As she recounted the ordeal for the Ruck attendees, Piazza told the
story from the point of view of her son Michael. It was Michael who was first alerted by Tim’s roommate that Tim hadn’t come home the night before — something totally out of character for him. Nervous, Michael called the hospital and was told that his brother had been admitted after being injured in an accident. (It was after learning how badly his brother was injured that Michael called his mother.) When he arrived at the hospital where Tim had surgery, his parents told Michael the heartbreaking news: There was nothing the doctors could do. Tim was brain dead. Soon afterward, Tim’s girlfriend arrived with her father, and the family had to tell her
“It’s not harmless.”
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about an earlier hazing incident. Later, his parents would learn this particular member had been reprimanded by fraternity officers for his harsh treatment of the pledges just days before Max’s death and that none of the officers were present at the bible study. Max, who was forced to drink more than the other pledges, had at least 10 “pulls” of a 190-proof liquor so potent the label warns users to only drink it in small quantities. He lost consciousness sometime that night. When he was still unconscious the next morning, older brothers instructed pledges to take Max to the hospital and lie about where they found him. He died at the hospital later that day of acute alcohol poisoning with aspiration: Max had choked on his own vomit after his blood alcohol A second tragedy and concentration rose to 0.495, more than more heartbreak six times the legal limit to drive. It was Sept. 14 — just 28 days into his freshRae Ann Gruver also knows what it’s like to receive a life-altering phone call. man year. Both families say it’s been a struggle What makes her son Max’s death all the to adjust to life without their sons. They more tragic is that she and her husband, now dread what used to be happy occaStephen, talked to him about hazing and sions like Mother’s Day and even spoke about Tim’s death “Because of Father’s Day and live with before Max went off to college hazing, life constant reminders that their in August 2017. So Max likely is now on children are gone. Almost believed he’d chosen wisely when an alternate anything, going to a favorite he decided on Phi Delta Theta course.” restaurant or even hearing from among all the other fraterhis old ringtone, can send them reeling. nities at Louisiana State. As Piazza put it, “Because of hazing, Instead, as Gruver shared with life is now on an alternate course. This Ruck attendees, Max was invited to is not how it was supposed to be.” the fraternity house and led to the Now, what they are left with is a basement for a “bible study” session in seemingly endless stream of legal which pledges were quizzed on fraterproceedings in their quest for justice. nity history and the Greek alphabet In August 2018, the Gruvers filed a $25 and force fed alcohol when they got answers wrong. According to accounts million lawsuit against LSU and Phi Delta Theta alleging that the university by other pledges, Max had been specifically targeted by a member who and national fraternity had been aware of the chapter’s dangerous pledging disliked him because he had been late activities for years and done nothing to to a couple of events and complained stop them. the man she planned to marry wouldn’t recover. Tim died a short time later on Feb. 4, 2017, at just 19. Piazza asked the audience of SigEp brothers to put themselves in Michael’s place. “Imagine finding out your sibling or someone else you loved dearly had been severely injured and no one called for help, simply because they were afraid they’d get into trouble.” And why, she asked? All because of a fraternity ritual. “It’s not just togas and streaking and swallowing live goldfish anymore,” Piazza said, referring to how drinking has supplanted tamer rites of passage popular with fraternities decades ago. “It’s not harmless.”
Two of the men charged in Max’s death entered a plea of no contest to misdemeanor hazing and will be sentenced following a trial set to begin in July. They’ve also agreed to testify against the person accused of targeting Max. Following months of preliminary hearings, 28 former Beta Theta Pi members were charged in connection with Tim’s death. However, all but three of the defendants have either had the charges against them dropped or pleaded guilty to lesser offenses than they were initially charged with. These remaining defendants will be tried for misdemeanor offenses in April of this year. Eighteen months after Tim died, the Piazzas settled with Beta Theta Pi for an undisclosed sum, and the fraternity agreed to implement a 17-point plan to make chapters safer and better hold them accountable for hazing.
Channeling grief to save others The senseless deaths of Tim and Max — along with those of Andrew Coffey at Florida State and Matthew Ellis at Texas State — made 2017 one of the deadliest for hazing deaths, shaking up students and administrators at some of the country’s biggest universities. But these were far from the first such incidents to involve a Greek organization. As Piazza and Gruver shared in their Ruck presentation, there has been
at least one hazing-related death every year since 1961. And just as in 2017, many of these previous deaths became front-page news that prompted griefstricken parents to call out for change. But ensuing reforms by individual organizations or universities often resulted in little change, particularly as years passed, administrations changed and older students were replaced by
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new students who were unaware of what had happened. Still, the Piazzas, Gruvers and other families who’ve been impacted by hazing remain determined to end the practice once and for all. Both families, along with parents of more than a dozen other students who died in hazing-related incidents are now working together in a push to get federal anti-hazing legislation passed. In addition, the Gruvers and Piazzas have joined the parents of Marquise Braham and Harrison Kowiak, two other students whose deaths are tied to hazing, in a coalition with the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and National Panhellenic Conference. The coalition will focus on passing new anti-hazing laws and strengthening current measures, as well as educating high school and college students about hazing. The NIC also took the major step of voting to ban hard alcohol from the facilities of its 66 member fraternities, effective Sept. 1, 2019. The measure echoes previous actions taken by SigEp in 2017 to make all of its facilities completely substance-free by Aug. 1, 2020. Beta Theta Pi has been permanently banned from Penn State, and university officials now conduct spot checks at fraternity houses. Penn State has also developed a “scorecard” that enables prospective members and their parents to evaluate Greek organizations on a variety of measures, including GPA, awards and conduct violations. Louisiana State has barred Phi Delta Theta from campus until 2032. And in
their own chapters or other groups on campus. Post-Ruck surveys showed many participants found the experience Beyond new laws and university poliso valuable they suggested the mothcies, the most effective way to deter ers return to speak to the next year’s hazing may be hearing firsthand from attendees. those who have been affected by it. After the presentation, many scholEven as some Ruck Scholars cried while ars spoke one on one with the mothers, listening to the treatment Tim and Max exchanging hugs and thanking them endured, they also expressed appreciafor providing a forum where they could tion that Gruver and Piazza had come to speak openly about a topic that is typiRichmond to share their stories. cally downplayed in Greek life. One of Most importantly, they left better the things scholars were most eager prepared to recognize hazing and inter- to talk about was how they could start vene if they were to encounter it within anti-hazing conversations within their
Empowering students to take the lead
Pennsylvania and Louisiana, state legislators have passed laws named for Tim and Max that make hazing a felony and increase the punishment for offenders.
Brothers waited for a chance to speak with Rae Ann Gruver and Evelyn Piazza and thank them for sharing their anti-hazing message at Ruck.
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One of the things scholars were most eager to talk about was how they could start anti-hazing conversations within their own chapters and with other groups at their schools.
own chapters and with other groups at their schools. Gruver advised the brothers to be more vocal about what makes SigEp different and how Fraternity leaders integrate new brothers into chapter life without the use of alcohol. In addition, she suggested that chapters make Hazing Awareness Week activities an everyday, year-round practice to drive real change on their campuses.
She also pointed out that many fraternity chapters nationwide aren’t aligned with their organization’s mission. “There’s a societal change, a cultural change, that needs to happen across the board with fraternities. … Be the example,” she urged. “If you know other fraternities are hazing, you’ve got to step up and say something about it. And you’ve got to make it end. It’s not worth it.” Piazza concluded with another call for empathy, this time asking the Ruck Scholars to think of their own families and the families of their brothers.
“Know that you are very loved. … Your absence from people’s lives would be devastating to them. And now remember, the person next to you is just as loved by their family and friends who would be crippled by their loss. Please listen to us and don’t haze. Remember this.” Contact Brian Warren at
ceo@sigep.net if you’re interested in inviting Evelyn Piazza and Rae Ann Gruver to your campus to join you in your fight against hazing.
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A former political heavyweight, John Thrasher isn’t pulling any punches in his fight for fraternity reform By Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10
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“When I started this job at age 70, I was enthusiastic about it — it was something I never dreamed I’d have the opportunity to do,” said John Thrasher, Florida State ’65. Thrasher is the 15th president of Florida State University. His presidency is the capstone to a highly successful career as a businessman, lobbyist, lawyer and Florida legislator. “This will be the last job — and it’s the best job I’ve ever had,” he said. Before assuming his current role, Thrasher’s résumé lacked academic credentials. But his experience was the very reason he was considered for the position. In an era when many state legislatures are asking universities to do less with more, Thrasher’s fundraising prowess and proven ability to get things done at the state capital were exactly what the school’s trustees were looking for. In addition, Thrasher had maintained strong ties to Florida State throughout his career. He earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from the school and was a strong advocate for his alma mater during his time in the Florida house and senate. He was the first chair of the school’s board of trustees, and he helped secure funding from the state to establish the university’s medical school. Thrasher’s nomination was approved on Nov. 6, 2014, and since then he’s been laser focused on building Florida State into a national powerhouse. By the start of the 2017-2018 school year, Florida State ranked No. 33 among all public universities on U.S. News & World Report’s list of top colleges. The school climbed 10 spots in Thrasher’s first three years as president. (Currently, the school is ranked at No. 26.) Meanwhile, a record number of alumni were donating to the school, and Thrasher helped secure the largest private gift in Florida State’s history — $100 million. When students arrived on campus in fall 2017, the school appeared to be firing on all cylinders. Thrasher 32
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was well on his way to completing a $1 billion fundraising campaign, and students were excelling as a result of smaller class sizes, new scholarships and a world-class faculty. And what of fraternities? “I have to admit, when I got here, it was a secondary thing for me,” said Thrasher. “It just seemed like everything was OK. Then you have a major incident ... and you realize you’ve got to take a step back and reflect on what we need to do.”
Student deaths are a wake-up call On Friday morning, Nov. 3, 2017, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey was found lying unresponsive on a couch by one of his fellow Pi Kappa Phi pledge brothers. The evening before had been the fraternity’s big brother night. And according to a lawsuit filed by Coffey’s parents, Coffey was pressured to drink an entire bottle of 101-proof bourbon. He later passed out and was “left all alone in a dark room surrounded by empty liquor and beer bottles, empty cups and vomit,” the lawsuit stated. By the time Coffey was discovered the next morning, he didn’t have a pulse. Coffey received medical treatment but was eventually pronounced dead at the scene. By the time an autopsy was performed, his blood alcohol level was 0.477 — almost six times the legal limit to drive. And it would have been even higher when he died. The Monday after Coffey’s death, Thrasher suspended all 54 fraternities and sororities at Florida State and announced an alcohol ban that extended to more than 700 student organizations. “This pause is needed to review and reflect on the loss of a young life, and to implement changes,” Thrasher said. “For this suspension to end, there will be a new normal for Greek life at the university. There must be a new culture, and our students must be full participants in creating it.”
education for all Greeks, a limit on the number of social events chapters could host, and new restrictions on how and where alcohol could be served. Additionally, all fraternities would be required to work with their national offices to conduct a membership review. The hope was that chapters could identify and preemptively remove members unwilling to commit to the school’s expectations. And if any groups did slip up, Thrasher announced, Florida State would make that information public. The school is now publishing “scorecards” on its website that list chapter performance as well as any conduct issues. The goal is to hold chapters accountable, increase transparency, and help parents and potential members make better choices about Greek membership. “We are going to monitor this closely,” said Amy Hecht, Florida State’s vice president for student affairs. “If we see that something isn’t working the way it should, we will consider changing it. This is a process, and we will be vigilant in making sure new guidelines and policies continue to protect the health and well-being of our students.” (In September 2018, Hecht joined SigEp’s National Board of Directors.) Thrasher allowed fraternities to resume recruitment efforts and participate in philanthropic events. But the alcohol ban remained in effect until March 26, when Thrasher announced he would lift all sanctions and allow students to resume their normal activiBuilding a new normal ties under the new guidelines. In the weeks and months following Meanwhile, Florida State is investing heavily in Coffey’s death, Thrasher met with additional resources for Greek life. Before Coffey’s students, faculty and staff, as well as death, the school had allocated $300,000 annually peers from other universities, to consider to its Office of Fraternity and Sorority how — and if — his school’s Greek Life — a division responsible for supportsystem could move forward. ing 22 percent of the school’s students. Then, on Jan. 29, 2018, nearly three Starting in fall 2018, that budget increased months after suspending Florida State’s by $1 million. The funding increase was fraternities and sororities, Thrasher approved by Florida State’s trustees and announced a long list of reforms. will be offset by a new $75 per-student fee The policy changes included mandapaid by members of the school’s Greek tory participation in hazing prevention
Tragically, Thrasher had more than one student’s death on his mind when he announced the suspension. Tim Piazza had died the semester before at Penn State after sustaining fatal injuries during an alcohol-fueled hazing ritual at the school’s Beta Theta Pi chapter home. And at Louisiana State, Phi Delta Theta pledge Max Gruver died from alcohol poisoning on Sept. 14 — a mere 50 days before Coffey’s death. Then, just seven days after Thrasher announced the suspension, another young man was found dead at Texas State University. In a scene eerily reminiscent of Coffey’s death, Phi Kappa Psi pledge Matthew Ellis was found dead from alcohol poisoning the morning after he attended an off-campus fraternity party. Across the country, there was a mounting sentiment that something drastic needed to be done. Along with Florida State, university presidents at Penn State, Louisiana State and Texas State suspended their entire Greek systems. Later that month, other schools followed suit. Concerned about the health and safety of their students, leaders at the University of Michigan, Ohio State University and Indiana University each announced campus-wide suspensions for Greek life. “We had four deaths at four different universities,” Thrasher said. “I think it’s caused us all to take a step back and really reflect on what value fraternities have and how we can make them better.”
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community. The school will hire four additional Greek life staff members and introduce new programs focused on hazing prevention and leadership development.
Alcohol, hazing and the role of fraternities Florida State’s new policies include tighter regulations on alcohol, and Thrasher hasn’t ruled out additional reforms. Still, he says he needs alumni and national fraternities to step up, too — especially when it comes to alcohol. “I’d like to tell them to think about the role of alcohol in fraternities, and could we do without it? Could we do without it in the fraternity system altogether?” Thrasher asked. “I think that’s one of the primary problems that we have.” Today, many national fraternities are asking those and similar questions. In August 2017, SigEp’s undergraduate leaders voted to remove alcohol from all chapter homes. The legislation provided a three-year timeline for chapters to comply with the new standard, and it called on the Fraternity’s leadership to lobby peer organizations to adopt similar policies. Since then, Beta Theta Pi and Delta Upsilon have both committed to supporting substance-free housing by August 2020, and Phi Kappa Psi has announced an immediate ban on hard alcohol. And while these decisions represent a major shift for Greek life, the four fraternities aren’t alone in their efforts. For decades now, FarmHouse and Phi Delta Theta have banned alcohol from chapter homes. And so have all 26 members of the National Panhellenic Council, which includes most of the country’s large sororities. With added pressure from leading fraternities and university administrators, more groups are stepping up to address the problem of alcohol abuse.
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In August 2018, members of the North American Interfraternity Conference passed legislation that will ban hard liquor from chapter homes and fraternity events unless it’s served by a licensed third-party vendor. The new policy applies to 66 national fraternities and will take effect on Sept. 1, 2019. While Thrasher’s thankful more fraternities are taking on the issue of alcohol, he’s also eager to see them refocus on the positive aspects of Greek life. “Going forward, for the next five or 10 years, I hope fraternities will become more interested in academics, service and certainly in leadership in the university.” To make that happen, more groups are supporting experiences modeled after SigEp’s Balanced Man Program, which replaces pledging with a series of progressive challenges that help members fine-tune leadership and life skills. Beta Theta Pi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Nu, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Kappa Alpha have each adopted their own version of the program.
A coordinated, national effort among colleges Fraternity might not have been top of mind for Thrasher during his first three years as Florida State’s president, but he’s now at the center of a movement that’s seeking to bring college presidents together around the issue. Thrasher already had a working relationship with Penn State President Eric Barron when he reached out to him in 2017. Barron had served as president of Florida State from 2010 to 2014, and the two had become friends during that time. Barron supported Thrasher when he chose to suspend Greek life at Florida State, and soon the pair began discussing a national effort to address the
problems of hazing and alcohol abuse. “The more we can get in front of others and tell them about what we’ve done, I think we’ll make a difference,” said Thrasher. They brought Louisiana State President F. King Alexander into their discussions and, in April 2018, addressed a group of presidents and administrators from 31 colleges. The group met in Chicago at an event sponsored by Penn State, the University of Nebraska and the University of Iowa. The three presidents discussed the reforms they had put in place and their ideas for a coordinated, national effort. Thrasher, Barron and Alexander are each publishing information about Greek performance and conduct issues on their school’s websites, and Penn State is in the process of developing a national scorecard that would include Greek systems across the country. The aim is to increase transparency at all universities and hold national fraternities and sororities accountable for the behavioral trends seen across their chapters. To Thrasher, these efforts are necessary to protect students as well as a system he believes in. “I’m very pro-fraternity,” he said. “I was a member of the SigEp Fraternity here at Florida State — it’s a positive experience for me.” But is Greek life sustainable in its current form? “Not if we have more incidents like we had [in 2017],” said Thrasher. “Recruitment in fraternities for this year is down from last year overall — certainly down here at Florida State.
And I don’t want that to happen. I want us to be robust. I want the fraternities to flourish. “But I think they also have to understand the kind of things that happened [in 2017] — and the incidents that happened at several of our universities in the country — cannot go on. They cannot. We cannot sustain that. “If that happens, I think the national fraternities will see that the numbers of young men and women who want to get into Greek life are going to go down. … I want them to refocus, and that’s what we’re asking them to do.”
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Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation
Garry Kief (center) is assisted by Grand Secretary Billy Maddalon, North Carolina State ’90, and Foundation Trustee Ed Hammond, Emporia State ’66, as he cuts the ribbon at the official opening of Kief House on Nov. 3, 2018.
The living room of Kief House serves as a comfortable and inviting reception area for guests. Pictured is the room just prior to the unveiling of Garry Kief’s portrait.
SigEp salutes Garry Kief at opening of new Foundation Headquarters in politics and the entertainment industry to work for the Fraternity. On a crisp fall Saturday morning, a small Starting his volunteer service as a crowd gathered in front of an elegant house Foundation trustee, Kief went on to with a red door in Richmond, Virginia. As a become Foundation president before man holding a pair of giant scissors snipped eventually joining the National Board of the red ribbon covering the door, he smiled Directors and serving as Grand President broadly at the crowd, then looked back at from 2009 to 2011. Kief brought energy the building now bearing his name. and enthusiasm to each role, whether Garry Kief, Southern California ’70, is fundraising for scholarships and leadera Past Grand President, SigEp Educational ship programs or keynoting at Carlson, Foundation life trustee, and recipient of Conclave and other events. both the SigEp Citation and the Order When SigEp CEO Brian Warren, of the Golden Heart. Although he’s no Virginia ’04, realized the Foundation had stranger to big moments in SigEp, this day outgrown its space in Zollinger House, put him at the center of a moment unlike Kief was the first person he called. Kief any other in the Fraternity’s history as liked the idea of creating an office for brothers and friends gathered for the offiFoundation staff and gifted an available cial opening of the Educational Foundation property adjacent to SigEp’s Zollinger offices in the newly minted Kief House. House Headquarters for that purpose. It’s unlikely Kief imagined such a Several brothers and friends joined moment back when he reconnected with Kief in support of the cause by sponSigEp almost 30 years ago. After meeting soring rooms throughout the facility. then-Educational Foundation President Offices donated by or in honor of longChuck White, Western Michigan ’62, time volunteers Chuck White; Archie and Past Grand President Mike Williams, Yeatts, Richmond ’64; and Tom Barton, Memphis ’69, Kief visited Conclave in Loras ’89, serve as workspace for SigEp’s 1991. He was impressed and left the event professional staff and include Fraternityexcited to put the skills he’d honed working related items donated from the personal collections of these namesake brothers. By Andrew Parrish, Georgia ’13, and Ty ya N. Turner
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sigep journal Spring 2019 | sigep.org
Three of the couples who commissioned Kief’s portrait pose with him after the painting is unveiled. L to R: Ashley and Brian Warren, Kief, Gay and Mike Williams, and Barb and Tom Barton.
The McCleary Innovation Room, named in honor of Past Grand President Donald McCleary, Texas-Austin ’71, not only serves as meeting space, but also includes the history of the Balanced Man Program. The NUTS! War Room serves as the board room for the Foundation while honoring SigEp veterans and volunteers. In addition, Kief House contains a beautifully curated collection chronicling the Foundation’s history. The archive was created through gifts from Peter Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ’98; Peter’s wife, Allison; and others in honor of Past Grand President and Order of the Golden Heart recipient Bruce Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ’60, and his wife, Inta.
Our Thanks
Chuck and Susan White pause to admire some of the displays in the office named in their honor.
Past Grand President Archie Yeatts poses with his wife, Elaine, in front of some of the items in the office they sponsored at Kief House.
SigEp thanks the more than 400 donors who supported our efforts to make the property gifted by Brother Kief our new Foundation Headquarters. We also extend a special thanks to the following for dedicating and furnishing rooms throughout Kief House:
• Elaine and Archie
and Ashley Warren; Michael Johnson, and Mike and Gay Eastern Washington Yeatts for the Archie Williams for the Garry ’01, for the Don and Elaine Yeatts Kief portrait McCleary Innovation Office • Nearly 100 members • Tom Allardyce, Lamar Room of the NUTS! • Peter and Allison ’70, for the Chuck McAuliffe Society for Hasenkamp and White Office the NUTS! War Room, friends for the • Friends of Barb and including: Bruce Hasenkamp Tom Barton for the • The sponsors of Tom and Barb Barton Memorial Archives the 10 chairs given Annual Giving Offices • Tom and Barb Barton; in honor of SigEp • The Chicago Society, Sara and Shawn veterans and Sedlacek, Southern with lead donor volunteers California ’93; Brian
The embroidered chairs in the NUTS! War Room were donated in memory and in honor of SigEp veterans and volunteers. The War Room was made possible thanks to the dedication of fundraising captain Paul Litcher, Indiana Tech ’88.
Kent Hickman, Colorado ’61; Tom Jelke, Florida International, ’90; and Greg Pestinger, Kansas State ’86, three of the Fraternity’s highest lifetime donors, were among the guests who attended the ribbon-cutting and saw their names displayed in the recently renovated building. Members of the National Board of Directors and all the Foundation’s trustees were also on hand to celebrate this milestone for the Fraternity. The Foundation extends a special thanks to Jon Kucera, Virginia ’69, for his project management of the renovation and to Ashley Warren for pro bono interior design.
To view more photos from the ribbon-cutting, go to sigep.org/KH-gallery.
The McCleary Innovation Room showcases the development of the Balanced Man Program.
Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation
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Board of Governors No group of donors shows more loyalty to SigEp’s Annual Fund than the Board of Governors. The leadership demonstrated by these donors through their gifts allows SigEp to expand the quality and reach of chapter programs, regional and national leadership events, and academic scholarships each year. The following alumni, spouses, parents, volunteers, staff and friends contributed $1,200 or more during SigEp’s 2017-2018 fiscal year. Also recognized are undergraduates and donors under 30 who contribute $600 or more through the Beacon Society.
Sponsor Level | $2,500 - $4,999 Bruce Anderson
Stuart Gould
Texas-Austin ’71
California-Berkeley ’59
Hoyt R. Barnett
Jerome Guyant
Florida Southern ’65
Harry Belton
Louisiana State ’81
Edward Bishop Virginia Tech ’74
Kenneth Christianson Washington State ’74
John Davis
Western Carolina ’87
David Deniger Texas-Austin ’68
Ryan Denny Stanford ’06
Wallace Doud Wisconsin ’48
John C. Durrant Stetson ’96
R. Clayton Funk
Daniel and Kathleen Nikolai Friends of SigEp
Wisconsin-Stevens Point ’65
Gregory Pestinger
Melvin Haas
Robert Pierce
Cincinnati ’62
Kent Hickman Colorado ’61
Steven Jason Connecticut ’83
Kansas State ’86 Illinois ’81
Dr. Barry Posner California-Santa Barbara ’70
William Rogers
Jeffery Johnson
Maryland-College Park ’54
David Joubran
Oregon State ’86
Fred Karlinsky
Morehead State ’87
Frank Laughon Jr.
Central Missouri ’85
William Monroe
Texas-Arlington ’85
Colorado ’89
George Mason ’92 Miami (Florida) ’89 Randolph-Macon ’59
Christopher Sarles Todd Stewart
Gregory Swain
David Wolverton
Western Michigan ’63
Washburn ’93
Chairman’s Circle | $10,000+ Anonymous Dr. Robert Hartsook
Terrence Lundgren Arizona ’74
Adam R. Rose Friend of SigEp
1901 Society | $1,901 - $2,499 Matthew Beck Iowa ’90
Emporia State ’70
Richard Bennet
Johns Hopkins ’91
Kenneth Blankenship
Missouri S&T ’74
Central Missouri ’74
President’s Circle | $5,000 - $9,999 Charles Amato
Sam Houston State ’70
Thomas Barton Loras ’89
Colorado ’85
Denis H. Dieker Jr. Wichita State ’77
Dr. Robert Frank Baldwin Wallace ’68
Tennessee-Martin ’00
Brian Boron
Purdue ’94
Baldwin Wallace ’78
Western Michigan ’89
J. Gregory Keller
J. Darren Rodgers
Donald Burgio
Johns Hopkins ’06
Georgia ’84
Rensselaer ’89
Garry Kief
The Honorable A.J. Scribante
Jane Cox
Clifford A. Kinnunen Jr.
Friend of SigEp
SIU-Edwardsville ’81
D. Craig Dewey
G. Wayne Knupp Jr.
Washington State ’72
Huntingdon ’95
John Eber
Eric W. Lauterbach
Minnesota ’98
Southern California ’70
Joshua Lee
Kansas State ’56
Richard Mullen
Rider ’00
Valparaiso ’98 Cincinnati ’65
Steven Sutow, Esq. Zariel Toolan
Bradley ’73
Glenn Ezell
North Texas ’87
Marc Ferguson
B OA RD OF G OV ERNO RS A NNUAL G iving L evels
Bradley ’84
$10,000+...............................................Chairman’s Circle $5,000 - $9,999...................................President’s Circle $2,500 - $4,999...................................Sponsor Level $1,901 - $2,499.....................................1901 Society $1,200 - $1,900.....................................Member Level $600 - $1,199........................................Beacon Society
L. Kent Fowler
George Follis Jr. East Texas State ’81
(donors under age 30)
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David A. Kacsur
Wendell Rakosky
Columbia ’01
plus
Michael Hurst
Todd Johns
Missouri ’86
Christopher Bittman
Frederick C.K. Herberich
denotes deceased
sigep journal Spring 2019 | sigep.org
Evansville ’85
Bryan Kaminski
California-Santa Barbara ’89
Daniel K. Liu
Southern Methodist ’08
Thomas H. Lynch
Pennsylvania State ’90
Kevin Maguire Michigan Tech ’83
Christopher M. McCaw
Dr. Edward Hammond Appalachian State ’03 Emporia State ’66
Billy Morgan Jr. Memphis ’71
Douglas Nabhan Purdue ’77
Bradley Nahrstadt Monmouth ’89
Howard Nycum
East Texas State ’69
Robert Pedersen Nebraska-Omaha ’71
Gregory Pusinelli Indiana ’80
Douglas Roberts Pennsylvania ’83
Ari M. Rosenbaum Pennsylvania State ’91
Jason St. John
Maryland-College Park ’94
Dale Werts Baker ’84
Kelly Williams Tennessee ’92
Michael A. Wolbert Northwest Missouri ’94
Member Level | $1,200 - $1,900 John Abraham
Kevin Carnevali
Jeffrey Gates
Rev. Raymond K. Ackerman
Scott H. Carr
Blake A. GebhauerWhite
Cincinnati ’77
Washington ’95
Oklahoma ’77
California-Santa Barbara ’86
T. Bryan Altheide
Scott T. Carr
Evansville ’85
Bowling Green State ’97
James M. Amen
Mark Cassata
Sacramento State ’96
Illinois State ’08
Paul Ashley
D. Craig Casselberry
Ball State ’99
Texas-Austin ’86
Joseph Baird
Steven Chaneles, Esq.
Florida Atlantic ’07
Andrew Baker Elon ’06
Anthony Balestrieri George Washington ’03
Robert Barile Jr. Connecticut ’84
Zach Barilleau
Louisiana State ’10
Kenneth Barker CalPoly-Pomona ’91
Connecticut ’83
Jeffrey Comer Jacksonville ’02
The Honorable Mitchell G. Crane
West Chester Renaissance
Christopher Crotts Oklahoma ’99
Edward Dahlkamp San Diego State ’63
Gregory Barra
C. Dean Davis
William Becker
Bradley Day
Theodore Behnken
Austin Dickson
Kent A. Belli
Christopher Dillion
Dr. Ron Binder
Jack N. Donohew III
Stephen Bishop
R. Scott Dudis, DVM
Adam Biskner
Robert Eckert
Neil Blais
Scott K. Edinger
Ryan Blanck
Michael Elliott
Anthony Bond
Michael Ellis
Lawrence Bott
Matthew Engelhardt
Texas-Austin ’03 Indiana ’72 Toledo ’82
South Carolina ’81 Toledo ’83
Indiana ’76 Iowa ’02
CalPoly-Pomona ’82 Western Michigan ’02 Tennessee-Martin ’13 Indiana Tech ’67
Joseph Brejda Georgia Tech ’12
Stephen Buce Stevens ’86
Frank Butterfield
Southern California ’83
Clark Byrum Sr. Indiana ’57
David R. Calderon CalPoly-Pomona ’88
Dina Calderon Friend of SigEp
Gregory Caniglia CalPoly-Pomona ’86
Chad Carlson, CFP Baylor ’95
North Texas ’52 Arkansas ’87
Texas Christian ’02 Illinois ’03
Purdue ’95
Ohio State ’09 Arizona ’76
Florida State ’92
East Tennessee State ’81 Purdue ’84
Valparaiso ’91
Dare Pugh Estok Friend of SigEp
Joseph Etter
Miami (Ohio) ’73
Mark Fabere Iowa State ’80
Matthew Finke Truman State ’04
Dr. Kevin Fleming
Loyola Marymount ’00
Patrick Fontana Truman State ’94
Johnson Garrett Syracuse ’88
Wichita State ’89
Southern Methodist ’89
Peter Gencarelli Central Missouri ’75
Jason Gerard
Bowling Green State ’94
Thomas B. Jelke, Ph.D.
Florida International ’90
Brent Johnson
Northwest Missouri ’84
Columbus L. Johnson Jr.
Sacramento State ’85 plus
Kevin Kassner
Glenn Gnirrep
Mississippi State ’82
John Golson
Washington-St. Louis ’86
Rutgers ’82 plus
Louisiana State ’05
Brett Gough
Wisconsin-Platteville ’03
Gregg Gowanloch Georgia Southern ’96
Dr. Michael Green
California-Berkeley ’62
Adam B. Guercio Miami (Florida) ’09
Charles Haldeman Dartmouth ’70
Andrew Hall
Craig Kaufman
Michael Kearney Missouri S&T ’61
Curtis Kimball Duke ’72
Michael L. Kimmel Dartmouth ’94
Frank T. Ko
Pepperdine ’97
David Kohl
Miami (Florida) ’87
William Komperda Monmouth ’81
Troy Hanson
George J. Koperna Jr.
Valparaiso ’02
West Virginia ’91
Dr. Jay Harness
Daniel J. Kraninger
Arizona ’65
Villanova ’93
John Hartman
Mark S. Krzywonos
Missouri ’61
Northern Kentucky ’84
Jamar Hawkins
RADM Charles Kubic, CEC, USN
East Tennessee State ’95
Lynchburg ’04
Jonathan Hayes
CalPoly-Pomona ’93
David Hereford Marshall ’86
Conrad Hewitt Illinois ’58
Thomas Hill Richmond ’64
Matthew Hillerud North Dakota ’04
Les Hinmon
Northwest Missouri ’84
Joshua Hodnichak Case Western ’10
Steve Hofstetter Columbia ’02
Jonathan Holland
George Washington ’02
H. Lorenz Horn Florida ’56
Gary Huff
Central Arkansas ’91
Seth Irby
Louisiana State ’11
Ryan Jacobsen San Diego ’00
Lehigh ’72
Jonathan Kucera Virginia ’69
Joseph W. Langella Jr. Connecticut ’83
Joseph Lavoie Jr Massachusetts ’08
Betty LeDoux Friend of SigEp
F. Whitaker Leonhardt Georgetown ’07
Michael Lincoln Southeast Missouri State ’84
Paul Litcher
Indiana Tech ’88
Jay Lombardo North Texas ’86
Richard Long Jr.
Kenneth S. Maddox
Matthew S. Parrish
Phillip Maisano
Zachariah P. Pfeifer
Kelly Mankin
Kurt Phares
Bryan Marsh III
Scott Phillips Jr.
Reginald M. Maynigo
Brad Polzar
Thomas C. Mays III
John Porreca
Jason McCann
Joe Poston
Jason McGill
Kristopher Powell
David McLaughlin
Jeffrey Prather
J. Robert McLendon
Jeffrey Prouty
Daniel McVeigh
Christopher Purdum
William V. Medbery
Dr. Robert Qualls
Lt. Commander Christopher K. Mercer
Richard Rankin
Oregon State ’75
Belmont Abbey ’69
Western Michigan ’82 North Texas ’81 IIT ’05
Lamar ’76
Houston ’92
Vanderbilt ’08
Minnesota ’92 Lamar ’64
Texas Wesleyan ’90 Georgia ’75
UNC-Wilmington ’91
Christopher Mitchell Washington State ’09
Robert A. Morris
New Mexico State ’94
Salvatore Moschelli Lawrence Tech ’00
Norman Nabhan, CIMA Purdue ’71
Kent Nelson Ball State ’59
Oscar Nelson
Texas-Arlington ’85
Joshua C. Ness North Texas ’09
Matthew Ngo
Texas Christian ’12
William T. Oliver Jr. Texas A&M ’91
Matthew B. Ontell UCLA ’05
Brent Osborn Ohio State ’09
Kevin Otero
New Mexico ’87
Colorado State ’79
Duffy Oyster
Christopher S. Loveless
Joshua Paine
Texas Tech ’92
Christopher Lynch Northeastern ’07
Billy Maddalon
North Texas ’69
Cal State-San Bernardino ’12
Georgia ’07
Louisville ’11
Nebraska ’79
Ohio State ’05
Wisconsin-Platteville ’07 Philadelphia ’71
Wichita State ’73 Southern Mississippi ’01 Ball State ’99
Iowa State ’79
Wichita State ’07
Mississippi State ’54 Texas-Austin ’77
Kenneth Rector Mississippi ’74
Kenneth Rhines
George Washington ’89
Maurice Richards Jr. Tulsa ’52
Jay Rivera Babson ’99
Teddi I. Robeson Friend of SigEp
Marcus Robinson Dayton ’99
Matthew Rodrigue Maine ’04
The Honorable David J. Roman Cornell ’73
Kacy Rozelle
Virginia Tech ’86
Todd Ruberg Oregon ’82
Samuel Ruble
Morehead State ’80
Archie Ryan, DVM Arkansas ’83
Christopher J. Sacra Jacksonville ’98
Jeffrey Saltiel Stevens ’88
Keith Sapp Wyoming ’03
Matthew Papa South Florida ’07
North Carolina State ’90
Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation
39
Member Level | $1,200-$1,900
Beacon Society | $600 - $1,199
Devon Scheible
Brian P. Tahmoush
Paul Andersen
Matthew Huggins
Andrew Parrish
Scott Schmidt
Dr. Stephen Taylor
Joel Anderson
Jordan Hunt
Trent Patterson
Eric Schoenstein
Kirk Tebo
Erik C. Angus
Benjamin A. Hutto
Chris Piotrowski
William R. Schutte
J. David Teitelman, MPA
James Azriel
Conner E. Jackson
Mark D. Reiter
Jeffrey Back
Julian Jelke
Caleb Roberts
Matthew Barton
Parker Jelke
Dustin Robinson
Thomas Beckett
Ryan Kearns
Corey Schmidt
Cameron Blaydes
Dylan Ketcham
Alex Scull
Tyler Boggess
Kevin Knudson
Jamison L. Shields
Richard Budden
Ross Kruse
Matthew B. Sloan
Jace Cairns
Kevin Kwoka
Winston Smart
Lucis Cardona
Timothy LaboyCoparropa
Alex Stepanek
Toledo ’05
Nebraska ’82
Oregon State ’88
Cleveland State ’71
Miami (Florida) ’90
Tennessee Wesleyan ’76 Ball State ’97
John Schuyler
American ’07
Jonathan Shanklin
Southern Mississippi ’96
Stephen B. Shanklin, Ph.D.
Arkansas ’86
Western Michigan ’00 Valparaiso ’08
Murray State ’70
Jonathan Shoemaker WPI ’09
Arthur J. Siccardi Florida ’98
Colonel William G. Sikes Jr.
East Tennessee State ’57
William Simmons Louisville ’14
Jerry Smith Jr. Texas-Austin ’79
Ronald Smith
Maj. G. Gary Thiel John Thomas
Richard Thompson Pennsylvania ’94
William G. Tragos
Washington-St. Louis ’56
Robert Trovaten San Diego State ’67
August Trupiano
East Tennessee State ’82
Brandon Tsubaki CalPoly-Pomona ’06
John Tyler
Texas-Austin ’63
Stephen Valente
San Diego State ’69
Middle Tennessee State ’96
Henry Soledad
Robert Van de Vuurst
Nevada-Reno ’01
East Tennessee State ’83
Jason Somrock
Roger H. VanHoozer
Minnesota ’02
Washburn ’72
Jeffrey Somrock
Peter Varney
Minnesota ’05
Davidson ’96
B. Andrew Speed
Renato Villacorte
Arkansas ’81
CalPoly-Pomona ’91
James Spellman II
Brian C. Warren Jr.
Texas Tech ’90
Virginia ’04
Ehren Stanhope
Ryan Webb
Tulane ’05
North Dakota ’00
John Stanley
Mark Wenrick
Arkansas ’64
Oregon ’96
Paul Steffens
Gerald Whitt
Thiel ’70
Duke ’72
Charles Stegman
Thomas Wiggins
Colorado ’81
CalPoly-Pomona ’84
Nicholas Stone
Michael C. Williams
Wichita State ’02
Memphis ’69
The Honorable Scott Stucky
John Witemeyer
Wichita State ’70
John Stumpf
Rutgers ’55
The Honorable Archer L. Yeatts III
Evansville ’71 plus
Richmond ’64
Ric Sweeney
Stephen Young
Cincinnati Renaissance
Kansas ’80
Scott Swisher
John Zollinger
Purdue ’79
Lehigh ’57
Northern Iowa ’16 Northern Iowa ’12 Cincinnati ’17 Indiana ’10
Cincinnati ’17
Northern Iowa ’21 Stetson ’14 Illinois ’12 Drake ’10
Washburn ’09 Utah State ’13
South Dakota State ’11
Washington ’14 Utah State ’13
South Carolina ’16 Nebraska ’16
Friend of SigEp Friend of SigEp
South Florida ’10 Elon ’11
Nebraska ’15 Davidson ’17
San Diego State ’11
Jonathan Catanzarita
Christopher Newport ’17
Patrick Clark
Marquette ’14
Austin Collins
Louisiana State ’12
Nicolaus Collins
Tennessee-Martin ’15
John Domanski
Friend of SigEp
John Emery
Rensselaer ’16
Michael Gandara
Tulane ’11
Clarion ’11
Tennessee-Martin ’11 Alabama ’13
San Diego ’14
Tennessee-Martin ’16 Arizona ’17
Alex Landry Andrew Leonpacher Mark Maloney
William McLaughlin Brian Michalka Gregory Miller
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ’15
Sean Mittelman
Jason T. Goetsch
Michael Montoya
Wisconsin-Platteville ’11
Mitchell E. Goldich Lehigh ’09
Alex W. Grashoff Louisiana State ’14
Jamieson Gray Illinois ’12
Alex Grieve
Cal State-Fullerton ’12
Dylan C. Hanson Washington ’17
Ohio State ’09 San Diego ’15
Daniel Moore Loras ’13
Trent Morrison Utah State ’14
Patrick T. Murphy Northeastern ’10
N. Cameron Nagler California-Santa Barbara ’13
Benjamin Nahrstadt
Bret Harrell
Indiana ’16
Alexander Hendee
Columbia ’20
Jeffrey Horan
Alabama ’14
Nebraska-Omaha ’12 Fort Hays State ’13
North Carolina State ’11
Alex Nicita Davis Orr
Daniel Overheim
Memphis-Lambuth ’13
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Georgia ’13
Wichita State ’10
Washington State ’12 Drake ’15
Austin Peay State ’10 Northern Kentucky ’12 Montana State ’14 Westminster ’12 Oregon State ’17 Florida ’09
Southern Methodist ’13 Northern Iowa ’16
Rick Stepanovic Michigan ’12
Lee Stewart
Virginia Commonwealth ’10
Zachary Stull Nebraska ’14
Daniel Sullivan WPI ’12
Kyle Sutton Cincinnati ’12
Scott Swedberg Elon ’11
Roy Sye
Monmouth ’13
Kenneth Thompson Washington ’14
Devon B. Walker Pepperdine ’12
Benjamin Weinberg Drake ’17
Jeff Wray
Georgetown ’11
The Balanced Man Scholarship:
an effective alternative to rush
According to the most recent data available from the Higher Education Research Institute’s American Freshman survey, 12.8 percent of freshmen entering college in 2016 said they were likely to join a fraternity or sorority. This is a slight increase from 11 percent in 2015. While this rise may be a positive sign for Greek life, SigEp leaders recognize that successful recruitment is about more than numbers. That is why SigEp chapters have been steadily turning to the Balanced Man Scholarship (BMS) to recruit values-based brothers. Many chapters have had a difficult time finding the right kind of men through universitysponsored formal recruitment, which often attracts men who join Greek life for the wrong reasons. Increasingly, SigEp chapters are using the BMS to combat this issue. With additional support at the local and national levels, 70 percent of chapters ran a BMS in 2017-2018, up from 57 percent two years prior. Across the country, 825 new members were recruited through the BMS in 2017-2018, compared with 531 two years prior. In that time, total scholarship dollars awarded increased from $233,000 to $315,000. The following account is an example of a chapter that has turned its attention toward the BMS and away from rush. By Ali Harb, Drexel ’19
The brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Drexel Chapter assembled for their Balanced Man Scholarship luncheon in a Victorian-style ballroom that the chapter’s scholarship committee had adorned in purple and red for the occasion. Brothers, university officials, the scholarship finalists and their parents all gathered for the scholarship presentation. Sai Talla, ’19, and Ryan O’Hea, ’18, announced the finalists’ names and read a summary of their achievements as each was presented with a certificate, a SigEp water bottle and a SigEp portfolio. Balanced Man Scholarship Chairman Ali Harb, ’19, announced the two runners-up and firstplace winner. These top three finalists were awarded a total of $1,000 in scholarships. Immediately following the ceremony, the finalists, their parents and campus officials were invited to the chapter house for coffee and dessert and a tour of the facility. The parents and campus officials were thoroughly impressed with the luncheon, and several even said it was the most professional and well-executed event they’d seen by undergraduate students. Todd Sullivan, Drexel University’s director of fraternity and sorority life, commented after the luncheon: “The men of Sigma Phi Epsilon are focused on leadership development at Drexel. It is heartening to
see how their commitment extends beyond their own members. Through a well-organized Balanced Man Scholarship program, they highlighted excellence among their peers and reached out to the larger university community. Holding their BMS banquet during family weekend allowed them to celebrate the success of these young men with their parents and family members, which was truly special.” Drexel has conducted an annual BMS luncheon since chartering in 2002. The chapter has found the BMS to be an effective tool to recognize fellow high-achieving students. In addition, it’s made a significant impact on the chapter’s recruitment efforts over the last several years. In fall 2018, approximately one out of every three members who joined the chapter were found through BMS efforts, and several other applicants indicated they were considering joining the chapter in the spring. Former Chapter President Ryan Bannon, ’18, said, “Without the BMS, I don’t think we would be anywhere close to where we are today. We get some of our best guys from the scholarship, and it serves as a major part of our yearly recruitment efforts.”
What it takes to execute a great BMS Pennsylvania Beta Beta’s 2017 BMS campaign relied heavily on the preparation that the scholarship committee completed in the summer and early fall. The chapter employed resources from SigEp Headquarters and an archive of past scholarship campaigns to improve the 2017 ceremony. The resources enabled the chapter to develop a strong application and interview questions, properly train interviewers, and brainstorm on new and inventive ways to market the application. A variety of marketing strategies were utilized to find potential applicants among the incoming freshmen, including flyers, email blasts (sent to members of the honors college and other freshmen males), and posts to Facebook groups. Through these efforts, the chapter reached a record number of students and received nearly 150 applications. Interviews were extended to the top 30 applicants, 10 were selected as finalists and the top three were awarded scholarships. Interviews were conducted over the course of two weeks in the summer and the first week of the fall term. Training for interviewers occurred in early summer, and each brother on the committee was assigned three to four interviews. The committee used a standardized scoring system to fairly rank applicants. Additionally, there were two interviewers for each finalist and a recorder to ensure consistency and provide multiple perspectives for scoring. For most applicants, this was their introduction to the Fraternity. Understanding the importance of this opportunity, the BMS committee focused on improved marketing and running a professional and efficient application process.
SigEp Headquarters offers professional marketing support and one-on-one coaching services to help your chapter operate the Balanced Man Scholarship. For interview trainings or banquet resources, email eddie.gonnella@sigep.net.
Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation
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In Memoriam SigEp mourns NUTS! Society co-founder After receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Columbus Johnson, Sacramento State ’85, embarked on a career with the Justice Department that spanned 30 years. He spent 11 of those years as a member of the FBI Rapid Deployment Team responding to threats against American citizens overseas. He was also a dedicated SigEp volunteer, signing on as AVC secretary with his home chapter immediately after graduation. He went on to serve in various roles, including AVC president, chapter counselor and balanced man steward, with AVCs in Hawaii and throughout California. In addition, he gave his time and talent as a task force member, Carlson faculty and lieutenant district governor Columbus Johnson Jr., Sacramento State ’85 for California. Wherever he went, brothers were Aug. 12, 1962 – June 4, 2018 impressed by Johnson’s humility and boundless love for SigEp. An attendee of 17 consecutive Conclaves, he co-founded the NUTS! McAuliffe Society, raising thousands of dollars to support scholarships for brothers to attend Conclave. Johnson was twice named Brother of the Year as an undergraduate and was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001.
Longtime mentor remembered For more than 40 years, John Stumpf, Evansville ’71, faithfully served his home chapter in a variety of capacities, including as AVC president. He is remembered with great appreciation for his conscientious management of the chapter facility. Calling on his many years as a banking executive and previous experience in construction, he oversaw fundraising for and construction of the chapter’s home in the 1980s, as well as renovations in the years that followed. He also served as the AVC’s go-to expert on other issues related to housing and risk management. A mentor to many on matters related to life and SigEp, Stumpf was also a longtime John Stumpf, Evansville ’71 supporter of the Sept. 10, 1947 – July 5, 2018
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Outgoing NUTS! McAuliffe Society Brigadier General John Stumpf gives a speech during the group’s gathering at Conclave in 2015.
Educational Foundation and leader in the NUTS! McAuliffe Society. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2011, and the AVC created a scholarship in Stumpf’s honor in 2013. Aside from serving the chapter, he was a regular attendee and frequent organizer of quarterly lunches, bringing chapter alumni together to maintain their strong connection.
Nathan leaves lasting mark nationally and on chapter Terry Nathan, Texas-Austin ’69, was a longtime volunteer whose generosity and positive outlook were much admired by his chapter brothers and the larger Kendrick Terry Nathan, Texas-Austin ’69 Austin community. March 23, 1947 – After graduating July 5, 2018 with a degree in business, he worked as a technology consultant and established a chain of software rental stores in the city. He served as AVC president for several years in the 1990s and provided sound guidance as the chapter underwent a difficult membership review. After the chapter lost its charter, his leadership was instrumental in helping lay the groundwork for the chapter’s return to campus. Today, the chapter is much stronger, in large part due to his dedication. A Distinguished Alumnus recipient, Nathan also served as chapter counselor and balanced man steward and remained a trusted mentor and friend to many chapter brothers long after their undergraduate days. His many contributions to the chapter were recognized in 1996 when he was inducted into the Texas Alpha Hall of Fame. In addition, his contributions as a member of the Technology Task Force helped the Fraternity use technology to enhance operations, both nationally and on the chapter level.
The following is a partial listing of SigEp brothers who have passed away in recent months, organized by the member’s home chapter’s state. Names in red are national volunteers or those who have received national recognition for their service, such as the Order of the Golden Heart, Exemplary Service Award, Volunteer of the Year, Distinguished Alumnus or Citation.
Alabama John L. Barber Auburn ’51
Arizona Jesse D. James Northern Arizona ’09 Dennis J. Skarecky Arizona State ’65
Arkansas J. Ross Hall Arkansas State ’95 Michael G. Smith Arkansas ’72
California Charles F. Adams Jr. Cal State-Chico ’73 Candid R. Chackel California-Santa Barbara ’51 James T. Harney California-Santa Barbara ’61 Columbus L. Johnson Jr. Sacramento State ’85 (Distinguished Alumnus) Gus J. Kaplanis Sacramento State ’71 Alanson M. Randol San Diego State ’65
Florida Haskell R. Fulmer Florida State ’57 Lawrence P. Hastings Jr. Stetson ’66 Hoke S. Johnson Jr. Florida ’50 Mitchell E. Liebeskind South Florida ’05 John B. Nora Jr. Florida ’43
Robert W. Shackton Florida ’66
Georgia John N. Meisten III Georgia ’65 John W. Witasick Georgia Tech ’51
Idaho Wesley R. Startin Idaho State ’65 Kelly W. Warner Idaho State ’63
Illinois Jesus O. Garcia Northern Illinois ’18 Dr. John W. Gibson Monmouth ’59 Richard E. McCarthy Illinois ’54 David C. McCune Illinois ’71 Richard L. Merrick Jr. IIT ’64 Salvatore V. Pizzuto IIT ’59
Indiana Larry E. Close Purdue ’57 David D. Day Indiana State ’61 Richard H. Gutermuth Indiana ’50 Robert E. Havlin Ball State ’83 Stanley D. Landfair Ball State ’57 Corey S. Lawrence Indiana ’86 Charles D. Paul Indiana ’74 Ralph D. Ray Jr. Ball State ’59 Steven D. Schaedel Indiana ’74 Gary D. Scudder Purdue ’75 John D. Stumpf Evansville ’71 (Distinguished Alumnus)
Iowa Arthur E. Hammond Iowa ’59 Powell J. Hughes Iowa Wesleyan ’51 Dennis D. Jasper Iowa ’71 David W. Neal Iowa State ’64 Richard N. Paulsen Iowa State ’61
Kansas Theodore D. Barnickel Baker ’63
Marvin W. Chiles Kansas State ’57 Dr. Oren R. Duvall Wichita State ’61 Robert H. Hoover Jr. Emporia State ’71 Robert L. Jones Baker ’51 Robert F. Lewis Kansas State ’50 Donald E. Parker Baker ’55 E. Wayne Reeves Emporia State ’63 George E. Shore Baker ’54 Donald P. Vandegrift Kansas State ’76
Roger R. Festa, Ph.D., FAIC Truman State ’72 (Volunteer of the Year) George H. Krieger Missouri S&T ’62 Thomas W. Miltenberger Missouri ’68 John L. Mundwiller Missouri S&T ’70 William W. Schramm Missouri S&T ’56 Paul F. Stahlschmidt Southeast Missouri State ’66 Stephen A. Youngman Northwest Missouri ’82
Kentucky
Nebraska
William S. Heckman Louisville ’74 William K. Rice Kentucky ’52
Louisiana Brian J. McKenna Tulane ’07
Maryland Roland R. Eppley Jr. Johns Hopkins ’53 (Citation) Kevin B. Kamenetz Johns Hopkins ’79
Massachusetts David L. Nickerson WPI ’54 Thomas H. Rothwell WPI ’53
Michigan Timothy A. Bush Western Michigan ’97 Richard M. DeVos Grand Valley State Renaissance James M. Gately Jr. Michigan ’44 Norbert K. Miller Jr. Central Michigan ’66 Nikolas J. Pieknik Lawrence Tech ’20 Stephen B. Shawaker Michigan ’55 Brian D. Stainforth Michigan ’88
Mississippi Leslie H. Siltman Mississippi ’67 Charles D. Wright Mississippi State ’57
Missouri Dr. Neil A. Brodsky Washington-St. Louis ’91 Barney A. Ebsworth Washington-St. Louis ’57 (Citation)
Harold F. Dubas Nebraska ’58 Judge Jon L. Lawritson Nebraska ’64 John V. Parmelee Nebraska ’57 Boden O. Portwood Nebraska ’44 Gregory D. Thomas, D.D.S. Nebraska ’69
New Hampshire Charles R. Thompson Jr. Dartmouth ’58
New Jersey Glenn T. Gnirrep Rutgers ’82 (Distinguished Alumnus)
New Mexico David G. Jackson New Mexico ’55
New York R. Corbin Aslakson Cornell ’51 Richard J. Evans Cornell ’45 Zachary N. Goldstein Rensselaer ’06 Thomas R. Murphy Rensselaer ’64 Edgar A. Roll Syracuse ’52 Richard E. Speirs Cornell ’59
North Carolina Peter D. Eldridge Elon ’75 Carl C. Guthrie Barton ’93 William E. James Jr. North Carolina State ’52 Dr. Alvin M. Losasso Duke ’58 Clyde W. Mitchell Wake Forest ’51
Joseph B. Philbrick Wake Forest ’82 Paul S. Speagle Jr. Lenoir Rhyne ’66 George M. Stamps Wake Forest ’44 W. Davis Trotter Jr. UNC-Charlotte ’77 Jack O. Watson North Carolina State ’64
Tennessee
North Dakota
Texas
Erik K. Valente North Dakota ’08
Ohio Donald J. Day Kent State ’55 Richard J. Graham Ohio State ’90 Dennis G. Herrold Toledo ’63 John M. MacIntosh Jr. Youngstown State ’65 Terrence S. McMahon Bowling Green State ’84 Richard H. Miller Ohio Wesleyan ’51 Rev. Thomas C. Pexton Kent State ’53 Carl W. Schmidt Cincinnati ’58 Donald V. Todd Ohio Wesleyan ’50 James A. Wells Cincinnati ’65 Michael R. Wentzel Toledo ’66 Donald E. Willis Miami (Ohio) ’66
Oklahoma Larry W. Hill Oklahoma ’60 Major Jimmy J. McGraw, Retired Oklahoma State ’58
Oregon James A. Purcell Oregon ’53
Pennsylvania Jamie P. Clouser Bucknell ’03 Herbert R. Jellander Pennsylvania ’60 Roy H. Kehm Muhlenberg ’50 Carl G. Reetz Jr. Lehigh ’50 David J. Withey Lehigh ’57
South Carolina William S. Brockington Jr. South Carolina ’66
Gordon T. Appleton Jr. Tennessee Tech ’81 Edward Edenfield III Tennessee Tech ’74 Virgil H. Huston Tennessee ’50 Walter G. Sanford Tennessee ’71 Richard L. Alexander Texas-Austin ’75 F. Richard Drake Texas-Austin ’61 James H. Fuller North Texas ’53 Billy J. Harrod North Texas ’54 Gordon W. Houser Texas-Austin ’62 F. Dale Houston North Texas ’56 Charles E. McKinney East Texas State ’73 Stephen H. Morgan Texas Christian ’59 K. Terry Nathan Texas-Austin ’69 (Distinguished Alumnus) P. Scott Ragsdale Texas-Arlington ’99 Charles B. Team Jr. Texas-Austin ’59
Virginia Donald D. Oliver William & Mary ’72 Richard S. Stephenson Virginia ’59 Fletcher Stiers Jr. Richmond ’48 George H. Williams Randolph-Macon ’61
Washington John D. Angeles Washington ’52 Dennis C. O’Brien Washington ’65 Jerry F. Pierce Washington ’59
West Virginia Robert M. Phipps Marshall ’84
Wisconsin Sidney S. Mallory Jr. Lawrence ’65
Email obituary notices to communications@ sigep.net or send to: In Memoriam, Sigma Phi Epsilon, 310 South Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220.
In Memoriam
43
Wondering if your chapter appears in this issue of the Journal? See all chapters mentioned in the magazine listed alphabetically by school below. Alabama.................................................................................. 2, 40 American..................................................................................... 40 Appalachian State.......................................................................38 Arizona............................................................................38, 39, 40 Arizona State...............................................................................43 Arkansas.........................................................................39, 40, 43 Arkansas State............................................................................43 Arkansas Tech................................................................................2 Auburn..........................................................................................43 Austin Peay State................................................................... 2, 40 Babson..........................................................................................39 Baker...................................................................................... 38, 43 Baldwin Wallace..........................................................................38 Ball State.................................................................. 38, 39, 40, 43 Barton...........................................................................................43 Baylor............................................................................................39 Belmont Abbey............................................................................39 Bowling Green State............................................................ 39, 43 Bradley.........................................................................................38 Bucknell........................................................................................43 California-Berkeley.............................................................. 38, 39 California-Santa Barbara........................................ 38, 39, 40, 43 CalPoly-Pomona...............................................................2, 39, 40 Cal State-Chico............................................................................43 Cal State-Fullerton..................................................................... 40 Cal State-San Bernardino...........................................................39 Case Western.......................................................................... 2, 39 Central Arkansas.................................................................... 2, 39 Central Michigan.........................................................................43 Central Missouri........................................................ 2, 22, 38, 39 Charleston................................................................................ 2, 31 Christopher Newport............................................................. 2, 40 Cincinnati................................................................... 2, 38, 40, 43 Clarion..................................................................................... 6, 40 Cleveland State...........................................................................39 Colorado...............................................Inside cover, 2, 37, 38, 40 Colorado State.............................................................................39 Columbia.................................................................... 6, 38, 39, 40 Connecticut.......................................................................2, 38, 39 Cornell...............................................................................2, 39, 43 Dartmouth.......................................................................36, 39, 43 Davidson...................................................................................... 40 Dayton..........................................................................................39 Drake.............................................................................2, 6, 23, 40 Drexel........................................................................................ 2, 41 Duke.................................................................................39, 40, 43 East Tennessee State.......................................................6, 39, 40 East Texas State................................................................... 38, 43 Eastern Washington............................................................... 2, 37 Elon................................................................................. 38, 40, 43 Emory............................................................................................ 18 Emporia State......................................................2, 22, 36, 38, 43 Evansville................................................................. 38, 40, 42, 43 Florida......................................................................... 2, 39, 40, 43 Florida Atlantic............................................................................38 Florida International........................................................ 2, 37, 39 Florida Southern..........................................................................38 Florida State................................................ 16, 23, 32, 35, 39, 43 Fort Hays State....................................................................... 2, 40 George Mason..............................................................................38 Georgetown........................................................................... 39, 40 George Washington.............................................................. 38, 39 Georgia.......................................................... 2, 36, 38, 39, 40, 43 Georgia Southern........................................................................39 Georgia Tech......................................................................... 39, 43 Grand Valley State.......................................................................43 Houston........................................................................................39 Huntingdon..................................................................................38 Idaho State...................................................................................43 IIT........................................................................................... 39, 43 Illinois...................................................................2, 38, 39, 40, 43 Illinois State.................................................................................39 Indiana..................................................................2, 38, 39, 40, 43 Indiana State...............................................................................43 Indiana Tech.......................................................................... 37, 39 Iowa.......................................................................2, 12, 38, 39, 43 Iowa State............................................................................. 39, 43 Iowa Wesleyan.............................................................................43 Jacksonville.................................................................................39 Johns Hopkins...................................................................... 38, 43 Kansas..................................................................................... 2, 40 Kansas State.......................................................19, 20, 37, 38, 43 Kent State....................................................................................43 Kentucky......................................................................................43 Lamar..................................................................................... 37, 39 La Salle......................................................................................... 19 Lawrence......................................................................................43 Lawrence Tech..............................................................2, 6, 39, 43 Lehigh..............................................................................39, 40, 43
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sigep journal Spring 2019 | sigep.org
Lenoir Rhyne................................................................................43 Loras............................................................................... 36, 38, 40 Louisiana State.......................................................... 2, 38, 39, 40 Louisville.........................................................................39, 40, 43 Loyola Marymount.................................................................. 2, 39 Lynchburg.....................................................................................39 Maine....................................................................................... 2, 39 Marquette................................................................................... 40 Marshall................................................................................ 39, 43 Maryland-College Park....................................................2, 23, 38 Massachusetts................................................................... 2, 6, 39 Memphis..................................................................... 6, 36, 38, 40 Memphis-Lambuth................................................................. 2, 40 Miami (Florida)...............................................................38, 39, 40 Miami (Ohio).....................................................................6, 39, 43 Michigan................................................................................ 40, 43 Michigan State........................................................................ 2, 14 Michigan Tech..............................................................................38 Middle Tennessee State............................................................ 40 Minnesota.......................................................................38, 39, 40 Mississippi............................................................................ 39, 43 Mississippi State.................................................................. 39, 43 Missouri.................................................................... 22, 38, 39, 43 Missouri S&T......................................................................... 39, 43 Missouri State...........................................................................2, 6 Monmouth..................................................... 2, 22, 38, 39, 40, 43 Montana State...................................................................2, 19, 40 Morehead State................................................................2, 38, 39 Muhlenberg..................................................................................43 Murray State......................................................................2, 21, 39 Nebraska................................................... 2, 10, 11, 23, 39, 40, 43 Nebraska-Omaha.................................................................. 38, 40 Nevada-Reno............................................................................... 40 New Mexico........................................................................... 39, 43 New Mexico State.......................................................................39 North Carolina............................................................................. 21 North Carolina State...........................................2, 36, 39, 40, 43 North Dakota...................................................................39, 40, 43 Northeastern.....................................................................2, 39, 40 Northern Arizona.........................................................................43 Northern Illinois..........................................................................43 Northern Iowa...................................................Inside cover, 2, 40 Northern Kentucky............................................................... 39, 40 North Texas...................................................................2, 3, 39, 43 Northwest Missouri........................................................38, 39, 43 Ohio State.................................................................. 2, 39, 40, 43 Ohio Wesleyan.............................................................................43 Oklahoma........................................................................38, 39, 43 Oklahoma State...................................................................... 4, 43 Oregon..............................................................................39, 40 43 Oregon State.........................................................2, 21, 38, 39, 40 Pennsylvania.................................................................. 38, 40, 43 Pennsylvania State.....................................................................38 Pepperdine............................................................................ 39, 40 Philadelphia.................................................................................39 Purdue...................................................................... 38, 39, 40, 43 Randolph-Macon.................................................................. 38, 43 Rensselaer................................................................. 6, 38, 40, 43 Richmond................................................................. 36, 39, 40, 43 Rider.............................................................................................38 Rutgers............................................................................39, 40, 43 Sacramento State................................................2, 38, 39, 42, 43 Sam Houston State...........................................................2, 12, 38 San Diego........................................................................ 18, 39, 40 San Diego State..............................................................39, 40, 43 SIU-Edwardsville.........................................................................38 South Carolina........................................................... 2, 39, 40, 43 South Dakota State.................................................................... 40 South Florida.......................................................2, 23, 39, 40, 43 Southeast Missouri State.................................................... 39, 43 Southern California............................................. 2, 36, 37, 38, 39 Southern Methodist.......................................................38, 39, 40 Southern Mississippi........................................................... 39, 40 St. Mary’s..................................................................................... 14 Stanford.......................................................................................38 Stetson........................................................................... 38, 40, 43 Stevens.........................................................................................39 Syracuse............................................................................8, 39, 43 Tennessee.........................................................................2, 38, 43 Tennessee-Martin..........................................................38, 39, 40 Tennessee Tech................................................................6, 40, 43 Texas A&M...................................................................................39 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi........................................................ 40 Texas-Arlington...............................................................38, 39, 43 Texas-Austin................................2, 13, 16, 36, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43 Texas Christian..................................................................... 39, 43 Texas Tech....................................................................................39 Texas Wesleyan................................................................2, 39, 40 Thiel............................................................................................. 40
Toledo....................................................Inside cover, 2, 19, 39, 43 Trine...................................................................................2, 22, 23 Truman State........................................................... 2, 8, 9, 39, 43 Tulane.................................................................................... 40, 43 Tulsa..............................................................................................39 UCLA.............................................................................................39 UNC-Charlotte.............................................................................43 UNC-Wilmington..........................................................................39 Utah State............................................................................... 2, 40 Valparaiso.................................................. Inside cover, 2, 38, 39 Vanderbilt.....................................................................................39 Villanova.......................................................................................39 Virginia...........................................................2, 36, 37, 39, 40, 43 Virginia Commonwealth........................................................ 2, 40 Virginia Tech....................................................2, 12, 13, 18, 38, 39 Wake Forest.................................................................................43 Washburn.............................................................................. 38, 40 Washington................................................................ 4, 39, 40, 43 Washington State.................................................2, 16, 38, 39, 40 Washington-St. Louis................................................ 2, 39, 40, 43 West Chester...............................................................................39 Western Carolina.........................................................................38 Western Kentucky....................................................................... 12 Western Michigan................................................... 36, 38, 39, 43 Westminster............................................................................... 40 West Virginia...............................................................................39 Wichita State.......................... Inside cover, 2, 12, 38, 39, 40, 43 William & Mary..................................................................... 23, 43 Wisconsin.....................................................................................38 Wisconsin-Platteville.......................................................4, 39, 40 Wisconsin-Stevens Point............................................................38 WPI.............................................................................. 2, 39, 40, 43 Wyoming......................................................................................39 Yale............................................................................................... 13 Youngstown State.......................................................................43
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