Get to know Sigma Phi Epsilon
“This Fraternity will be different; it will be based on the love of God and the principle of peace through brotherhood,” our founders said. The charter of Sigma Phi Epsilon states that “its purpose shall be to intensify and perpetuate friendship and promote happiness among its members, to encourage literature and education, and to create such sentiments, mold such opinions, and perform such deeds as shall conduce to the building of a noble and pure manhood.”
Building Balanced Men The Fraternity’s mission is “Building Balanced Men.” With these three words, we capture the essence of SigEp’s value to its members: charting a course for men to live their best lives by embracing our cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love and committing to the practice of Sound Mind and Sound Body. Young men start on the path to achieving personal success immediately at SigEp, and the proof is all across the country. The men of SigEp can follow this course through every role in their lives.
Our History OUR HISTORY & OUR VALUES • OUR PR ACTICE • OUR CHAPTERS • OUR PROGR AMS • OUR RESULTS
In the beginning
25 years ago
Now
Carter Ashton Jenkens, Benjamin Gaw, William Carter, William Wallace, Thomas Wright, and William Phillips decided to form their own local fraternity in 1901.
Fast-forward to the late 1980s. The fraternity system in America was in decline — from membership totals, to academic performance and public image. Values were fading and negative stereotypes began running rampant. SigEp was the largest fraternity in the nation and used that status to pioneer a new beginning for all fraternities. We set a course to restore the relevance of the American college fraternity. We sought to reconsider the challenge of “This Fraternity will be different….”
SigEp’s bold initiatives have given our undergraduates a blueprint to live their best lives and achieve their goals. Our programs build the confidence to lead — now and in the future. We achieve balance through the pursuit of a Sound Mind in a Sound Body. We foster personal growth through SigEp’s member development programs. We do all this as a valued partner in higher education and a pioneer in the development of college men across America.
The six original members found six others also searching for a campus fellowship neither the college campus nor the existing fraternity system could offer. The six new members were Lucian Cox, Richard Owens, Edgar Allen, Robert McFarland, Franklin Kerfoot, and Thomas McCaul. The 12 met on the third floor of Ryland Hall on the campus of what is now known as the University of Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia. These 12 Founders are named as members on November 1, 1901, in the first printed roster of the Fraternity.
That course traced our roots back to the classical Greek ideal of the Balanced Man — Sound Mind and Sound Body. SigEp undertook a mission to create a continuous development program known as the Balanced Man Program. This development model revolutionized the fraternity movement in America. It has since been implemented in 200 SigEp chapters nationwide, and aspects have been emulated by other national Greek organizations.
Our Values Sigma Phi Epsilon’s cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love have withstood the test of time for over a century. More than 15,000 undergraduate SigEps on campus today believe in these values as a means to become Balanced Men, and set themselves apart as leaders. These undergraduates are among the 285,000 lifetime members in the pursuit of excellence.
Virtue To have virtue is to act with decency, always standing for honesty and integrity.
Diligence To be diligent is to make the most of your time and talents, in an unending pursuit of knowledge.
Brotherly Love
To show brotherly love is to care for others, holding them to a high standard. It is the truest form of friendship.
Our Practice The ancient Greeks believed that a healthy body was vital as the vessel of the mind. Sigma Phi Epsilon draws on its classical Greek roots to build a noble and pure manhood through the practice of a Sound Mind in a Sound Body.
OUR HISTORY & OUR VALUES • OUR PRACTICE • OUR CHAPTERS • OUR PROGRAMS • OUR RESULTS
Sound Mind is more than just academics — it’s creativity, critical thought, and knowledge. The Sound Mind is sharp and clever, thoughtful and reflective. It thrives with higher learning and education, conversation, discussion, debate, and cultural pursuits.
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.
SigEp chapters develop unique programming opportunities like formal dining etiquette sessions and ballroom dancing lessons. – Arthur Schopenhauer Members learn how to buy a car or home, how to manage a budget, how to dress for any occasion, and and how to sell an intangible idea like Brotherly Love. Many chapother important life skills. ters host philosophy, religion, and Through SigEp’s leadership propolitical science professors to grams, they learn how to lead men discuss current events, politics, toward achieving goals, conflict and ways to make an impact in resolution, project management, today’s world with the understanding that the pursuit of knowledge is unending.
Sound Body is more than just athletics — it’s total wellness, conditioning, and health. The Sound Body is ready and able, robust and nourished. It is fostered with regular exercise, relaxation, healthy limits, medical screenings, and proper nutrition. Many chapters educate their members on how to prepare healthier meals, how to selfscreen for testicular cancer (a leading health threat to young men), how to properly manage stress, time and personal mental health with techniques such as Yoga, CPR and other life-saving practices. Chapters host dieticians, doctors, coaches and other speakers to discuss relevant health and wellness issues with their members to help them live their best lives.
A Sound Mind in a Sound Body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world. – John Locke
Our Chapters Residential Learning Communities Through living and learning environments called Residential Learning Communities, (RLCs) SigEp has created a holistic chapter experience that allows SigEp to serve as a valued partner in higher education.
OUR HISTORY & OUR VALUES • OUR PRACTICE • OUR CHAPTERS • OUR PROGRAMS • OUR RESULTS
RLC chapters have more interaction between undergraduates and faculty members, bringing faculty into their chapter houses to teach classes, host office hours or facilitate discussions. The RLC program places an emphasis on member development, alumni support, faculty involvement, and academic programming to produce a great fraternity experience. As more chapters move toward the Residential Learning Community model, the Fraternity is especially focused on faculty fellows, who can mentor SigEp members as they pursue their personal, academic, and professional goals. Students in Residential Learning Communities are surrounded by responsible peers and university faculty who are committed to helping them succeed inside and outside the classroom. The Residential Learning Community concept emerged more than 800 years ago at Oxford and Cambridge universities in England. Recently, some American colleges and universities have adopted their own RLC models.
SigEp’s Residential Learning Community program was created in 2000 to provide undergraduate men an experience unlike any other on campus. It embraces many of Oxford’s and Cambridge’s original educational philosophies, providing our members an incredible opportunity for personal growth and academic achievement. The RLC approach consists of four components: personal and academic development, a network of support, faculty involvement and a living-learning environment.
Recruiting and Developing Balanced Men An RLC is already filled with Balanced Men. These men are able to attract the well-rounded, smart, achievement-oriented students who want to stay on track and be challenged by the pursuit of Sound Mind and Sound Body. This growth and development of college men are the core purposes of a Residential Learning Community.
Educated men are as much superior to uneducated men as the living are to the dead. – Aristotle
Alumni and Volunteer Support A strong, committed Alumni and Volunteer Corporation (AVC) is the foundation of a successful and sustainable RLC. The AVC believes in the conceptual framework of a Residential Learning Community and ensures that it delivers on the holistic learning environment through active undergraduate mentorship, valuable life lessons and constant challenge to improve the chapter experience.
Faculty Involvement A faculty fellow is employed by the host institution and supports the chapter’s development program. Given their expertise in student development, faculty fellows are crucial to member development programming. They can provide academic counseling, identify campus resources and help students navigate the ins and outs of college life.
Living-Learning Environment The space a chapter occupies, whether a lodge, a house, or a common room, will significantly influence that chapter’s culture. To its members, a Residential Learning Community is a home away from home. It promotes good
decisionmaking and provides resources and programming that are essential for undergraduate success. A Sigma Phi Epsilon Residential Learning Community is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a culture of excellence that permeates a chapter’s membership. We know we are providing a valuable and relevant undergraduate experience at our RLC chapters because we are recruiting and retaining more campus leaders who are outperforming their peers academically. In doing so, we are restoring the relevance of the American college fraternity, and adding value to the college campus.
SigEp’s experience has helped me to save countless lives and lead my men safely and proudly. – Mason Ward, Cincinnati ’06 Infantry Platoon Leader, U.S Army
Our Chapters Balanced Man Program Individuals who truly live the Balanced Man Ideal of Sound Mind and Sound Body are more confident and have a positive outlook. They achieve their goals with the help of their brothers. The energy and motivation of these scholars influences their chapter brothers to live their best lives. OUR HISTORY & OUR VALUES • OUR PRACTICE • OUR CHAPTERS • OUR PROGRAMS • OUR RESULTS
The Balanced Man Program makes SigEp different within the Greek community. The BMP offers a no-pledging, continuous development experience focused on scholarship, leadership, and life skills. Members learn to live their best lives through unique, rewarding programming tailored to fit their needs and prepare them for the journey of life ahead. By developing a Sound Mind in a Sound Body, SigEp members are given the tools to succeed during school and beyond. The BMP provides a fun, practical way to achieve your goals through a series of self-paced challenges that center on personal growth and development. The BMP’s unique structure allows chapters to develop programming to fit their campus experience and recruit the best men year-round.
By believing passionately in something which still does not exist, we create it. – Nikos Kazantzakis
The program guides members to build positive habits and key life skills through mentoring and experiential learning. SigEp members are educated in time management, etiquette, physical fitness, career planning, and life skills such as cooking, financial planning, and relationships. Using self-reflection, discussion, evaluation, and personal written goals, young men use the Balanced Man Program to prepare for the journey of life. The core components of each challenge are: goal-setting and achievement; academic support; personal health and wellness; mentoring— guidance from older members and alumni on doing your best; and service and experiential learning.
I recently became very ill, and at one point, was given just a few days to live. That gave me the opportunity to reflect on my life and the best experiences of my 70 years. I kept going back to my undergraduate and alumni experiences with Sigma Phi Epsilon. – Jeff Lenci, Montana ’63 Member for over 50 years, Volunteer with University of Utah for over 25 years, (center)
Sigma Challenge — How to get the most from SigEp and college In the Sigma Challenge, members participate in time management workshops, learn to handle commitments, build teams through shared goals and pursuits, practice values-based leadership and live SigEp’s cardinal principles. They also learn about SigEp’s history, its current standing in the Greek community and its future.
Phi Challenge — Building a Sound Mind in a Sound Body In the Phi Challenge, members learn best practices in personal and professional etiquette, begin their involvement in other student organizations, begin to develop leadership and professional skills, and learn pertinent personal health and wellness information.
Epsilon Challenge — SigEps as Balanced Leaders In the Epsilon Challenge, members serve as leaders in the chapter and/or on campus and are challenged to move beyond their cultural comfort zone.
They participate in a service-learning project to give back to the campus or community and begin to build professional skills that will distance them from their peers.
Brother Mentor Challenge – Preparing for success after college In the Brother Mentor challenge, members gain valuable life skills in financial planning, entertaining and major life decisions. They build contacts outside the chapter through alumni engagement and national programs, mentor younger members, and identify where the SigEp experience will take them next.
Fellow Challenge Some SigEps commit to a 500-hour service learning project. In the Fellow Challenge, participants organize their brothers to benefit the community, create an entrepreneurial venture to support the local community, learn project management skills, and leave a legacy in the community.
Some projects have included establishing a community triathlon, providing day-care services for underprivileged families, restoring a town center, and reclaiming portions of a national park. These men are the epitome of servant leadership, and are recognized at the national level for their service.
Pledging Model Chapters Forty SigEp chapters offer a pledging-model program. These programs also focus on building a Sound Mind and Sound Body through continuous development. This model offers a comprehensive pledge development period followed by ongoing, relevant development experiences beyond initiation.
Our Programs The Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation supports membership programs including EDGE, Carlson Leadership Academies, the Ruck Leadership Institute, and the Tragos Quest to Greece with grants. All these programs serve the purpose of Building Balanced Men.
OUR HISTORY & OUR VALUES • OUR PRACTICE • OUR CHAPTERS • OUR PROGRAMS • OUR RESULTS
Almost everything I have needed to know about leadership in the Marines Corps, I learned in SigEp. — Gen. James T. Conway Southeast Missouri State ’69, Commandant, United States Marines Corps
EDGE
Carlson Leadership Academy
Learning to live your best life
Effective and affective leadership
SigEp should be one of the greatest experiences of your life. The Fraternity offers its own innovative program for first-year members, EDGE. EDGE is about making healthy choices that match your personal values and those of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Participants build greater self-awareness about the consequences of their actions and those around them through interactive discussions and reflective activities. Participants have fun through challenging experiences such as ropes courses, physical challenges, and activities based upon camaraderie. Participants choose the lifestyle they wish to lead and receive training on overcoming obstacles with regard to alcohol and drug abuse, personal wellness, and goal achievement. The program involves a highly regarded faculty of senior undergraduates, distinguished alumni, and renowned guest speakers.
The Carlson Leadership Academies provide hands-on training to more than 2,300 undergraduates and volunteers annually. They are held in February after chapter elections, and chapters are encouraged to bring all new officers, volunteers and rising chapter leaders. CLA provides training in communication styles, management skills and goal-setting.
Who? Over 3,000 undergraduate
members attend EDGE each year. How much? Participants attend at no cost through a generous grant from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. Where? At more than 50 locations across the country. To date, over 16,000 members have participated in this leadership program.
This is where many chapter awards are presented for notable achievements in recruitment, development, and scholarship and for individual achievement in student leadership or volunteer involvement. The program is named for Brother Curtis L. Carlson, Minnesota, ’37, founder and chairman of the Carlson Companies, a global leader with various holdings such as T.G.I. Friday’s, Radisson Hotels, and Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
Who? Over 2,300 members attend Carlson
Leadership Academies each year. How much? Registrations for five chapter officers and one volunteer are paid for by the chapter. Additional participants are responsible for their registration fee. Where? At five locations across the country. To date, over 70,000 members have participated in this leadership program.
Ruck Leadership Institute Teaching the few to impact the many The Ruck Leadership Institute is the Fraternity’s premier leadership development experience. The program is a living tribute to Past Grand President Frank J. Ruck, Jr., Michigan ’46, who challenged SigEps to go beyond their perceived limitations. The nation’s best and brightest gather in Virginia, for a five-day program focused on personal leadership and the Balanced Man Ideal. Competition for entry into the program is fierce, as hundreds of successful undergraduates
apply annually. Once on-site, they can expect constant motion, activity, and energy. The Ruck curriculum is based upon The Leadership Challenge, written by Brother Barry Posner, California Santa-Barbara ’70, and Jim Kouzes. Prominent SigEp alumni facilitate intense, small group sessions, and attendees see first-hand how Sound Mind and Sound Body can become a tangible part of chapter life.
Who? Over 120 members attend Ruck annually. How much? $425 registration fee. Where? Virginia. To date, over 1,000 members have participated in this leadership program.
Tragos Quest to Greece Exploring the birthplace of Sound Mind, Sound Body The Greeks believed in arête, or being the best that you can be, striving for excellence. It is only proper that SigEp offer the opportunity to live and learn at the birthplace of Greek antiquity. Each summer, select SigEp undergraduates walk in the footsteps of giants such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates through this program in Greece. These brothers gain valuable insight into the Balanced Man Ideal of Sound Mind and Sound Body. This 10-day program is a scholarship opportunity, partially funded by the Sigma Phi Epsilon Education Foundation through a generous gift from Past Grand President William G. Tragos, Washington in St. Louis ’56, and his wife, Lilli.
Who? 17 members are selected to attend
the Tragos Quest to Greece each year. How much? Participants attend at no cost through a generous grant from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. Where? Greece. To date, over 100 members have participated in this leadership program.
Grand Chapter Conclave The ultimate SigEp experience Conclave is the biennial gathering of the Grand Chapter, but it’s also so much more than that. Having more than 1,300 SigEps, spouses, and guests in one location is a celebration of our brotherhood. Young and old, near and far, a large national Fraternity suddenly feels like family. Policy is set. National leaders are elected. Buchanan Cups for chapter excellence are awarded. Our highest honor, the Order of the Golden Heart is bestowed for lifelong service to the organization. The first Grand Chapter Conclave was held in December 1907, with seven delegates representing four of nine chapters. Over 100 years later, the Fraternity continues to convene in each odd-numbered year to honor the past, enrich the present and enable the future.
Who? More than 1,300 members attend each
Grand Chapter Conclave. How much? Two undergraduates are paid for by the chapter and one volunteer receives a hotel and travel stipend. When? Held every two years.
Our Results
OUR HISTORY & OUR VALUES • OUR PRACTICE • OUR CHAPTERS • OUR PROGRAMS • OUR RESULTS
Big SigEp has the most undergraduates of any national fraternity,* with over 15,000 undergraduate members spread across 240 chapters. What does this mean for you? SigEp offers you a connection to almost every state in the country at many major flagship institutions. A SigEp is never without a friend or a brother no matter where he travels.
Successful
With one of the nation's strongest fraternity member development programs, and the commitment of our alumni and volunteers, SigEp provides a highly regarded college experience based on the Balanced Man Ideal. Men learn through goal-setting, mentoring, and service-oriented experiences. They are immersed in an environment that cultivates academic achievement, personal Smart growth, and professional development. SigEps have gone SigEps have achieved a fraternityon to achieve success in every wide GPA of 3.0 or higher in every field imaginable, including law, semester since spring 2006. What medicine, business, athletics, does this mean for you? SigEp politics and higher education. offers you a large and highly Some of SigEp’s top leaders are talented pool of men who can help currently CEOs, congressmen you learn and advance in both your and professional athletes. life and career. *2009 Fraternity Executives Association Survey
Find out more about SigEp, a leading fraternity on college campuses today. Call 804-353-1901 or visit www.sigep.org Interact with us at facebook.com/sigmaphiepsilon and twitter.com/ofďŹ cialsigep