Sophomore Zach Meissner cleans a bathroom mirror at the frat house, which undergoes a thorough cleaning every Sunday.
Univ. of Washington Sig Eps are making a good name for themselves.
Meet the new brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon — SigEps — a frat that, until 18 months ago, threw boozy parties every Tuesday and Thursday and had a thick file of indiscretions on record with university officials. Now each of the brothers is part of a program they call "Balanced Man."
[...]
With 39 members and growing, the house is regaining stability after a wrenching transition. When frat leaders insisted on a fundamental culture change in the summer of 2004, 90 percent of members either left or were kicked out — one only after legal action was threatened. The house came close to folding, and the chef of 18 years worked without pay for three months.
The seven brothers who remained began rebuilding, seeking out the types of recruits who are more Dr. Phil than Animal House. They say Balanced Man, a program launched by the SigEps national organization, is about fulfillment, strong academic performance, diligent work habits and community service. And good, clean fun.
[...]
But students from the other 28 UW fraternities aren't necessarily impressed. Those contacted wouldn't speak on the record — many fraternities enforce blanket media bans to combat what they view as years of negative coverage.
"There are always rumors going around like you're not cool anymore because you don't party anymore," acknowledges senior Ryan Rastetter, a 21-year-old SigEp. "People don't like what they don't understand."
The article goes on to be forthright about the successes and challenges of the chapter - and the other fraternities on campus. All in all a pretty balanced view. We need to see more articles like this.
