Posted in News on July 3, 2014 by AARON JAY LEDESMA, MARQUETTE ‘14
(http://www.sigep.org/blog/tennessee-sigeps-provide-housing-for-university-intern.html)Tennessee Alpha SigEps are giving back to their university in a unique way. The chapter is currently housing Alex Rossmann, a female graduate intern for the university, who is working this summer on creating an anti-hazing campaign for the University of Tennessee.
The idea of housing a university intern came from the chapter faculty advisor and UT staff member Keith Becklin, Western Michigan ‘06. He told the undergraduates that the university was looking to hire an intern, but it could not provide summer housing due to its budget.
That’s when the men of the Tennessee Alpha chapter stepped up in a big way. The chapter generously offered to provide the university with complimentary accommodations for Rossmann in their resident scholar’s suite.
At first, Lindi Smedberg, Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, was hesitant because the intern is a woman. However, based on Lindi's experience with the chapter, she said she felt comfortable, and Alex gladly accepted SigEp's generous offer.
"Tennessee would not have been able to hire Alex this summer if it had not been for the help of the SigEp chapter,” says Smedberg. “The men of Sigma Phi Epsilon have gone above and beyond by cleaning, painting and furnishing the suite for Alex, including the addition of new rugs, drapes, and art work."
The SigEps realize the importance of this unique partnership and the opportunities it can bring to their chapter and university.
“Alex is a huge asset to the campus and it is great that SigEp is able to host her,” says chapter president Robert Billings, Tennessee ‘15. “In order to make SigEp the best experience that we can, we have to be a valued partner with our universities.”
Rossmann is wrapping up her eight-week internship and has only good things to say about her summer with SigEp.
“Living with SigEp has enhanced my experience and added a new richness to my understanding of Greek life,” says Rossmann, who does not have a Greek affiliation. “Having positive relationships with the university allows Greeks to have a bigger impact on campus. I am so happy to be a part of a wonderful partnership with UT and SigEp!"
