Help choose the Conclave 2015 theme! - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

This just in from Grand President Phil Cox:

Email - Help choose the Conclave 2015 theme! - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity:

The 54th Grand Chapter Conclave is closer than you think!

Next summer, from August 12-16, 2015, more than 1,400 undergraduates, alumni and friends will gather in Nashville, Tenn. at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to celebrate our 114-year legacy of daring to be different.

As we start to prepare for this historic event, SigEp is looking to you to help determine our theme. Conclave themes call brothers together and inspire us to continue our legacy of leading the way. Recent themes include:

Leave your Mark (2009)
This Fraternity will be Different (2011)
Flip the Switch: Sig Ep’s Future is ON (2013)

To submit a theme for the 2015 Conclave, email your idea to events@sigep.net with the words “Conclave theme” in the subject line. Submissions are due by Monday, May 12, 2014.

If your theme is selected, you’ll receive a free registration for Conclave and will be publicly recognized in Nashville!

There’s never been a better time to be a SigEp. Just think of the bright future ahead of us and all the audacious goals we've yet to conquer. You can show your pride by submitting a theme that will go down in SigEp history.

Fraternally,

Phillip A. Cox
Grand President

P.S. You may also submit artwork to go with your theme. Simply attach a .jpeg file to the email. If a brother other than you creates the artwork, be sure to include his name.

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What happened at Mississippi Alpha (Ole Miss) - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

A letter from the Grand President explaining how the decision was made to close the Ole Miss. chapter.

Email - What happened at Mississippi Alpha (Ole Miss) - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity:

As you may already know, SigEp’s National Board of Directors recently made the difficult decision to close our chapter at the University of Mississippi. This decision followed revelations that the chapter had committed serious acts of hazing, had perpetuated a culture of alcohol abuse, and was deliberately attempting to hide their behavior from our Fraternity’s staff and their local volunteers.

This painful moment in our history can be a learning opportunity for us and help us ensure that nothing like this occurs again.

What happened
Three years ago, a string of hazing incidents and extremely low academic performance led to a membership review at the University of Mississippi. This review revealed more instances of hazing, alcohol abuse and extremely poor member development practices that demanded serious attention.

We chose at that time not to shut the chapter down, but to make it a learning opportunity for the young men of Mississippi Alpha and an opportunity to develop plans for a different fraternity experience that achieves the goals of brotherhood and continuous development without the risky behaviors of the past. And, we committed to giving Mississippi Alpha whatever resources it needed.

Since then, members of our staff have made extra trips to Oxford to provide targeted training and program support. The chapter attended exclusive retreats in Birmingham, Ala. each January, where Past Grand President Steve Shanklin spent 24 hours with them reviewing goals and crafting a vision. And chapter members attended EDGE and Carlson Leadership Academies and received tailored check-in meetings with staff and volunteers.

Until recently, we believed those efforts were having a positive effect and that the chapter was improving.

In February, we reevaluated the state of the chapter’s operations and membership after learning that three freshmen members had been involved in the desecration of the James Meredith Statue on the Ole Miss campus. When we did, we learned that the chapter had continued to commit serious acts of hazing since the first membership review three years prior. Even more distressingly, the chapter had made a deliberate and concentrated effort to hide this behavior from their local volunteers, staff members and the university.

As SigEp’s National Board of Directors pored over the information uncovered, we were confronted by the fact that Mississippi Alpha members had demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to operate an experience that placed young men in dangerous and unhealthy situations. In light of these facts, we were forced to close the chapter.

Moving forward – how you can help
While it is always painful to see a chapter close, I am reminded today of the brothers and volunteers across the country who want a better fraternity experience than the one pursued by some members at Ole Miss.

As we recover from this blow to our national body, I’d ask you to take a moment to reflect on the status of your own chapter. What type of membership experience do you facilitate for your brothers? Where do you want to be five years down the road? What legacy will you leave for those who will follow you?

If your chapter has serious issues – including hazing – talk to your regional director and chapter volunteers now to get the help you need.

Closure occurs when a chapter has deliberately and consistently worked against their volunteers, staff and university to maintain a culture that is destructive and poisonous to our brothers. Being honest with volunteers and regional directors allows a chapter to grow and avoid the serious consequences of concealed behavior.

If you have additional questions about the situation at Ole Miss and the decision to close the chapter, please join us for an online broadcast on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, where CEO Brian Warren will answer questions live. To view the broadcast, simply open SigEp’s official YouTube page.

To submit questions in advance, please email comments@sigep.net. You may also email questions during the broadcast, but bear in mind that time may be limited if other questions have already been submitted. If you would like your question to be anonymous, please indicate so in your email.

Fraternally,


Phillip A. Cox
Grand President

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Email - Please welcome District 3's new District Governor and Lt. District Governor - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

Congratulations to Ehren Stanhope and Paul Litcher on their new roles.

Email - Please welcome District 3's new District Governor and Lt. District Governor - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity:

Dear Brothers and Friends, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Brother Ehren Stanhope, Tulane ’05, as district governor of District 3 for Columbia, NYU, Quinnipiac, Rutgers, Stevens Tech RLC and Yale. I am equally pleased to announce the appointment of Brother Paul Litcher, Indiana Tech ’88, as District 3’s lieutenant district governor. Brother Stanhope resides in Stamford, Conn. where he is a product specialist at O’Shaughnessy Asset Management (OSAM). He has spent many years involved with SigEp at various levels, including serving as a regional director in the southwest from 2005-2007 and as an Alumni and Volunteer Corporation president at Columbia. In addition to facilitating multiple Carlson Leadership Academies, he was a Tragos Quest to Greece mentor in 2013. He is a former member of the Service Learning Task Force, a current member of SigEp’s Board of Governors and is actively involved in the 1901 Club of New York. In 2013, he was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award. Brother Litcher is an IT manager and contracts compliance officer with Varsity Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Currently living in Elmont, N.Y., he has a long history of diligently serving SigEp. Brother Litcher has served three chapters as chapter counselor and has volunteered for six different AVCs, including Columbia, Indiana Tech, NYU, St. John’s, Hofstra and Stevens Tech RLC. Last year he played a leading role in the NUTS! McAuliffe Society, helping raise nearly $20,000 to send undergraduate brothers to Conclave. He plays an active role in the NYC Metro Group as founder and sponsor of the city’s annual Founders’ Day Celebration. Brother Litcher is also a member of SigEp’s Board of Governors. In 1997, he received a Distinguished Alumnus Award for his service. In their new positions, Brothers Stanhope and Litcher will lead volunteer recruitment, support and training efforts for our AVCs in District 3. It’s a pleasure to have both these brothers serving in this capacity.The district governor and lieutenant district governor are excellent resources for our alumni and volunteers. I encourage you to utilize their time, talents and expertise. Please join me in welcoming Brothers Ehren Stanhope and Paul Litcherto their new roles. Fraternally, Phillip A. Cox Grand President

From the new SigEp Grand President, Phillip Cox

Dear Brothers, Thank you for a historic 53rd Conclave. Today I have a renewed understanding of the power of brotherly love, the importance of what we do, and the passion that will lead this Fraternity even further down our path to greatness. Here’s my commitment to you: As your Grand President, you can expect to see a lot of me during my term. Over the years I’ve dropped in on many SigEp chapters, calling ahead to have dinner with brothers. I plan to continue and accelerate that practice. And when I come to your campus, I’ll be there to listen. I want to know what challenges you and your chapter face, and how the Fraternity can better serve you and help you achieve your goals. We will continue to provide better support and direction for the Balanced Man Program, ensuring that all members, not just our chapter officers, have an outstanding fraternity experience. We will continue to look for ways to do a better job recruiting, training, and recognizing volunteers at the chapter level, putting great volunteers behind every chapter. To make these efforts possible, we will renew our fundraising efforts and make sure our undergraduate brothers get the fraternity experience they deserve. Let’s go out there and show the world who we are and what we believe in. Let’s live our values every day and spread the word that SigEp is different. Thank you for your passion for this Fraternity. I believe that together we can change lives. Sincerely, Phillip Cox Grand President

A Win for Technology!

Hey Bert, that didn't hurt at all, Did it?

Our Grand President joins G+.

Modern Technology Triumphs!

(Seriously, Bro. Harris shows his commitment to

"Using Technology to Advance SigEp Values". )

We now look forward to LOLCats pictures in the Journal!

RIP Jack Wheeler

Update - HQ has also issued an announcement with more details and information.

We just received this sad news from Norm Nabhan

I just heard from Kate Wheeler that Jack passed away this weekend and was buried in a small family service yesterday. He did not want a big deal made of his passing.

Jack was bigger than life for all of us that had the privilege of knowing and loving him. He inspired so many alumni and undergraduates alike that his loss is a deeply personal one for all of us and for our Fraternity that he loved and shaped with his leadership. I know that we will all miss him terribly.

Norm Nabhan

Jack Wheeler at the 2010 Dallas CLA

I have never met anyone who could speak from the heart like Bro. Wheeler. He was a kind and compassionate man.

He served as Grand President while I was in college and even visited with our chapter when it was struggling to survive.

He was awarded the Order of the Golden Heart, but to those who knew him he has always had a golden heart.

Grand President's Remarks #SigEpConclave

As is our tradition (meaning we have done it twice before) we are pleased to present the remarks made by newly elected Grand President Burt Harris on the last night of our Phoenix Conclave. 
Brother Harris, you have the floor:

Not many pics
of Bert on the 'net

Thank you for the great Honor of holding the gavel and leading this Great Fraternity for the next two years…...

I will tell you that during the Brotherhood Celebration, I was close to withdrawing my name from consideration.    

Who in their Right Mind would want to follow Grand President Garry Kief !   

But Yesterday, the Grand Chapter Conclave Changed my mind.   

Yesterday---the 52d Grand Chapter Conclave assembled and RAISED the mark.   

Yesterday,   YOU said, we can do better.     YOU Set OUR direction for the coming two years.

The Clear Message I heard from the debate and votes of the Conclave Assembled is that YOU demand of yourselves……Better academic performance, Better Brotherhood and Better Member Development.   
From YOUR commitment we will build stronger chapters, stronger leaders, smarter Brothers.   

We will more strongly embrace the principals of SOUND MIND, SOUND BODY AND THE BALANCED MAN!

I look forward to working with OUR best and brightest to make our Sig Ep experience the best Life Changing experience in the University System.

By the way…….My Daughter Katherine told me that if I talk too long, she’s leaving.

VOLUNTEERS    
One focus of this Conclave is to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to the many alumni and volunteers who so strongly support our fraternity…..

To our volunteers…..WE COULD NOT DO  SIG EP WITHOUT YOU !   

Without you…we would not have the  manpower or money to deliver the service and wisdom which you GIVE.    

During the next two years, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to better support the time and talent you bring………..

During this process, I was asked why I continue to support  Sig Ep.    

My answer --like so many in this room……because of what this fraternity did for me as a young man…..AND because of the many Friendships that continue to this day.

I want to dwell one more moment on volunteer support.   In my chapter THE key volunteer was Dave Hendon.  May he rest in peace.   For more than 50 years he was the heart and soul of Florida Alpha.   He raised money, he built a MAGNIFICENT house (PRISON GRADE CONSTRUCTION THAT 60 YEARS OF FRATERNITY HAS NOT COMPROMISED), and he told us how to act.  He was responsible for building one of the Best chapters in SigEp.

I tell that story not because of Dave Hendon.   

That story exemplifies the impact of Good Alumni and Volunteer support OVER TIME.     Alumni and Volunteer support over time is a critical to the strength of our Chapters.

Therefore……the first thing I do as Grand President is to thank the many  MANY alumni and volunteers who serve our Fraternity…..and especially those who serve over time.  (clap)

STAFF.  
I am Proud to report that Sigma Phi Epsilon is truly blessed with a  BRIGHT, and  DEVOTED Staff!!   
They maintain a true Line of Sight Focus on the objective…..to implement our Strategic Plan and to make our Brothers and Chapters Better.   

The only way to successfully answer the call of the Undergraduates, will be a strong coordinated effort by our Staff and Volunteers.

THE FOUNDATION
We will work with the Foundation to bring greater strategic alignment, to focus attention on the needs of our Undergraduates, and to raise more money  to support The SigEp Nation. Our  work with the Foundation will begin First.

UNDERGRADUATE BROTHERS
To my undergraduate brothers…….A couple of points.

I encourage you to seek out, thank, recruit, thank, ask, thank, bring to conclave, …and ….did I say thank….your alumni and volunteers.  

It costs so little to say thank you……and it means so much.    

Tell them that you appreciate what they do and the time they spend.   

Tell them that they have made your lives better.

I encourage you to call on YOUR staff.   They are here to help you meet your goals.   I am firmly convinced that they work to help you.

You will find that our entire Sig Ep Team--- our ALUMNI, our VOLUNTEERS, our FOUNDATION, and our STAff are all working together to help you develop a Sound Mind, a Sound Body so that you may live a Balanced Life.

In Sum……THIS WEEK –IN Conclave – YOU raised  the Bar for our Brotherhood.

Quite Frankly, YOU—our undergraduate Brothers -- Compel our STAFF our ALUMNI and OUR VOLUNTEERS to Kick it up a notch as well !   

We will find better ways to support Your Chapter Development and Your Personal Development.   We will find the Money.   We will find the Volunteers.  We will better Support our Volunteers.

Past Grand President Kief…….You did really did a good job.    

And  we thank you for your work !  

BUT….. when we gather again in Dallas in 2013, WE WILL BE DIFFERENT……

……...WE--WILL—BE--BETTER !

Grand President's Report - #SigEpConclave

Download a PDF of the 2009-2011 Grand President’s Report

Brothers,

Two years ago we met together in Orlando and charted our course for the future.

For many of us, in fact probably for most of us, SigEp has always represented not only a glorious past, but also the potential for a future of unending possibilities.

I hope SigEp means the same to you.

In a world that delights in publicizing failure, SigEp focuses on success.
And in an era when the whole universe seems to be dumbing down, SigEp celebrates smarting up.

Together our potential is unlimited.

Together our growth and success can advance not only higher education, but also the Greek system across our country. 

*****

Read more at:  Grand President's Report

Holiday Greetings from HQ

..and that goes for the S&P team, too.

State of the Fraternity - From GCK the GP

A little over a year ago, we celebrated our Brotherhood at our Conclave in Orlando.

As your new elected Grand President, I promised you communication, transparency, volunteer involvement, diversity, and growth.

A year later, I’d like to bring you up to date on what we have achieved….and what we have yet to do.

• Our Fraternity budget has been reallocated to focus more on programs and services to Brothers and Chapters. 
• We have more Regional Directors in the field. 
• Our Regional Directors are diverse and more representative of our Fraternity. 
• Our staff summer development program was restructured to focus more on “sales” and “service” to our chapters and volunteers. 
• More than 88 volunteers are now serving on National Task Forces reviewing everything from how we improve our billing systems to where we are in twenty years. 
• Our average chapter size and total number of undergraduate Brothers has increased. 
• Our average chapter size has increased from 62 to 65 men per chapter. 
• 15,608 Brothers are now on campus….that’s a steady increase since 13,064 in 2002. 
• Unfortunately, we had to close five chapters. We are now at 221 Chapters….18 SECS….and four new SECS planned for this Fall. 
• Our affinity program (licensing our logo) has been revised to increase our revenue and decrease the unauthorized use of our trademarks. 
• CLA attendance was the highest ever…and the revised CLA program has received great reviews. 
• EDGE is being revised to reach more…as in all 6,000 new members….yet at a lower cost. 
• Our new communications program (a great deal of which starts this September) has been revised to increase communication to alumni, volunteers, and undergraduates. 
• National Board meetings announcements and minutes are posted online. 
• The Headquarters staff has been reduced and field services have increased. 
• Our National website is evolving into a useful resource……with news updates and information that can help you live the best life.

Of course, there are areas that still need work.

On a positive note, we’ve realized that the Balanced Man Program has really taken hold. Many of our Brothers now instinctively live a Balanced Life with equal emphasis on fitness, fortitude, fair play, family, Brotherhood, academics, and leadership. On a negative note…many have expressed their concern about transitioning from undergraduate….to graduate. They have expressed concern about building meaningful personal relations beyond the immediacy of Facebook, of securing a job, finding a place to live, and starting life on their own. All of these are an extension of Member Development and will be considered as we grow the Balanced Man concept.

The ever evolving world of communicating to vastly different audiences from the 18 year old new Brother to the 28 year old young alum to the 78 year-old senior Brother is the task facing our Communications Task Force. It is a problem (opportunity) that will never be resolved as the world and the means of communication continue to change. It (building a communication model that allows SigEp to communicate and interact with all of our members, regardless of age) remains a priority on our To Do list for the coming year.

And lastly, contrary to my commitment to you during my Conclave speech….I have yet to teach Archie to Tweet. To those of you who have thanked me for that failure…..you’re welcome.

And one last thought….

This has been an interesting year. The opportunities to meet so many of you have been a blessing. And the support, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes have not gone unnoticed.

I have been most moved, however, by the letters I have read and the calls I have received. 

• Like the letter from a young widow who just lost her husband and our Brother in Afghanistan.
• Or from the single Mom who had heard all about hazing and wanted my assurance that her only child would be safe if he joined SigEp. 
• Or the conservative Christian parents who love their son and wanted me to promise that he would still be OK if he came out to his chapter. 

 Each time I respond my Sig Ep Heart grows stronger.

My beliefs are reinforced. And my optimism multiplied.

Why?

Because I tell them about our Fraternity.

How we are the Fraternity of the Future……and how we believe in building each other up….not tearing each other down.

I tell them about each of you…..and about how proud I am to call you my Brothers.

And I tell them that their memories will be cherished…..and their sons will be safe.

It’s an honor for me to be able in all confidence to say those words.

It’s been quite a year…

And I thank you.

HFF

Please take the Diversity Survey

(Update: The link is fixed)

Grand President Garry Kief asked that we make this survey available to undergraduate SigEps who read the blog. Please take a few minutes to fill it out. (hint: there is a prize opportunity) at the end for those who complete it

Brothers:

So far, we have received a number of thorough responses to the Diversity Task Force Survey released last week.

As we are targeting as much participation from across the Nation as possible, I encourage you to please reach out to your chapters, again and ask that they take just a few minutes to respond. Responses are confidential, and cannot be linked to a person, or a chapter. It's important to remember that we are looking for honest and open feedback, and will use the responses we receive to make recommendations moving forward to assess Sigma Phi Epsilon in terms of our nation's growing, and changing, undergraduate population.

We would like to compile data from completed surveys at the start of next week - Full chapter participation from undergraduate brothers, and graduates of 2009, by Tuesday, April 13 is our goal. Upon completion of the survey, participants are routed to a separate page to enter in to win one of several Sigma Phi Epsilon apparel items or Balanced Man Banners for a chapter.

The survey is at www.surveymonkey.com/s/SigEpDiversity

Please do not hesitate to contact me, if you have any questions, or concerns.

HFF,

David Thompson, Jr., Pennsylvania Epsilon '06, Task Force Chair
on behalf of The Sigma Phi Epsilon Diversity Task Force

Don Burgio - New York Delta '89
Rodrigo Duarte - Florida Nu '06
Ryan Fournier - Ohio Gamma '08
Rick Johnson - Illinois Alpha '91
Jeff Schiffman - Louisiana Alpha '05
Patrick Swift - Louisiana Gamma '90

Hot Off The Press: Brian Warren, SigEp's New Executive Director

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
310 South Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Ph: 804 353-1901 www.SigEp.org


The past year has been an interesting and challenging time for our Fraternity. During this time of transition, we have been honored that Doug Scheibe has served not only as Executive Director of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Foundation but also as Interim Executive Director of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Doug has been instrumental in reorganizing our Headquarters Staff, increasing both internal and external communication, bringing transparency to our financial and reporting systems, and, most importantly, expanding service to our undergraduate and Alumni Brothers.

While working with Doug, your National Board of Directors and the Foundation Trustees have reviewed various options in deciding how best to move forward in structuring our organization and in serving our Brothers in these challenging economic times.

After an extensive review and considerable discussion, we have concluded that we are best served by dedicated Executive Directors serving each separate organization.

By reaffirming the validity of this structure, we are pleased that Doug will be able to return full time to his position as Executive Director of the Foundation and we are also pleased to announce that we have named Brian Warren as Executive Director of The Fraternity.

Brian has previously served SigEp as a Regional Director, Director of Learning Communities, Director of Operations, and Managing Director. His development and success as a proven leader have been impressive and are indicative of SigEps success in building balanced leaders for the world’s communities.

With Brian as our new Executive Director and Doug able to concentrate 100% on raising funds to support our scholarship and leadership programs, we are confident that we are poised for continued success and growth in the future.

Our congratulations go out to Brian and our sincere gratitude to Doug for leading us through this transition.

We all look forward to working with both of these distinguished SigEps in the years ahead and know that you will join us in supporting these outstanding Brothers.


Garry C. Kief
Grand President
Sigma Phi Epsilon

SigEp - Grand President's Update

Garry Kief offers his thoughts on successful recruiting, volunteer committees, and financial reporting.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity • News Release • Grand President's Update

A Message from the Grand President

A little over a week ago I was honored to address our 51st Conclave. In that address, I listed 17 key initiatives that I hope to implement in the coming weeks. All of these go hand in hand with our new Strategic Plan that was developed over the past two years. That Plan is the result of thousands of volunteer hours and the input of hundreds of volunteers. As evidenced by our Strategic Plan, opening the doors of Richmond to the input of volunteers…and counting on volunteers to help do the work…are key to our success. Volunteers…both undergraduate and alumni…are vital to providing advice, guidance, and ideas to your National Board of Directors….to providing man hours in assisting staff in our operations…..and in developing our Fraternity of the Future. Listed below are the areas where we need your help. Hopefully, one (or several) of these will spark your interest and you’ll volunteer to help. Please indicate your interest by going online…now…. at http://officeofthegrandpresident.createsend3.com/t/r/l/dyddkt/wlhudluy/r. Your response is vital to our success in appointing national committees, task forces, and teams. Thank you in advance for your positive response….. HFF Garry SigEpGP@gmail.com Here’s the list: Recruitment Undergraduate Volunteers Training Undergraduate Volunteers Personal Development Undergraduate Volunteers Communication Undergraduate Volunteers Academic Excellence Awards & Recognition Diversity Expansion Financial Reporting Governance Housing Long Term Planning National Service Recognition Partnering With Higher Education Program Evaluation Program Implementation Retention Ritual & Traditions Service Learning Sound Body (Health & Wellness) Transparency

Forward this message to your friends!

Grand President Garry Kief - 2009 Acceptance Speech

Our new Grand President Garry Kief has graciously sent us a copy of his acceptance speech from the Saturday night banquet. The PDF File of the full speech is too long to post in its entirety, but here are a few highlights:

Over the next two years… let’s remember that this is about you… and the Brothers sitting next to you… not some faceless number on a list.
Over the next two years… let’s remember that this is a Fraternity… not a Fortune 500 company.
And our symbol is a heart… not a calculator.
[…]
Let’s remember that it’s better to keep a chapter instead of close a chapter. Let’s remember that if they were good enough to be Brothers in the first place… how did they suddenly become the Black Sheep of the family?
Years ago we figured out that every time we close a chapter… it costs us $60,000. Now it’s probably more. So instead of casually loosing that money… let’s invest it in an RD Team that actually goes in and helps save a chapter… with help in recruiting…or academics… or leadership.
Let’s remember that we’re not playing a game of Survivor.
We’re playing a game of success.
[…]
You know we have a problem with volunteers.
The problem is we need them.
And we need more of them.
We need them for their advice… and their wisdom… and their life lessons.
We need them to help do the work… not just tell someone else what work needs to be done.
[…]
Let’s announce our National Board meetings well in advance and invite everyone to attend…
Let’s make sure everyone knows when our committees are meeting and that they’re welcome.
Let’s put our national calendar on line so Directors… and Trustees… and District Governors… and Committee Members… and Volunteers… and you… know about meetings and events before they happen… Instead of reading about them after the fact… on the blog (emphasis added, ed.).

And those are just from the first half of the speech. Read the whole thing here. Download it and print it out, too. By the way, he is also on Twitter as @GarryKief.

Tomorrow night... Past Grand President Shanklin's farewell address. Stay tuned.

Usual and Customary Politics

I and I am sure everyone else was glad that the National Board of Directors and the elusive -  membership unknown - and double-secret OGH Nominations Committee saw fit to suspend the rules unilaterally established by a previous NBD and present Brother Archie Yeatts with the much deserved Order of the Golden Heart at the end of his term as Grand President. Probably few undergraduates really do appreciate the years and years of service Brother Yeatts provided to the Fraternity prior to his tenure on the NBD and subsequent election to GP. Congratulations, Archie, and let's hope that such silly rules established by a scorned board member(s) don't repeat themselves in the future.

So, now that I have your attention, perhaps a little history lesson and one clear resounding example will give you a peek behind the curtain of mystery in our Fraternity's body politic.

As far back as I can remember (over 15 Conclaves), it was always customary to present the outgoing Grand President the Order of the Golden Heart Award (if he didn’t already have one). It is much deserved as anyone who has diligently served a term or two on the National Board and then a two year run as Grand President has devoted a considerable amount of concentrated volunteer time to the Fraternity. That is up until the 1989 Conclave when a dark horse candidate trumped the heir-apparent in his campaign for Grand President. This, of course, sent shock waves through the "good ole boy" politics much more than most will admit. Once the "dark horse's" reign was completed in 1991, there was retribution to be delivered. The first move was to enact an emergency resolution to immediately go into effect with the 1991 Conclave that the Grand President would no longer be given the OGH at the end of his term. It then became “tradition” that the Past GP would receive his OGH at the next Conclave. In 2005, this was suspended for appropriate reason and, in this writer's opinion, was appropriate again in 2007. However, retribution continued for our 1989 Dark Horse GP who should have, according to the new rule, received his in 1993 .... He did not receive his OGH in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, but finally did in 2001. Guess it would have looked bad for the Fraternity if a living Past Grand President didn't have an OGH by the Centennial. 

It is interesting to also note the Heir Apparent that the Dark Horse upset was closely tied to the OGH Nomination Committee (while the constitution of this committee is possibly the best kept secret in the Fraternity, this author knows for an absolute fact, that the Heir Apparent served and may still be serving on the OGH Nomination Committee).

This author feels very strongly that we should go back to the earlier precedent of giving the outgoing GP his OGH. It just makes sense.

The other lesson here is that when you begin to upset the body politic there are penalties to be paid. It would be interesting to see what other clandestine, double-secret activities might be discovered if one lifts the curtain higher and lets the light of day in. Does the old boy politics still extend to alumni nominations process? That will be an insider story in the next installment of Usual and Customary.

Great indeed is the mystery of the Fraternity (politics, that is).

The Official Story

We posted names of Conclave honorees earlier, but here are links to the releases from HQ:

• Order of the Golden Heart
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation
• New Grand President