Thank You and Happy Holidays

Happy Fourth of July!

Yes, we stole this from HQ. Have a good one anyway.

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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Get your major chapter event in the SigEp Journal

Is your chapter holding a large alumni event or anniversary celebration? For our spring issue of the Journal, we want to include as many major alumni events as we can under the "Save the Date" section. If you have an event that will occur between May 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, please email communications@sigep.net by Monday, March 24, with the following information: Name and date of your event. A web address or contact with email for RSVPs or additional information.        If you would like to have your chapter's alumni event profiled with an article in the Journal or on The SigEp Blog, please email communications@sigep.net with the contact information for a confident writer who can draft an article and take or obtain photos. Once you provide confirmation of your celebration date and a contact, we will follow up to provide more guidance on the article and photos. Celebrations will be considered for the Journal depending on the space and timing of submissions. The following chapters have a milestone anniversary during the next academic year. If you have information on these events, please let us know at communications@sigep.net. 2014-2015 Anniversaries 100th Lawrence, Wisconsin Alpha, February 17, 2015 Pennsylvania State, May 8, 2015 75th Wake Forest, April 19, 1940 50th Cleveland State, November 21, 1964 Michigan Tech, May 8, 1965 Nebraska-Kearney, May 15, 1965 Thank you! Sincerely, Jan Brammer Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Message from the Grand President

The last two weeks have reaffirmed how much our alumni and friends believe in this Fraternity’s values.

When our University of Mississippi chapter found their way onto recent headlines, our alumni stood up and shared what SigEp means to them. The support of our base and proud history will always speak louder than the actions of those who carelessly tarnish our reputation.

Now that all the facts are known, I am writing to make sure you know what happened, what we’re doing about it, and how you can help.

What happened?
After learning that three freshmen members of their chapter were responsible for desecrating the James Meredith statue on the Ole Miss campus, our University of Mississippi chapter quickly voted to expel all three men, turning over their identities to university administrators and investigating authorities.

What we’re doing about it.
This is a defining moment for SigEp. We began challenging negative Greek stereotypes in 1901 and continued to lead the way when we first invited members of all races, creeds and religions to join in 1959. This incident serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done to make our campuses and Greek systems more inclusive. Once more, SigEp has the opportunity to lead the way at The University of Mississippi and on campuses across the country.

As we continue to respond to the incident with our Mississippi Alpha alumni and chapter leaders, we have communicated actively with media to correct the narrative about what happened and how SigEp intends to lead moving forward.

• We were the first to release a statement about the incident and the chapter’s swift action.
• Mississippi Alpha’s chapter president spoke with a local paper about the opportunity SigEp has to lead the Ole Miss campus.
• While in Oxford, CEO Brian Warren sat down with a local CBS affiliate for an on-camera interview to help correct the narrative and defend SigEp’s values.

Before we move forward at Ole Miss, we must also look inward to understand how three students responsible for these actions could gain entry into our Fraternity. Mississippi Alpha’s alumni-volunteers and Fraternity staff are asking this question and others as they conduct a review of the chapter’s operations and membership.

CEO Brian Warren, Fraternity Operations Director Seth Irby, and Past Grand President Steve Shanklin were all in Mississippi last week to begin this process. They met with the university’s administration, our AVC and the chapter.

The chapter’s officers and volunteers have demonstrated a commitment to improving all aspects of the chapter experience, including the process by which the chapter evaluates and recruits new members.

Until we can assure you that the chapter’s membership will represent the best of SigEp, we won’t resume operations at The University of Mississippi.

How you can help.
SigEp continues to lead as the premier collegiate Fraternity, but it is moments like this that remind us we’re not perfect, and we have room to improve. We need more of our alumni and friends mentoring chapter members and leaders, whether it is with your home chapter or the one nearest you.

We certainly can’t control the actions of each and every member, but we can help guide our chapters as they create environments where, as U.G. Dubach, Oregon 1913, said, “it is easy to do right and hard to do wrong.”

I encourage all alumni to consider volunteering with a local chapter or to become a mentor with your own chapter today. I am sure you will find it, like I have, a rewarding experience.

For more information, please contact the district governor responsible for your area of the country.

Fraternally,


Phillip A. Cox
Grand President

SigEp responds to desecration of James Meredith statue

Fraternity announcement: SigEp responds to desecration of James Meredith statue:

After learning that three freshmen members of their chapter were responsible for desecrating the James Meredith statue on The University of Mississippi campus, the Mississippi Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity quickly voted to expel all three men, turning over their identities to university administrators and investigating authorities.

SigEp’s CEO Brian C. Warren Jr. said Thursday, “It is embarrassing that these men had previously identified with our Fraternity. SigEp as a national Fraternity has championed racial equality and issues on diversity since 1959 when it became the first national fraternity to invite members of all races, creeds and religions to join its membership. For this to occur in 2014 is an insult to the legacy of James Meredith, The University of Mississippi community, and the SigEp alumni who fought for racial equality in the late 1950s.”

SigEp has indefinitely suspended its University of Mississippi Chapter and asked that the chapter cease all operations. The Fraternity staff is working with chapter and alumni-volunteer leadership to conduct an internal investigation. The Fraternity intends to conduct a comprehensive review of the membership to ensure members’ values align with those espoused by the Fraternity. "We won’t allow the actions of a few men to undermine the more than five decades of leadership this Fraternity has demonstrated in the fight for racial equality and diversity on our college campuses,” said Warren.

View the press release PDF.

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SigEp Headquarters Message regarding news coverage of Yale incident

This email was sent out today from SigEp Headquarters regarding the news earlier this week that 86 members of the Yale Chapter have been named in a lawsuit.

There was also a Press Release.

Email - Message regarding news coverage of Yale incident - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity:

Dear Brothers and Friends, I am writing you in response to several news stories that have been published regarding members of our Yale chapter and the support our Fraternity has provided them in response to a recent lawsuit. Following an on-campus accident that occurred more than two years ago, lawyers recently filed suit against our Yale chapter as well as individual members. Contrary to recent media reports, the Fraternity has taken every possible action to procure coverage for our brothers at Yale by our insurance provider and provide the legal representation they need to be rightfully dismissed from this litigation. It is important to me that you know our brothers at Yale are protected and supported. The following press release was issued this morning in response to statements that SigEp was not providing support and coverage for our Yale members. If you have any questions about SigEp's risk management policies or our general liability insurance, please contact SigEp's risk management director,Kathy Johnston. Fraternally, Brian C. Warren Jr. Chief Executive Officer

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"Training in Ten" A New Era in Volunteer Training

Starting today, SigEp Headquarters is unveiling a new way to bring effective training to our many volunteers.

You may have seen teasers about following @TrainingInTen on Twitter and wondered what is was about. Well, it is time for the big reveal. Be sure to go to the linked site to see the entire 10-minute introduction.

"Training in Ten" is the HQ brand for a continuing series of twice-monthly 10 minute webinars specifically aimed at all the volunteers who give back so generously to SigEp with their time, expertise, and guidance. The first edition is an introduction to the series and covers the What/Why/How of this new communication channel. The screen capture shows there will be a narrator and slides to present information both with audio and graphically.

Future webinars will address core topics that AVCs face regularly: Mentoring Undergraduates; Cultivating Alumni; Managing Assets; Managing Corporate Health; plus topics on Personal & Professional Growth. There are also opportunities to suggest topics, provide feedback, and let others know what your AVC and chapter are doing well.

"Training in Ten" is available several ways. If you use Twitter follow @TrainingInTen or (and!) @OfficialSigEp. You can also "like" the Official SigEp Facebook page or check with the "Official SigEp Blog" on the headquarters site. S&P will be investigating methods to include a link here as well.

Thanks to HQ, and especially to Archie Messersmith for developing a new way to add value and interest to our volunteers.

Introduction to Training In Ten

Welcome – it's about time!

Welcome – it's about time!By Bryce Giesler, Tennessee’ 82

Brother Giesler is the author and editor of Sanguine et Purpure (S&P), the unofficial SigEp blog. This piece is dual posted on the "Official" SigEp Blog and here.
A little over a month ago (Sep. 16 to be precise) I saw a notice from SigEp Headquarters announcing a “New Official SigEp Blog.” My first thought was, “Wait a minute – I’ve been writing and posting to Sanguine et Purpure –the Unofficial SigEp Blog at sigepblog.org for over nine years. Who do they think they are?” My second thought was, “Well, it’s about time they figured out how to use the interwebs!”

I have not posted about this development before now for two main reasons: First, I wanted to take some time to make sure I could express my full opinion and not simply have a list of one-liner comments. Those who follow me on Facebook and Google+ know I am quick with a retort and not always politically correct. Second, I have been doing quite a bit of traveling lately. When the notice came out I was still unpacking from a vacation in Scotland and preparing to help out with an EDGE, followed by a trip to Tennessee and then a weekend in Las Vegas. All that is done now, and so here are my “Officially Unofficial” comments.

Last summer at the Dallas (Grapevine) Conclave, some 35 or so SigEps gathered for a “Social Media Breakfast” where we informally discussed how chapters are making use of the various channels to connect with members, prospective members and alumni. Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10, Mike Ellis, Purdue ’84, Steve Hofstetter, Columbia ’02, and I were talking afterwards, and Beaux told us of his plan to consolidate the various information streams from Headquarters into one findable and searchable stream of posts, i.e. a blog format. We agreed that was a great idea and offered our support. Beaux went back to Richmond and got things moving. The result is the new SigEp Blog. I still think it is a great idea and well executed. My only quibble is that it took so long for the folks at Headquarters to get to it. The reason I started S&P was that I felt a broad information channel was needed and was not being developed at HQ.

Since the announcement I have been asked if I feel like Headquarters staff was trying to undercut S&P by offering a similar product. No, I don’t. There is plenty of room for both of us. The “Unofficial Blog” has been running for over nine years and in that time has developed a loyal following as a non-Richmond, no-spin source of information about SigEp and other matters of the fraternity and sorority world. We post items that, quite frankly, would not be appropriate for an official site, such as breaking news about problems at individual chapters and stories of general interest about other organizations. There is plenty of quality and appropriate SigEp information for an official blog. We have been known to “borrow” posts from the Headquarters site to help increase the distribution of good stories. Communication is the goal. And now SigEps have another way to get information.

Finally, I want to acknowledge Beaux, SigEp CEO Brian Warren, Virginia ’04, and Communications Manager Rob Jepson, Utah State ’12, and everyone else at Headquarters who has worked to bring this piece of the communication matrix to fruition. I know it took a while, but, as I have, you will find it was worth the effort. Welcome to the fray!

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

SigEp HQ Looking for a Communications Manager

A Communications Manager position is available at SigEp HQ. Interested?

Dear Brothers and Friends, I am excited to announce that SigEp is searching for a new communications manager to join our Headquarters staff. Because of your involvement with SigEp, I’m turning to you for help.  Please forward this along to any great candidates you know, or apply if you are interested. We are looking for somebody hardworking and passionate about SigEp to work full-time in our Richmond, Virginia office.  We are seeking a strong writer, who can create and edit compelling content.  The new communications manager will direct the SigEp voice through various print, online and social media platforms.  This is an essential position, and we are looking for someone to join our team immediately.  Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and work experience in marketing, journalism, public relations, donor relations, fundraising or a related field.  Visit the job posting on SigEp’s website for more information on the role and directions on how to apply. Thank you for helping us find SigEp’s next great communications manager. Sincerely, Brian C. Warren, Jr.  Executive Director This message is being sent to all volunteers, graduating seniors and past Headquarters staff members.

A Message from SigEp - Email updates.

With communication becoming ever more electronic in nature it is important to keep to organizations that are important to us up to date on how to stay in touch.

I received this email today, maybe you did too. If you did see it, make sure it went to the 'right' address and update you information at HQ if needed. If you didn't see it your email address at HQ may be old or incorrect. You NEED to update it.

Dear Bryce, When you joined SigEp at Tennessee Alpha, your membership fees covered a lifetime subscription to the Journal.  Unfortunately, many of your chapter bothers— maybe even you— miss out on the opportunity to read about the great things that SigEps are accomplishing because of an outdated mailing address. Our spring issue of the Journal will be mailed in just a few weeks, and our theme for this issue is legacies.  Legacies provide a unique opportunity to see how our great history is inextricably linked to our present and future.  In addition to featured stories about family connections within our brotherhood, the springJournal is your connection to alumni and chapter news, from Tennessee Alpha and nationwide. I want to make sure that you and all Tennessee Alpha brothers receive a copy of this award-winning publication. Please take two minutes to update your contact information in order to receive this issue. Please also help us by forwarding this email to friends, as many of them may have email or mailing addresses not be up-to-date in our records. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our Fraternity! Fraternally, Brian C. Warren, Jr. Executive Director and Executive Editor of the SigEp Journal The Journal will be posted online at www.SigEp.org once it is mailed.   You can also follow SigEp on Facebook and Twitter for even more opportunities to join the conversation.This message is being sent to all SigEp undergraduates and alumni.

Legacy Financial- A SigEp Financial Management Solution

Email - Legacy Financial- A SigEp Financial Management Solution - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

Brothers and Friends, The Fraternity wants to do all it can to reduce administrative burdens and direct chapters to high quality, cost-effective service providers. That way, you and other chapter leaders can focus more energy on making the SigEp experience the best on your campus.  During the past few months, SigEp Headquarters staff and its Technology Task Force have researched technology solutions for chapters and AVCs struggling to consistently manage billing, finances and annual IRS tax filings. After reviewing the market options, the staff and task force chose Legacy Financial(LegFi) as the best fit for our Fraternity.  LegFi is building a financial management solution specifically designed for SigEp chapters and AVCs, including many free, easy-to-use tools and resources. Visit our Legacy Financial page for more information on the tools and services available to you and your officers. You will hear more about this new partnership over the coming weeks. I strongly encourage you to consider Legacy Financial and contact them to learn more about how they can help your chapter or AVC. This opportunity to efficiently manage your chapter and AVC’s receivables, and save money in the process, frees up more time to do the Fraternity’s most important work: transforming our undergraduate brothers into balanced men.  If you decide to pursue an arrangement with Legacy financial, please email me and let me know what you think. Fraternally, Brian Warren Jr. Executive Director This message is being sent to AVC presidents, chapter counselors, AVC treasurers, AVC vice presidents of housing, AVC secretaries, chapter presidents, vice presidents of finance, vice presidents of communication, and chaplains with valid email addresses.

The New Journal is Here

The Latest issue of the SigEp Journal is here.

This issue is dedicated to all the SigEps who have served in the Armed Forces over the years since the fraternity was founded. (I am proud to be in that number.)

There is also a nice two page spread on the LinkedIn SigEp group and how it is helping brothers to network and find professional opportunities.

On technical item. This issue online has active links in the articles so you can jump to the referenced web page or article directly from the reader.

Open publication - Free publishing

SigEp Regional Director Blog » Reflecting on the Tragos Quest to Greece

SigEp Regional Director Blog » Blog Archive » Reflecting on the Tragos Quest to Greece - Life on the Road:

Andrew Palmer, Regional Director for Region 6, reflects on his experience on the "Tragos Quest to Greece" and  has a reminder the the application deadline for the 2013 experience is fast approaching.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about the unforgettable experiences and lessons learned from the Tragos Quest to Greece almost 15 months ago. With this year’s application for the Quest to Greece out, I decided to reflect back on the trip and the impact it has had on my life since.

The Tragos Quest to Greece was a truly life changing trip. This is an incredible opportunity that very few men will ever have the chance to experience. Sigma Phi Epsilon prides itself on being different. One of the many ways we do this is through our exemplary Leadership Programs, and more specifically the Tragos Quest to Greece.

The Trip

The first leg of our trip started in Chicago where all the questors and mentors met for a day to discuss expectations and prepare for the trip. When we finally landed in Greece, we immediately traveled to The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. From that point, there was no looking back, as our next nine days were filled with fun activities and site seeing from sun up to sun down. We toured the Agora where Socrates taught, learned about the Mysteries of Eleusis, raced in the original Olympic Stadium, sang SigEp songs in the Epidaurus theater, and climbed nearly 1,000 stone steps to the top of a mountain where we gazed over the city of Nauplion. One of my favorite memories though, was our hike through the mountains in Delphi that led us to the ancient Cave of Dionysus where we discussed our Ritual.

Overlooking the city of Nauplon

Happy Founder's Day

Brothers and Friends, Happy Founders Day!  111 years ago, twelve determined men turned their dream of a different kind of fraternity into reality on the grounds of Richmond College. Our Founding Fathers were on a mission to bring young men together in a meaningful way, to assemble a brotherhood based on cardinal principles that would guide every aspect of life. You carry on that mission by the way you live, by the way you give back, and by the way you stay connected to enrich our brotherhood.  Without your selfless work and dedication, our Fraternity would not be where it is today. When I joined Sigma Phi Epsilon at Florida Alpha 40 years ago, SigEp was not yet 100,000 men large.  Look at us today.  Consider our growth - it is the most rapid growth in the fraternity world.  It has given us amazingly talented brothers and each of us lifelong friends.  That is something to celebrate today.  Fittingly, as we celebrate our 111th year, we also celebrate the initiation of our 300,000th brother - Kevin McGuire, Illinois ’16. Kevin, who plans to major in business, is a testament to SigEp’s success today.  He is smart, athletic, thoughtful, and ambitious. He is a Balanced Man.  Kevin went to Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois, where he was actively involved in Model United Nations as well as in Mu Alpha Theta, a club where upperclassmen tutor underclassmen while participating in philanthropic projects. Kevin was a Prairie State Achievement Examination scholar in mathematics, science and reading, as well as a member of the lacrosse team. Kevin’s initiation represents an important part of SigEp’s history, which we will celebrate at our 53rd Grand Chapter Conclave on July 31-August 4, 2013, in Dallas, Texas.  Our theme for this Conclave is - Flip the switch: SigEp’s future is ON! Thanks to our undergraduate brother Donnie O’Brien, Kent State ’13, who submitted the winning theme from hundreds of entries earlier this year. Join us at Conclave. Make new connections and, possibly, begin lifelong friendships. Honor our best chapters, and recognize our most committed alumni and undergraduate brothers. And help us reach more milestones that will light the way for SigEp’s future, so we can celebrate another 111 years. Happy Founders Day. Fraternally, Bert J. Harris, III Grand President

Leverage SigEp's network for your professional career

From this month's "Sound Bite" - SigEp's monthly source of undergraduate news.

Leverage SigEp's network for your professional career:

By Bryce Giesler, Tennessee ’82, and Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10, Volunteer Services Director

With over 230,000 living brothers, SigEp has one of the strongest and most reliable networks to leverage as an undergraduate. “If you are hiring, and you have two equally qualified candidates, knowing one is a SigEp can make the decision easy because you know the values are there,”Dennis Kaps, Ohio State ‘03, a recruiting manager at Abercrombie & Fitch’s corporate headquarters said. And one of the best places to begin your network is on LinkedIn.

Similar to Facebook and other social media sites, LinkedIn allows users to develop a profile and make connections with other users.  LinkedIn’s focus is on professional networking. A member’s profile is his online resume, and the site enables users to make professional contacts and expand their network. SigEp brothers work in virtually every major corporation in the United States. At least 175 of these corporations employ more than 10 SigEps, many of whom are in senior leadership roles. 

A search for SigEps on LinkedIn will produce more than 55,193 professional profiles listing membership in our Fraternity. Of these, over 14,000 have discovered the power of connecting through the Sigma Phi Epsilon (Official) LinkedIn group. If you aren’t in the group yet, you may want to sign up. To begin leveraging your SigEp network, promoting metro networking events, or connecting with brothers in your field, join the conversation at Sigma Phi Epsilon (Official).

The New Sigma Phi Epsilon HQ site is up and open!

After several months of challenging redesign work the new SigEp HQ site design was unveiled today.
You will immediately notice the site has a much 'cleaner' look and feel with good use of white space to focus attention. The navigation has been updated in a way that should make it much easier to find the particular section or information you are seeking.

For those of the geek persuasion the new site uses a database driven CMS (content management system) which will make keeping the site up to date much simpler and easier. The site also integrates with the master registration database so changes to personal data made here will flow through and update across the system.

Check it out, and tell the folks at HQ where you heard about it first.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Homepage:

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One last thing. Not to toot our own horn here, but if you go to the "Social Media Hub"you will see that our little effort has received some recognition at last: