New Gallup Poll on Lifelong impact of Fraternities and Sororities

Thanks to Pete Steffens for finding and sharing this with us.

Greek Membership really IS a "Lifelong Experience."

For more information go to :http://www.nicindy.org/gallup-research.html

Remembering a SigEp giant, Brother Mack Rankin

It has been a month since many of us gathered for the 2013 Conclave, yet the names of our members who had their last “roll call” during the Necrology are still with us in memory. Since then we have added to their numbers, with the latest SigEp, Brother B.M. “Mack” Rankin Jr., Texas-Austin ’50, passing into perpetuity.

A lifelong Texan, Mack grew up in Gladwater and attended the University of Texas at Austin where he joined our Texas Alpha Chapter in 1947.

After graduating, he served for four years in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant and was stationed in Germany during the implementation of the Marshall Plan. When Mack returned home, he began a highly successful career in the oil and precious metal industry.

Mack was a passionate advocate and activist. Indeed, it was his passion for life and cut-to-the-chase attitude that led to his many accomplishments. He wanted to get things done – and done in the right way. Mack invested substantial time in training the next generation of oil industry professionals and gave generously to the institutions he believed in. Among other projects, he sponsored endowments at the University of Texas for the head football coach and a professorship in the business school. He also partly funded the Longhorn Dining Hall, which bears his name, and led a successful fundraising campaign for the expansion of the Darrel K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

Mack also gave generously to SigEp, serving on the National Board of Directors and as a Life Trustee of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. In 1981, we honored Mack with the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation.
Mack was someone who inspired others by his character and his service. Below are some of the words from the friends and brothers who knew him best.

“Mack Rankin was truly one of a kind. Those of us who had the privilege of working with him on local chapter issues, National Board issues and SigEp Foundation issues always knew where he stood and, most importantly, why. We turned to Mack for solid business advice that was so important to SigEp being a successful not-for-profit organization."
Gary Griffith, Texas-Austin ‘70 

“Mack was an inspiration to everyone that served on the National Board with him. He was a straight-talking, no-nonsense businessman who, under a seemingly gruff demeanor, clearly had a love for not only Texas Alpha, but for SigEp. He added a great deal of business sense to the board and insights to the undergrads and alumni alike. He also created some very amusing and memorable moments. He was, indeed, a special guy.”
Norm Nabhan, Purdue ’71 

“His style was direct, but caring; he was patient to a point, then demanded action. Some of his most effective moments expressed this, such as, ‘Brothers, please, I will speak with him. It will be corrected.’ We all knew there would be no negotiation. He was a really big Texan, an immensely proud Texas Alphan and a demanding brother. What a gift to us who knew him.” 
Ken Maddox, Oregon State ‘75

Thank you, Mack, for everything you taught us and did for our Fraternity. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You will be missed.

Fraternally,

Rev. Ray Ackerman
National Chaplain

SigEp Bro. Victor Ortiz debuts on DWTS tonight.

Meet the Season 16 cast of Dancing with the Stars | ABC TV Show News, Cast, Photos & More – ABC.com:

VICTOR ORTIZ

PROFESSIONAL PARTNER: LINDSAY ARNOLD 

Victor Ortiz is a living, breathing example of the American dream. From a broken home in a small town in Kansas to the bright lights of the boxing ring, Ortiz has used every obstacle he has encountered along his journey to fuel his strength and attain his dreams.

As former Welterweight Boxing Champion, Ortiz finally found his life’s calling as a world class athlete. The nickname “Vicious” describes Ortiz when he’s in the ring, but his million-dollar smile is a preview to his heart of gold. His ability to connect with people on a human level has kept the spotlight from blinding him. Realizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and family at an early age, Ortiz always finds a way to give back.

My Story - SigEp - Sigma Phi Epsilon - UC San Diego - Cal Rho

A page from the UC San Diego SigEp chapter (Cal Rho) web site.
Members relate in their own words why they joined SigEp and what it means to them now. More stories on the web page.

My Story - SigEp - Sigma Phi Epsilon - UC San Diego - Cal Rho

Upon starting my first quarter at UCSD, it seemed like everybody else on campus walked with such purpose and I was just a lost freshman. So when I found SigEp, I found much more than guidance; I found encouragement. Being a part of this brotherhood has immersed me in an atmosphere much more “stimulating” than the res halls. Because when I overhear my brothers talking about their new internship, or how hard they studied, or how they have to organize their day, or how much ridiculous fun they had over the weekend, it encourages me to live my life with a new perspective. Basically, you won’t find me on the couch anymore. Although I am far from the “Balanced Man”, SigEp is the encouragement I need to become one.

See more stories

Best. Rush. Video. Ever.

Thanks to Tennessee Eta for this video. It is perhaps the best encapsulation of what "Fraternity" means I have seen. No frenetic music. No quick cut photos or videos, but a simple message that will challenge and inspire anyone who sees it.


It is long - 8 minutes - but well worth the time. Not a SigEp? Watch it anyway for an short explanation of what the concept of fraternity and sorority is really about. You will not regret it.

Victor Ortiz reps SigEp fraternity on his shorts during Josesito Lopez fight | Larry Brown Sports

Victor Ortiz reps SigEp fraternity on his shorts during Josesito Lopez fight | Larry Brown Sports: "
Victor Ortiz represented the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity during his fight with Josesito Lopez on Saturday. Ortiz had “SigEp” embroidered on his trunks as a shoutout to the house he joined recently.

Back in April, Ortiz mentioned on Twitter that he was “officially a SigEp” at Kansas University."

'via Blog this'

Bremond Lodge No. 241 Hosts Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

SigEps from Christopher Newport University and Bremond Lodge No. 241 in Newport News, VA have established a special relationship that has benefitted both the chapter and the lodge.

On Saturday, February 20, Bremond Lodge No. 241, Newport News, Va., hosted a cookout for the brethren of Bremond and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Christopher Newport University. This was a fantastic event, full of fellowship and new friends. Over 25 members of Bremond and over 40 members of “Sig Ep” were in attendance.

Over the past four years, Bremond Lodge has enjoyed a special relationship with Sigma Phi Epsilon, a men’s fraternity at Christopher Newport University. Each year we’ve opened our lodge doors and allowed Sig Ep to use our facilities for their initiation ceremony. This relationship has been beneficial for both organizations. Allowing the use of our building has sparked interest in Freemasonry and has led many Sig Ep brothers to petition our lodge. In fact, since this relationship began in 2006, over 25% of all Master Masons raised in Bremond Lodge have also been members of Sig Ep at CNU. Five of these brethren have gone on to serve as lodge officers.

Thanks to SigEp (and Masonic) brother Patrick Murphrey for writing and passing along this article from The Scottish Rite Journal.