The Record - Summer 2018

NEWS FROM HQ P. 05

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OUR NEWEST CHAPTERS P. 10 | MORATORIUM REFLECTION P. 30

THE RECORD VOLUME 137, ISSUE NUMBER 1

TODAY’S FRATERNITY LANDSCAPE ALSO FEATURED:

YOUR FRATERNITY ON THE MOVE: POLICY 2018 AND:

STARTING THE SCHOOL YEAR: MOVING BACK INTO THE CHAPTER HOUSE

INSIDER

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN (Connecticut Nu-Eta) donated $2,000 worth of toys to the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (Georgia Beta) raised $117,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY (Pennsylvania Phi) raised $579,000 for the Center of ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh.

Following Hurricane Maria, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY (Florida Beta) opened their doors to displaced students from the University of Puerto Rico.

Paintings by DAVID COOLIDGE (Drake ’65) now hang in the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Georgia. This painting was first displayed during the 2018 Masters Tournament.

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THE RECORD

CONTENTS

FEATURES YOUR FRATERNITY ON THE MOVE

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ΣAE unveils new policies to enhance the current membership experience.

CONTACTS FRATERNITY SERVICE CENTER: www.sae.net, thetgi.sae.net, (847) 475-1856 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: jsao@sae.net ADDRESS CHANGES: tstokesbary@sae.net, ext. 212 CHAPTER SERVICES: jkovalan@sae.net EXPANSION: tsirota@sae.net FOUNDATION: wgrimsley@sae.net CHAPTER BILLING: rpometta@sae.net, ext. 217 CHAPTER CRISIS: cbrown@sae.net SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS: jirwin@sae.net, ext. 232

MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS: jsao@sae.net, ext. 226 TO MAKE A RECRUITMENT RECOMMENDATION: www.sae.net/forms TO SUBMIT A NEWS ITEM: Editor, 1856 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60201-3837 or jsao@sae.net FOLLOW US: Facebook Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity

TODAY'S FRATERNITY LANDSCAPE

Instagram @sigmaalphaepsilon Twitter @sae1856 YouTube /SigmaAlphaEpsilon1856

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Snapchat @saefraternity

Reflection and commentary on the past with inspirations of the future of ΣAE. THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

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CONTENTS

THE RECORD

THE RECORD OF SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON • SUMMER 2018

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The Record of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Published Continuously Since 1880 Circulation 10,000 Executive Editor JOHNNY SAO Assistant Editor PHIL AIELLO Art Director NEIGERDESIGN Copyright © 2018 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity

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CEO & Eminent Supreme Recorder Michael Sophir (Nebraska '85).

THE 2017-2019 SUPREME COUNCIL Eminent Supreme Archon Thomas J. Dement II (Middle Tennessee State ’90) Eminent Supreme Deputy Archon Gregory D. Brandt (Drake ’84) Eminent Supreme Warden Michael J. Corelli (Northern Illinois ’01) Eminent Supreme Herald Michael S. Rodgers (William & Mary ’92)

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Service Center is located at the Levere Memorial Temple in Evanston, IL. For more information, call (847) 475-1856 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST.

Eminent Supreme Chronicler Mark W. McDonough (Youngstown State ’96)

Other communications information: (847) 475-2250, fax; jsao@sae.net, e-mail; www.sae.net, www.thetgi.net and www. saerecord.net, websites.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a proud member of the

Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon Larry D. Shackelford (Texas Christian ’69)

ON THE COVER Sigma Alpha Epsilon has a storied past, but more importantly a bright future.

Our cover reflects the various pieces which make up our organization, and how we are shaping them to preserve the Fraternity.

32 3 ������� VOICE OF THE ESA Tom Dement reflects on the state of the Fraternity.

5 ������� NEWS FROM HQ Find out the latest

news from 1856 Sheridan Road and the Fraternity Service Center.

7 ������� NEWS BRIEFS We’ve gathered the best

stories and updates from our Realm over the past year so you can hear about tidbits and accomplishments.

30 ����� F&H CORPORATION Tips and best practices for moving back into the chapter house at the beginning of the school year.

32 ����� RANT Doug Palmer discusses the

undergraduate perspective of the moratorium and the effect it has across our entire organization.

10 ����� CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS The Realm

expanded this past year with a number of new chapters, and we welcome them to our brotherhood.

29 ����� FOUNDATION The Foundation looks at some of the most important aspects of what it provides to our members in support of its mission and objectives.

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SPECIAL THANKS The Record’s publication staff thanks the various contributing writers for the articles that form this edition. We are also grateful to the Foundation and SAE Financial & Housing Corporation for providing content that reaffirms the Fraternity's mission and goals to our readers. We show our appreciation to Anna Gath for her proofing efforts.

Lastly, a special thank you to the previous Executive Editor of The Record, Brandon Weghorst, for his hard work and dedication to the Fraternity, specifically turning this magazine into an award winning publication.

VOICE OF THE

ESA

THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

GREETINGS BROTHERS It seems like just yesterday when we were together in Boston for the 161st Anniversary Convention, yet it has been more than a year since we were celebrating our fraternal bonds and working to improve the lives of our collegiate and alumni members. During the past several months, I have truly enjoyed serving as your Eminent Supreme Archon and I look forward to continue leading the organization as we embark on several new initiatives.

As a volunteer for nearly 30 years, I have witnessed many changes in the fraternity world. Yet the ones occurring in the last year, in my opinion, have been unprecedented. The unfortunate fraternity-related deaths and health & safety incidents that have taken place across the country have caused the Greek-letter community and Sigma Alpha Epsilon to reflect on our relevance like no other time in history. We are all at a crossroads with the continued existence of fraternity life at a tipping point.

I am proud that your Supreme Council and Fraternity Service Center staff jointly and collaboratively have been working diligently during the past year to study these important issues and develop new programs to foster a greater understanding of our Mission to enhance service and to expand educational programs and help ensure the safety of our members and guests.

Each chapter brings its personal story to our brotherhood, but ΣAE is about more than one chapter on one campus in one community. We are a single brotherhood, brought together under one well-defined set of values prescribed in our Ritual, fostered through “The True Gentleman” and driven by our mission of advancing the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership, and service for our members throughout life.

In this issue of The Record, you’ll find an indepth article on many of these challenges and, better yet, some of the opportunities presented by the Greek-letter system today. You’ll also discover information about what’s to come, especially as you read our plans to expand our chapter- and eventsbased leadership programs, unveil new communication vehicles and provide a healthier and safer environment for our members and guests.

I want to thank our many volunteers for their dedication to the Fraternity, alumni brothers looking to become involved as advisors, and mentors.

We welcome hearing from you. Furthermore, we appreciate those of you who have donated 3

generously to our Foundation. If you have not made a gift or are not aware of the numerous opportunities to re-invest financially in the Fraternity, I hope you will consider doing so in the future. Your support of our educational programs allows thousands of members each year to develop their leadership skills, earn scholarships, and build relationships with brothers around the country. Giving to the Annual Loyalty Fund allows the Fraternity to focus on areas of greatest need, including peer-based education, retreats, and chapter visitation. This fund also supports our “schoolhouse”—the Levere Memorial Temple—as John O. Mosely so aptly coined it generations ago. It’s hard to quantify the number of brothers, families, and non-members who have visited this home, studied within its walls, and marveled at the Tiffany stained-glass windows.

This year, the Temple will turn 88-years-old, and it takes time and funding to ensure its care. Your support can go a long way towards the effort.

I am convinced with continued hard work and forward-thinking that Sigma Alpha Epsilon will remain successful for many years to come. Part of that success depends on a continued allegiance to our Ritual, creed, and founding principles.

My charge to you is to re-dedicate yourselves to the oath you took during our Initiation Ceremony.

If we all resolve to emulate the virtues and cherish the teachings of ΣAE and live the life of a true gentleman, Sigma Alpha Epsilon will have a bright future.

Phi Alpha,

Thomas J. Dement II

Visit FindGreek.com/SigmaAlphaEpsilon for Greek Licensed Products

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NEWS FROM HQ FIELD STAFF For the first since time the early 2000s, the field staff will be based and operate out of Levere Memorial Temple instead of their local regions. Once known as Education & Leadership Consultants and then Regional Directors, the field staff has been restructured to meet the ever-changing need and demands of the Fraternity. The newly coined “Chapter Development Team” operates as headquarter liaisons for 200+ ΣΑΕ chapters, school administrators, and campus-based professionals. Over the course of a week, the team can serve any of the 13,000+ collegiate or 200,000+ living alumni of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

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WHO’S WHO The Fraternity Service Center has published its first “Who’s Who” that highlights staff members, their responsibilities, and best contact information. Digital versions are available upon request by emailing contact@sae.net.

4 DISTRICT 1. Western 2. Southern 3. Central 4. Eastern

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MAPS

The maps of Sigma Alpha Epsilon have been realigned to reflect the updated field-staff structure.

In addition to the dedicated office staff that oversees operations from the Levere Memorial Temple, each chapter and colony is assigned a specific Chapter Development Team member. The Realm is divided into four districts named by geographical location. There were no changes to the province territories.

N H Q

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LAWS Designated as the largest chapter meeting, Convention meets every other year to discuss important business for the Fraternity, including law proposals and elections for the Supreme Council. The 161st Anniversary Convention of 2017 approved the following changes: a. The Supreme Council may amend or repeal the Fraternity Laws by twothirds majority vote between sessions of the Fraternity Convention.

This was previously a majority vote.

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b. A t any time, any member of the Fraternity may resign his membership.

A two-thirds vote by the Supreme Council may accept any member's resignation. Previously, members were required to wait two years before resigning membership.

THE RECORD ONLINE In Fall 2018, the Communications Department will be launching a new media platform, The Record Online, to supplement the magazine. It will feature up-to-date news as well as educational, lifestyle, and general informational pieces related to ΣΑΕ.

An official announcement will be made after the website goes live. The print magazine will still be distributed twice a year. END

N H Q 6

DATES & DEETS September 14, 2018 Update Fall 2018 Rosters September 27, 2018 Loyalty Day October 15, 2018 Chartering Materials Due November 9-10, 2018 DeVotie Ritual Institute Evanston, IL

A look back.

NEWS

In short.

BRIEFS CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK As partners with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 2001, our members have been making an impact on their local children’s hospitals through fundraising campaigns and service initiatives. Nearly 50 of our 200+ chapters participated in Miracle Network Dance Marathon in 2017, raising $123,082 collectively.

Texas-Tyler (Texas Zeta) contributed 14% of the ΣΑΕ total, followed by Simpson (Iowa Sigma) 13%, Miami-Ohio (Ohio Tau) 13%, and Cincinnati (Ohio Epsilon) 10%.

COLORADO-COLORADO SPRINGS Chapter members of Colorado Springs (Colorado Phi) helped mark Holocaust Remembrance Day by planting more than 27,000 flags on the west lawn of campus. Each color represented the various backgrounds of the victims. Other organizations involved were Phi Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Phi, and Pi Kappa Phi.

NEVADA-RENO Geno Martini (’65) has been named Citizen of the Year in Sparks, Nevada. He is the longest-serving mayor of Sparks, taking office in 2005.

Martini has also been awarded Public Official of the Year (2016) and Politician of the Year (2014).

THE THERECORD RECORD••SUMMER SPRING 2018

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NEWS BRIEFS

BOSTON

UC-LOS ANGELES

Edwin Fuller (’68) is the newest recipient of the Albert E. Koehl Lifetime Achievement Award from HSMAI, the hospitality industry’s leading advocacy organization.

The award honors individuals whose careers have significantly contributed to the betterment of the hospitality and travel profession. Fuller spent four decades in senior-level roles for Marriott International. He currently is an adjunct professor at the University of California at Irvine and serves as the ΣΑΕ Foundation’s Chairman of the Board.

Brett Newton (’07) produced and starred in a feature film titled Scramble, which released on Dec 26, 2017. Pictured are Newton and some of his chapter brothers at the red-carpet premiere of the movie.

OREGON STATE

THE AWARD HONORS INDIVIDUALS WHOSE CAREERS HAVE

Greg Strobel (‘75) has now worked six Olympic games for Team USA Wresting. Between 1984-2004, he served in various roles including assistant coach, co-head coach, and National Teams Director. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for USA Wrestling and is an NCAA Official Reviewer and Evaluator.

SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE BETTERMENT OF THE HOSPITALITY AND TRAVEL PROFESSION.

SIMPSON After 42 years of dedicated service, Sally Jenkins is retiring from her role as the chef for Simpson College (Iowa Sigma). During her tenure, she saw close to 700 men pass through her dining room.

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HIGHEST EFFORT AWARD

TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE Tennessee-Knoxville (Tennessee Kappa) was named the “2017 Chapter of the Year” by the University of Tennessee IFC. There are 45 Greekletter organizations on campus.

UC-SANTA CRUZ LTC Richard Cao (’75) received The Highest Effort Award, which recognizes members who, through professional success, bring positive recognition to the Fraternity. By their example

and achievement, recipients of this award exemplify the ideals of the Fraternity. Presenting him the T.H.E. is Province Gamma Archon Dr. Robert Wood (Union ‘82).

UC-SANTA BARBARA David Shad (’15) recently hosted a TEDx Talk regarding the worldwide energy crisis. His ideas replace current energyproducing means with sustainable and environmentally friendly methods that ensure sufficient

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energy to power the world for years to come. Shad passed the Mechanical Professional Engineering Exam at age 24, making him one of the youngest to do so in the country. END

CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS

WELCOME TO OUR REALM

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Colonization Date: February 16, 2014 Installation Date: March 3, 2018 Location: Orlando, FL Institution Founded: 1886 Student Population: 6,109

FLORIDA EPSILON CURRENT CHAPTER SIZE: 48

CAMPUS TIDBIT: IN THEIR WORDS:

The University of Central Florida is a public state university located in Orlando, Florida. Among U.S. colleges and universities, it is the largest by enrollment at a single campus with more than 66,000 students. Opened in 1968 as Florida Technical University, the school’s first mission was providing support and personnel for the growing U.S. space program.

Over the past four years, the Florida Epsilon chapter had ups and downs but never lost sight of its goals. Colonizing in 2014, membership quickly doubled from 14 to 30 in one semester.

Unfortunately, many brothers were not committed to the mission of ΣΑΕ, and membership declined to seven men. A new executive board was elected to restart the process. The chapter grew rapidly and hit an all-time high of 60 members in the fall of 2017. The following spring, 58 brothers were initiated, and the chapter was reinstalled on March 3, 2018. The chapter continues to build its ongoing momentum since chartering and is expecting more than 30 new members in the fall of 2018.

THE CHAPTER GREW RAPIDLY AND HIT AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 60 MEMBERS IN THE FALL OF 2017. THE FOLLOWING SPRING, 58 BROTHERS WERE INITIATED, AND THE CHAPTER WAS REINSTALLED ON MARCH 3, 2018.

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48 Founding Fathers Oscar Olvera Jordan Jsaak Luke Cresante Gregory Thomas Cory Kenneth Appel Turner Scott Elliot Tyler James Hayward Dylan Homa Aakash Patel Jose Tamayo Robert Gaydos Hunter Garrett Heneberry Christopher Napoli Kirubha Perumalsamy Mathius Frederick Rosenberger Scott Adams Nathaniel Holt Daniel Laguana, Jr. John Christopher Conner Joseph Paul DelGrippo Zachary Conner Doherty Ryan Goonen Ian Brooks Lino Domingo Salas Eric Joseph Scalera Joshua Beltrano Joseph Louis Cormier Sebastian Montes Lucas Duell Brannon Cole Shelnutt Harrison Spellman Ryan Scott Anderson Ryan Douglas Baker Patrick Bonbrisco Mitchell Fanelli Christian Gray Christian Michael Grimes Michael Lewo Ryan William Marlowe Devon Andrew Marrone Christian Megahee Alejandro Mejia Clayton Walker Murray Dylan Perkowski Sampson Polish Alan Radcliff Josh Samarista Chad Steinke Cameron Trimble Robert Miles Trsek Stephen Anthony Xydakis Zachary J. Xydakis Cam Dungey Jose Lopez Ahmed Khaled Lotfy Nicholas James Nabors Dylan Strunz Austin Wauters

27 Founding Fathers Yan Agudelo Brett Bishop Liam Carroll Jonathan Chaves Steven Chaves Jan Conaty Daniel Darmody Ryan DeSousa Steven DiPietro Thomas Donovan James Durham Robert Ellis Juan Faria Cristobal Ferreras David Finestone Chrsitian Houde Sean Jenkins Josh Kuhn Tim Lanza John Snyder Myles Mastrototaro Brendan McHugh Daniel McLaughlin Jacob McNally Elijah Muller

SALEM STATE

Colonization Date: February 21, 2011 Installation Date: November 18, 2017 Location: Salem, MA Institution Founded: 1826 Student Population: 5,100

MASSACHUSETTS TAU-GAMMA CURRENT CHAPTER SIZE: 27

CAMPUS TIDBIT: IN THEIR WORDS: Prior to installation, Massachusetts Tau-Gamma was the longstanding colony at the time, having been colonized in 2011 and not achieving a charter until November 2017. The length of colonization was unusual to some, but at a school with only four Greek-letter organizations, a strong foundation was absolutely essential to building a stable chapter. The chartering process started in the spring of 2017, when the entire group, not just undergraduates, came together and worked as a cohesive unit. Even alumni who had not been involved in years came back to help achieve the ultimate goal of becoming a chapter, which took place on November 18, 2017.

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Established in 1854, Salem State University is a four-year public university located 15 miles north of Boston in Salem, Massachusetts.

The school enrolls approximately 9,000 students from more than 60 different countries. The school is renowned for establishing one of the first high-profile speaker series in the country, which has featured Jay Leno, Tom Brady & Bill Belichick, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Cal Ripken Jr. among other renowned figures.

THE CHARTERING PROCESS STARTED IN THE SPRING OF 2017, WHEN THE ENTIRE GROUP, NOT JUST UNDERGRADUATES, CAME TOGETHER AND WORKED AS A COHESIVE UNIT. EVEN ALUMNI WHO HAD NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN YEARS CAME BACK TO HELP ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF BECOMING A CHAPTER.

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CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS

Founding Fathers

Date: April 16, 2015 PENN STATE-HARRISBURG Colonization Installation Date: September 16, 2017 Location: Middletown, PA Institution Founded: 1951 Student Population: 8,623

PENNSYLVANIA PSI-ETA CURRENT CHAPTER SIZE: 25

CAMPUS TIDBIT: IN THEIR WORDS:

Penn State-Harrisburg, also known as The Capital College, is a public college and graduate school of the Pennsylvania State University system. The campus enrolls 4,500 students and offers two associate, 34 baccalaureate, 24 masters, and three doctoral degrees.

The Pennsylvania Psi-Eta colony was established on April 17, 2016. A strong brotherhood was apparent throughout the colony days and continues today. It truly is ever living and ever dying. The chapter chartered on September 16, 2017. Many brothers, including Founding Fathers who transferred to the main campus at University Park, returned for chartering. Pennsylvania PsiEta was chartered with 26 brothers, all dedicated to the betterment of the Fraternity.

MANY BROTHERS, INCLUDING FOUNDING FATHERS WHO TRANSFERRED TO THE MAIN CAMPUS AT UNIVERSITY PARK, RETURNED FOR THE CHARTERING. 12

Brandon Cruz Kerem Karagoz Tanner Zimmerman Virender Pal Singh Bhangu Theodoros Sopilidis Steve Wilkie Manny Patel Michael Dean Manek Singh Bryan Chin Justin Hall Mark Stofanak Hugo Cockroft Alex Katyal George Petron Alex Kessler Barssa Turbold Greg de Bien Marco Guerrero Ryan Pesciotta Srujan Koneru Suhail Qaddumi Josh George Allen Sweeney Collin Cicconi Scott Lawrence

41 Founding Fathers Pancham Shah Matthew King Curtis Carpenter Scotty Breckenridge Frank Salazar Esteban Mendoza Art Alfonso Erick Chicas Jonathan Bartholomew Ruiz Austin Watkins Kerby Huffman Frank Garcia Mario Flores Sean McCurtain Leonardo Aguilar Fernando Maya Jose Ortiz Luis Ronguillo Justin Eddins Esteban Banda Kyle Fennessy Justin Hughey Bao Nguy Milton Beadle Jonathan Carmona Matt Davis Joseph Delroezno Alan Galvez

TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO TEXAS NU CURRENT CHAPTER SIZE: 41

Colonization Date: September 1, 2015 Installation Date: March 3, 2018 Location: San Antonio, TX Institution Founded: 1860 Student Population: 31,527

CAMPUS TIDBIT: IN THEIR WORDS Established as a colony in the fall of 2015, the first few semesters for the chapter were rough.

The group reported a string of poor academic semesters, and the group was disorganized. A shift in culture was needed, which concentrated on building a stronger brotherhood. Education was a focal point of recruitment, and these efforts earned the chapter the highest GPA of all Greekletter organizations in the spring of 2016. Texas Nu was installed with 35 members on March 3, 2018.

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Established in 1969, the University of Texas at San Antonio is a public university in San Antonio, Texas.

Spread across three campuses, the school enrolls 31,000 students, making it the third-largest institution in the University of Texas system. In 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, it was selected by Times Higher Education as one of the best universities in the world under 50 years old. END

EDUCATION WAS A FOCAL POINT OF RECRUITMENT, AND THESE EFFORTS EARNED THE CHAPTER THE HIGHEST GPA OF ALL GREEK-LETTER ORGANIZATIONS IN THE SPRING OF 2016.

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TODAY’S FRATERNITY LANDSCAPE

BY BRANDON WEGHORST, CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND ∑ AE BROTHER

THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

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’m sorry, but your chapter has been closed.” That’s a phrase that no student or alumnus wants to hear. It frequently causes resentment and disbelief and, often, we want someone to blame. The obvious choice for most is “nationals,” the slang term for the headquarters in Evanston, just as it is for most national college fraternities. No one wants to close a chapter, but Fraternity leadership has a responsibility to protect Sigma Alpha Epsilon in name, spirit and identity and to uphold our Mission, Values, Creed and Ritual.

Chapter and colony closures, and all of the fallout that comes with them, become necessary when members are not living up to our principles. When the meaning of “The True Gentleman” is compromised, we, as an organization, are compromised. The Fraternity’s Mission is really quite simple: Advancing the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership and service for our members throughout life. When we think of values, we may think of our Ritual, which is true. But there are other values to keep in mind as well. They include trust, integrity, loyalty, honor and inclusivity.

How often do we as collegians or alumni espouse these core principles on a daily basis? When we speak of “tradition,” is it a practice that builds upon the vision set forth by Noble Leslie DeVotie? Or is it, which can often be the case, a local “tradition” that has perpetuated rogue, risky practices that have been rationalized through the years as activities that build brotherhood or make a new member earn the right to wear the badge?

The campus of 2018 is a drastically different place... Gone are the days when you had to be in a Greek-letter organization to be a student leader or enjoy a social life. Gone are the days when seemingly harmless pranks may have flown under the radar.

Sometimes the pattern is predictable. If a chapter decides its existence is based solely on its own chapter pride and not on being part of something bigger, something wide-reaching, then the Fraternity’s strength and beauty is chipped away brick by brick. To understand the current state and vastly changing landscape of the fraternity world and, thus, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, we must first pause and take a look at ourselves through a wider lens by considering some major issues facing all fraternities and sororities today.

The campus of 2018 is a drastically different place than you and I may remember. Gone are the days when you had to be in a Greek-letter organization to be a student leader or enjoy a social life. Gone are the days when seemingly harmless pranks may have flown under the radar. And gone are the days when members had to interact in person with someone in order to get information, find out when an event was taking place or catch up on a brother’s life. At many colleges and universities, there are hundreds of organizations vying for students’ attention, so why would someone join a fraternity or sorority?

That question ties directly to bigger, broader issues—some of the same issues in our society that are not specific to Greek-letter organizations. But because of stereotypes, coupled with individuals or a group of members who decide to act a certain way or an entire chapter’s environment and behavior, the system is fighting the battle of its life. Behaviors that deviate from our core values and those that work contradictory to our Ritual are the ones that increasingly threaten our existence if we don’t step up and combat them, not only as members of our own groups but also as members of our communities. People who stand by and fail to say or do anything—the bystanders—create a disservice and put lives at risk. Just as equally, alumni, advisers and parents may have the wool pulled over their eyes, oblivious to thoughts and deeds that would seem egregious if they were expressed out loud. And there 16

are others that believe the fight for survival is a call-to-arms, mobilizing their intention to protect the behaviors that have created these issues.

Many of these topics may sound familiar: hazing, alcohol and substance abuse and sexual misconduct and assault.

When actions are consistent with our core values, the fraternity experience can provide valuable lessons and leadership that can’t be replicated in the classroom or in a textbook. Sigma Alpha Epsilon alumni who have earned successful careers can attest to that fact.

In addition, news travels in an instant with the advent of our technological age. All eyes are watching around the clock. Capture an inappropriate and outrageous moment on a phone, send it out on social-media channels and prepare for a flood of angst, shock, outrage or hate. Sigma Alpha Epsilon knows all too well what can happen from just a few seconds of recording that makes headlines across the globe. Decades of a respected reputation can be shattered almost instantly.

While we may blame the media for focusing non-stop on negativity, reporters are simply doing their job. They may not get all the facts

THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

right nor understand Greek-letter life, but we are the ones who are fueling the fire that leads to the news they report.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been called the “deadliest fraternity” by Bloomberg News, the “most out-of-control fraternity” by Rolling Stone and a “racist, bigoted fraternity” by news outlets internationally in the past decade, three titles that don’t describe what our Founding Fathers envisioned more than a century-and-a-half ago.

Whether or not you believe the typecast is true or just a bunch of hype, the stigma is real. When our great qualities of a positive, beneficial experience fail us because of individuals’ or groups’ poor decisions—and, more importantly, when fellow brothers and peers stand by and watch them unfold, not holding them accountable—we are quickly becoming dinosaurs on campuses.

And instead of worrying about dues coming back to us, or a refund being issued for what we have paid, shouldn’t we be focused on our campus reputation or on the sense of wrongdoing we may have caused others?

“The most compelling change in campus climate is how differently university and college officials are reacting to bad behavior and rule

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When our great qualities of a positive, beneficial experience fail us because of individuals’ or groups’ poor decisions...we are quickly becoming dinosaurs on campuses. breaking, especially situations involving alcohol and hazing,” says Tom Dement, Eminent Supreme Archon. “The actions taken by administrators today versus 20 years ago is much more serious and swift. My concern is that colleges and universities may have decided fraternities cannot be counted on to self-police and have, therefore, resolved to take action on their own.

If we want to be a respected, valued part of campus life, we must live up to our values in their truest sense. When they and our Mission are challenged or ignored by our own members, we must take action to ensure our future, no matter how painful. We realize that these decisions may be unpopular with some, but we have a

(

Behaviors that deviate from our core values... are the ones that increasingly threaten our existence...

)

What are some of the recent incidents involving fraternities and sororities that have made headlines and that feed into stereotypes that contradict what we believe? Here’s a short list:

responsibility to the men in our chapters that wake each morning and live our Mission. We cannot risk the livelihood of our most committed brothers for the sake of the few who choose to stray.”

Administrators are not the ones who are looking to close long-standing chapters nor are the respective headquarters and boards. Years of litigation and negative headlines taint reputations, and if fraternities and sororities aren’t immediate in preventing bad behavior, somebody must enforce accountability.

Campus officials can be the last line of defense because our actions, even in isolated cases, affect the bigger Greek-life movement.

Articles in major publications, such as Time, US News, The New York Times and Newsweek, have called for schools to ban fraternities. A number of states may push through legislation that prevents recognition on campuses. And there is a growing movement at Ivy League institutions. Harvard University, for example, is at the center of a controversy due to a policy that bans students from holding leadership roles if they join a single-gender organization, including athletic teams. It also prevents recommendations for post-graduate academic opportunities and scholarships.

With the recent news from college campuses nationwide, there has never been a more relevant time to reflect upon who we are as Sigma Alpha Epsilon and how we want to be defined. We are part of a different world, and we are at a crossroads to make bold decisions and measures or succumb to a society that will not stand for unacceptable, intolerant, illegal behavior.

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1.

One fraternity was put on probation for having a “pig roast” sex contest. Another was suspended for taking a photo with blackface and posing as gang members. A sorority member was expelled from her university after a racist rant on social media during Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And a fraternity chapter was sanctioned when its members forced pledges to wear vomit-covered shirts after making them eat hot peppers and paddling them.

2.

There are also a string of deaths caused by the negligence of individuals or entire groups.

Timothy Piazza, a fraternity pledge at Penn State University, lost his life as a result of hazing and coerced alcohol consumption. Brothers ignored his condition for 12 hours before seeking medical attention as he fell multiple times and suffered a ruptured spleen, collapsed lung and brain swelling. His blood-alcohol content was nearly .40, and 26 members were charged in connection with the death.

3.

At Louisiana State University, Maxwell Gruver participated in an event known as “Bible Study” in which pledges were forced to drink if they answered questions about their fraternity incorrectly. His autopsy revealed his blood-alcohol content to be a staggering .495. And only two months later, a pledge at Florida State University, Andrew Coffey, passed out after drinking a bottle of Wild Turkey during a “big brother” ritual. His BAC was .495, and

his parents told media they were troubled that no one in a room full of people saw someone in crisis and failed to act or say, “No. Stop. Enough.”

There’s a thread you can weave through these incidents and more.

At first glance, you may look at them and say they don’t reflect Sigma Alpha Epsilon because they’re not our organization. However, let’s look in the mirror. All of these cases are eerily familiar if we were to mention the names Benjamin Wynne, Tyler Cross and Carson Starkey. Alcohol is a dominating factor as well as bystanders who failed to step in because they knew what was taking place was wrong, that it may have consequences. A bad decision in a bad environment certainly can lead to a bad result.

Observing a common theme through the years, our leaders decided to take a stand four years ago. In 2014, the Supreme Council turned all heads with a bold move by eliminating pledging at every chapter in the Realm. The decision drew both praise and criticism from undergraduate brothers and alumni. “How dare they? How can they? But we’ve always done it this way!” they exclaimed. But since that decision, Sigma Alpha Epsilon has seen a substantial drop in claims and incidents.

Still, there are chapters attempting to run underground pledge programs, claim not to have them, promote hazing or make excuses why an event should be permitted because it builds morale and respect.

Supplementing those claims sometimes are those who either turn a blind eye to the policy breach or who endorse it. Either way, Fraternity leadership’s message has been made loud and clear: Any form of hazing, pledgeship or pledge programming will not be tolerated and will result in serious sanctions.

THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

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his is not a story about doom and gloom, as there is equally reassuring news. The overwhelming majority of our 13,000 collegiate members operate with our Mission and Creed in mind, making Sigma Alpha Epsilon proud of scholastic and leadership achievements along with excellence in stewardship and community service. They maintain valuable membership education along with proactive health and safety measures.

Garrett Palmquist, a collegiate brother at Arizona Delta says his chapter is focused on debunking the stereotype. “In the last few years, we have moved from ‘Let’s plan a social for this weekend!’ to ‘What community service can we do that day?’” he says. “Many of our brothers perform hundreds of hours of community service each year, and the quality of their character is noticeable. When the chips are down, they’re the brothers who step up to do the work that needs to be done.”

We additionally have been the first to make some groundbreaking choices that served as examples for others. Sigma Alpha Epsilon was the first to conduct a national Leadership School, the first to eliminate pledging and the first North-American fraternity to establish a staff position solely dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, we are committed and are embarking upon several new initiatives that include an expanded education model and an online news magazine to better serve our members, collegiate and alumni. You can read more about these programs as part of this article.

Also taking place on campuses nationwide is a trend of either school-imposed or self-imposed suspensions for the Greek-letter system. During the 2017-18 academic year, 36 institutions, 23 of where Sigma Alpha Epsilon has a chapter or colony, issued cease and desists stemming from deaths, hazing, or alcohol-related incidents. If we tallied the numbers, 573 fraternity and sorority chapters are affected, with suspensions varying from halting all new-member activity to all social events to all operations, period. School administrators and self-governed groups, such as Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils, used the freeze as a means to determine the next steps, addressing problems plaguing their culture or creating higher standards that must be met to realign with values.

Florida State University, for example, released Sigma Alpha Epsilon a number of new initiatives for Fraternity and Sorority Life following its suspension of the entire was the first to conduct system in the wake of a fraternity death and a sepa national Leadership arate incident of drug-trafficking arrests for two fraternity men. Among the many changes: Every School, the first to Greek-letter member must maintain a 2.5 GPA, eliminate pledging and complete at least ten hours of service each semester as well as stringent expectations for new member the first... to establish education, advisory boards, training and oversight. a staff position solely At the same time, some national organizations’ dedicated to diversity leaders have introduced sweeping changes for their own groups. Recent changes accentuate other and inclusion. organizations that are joining us in talking about change for member education, social events and alcohol policies.

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So, too, should our alumni feel a sense of pride and obligation toward laying the groundwork for ∑ AE of the future.

...focus on three core components: leadership, culture, and environment.

But as uncertainty, movements and turmoil churns on campuses, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, too, has been hard at work creating initiatives that focus on three core components: leadership, culture and environment.

Late last fall, the Supreme Council voted and the Fraternity Service Center notified the Realm of a temporary social moratorium, which placed a halt on social functions involving alcohol. During that period, the Fraternity sought feedback through surveys, town halls and direct contact with collegiate and alumni brothers and gathered information from campus administrators, counselors and medical specialists. The question was simple and direct: How do we address the issues and challenges facing our members?

Then in March, the Fraternity outlined a series of initiatives to lead the way, yet again improving the membership experience. Some of the measures include the expansion of in-person educational opportunities, enhancing the safety and wellness of our members and guests by elevating the health and safety officer to the executive board, and eliminating hard alcohol at all Fraternity social functions, and use 20

1.

They have a great opportunity before them to serve as mentors and role models. Many members do not have a strong father or parental figure in their lives, so alumni can fill that role by sharing personal and professional experiences, to teach them what brotherhood means in positive ways instead of ones that rehash old, outdated practices or risky behaviors. They have the ability to impact change and foster a positive culture versus rationalizing, promoting or condoning actions that go against Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s values system, thereby helping to perpetuate an environment that puts our undergraduates at risk.

2.

In a similar fashion, we welcome alumni involvement, as we’ve mentioned, because it provides mentorship and fosters peer relationships. The model works best when our alumni are present in everyday situations, not just those that involve a crisis or a situation where a chapter needs to be saved. In order to make sure a negative environment, or culture, doesn’t consume a chapter, they should provide guidance, encourage positive outcomes and think forward, not about how something was handled in the past.

Moreover, there is a vast difference between groups that have actively engaged alumni and those that do not.

If you are interested in serving in an alumni advisory role, please contact Ryan Gibbons, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement, at rgibbons@sae.net.

or possessions of hard alcohol in a Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, regardless of age. Additionally, events with alcohol will not be permitted in the first seven days of the start of each term and five days before, during and one day following final exams.

“No matter how safe a chapter is, no matter how well a chapter manages risk, the dangers of alcohol can affect everyone,” says Zachary Watson, Eminent Archon of our chapter at Texas State University. “The moratorium gave us an opportunity to sit back and think about what’s important to us. We actually got to see real brotherhood that wasn’t fueled with alcohol for once.”

While these newly introduced initiatives largely focus on our collegiate brothers, the path to protecting Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a task and goal for all of us.

We are not the only fraternity taking these actions nor are we the only fraternity addressing hard alcohol. While there may be slight differences to policy implementation, other fraternities, including Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta and Phi Kappa Psi have each enacted policies with similar objectives—and others are in the process of following suit.

THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

Every member, regardless of his age or involvement, should strive to promote our values system, not fight it. If brothers want to make a difference, it’s not by trying to recreate the past. Rather, it’s about redefining the possibilities that are ahead.

When you took your Oath of Initiation, you spoke words that transcend any chapter, province or region. While pride in your local brotherhood is beneficial, keep in mind that we are part of a much greater and bigger brotherhood and that our actions affect the entire Fraternity.

If we want to return to our campuses, visit the chapter house, proudly look up and see our letters mounted on the façade, and offer a young man the grip, we must pay attention to the past, open our eyes to the ever-changing world around us and embrace the true meaning of Sigma Alpha Epsilon—with all of its teachings and values and goals—for the future. Earning the right to wear the badge isn’t about enduring endless weeks of menial servitude. And maintaining a tradition doesn’t involve acting in ways that you wouldn’t share with a parent, grandparent, sibling or significant other.

We can stand by and watch our Fraternity and the Greek-letter community be less and less relevant on today’s campus to the point where we

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Every member, regardless of his age or involvement, should strive to promote our values system, not fight it. If brothers want to make a difference, it’s not by trying to recreate the past. Rather, it’s about redefining the possibilities that are ahead. have no purpose, or we can recall what we know and work together for a better tomorrow as true gentlemen.

We are more than one chapter, on one campus, in one community. We are a national Fraternity with a responsibility to one another to promote the best of what the opportunities of membership can provide. We are an international brotherhood that must bond together so we can celebrate more milestones and Founders Days. END

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— POLICY 2018 —

IMPROVEMENTS

YOUR FRATERNITY ON THE MOVE Initiatives, changes, and improvements we’re making to assist our collegiate and alumni members and ensure our success.

CHAPTER SERVICES Over the course of the last ten months, we have made a significant transition in the area of Chapter Services. We recognized the need for expanded staffing and a more integrated system to meet the changing needs of our members and chapters. That process has involved several initial steps with others to take place this summer and next fall. The former chapter development model involved eight regions, each with one staff member living in the field. The new model merged those regions into four districts: Eastern, Western, Central and Southern. We relocated the field team to Evanston and created a tiered model of support led by John Kovalan, Senior Director of Chapter Development and a seasoned veteran of the Fraternity Service Center staff who served for seven years as a Regional Director. Supporting him are four managers who each manage one of the four districts. They focus on dealing with more difficult campus and community issues and they manage a new group of coordinators. In turn, those coordinators serve as the field team, visiting chapters with a greater focus on coaching, mentoring and consultation. The Chapter THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

Development Team is served by the Manager of Expansion, who coordinates growth opportunities for the Fraternity, manages development of colonies and identifies prospective campuses for growth. Our redeveloped model has been evolving throughout the 2017-2018 academic year, and we expect it to be at full capacity by Fall.

Below are the newest additions to the Chapter Development team.

Richard Barreto (La Verne ’17) Brian Everett (McDaniel ’16) Kevin Gath (Western Carilona ’14) Grant Maris (North Dakota State ’17) Kyle Shatto (Florida Southern ’17) Dustin Stewart (Armstrong ’17) Travis Tafoya (Colorado Springs ’16) If you are a recent graduate who is interested in serving our Fraternity as a Coordinator of Chapter Development, you can learn more by emailing John Kovalan at jkovalan@sae.net COMMUNICATION In 1888, the Fraternity published our first issue of The Record. It has evolved in content, format and style over many decades.

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Many alumni have asked, “Why don’t we tell our own story more, or what’s happening in the fraternity world?” We heard you and, with this edition, we begin the first step in refocusing the feature story with an in-depth perspective of the challenges facing Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the greater Greek-letter community. We will also focus on areas of strategic growth and the programs and services designed to help us reach our brothers with greater frequency in areas of education, communication and service.

While we'll continue to produce the print magazine for subscribers, we will also be creating an active PDF version available to anyone with a good e-mail address on file with the Fraternity Service Center. If you would like to receive an electronic version of The Record, you can update your member record by visiting www.sae.net and clicking on the “My ΣAE” link in the upper right corner.

Coming in the fall of 2018, we will be introducing an entirely new communication vehicle: therecordonline.net is an online, interactive news and lifestyle magazine designed to provide you with timely information regarding the Fraternity, the Greek-letter community, campus life, education, health and wellness and more. It will include

LEADERSHIP BEGINS WITH EDUCATION, AND EDUCATION MUST START WITH A MEMBER’S FIRST CONTACT WITH SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON AND THEN EXTEND THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE.

feature stories, educational content, news releases and chapter or colony news. Additionally, it will create an opportunity for contributing writers to share information with the Realm and will serve as a daily source of information for our members and families. Therecordonline.net will be optimized for your mobile device, and you’ll be able to select options that define how you wish to receive alerts about trending stories and updates.

EDUCATION In 1935, John O. Mosely created the first national fraternity Leadership School and, since that time, every fraternity and sorority has created a similar program. Through the years, we’ve added other educational programs that focus on our Ritual, Eminent Archons and graduating seniors.

Two years ago, Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s leadership recognized the need for expanded education.

To understand the opportunities and challenges in addressing these needs, the Supreme Council engaged students, volunteers and alumni—with help from a consulting firm—to identify a model for growth.

Through this process, we learned that both our chapter-based and national-event-based programs needed new focus. They required an updated curriculum and expanded reach. We 24

learned about the changing needs of our students and alumni, the importance of access to our programs and the need for consistency in curriculum. Key outcomes included the need of programs to encourage individual and chapter achievement as well as expanded program reach and programs for specific target audiences. We also learned the importance of providing consistent experiences and concise messages throughout the Realm to enhance connection to the ΣAE Mission.

After many months of work, we have embarked on the development and integration of an evolution to our education model. While it will take a few years for all of the programs to be developed and implemented, we’ve started the process.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity will maintain some of the existing programs and resources, but there will also be many new components.

While the finer details are yet to be defined, we are excited to share with you a high-level view of what’s to come beginning in 2019.

CHAPTER- AND INDIVIDUAL-BASED PROGRAMS This vital area includes four primary-integrated components. Education for Sigma Alpha Epsilon begins with the acceptance of a membership bid. Our future individual and chapter-based program will have several strategic components, beginning with the acceptance of a bid and the

THE SECOND CORE COMPONENT IS CULTURE. AS OUR FRATERNITY CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE BEHAVIORAL ISSUES, WE KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THE PROBLEMS FACING COLLEGE CAMPUSES. WE MUST DO A BETTER JOB. THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

first 96 hours prior to initiation. It is this program that should help set the course for members and their understanding of the Fraternity Mission and responsibilities of membership. We will focus on building an understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities of leadership and an excitement about what it means to become a brother in our Order. Plus, we will give renewed focus to the meaning of the Ritual and to “The True Gentleman” and their application to everyday life.

Upon initiation, we will continue the education process for all men through peer-to-peer and advisor-to-student education programs. Those commitments will include professionally developed curriculum and the supporting resources needed to facilitate programs for all collegiate members regardless of age or time in a chapter.

Our programming will give new focus to the history of ΣAE and that of the Greek-letter system, making the connection to building leadership today. Programming will also include life skills, mentoring and community investment. We will also give renewed attention to areas of chapter operations including, but not limited to, recruitment, communication, health and safety, financial management, community investment and more.

All programs will be designed with our Mission in mind and will support that membership in Sigma 25

Alpha Epsilon is about more than one person in one chapter on one campus. Ultimately, it will reinforce that the commitment and responsibilities associated with brotherhood in our Fraternity are for life.

We will give new focus to promoting individual and chapter achievement through a program with measurable results and rewards. The backbone of the program will promote opportunities for our members and chapters to earn and be recognized for their achievements. This program will encourage members of every age to seek opportunities for leadership inside and outside of the chapter and for them to work together toward success as well. These achievements will be tracked through an individual and chapter portal at the Fraternity Service Center.

NATIONAL EVENT-BASED LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Our national leadership programs will be expanded on many levels. Starting in August 2019, we’ll move the Ritual Institute from November to August. It will be held in Evanston on the grounds of the Levere Memorial Temple. This program has grown in a few short years from the first program of 75 men to more than 300 in November 2018. By moving it to August, the event becomes a cornerstone program to ignite the opening of the academic year and to fuel

Only beer and wine, not to exceed 15% ABV, are permitted: • At Fraternity events or activities where undergraduate members are present • In fraternity-related facilities including ancillary facilities and third-party venues • Alumni and/or parent events that include undergraduate members

GIVEN THE CHALLENGES WE FACE, HOW DO WE IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT ACROSS THE REALM TO BETTER PROMOTE SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON’S VALUES?

knowledge, understanding and application of the Ritual in everyday life as collegiate men head back to their chapters.

We will revise the traditional Leadership School curriculum and expand the number of schools in order to reach more students and advisers. This is a growth model of the school founded in 1935 by Brother John Moseley. We’ll begin with the development of two events with the hope of growing four annual District Academies. These programs will be delivered at various times throughout the year in order to give more men the opportunity to participate. Any member may elect to attend any program if that person so desires. These programs will give specific focus to leadership development among emerging leaders or those seeking additional growth.

As an additional measure, we will expand the Eminent Archon Institute to become an executives academy. This program will be hosted in December or January, and it will focus on programming for the positions of Eminent Archon, Eminent Deputy Archon, Eminent Treasurer, the Health & Safety Officer, Recruitment Chairman, Member Educator and Alumni Advisers. Programming will focus on strategic planning, tactical implementation, team-building, critical thinking and decision-making and communication.

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We will introduce a mens’ health and wellness immersion program, which focuses on physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. As part of that commitment, we’ll focus on masculinity, mental health, relationship-building and nutrition. This program will be available to collegiate and alumni brothers of any age.

For more information or to offer your feedback, please email contact@sae.net. END

Chase Osborne Annual Denver road trip - no better way to end a summer! Very thankful for these brothers in my life and can’t imagine the last 5 years without you #myfraternity

Share your story of brotherhood.

Maybe you cycled across the country or had the most amazing road trips with your brothers. Late night pizza. Raising money for the kids. Hoops at the house. That intramural championship. Tailgates.

The annual ski trips. The best man at your wedding.

You have an incredible story of brotherhood to tell.

On Wednesday, September 12 we need you to join with hundreds of thousands of fraternity men around the world to share your story on social media. Include #myFraternity and let’s show the world the positive impact of fraternities.

Learn more at myFraternityLife.org

What if You Could Collect More Chapter Dues and Increase Transparency?

Hold that thought.

And this affects alumni, too.

Did you know two-thirds of Americans can’t pass a basic financial literacy test?

A chapter with unclear finances and shaky practices don’t inspire confidence. And when an alumnus is not confident they don’t donate—even when they want to. However, when the chapter’s finances are in order and that information is made transparent, hands begin to raise, and dollars flow more freely.

And that’s a problem because it means there’s a chance one of your chapter members might be unknowingly mishandling resources vital to the chapter.

A failure to collect dues can significantly hurt your finances.

Add in the fact that fraternal embezzlement is extremely common, and you’ve got a recipe for financial chaos.

When you partner with OmegaFi, we’ll…

•

• So, what can you do? You install good financial systems that protect member resources.

Fraternities live and die by their member dues, so collecting them efficiently is key. Better collections means more money for new initiatives, improved recruitment and a better experience for your members.

Gaining a more effective financial management system is the first step. And chapters that have partnered with OmegaFi, on average, have collected 21% more in dues in only their first year.

By introducing moderating systems in financial management, you eliminate the temptation of embezzlement and misappropriation, protecting both the chapter and the member.

•

•

Keep your members informed of upcoming payments and overdue balances Create custom payment plans so chapters can moderate for accountability Distribute purchasing cards that make spending clear and contained Eliminate peer-to-peer services that enable fraud and embezzlement

In short, we’ll bring you more money and help you manage it better.

Partnering with OmegaFi as a financial management solution will give your members the support they need to succeed in their endeavors. Dues collection will be smoother and more lucrative, embezzlement and fraud will be systematically watched and chapter leadership can focus on what’s most important: Getting good grades and creating a positive fraternity experience.

Learn more about chapter financial management by visiting: resources.omegafi.com/sigma-alpha-epsilon

FOUNDATION

The ΣAE Foundation is the philanthropic support arm of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, offering a variety of opportunities for our members. In addition to providing scholarships, awards, and supporting leadership development programs, the ΣAE Foundation also maintains our headquarters, the Levere Memorial Temple, and the archives contained in the building. Throughout the year, a number of campaigns are implemented to support and enhance these efforts. END

Giving Tuesday (November 2017)

True Gentleman Challenge (March 2018)

235 donors

551 donors

$39,765.00 raised

$82,731.00 raised

$1,300

$7,270

Most dollars raised Michigan State University (Michigan Gamma)

Most dollars raised University of Oklahoma (Oklahoma Kappa)

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79

Most donors College William & Mary (Virginia Kappa)

Most donors University of Oklahoma (Oklahoma Kappa)

THE RECORD • SUMMER 2018

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FINANCIAL&HOUSING CORPORATION

PREPARING HOUSE CORPORATIONS FOR

MOVE-IN DAY AT THE CHAPTER HOUSE

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One of the most stressful times for Fraternity House Corporations is move-in day. A good check-list can help alleviate future issues and make for a smooth transition for the members moving in and their parents. On the following page is a good checklist to assist and protect house

CHECK IT TWICE

corporations. ☐ Video tape the entire chapter house (inside and outside) including every bedroom and preserve the videotape somewhere it can be easily reviewed.

While videotaping, note inventory and condition of items in each room including flooring, walls, windows, blinds, smoke detectors, etc. ☐ Ensure routine maintenance work on all HVAC systems have been done and boilers have up-to-date tags and certificates. Test all HVAC units before the students return to make sure they are working properly (Heating and Cooling). ☐ Ensure all Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Systems have been inspected and have proper tags. ☐ Ensure fire extinguishers are properly tagged and hanging in the correct locations. Remember kitchen fire extinguishers are Class B and are typically silver compared to the red fire extinguishers found throughout the house. ☐ Grease Traps must be cleaned and scheduled for regular cleaning throughout the school year. ☐ Have a key system in place with a lockable key cabinet where an extra key for each room is secured. ☐ Ensure that a Master Key is in a Knox Box on the front of the chapter house.

A Knox Box can only be opened by the Fire Department and allows them access to the chapter house. If you have a key code on the front door, ensure that the code is also placed in the Knox Box. Contact your local fire department who will be glad to place

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the keys and codes in the Knox Box. ☐ Make sure House Corporations have collected Leases/Subleases for all tenants who will live in the chapter house along with parent contact information. ☐ Send out a list of rules and expectations for living in the chapter house to all tenants and parents and post a copy on each bedroom before they move in. ☐ Meet with any staff including house directors, cleaning staff, and culinary team members. Set expectations for the academic year and chain of command for communications. ☐ Order any supplies needed for the start of the semester including toilet paper, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, plates, cups, bowls, utensils, and food for cooking. END

RANT

MORATORIUM

Sigma Alpha Epsilon is in a time of transition. After a particularly horrific year for Greek-letter life nationwide in which

BY DOUG PALMER several Greek systems were shut down in (PUGET SOUND ’18) response to the deaths of five young men, the Supreme Council has issued several bold decisions to address the epidemic facing all fraternities. But let me be clear: change within ΣAE will not come from the national office in Evanston but from the hard and daring work of undergraduate fraternity men across the Realm.

This past December, our headquarters issued a Realm-wide moratorium on events with alcohol. Despite being an adamant supporter of the moratorium, it was clear to me that the decision would face many challenges. These include enforcement, and lack of support from older undergraduate members and alumni. As US history tells us, complete prohibition is not likely to drastically change behavior.

Despite the challenges, the moratorium appears to have been extremely successful. We’ve heard that during the moratorium, there was a significant decrease in major issues reported by university officials and ΣAE stayed out of the news. More importantly, I’ve heard from many chapters that utilized the moratorium as a perfect time to invest in their brotherhood by supporting camping trips, movie nights, or baseball games as an alternative to hosting parties. Not only did the moratorium prevent further issues by decreasing problematic behavior, but it also helped chapters develop a deeper brotherhood.

The moratorium was effective. Why? Undergraduate men across the Fraternity took it seriously, made hard decisions, and led their chapters well. These young leaders rose to the occasion, found creative ways to make the best of the moratorium, and stayed true to the values of ΣAE.

On March 28, the Supreme Council announced new initiatives shaped by research conducted during the moratorium. These include new educational resources, partial alcohol moratoriums at the beginning and ending of academic terms, increased responsibility for the Health & Safety Officer, and an end to the use of hard alcohol at ΣAE events.

While these initiatives aim to address the dire situation within fraternity life from a variety of angles, they can only be achieved through the dedication and hard work of undergraduate members.

Even with the thoughtful plan issued by the Supreme Council, there is still much work to be done (primarily by undergraduates) to make a significant change in ΣAE’s future. Personally, I think some of the most pressing changes outside those defined in the new initiatives include: reclaiming accountability as the highest sense of brotherhood; mentalhealth training to help members support their brothers in crisis; and educational opportunities around topics such as consent, toxic masculinity, and diversity. Other brothers might think of additional projects to take on, and this is a good thing. It will take all of us — ­­ no matter badge number, leadership position, or experience — doing the work that we are passionate about to help ΣAE change for the better.

Although undergraduates hold the keys to ΣAE, there are other valuable stakeholders. Chapter advisors, alumni, headquarters staff, and province councils have their role to play. Undergraduates should seek out their wisdom and support, rely on their advice, and remember to thank them often.

New resources can be developed and new rules implemented. But to truly make a radical change within the culture of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, it will take the dedication and support from the undergraduates. In order for our Fraternity to make a healthy shift, we must buy into the vision outlined by the Supreme Council, promote these initiatives, and lead the entire Fraternity forward. It has been the hard work of undergraduate men who have gotten ΣAE this far, and it will be the dedication of our generation and those that follow to ensure our future. END ILLUSTRATION BY JOSHUA RAINS

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EXIT STRATEGY

96.75 GPA

Noble Leslie DeVotie (Alabama 1856) graduated at the top of his class with a 96.75 cumulative average. Beloved by both students and faculty, the president of the university praised DeVotie’s conduct and character prior to his valedictorian speech.

Pictured is his degree from the University of Alabama.

E XIT STRA TEGY

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