Finding Brotherhood Beneath The Waves

What are the odds? A Brooklyn teacher escapes to the turquoise waters of Coron, Philippines, chasing his Advanced Open Water and Nitrox certifications. He books Neptune Dive Center. Gets assigned an instructor. And discovers his guide is not just a Sammy brother from halfway around the world - but a fellow chapter founder.

"It was an incredible surprise to meet a fellow Sammy here in Coron and to be able to share not only the bond and brotherhood of ΣAM, but also a love of diving. You never know where you might meet a brother - it could even be 30 meters underwater!" shared Patrick Preston (Epsilon Alpha, '97), who was a charter member of the chapter at Stephen F. Austin State University.

For Shneur Fomin (Mu Upsilon, '19), who was the refounding Prior at Brooklyn College, this wasn't just a chance encounter - it became a life-changing connection. "It's remarkable how the reach of Sigma Alpha Mu led me to meet a brother all the way in the Philippines. This unexpected connection turned out to be one of the most profound learning experiences of my life. Not only was he one of the best scuba instructors I've ever had, but his guidance helped me achieve both my Advanced Open Water and Nitrox certifications, transforming my confidence as a diver. More than just a mentor in the water, the bond we formed has made him a true brother for life."

From classroom to coral reef, from Brooklyn to the Philippines, the brotherhood of Sigma Alpha Mu proves it knows no boundaries - not even the ocean floor. And when two chapter founders meet by chance thousands of miles from home? That's the kind of connection that defines what it means to be a Sammy.