Summer 2026
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Also Inside: Decades of volunteer service, a lifetime of impact Film captures brother’s epic test of endurance 125th anniversary ushers in new era
More Than a Fraternity House
CHAPTER FACILITIES DRIVE GROWTH
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From the Archives This program commemorates the dedication of SigEp’s former Headquarters at 5800 Chamberlayne Road in Richmond, Virginia. The Fraternity had previously operated from several locations in Richmond. The move to Chamberlayne Road marked the first time the Fraternity constructed a building for its Headquarters. Set on a bluff and still visible from Interstate 95, the building is framed by six white columns and (of course) featured bright red doors to welcome visitors. Adorned with photos of the founders and other Fraternity memorabilia and featuring a sweeping staircase, two floors of offices and meeting rooms, plus a basement storage area and mail room, the building was designed to be both attractive and functional. Founders William Hugh Carter and Lucian Baum Cox attended and participated in the Nov. 5, 1967, dedication. Their signatures, along with those of then-Executive Director Donald Johnson, then-Grand President Ed Zollinger and Past Grand President Maynard Turner, can be seen on this copy of the program. Johnson served as host of a weekend of events celebrating the new building, including a luncheon, alumni and undergraduate dances, and guided tours.. This signed program, generously donated to the Fraternity by Brother Peter Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ’98, belonged to his late father, Past Grand President Bruce Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ’60.
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SigEp
Table of Contents Also Inside: Brother charts course of advocacy after Alzheimer's diagnosis
www.SigEp.org @officialsigep communications@sigep.org
SigEp Journal Volume 121, Issue 1 Summer 2026 310 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Richmond, VA 23220 804.353.1901
Making the friendly skies safe for all Revitalizing volunteer engagement at Elon
pg. 26
pg. 10 “My hope is every undergraduate chaplain will be that strong, guiding hand who sets a shining example for the brothers in his chapter and students on his campus.” DEPARTMENTS 4 13
Tower Room SigEp Swag
Summer ready!
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Twelve
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Brotherly Love
The athlete who never stops challenging himself
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Red Door
Opening the door to Growth
A Fraternity Ho Reimagined
46 In Memoriam Remembering brothers we’ve lost
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“Everybody has the concept in their heads that a fraternity has a fraternity ‘house.’”
SigEp City
Seattle
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Commentary
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Arête
125th anniversary ushers in era of celebration Former Chairman, Keurig Dr Pepper
pg. 42
”Learn all you can from more experienced people.”
COVER PHOTO BY OMAR GARCIA, MISSISSIPPI STATE '26 @OFFICIALSIGEP
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Summer 2026
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CHAPTER INDEX
MANAGING EDITOR
Tyya N. Turner
CONTRIBUTORS
Peter A. Grable, Monmouth ’89 Bill Hoke, Arizona ’73 Joe Langella Jr., Connecticut ’83 Ben Parma, Illinois ’86 CEO
Brian C. Warren Jr., Virginia ’04
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Ben Ford, Arkansas Tech Renaissance
MANAGING EDITOR & ARCHIVES COORDINATOR
Tyya N. Turner
MARKETING OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Blake Gurney, Washington State ’21
ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Jamie Frieling
BRAND & MEDIA MANAGER
Adam Bridges, Boise State ’24
2025-2027 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS GRAND PRESIDENT
David R. Calderon, Cal Poly-Pomona ’88 GRAND TREASURER
Daniel W. McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan ’90 GRAND SECRETARY
Michael A. Wolbert, Northwest Missouri ’94 DIRECTORS
Grant Buttram, North Carolina State ’93 Scott Carr, California-Santa Barbara ’86 Mike Duggan, Missouri State ’74 Jay Hurt, Davidson ’88 Darron Trobetsky, Indiana of Pennsylvania ’94 Victor K. Wilson, Georgia ’82 STUDENT DIRECTORS
Jake Broom, Oklahoma State ’26 Sam Grant, Florida ’26 Kyle Sunderland, Missouri State ’28 DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Tria Designs
SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY
310 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Richmond, VA 23220 804.353.1901 SUBSCRIPTIONS
Established in 1904, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s official magazine, the SigEp Journal, is published by the Fraternity for alumni, undergraduates, volunteers and supporters. To ensure you receive the Journal, keep your address current at mysigep.org and make sure the “Subscribe to SigEp Journal” box is checked. SUBMISSIONS
Have an idea for a story about an outstanding brother, chapter or volunteer? Visit sigep.org/journal to submit your suggestion. ARCHIVE
Past issues of the Journal can be viewed at sigep.org/journal. Update your communication preferences at mySigEp.org.
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Alabama ................................................... 20, 47 American..................................................... 19, 47 Appalachian State........................................... 21 Arizona...................................2, 7, 15, 16, 17, 47 Arizona State..............................................17, 47 Arkansas.....................16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 47 Arkansas State..........................................23, 47 Arkansas Tech.................................2, 8, 20, 47 Auburn................................................... 16, 17, 47 Austin Peay State........................................... 20 Babson...............................................................22 Baker................................................................... 15 Baldwin Wallace.........................16, 20, 22, 47 Ball State....................................... 18, 19, 22, 47 Barton.................................................................47 Baylor........................................................... 17, 25 Belmont Abbey......................................... 18, 47 Bentley............................................................... 16 Boise State.......................................................... 2 Boston University.....................................22, 47 Bowling Green State.....6, 18, 20, 36, 37, 47 Bradley................................... 17, 18, 20, 35, 47 Bucknell.............................................. 22, 47, 52 Buffalo State...............................................15, 21 California-Berkeley............................16, 17, 19 California-Santa Barbara................... 2, 4, 15, 16, 18, 20, 47 Cal Poly-Pomona....................2, 3, 4, 6, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 41 Cal Poly-SLO.....................................................47 Cal State-Chico................................................ 21 Cal State-Long Beach....................................47 Cal State-San Bernardino............................22 Carnegie Mellon............................................. 20 Carroll.......................................................... 16, 47 Case Western.................................................. 20 Central Arkansas............................... 18, 21, 22 Central Michigan.............................................47 Central Missouri......................... 15, 19, 20, 47 Cincinnati... 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 47 Cleveland State...................................15, 21, 47 Coastal Carolina..............................................47 Colorado..........................15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 47 Colorado School of Mines..............15, 30, 47 Colorado State........ 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 47 Columbia........................... 6, 16, 18, 20, 21. 22 Connecticut........16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 47, 51 Cornell..................................................19, 20, 47 Creighton........................................................... 16 Culver Stockton...............................................47 Dartmouth …………. Inside cover, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 46, 47 Davidson................2, 4, 15, 19, 22, 23, 35, 47 Davis & Elkins............................................ 15, 47 Dayton................................................. 19, 20, 24 Defiance.............................................................47 Delaware.............................................. 17, 20, 47 Denver............................................................... 23 DePaul................................................................ 25 Detroit.................................................................47 Drake.................................16, 19, 20, 21, 23, 47 Drexel................................................................. 20 Drury....................................................................47 Duke....................................... 20, 21, 22, 23, 47 East Carolina....................................................47 Eastern Michigan............................................22 Eastern Washington................................18, 50 East Tennessee State....................... 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 47 Elon......................................................................19 Emporia State......16, 18, 35, 47, Back cover Evansville......................................16, 19, 20, 22 Fairleigh Dickinson..........................................17 Ferris State.................................................23, 47 Florida................. 2, 4, 6, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 47 Florida Atlantic...........................................19, 31 Florida International.................15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 47 Florida Southern.................................18, 19, 47 Florida State.16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 46, 47 Fort Hays State.................................................47 Francis Marion.................................................47 George Mason....................................19, 20, 47 Georgetown...................................................... 21 George Washington............ 17, 18, 19, 22, 47 Georgia............................2, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 47, 50 Georgia Southern...................................... 17, 41 Georgia State....................................................47 Georgia Tech..................16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 47 Grand Valley State...........................................11 Henderson State................................16, 21, 47 High Point......................................................... 48 Houston................................................ 18, 21, 48 Huntingdon....................................................... 16 IIT ....................................................19, 20, 21, 48 Illinois............. 2, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 41, 48 Illinois State..................................................... 20 Indiana.............................15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 48
Indiana of Pennsylvania................2, 4, 19, 48 Indiana State.................15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 48 Indiana Tech............15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 25, 48 Iowa.............................15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 48 Iowa State........................15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 48 Iowa Wesleyan................................................ 48 Jacksonville...............................................19, 22 Jacksonville State.....................................12, 18 James Madison.............................................. 48 Johns Hopkins...................................16, 20, 48 Kansas..................... 16, 19, 20, 22, 23, 37, 48 Kansas State..........................16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 48 Kent State......................................................... 20 Kentucky...............................................15, 16, 48 Kentucky Wesleyan....................................... 48 Lamar............................... 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 48 Lawrence.......................................................... 48 Lawrence Tech..................... 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 Lehigh......................................16, 18, 19, 22, 48 Lenoir Rhyne.................................................... 48 Lewis & Clark................................................... 48 Longwood......................................................... 48 Loras........................................15, 31, 34, 35, 48 Louisiana State......................11, 17, 19, 20, 45 Louisville.....................................................19, 22 Loyola............................................. 16, 19, 42, 48 Loyola Marymount..................................20, 48 Lynchburg..................................................20, 40 Maine........................................16, 17, 18, 19, 48 Marquette........................................................ 23 Marshall.....................................................20, 48 Maryland-College Park................... 12, 19, 22 Massachusetts...............17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 48 McDaniel........................................................... 48 Memphis....................................... 16, 21, 22, 48 Memphis Lambuth........................................ 20 Miami (Florida)............... 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 48 Miami (Ohio)............................... 17, 19, 22, 48 Miami Dade Community.............................. 48 Michigan.....16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 35, 48 Michigan State................................................ 48 Michigan Tech...........................................18, 23 Middlebury....................................................... 48 Middle Tennessee State.......................23, 48 Minnesota..............................15, 16, 19, 22, 48 Mississippi.................................................20, 48 Mississippi State.1, 15, 21, 22, 42, 43, 44, 48 Missouri..................... 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 48 Missouri S&T.... 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 48 Missouri State..............2, 4, 17, 18, 20, 41, 48 MIT ……………...… 16, 20, 21, 22, 48 Monmouth....................2, 6, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 36, 41, 48 Montana................................................16, 21, 48 Montana State...................................21, 22, 48 Moravian........................................................... 40 Morehead State................................ 19, 20, 22 Morningside.................................................... 48 Muhlenberg..................................................... 48 Murray State.............................................. 16, 22 Nebraska................................15, 19, 22, 32, 48 Nebraska-Kearney......................................... 48 Nebraska-Omaha................................... 22, 48 New England................................................... 48 New Mexico................................ 16, 20, 23, 48 New Mexico State...........................................22 North Carolina...................................16, 20, 48 North Carolina-Charlotte.....................25, 48 North Carolina-Greensboro....................... 48 North Carolina State................2, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 48 North Dakota.....................................20, 22, 48 Northeastern.............................................21, 48 Northern Arizona............................................ 15 Northern Colorado........................................ 48 Northern Illinois........................................16, 48 Northern Kentucky......................................... 16 North Georgia................................................. 48 North Texas........15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 48 Northwestern............................................20, 21 Northwest Missouri.................2, 4, 18, 19, 20 Norwich.......................................................16, 48 NYU..........................................15, 17, 20, 22, 48 Ohio.............................................................29, 48 Ohio Northern..........................................20, 48 Ohio State.......................16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 48 Ohio Wesleyan..........................................16, 48 Oklahoma................. 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 48 Oklahoma City................................................ 48 Oklahoma State........................ 2, 4, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 48 Old Dominion.................................................. 49 Oregon.......................15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 49 Oregon State..................15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 49 Parsons.............................................................. 49
Pennsylvania................................ 16, 19, 22, 49 Pennsylvania State......................11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 49 Pepperdine........................................ 18, 20, 23 Philadelphia...............................................19, 49 Pittsburgh......................................................... 49 Pittsburg State................................................ 49 Purdue......5, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 49 Quinnipiac........................................................ 49 Randolph-Macon.....................................21, 49 Rensselaer................15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 49 Rhode Island.................................................... 20 Richmond............................................16, 23, 49 Rider............................................................. 16, 24 Rutgers.........................5, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 49 Sacramento State.......................18, 19, 21, 49 Sam Houston State.....................15, 17, 19, 49 San Diego...........................................................18 San Diego State....................16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 49 San Jose State...........................................18, 49 SIU-Edwardsville..................................... 22, 49 South Carolina.............. 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 49 South Dakota State....................................... 20 Southeast Missouri State..............18, 19, 20, 30, 49 Southern California............ 12, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 49 Southern Methodist................................21, 22 Southern Mississippi............................. 22, 49 South Florida....................................................22 St. John’s.......................................................... 20 St. Joseph’s...................................................... 49 St. Leo................................................................ 49 Stanford..............................................................17 Stetson......................................... 16, 20, 22, 49 Stevens...................................15, 19, 22, 23, 49 SUNY-Buffalo................................................... 16 SUNY-Fredonia............................................... 20 Syracuse....................................... 16, 20, 22, 49 Tampa................................................................ 49 Temple.........................................................18, 49 Tennessee................15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 49 Tennessee-Martin....................19, 20, 22, 49 Tennessee Tech........................................19, 49 Tennessee Wesleyan.............................. 22, 49 Texas A&M........................5, 15, 18, 19, 22, 49 Texas A&M-Commerce............................... 49 Texas-Arlington.......... 19, 20, 22, 23, 33, 49 Texas-Austin .….. 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 40, 46, 49 Texas Christian........................................ 22, 49 Texas Tech...........................................18, 22, 49 Texas Wesleyan...............................2, 4, 16, 20 Thiel............................................... 16, 20, 22, 49 Toledo.......................................11, 17, 21, 22, 49 Trine................................................................... 20 Truman State................... 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22 Tulane.................................................................22 Tulsa....................................................................19 UCLA....................................................................22 UNC-Wilmington......................................11, 25 Utah.......................................................15, 22, 49 Utah State...................................................19, 49 Valparaiso...............................16, 17, 19, 20, 49 Vermont......................................................19, 49 Villanova............................................................. 16 Vincennes......................................................... 23 Virginia...............................2, 18, 20, 23, 31, 49 Virginia Commonwealth.................21, 25, 49 Virginia Tech................................16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 38, 39, 49 Wake Forest..................................................... 49 Washburn................................16, 17, 18, 21, 49 Washington.....................15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 49, 50 Washington & Lee.......................................... 49 Washington State................. 2, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 45, 49, 50 Washington-St. Louis..........15, 16, 17, 18, 49 West Chester.................................................... 16 Western Carolina............................................ 16 Western Kentucky.......................................... 49 Western Michigan........................11, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 49 Westminster............................................. 22, 49 West Virginia........................................17, 21, 49 West Virginia Tech........................... 18, 20, 49 Wichita State..........................15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 35, 49 William & Mary..........................................15, 49 Wisconsin.....................................15, 20, 21, 49 Wisconsin-Platteville......................... 6, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24 Wisconsin-Stevens Point...............20, 22, 49 WPI.................................................. 15, 16, 22, 49 Wright State..................................................... 49 Wyoming.....................................................19, 49 Youngstown State....................................18, 49 W W W. S I G E P. O R G
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GRAND PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Keeping the Promise In 1901, our Founders made a promise: “This Fraternity will be different.” SigEp was different then, has been different throughout our history and is still keeping the promise as we approach our 125th anniversary. We are different because our values set us apart. We believe brotherhood should build men up, not break them down. We eliminated pledging and hazing. We believe every brother deserves dignity, responsibility and a meaningful place in our Fraternity from the moment he joins. Through the Balanced Man ideal, SigEp helps young men understand themselves, form meaningful relationships, pursue excellence and seek balance in life. Today, our Balanced Man Program is relevant to the challenges they face and valuable in college and beyond. I know the power of SigEp’s promise personally. More than 40 years ago, I was a first-generation college student working several jobs and trying to prove that I belonged. I did not have time for a fraternity. But somehow, a fraternity decided it had time for me. SigEp surrounded me with brothers and mentors who believed in me and changed the trajectory of my life. Today, as the father of a young man who is embarking on his own college journey, I want an even better experience to be available to his generation. That is why our aspiration to become the largest and best fraternity on every campus where we plant the SigEp flag is part of what makes us different. SigEp provides true friendship as a platform upon which every young college man can work diligently to become the best version of himself. We aspire to be the largest because more young men need what SigEp provides. We aspire to be the best because every young
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man we recruit deserves an experience worthy of our promise. This generation is responding. Recruitment grew 8% during the 202526 academic year. In fall 2025, our undergraduate brothers earned a 3.26 GPA — 0.11 above the all-fraternity average. Those results represent thousands more young men finding a brotherhood that expects more of them and gives them more in return. The stories in this Journal highlight brothers who are living our values, fulfilling our promise, and making this world a better place. You will read about brothers leading major companies and coaching at the highest level of professional sports. You will see chapter homes that foster honest and empathetic relationships, and inspire young men to become part of something larger than themselves. And you will see alumni opening doors by investing in brothers they may never meet. As we approach 125 years, I ask you to reflect on your place in SigEp’s history. Somewhere in your story is a brother who opened a door or saw something in you that you had not yet seen in yourself. As a SigEp volunteer for over 30 years, I can tell you from firsthand experience, the time you invest in our brothers will not only make a positive impact in their lives, it will make you a better partner, parent and citizen. Reconnect. Volunteer. Mentor. Give. Help us keep the promise. Let’s keep winning, brothers.
BECOME A MENTOR
Fewer than 1 in 5 young men report having a mentor. SigEp men benefit from more than 3,000 volunteers who mentor undergraduates and support our chapters. With more than 12,500 undergraduate brothers, SigEp needs more alumni to step up as mentors. Scan the QR code to learn more about volunteering with a SigEp chapter.
Fraternally,
Dave Calderon, Cal Poly-Pomona ’88 GRAND PRESIDENT Summer 2026
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Tower Room
In 1901, in an unheated, unfurnished room in a residence hall at Richmond College, our first brothers established Sigma Phi Epsilon. Ever since, as demonstrated by the Fraternity updates and chapter milestones in this section, we have lived by our founding principle, “This Fraternity will be different.”
Left to right: Jay Hurt, Mike Wolbert, Scott Carr, Darron Trobetsky, Daniel McVeigh, Grant Buttram, Dave Calderon, Mike Duggan, Victor Wilson, Dr. Regina Hyatt, Jake Broom, Sam Grant and Kyle Sunderland
National Board elected at Tampa Conclave
A
t the closing event of the 2025 Grand Chapter Conclave, the Alumni Awards Dinner, newly elected Grand President David R. Calderon, Cal PolyPomona ’88, shared his vision for the Fraternity. A former district governor, Calderon was first elected to the national board in 2015. Reflecting on the challenges facing young men today, Calderon stated that SigEp is uniquely positioned to provide the guidance and support they need. “Young men are asking a lot of deep questions, and I am here to tell you that SigEp is the answer to many of those questions,” he said. Calderon also stated the value of SigEp’s quest to become the largest and best
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fraternity in order to provide the SigEp experience to even more young men. “We are growing, but we are not growing fast enough,” he said. “We need to pick up the pace and reach as many young men as we can as fast as we can.” Calderon’s call at Conclave has been answered — in the 2025–26 academic year, recruitment across the Fraternity was up 8 percent. Rounding out the board’s executive officers are returning board members Michael A. Wolbert, Northwest Missouri ’94, who was elected Grand Secretary, and Daniel McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan ’90, who was re-elected as Grand Treasurer. Other national directors include Grant Buttram, North
Carolina State ’93; Scott Carr, California-Santa Barbara ’86; Mike Duggan, Missouri State ’74 (a former student director); Jay Hurt, Davidson ’88 (also a former student director); Darron Trobetsky, Indiana of Pennsylvania ’94; and Victor K. Wilson, Georgia ’82. (Dr. Regina Hyatt, Mississippi State University’s vice president of student affairs, has since resigned from the board.) Three undergraduate brothers were also elected to the board as national student directors: Jake Broom, Oklahoma State ’26; Sam Grant, Florida ’26; and Kyle Sunderland, Missouri State ’28.
“Young men are asking a lot of deep questions, and I am here to tell you that SigEp is the answer to many of those questions.” – G RAND PRESIDENT DAVE R. CALDERON, CAL POLY-POMONA ’88
W W W. S I G E P. O R G
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Chartering a New Course In 2025, the Fraternity conveyed charters on three chapters that returned to campus. Each of these re-chartered chapters is a cause for celebration on its own. But this marks more than just planting our flag on an individual campus or two or three. Re-chartering these chapters is part of the Fraternity’s commitment to becoming the largest and best fraternity on every campus where the SigEp flag is planted. Re-establishing these chapters means SigEp is accessible to even more young men — providing them the opportunity to experience our Fraternity’s life-changing brotherhood. Every successful SigEp chapter began with a group of men willing to step forward, take ownership and build a foundation future generations will inherit. A successful charter is something to take pride in. It represents years of consistent effort, leadership, sacrifice and belief in something bigger than ourselves. Here, we highlight a few of the achievements that helped these chapters earn their charters.
TEXAS MU
Texas A&M CHARTERED
Sept. 20, 2025 The brothers of Texas Mu at Texas A&M quickly made their mark on campus by redefining what a fraternity can look like on one of the country’s biggest campuses. Since their founding in fall 2022, the men of Texas Mu have built a powerful presence, recruiting 54 men in their first semester and growing to over 100 members in just a few short years. Through largescale, community-wide events and a commitment to philanthropy, personal growth and excellence in member development, these brothers have created a SigEp experience unlike any other on campus.
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INDIANA ALPHA
Purdue CHARTERED
March 28, 2025 Since returning to campus, the brothers of Indiana Alpha at Purdue have demonstrated a steady commitment to growth and continuous improvement. From reimagining their member development program to reinvigorating their SigEp Learning Community programming, chapter leaders are focused on providing a balanced, valuesdriven experience for all members. Supported by strong academics, involvement across a broad range of social clubs and professional organizations, and a new chapter home completed in 2025, these men have laid a foundation for a stronger brotherhood and future.
NEW JERSEY BETA
Rutgers CHARTERED
Oct. 17, 2025 The brothers of New Jersey Beta have made their mark on campus since returning to Rutgers in the spring of 2022. Now, with 55 men and counting, the chapter has revamped its member development experience and the Balanced Man Scholarship. It’s helped them stand out from other organizations and attract the majority of brothers currently in the chapter. New Jersey Beta’s volunteers have also played an influential role, inspiring a “neversettle” attitude that encourages brothers to uplift and remind each other that every situation presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Summer 2026
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Chapter Anniversaries
Each of these open chapters observed milestone anniversaries in 2025. Here, we share highlights of their anniversary celebrations, as submitted by chapter volunteers.
1925 1950 2000
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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS:
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS:
Florida Alpha, Florida
Ohio Kappa, Bowling Green State
FOUNDED MARCH 28, 1925
FOUNDED DEC. 9, 1950
Nearly 400 brothers, alumni and friends gathered in Gainesville, Florida, over the weekend of March 28 - 30, 2025, to celebrate Florida Alpha’s centennial. The weekend featured 11 signature events, including the third annual Florida Alpha Classic golf tournament. Friday’s welcome events at 5 Fraternity Row marked the chapter’s founding day with a lunch, open house, tours of the chapter facility, a tribute ceremony and the unveiling of the Little Sisters of the Golden Heart plaque. The celebration culminated with the Centennial Gala, where individual honors were presented, including the Outstanding New Volunteer Award to Parker Rossignol, ’24, and a proclamation to SigEp Educational Foundation Secretary Mike Watford ’75, for his lasting impact on the chapter. The weekend was also bookended by two Florida Gators basketball victories, which only added to the energy of the occasion.
SigEp’s Ohio Kappa chapter celebrated 75 years of continuous operations at Bowling Green State University on Sept. 19 - 20, 2025. The celebration kicked off Friday evening with a reception featuring a talk by the university’s varsity hockey coach, Dennis Williams. Saturday started with campus tours and a golf tournament that included over 20 teams. That evening, the event concluded with a banquet attended by nearly 200 alumni and undergraduates. Bowling Green State President Rodney Rogers rushed over from that afternoon’s football game vs. Louisville in time to serve as the banquet’s keynote speaker. Brother Dave Lacey, ’53, was remembered for his generous gifts to the chapter via his estate. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Order of the Golden Heart, SigEp’s highest volunteer award, to longtime alumni and volunteer corporation member Carlton Schooley, ’63, by Past Grand President Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89. Schooley served as Ohio Kappa’s chapter counselor for over 20 years.
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS:
Wisconsin Theta, Wisconsin-Platteville FOUNDED OCT. 14, 2000 On Oct. 10 - 12, 2025, Wisconsin Theta celebrated its 25th anniversary at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The theme, “Limitless,” not only celebrated the past 25 years, but also set the stage for the next 25. The weekend’s closing banquet featured a comedy set by nationally known comedian Steve Hofstetter, Columbia ’02; a keynote by Grand President Dave Calderon, Cal Poly-Pomona ’88; and numerous video messages from prominent SigEps and video shoutouts from friends of the chapter in the sports and entertainment fields. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a conceptual design for Wisconsin Theta’s highly anticipated chapter facility. The project is slated to break ground in five years. Thanks to the $400,000 in campaign commitments secured at the banquet, the project has exceeded its initial $600,000 fundraising goal.
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TOWER ROOM
Classmates William “Red” Moulinier and John A. Stuart proudly show off the William R. Moulinier Brotherly Love Award silver bucket. A gift from Stuart, it honors their 50-year friendship and recognizes future generations of Arizona Beta brothers who model the Fraternity’s highest ideals.
One Last Gift A LEGACY OF BROTHERLY LOVE
By Bill Hoke, Arizona ’73
hile many brothers live by SigEp’s cardinal principles, few have lived Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love as passionately as the late John A. Stuart, Arizona ’73, known to his contemporaries as “Enzo.” Driven by a lifelong commitment to SigEp’s brotherhood, Stuart put his money where his heart was by funding an annual award to recognize Arizona Beta brothers who uniquely exemplify these values. From his days as a freshman leading 40 classmates to build a brick walkway that lasted 50 years, to his successful career, Stuart had a rare gift of turning vision into reality. Stuart’s final great vision was honoring his close friend William “Red” Moulinier, ’73. To Stuart, Moulinier was the living embodiment of the Fraternity’s most important principle, brotherly love.
“The person who has best exemplified that in my 50 years as a SigEp is Red Moulinier, and I want that spirit to be celebrated in the chapter for many years to come,” Stuart stated. To ensure that spirit lives on, Stuart established the William R. Moulinier Brotherly Love Award. The honor was first announced in 2023 during the class of ’73’s 50th reunion homecoming celebration, ensuring Moulinier’s example inspires the chapter for years to come. “I was shocked when the award was announced,” Moulinier said, reflecting on the surprise tribute, “and I’m thrilled to be part of celebrating brotherly love each year.” The chapter announced the first award recipient at its 2025 homecoming dinner. Ross Jorgenson, ’25, was chosen for “demonstrating and modeling brotherly love in everything
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he does,” said Mateo Alvarez-Rooney, ’27. “From serving as chaplain to mentoring younger members, Ross has always been someone people look up to. He’s the type of guy who will pick up no matter when you call.” The Moulinier Award was Brother Stuart’s enduring legacy for the chapter he loved. His goal was that “the seeds of relationships that are spread to the coming generations of SigEp brothers will be as meaningful to them as they were to him,” said his son, Anthony Stuart. Stuart’s vision carries an especially poignant weight, as he passed away in August 2025 following a yearslong battle with Parkinson’s disease shortly before the inaugural award was presented. While he supported the initiative through a liquid fund during his lifetime, a final $100,000 gift from his estate has transitioned the Arizona Beta William Redwood Moulinier Brotherly Love Award into a permanent endowment. This contribution ensures his commitment to the chapter is honored in perpetuity, supporting brothers for generations to come. As his son noted, Stuart hoped the gift would “inspire all Arizona Beta brothers to keep one another in focus” by celebrating a brother who embodies that sentiment each year. Beyond undergraduate support, Stuart’s gift sustains the chapter’s alumni network. Mark Slepian, ’86, the inaugural recipient of the John Stuart Alumni Award, exemplifies this mission through his leadership of Arizona Beta’s alumni and volunteer corporation and regional Phoenix reunions. As a member of the SigEp Legacy Society, Stuart’s foresight in planning this estate gift bridged his lifelong philanthropy with sustained financial support, ensuring Arizona Beta’s bond of brotherhood endures for future generations. Summer 2026
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Raise Your Bar: A Strategic Plan for Every SigEp guides the vision for Sigma Phi Epsilon through 2027-28. The Fraternity’s strategic plan is for every SigEp, because every one of us will benefit as we reach our goals, and because every brother has a role to play in our path toward the summit. The plan calls for our Fraternity, and every one of our undergraduates, alumni, parents and partners, to raise our bar as we pursue an ambitious goal — being the largest and best fraternity on every campus where the SigEp flag is planted.
The PatH to
PEaK PerfOrmancE By Ben Ford, Arkansas Tech Renaissance
In Year 2 of the plan, we’re making bold strides toward peak performance. Every layer of the plan builds on itself. We cannot achieve growth without providing member development that builds balanced men. We cannot achieve development and healthy chapter culture without the volunteer support that sustains our chapters for the long haul. And we cannot achieve any of these things without financial investment from alumni and friends who believe in SigEp.
Mission BUILDI
NG
BalaEncNed M
W
TH
NE
M
W
8%
2025 – 2026
UNDERGRADUATE MEMBERSHIP BY YEAR
as of 3/1 annual membership report
SigEp
10,811 11,064 11,807 12,153 12,549
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
CHAPTER COUNT
185
P
18% more men stay in the chapter
P
P
BM
P
BM
ARE SEEING
OT CHA P ARE GROWING BY
IL
10%
S
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OT CHA
ER
SigEp Journal
as of 12/31
chapters experiencing the new BMP
IL
S
E LY LOV
105
P
T
EN
New Balanced Man Program Pilot
ER
V
R
O
Manpower
BER G
pmEnt
&
8
2025 – 2026
EM
DEvelO
E
HER
3%
M
Ninety percent of college takes place outside of the classroom. It’s in these fun, unstructured hours that students discover their passions and plan their futures. For SigEps, much of this time is spent with their chapter brothers — it’s where they build close bonds of friendship and become balanced men with a sound mind and a sound body. The Balanced Man Program — the centerpiece of SigEp member development — guides their experience.
Cardina C l B Princip R les OT I
R
TH
DILIG
SHIP G
T
UE, RT
12,549 Total Undergraduate
ER
W
What we do is life-changing and the SigEp experience is more important than ever. Undergraduate men need what SigEp delivers, and it is our responsibility to share that experience with more men than ever before.
B
O
Vision
We envision a new generation of men who lead with purpose and strong personal values, develop a sound mind and sound body through healthy, disciplined habits, and fulfill their potential through lifelong relationships. We seek to be the largest and best fraternity on every campus, accessible to every young man — because a new generation of SigEp leaders can transform communities and change the world.
Overall
ME
Growth
more than other chapters
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For Every SigEp
VOlunteEr SuppOr t Behind every great SigEp chapter is a dedicated group of volunteers. Now more than ever, college-aged men need mentorship and coaching. We must provide them that support and empower every volunteer to facilitate a college experience that will lead each of our brothers into extraordinary futures.
3,270 total volunteers
784
volunteers
MENTORING UNDERGRADUATES AND SUPPORTING CHAPTERS
STEPPED INTO NEW ROLES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
175 chapter counselors
Core Four Volunteers CRUCIAL VOLUNTEER ROLES ESSENTIAL TO EVERY CHAPTER’S SUCCESS
PROVIDING OVERALL MENTORSHIP
178 Balanced Man stewards 174 mentors for recruitment
SUPPORTING GROWTH EFFORTS
chapters
174 mentors for communication
HAVE ALL CORE FOUR VOLUNTEER ROLES FILLED
GUIDING BRAND-BUILDING AND RECRUITMENT LEAD GENERATION
t
Financial InvEstmEn Meeting the acute needs of today’s college men — and reaching SigEp’s goals of being the best and largest fraternity — requires financial investment. We must fully fund the Balanced Man Program, create a culture of philanthropy at every chapter, and grow the strength of SigEp’s Annual Fund and Legacy Society.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF OUR UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE IN CALENDAR YEAR 2025 CAME FROM
5,076 generous brothers and friends
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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$6,811,173 2025 GIVING TO LOCAL AND NATIONAL FUNDS
$ 1,775,011 2025 ANNUAL FUND
3,583
FOR EVERY ALUMNUS
As one of SigEp’s 250,000 living alumni, you can be proud of the aspirations of our brotherhood and the impact we’re making on a new generation of young men. To support our goal of becoming the largest and best fraternity, re-engage with SigEp. Attend alumni events and make connections with SigEps in your area. Ensure you’re staying in touch with everything going on at your chapter and the national Fraternity. If SigEp has made a difference in your life, get involved however you’re able and impact the current generation of undergraduate brothers. If you’re interested in volunteering, visit sigep.org/volunteers. FOR EVERY UNDERGRADUATE
OVERSEEING THE BMP
158 of 185
Achieving our goal of becoming the largest and best fraternity isn’t possible without every brother and friend participating.
donors on Founders Day of Giving gave
A RECORD-BREAKING
$1,533,854
IN SUPPORT OF THE BMP AND SIGEP’S NATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Your SigEp experience, if you take full advantage of it, can define and elevate your college years and set you up for lifelong success. If SigEp is important in your life, share it with the men around you who need our Fraternity. FOR EVERY VOLUNTEER
You’re the bedrock of SigEp success — for our chapters and for each individual brother you come in contact with. Raise your bar by building great relationships with undergraduates, and help them provide a SigEp experience that is the largest and best on campus. Participate actively in mentorship. Take advantage of the educational opportunities the Fraternity provides for volunteers. FOR EVERY DONOR
Today’s college men are falling behind and struggling — in academic performance, mental health, social connectedness and career preparedness. The societal problems driving this decline are only getting worse, and our communities are in danger of losing a generation of young men to a lack of purpose and undeveloped leadership potential. Your investment is shaping lives to build a generation of young men who will reverse these worrying trends. With your help, we will further grow the value of the SigEp experience for today’s college students and provide greater access to that experience so our communities benefit from thousands more young men who are prepared to be leaders. You can make a gift to SigEp at sigep.org/give. Want to learn more about Raise Your Bar: A Strategic Plan for Every SigEp? Visit sigep.org/strategicplan.
Summer 2026
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Living by Faith and Brotherhood OUTGOING NATIONAL CHAPLAIN LEAVES ENDURING MARK
F
rom his earliest days as an undergraduate officer, former National Chaplain Rev. Raymond “Ray” Ackerman, Oklahoma ’77, has made an enduring impact on Sigma Phi Epsilon. No matter the role, his special combination of humor, humility, empathy and confidence made him stand out as a leader. At the time he was elected president of Oklahoma Beta, the chapter was experiencing a rebuilding phase. He unified brothers around the ideals of brotherhood and integrity, themes Ackerman would continue to emphasize when he became a volunteer. Under his leadership, the chapter was soon setting the standard on campus for philanthropy. Building on the foundation he helped set, the chapter would go on to earn Buchanan Cups in 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1985. Decades later, his Oklahoma Beta brothers still remember the
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example he set. While discussing his influence, they described Ackerman as “a barometer for honor, character and truthfulness, which mirrors our cardinal principles.” After graduation, he worked for SigEp Headquarters as a regional director, and once again, his innate people skills came into play. He was instrumental in guiding the chapters he served to meet or exceed their recruitment goals.
Decades later, his Oklahoma Beta brothers still remember the example he set.
It was only natural that after concluding his time on the Headquarters staff, Ackerman would volunteer for the Fraternity. He spent many years serving as an AVC member and chapter counselor for Oklahoma Alpha and his home chapter of Oklahoma Beta. As a member and later chair of the Ritual Task Force, Brother Ackerman kept the importance of the Ritual in the forefront. His focus on maintaining high standards helped SigEp grow while remaining relevant to young men, even as cultural norms shifted. In 1996, Ackerman was appointed National Chaplain by then-Grand President Gary Griffith, Texas-Austin ’70, and he remains the longest to serve in that role. When he presented Ackerman the Exemplary Service Award in 2018, Griffith held him up as a role model for the undergraduate leaders in the audience. “My hope,” Griffith said, “is every undergraduate chaplain will be that strong, guiding hand who sets a shining example for the brothers in his chapter and students on his campus.” As National Chaplain, Ackerman served as a comforting presence while presiding over the necrology ceremony that honors brothers who have passed away. He also paid tribute to deceased brothers through email messages that memorialized their contributions to the Fraternity. Beyond these solemn acts, Ackerman shines as a beacon of light, not only as a volunteer for the national Fraternity and a mentor to brothers in his home chapter, but also to communities of faith as a Catholic priest. In 2021, Ackerman was inducted into the Order of the Golden Heart, SigEp’s highest honor, in recognition of his decades of service as a volunteer and many contributions to the Fraternity. But what he has given to SigEp goes far beyond any award or title. Ackerman’s exuberant faith continues to inspire all who know him to follow in his path of belief and brotherhood.
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SigEp Chaplain’s Council Announced
An advisory group that will work with our National Chaplain has been established. The Chaplain’s Council collaborates with our National Board of Directors, SigEp Headquarters staff, Fraternity volunteers and undergraduate members in creating a positive, supportive environment for people to develop and explore their own faith and wellbeing. The council members will work with chapter chaplains and, when called upon, assist Fraternity members and the broader SigEp community with navigating the emotional challenges associated with sudden life changes, grief or illness.
Rev. Dr. Brian Mercer, Louisiana State ’99, was appointed to serve as SigEp’s National Chaplain in 2025. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary and serves as the senior pastor of First Methodist Monroe. Mercer and his wife, Shelley, have three children.
Doug Reed, Texas-Austin ’82, held positions as a chapter officer and served as a student member of SigEp’s National Board of Directors. For the majority of his professional career, Reed worked in investment management with Fidelity Investments and J.P. Morgan. In 2022, he founded Beacon of Light Mental Health, a mental health ministry in Plano, Texas. Reed has been married to his wife, Jill, for 42 years and has two children and six grandchildren.
Dr. Tyler Kinch, Grand Valley State ’15, is a physical therapist and specializes in helping athletes and active adults recover from pain. He previously served as mentor to the chaplain for the Michigan Beta chapter at Western Michigan. He is married to his wife, Heather, and has three children and also volunteered with Ohio Iota at the University of Toledo and Michigan Kappa at Grand Valley State.
Bishop Council Nedd II, Pennsylvania State Renaissance, is a state constable and chaplain for the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Constables. He serves as rector of St. Alban’s Anglican Church and holds a Ph.D. and a doctorate of canon law. Nedd serves as balanced man steward for SigEp’s Pennsylvania Eta chapter at Penn State.
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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As an undergraduate, Phil Smith, UNC-Wilmington ’94, served two terms as chaplain for North Carolina Rho. He holds a master of divinity from Mercer University and worked with youth and college students in the areas of spirituality and faith formation for 20 years before opening a cafe adjacent to the campus of Elon University. A long-time SigEp volunteer, he currently serves as district governor for District 11.
Summer 2026
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#SigEp
sigepumd A sampling of what brothers are posting, liking and sharing on social media
jaxstatesigep
sigepumd Our 2026 Balanced Man Scholarship banquet was a huge success! We had an amazing night celebrating and getting to know all our finalists. Thank you to all alumni, volunteers, brothers, and applicants for making this possible. Be on the lookout for an announcement of our next BMS cycle! #sigep #umd #raiseyourbar
sigepusc
jaxstatesigep Thank you to Youngs Grove Elementary School in Cedartown, Georgia, for welcoming us during Dr. Seuss's Read Across America Week! We loved the opportunity to read to your students and are proud to celebrate that Dr. Seuss was a SigEp alumnus.
Engage with Us Online
sigepusc Brotherhood Retreat | Spring 2026 A weekend down in San Diego with the boys. Good weather, ocean views, and the kind of memories that stay with you long after the trip ends. Grateful for time spent with the brotherhood.
STAY CONNECTED: UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO
@officialsigep
#sigep
Did you know the Fraternity has a tool — mySigEp — that allows brothers to update their member records online?
@officialsigep
Update your communications preferences at mysigep.org.
Now you can quickly correct outdated contact information, change your mailing preferences, update your volunteer record, view your donor history and more!
@sigepfraternity www.sigep.org
Make sure your member record is up to date! To create or log in to your account, go to mysigep.org or scan the QR code.
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SigEp Swag Show your pride with these stylish selections from the Official SigEp Store 1. SigEp Raise Your Bar Dad Hat $29.99 | ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE
Featuring an adjustable strap, this made-to-order chino cotton twill hat may be too cool for dad! 2. SigEp Balanced Man T-shirt in Red S-4XL | $34.99 ALSO AVAILABLE IN IVORY, WHITE, BLACK AND PURPLE
Let everyone know you’re a Balanced Man in this relaxed fit cotton T-shirt.
SigEp Violet Logo Polo by Nike
3. SigEp Golf T-shirt S-3XL | $34.99
This made-to-order shirt features a relaxed fit and a twill-taped neck and shoulders for extra durability.
$74.99 | S-3XL
Engineered from soft, stretchable micro pique fabric, Nike’s Dri-FIT moisture management technology makes this polo a cool choice for hot days.
4. SigEp Urban Champs Basketball Jersey YOUTH MEDIUM-6XL $59.99
Made-to-order, this fun basketball jersey makes a great gift for your favorite brother, or for yourself.
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#s h o @OFFICIALSIGEP
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ps igep Summer 2026
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Lifetime G Meeting the acute needs of today’s college men — and reaching SigEp’s goals of being the largest and best fraternity — requires financial investment. Donors who have given $10,000 or more in realized gifts in support of the SigEp experience are listed on the following pages.
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Giving In honor of SigEp’s upcoming 125th anniversary, those who have given $125,000 or more in their lifetime are recognized here. Carter Ashton Jenkens Society $2,000,000+
Tom Jelke, Florida International ’90^ Bill Tragos, Washington-St. Louis ’56^
Benjamin Donald Gaw Society $1,000,000-$1,999,999
Jay Ackley, Washington ’73 Rick Bennet, Central Missouri ’74^ Chris Bittman, Colorado ’85 Denis Dieker, Wichita State ’77^ John Hanson, Iowa State ’65 Kent Hickman, Colorado ’61*^ Garry Kief, Southern California ’70 Bill Schreyer, Pennsylvania State ’48*^ Lucile Zollinger*
William Hugh Carter Society $500,000-$999,999
Curt Carlson, Minnesota ’37* Dean Duncan, Indiana State ’57* John Grayson, Purdue ’46* Jay Hurt, Davidson ’88^ Ed Tyler, WPI ’48*
William Andrew Wallace Society $250,000-$499,999
Charlie Amato, Sam Houston State ’70 Dave Balint, Cleveland State ’69*
Steven Bradford, Texas A&M ’88 David Burkholder, Utah ’69*^ Jim Clayton, Tennessee ’57 Wally Doud, Wisconsin ’48*^ Gary Dudley, Sam Houston State ’69 Otto Eastlond, Colorado School of Mines ’34* Yvonne Gentzler*^ Carey Heckman, Dartmouth Renaissance Tom Hicks, Texas-Austin ’68* Lorry Horn, Florida ’56^ Mike Hurst, Missouri S&T ’74 David Jenkins, Colorado State ’64 Norm Nabhan, Purdue ’71 Gus Nickou, NYU ’47*^ Steven Nienke, Wichita State Renaissance Lee Reeve, Kansas State ’71 Gene Schurg, Davis & Elkins ’77 AJ Scribante, Kansas State ’56^ John Stirek, Oregon State ’82
Thomas Temple Wright Society $125,000-$249,999
Tom Allardyce, Lamar ’70 Tom Barrett, Kansas State ’53* Tom Barton, Loras ’89^ Scott Baxter, Buffalo State ’84 Matt Beck, Iowa ’90 Ed Blackburn, Pennsylvania State ’43* Gene Brewer, Oregon ’34* Steve Buce, Stevens ’86 Bert Bullock, Northern Arizona ’78 Don Burgio, Rensselaer ’89 Grant Buttram, North Carolina State ’93 Scott Carr, California-Santa Barbara ’86^ Roger Chapman, Texas-Austin ’49* H Clark, North Carolina State ’56^
Jack Clarkson, Kentucky ’69*^ Phil Cox, Indiana ’84*^ Dean Davis, North Texas ’55*^ Mark Davis, Nebraska ’90^ Gene Dewey, Arizona ’61*^ Jere Fluno, Wisconsin ’63 Patrick Fontana, Truman State ’94^ Rex Garrelts, Kansas State ’68 Mel Haas, Cincinnati ’62 Ed Haldeman, Dartmouth ’70 Dick Henning, Miami (Florida) ’51*^ Don Lomont, Indiana Tech ’64 Michael McConnell, Oklahoma ’82 Jim Mosch, Purdue ’79 Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89^ Frank Peinado, Texas A&M ’88 Greg Pestinger, Kansas State ’86^ Jeff Prouty, Iowa State ’79 Mack Rankin, Texas-Austin ’50* Kathy Rausch Lamar Roach, Lamar ’60* Darren Rodgers, Georgia ’84 Bruce Schnitzer, Texas-Austin ’66 Bobby Shackouls, Mississippi State ’72 Paul Slater, Southern California ’30* Terk Therkildsen, Iowa State ’59 Steven Tseng, Dartmouth ’95 John Underwood, Washington State ’58^ Mike Watford, Florida ’75 Dale Werts, Baker ’84 Bob Wetzel, Dartmouth ’76 Jack Whitt, Colorado ’62*^ Charles Wilson, Kansas State ’62*^ Jeremy Wyld, Iowa ’92 Ed Zollinger, William & Mary 1927
* Deceased | ^ Legacy Society | Includes realized gifts through July 7, 2026 @OFFICIALSIGEP
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Summer 2026
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Thomas Temple Wright Society
$100,000-$124,999 Manny Becerra, Florida International ’87 Rodger Bloedel, Oregon State ’62 Doug Bowen, Purdue ’93 Ralph Brindley, Washington ’72 Clark Byrum, Indiana ’57*^ Chris Coleman, Kansas State ’01 Skip Dahlkamp, San Diego State ’63 Corwin Denney, Michigan ’43* Michael Dillard, Oklahoma State ’73 Travis Engen, MIT ’65 Stan Freimuth, Washington ’70 Mike Fritz, Oregon State ’88 Ed Hammond, Emporia State ’66^ Nick Harris, Purdue ’79 Greg Keller, Missouri ’86 Stan Kelly, North Carolina State ’80 Rick Kimball, Dartmouth ’78 Dick Long, Colorado State ’79 Bill Longfield, Drake ’60 Brad Lovering, Washington ’87 David Middlemiss, Syracuse ’91 Thomas Morley, Oklahoma State ’87 Kevin Otero, New Mexico ’87 Mark Owens, Wichita State ’86 Jim Park, Michigan ’59 Tom Petrillo, Florida State ’85 Greg Pusinelli, Indiana ’80 Mike Reddout, Oklahoma State ’85 Matt Rodrigue, Maine ’04 Timothy Smith, North Carolina State ’71 Larry Soice, Wichita State Renaissance* Mike Steffenson, Iowa State ’59 Jerry Stroud, Indiana State ’60* John Stuart, Arizona ’73*^ Steve Sutow, Rider ’00 Scott Twaddle, Washington ’08 John Tyler, Texas-Austin ’63* Roger VanHoozer, Washburn ’72 Michael Williams, Memphis ’69^
William Lazell Phillips Society
$50,000-$99,999 David Allen, Michigan ’06 Bruce Anderson, Texas-Austin ’71 Rob Atkisson, Florida State ’93 AG Atwater, Drake ’64 Mark Augustine, Kansas State ’87 Bill Becker, Indiana ’72
Dave Bertorello, Evansville ’89*^ Frederick Betts, Oregon State ’30* Scott Bice, Southern California ’65 Joel Biddle* Tim Biddle, Colorado State ’73 Brent Bishop, Ohio State ’71 Mike Borkan, SUNYBinghamton ’86 Robert Breedlove, Oklahoma State ’69 Niles Brook, Minnesota ’40* Bob Buddig, Arkansas ’79 Brian Buroker, North Carolina State ’92 Dave Calderon, Cal PolyPomona ’88 Harry Campbell, Oregon ’37* Ken Christianson, Washington State ’74 Jonathan Congleton, Kansas State ’84 Richard Cowell, WashingtonSt. Louis ’52*^ Judge Mitch Crane, West Chester Renaissance Michael Daniel, Oklahoma State ’85 Brett Danko, Pennsylvania ’90 John Davis, Western Carolina ’87 Clint Day, Florida State ’82 Brad Day, Arkansas ’87 Dwight Denham, Purdue ’82 Todd Donavan, Oklahoma State ’86 Don Drobny, Iowa State ’65 John Durrant, Stetson ’96 Conrad Eberstein, Pennsylvania ’65 Jim Edwards, Pennsylvania State ’78 Chad Ellington, Colorado State ’99 Mike Elliott, East Tennessee State ’81 Bob Emde, Michigan ’60 Wayne Ericksen, Oregon State ’58 Mark Fabere, Iowa State ’80 Roger Festa, Truman State Renaissance* Cicero Frazier, North Carolina ’34* Clayton Funk, Washburn ’93 John George, Auburn ’76 Glenn Gnirrep, Rutgers ’82* Eddie Gonnella, Maine ’17 Brett Gough, WisconsinPlatteville ’03 Mike Green, CaliforniaBerkeley ’62 Gary Griffith, Texas-Austin ’70^
Gary Halley, Colorado State ’60 Jeffrey Hamilton, Montana ’67 Jay Harness, Arizona ’65 Bert Harris, Florida ’74 John Hartman, Missouri ’61 Jonathan Hayes, Cal PolyPomona ’93 Patrick Henry, Georgia Tech ’86 Conrad Hewitt, Illinois ’58 Tom Hill, Richmond ’64 Chas Hite, Kentucky ’82* Hans Hornbostel, Syracuse ’83 Jimmy Horst, Florida International ’92^ Don Hudler, Ohio Wesleyan ’56* Bill Hydrick, Loyola ’85^ Darren Jirsa, Iowa ’91 Todd Johns, Minnesota ’98 Jeff Johnson, Colorado ’89 Terry Johnston, Henderson State ’82 Jack Jury, Kansas State ’53* Bryan Kaminski, Johns Hopkins ’06 Cliff Kinnunen, SIUEdwardsville ’81 Donald Kirchner, Oklahoma State ’36* Wayne Knupp, Huntingdon ’95 Dan Komnenovich, Cincinnati ’74 Dan Kraninger, Villanova ’93 George Krieger, Missouri S&T ’62* Mark Krzywonos, Northern Kentucky ’84^ Maris Kuga, Cincinnati ’63* Marvin Lampton, Kansas ’64 Steve Lange, Minnesota ’33* Joe Langella, Connecticut ’83 Josh Lee, Valparaiso ’98 Paul Litcher, Indiana Tech ’88^ Terry Lundgren, Arizona ’74 Ken Maddox, Oregon State ’75 David Matchet, Arkansas ’76 Dave McLaughlin, Minnesota ’92 Daniel McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan ’90 Mark Napier, Purdue ’92 Michael Neary, Northern Illinois ’90 Jon Nix, Tennessee ’92 William Nordt, Lehigh ’36* John O’Hara, Missouri S&T ’76 Derek Pardee, SUNY-Buffalo ’83 Craig Perry, Florida State ’85 Barry Posner, CaliforniaSanta Barbara ’70 Preston Rahe, Georgia Tech ’64 Paul Raidt, Missouri S&T ’64* Wendell Rakosky, Baldwin Wallace ’78 Joel Rickman, Missouri S&T ’95
John Robbins, Texas-Austin ’50* Doug Roberts, Pennsylvania ’83 William Romans, Washington ’77* Todd Ruberg, Oregon ’82 Frank Rutherford, East Tennessee State ’57*^ Sandy Sanderson, WPI ’41* Bob Saylor, Colorado State 1924* Carl Schweser, Missouri S&T ’65 John Scribante, Creighton ’89 Paul Selle, Florida ’32* Steve Shanklin, Murray State ’70^ Jerry Shipman, Indiana Tech ’75 Charles Siewert, North Carolina State ’60 Gordon Sommer, Carroll ’60*^ Walter Sonnenberg, Norwich ’49* Mark Spielmann, Purdue ’66* Pete Steffens, Thiel ’70 Chuck Stegman, Colorado ’81 Bob Stempel, WPI ’55* Dave Stinson, Michigan ’54* Jack Sunday, South Carolina ’71 Gary Sutton, Iowa State ’64* Scott Swisher, Purdue ’79 Brian Tahmoush, Miami (Florida) ’90 Don Tennyson, Michigan ’48* Bill Thomas, Virginia Tech ’72 Bob Thurman, Wichita State ’75* Zar Toolan, Columbia ’01 Kyle Travis, Oklahoma ’78 Maynard Turner, Washington 1922* Tom Utterback, Oklahoma State ’31* Gary Verplank, Michigan ’63* Jack Wheeler, North Texas ’61* Victor Wilson, Georgia Renaissance^ Larry Wilson, Oklahoma ’85 Brett Wimberley, Oklahoma Renaissance Jack Witemeyer, Rutgers ’55^ Jim Womble, Arkansas ’65 Archie Yeatts, Richmond ’64 Evan Yellin, Syracuse ’84 Steve Young, Kansas ’80 Kevin Zimmer, Kansas ’94 Walter Zimmerman, Syracuse ’37*
Lucian Baum Cox Society $25,000-$49,999
John Abraham, Cincinnati ’77 Lupe Aguilar Thomas Alber, Bentley ’82 Dick Allen, Oregon ’58 Jason Amala, Washington ’00 Alice Astafan
* Deceased | ^ Legacy Society | Includes realized gifts through July 7, 2026
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If you had to describe the lifelong value of a SigEp brotherhood in just a few sentences, what would you say? “My valuable SigEp experience after one year as an independent ‘A’ student at Kansas State University served to put some polish on this diamond in the rough. It gave me some social graces and taught me to not let my books interfere with my education. I graduated as a solid ‘C’ student, but a very well-rounded winner. Thanks, SigEp.” — AJ Scribante, Kansas State ’56
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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Tommy Atkins, Colorado State ’80 Jack Ayres, Kansas State ’68 Bill Bachman, Missouri S&T ’74* Larkin Bailey, CaliforniaBerkeley 1924* Anthony Balestrieri, George Washington ’03 Bike Barkley, Delaware 1926* Greg Barra, Texas-Austin ’03 Trey Bates, Oklahoma ’87 David Beam, North Carolina State ’72 Daryl Becker, Kansas State ’58* Ted Behnken, Toledo ’82 Harry Belton, Louisiana State ’81 Ben Benjamin, George Washington ’40*^ John Benton, Rutgers ’86 Jim Bernard, Western Michigan ’60 Ron Bevacqua, NYU ’67 Larry Biacchi, Pennsylvania State ’89 Ron Binder, Toledo ’83^ Vincent Biondo, San Diego State ’64 Ed Bishop, Virginia Tech ’74 Adam Biskner, Iowa ’02 Steven Blickenstaff, Kansas State ’73* Brian Boron, Western Michigan ’89 Mike Bourque, Maine ’89 Doug Bratton, North Carolina State ’81 Ryan Braun, Iowa ’00 Ryan Brennan, Truman State ’95 Gary Bridwell, Oklahoma State ’74 Gavin Brown, Oregon State ’90 Keenan Buoy, Washburn ’82 Justin Burnett, Sam Houston State ’02^ Jim Butler, Georgia ’72 Chad Carlson, Baylor ’95^ Curt Carmichael, Oklahoma ’79 Prashanth Chandrasekar, Maine ’02 Steve Chaneles, Connecticut ’83 Daniel Churchill, Maine ’63 Dave Clark, Dartmouth ’76 John Clark, Colorado State ’65* Ray Clarke, West Virginia ’84 Ed Clausen, Missouri ’84 Lyn Conger, North Carolina State ’82 Bob Connor, North Texas ’64 John Corby, Arizona State ’74 John Cottier, Auburn ’33* Mike Cowgill, Oregon State ’75 Ryan Daniels, Arkansas ’02
James Davis, North Carolina State ’81 Dave Deniger, Texas-Austin ’68 Ryan Denny, Stanford ’06 JD Derr, Purdue ’58 David Detjen, WashingtonSt. Louis ’70 Charles Devlin, Oklahoma State ’70 David Dickey, Oklahoma State ’56* Jack Dickey, Oklahoma State ’60* Steve Dickey, Oklahoma State ’69 Chris Dillion, Illinois ’03 Steve Diltz, Arizona State ’90 Jamie Dixon, Georgia ’79 Ulysses Dubach, Oregon State 1921* Jeff Dugas, North Carolina State ’90 Mike Duggan, Missouri State ’74 Tom Dunning, Texas-Austin ’65 John Eber, Bradley ’73 Bob Eckert, Arizona ’76 Mike Ellis, Purdue ’84 Josh Endler, Massachusetts ’96 Matt Engelhardt, Valparaiso ’91 Doug Eriksen, Kansas State ’57* Joe Etter, Miami (Ohio) ’73 Glenn Ezell, North Texas ’87* Lindsey Falk, Iowa State ’96 Jeffrey Farris, Oklahoma ’90 Jack Faussemagne, Georgia Tech ’64 Si Fentress, Oklahoma State ’72 Albert Fey, Michigan ’55* Robert Finizio, Miami (Florida) ’94 Frederick Fink, Rensselaer ’68 Matt Finke, Truman State ’04 Michael Fogarty, Fairleigh Dickinson ’77 Rusty Follis, Texas A&MCommerce ’81 Nathan Forrest, Wichita State ’02* Jack Frost, Kansas State 1920* Marc Ganz, Oklahoma ’83 Jeffrey Garwood, North Carolina State ’84 Jeff Gates, Wichita State ’89 Dave Gibson, Florida State ’87 Jack Gibson, Monmouth ’59*^ Bryce Giesler, Tennessee ’82^ Gene Gilmore, Michigan ’52* Stu Gould, CaliforniaBerkeley ’59 Gregg Gowanloch, Georgia Southern ’96 Tom Gray, Kansas ’77
Summer 2026
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Ronald Greenman, Oregon ’68 Andy Hall, East Tennessee State ’95 Richard Hallahan, Missouri S&T ’62* Terry Hallauer, Kansas State ’87 Al Harmann, Cincinnati ’62* George Harrington, Dartmouth ’61 Mike Harris, San Jose State ’62 Bob Hartsook, Emporia State ’70 Bruce Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ’60* Peter Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ’98 Tom Hayes, North Carolina State ’64* Ted Hazledine, Purdue ’65 Don Heard, Houston ’93* Mark Heitz, Washburn ’74 Jeff Henley, CaliforniaSanta Barbara ’66 Joe Hines, North Carolina State ’91 Mike Hipps, Florida State ’70 Steve Hofstetter, Columbia ’02 Drew Holland, George Washington ’02 Edward Holland, Oklahoma State ’59 Doc Holliday, West Virginia Tech ’68* John Hopson, Jacksonville State ’93 Ron Howard, Oregon State ’72 Nancy Hoyt Wade Huckabay, Oklahoma ’87 Gary Huff, Central Arkansas ’91 Ryan Jacobsen, San Diego ’00 Steven Jason, Connecticut ’83 Robert Jester, Iowa State ’62 Brent Johnson, Northwest Missouri ’84 Columbus Johnson, Sacramento State ’85* Mike Johnson, Eastern Washington ’01 James Jones, Cincinnati ’63* Fred Karlinsky, Miami (Florida) ’89 Craig Kaufman, WashingtonSt. Louis ’86 Mike Kearney, Missouri S&T ’61^ Karl Kettelhut, Purdue 1926* Michael Kimmel, Dartmouth ’94 Andy Klages, Washington State ’78 Frank Ko, Pepperdine ’97^ Bill Komperda, Monmouth ’81 Fredrick Koontz, Oregon State ’70 Odelin Kraja, Youngstown State ’57*
Michael Krause, Iowa ’91 Chuck Kubic, Lehigh ’72 Jon Kucera, Virginia ’69 David Lacey, Bowling Green State ’53*^ Tom Landon, Florida State ’84 Jim Latham, Kansas State ’68 Eric Lauterbach, CaliforniaSanta Barbara ’89 Aaron Lavine, CaliforniaSanta Barbara ’05 John Lawson, Virginia Tech ’75 Mike Lincoln, Southeast Missouri State ’84 Chip Long, Oklahoma ’82 Chris Loveless, Texas Tech ’92 Matthew Luetke, Truman State ’95 Tom Lynch, Pennsylvania State ’90 Billy Maddalon, North Carolina State ’90 Kevin Maguire, Michigan Tech ’83 Phil Maisano, Belmont Abbey ’69 Morty Mandel, Texas A&M ’92 Robert Martin, Texas-Austin ’50* Tom Mays, Lamar ’76 John McCann, Miami (Florida) ’91 Don McCleary, Texas-Austin ’71* Mark McConnell, Oklahoma ’86 Michael McConnell, Oklahoma ’16 Bob McCune, Bradley ’50* Ty McDaniel, Indiana ’85 Staley McDermet, Kansas State ’66 Ken McHone, WisconsinPlatteville ’06 Jim McKellar, Oklahoma State ’67 Shawn McKenna, Maine ’77* Herb McKim, North Carolina State ’73 Rey Medina, Cincinnati ’99 Roger Mermelstein, Miami (Florida) ’87 Bernie Milano, Temple ’61 Gary Millenbruch, Kansas State ’59 Jim Miller, Florida State ’61 Channing Mitzell, Purdue ’78 Bill Monroe, Western Michigan ’63 Brad Moore, North Carolina State ’92 Paul Morris, Cincinnati ’64 Sam Moschelli, Lawrence Tech ’00^ James Muehlbauer, Purdue ’63 Doug Nabhan, Purdue ’77 Dave Nash, Indiana Tech ’65 Thomas Neat, Ball State ’62
Of all the causes you could support, what made you decide to secure a place for Sigma Phi Epsilon in your long-term legacy? “My support of Sigma Phi Epsilon is based on my personal experience of the transformative power of the Fraternity and the support it provides to its members. The investment in time, talent and treasure by volunteers is a key component of the continued success of our brotherhood and its continued relevance in a fast-changing world.” — Denis Dieker, Wichita State ’77
* Deceased | ^ Legacy Society | Includes realized gifts through July 7, 2026
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Steve Nellis, Drake ’64 Oz Nelson, Ball State ’59* Bill Oakes, Georgia Tech ’91 Stuart Oberman, Iowa ’92 Will Oliver, Texas A&M ’91 Christopher Olson, Oklahoma State ’88 Gary Ordway, Drake ’66 Nate Ortiz, Florida International ’93 Brian Pace, North Carolina State ’91 Bob Palmer, Iowa State ’62 Joe Palmieri, Pennsylvania State ’92 Dick Panther, Louisville ’50* John Parker, Florida ’67* Philip Patrick, Rutgers ’88^ Marty Paul, Washington ’94 Peter Perry, Rensselaer ’57* Kurt Phares, Nebraska ’79^ Bill Phelps, Morehead State Renaissance Herb Philpott, Dartmouth ’85* Brian Plombon, George Mason ’84 David Poarch, Oklahoma ’83 Red Poling, Monmouth ’49* John Porreca, Philadelphia ’71 Stuart Porter, Michigan ’87 Jeff Prather, Ball State ’99 Warren Pray, Kansas State ’69* Robert Proctor Richard Puzzitiello, Miami (Ohio) ’84 Marianne Quinn* Tom and Jill Repasky Ken Rhines, George Washington ’89 Maurie Richards, Tulsa ’52*^ Larry Riggs, Sam Houston State ’66 Andrew Riker, Dartmouth ’97 Jim Rippey, Oregon ’53* P.J. Ritters, Iowa ’99 Kyle Riva, Florida State ’77 Ruben Roberts, Georgia ’82 Barry Robinson, Kansas State ’80 Bob Robinson, Oregon State 1920* Marcus Robinson, Dayton ’99^ Joe Rolston, Oklahoma State ’86* David Roman, Cornell ’73 Lee Roussel, Pennsylvania ’69 Frank Ruck, Michigan ’46* William Rundell, Arkansas ’37* Ginger Rutherford* Archie Ryan, Arkansas ’83 James Sapp, Georgia ’80 Keith Sapp, Wyoming ’03 Rick Scheer, Oklahoma ’89
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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Eric Schoenstein, Oregon State ’88 Steve Schottenstein, Indiana ’78 Michael Schrampf, Truman State ’92 Scott Schwartz, Iowa ’93 Matt Seberger, Iowa ’03 Shawn Sedlacek, Southern California ’93^ Neal Seidle, Oklahoma State ’62 Mike Seldowitz, Purdue ’85 Ashish Shah, Iowa ’92 Jon Shanklin, Valparaiso ’08 AJ Siccardi, Florida ’98 Bill Sikes, East Tennessee State ’57 John Sills, Michigan ’56 Chris Sinclair, Oklahoma ’89 Rod Smart, Sacramento State ’77* Bill Smith, Monmouth ’93 Ron Smith, San Diego State ’69 Nicki Soice Jason Somrock, Minnesota ’02 Drew Speed, Arkansas ’81 Jason St. John, MarylandCollege Park ’94 John Stanley, Arkansas ’64 Jeff Steed, Oregon State ’88 Terry Stewart, Oklahoma State ’71 Todd Stewart, Morehead State ’87 Duane Stoskopf, Kansas State ’54 Russ Straub, Vermont ’86 Scott Stucky, Wichita State ’70 Greg Swain, Central Missouri ’85 Robert Swaney, Michigan ’60 Kimberly Taggart Thomas Tatum, Oklahoma State ’61 Michael Taylor, Truman State ’85 JD Teitelman, American ’07 Steve Thies, Missouri S&T ’72 Dan Thomas, Arkansas ’84 Colin Thompson, Colorado State ’79 Cory Thompson, Colorado State ’82 LeRoy Thompson, Missouri S&T ’56* Albert Thornbrough, Kansas State ’35* John Thrasher, Florida State ’65* Bruce Tomlinson, Kansas State ’63* Darron Trobetsky, Indiana of Pennsylvania ’94 Bob Trovaten, San Diego State ’67^ Fred Turner, Drake ’55* Peter Varney, Davidson ’96^ Breck Vassios, Colorado State ’87
Renato Villacorte, Cal PolyPomona ’91 Dale Wagner, Wichita State ’71 Tony Wagner, Minnesota ’95 William Wallace, Purdue ’79 Alex Wasilewski, Maine ’78 Bryan Webb, Tennessee Tech ’81 Duane Webber, Kansas State ’81 Leo Wehkamp, Wichita State ’72 Ralph Weinstein, Dartmouth ’84 Stefan Wenger, Colorado State ’95 Merrill Werts, Kansas State ’47* Dann Whalen, San Diego State ’69 Chad Whipple, Drake ’03 Chuck White, Western Michigan ’62*^ Kelly Williams, Tennessee ’92 Rodney Williams, Southern California ’29* Larry Wilson, Oregon State ’65* Gardner Winters, Texas-Austin ’42* Mike Wolbert, Northwest Missouri ’94 David Wolverton, Texas-Arlington ’85 Scott Zajac, Truman State ’83 Jack Zollinger, Lehigh ’57
Richard Spurgeon Owens Society $10,000-$24,999
Ray Ackerman, Oklahoma ’77^ Todd Adams, Nebraska ’78* Wayne Adams, Texas-Austin ’47* Tom Aderhold, Texas-Austin ’43* Bryan Altheide, Evansville ’85 Jim Amen, Sacramento State ’96 Michael Ancy, North Texas ’79 Chris Anderson, Northern Iowa ’94 Joann Anderson Joel Anderson, Northern Iowa ’12 Douglas Antone, Oregon State ’75 Lonnie Arima, Washington ’77 Jasper Arnold, Texas-Austin ’32* Ted Ashford, Kansas State ’55* Paul Ashley, Ball State ’99 JP Aspinwall, WisconsinPlatteville ’05 Scott Averill, Kansas State ’77 Bill Bach, IIT ’91 Jeff Back, Cincinnati ’18 Joey Baird, Florida Atlantic ’07 Andrew Baker, Elon ’06^ Marcos Barahona, Florida International ’01 Bobb Barile, Connecticut ’84
Zach Barilleau, Louisiana State ’10 Ken Barker, Cal Poly-Pomona ’91 Barney Barnett, Florida Southern ’65 Fred Barton, Evansville ’66 Howard Baumann, San Diego State ’64 Andy Beal, Sacramento State ’82 Jim Beavers, Texas-Austin ’47* Tom Bell, Florida State ’76 Kent Belli, South Carolina ’81 Tom Bené, Kansas ’84 Jim Benemann, Colorado State ’78 Eric Bertch, Drake ’04 Lawrence Biacchi Don Bickle, Kansas State ’50 Tom Billman, George Washington ’65 Steve Bishop, Indiana ’76 Cooper Bittman, Loyola Marymount ’24 Gary Black, Utah State ’63 Neil Blais, Cal Poly-Pomona ’82 Ryan Blanck, Western Michigan ’02 Ken Blankenship, TennesseeMartin ’00 Gary Blauth, Stevens ’66^ Cameron Blaydes, Illinois ’12 Roger Blocks, Purdue ’62 Lewie Bock, Southeast Missouri State ’63 Jerald Bohn, Kansas State ’72 Michael Bolick, Oklahoma State ’69* Brian Bollenbach, Oklahoma State ’95 Denny Bond, Missouri ’65 Larry Bott, Indiana Tech ’67 Thomas Boubel, Oregon State ’74 Charley Bowers, Pennsylvania State ’56* Michael Brand, Jacksonville ’84 James Brass, Kansas State ’57* Joe Brejda, Georgia Tech ’12 Herb Brewer, Texas-Austin ’47* Ben Brodie, Oregon State ’64* Tim Broerman, North Texas ’88 Randy Brooks, Lawrence Tech ’81 Thane Brown, Oregon State ’61 Tommy Brown, Florida State ’82 Michael Brunner, WisconsinPlatteville ’05 Tom Bryan, Kansas ’57* Tim Bryant, Massachusetts ’89 Jim Bryja, Georgia ’81 Howard Buhse, Minnesota 1929* Matt Bunch, CaliforniaBerkeley ’05 Mike Burgett, Florida State ’90
Summer 2026
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Dave Burgstahler, Kansas ’90 Bryan Burke, Oklahoma ’94 Kenneth Bush, Michigan ’48* Frank Butterfield, Southern California ’83 James Byrns, Wisconsin ’48* Tom Cadwell, Missouri S&T ’67 Pam Cameron Brad Canale, Michigan ’81 Jim Cantalupo, South Carolina ’88 Luke Cardona, South Dakota State ’11 Douglas Carneal, Virginia Tech ’75 Kevin Carnevali, Washington ’95 Scott Carr, Bowling Green State ’97 Mark Cassata, Illinois State ’08 Craig Casselberry, Texas-Austin ’86 Harvey Castellano, St. John’s ’95 Mike Catalano, Washington ’10 Jon Catanzarita, PennWest ’11 Buck Caulfield, Mississippi ’76 Craig Cavanaugh, Florida State ’85 Skip Caviezel, Washington ’60 Eric Chan, Carnegie Mellon ’98 David Chang, Pepperdine ’04 Mike Chapman, Dartmouth ’76 George Chappell, Missouri S&T ’59* Mark Christensen, North Dakota ’95 Ranny Church, Virginia ’57* Ben Clark, New Mexico ’31* John Clark, Kansas State ’50* Pat Clark, Tennessee-Martin ’11 Dick Clarke, East Tennessee State ’71* Joe Clayton, Tennessee ’61* Frank Cleveland, South Carolina ’74 Woody Clinard, North Carolina ’51 Philip Cline, Marshall ’55* Mitch Cole, Florida State ’73 Rick Collins, Wisconsin ’79 Steve Cook, Oregon State ’76 Mark Cotter, Indiana ’83 Duane Cousins, Kansas State ’55* Andy Cox, Missouri S&T ’79 Jane Cox*^ Marialice Cox* John Crawford, Arkansas ’81 George Cress, Michigan ’58* Aaron Cromer, Oklahoma State ’16 Eric Crowell, Iowa State ’80 John Cummings, Kansas State ’53* Tom Cutsforth, Oregon State ’08 Larry Damron, Cincinnati ’68
Steve Daniels, MemphisLambuth ’78 Larry Deets, Stetson ’62* Robert Deleon, Florida State ’77 Eric Delzer, Michigan ’64 Pete Demetriades, Georgia Tech ’61 Dave Denner, Missouri S&T ’76 Craig Dewey, Washington State ’72 Stephen Diehl, Oklahoma State ’84 Eric Dillon, Washington State ’80 Jason DiMarino, Dartmouth ’97 Peter Dirlam, Cornell ’56* Wayne Dodgen, MIT ’79 Matt Domenici, TexasArlington ’94 Jack Donohew, Purdue ’95 Steve Dorth, Dayton ’92 John Dougherty, Drexel ’05 Jerry Dow, Oklahoma State ’86 Ryan Dressler, Ohio State ’08 Chris Drew, Austin Peay State ’10 Scott Dudis, Ohio State ’09 Matt Duncan, CaliforniaSanta Barbara ’87 Larry Eastepp, Lamar ’80 Chuck Eberly, Bowling Green State ’63^ Frederick Ebersbach, Ohio Northern ’40* Scott Edinger, Florida State ’92 Art Ehrnschwender, Cincinnati ’58* Ron Eilers, Missouri S&T ’70 John Elliott, Alabama ’97 Ed Ellsasser, Indiana ’90 Bill Emerson, San Diego State ’48* Joe Emery, Lawrence Tech ’05 Scott Engle Roland Eppley, Johns Hopkins ’53* Conrad Eriksen, Kansas 1929* Rafael Espinosa, Florida International ’90 Dare Estok Chris Evans, Oklahoma State ’97 Jim Evans, Purdue ’42* Rick Farleigh, Oregon ’71 Pat Farrell, SUNY-Fredonia ’86 Allan Ferguson, Delaware ’65* Marc Ferguson, Bradley ’84 Chris Fidyk, Columbia ’02 Clarence Fisher, North Carolina State ’92 Denny Fitzgerald, Missouri State ’75 Kevin Fleming, Loyola Marymount ’00 Tom Flomer, Oregon State ’82
Emily Foor David Ford, Florida State ’69 Chris Foster, Indiana ’84 James Foster, Morehead State Renaissance Adam Fowler, Arkansas Tech ’06 Kent Fowler, Evansville ’85 Andrew Fox, Virginia Tech ’72 Vance Fraley, Illinois ’56 Kenneth Francis, Kansas State ’70 Robert Frank, Baldwin Wallace ’68 David Frogel, Massachusetts ’93 Bruce Fusillo, Kent State ’70* Jim Gagnard, IIT ’69 Randy Garber, Central Missouri ’75 Jay Garrett, Syracuse ’88 Frank Gaviria, Florida International ’93 Sean Gazitua, Florida International ’03 Jeffrey Gearhart, Arkansas ’86 Pete Gencarelli, Central Missouri ’75 Bayard Gennert, Case Western ’02 Cory Gerdes, Northwestern ’92 Mitch Gieselman, Evansville ’78 Vern Gildhouse, Connecticut Renaissance Guy Givan, Missouri S&T ’69* John Gladysiewicz, Missouri S&T ’64 Ray Goebel, Illinois 1929* John Goesling, Oregon State ’67 Jay Goetsch, WisconsinPlatteville ’11 Brad Golson, Louisiana State ’05 Jose Gomez, Cal PolyPomona ’93 Tony Gomez, Florida International ’99 Bruce Gould, NYU ’81 Hugh Gouldthorpe, Michigan ’55* Donald Graham, Michigan ’55 Dick Gray, North Carolina State ’70 Dave Graziano, St. John’s ’03 David Griffin, Oklahoma State ’85 Myron Grubaugh, Missouri S&T ’78 Diane Guildner Frank Guildner, Rensselaer ’67 Jack Gunion, Drake ’65 Jerry Guyant, WisconsinStevens Point ’65^ Walter Hailey, Texas-Austin ’83* Brandan Haines, Indiana Tech ’99 Bruce Hall, Lawrence Tech ’73
Keith Hall, Indiana State ’58* Ray Hall, Valparaiso ’58 Trey Halterman, TennesseeMartin ’96^ Mark Hamilton, George Mason ’86 Cary Hancock, West Virginia Tech ’83 Rob Hanrahan, Indiana ’77* Pete Hansen, Missouri S&T ’53* Ken Hansing, Georgia ’71* Troy Hanson, Valparaiso ’02 Bryan Harmsen, Colorado State ’01 Verne Harnish, Wichita State ’82 Tom Hatfield, Texas Wesleyan ’75* Jamar Hawkins, Lynchburg ’04 Scott Hawley, Indiana ’01 Edward Hay, Texas-Austin ’50* Barry Hayden, Missouri S&T ’65 Ryan Hayes, Cincinnati ’03 Stephen Hayes, Wichita State ’79 Tom Heathorn, MIT ’57 Bob Heintzelman, Texas-Austin ’88 Tom Hendrick, Southeast Missouri State ’68 Jerick Henley, Oklahoma State ’92 Dave Hernandez, Florida International ’08 Matt Hillerud, North Dakota ’04 Les Hinmon, Northwest Missouri ’84 Randy Hinshaw, Central Missouri ’75 Bill Hobbs, Michigan ’59* Tim Hodes, Michigan ’07 Josh Hodnichak, Case Western ’10 Ed Hoeferlin, Missouri S&T ’74 John Hoehl, Duke ’72^ Nick Homma, Dartmouth ’77 Eddie Hondal, Florida International ’98 Rick Hoover, Trine ’71 Jeff Horan, North Carolina State ’11 Max Horn, Missouri State ’68 Rick Huether, Thiel ’74 James Huffines, Texas-Austin ’73 Thomas Huston, Iowa State ’51* Elton Hyder, Texas-Austin ’43* Sam Iaquinto, Lawrence Tech ’87 Seth Irby, Louisiana State ’11 Stephen Isaf, Georgia ’79 Jerry Ivy, Iowa State ’53* Jim Jackson, Rensselaer ’67 Ryan Jacoy, Washington ’98 Dick Jagoda, Colorado State ’60* Chris Jarvis, Rhode Island ’92
* Deceased | ^ Legacy Society | Includes realized gifts through July 7, 2026
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If you were speaking to someone considering their first major gift to SigEp, what would you tell them about the return on investment? “For me, it simply comes down to the principle of paying it forward. SigEp gave me opportunities, lifelong friendships and guiding values that shaped my life. Supporting the same for others completes the circle.” — Don Burgio, Rensselaer ’89
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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Mike Jensen, Colorado State ’96 Bruce Johnson, Florida State ’77 Faye Johnson* Ed Jones, Buffalo State ’96 Paul Jones, Colorado Renaissance Patrick Jubard, Florida State ’91 Ed Kaplan, Connecticut ’88* Matt Kapszukiewicz, Massachusetts ’95 John Kapusky, Michigan ’69 Brian Kassar, Montana State Renaissance Kevin Kassner, Mississippi State ’82 Jim Kauten, Missouri S&T ’74 Jerry Kehle, Southern California ’58 Ray Keith, Henderson State ’89 Bob Kerr, Wichita State ’75 Mark Kiester, Texas-Austin ’71 Curt Kimball, Duke ’72 David Kindle Don Kindle, Cincinnati ’55* Tom Kindle, Northwestern ’92 George Kinemond, South Carolina ’70 Andy King, Wichita State ’01 Bud Kinnear, Oklahoma ’87 Billy Kirkpatrick, Mississippi State ’92 Alfred Knoll, San Diego State ’63 Kreth Koehler, Central Arkansas ’92* Kevin Koerner, Wisconsin ’84 Dave Kohl, Miami (Florida) ’87* George Koperna, West Virginia ’92 Ibrahim Koroma, Rutgers ’12 John Kotter, MIT ’68 Thayne Kraus, Kansas State ’56* Jim Kreissman, Dartmouth ’84 Max Krey, Kansas State ’49* Harry Kurtz, Ohio State ’37* Kevin Kwoka, San Diego State ’11 Ronald Lackey, Kansas State ’93 Curtis LaGree, Wichita State ’59 Jon La Rue, Cincinnati ’79 Joseph Larue, Michigan ’53* Wayne LaRue, Arkansas ’82 Pepper Laughon, Randolph-Macon ’04* Joe Lavoie, Massachusetts ’08 Pat Lawler, Memphis ’77 Greg Lembrich, Columbia ’00 Whitaker Leonhardt, Georgetown ’07 Gary Lessis, Cincinnati ’83 Michael Levin Richard Liddy, Iowa State ’57* Duane Lindberg, Washington ’78 Daniel Liu, Southern Methodist ’08
Robert Loesch, Cincinnati ’63* Bill Logel, Missouri S&T ’66* Eric Lord, Washington ’97 Frank Lordi, Pennsylvania State ’92 Bill Loucka, Cleveland State ’65 Bill Love, Oklahoma State ’49*^ Donald Luallen, Wichita State ’61* Len Lucia, Florida International ’89 Chris Lynch, Northeastern ’07 Ken Lyons Doug MacAdams, Cal State-Chico ’76 Douglas MacDonald, Rutgers ’56* Thom Maciula, Oklahoma State ’82 Cal Majure Walter Malkuch, Montana ’61* Mark Mandula, Toledo ’79 Kelly Mankin, Western Michigan ’82^ Michael Mann, Southern California ’78 Bob Mannfeld, Purdue ’47* Jarret Marcoux, Massachusetts ’04 Paul Marcus, Lawrence Tech ’87 Bryan Marsh, North Texas ’81 Frank Martino, Texas-Austin ’49* Nick Masri, Indiana ’86 Caleb Massey, Virginia Commonwealth ’14 Rich Matthes, Drake ’64 Victor Mattison, Missouri ’86 Tony Mauro, Colorado State ’99 Ron May, Oregon State ’65 Reggie Maynigo, IIT ’05 Bill Mayor, Missouri ’69 Jason McCann, Houston ’92 Bill McCausland, Texas-Austin ’83 Chris McCaw, Appalachian State ’03 John McClure, Sacramento State Renaissance* Tim McCormick, Sacramento State ’84 Kevin McCraw, North Carolina State ’92 Al McCullough, Missouri S&T ’62 Brian McCune, Oregon State ’72 Bill McDowell, Southern California ’52*^ Jason McGill, Vanderbilt ’08 Jack McGuire, Iowa State ’63 George McIlveen, Cincinnati ’56* Judy McLaughlin* Bob McLendon, Lamar ’64 James McMillan, Ohio State ’54* Lindsley Medlin, Rutgers ’86 Chris Mercer, UNCWilmington ’91^ Greg Messersmith, Washburn ’82
Summer 2026
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Christopher Meyer, North Carolina State ’93 Brian Michalka, Rensselaer ’16 Riley Mieth, Missouri S&T ’08 Gene Milbrath, Oregon State ’63* Chris Minnis, Truman State ’00 Michael Moeller, Indiana ’92 Hank Moonjean, Southern California ’52* Ritche Moore, Virginia Tech ’85 Billy Morgan, Memphis ’71^ Dexter Morgan, North Carolina State ’92 Rob Morris, New Mexico State ’94 John Mosch, Pennsylvania ’39* Charles Moyer, Kansas State ’58* Dick Mullen, Cincinnati ’65 Stephen Munger, Dartmouth ’79 Kirk Munson, Kansas State ’81 Eric Muschlitz, Connecticut ’92 Gopi Nadella, Baldwin Wallace ’01 David Naeger, Missouri S&T ’80 Jeremy Nafus, Lawrence Tech ’16 Debby Nahrstadt Chris Nations, Central Arkansas ’94 John Neary, Purdue ’82 Dub Nelson, Texas-Arlington ’85 Matt Ngo, Texas Christian ’12 Robert Nichols, Michigan ’53* Larry Nisenson, Rutgers ’88 Bill Noonan, Southern Methodist Renaissance Galen Norby, Kansas State ’71 Barry Norem, WisconsinStevens Point ’68 Lorne Norton, Michigan ’52* Doug Nosik, Westminster ’69 Thomas Novotny Brent Noyes, Southern California ’74* Brian Nugent, Florida State ’98 Ramsay O’Neal, Mississippi State ’41* Paul Oberle, Missouri S&T ’83 Matt Ontell, UCLA ’05 JD Optekar, Dartmouth ’91 Matt Orlando, Lawrence Tech ’88 Jack Otten, Arkansas ’91 Rusty Overton, Georgia Tech ’69 Duffy Oyster, North Texas ’69 William Page, George Washington ’42* Josh Paine, Cal StateSan Bernardino ’12 Josh Palmer, Washington State ’08 Matthew Papa, South Florida ’07 Joe Park, Arkansas ’84 Matt Parrish, Georgia ’07 Dave Parrott, North Carolina State ’55 Scott Partridge, Cincinnati ’69
Samir Patel, Cincinnati ’91 Bill Patten, Texas Christian ’73 Christian Patterson, Rensselaer ’95 Gayda Patterson Dave Paul, Stetson ’91 Dan Paulus, NYU ’99 Ben Pautsch, Florida State ’91 Tom Payne, Iowa ’98 Cary Peaden, Wichita State ’76 Bob Pedersen, NebraskaOmaha ’71* Dennis Pennell, San Diego State ’60 Karl Perrey, Missouri ’85 Ben Pfister, Wichita State ’99 Dan Phillips, Oregon State ’86 Scott Phillips, Ohio State ’05 Herbert Philpott, Boston University ’55* Hernan Picalomino, Massachusetts ’01 David Pierce, Dartmouth ’77 Rob Pierce, Illinois ’81 Don Piper, North Dakota Renaissance* Carole Pittelman Brad Polzar, WisconsinPlatteville ’07 Jonathan Poole, Georgia ’14 Sam Poole, Thiel ’69* Bill Porter, South Carolina ’92 Joe Poston, Wichita State ’73 Jeff Pratt, North Carolina State ’87* Mark Pray, Kansas State ’71 Jack Pruitt, Georgia Tech ’56 Darrell Pulliam, Oklahoma State ’84 Chris Purdum, Wichita State ’07 Richard Puzzitiello, Miami (Ohio) ’61 Troy Queen, Florida ’96 Jorey Ramer, MIT ’95 Richard Rankin, Texas-Austin ’77 Terry Ray, Kansas State ’67 Dan Reagan, Colorado State ’82 Sam Reckford, Dartmouth ’83 Philip Rector, Georgia Tech ’55* Timothy Reddout, Oklahoma State ’87 Brooks Reed, Westminster ’41* Robert Regnier, Kansas State ’70 Geoff Rehnert, Duke ’79 Denny Reigle, Cincinnati ’67 Bill Reisert, Pennsylvania State ’38* Dave Reynolds, Kansas State ’65* Coleman Rich, North Carolina State ’76 Bill Rickman, Wichita State ’72 Elizabeth Ridl* Don Ringler, Arkansas ’73 Jay Rivera, Babson ’99
John Roberts, Arkansas ’87 Trent Roberts, Indiana State ’98 Bud Robeson, Cincinnati ’68 Jim Robeson, Cincinnati ’59* Teddi Robeson Kevin Robinson, North Carolina State ’85 Raymond Rogers, Syracuse ’56* William Rogers, MarylandCollege Park ’54* Maury Rohleder, Evansville ’58^ Joe Rolston, Oklahoma State ’55* Tom Roode, Kansas State ’68 Ari Rosenbaum, Pennsylvania State ’91 Rick Rothhaas, Indiana ’84 Sam Ruble, Morehead State ’80 Paul Runge, Thiel ’70 Phil Russell, Ball State ’73 Scott Russell, Thiel ’71 Tom Russell, Columbia ’99^ John Ruth, Indiana ’91 James Rutledge, Florida State ’88 Chris Sacra, Jacksonville ’98^ Jeff Saltiel, Stevens ’88 Mike Sanders, South Carolina ’70* Ben Sardinas, Florida International ’01 Chris Sarles, Oregon State ’86 Frank Schageman, Texas A&M ’90 Doug Scheibe, Kansas State ’87 Devon Scheible, Toledo ’05 Bill Schell, Montana State ’97 Mike Schierberl, Washington ’00 Mark Schordock, Missouri ’84 John Schuyler, Western Michigan ’00 Brian Schwidder, Oklahoma State ’96 John Sciuchetti, Washington State ’87 David Scott, Lehigh ’37* Homer Scott, Nebraska 1927* Adam Seiber, Murray State ’02 Gerry Seizert, Toledo ’74 Mike Selby, Eastern Michigan ’02^ Bill Shedd, SIU-Edwardsville ’75 Gary Shepard, Boston University ’61^ Phil Shepardson, Cincinnati ’68 Dick Shiney, Kansas State ’52* JD Shoemaker, WPI ’09 Billy Simmons, Louisville ’14 Tom Simonson, Iowa State ’95 Richard Sims, San Diego State ’64 Fritz Sippel, Pennsylvania State ’49* Michael Skyhar, Oregon State ’74 Cory Smith, Missouri S&T ’70 Jerry Smith, Texas-Austin ’79
Keith Smith, Ohio State ’60* Mike Smith, Missouri S&T ’65* Thomas Smith, Nebraska ’68 Vern Smith, Missouri ’73 William Smith, Purdue ’40* Fred Smoot, Colorado ’08* Tom Snyder, Wichita State ’62 Jeff Somrock, Minnesota ’05 Mark Soucie, Kansas State ’86 Jim Spellman, Texas Tech ’90 Lauren Sperry, Missouri S&T ’74* John Stack, NYU ’60* Randy Staff, Texas-Austin ’69 Ehren Stanhope, Tulane ’05 Todd Stanley, Rutgers ’85 Gray Steifel, North Carolina State ’64 Steve Steiner, Nebraska ’81 Russ Stephens, Georgia ’00 Paul Stephenson, Kansas State ’66 Josh Stewart, Lamar ’03 James Stickles, Syracuse ’86 Steve Stockmeyer, Michigan ’63* David Stollman, MarylandCollege Park ’94 Roman Stoltenberg, Iowa ’38* Nick Stone, Wichita State ’02 Dan Stuart, Texas-Austin ’50* Dan Sullivan, WPI ’12 Joe Sullivan, San Diego State ’66 Douglas Summers, Oklahoma ’78 Louie Supica, Kansas State ’61* Max Supica, Kansas State ’64 Stephen Sussdorff, Utah ’79 Nancy Sutton Michael Svec, Iowa ’90 Ric Sweeney, Cincinnati Renaissance Roy Sye, Monmouth ’13 John Szczygiel, Syracuse ’84 Steve Taylor, Tennessee Wesleyan ’76 Howard Teagarden, Kansas State ’43* Kirk Tebo, Ball State ’97 Kevin Teets, TennesseeMartin ’06 Craig Templeton, Kansas ’81 Ronald Terry, North Carolina State ’76 John Thatcher, Davidson ’48* Gary Thien, Iowa State ’74 J.R. Thomas, Arkansas ’86 DJ Thompson, Evansville ’87 Rick Thompson, Pennsylvania ’95 Scott Thompson, Southern Mississippi ’99^ Dennis Tilton, San Diego State ’66 Timothy Timmel, Cincinnati ’70 Edgar Tomlinson, Bucknell ’39* Mike Transue, Oklahoma ’66
* Deceased | ^ Legacy Society | Includes realized gifts through July 7, 2026
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Gus Trupiano, East Tennessee State ’82 Ray Tucker, Denver ’50* John Tuttle, Richmond ’77 Stephen Valente, Middle Tennessee State ’96 Andrew Vandekerckhove, Michigan ’05 Kennard Vandergrift, Richmond ’56*^ Peter Van Der Hagen, Michigan Tech ’09 Rocky Van de Vuurst, East Tennessee State ’83 Peter Van Erkel, Iowa State ’80 Gert Van Moorsel, Colorado ’82 Jay Varner, Kansas State ’56* Jacques Vauclain, Davidson ’90 Rick Veazey, Ferris State ’64*^ John Vercellino, Illinois ’75 Dick Vermillion, Texas-Austin ’67 Bob Vizas, Michigan ’68 Willard Voit, Southern California ’31* Robert Vosburgh, Iowa State ’76 Bill Wade, San Diego State ’50*^ Rich Wager, Oklahoma ’73 John Waggoner, Ohio State ’70 Chris Walters, Pepperdine ’03 Dale Walters, San Diego State ’69 Bruce Walton, Wichita State ’62 Gerry Wappelhorst, Missouri S&T ’73 Clinton Ward, Oklahoma State ’83 Bob Warner, Colorado State ’58 Brian Warren, Virginia ’04 Jim Warsaw, Oregon ’69* Marilyn Washburn Grant Watkinson, Oregon State ’64 Allen Webber, Kansas State ’59* Cliff Webster, Washington State ’74 Eric Weise, Cincinnati ’54 Patrick Welborne, Texas-Arlington ’91 Greg Welch, Indiana ’85 Mark Weld, Dartmouth ’76 Mark Wenrick, Oregon ’96 Betty Whalen Jonathan Wharton, Stevens Renaissance Kyle Whelton, Marquette ’15 Gerry Whitt, Duke ’72 Carrie Whittier^ Tom Wiggins, Cal PolyPomona ’84^ Rich Wiklund, Richmond ’89 Carlos Williams, North Carolina State ’65 Craig Williams, Indiana State ’93
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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Denis Williams, Vincennes University ’85 John Williams, North Carolina State ’93 Milt Williams, North Carolina State ’61 Tim Williams, North Texas ’91 Del Williamson, Kansas ’60* Phil Willingham, Oklahoma State ’92 Rae Willis, Purdue ’61* Alan Wilson, Tennessee ’79 Jeff Wilson, Florida ’76 John Wilson, New Mexico ’86 Kerrick Wilson, North Carolina State ’92 Dunc Wimpress, Oregon ’46* James Winslow, Oklahoma State ’57 Brady Wolfe, Drake ’09 Roger Wolfe, Kansas State ’60* Kenneth Wolff, Purdue ’68 Richard Wood, Indiana ’86 Smith Wycoff, Oklahoma State ’61 Jay Yancey, Kansas State ’54* Grant Yoshihara, Oregon State ’77 Clint Young, Arkansas State ’84 David Young, Iowa State ’59* Norm Young, Indiana State ’64
Summer 2026
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Twelve
In honor of the 12 who started it all … a dozen Fraternity facts, stats and items of interest
4
vice president of recruitment, who I helped recruit years ago, was a profound full-circle moment. Before joining, attending this banquet and witnessing the professionalism of the brothers and alumni solidified my desire to join. Seeing that example of leadership shaped my own aspirations. I am honored to step into this new alumni role, continuing the cycle of mentorship and showcasing the Fraternity’s lifelong impact to the next generation of leaders.”
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Fraternity. They are the role models, advisors and friends who undergraduate brothers rely on to guide them. Here, we share photos of memorable volunteer moments and volunteer reflections on their experiences and what motivates them.
1
“If I had to choose an energizing song to start every volunteer call, it would be the Marine Corps Hymn. It’s
iconic and instantly recognizable. It also carries a deeply personal memory of [Past Grand President] Brother Shawn McKenna and the 2011 Conclave. Shawn pulled me up to stand beside him and sing the Hymn as we introduced another SigEp Marine, Brother Col. Robert Lanham, before his presentation on Marine Corps leadership principles. Following tradition, several SigEp Marines stood at attention and joined us in singing. It was a powerful reminder of our brotherhood.” — Renato Villacorte, Cal Poly-Pomona ’91 (district governor; vice president, NUTS! McAuliffe Society)
2
Members of SigEp’s 2022–23 traveling staff: Noah Brinkmeyer, Trevor Sullivan, Zach Harris, Tyler Cox, J.J. Bishop, Patrick Trombetta, Henry White and Connor Algren. Each of them is now volunteering.
3
“The highlight of my transition to a volunteer was returning to speak at the Balanced Man Scholarship banquet. Being invited by the current
— Reese Manfredi, Rider ’25 (balanced man steward, New Jersey Zeta)
hris Lu, Cal Poly-Pomona ’01, C balanced man steward at Ohio Rho, pays a visit to SigEp’s Headquarters.
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Benny Nahrstadt, Indiana ’16, and his dad, Past Grand President Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89, share a moment during a Carlson Leadership Academy. 6
“Every interaction as a volunteer has the potential to be extremely impactful, but one that stands out was the day we closed on our first chapter home. We rented for 20 years and always talked about owning. It was an 18-month process just to get to closing. Fast forward four years, and we have
now secured the campaign commitments to build a modern chapter facility. To see the vision come
together knowing the future impact is extremely rewarding.” — Chris Yerges, Wisconsin-Platteville ’09 (alumni and volunteer corporation president, Wisconsin Theta)
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“I volunteer with chapters across the U.S. to empower undergraduates, helping them become more confident in their skills and work through ideas to maximize the best opportunities for leadership and personal growth. Undergraduates need
District Governor Phil Smith, UNCWilmington ’94, shows off some of the many ribbons he’s acquired at Carlsons and Conclaves over the years.
an environment to find mentors and have open and honest conversations about their careers, goals and aspirations while also developing their own communication and leadership styles. I enjoy working with the other
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Volunteers Caleb Massey, Virginia Commonwealth ’14, and Logan Massey with their son, Oliver, at SigEp’s 2025 Conclave in Tampa, Florida
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volunteers and undergraduates to provide perspective, help them uncover their strengths, and advise them about how to create culture shifts and growth mindsets within their chapters so each member can have the same opportunities and experiences that we had as undergraduates.” — Alec Carlos, DePaul ’09 (balanced man steward, Texas Rho; mentor for recruitment, Illinois Xi)
Volunteers from North Carolina Nu SEC at North CarolinaCharlotte facilitated a transition retreat for chapter officers.
“Adapting to an ever-changing environment is simpler with chapters other than my own; I can focus on
developing their dreams without the color of my past experience.
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It’s a challenge with my home chapter, where comparisons are inevitable. In either case, I try being the long-term thinker who sees two years out, while undergrads are focused on months and weeks. There’s no better feeling than connecting with an undergraduate, seeing him grow, succeed in college and become a successful adult. It keeps the fire burning in my SigEp heart!” — Paul Litcher, Indiana Tech ’88 (mentor, various chapters; treasurer, NUTS! McAuliffe Society)
“I have a picture of the inside of the Washington Beta chapter installation banquet book from 1922. It’s an interesting item for a couple of reasons. First, it has the wrong year printed on the program. It should read Jan. 14, 1922, not 1921. Second, it’s signed by many of the attendees, including Past Grand Presidents William Phillips and Frank Hammack (well before they served in that role), as well as California Alpha alum Oliver M. Hazen, who has a prominent high school named after him in the Seattle area.” — Steve Ruttner, Washington ’79 (chapter counselor, Washington Beta)
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A New Blueprint For Fraternity Facilities By Tyya N. Turner
F
ollowing a dream often involves venturing down a path filled with highs and lows. But even when challenges arise, the potential for success means it’s always a worthwhile endeavor. Such was the case with SigEp’s Florida Nu chapter at Florida International University (FIU). The university has some housing, but the majority of its 54,000+ students commute to campus. Many live at home and work to help cover the cost of their education, often making living on-campus unrealistic. In addition, at 342 acres, the university has a relatively small footprint, making it difficult to find the space to build new structures. (Comparatively, UC Davis and Texas A&M are both located on over 5,000 acres.) Past Grand President Tom Jelke, Florida International ’90, who serves as president of the alumni and volunteer corporation (AVC), said other Greek organizations tried to add housing on campus by building out existing spaces, but there wasn’t enough participation from their undergraduates to make it sustainable. Despite the obstacles, Florida Nu undergrads and volunteers dreamed of having a permanent facility where meetings and events could be held and brothers could spend time together, even if they didn’t live there. “We’ve been trying to have a home on campus for over 25 years,” Jelke stated. He explained there was a need because course schedules often leave brothers with lengthy periods of free time between classes. Having a dedicated space where they could meet to hang out or study together during that time would greatly benefit brothers socially and academically. At one point, volunteers considered creating a SigEp “dorm” in an existing space on campus and set a fundraising goal of $1 million. That goal expanded
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to $2.2 million as they began to view new construction as a better choice. After evaluating their options, the AVC placed a deposit on a piece of land that happened to become available on campus. As volunteers explored multiple options and waited for the right timing, fate intervened. University officials reached out to volunteers with a proposal: Would the AVC be willing to trade their vacant land for a different plot on campus that already had a building on it? Renovation hadn’t been part of the plan, but as volunteers pondered this idea, a concept for a unique type of facility developed. They talked about
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creating a SigEp property with study spaces, event and meeting rooms, and a recreational/lounge area where brothers could socialize with each other. This facility wouldn’t be the typical fraternity “house” because there’d be no bedrooms for members to live on campus. Essentially, volunteers were looking to create a learning community facility that wasn’t residential. As this idea evolved, so did the potential to build a partnership with the university. Why not share some of the space with the university when the chapter wasn’t using it? To Florida Nu volunteers, it made sense, given that the university had limited room to expand. But it took several conversations with FIU officials before they began to envision how the university could use the facility. As Ben Sardinas, ’01, who served as project manager, observed, “Everyone has the concept in their heads that a fraternity has a fraternity ‘house.’ So part of developing this partnership was helping university leadership understand what we were trying to accomplish now. When the conversation started over 20 years ago, this was [going to be] a residential facility.” Sardinas noted that another challenge was “to take what had initially been designed as a dormitory with a meeting room, then repurpose it to include an actual classroom.” It meant renovating an abandoned fraternity house to fit the learning community concept instead of constructing a building from the ground up. Bedrooms were converted into new spaces, including a faculty office and a conference room. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 6, 2025, the completed Jelke Learning Community was unveiled to the public. Many alumni were involved in making the dream a reality, contributing financially as well as in the concept, design and construction phases. In addition to Sardinas serving as project manager, Florida Nu alumni Juan Linares ’91, served as the architect and Fran Oses, ’93, fashioned the building’s ironworks. The project was also a family
Renovation hadn’t been part of the plan, but as volunteers pondered this idea, a concept for a unique type of facility developed. Tom and Rebecca Jelke at the dedication of the Jelke Learning Community
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affair for Jelke. In addition to serving as a major donor to the project and playing a large role in steering it to completion, his wife, Rebecca, designed the interior. MORE THAN MEETING SPACE The impressive 8,800 sq. ft. facility includes a first floor with three study rooms, a formal conference/meeting room, a pantry and a 2,000-sq.-ft, student lounge where brothers can play pool, video games and cards; watch movies; and gather between classes. These areas will also serve as ideal
“I’ve had friends ask if this is scalable... I do believe it can be done if you have the right alumni, a good partnership with your university and a vision.” 28
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spaces for brothers to demonstrate Florida Nu’s commitment to and support for academics to potential new members and host recruitment events. The facility includes an office for Florida Nu’s faculty fellow, enabling brothers to receive on-site assistance when they need help with academics. The facility also includes a living space for the resident scholar — a graduate student employed by FIU’s Center for Fraternity and Sorority Engagement — who will be the only person living at the facility. On the second floor, the multipurpose room serves as a classroom from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and as event space after 5 p.m. So far, several academic departments have requested to use the conference room to hold meetings, and the university’s president has expressed interest in using the facility to host a board of directors meeting. One class was held in the multipurpose room during the spring semester as a pilot. Starting this summer, Jelke said there will be a full slate of classes scheduled to use it.
Beyond what the facility brings to FIU, the Jelke Learning Community has the potential to become a model that chapters on other campuses can emulate. Both Jelke and Sardinas believe that under the right conditions, this type of facility could be a good fit for other chapters. “I’ve had friends ask if this is scalable,” Jelke said. “I do believe it can be done if you have the right alumni, a good partnership with your university and a vision.” Now that the facility has opened, Jelke said volunteers are focused on establishing an endowment to maintain it. The AVC has reserves set aside for the building’s upkeep for the next few years, but he said they hope to raise up to $1.25 million to manage the facility in perpetuity. “Oftentimes, people build, but don’t plan for the maintenance,” Jelke observed. Although it took nearly 25 years from concept to completion, Florida Nu’s investment in the Jelke Learning Community has been well worth it for the dividends it will provide: a center for academic support and engagement; opportunities for brothers to connect with each other and contribute to university; development of a vibrant, welcoming space for recruitment; and a new model for what chapter facilities can be.
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g n i r o n o H e: c n e l l e c x E
et s s t n e i ecip success r n o i t a t Ci areer c r o f r r ner high ba a N . Tu B y Ty y
For nearly 125 years, Sigma Phi Epsilon has produced brothers whose ambition, bold leadership and talent have carried them to the highest levels of their professions. Their achievements remind us that the promise of our brotherhood extends far beyond college. At the Fraternity’s 2025 Conclave, a new group of accomplished brothers received the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation in recognition of decades of leadership as executives and entrepreneurs in their respective fields. Each of these men reflect the very best of our brotherhood: They have not only achieved phenomenal professional success, but have also built an enduring legacy and demonstrated a lifelong commitment to our values.
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Larry Connor, Ohio ’72 LARRY CONNOR’S
remarkable life has spanned boardrooms, racetracks, oceans and, incredibly, outer space. Connor joined SigEp’s Ohio Xi chapter at Ohio University. Planning events and learning about chapter operations and finances while serving as chapter president provided his first exposure to the inner workings of a successful organization. He channeled those lessons into building a successful organization of his own. Launched with just one property, The Connor Group is a real estate investment firm now valued at $5 billion with properties in 17 markets. Through the company’s nonprofit arm, Kids & Community Partners, Connor started Colin’s Lodge to support young adults with cognitive differences and established The Greater Dayton School, Ohio’s first private, non-religious school for underserved students. Combining academics, healthcare and life skills education under one roof, the
school is focused on ensuring more kids have opportunities to succeed. Connor plans to take this concept nationwide. An adventurer at heart, Connor became the first private astronaut to pilot a NASA/SpaceX mission to the International Space Station in 2022. He spent 17 days in orbit conducting research for the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic. A year before that, he descended over 36,000 feet to the bottom of the Mariana Trench — making him one of just a handful of people to explore space and the deepest part of the ocean. He also just happens to be a competitive auto racer and participated in a world record-breaking skydive that raised over $1 million for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. But Connor’s greatest achievements can’t be measured in miles per hour, feet below sea level or even dollars in a portfolio. They’re measured in the lives he’s changed and the example he’s set for us all.
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Mike Lincoln, Southeast Missouri State ’84 MIKE LINCOLN’S SigEp
story begins with the Missouri Zeta chapter at Southeast Missouri State. SigEp wasn’t just a student organization; for Lincoln, it was family. His father helped found the chapter in 1953. Lincoln proudly carried on that legacy, serving as president of a dynamic 150man chapter. After graduation, Lincoln took to the road as a regional director for SigEp. He credits that experience with honing his emotional intelligence and ability to connect with others. These foundational lessons traveled with him to the University of Virginia School of Law, where he joined the board of the Virginia Law Review and earned a prestigious clerkship at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. He then embarked on an impressive career in corporate law, starting at Latham & Watkins, then moving on to Hunton & Williams and ultimately Cooley LLP, where he’s practiced for the past 27 years. In 1999, he cofounded the Silicon Valley-based firm’s first East Coast office and has since played a major role in Cooley’s expansion in the U.S., Asia and Europe. Today, he serves as the firm’s vice chair, leading
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its global strategy in venture capital, emerging companies, and mergers and acquisitions. Lincoln’s firm has worked with some of the most transformative companies of our time, advising on the IPOs of global corporations like Nvidia, Zoom, Uber and Amgen. Lincoln’s influence doesn’t stop at the boardroom. In his nearly three decades as an adjunct professor at UVA Law, he’s taught and mentored more than 1,300 students. Through it all, he’s remained committed to service. He sits on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, which is bringing life-changing medical technology to patients worldwide. He also supports children’s healthcare, conservation, education and his local church community.
Mike Lincoln (right) with his father
Charlie McNeil, Colorado School of Mines ’71 DURING HIS tenure as vice president of SigEp’s Colorado Delta
chapter, Charlie McNeil built community and brought brothers together through the social activities he organized. Being in a leadership position taught McNeil how to rally a group of men behind a shared goal. SigEp gave him brotherhood, leadership experience and a sense of purpose and helped shape the man he became. A proud graduate of the Colorado School of Mines with a degree in mining engineering and a deeply rooted work ethic, McNeil’s career spans over five decades in the coal, oil and gas, mining, and power industries. McNeil rose to become CEO of Kaiser Steel’s coal mining operations in his mid-thirties — an impressive feat by any measure. When the division’s parent company declared bankruptcy, McNeil faced a choice: accept a senior role with another established energy company, or risk it all and strike out on his own. Following his gut, he started his own company. In 1993, McNeil founded NexGen Resources Corporation, an energyfocused company that provides alternative fuels, installs carbon capture at power plants, produces oil and gas, and supplies all of Xcel Energy’s coal needs in Texas. The company has also developed a diversified real estate portfolio. Behind his sharp business acumen lies a heart for service. A distinguished Eagle Scout, he established the McNeil Scout Ranch. He also helps the next generation of engineers develop real-world business experience through the McNeil Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at his alma mater. McNeil is a member of the Colorado Business Hall of Fame and has a lengthy list of honors from organizations that include the Volunteers of America and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. He was also awarded the Distinguished Achievement Medal from Colorado School of Mines.
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Kevin O’Connor, Loras ’88 KEVIN O’CONNOR began his journey at
Loras College in Iowa, earning a degree in public relations. He’s since gone on to channel his experience as a studentathlete into a career in sports management, becoming a trusted advisor to some of the world’s top athletes. As executive director of tennis at AEG, and later as president of Saddlebrook Properties, O’Connor oversaw highperformance training programs for worldranked tennis players like 14-time grand slam champion Pete Sampras. He then expanded the portfolio of the renowned Saddlebrook tennis academy to include baseball and football, in the process drawing talent like Derek Jeter and Sedrick Ellis. Under his leadership, Saddlebrook also partnered with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, giving the company a foothold in the growing U.S. professional soccer market. Global agency Lagardère took notice of his rare combination of business acumen and ability to build trust with athletes and brought him onboard as a senior advisor. Today, O’Connor’s influence continues to shape the direction of sports representation and management at the highest levels. For all his professional achievements, O’Connor never forgot his roots. Even while building a career that’s taken him to some of the most prestigious courts, arenas and fields of play, he volunteered with SigEp, serving as a district governor and chapter counselor in Florida and California and as a member of the National Leadership Committee. He also chaired the 2011 Conclave Task Force. He’s made an impact on SigEp across the country, sharing his wisdom, mentorship and commitment to help elevate the undergraduate experience. O’Connor’s success is a result of his commitment to the very same values that shape our Fraternity — building a vision, striving for excellence and dedication to others.
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Left: ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio and Kevin O’Connor Bottom: SigEp CEO Brian Warren, Virginia ’04; Kevin O’Connor; Nate Custodio, Florida Atlantic ’05; and Joey Baird, Florida Atlantic ’07
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Gov. Jim Pillen, Nebraska ’79
Jim Pillen with his family at the Nebraska State Capitol
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JIM PILLEN grew up in Nebraska, the third son of tenant farmers who taught their children about the importance of hard work, belief in their abilities and in pursuing their dreams. When he left home to attend the University of Nebraska, those values remained foundational to Pillen’s life. In college, Pillen was serious about his studies. But he didn’t just hit the books. He also hit the field, going from a walk-on to a starting defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. Pillen was named a two-time First Team All-Big Eight selection. In 2004, he was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. In addition to studies and football, another significant part of Pillen’s college career included membership in SigEp’s Nebraska Alpha chapter. He still fondly remembers Monday night chapter meetings and fraternity and sorority social functions. Many of the relationships forged back then through SigEp continue even today. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Pillen went on to earn a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University. With a desire to launch his own business and armed with a $10,000 loan, he opened a small-animal veterinary and swine consulting practice. In 1993, he launched Pillen Family Farms and a decade later, an animal genetics company. Together, these businesses employ over 1,100 team members. In addition to growing a business and raising a family, Pillen has always looked for ways to serve his community. Membership on local boards and commissions gave way to becoming a University of Nebraska regent and then in November 2022, being elected Nebraska’s 41st governor. In both the private and public sectors, Pillen has created a life based on values that he first learned from his family and were reinforced by SigEp.
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Kelcy Warren, Texas-Arlington ’78 AT JUST 13, Kelcy Warren worked alongside his father
as a welder’s helper at Sun Pipeline. Decades later, his professional life came full circle when he was named executive chairman of the company he cofounded, which now owns Sun. Warren earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. As a student there, he found something he didn’t even know he needed: connection. Joining SigEp’s Texas Kappa chapter gave him a sense of belonging and friendships that pulled the quiet young man out of his shell. After college, he went to work as a pipeline design engineer with Lone Star Gas. Warren later joined the company’s commercial team. Understanding the engineering and commercial sides of the gas business served him well when he cofounded Energy Transfer, a small natural gas pipeline company with 200 miles of pipe and 20 employees, in 1996. A defining moment
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came following the 2001 Enron collapse. Acting quickly, Warren and his business partner secured assets that propelled Energy Transfer’s growth. Today, it’s one of the nation’s largest and most diversified energy firms, operating more than 140,000 miles of pipeline and infrastructure across 44 states. While the energy industry built his fortune, his philanthropic interests reveal his heart. Warren not only made the largest gift in the history of his alma mater’s engineering program, he also cofounded the Cherokee Creek Music Festival, which has raised millions for Texasbased children’s charities. An inductee into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, Dallas Business Hall of Fame and Hart Energy Hall of Fame, he has also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Oil & Gas Association and countless other honors. Through it all, Warren has remained humble, never forgetting where he started.
Kelcy Warren (3rd from the left), joined by the Energy Transfer management team, presents a donation check to Keith Rhodes, division vice president of the American Red Cross.
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g n i d a e L t r a He e h t m o r f
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r Tur ne
What are the common attributes that define an outstanding SigEp volunteer? Dedication, perseverance and a desire to give back even more than they have received from the Fraternity. Throughout Sigma Phi Epsilon’s history, a small number of volunteers who embody these qualities have shaped the Fraternity, not through titles or recognition, but through an unwavering belief in people. They develop leaders, spearhead a winning culture and connect generations of brothers around a shared purpose. Brothers like these have been the foundation on which SigEp has stood for nearly 125 years. In 2025, five brothers who have given decades of their time, energy and heart to SigEp were awarded the Fraternity’s highest honor, the Order of the Golden Heart. 34
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Scan the QR code to view the Order of the Golden Heart presentations at the 59th Grand Chapter Conclave.
Tom Barton, Loras ’89 FOR OVER three decades, Tom Barton’s service
as a SigEp volunteer has resonated far beyond any single chapter, district or role. His legacy is defined not only by longevity, but by an uncommon ability to inspire others, build community and elevate everyone around him. Wherever brothers gather to serve, to lead or to share a laugh in the name of SigEp, chances are they were influenced by Barton in some way. Reaching beyond his roots at Iowa Eta, in 1997, Barton helped launch what began as a small, tight-knit group of committed volunteers and quickly became a movement that reshaped alumni engagement Fraternity-wide. Built on equal parts purpose, camaraderie and goodnatured mischief, the group united around a simple but powerful goal: ensuring more undergraduates could experience the lifechanging impact of Conclave. Through creative fundraising, shared sacrifice and a deep belief in the SigEp experience, Barton and his fellow founders transformed that idea into the NUTS! McAuliffe Society. It is now a permanent and beloved part of SigEp culture. His love for fundraising also extends to the national Fraternity. Long a tireless advocate for the Board of Governors, Barton has been key to the growth of Founders Day of Giving into the seven-figure engine it has become for the SigEp experience. Barton’s leadership extends well beyond the playfullynamed NUTS!. As a district governor, he challenged chapters to aim higher and believe more deeply in their potential. Under his influence, Buchanan Cups became not just aspirations, but expectations. Barton not only personally encouraged undergraduate brothers in his district, he also laid the foundation for their success by recruiting and mentoring the volunteers tasked with developing them as leaders. Following
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his example, friendly rivalries among district governors evolved, driving excellence and pushing chapters across the country to new heights. Barton’s ability to connect with people — whether through late-night phone calls, spirited debates or well-timed humor — has turned solid volunteer relationships into lasting progress for the Fraternity. Barton has chaired impactful boards, led retreats, served as auctioneer during Conclaves and Board of Governors weekends, launched chapters, mentored countless undergraduates, championed advancement efforts, and in 1993, worked with Frank Ruck, Michigan ’46; Jay Hurt, Davidson ’88; and other volunteers to launch the Balanced Man Program. Through it all, his motivation has remained: to leave Sigma Phi Epsilon better than he found it. Because of his service, generations of volunteers have been inspired to give more of themselves, just as Barton’s mentor, Order of the Golden Heart recipient Bob McCune, Bradley ’50, inspired him. That is the true definition of a volunteer: giving selflessly with no expectation of personal gain.
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Jeff Gates, Wichita State ’89 WITHIN SIGEP, Jeff Gates is highly respected for his ability to turn vision into reality. His steady influence and never-give-up attitude have strengthened chapters and elevated the entire Fraternity. He has been there for chapters as a trusted advisor, helping brothers build the skills they need to become balanced leaders and balanced men. For many years, Kansas Eta needed a new facility. Consensus among the chapter’s alumni was that a project of that magnitude wasn’t viable. However, Gates was determined to make it happen. He rallied alumni and co-chaired a capital campaign that generated more than $2 million in donations to make it possible. The chapter home borne of that effort is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a symbol of persistence, collaboration and belief in what SigEp can be when brothers commit to a common goal. As impressive as that achievement is, it only tells a small part of Gates’ story. At the heart of his service is a deep commitment to people. Among volunteers, Gates is known as the “chief communicator” because he maintains an open line of communication with alumni, volunteers, undergraduate members and their parents. It’s a philosophy that’s served him well while volunteering with his home chapter, Kansas Eta, as well as his home chapter Kansas Epsilon at Emporia State, and while serving as a district governor for over a decade. Whether offering heartfelt
advice or providing difficult feedback, Gates relies on his trademark humor to connect with others. As seen during his speech after receiving the Order of the Golden Heart, Gates enjoys making fun of himself and his close friends. However, he takes the work of the Fraternity very seriously. Whether in boardrooms or chapter meeting rooms, he’s consistently stepped forward to strengthen volunteer teams, unite brothers with differing opinions, and build alumni and volunteer corporations rooted in both strategy and a common goal. Above all, Gates exudes integrity, and his passion for excellence is unmatched. He asks the hard questions, challenges complacency and insists that chapters live up to the values they profess. His leadership has helped create healthier, safer chapters, earning both trust from university officials and confidence from the Fraternity’s national leadership. Yet his greatest loyalty remains with the undergraduate brother seeking guidance. Known for listening deeply and leading with care, Jeff Gates is the kind of trusted mentor and connector every young man deserves.
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Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89 BRAD NAHRSTADT’S legacy wasn’t built
through a single role or in a single moment, but over decades of consistent and dedicated service. As a mentor and volunteer, he spent 15 years strengthening alumni and volunteer support for his home chapter, Illinois Gamma. His involvement played a major role in the chapter’s development, resulting in multiple Buchanan Cups for excellence in chapter operations. Later, as a district governor, Nahrstadt worked tirelessly to recruit volunteers. He visited every alumni and volunteer corporation in his district multiple times, developed an annual retreat that brings volunteers and alumni across the entire state together, and set a standard for engagement and accountability that became a model for others serving in the role. He’s always been a source of steady and bold leadership — substance-free housing and a Ritual that gives every brother equal rights from day one are just some of the initiatives he’s advocated for. His impact stretched even further when he joined the Fraternity’s National Board of Directors, where he served for eight years before becoming Grand President. As Grand President, he launched Raise Your Bar: A Strategic Plan for Every SigEp — setting a courageous vision for SigEp to reclaim our title as the largest and best fraternity everywhere we plant our flag. His leadership goes far beyond the big moments when votes are cast or resolutions passed. It can be observed in the socalled little things: the call returned to a struggling undergraduate, the coffee shared with a young volunteer seeking
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direction, the advice given freely without agenda or expectation. Whether it was as a faculty member at Ruck Leadership Institute, an emcee at Carlson Leadership Academy, a mentor on the Tragos Quest to Greece or a guest speaker at a chapter retreat, Nahrstadt has poured himself into the development of SigEp’s young men. Countless brothers have felt the impact of his insight, wit and humility and benefitted from his integrity, empathy and consistent leadership. His life outside of SigEp has been just as extraordinary. A successful attorney and managing partner, he founded and led one of the top litigation firms in his city, all while volunteering tirelessly for SigEp and his alma mater. He has been a dedicated university trustee, a speaker on risk management, a mentor to pre-law students, and a philanthropic force behind numerous leadership programming and housing initiatives. And in all of this, Brad Nahrstadt has led with compassion and a deep belief in the power of brotherhood to change lives.
Carlton Schooley, Bowling Green State ’63 FOR MORE than six decades, Carlton
Schooley has embodied the very best of what it means to be a SigEp volunteer. After graduating in 1963, he was elected to Ohio Kappa’s alumni and volunteer corporation as the first new member since the chapter was chartered in 1948. Most were charter members of the chapter, and Schooley understood that joining the AVC as a recent graduate was a serious honor. From that humble start, he’s shaped the experience of generations of brothers at Bowling Green State, with many Ohio Kappa brothers saying Schooley’s influence helped them become values-driven leaders. When asked why he’s given so much of himself for so many years, his answer reflects both humility and joy: “Some people golf. Some people play tennis. Ohio Kappa and helping the undergrads is my hobby.” It is a simple explanation for an extraordinary commitment. That commitment shows itself in countless ways. Schooley has attended almost every chapter meeting, along with dozens of Carlson Leadership Academies and Conclaves, since he began volunteering. He has driven vans, made travel arrangements and often paid expenses out of his own pocket, motivated solely by the belief that every young brother deserves the full SigEp experience. His involvement hasn’t just been limited to moments of celebration; he’s also been there to guide the chapter through difficult times. The closure of a chapter home that stood for more than four decades stands out as one the more emotional and challenging
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moments. But Schooley chose to face that loss head-on. The farewell ceremony he helped organize brought together more than 600 alumni, a testament to the bonds he helped nurture at Ohio Kappa. Schooley has never sought acknowledgment or praise. But those who know him recognize what an exceptional leader he is. His opinions are valued by fellow alumni as well as university officials. Undergraduates routinely stand when he is introduced, a reflection of genuine respect and affection. This admiration was evident when Schooley was presented the Order of the Golden Heart at Ohio Kappa’s 75th anniversary celebration. Because he was unable to attend Conclave, volunteers ensured that Schooley not only received his award, but that he did so in a room filled with brothers who have been inspired by him. A voice of wisdom, a reassuring presence in moments of uncertainty and a living example of the balanced man ideal long before it had a name: Carlton Schooley hasn’t just built a lifetime of service, he’s built a legacy that is irreplaceable.
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Steve Young, Kansas ’80 STEVE YOUNG’S involvement in Sigma conflict and change, and built bridges Phi Epsilon has never been about visibility; across generations. Often described as a humble stewardship has always been “volunteer whisperer,” he leads with great his trademark. For more than 30 years, care — giving his time and encouragement he’s answered the Fraternity’s call with to help others develop into leaders as well. modesty, wisdom and an unwavering Perhaps his greatest impact has been the commitment to serve wherever the need way he’s expertly steered the Fraternity’s was greatest. Young has worked quietly housing strategy as president of SigEp behind the scenes, guided by a deep love National Housing. Young’s commitment for the brotherhood and a belief that has grown the Fraternity’s property lasting progress built through thoughtful, management program into a resource consistent service is more important than volunteers rely on to create high-quality receiving credit or applause. living and learning environments that Over his decades of volunteer leadership, produce balanced men. his influence has shaped the very From serving as a district governor, framework that sustains Sigma Phi Epsilon to bringing a dynamic energy to virtual today. Young has offered his expertise in Ruck Leadership Institute sessions during law and governance to help craft critical the pandemic, to giving our brothers a bylaws, strengthen financial structures, home away from home, Young has been and ensure compliance for alumni and a constant, calming, upbeat presence in volunteer corporations nationwide. both times of challenge and periods of From guiding chapters through complex growth. As one of his many admirers noted, nonprofit regulations to safeguarding Steve Young demonstrates the profound housing corporations and stabilizing individual impact that can be made chapters facing dormancy, he has provided through kindness, care and attention. a steady, guiding hand in the moments that mattered most. His work with Steve Young (center) is all California chapters set a smiles as he receives the Order of the Golden Heart. standard for compliance that’s become a roadmap others now follow. His focused approach has helped protect chapter legacies as well as the Fraternity’s longterm interests. Yet, his work developing policies and procedures only tells part of the story. Time and time again, he’s stepped up to fill volunteer roles for various chapters in the Golden State. It’s his way with people that truly makes Young stand out as a volunteer. Known for his dry humor, deep empathy and ability to listen attentively, he has mentored undergraduates, supported fellow volunteers through
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Brotherly Love
Not Done Yet Film highlights athlete who never stops challenging himself By Tyya N. Turner Photos by Chris DeStefano
Above: Will Turner biking through the Sierra Nevadas. Below: Turner and film director Ryan Dugger answer questions from the audience after the showing of "Sierra 914" at the Richmond International Film Festival.
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ill Turner, Virginia Tech ’80, never imagined that he’d star in a film someday. But as the subject of the 2025 documentary “Sierra 914,” he did exactly that. Turner gained national attention in 2018 by challenging himself to complete a staggering 60 Ironman triathlons the year he turned 60. Among the most physically challenging endurance competitions, the Ironman is a one-day event comprising a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a full marathon (26.2 miles). Not only did Turner complete his yearlong challenge, he shattered the previous record of 44 Ironmans in one year. Fueled by the desire to be an example to kids, Turner went on to finish an additional 45 Ironmans the following year, for a twoyear total of 105. Suddenly, media outlets around the country were clamoring to interview Turner, and he was featured in
articles and on TV and podcasts. Knowing Turner liked to mark his birthday in a big way, Craig Braun, a friend and race director, called to ask about his plans for his 65th in 2023. When he learned Turner was planning an even more grueling challenge for that year, Braun connected him with Ryan Dugger, a filmmaker who was looking for a new documentary subject. Over eight days, Dugger and his crew followed Turner as he attempted to complete a new solo event, this time a 15.6-mile swim in Lake Tahoe, followed by a 728-mile bike ride and a 170.4-mile run through the Sierra Nevadas. Taking inspiration from the number 65, Turner decided to do the equivalent of 6.5 Ironmans (or 914 miles) for this challenge. Battling pain and fatigue over long days, Turner endured extreme changes in weather conditions that went from cool W W W. S I G E P. O R G
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to desert temperatures. On the bike ride, he traversed five different mountain passes that forced him to navigate steep changes in elevation ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet. Turner trained for approximately a year prior to embarking on the Sierra 914 and worked with a course designer to map out his route. But he noted that his ability to race at this level is the result of the training he’s done over many years, not just the time he’s spent preparing for one particular event. Having pulled off the Sixty@60 would have satisfied most people. And Turner was — to some extent. After all, his Sixty@60 Ironman challenge had been a remarkable feat of strength, endurance and determination. Clearly, he had nothing to prove. So what made Turner want to pursue this new challenge? Turner explained why, despite everything he’d already accomplished, he felt motivated to take on the Sierra 914: “[With the Sixty@60,] I was doing repetition of the same Ironman-distance race. Of course, it was in different environments, different courses, different terrains and different weather. So, there was always a challenge, but I was doing the same process over and over again.” He continued, “When I thought about what was going to truly test me, it had to be something that was big enough that the outcome was not certain at all, that the chances of failure were just as likely as the chances of success.” Seeing him tackle challenges that could derail athletes half his age, one would never guess this didn’t come naturally to Turner at first. In fact, he didn’t complete his first marathon until he was in his 40s, after having failed to finish his first halfmarathon many years earlier. Motivated by a friend’s cancer battle, Turner decided to participate in his first marathon in 2002 (which he completed!) to raise funds for the Virginia Brain Tumor Fund. Running in that event took him out of his comfort zone. But Turner said the sense of accomplishment also ignited a drive that he never expected. “Marathons became an Ironman, and then an Ironman became @OFFICIALSIGEP
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Will Turner and the documentary film crew gather at a spot overlooking Lake Tahoe the day before the start of the race.
multiple Ironmans, and then multiple Ironmans became ultra-endurance triathlons.” Turner said participating in these events has given him a sense of confidence that extends beyond pushing himself to the limit in the moment. An unexpected payoff is that participating in endurance events has helped him navigate everyday life more easily because “you now have a sense of
“Every time I do these hard things, I become a version of myself that is both more humble but also more confident.”
identity and know you can do hard things, that you can tackle big challenges.” Turner added, “Every time I do these hard things, I become a version of myself that is both more humble but also more confident. It’s a space of growth where you still have the doubts and the fears, but instead of fighting them or resisting them, you learn to live within them.” Clear parallels can be seen between Turner’s outlook and SigEp’s Sound Mind, Sound Body philosophy, which focuses on helping brothers develop healthy habits for physical and mental wellbeing. “Sierra 914” had its theatrical premiere in September 2025 at the Richmond International Film Festival in Turner’s hometown of Richmond, Virginia, where it won the Best Cinematography in the documentary category, the Audience Choice Award and Maverick Award for Best Documentary Feature. Turner said that over the years, a number of SigEp brothers have reached out to offer him support and some have even come to cheer him on at races. When “Sierra 914” premiered, he expected one brother to be there, but to his surprise, about a dozen showed up. Noting that he hadn’t seen some of them in years, Turner said, “It was pretty special to have them there.” For now, Turner continues to train and looks forward to the release of his book, “Not Done Yet,” in summer 2026. As 70 looms, it will certainly be interesting to see what version of Will Turner shows up next. Left: Ryan Dugger and Will Turner walked away with three awards at the Richmond International Film Festival.
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Chicago Society Names First Donald C. McCleary Scholarship Recipients During the Fraternity’s 2025 Conclave in Tampa, Florida, the Chicago Society announced the inaugural recipients of its Donald C. McCleary Memorial Leadership Endowment Fund Scholarship. The scholarship honors the legacy of Donald C. McCleary, Texas-Austin ’71,
a Past Grand President of the Fraternity and Order of the Golden Heart recipient who dedicated his life to education and social justice. The scholarship recognizes brothers who exemplify McCleary’s ethos while embodying the Fraternity’s cardinal
principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love and emphasizes supporting and promoting inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. Each recipient was awarded $500 to help cover the cost of his undergraduate education.
Josiah Peters: Nursing Student and Mental Health Champion
About the Chicago Society
Josiah Peters, Moravian ’27, is a junior majoring in nursing. His commitment to healthcare isn’t just academic: Peters provides direct patient support as a patient care partner at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a regional healthcare provider. Currently chapter president, Peters also served as Pennsylvania Beta Alpha’s vice president of programming and on the risk management committee while maintaining a 3.66 GPA. As an openly gay brother, Peters is especially invested in promoting inclusivity and safety. Peters shared, “I do my best to educate my brothers and others around me about understanding topics and adversities members of my community face, and also by showing them how my community can actually benefit others.”
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William Soteria: Advocate for Social Justice and Community Health Recent alumnus William Soteria, Lynchburg ’25 (above left), triple majored in criminal philosophy, intelligence studies and political science. Soteria also spearheaded critical public health initiatives, including advocating for Narcan access across Lynchburg, Va., and working with state legislators to advocate for social service reforms. While a member of the Virginia Omicron chapter, Soteria served as vice president of membership development and vice president of programming and maintained a 3.44 GPA. He also educated brothers and the campus community on misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community and mentored younger GBTQ+ members. Speaking of his commitment to helping others, Soteria said, “I have been through many challenges but have remained positive and strong for the bigger goal of ending human suffering.”
Through social and professional events, fundraising, community service, and mentorship programs, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Chicago Society sustains a supportive GBTQ+ network that advances individual members and the broader mission of Sigma Phi Epsilon. The McCleary Memorial Scholarship represents the society’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders within the Fraternity and ensuring that all brothers have the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally. For more information about the Donald J. McCleary Memorial Leadership Endowment Fund Scholarship or the Sigma Phi Epsilon Chicago Society, email sigepchicagosociety @gmail.com or visit sigepchicagosociety.com. An extended version of this article can be found on the Chicago Society website.
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Top Guns Take Command
Peter Grable and Ben Parma take in the sights in Lisbon.
International Trip Reveals SigEp Connection ByPeter A. Grable, Monmouth ’89, and Benedict “Benny” Parma, Illinois ’86
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hen Peter A. Grable, Monmouth ’89, and Benedict “Benny” Parma, Illinois ’86, both signed up with their wives for a group trip to Spain and Portugal, neither had any idea that it would be a lifechanging journey. Parma and Grable had casually known each other through their church for years and lived in the same town, Glenview, Illinois. The pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal was primarily to see some significant religious sites, enjoy some R&R, indulge in great seafood and wine, and disconnect from their busy lives. Neither expected to make a lifelong brotherly connection with someone they’d only known as an acquaintance. Early in the trip, they briefly exchanged pleasantries, learning more about each other’s work, family life, personality and sense of humor. A CASUAL COM M ENT OPENS TH E (RED) DOOR
The brotherhood revelation came roughly five days into the trip over dinner in Porto, @OFFICIALSIGEP
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Portugal. While enjoying great seafood and a glass of Port with their wives, Parma offhandedly mentioned that back in the “old college days,” he was a SigEp at the University of Illinois. Caught off guard by what Parma had just said, Grable asked, “Say that again. You’re a SigEp?” Parma’s response: “Yeah. Don’t tell me you’re a SigEp as well?” Grable excitedly responded with, “Yep. Monmouth College, Illinois Gamma.” They couldn’t believe they’d just confirmed they were both SigEp brothers. Instantly, the bond was cemented. Once the SigEp connection was made, the Fraternity stories poured out: chapter traditions, events, leadership roles and life on campus in a SigEp Fraternity house. As they conversed about the Fraternity experiences they treasured and their shared brotherhood, the newly acquainted brothers quickly found common ground in their similar experiences on two different campuses. Their wives were surprised at how quickly Parma and Grable engaged in reflective conversations and mockingly
Representing SigEpVets, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Renato Villacorte, Cal Poly-Pomona ’91 (center), congratulates Col. Jarrod DeVore, Missouri State ’01 (left), on becoming commanding officer of Marine Air Group 11. One of the components of MAG 11 is the VFMA-314 “Black Knights” Fighter Squadron, currently commanded by Lt. Col. Lanier Bishop, Georgia Southern ’07 (right).
asked if there was a secret handshake. The brothers advised, yes, there is indeed one, but they couldn’t show it to their wives … rules are rules! Most people come back from a two-week vacation with souvenirs, jetlag, plenty of photos they’ll never look at again and a few more dents on well-worn luggage. Parma and Grable returned with something much more meaningful: a SigEp connection. No longer just acquaintances, they are grateful for the opportunity to form a bond that goes deeper than friendship. There’s nothing like connecting with a brother! Summer 2026
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From Hometown Intern to
Network Trailblazer In June 2025, veteran journalist Tom Llamas, Loyola ’01, became anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News,” assuming the role previously held by Lester Holt. He also serves double duty as anchor of “Top Story with Tom Llamas,” which can be seen on the network’s streaming service, NBC News NOW. Llamas has covered a wide range of major news stories over his 25year professional career, including presidential elections, the Israel-Hamas war, the war in Ukraine, the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, multiple Olympic Games and numerous natural disasters, including the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. Since becoming anchor, Llamas has anchored the newscast from Israel, Texas, Miami, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Alaska, and conducted numerous headline-making interviews, including with President Donald Trump, Iran’s foreign minister and president, and soccer legend Lionel Messi. He grew up watching the news with his family and decided in high school that he wanted a career in broadcast news. That early drive led Llamas to secure his first job in the industry at 15 as an intern at Telemundo and, after college, a role
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as a general assignment reporter at the NBC affiliate in his hometown of Miami. Within a few years, Llamas was reporting and anchoring at WNBC in New York City. His star continued to rise with a move to ABC, where he became a correspondent in 2014 and was quickly named chief national affairs correspondent. By the next year, he was anchoring the weekend edition of the network’s national “World News Tonight” newscast and filling in on weeknights. After nearly seven years at ABC, Llamas returned to NBC as senior national correspondent and began anchoring “Top Story.” Llamas is the recipient of two Emmys, two Edward R. Murrow awards and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Presidential Award of Impact. Llamas was also recognized by Time magazine on its 2025 Latino Leaders list as one of just 12 honorees and received a 2026 First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association. His ascent to the top anchor spot at NBC News makes Llamas the first Latino to helm a U.S. weeknight evening news broadcast. Llamas, who joined the Fraternity at SigEp’s Louisiana Gamma chapter, honed his leadership skills while serving as chapter president and vice president of recruitment.
NAME:
Bobby Shackouls SCHOOL:
Mississippi State CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
f Board of Directors, ConocoPhillips f Chairman, President and CEO, Burlington Resources Inc. f President and CEO, Meridian Oil Inc. f Executive Vice President and COO, Burlington Resources/ Meridian Oil Inc. f Chief Operating Officer, Torch Energy Advisors Inc. f Executive Vice President of Operations, Torch Energy Advisors Inc. f Various managerial positions, Plains Resources Inc. f Various managerial positions, Houston Oil & Minerals Corporation f Various engineering positions, Exxon Company U.S.A.
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CAREER REFLECTIONS
Engineering Success:
One Brother’s MultibillionDollar Legacy By Tyya N. Turner
Bobby Shackouls, Mississippi State ’72, enjoyed chemistry class in high school, so he decided to major in chemical engineering. He was also influenced by his father, a skilled technician who worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At the time, he was simply leaning into his natural abilities and had no idea he was taking the first step in creating a highly successful career in the oil and gas industry. Making the most of his college experience, Shackouls excelled in his studies, joined SigEp’s Mississippi Beta chapter and played on intramural teams for the Fraternity. Recalling those days, Shackouls said, “I loved the relationships that I developed with my brothers, some of which have lasted a lifetime.” As graduation approached, shifts in the industry, growing regulation and increased public concerns about the environment had lessened the demand for chemists. Shackouls was nervous because he’d secured only one job interview. It was here that his hard work in college paid off: Most applicants
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didn’t meet Humble Oil & Refining’s GPA requirements, but the company noticed Shackouls because of his top marks. He was offered a job as a reservoir engineer in New Orleans, a position where his strong chemical engineering background proved to be an asset. “As soon as I arrived in New Orleans, my older colleagues started teaching me the business, and I became enthralled by it,” he said. From that job forward, Shackouls carved out a path for himself in the industry, making sure to take advantage of every opportunity that came his way. Humble (which by then had changed its name to Exxon) soon promoted Shackouls to operations engineer, but he longed to return to his reservoir engineering roots. So he left the security of Exxon to take a job at Houston Oil & Minerals, a small company where Shackouls became employee no. 84. The move brought about a major advancement in his career: Just four months in, he was selected to manage production at a new natural gas field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Over the years, as the number of companies in the industry shrank due to mergers and acquisitions, Shackouls’ stature grew due to a series of senior management positions. In 1993, he was tapped to serve as chief operating officer of Burlington Resources. Two years later, he became president and CEO of the company. Shackouls built Burlington Resources into an industry leader by reducing inefficiencies and closing
When young people just starting their careers ask how they can create a similar career path, he advises, “Get a degree in mechanical engineering, followed by an MBA. And learn all you can from more experienced people.” a series of mergers and acquisitions that grew the company. When it was acquired by ConocoPhillips in 2006, the company sold for nearly $36 billion — more than 10 times its value when Shackouls joined the company. While running Burlington Resources, Shackouls joined the board of directors of Kroger, currently the
country’s largest traditional supermarket chain. At first glance, his experience in the energy industry might seem incompatible with the grocery business, but during his 21 years on the board, Kroger grew into a major gasoline and diesel retailer by tying fuel discounts to purchases in its stores. A 2003 recipient of the SigEp Citation, Shackouls became a trustee of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation the same year and served for nearly a decade. He also served on the Citation Nomination Committee, helping to recognize other high-achieving brothers. A longtime donor to SigEp, Shackouls is an active supporter of philanthropic causes. He supports a number of Houston-based nonprofits and endowed the Shackouls Honors College he established at Mississippi State with his wife, Judy (Houston Oil & Minerals employee no. 27). Remembering his humble roots, Shackouls said the Honors College is one of his proudest accomplishments. When young people just starting their careers ask how they can create a similar career path, he advises, “Get a degree in mechanical engineering, followed by an MBA. And learn all you can from more experienced people.” All in all, it’s been a pretty impressive career for someone whose only previous experience in the energy industry was a part-time job at a gas station during high school.
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Red Door
A Fraternity tradition since 1928, the red door is a symbol of supportive environments where scholarship, brotherhood and unique development opportunities thrive. Through the stewardship of SigEp National Housing and dedicated volunteers, these chapter homes continue to provide the foundation for generations of brothers to succeed.
Opening the Door to Growth
By Ryan Cannon
A SigEp chapter home is more than a house. It is the front porch where first impressions are made, the study room where excellence is created and the gathering space where brotherhood becomes real. Here, we highlight chapters that experienced breakout recruitment cycles, exceeding expectations, setting records and welcoming historic new member classes. For these SigEp chapters, the chapter home itself played a defining role. These immaculate, well-designed facilities are spaces where authentic conversations, competitive game nights, academic focus and community-building events allow potential new members to see and feel what SigEp stands for. When the Red Door opens, opportunity walks in.
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Mississippi Beta Record-setting Recruitment at Mississippi State Mississippi Beta at Mississippi State made history in fall 2025, breaking the overall IFC recruitment record at the university. The chapter facility (pictured on the cover) was central to that achievement. The facility’s design provided strategic advantages during formal recruitment, allowing the recruitment committee to showcase the chapter’s size and togetherness. “Our facility’s layout, overall cleanliness and welcoming feel, without a doubt, played a role in our chapter breaking the overall recruitment
record in Mississippi State IFC history,” said Kyle Huey, Mississippi State ’28, former vice president of recruitment. On bid day, the courtyard was transformed into an outdoor dining space under a large tent, complete with a catered meal that brought new brothers together in a memorable welcome experience. Throughout recruitment, the home’s diverse spaces created natural opportunities for connection. Brothers and potential new members gathered in the pool room for casual games and conversations. The theater
room hosted a College Football 25 tournament, offering a competitive but relaxed environment to build relationships. The chapter also hosted “Frat Mass” at the house, led by a local priest and open to the entire campus community. For Chapter President Kade Benyon, ’27, the facility’s impact goes deeper than recruitment numbers. “Having a safe, high-quality fraternity house has shaped my college experience because it gives our chapter a real place to build brotherhood,” he explained. “A lot of the moments I’ve had here are the ones I’ll look back on years from now.” At Mississippi Beta, the chapter home is not just a recruiting tool. It is the foundation of daily brotherhood.
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RED DOOR
Washington Alpha Exceeding Expectations in Pullman Heading into fall 2025, Washington Alpha at Washington State set a goal of welcoming 32 new members through formal and informal recruitment. They ended up initiating 46, a milestone that surpassed expectations and energized the chapter. Washington State structures formal recruitment as a five-day process, allowing potential new members (PNMs) to visit each chapter before narrowing their selections. That format gave Washington Alpha the opportunity to showcase what makes their home distinctive. The facility’s large day rooms provided spaces for meaningful conversations between brothers participating in recruitment events and PNMs. The Fraternity’s substance-free policy made Washington Alpha stand out, with cleanliness setting it apart from other facilities on campus. Renovated and upgraded spaces, including a custom-designed Washington Alpha poker room, a spacious pool room and a refreshed study room with new desks and chairs, demonstrated both pride and performance. The basketball court outside and the chapter home’s location near campus and popular gathering spots added to its appeal. Housing accommodations also played a key role. The availability of single rooms helped reassure students who value privacy or were hesitant about traditional shared sleeping arrangements.
Louisiana Beta Building Momentum in Baton Rouge When you’re part of a reigning Gold Buchanan Cup chapter, like the brothers at Louisiana Beta at Louisiana State, recruitment success is measured not only by numbers but also by quality. With a goal of 50 new members during formal recruitment, the chapter welcomed 49 during fall 2025. They then exceeded expectations by adding five more informally in the fall and three in January 2026. Barbeques, LSU baseball watch parties and formal recruitment rounds all centered around the house. The chapter room, complete with a 100-inch television and abundant seating, provided a comfortable social setting where conversations flowed naturally. One of the most impactful recruitment spaces was the second-floor back deck. Featuring an open layout, gazebo, couches, benches and a television, the deck offered an inviting atmosphere that allowed PNMs to relax and picture themselves as part of the brotherhood.
home’s layout and condition as differentiators that led them to choose SigEp over other fraternities. “Part of our success was due to every PNM being impressed by the house, its layout and general standing compared to other houses on campus,” said Michael Burford, Louisiana State ’28, who serves as vice president of the chapter’s SigEp Learning Community. “Being four stories, having the back deck and seeing the cleanliness of the rooms were factors in me joining SigEp,” said Joshua Tucker, ’29, who joined the chapter in fall 2025. Louisiana Beta’s house does more than host events. It reinforces the chapter’s commitment to excellence and pride in its environment.
New members consistently pointed to the @OFFICIALSIGEP
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In Memoriam
Chapter brothers remember Tom Hicks, Texas-Austin ’68, for launching a storied Texas Alpha SigEp legacy that includes his younger siblings, a son and nephews. He continued to make a significant impact as an alumnus, leading a capital campaign that raised nearly $3 million to renovate and expand the chapter home. A loyal donor and trustee of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, Hicks also endowed a scholarship for undergraduate brothers who significantly improved their grades after struggling academically. He co-founded two private equity firms in the 1980s and achieved the rare feat of owning teams in the NHL, MLB and Premier League at the same time. A member of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Hicks served from 1994 to 1999. The Fraternity recognized his professional accomplishments with the SigEp Citation in 1987.
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SigEp celebrates the lives of these devoted and accomplished brothers. They contributed greatly to our brotherhood and the world around them, and their impact will never be forgotten.
A volunteer for nearly 20 years, Brother Herb Philpott, Dartmouth ’85, was dedicated to his home chapter, New Hampshire Alpha. Philpott held a variety of roles on his home chapter’s alumni and volunteer corporation (AVC), including six years as AVC president. He left an indelible mark on the chapter home as secretary for the AVC’s 2010-2011 capital campaign. Ahead of his time, Philpott utilized his technical expertise to organize online conferences so committee members could meet virtually. He also created the SigEp Sings Scholarship to enable undergraduate brothers with a passion for singing to attend Conclave and perform with the Conclave Chorus. For his many contributions to the Fraternity, Philpott was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010 and the Distinguished Volunteer Award in 2016.
The career of SigEp Citation recipient John Thrasher, Florida State ’65, was distinguished by decades of public service. After a 20-year legal career, Thrasher entered politics, winning a seat in the Florida House of Representatives in 1992. He was unanimously elected speaker of the house in 1998. In 2009, he was elected to the Florida State Senate and served until 2014. As a representative, he helped shape legislation that established the country’s first new medical school in 20 years at Florida State. In 2001, Thrasher was appointed to Florida State’s board of trustees, serving until 2006. He attained his “dream job” with his election as the university’s president in 2014. Thrasher enthusiastically led a campaign that raised more than $1 billion, launched new student initiatives and increased Florida State’s public profile before retiring in 2021.
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IN MEMORIAM
ARKANSAS STATE
Alan Ford, '65 Bill Murphy, '56 Vinson Shinabery, '77 William Ursery, '69
ARKANSAS TECH The following is a partial listing of deceased brothers, as reported to SigEp Headquarters from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025. Names are organized by school in alphabetical order by last name. Names of national volunteers, past staff and those who have received national recognition for their service, such as the Order of the Golden Heart, SigEp Citation, Exemplary Service Award, Volunteer of the Year, Distinguished Alumnus or Distinguished Volunteer, are highlighted in red.
ALABAMA
Harry Aderholt, '60 Darryl Britt, '61 Johnny Hollomon, '53 Malvin Mauney, '53 Atwill Miller, '53 David Olive, '62 Stanley Walker, '62
AMERICAN
Eddie Shine, '15
ARIZONA
Jack Bader, '25 Gary Kuist, '67 John Stuart, '73
ARIZONA STATE
Daniel Clinard, '61 Mark Henderson, '86 Anthony Reed, '71 John Vail, '70 Christopher Warren, '91
ARKANSAS
Michael Fidler, '65 Edmund Gleason, '59 Jim Graham, '64 Stephen Miller, '65 Jack Plating, '76 John Ramsey, '59 Wesley Reese, '59 Norman Revis, '62 Everette Stumbaugh, '59 James Summers, '65 Donnie Willard, '63
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Will Featherston, '87 John Neihouse, '85
AUBURN
Alton Ray, '57 George Scott, '63
BALDWIN WALLACE
Dale McCalla, '68 Donald Nunney, '92 Michael Schudel, '81 Douglas Smith-Petersen, '71 Timothy Walton, '68 Alan Wendt, '69 Gail Woods, '58
BALL STATE
Darl Bookout, '57 John Briggs, '60 Roger Casterline, '61 Leonard Covell, '60 Terrence Cronin, '61 David Judkins, '60 John Sutton, '66
BARTON
CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA Richard Phipps, '61 Gerald Quintana, '59 Bill Tiernay, '52
CAL POLY-SLO
Jeffrey Camarena, '04
CAL STATE-LONG BEACH
Michael Nemeth, '69
CARROLL
Harris Wilke, '52
CENTRAL MICHIGAN Mario Borrocci, '64
CENTRAL MISSOURI Bradley Brown, '84 Joseph Davis, '92 Mike Shemwell, ’76
CINCINNATI
John Mactavish, '61 Jon Treece, '66 Bill Turner, '64 James Ullestad, '68 Bill Wendell, '77
BRADLEY
John Havlis, '59 Joseph Lipsky, '54 Bruce Malmgren, '66 Robert Simak, '64 Tom Siwek, '94
BUCKNELL
Jack Barnett, '53 Louis Filosa, '54 Dick Howard, '64
DARTMOUTH
David Goldfarb, '93 Herb Philpott, '85 (Volunteer of the Year, Distinguished Alumnus) Denny Purnell, '64
DAVIDSON
Donald McRee, '57 Moffatt Ware, '56
Robert Blackburn, '64 Jeffery Brott, '81 Rudolph Grahek, '91 Dave Nadolsky, '65 Tom Sutherland, '66
FLORIDA
John Adler, '78 Guy Dailey, '75 George Good, '66 Wally Pope, '62
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Mike Thonissen, '89
FLORIDA SOUTHERN Richard McBurney, '59
FLORIDA STATE
COASTAL CAROLINA
DEFIANCE
FORT HAYS STATE
COLORADO
BOWLING GREEN STATE
Alan Crear, '69 Bill Whitacre, '60
FERRIS STATE
Alan Adoryan, '75 Michael Hanzlick, '89 William Lull, '65 Thomas Sutch, '68 Bob Szymanski, '68
BELMONT ABBEY
Kenneth Bishop, '53 Peter Cozzolino, '58 Brian Fairweather, '91 Ernest Fletcher, '62 Raymond Howe, '62 Stuart Scovelle, '67
CULVER-STOCKTON
Arlo Hermreck, '61 Gregory Taylor, '76
William Brown, Renaissance Dennis Dick, '77 William Hitchner, '59 Dick Huggins, '60 Edward Stone, '73 Bill Ystueta, '55
CLEVELAND STATE
James Pastusak, '95 Michael Rogers, '81
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Peter Dirlam, '56 Donald Griffin, '52 Jim Hazlitt, '58 Kelvin Macdonald, '62 Chuck Mund, '51 Warren Spielmann, '55 Warren Zanzot, '58
Arnold Bridenbaker, '62 Donald Clark, '83 Daniel Connelly, '75 Samuel Harrison, '69 David Koleos, '77 John Thrasher, '65 (Citation) Gregory Weeks, '66 Frank Williams, '68
Ryder Martin, '58 Bill Mulvihill, '70
Coleman Markham, Renaissance Samuel Ferguson, '71
CORNELL
Alexander Cochrane, '83 Charles Herzog, '59 Daniel Mancini, '68 Steve Milo, '71 Ron Romano, '89 Rawley Smith, '62 Richard Tyler, '72 Lee Vanderen, '57 Jack Whitt, '62 William Woodbridge, '58
COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES Adolph Amundson, '70 William Brooks, '73 Stephen Turner, '58
COLORADO STATE
Dale Amend, '54 Richard Backes, '58 Victor Bird, '62 Scott Jackson, '78 Norman Larkins, '65 Douglas Wellman, '53 James Williamson, '55
CONNECTICUT
Bruce Andrews, '67 Brian Cheatham, '84 Robert Donovan, '62 Wellington Morton, '65 Daniel Williams, '57
DAVIS & ELKINS
Alexander Krueger, '88
DELAWARE
Timothy Abrams, '91
DETROIT
David Dible, '69 Gregory Fort, '73 Greg McMillan, '75 Ronnie Smith, '78
Paul Jesson, '68 William Rowan, '61 Timothy Sullivan, '64
FRANCIS MARION
DRAKE
Leo Salgado, '98
Donald Burnett, '61 Jim Doud, '60 Kenneth Fann, '61 Stephen Heefner, '59 Todd Hines, '62 Douglas Huber, '64 William Jaeger, '56 Clark Lambert, '64 Michael Steele, '57
DRURY
Jack Truesdell, '67 Bud Wallar, '61
David Stackhouse, '82
GEORGE MASON GEORGE WASHINGTON Chester Gray, '61 (Distinguished Alumnus)
GEORGIA
Tony Barnes, '65 Richard Drexel, '71 Matt Garrett, '05 Thomas Holmes, '64 James Huggins, '68 Don Slappey, '74
GEORGIA STATE
DUKE
Harvey Rosenfeld, '80
EAST CAROLINA
Frank Drsata, '63 James Jones, '75 Paul Perfect, '52 Charles Wimberly, '63
Marshall Redding, '58 Chris Bender, '94
EAST TENNESSEE STATE Buck Bratcher, '69 Walter Holland, '81 J.C. Snead, '65
GEORGIA TECH
HENDERSON STATE
Benjamin Donaldson, '58
EMPORIA STATE George Becker, '77 Joe Benskin, '94
Summer 2026
47
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IN MEMORIAM
HIGH POINT
Charles Sellers, '63
Bill Perry, '54 Ken Wachendorfer, '82
HOUSTON
KANSAS STATE
Mike Reddrick, '68
IIT
Kevin Abercrombie, '98 Philip Carvey, '64 Chris Emanuele, '03 Earl Fickling, '80
ILLINOIS
Matthew Jones, '87
INDIANA
Bill Allen, '50 Bob Barger, '55 Rob Coble, '88 Brennan Miller-Jones, '25 Carl Overholser, '50 Thomas Prall, '66 John Vandeventer, '74 Timothy Walters, '92 Charles Warren, '64
INDIANA OF PENNSYLVANIA
Joseph DeBlase, '54 Ronald Littlejohn, '58
INDIANA STATE
Daniel Lueken, '70 Ray Mamula, '64 Wayne Ryska, '57
INDIANA TECH
Ronald Baker, '56 Bill Boldenow, '51 Robert Brookover, '50 James Caldwell, '64 Jeffrey Chaulk, '92 Robert Homolka, Renaissance Al Keeler, '60 Carlton Kleitz, '64 Wayne Krehbiel, '56 James New, '65 George Rion, '54
KENTUCKY
Chas Hite, '82 William Walls, '52 Charles Whaley, '49 Robert Wharton, '50
KENTUCKY WESLEYAN Daniel Carey, '65
LAMAR
Richard Cantrell, '62 Hamilton Cessac, '68 Stanley Cutshall, '65
LAWRENCE
Fredrick Kolb, '68
LEHIGH
Robert Schwab, '86
Richard Copits, Renaissance Michael Gensic, '71
LENOIR RHYNE
IOWA
LEWIS & CLARK
George Adamson, '53 Richard Davis, '65 Scott Garringer, '94 William Hampton, '53 Jim Vickery, '53
IOWA STATE
Dave Fuchs, '57 James Livengood, '63 Robert Mekemson, '53
IOWA WESLEYAN
Harvey Condon, '53 Ralph Troutfetter, '58
JAMES MADISON Andrew Porter, '22
JOHNS HOPKINS
William Edmonston, '52 Robert Erlandson, '53 Charles Lotz, '48 Walter Radek, '57 Vincent Sites, '63
KANSAS
Chuck Fisher, '59 Bob Kerr, '60 Michael Murray, '79
48
Henry Bull, '71 Robert Littlejohn, '59 Frederick Tossberg, '80
LONGWOOD
Jesse Roberts, '79
LORAS
Dave Smagor, '95
LOYOLA
Jim Benson, '90
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT Mark Volman, '97
MAINE
Stephen Daigle, '73 Ray Gendron, '55 Lewis Grant, '56 Gene Sawin, '52 Dean Titcomb, '66
MARSHALL
Allen Dotson, '75 Edgar Foster, '63 Robert Hall, '57 Richard Meadows, '60 Rick Medley, '71 Albert Mylar, '61 Daniel Sellitti, '80
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MASSACHUSETTS Wade Houk, '65 Peter Montminy, '58 Carl Paddock, '63
MISSOURI STATE
Dennis DeMatte, '87
Wesley Eastwood, '67 Jimmy Forrester, '58 David Hamilton, '64 Terry McGovern, '72 Carson Trotter, '24
MEMPHIS
MIT
MCDANIEL
Peyton McFarland, '54 Terry Newsom, '66 Don Sutch, '72
MIAMI (FLORIDA)
Richard Herrera, '85 Daniel Hoagland, '58
MIAMI (OHIO)
Leonard Bailey, '60 Bud Brown, '53 Fred Lutz, '50 David Ryan, '71 Keith Talbert, '79
MIAMI DADE COMMUNITY
Luis Guzman, '89
MICHIGAN
Ronald Gee, '69 Bill Hobbs, '59 James Offenhauer, '68
MICHIGAN STATE
Thomas Clements, '67 Peter Duhamel, Renaissance
MIDDLEBURY Paul Wise, '59
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE Matt Mundy, '95
MINNESOTA
Charles Thames, '03
MISSISSIPPI
Wally Davenport, '55 Billy Jarrett, Renaissance
MISSISSIPPI STATE
David Gillis, '57 Dick Monsen, '57 Cenk Sumen, '94 George Thurlow, '54
MONMOUTH
NORTH DAKOTA Nick Aberle, '02 Josh Christy, '04
Donald Ingerson, '67 Terry Luetgert, '66 Mark Mirando, '82
NORTHEASTERN
MONTANA
Benny Bronstein, '56 Colin Johnson, '57 John Pangborn, '62 Jere Rood, '59
Joel Harris, '61 Brent Kallander, '88 Paul Ulrich, '61 David Weingartner, '75
Brian Connolly, '95
NORTHERN COLORADO
NORTHERN ILLINOIS
MONTANA STATE Daniel Hanson, '15
David Rechenberg, '83 Frank Sleyko, '73
MORNINGSIDE
NORTH GEORGIA
Douglas Delzell, '57
Joseph Westbrook, '78
MUHLENBERG
NORTH TEXAS
Albert Callie, '62
NEBRASKA
Todd Adams, '78 Leland Alexander, '52 Ken Lundgren, '65 Dave Ochsner, '81 James Vanderheiden, '72 Bruce White, '57
Joe Don Baker, '58 Alan Geistman, '72 Edd Henry, '61 Robert Munday, '64 Charles Williams, '61
NORWICH
Richard Lafayette, '58 Frank Mazza, '56
NEBRASKA-KEARNEY
NYU
Dennis Lienemann, '68
Paul Cocotos, '58
NEBRASKA-OMAHA
OHIO
Dino Cagni, '57 Anthony Crnkouich, '72 Tony Lamalfa, '60 Michael Stopak, '82 Stuart Westphal, '60
Spencer Bedenbaugh, '49 Bobby Berry, '86 Tom Collins, '59 (Citation)
NEW ENGLAND
MISSOURI
Henry Germer, '60
Scott Brown, '84
NEW MEXICO
William Ackelmire, '73 Carter Alden, '56 Tyson Knapp, '25 Vincent Le Mond, '88 Oliver Richards, '68 Ralph Younger, '63
NORTH CAROLINA
MISSOURI S&T
Travis Mangum, '76
Bill Bachman, '74 Ronald Branham, Renaissance Dennis Grelle, '73 Dick Miller, '63 John Priest, '52 Paul Raidt, '64
Larry Faust, '61 Daniel Holcomb, '64 John Lively, '58 Dennis Munden, '86 John Nash, '60 Gerald Parker, '58 James Sullivan, '70 John Troutman, '60 Richard Westmoreland, '58
James Barbee, '69 Joseph Roberts, '62 Jesse Warren, '55
NORTH CAROLINACHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINAGREENSBORO Joseph McIntire, '92
NORTH CAROLINA STATE Eric Beatty, '86 John Brady, '53
Scot Hindall, '90
OHIO NORTHERN John Detrick, '68
OHIO STATE
Jeff Dubois, '66 George Stultz, '65
OHIO WESLEYAN
Robert Dawson, '64 Robert Fahning, '77 Asa Jennings, '59 Eric Parssinen, '76 Chris Ploszaj, '03
OKLAHOMA
Leon Babb, '67 Yogi Schornick, '79
OKLAHOMA CITY Robert Gamble, '62
OKLAHOMA STATE Eddie Butts, '71 Don Conley, '55 Bill Freudenrich, '83 Bill Love, '49
W W W. S I G E P. O R G
7/30/26 2:06 PM
IN MEMORIAM
Dee Renshaw, '74 Kenneth Wilkey, '57
Hugh Litchfield, '61 Bill Lukhard, '48
OLD DOMINION
RUTGERS
Jerry Spivey, '91
OREGON
Kenneth Heiden, '70 Arnold Kresge, '62
Allen Gummer, '58 Jack Moothart, '88 Alan Oppliger, '54
SACRAMENTO STATE
OREGON STATE
SAM HOUSTON STATE
Randy Everett, ’91 Jim Nissen, '74 (Distinguished Alumnus) Michael Sisk, '66
PARSONS
David Neff, '69
PENNSYLVANIA
Robert Elfont, '80 John Hunt, '71 Mark Kreher, '68 Tony Pepper, '46
PENNSYLVANIA STATE Stewart Barber, '61 Francis Glaser, '58 Mathew Zimmerman, '91
PHILADELPHIA David Ryan, '82
PITTSBURGH
John Viehman, '52
PITTSBURG STATE
Jeffrey Fuller, '76 Charles Smith, '88 Doc Strader, '64 (Order of the Golden Heart, Distinguished Alumnus)
Pete Dorsett, '67 Rene Olivares, '97
Timothy Erwin, '71 William Schaaf, '76 B.J. Slovak, '69
SAN DIEGO STATE
Steven Hasbrouck, '81 Robert Hasse, '69 Billy Just, '52 Norman Merrill, '70
SAN JOSE STATE Bud Hill, '61 Ward Johnson, '65 Dan Lewis, '67
SIU-EDWARDSVILLE
RENSSELAER
Kent Cotterell, '81 Robert Indyk, '64 Charles Lee, '53 Bob Otto, '53 Richard Page, '58 Edwin Podsiadlo, '52 Raymond Simonetty, '54
RICHMOND
Richard Brewer, '61 John Bridges, '90 Gregory Hood, '68
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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TEMPLE
Jerry Klauder, '67 William Stafford, '53
TENNESSEE
Robert Crouch, '82 Franklin Dossett, '55 Darnell Dowden, '61 Lyles Horner, '55 Walter Lee, '64 Herb McCartney, '59 Peter Pate, '77 James Ritts, Renaissance Ernest Rochat, '55 Bob Shafer, '47 Hubert Vesser, '54
TENNESSEE-MARTIN
Gordon Elkins, '66 Ralph Goodlet, '72 John Smalling, '69
James Barfield, '61 Joseph Newton, '62
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Carson Barnes, '52 John Gilliss, '69 Basil Gray, '52 Neil Hoffman, '66
Richard Matthews, '55 Fred Urbuteit, '60
SOUTH CAROLINA
RANDOLPH-MACON
QUINNIPIAC
TAMPA
Junior Staggs, '09
Thien Pham, '25
Theodore Lanham, '49 Charles McCorkle, '64 Robert Selgrad, '56 Logan Wernz, '67
Paul Bihuniak, '67 Dean Hovencamp, '61
Walter Grogan, '76 Dennis Jolly, '73 Doran Miller, '09 Greg Shaw, '76
Barton Abercrombie, '68 Wayne Drusch, '66 Gary Lewis, '56 Don Ludwig, '60 Jack Martin, '71 Donald McElmurry, '59 Gerald Noser, '62 Eli Robinson, '25 Bob Roth, '83 Dave Rutherford, '78 Ronnie Speidel, '74
PURDUE
SYRACUSE
Hayden Bower, '65 Jeff Kenny, '68 Thomas Lund, '65 Robert Medley, '58
SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI Richard Kitchens, '77 Scott Sanders, '91
TENNESSEE TECH Jonathan Craig, '17
TENNESSEE WESLEYAN
TEXAS A&M
Jason Harsh, '93 Scott Steinbach, '84
TEXAS A&MCOMMERCE
Marion Lowe, '65
TOLEDO
Gerald Bauer, '64 Gary Beach, '78 Nicholas Hetzer, '70 Arthur Morgan, '62 Harold Schnell, '52 Harry Whitacre, '69 Shane Zaborszki, '90
UTAH
John Bennion, '76 Roger Clark, '59
UTAH STATE
Leon Ward, '65
VALPARAISO
VIRGINIA
Fredrick Denny, '61
Robert Baumgardner, '85
VIRGINIA TECH
Grant Gardner, '09 Thorn Jett, '79
WAKE FOREST
Glendon Turbeville, '91
TEXAS-AUSTIN
WASHBURN
Bill Bailey, '62 James Barr, '75 Steve Best, '82 Glen Hensley, '71 Tom Hicks, '68 (Foundation Treasurer, Foundation Life Trustee, Citation) Ryan King, '24 John Scott, '78 George Sims, '57
Dave Fenley, '76 (Student director on National Board of Directors) Ronald Jones, '54 Kevin Lane, '94 William Zirger, '58
TEXAS CHRISTIAN
WASHINGTON & LEE
WASHINGTON
Stephen Gunn, '76 Kenneth Johnson, '60 Abe Liu, '79
THIEL
WASHINGTON-ST. LOUIS
Michael Breslin, '69 Austin Montecuollo, '65 Joe Puciloski, '19
Stephen McClung, '74 Larry Page, '77 Tom Salo, '68 Gary Saner, '91
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH
WASHINGTON STATE
STEVENS
William Mohr, '63 Nolan Randall, '16
WICHITA STATE
TEXAS-ARLINGTON
Darrin Gartner, '90 Henry Poe, '85 Kenneth Shaner, '60
Bill Arkin, '67 Ron Fitch, '55 Ronald Hall, '62 Dave Kuzma, '64 Norm Stemm, '59
Henry Browne, '55 David Colescott, '56 Dennis Moulton, '81 Howard Wachenfeld, '51 Arthur Wildman, '59
Richard Garrison, '76 William Leavell, '76 Arvel Rotan, '88
Larry Spoon, '65
WESTERN MICHIGAN
WEST VIRGINIA TECH
Richard Brandon, '65 Douglas Chapman, '68 Peter Kinney, '57
ST. LEO
STETSON
Lentis Lee, '67 Jerry Traylor, Renaissance
VERMONT
Jerry Scott, '63
Patrick Gross, '89
WESTERN KENTUCKY
WESTMINSTER
Wayne Jordan, '60 David Rader, '63 Robert Waddell, '57
TEXAS TECH
Joe Breinig, '68 John Sheposh, '57 Thomas Stockdale, '72 William Toothman, '69
Walter Bober, '68 Robert Marengo, '59 John Wefel, '66
ST. JOSEPH'S
Duffy English, '94
WEST VIRGINIA
James Blake, '68 Theodore Oates, '67
Leon Drouhard, '61 Donald Luallen, '61 Bob Thurman, '75
WILLIAM & MARY WISCONSIN
Thomas Oswald, '56 Gene Wengert, '64
WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT Gerald Ewert, '74 Cyril Firgens, '57
WPI
Wesley Mowry, '53 Donald Robertson, '63 Gary Smith, '69 John Wright, '65
WRIGHT STATE
James Martinez, '84
WYOMING
Bill Johnson, '58 Martin Petersen, '55
YOUNGSTOWN STATE Robert Barbutes, '58 Dave Baxter, '82 Ralph Moretti, '66 James Phillips, '68 Michael Principi, '68
Jim Elmer, '70 Phillip Jacobson, '52 Elliott Chubb, '54 Thomas Werner, '51
Summer 2026
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SIGEP CIT Y
Seattle
By the Num ber s
Wherever you are, SigEps are a vital part of the cultural and professional landscape.
1,260 Approx. number of alumni within 30 miles
3
Undergraduate chapters in Washington: fWashington Alpha at Washington State fWashington Beta at the University of Washington fWashington Gamma at Eastern Washington
1928
Healthy Food, Healthy Kids Kurt Dammeier, Washington State ’81, is on a mission to change how America eats. Dammeier, who launched Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in 2003 and runs several restaurants in the Seattle area, prides himself on producing “real food with absolutely zero artificial ingredients.” His Beecher’s Foundation equips kids with the knowledge to make healthy food choices. In 2026, his Food Detectives program marks 20 years of in-class workshops and five years of virtual programming that has reached classrooms in all 50 states.
Seattle was the host city for SigEp's 14th Grand Chapter Conclave.
GRIDIRON CHAMP In just his second season as head coach, Mike Macdonald, Georgia ’10, led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl, clinching the 2026 NFL championship. Macdonald started his coaching career while he was still a student and member of Georgia Delta at the University of Georgia, first working with his old high school team and then becoming a student assistant and graduate assistant at UGA. In securing the Super Bowl LX win, Macdonald joins an elite group of head coaches (including Bill Belichick and Mike Tomlin) who’ve won the NFL championship in their second season. Macdonald also became the thirdyoungest head coach to win a Super Bowl.
Business Builder Jay C. Ackley, Washington ’74, has spent more than 30 years developing profitable businesses. Through the business that bears his name, Ackley Capital, he acquires and invests in small to medium-sized companies that have high potential but require additional funding and operational expertise for long-term success. Ackley has amassed an impressive portfolio of companies across a wide variety of industries, including financial services, real estate, printing, food and beverage, and manufacturing. In recent years, the company has gained attention for acquisitions of businesses in the wine industry, held and managed under the Ackley Brands banner. Ackley volunteered as a member of the Washington Beta Building Board from 1974 to 1993, spending 15 years as president.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
It’s Always Growing Season Ken Christianson, Washington State ’74, grew up on his family’s farm, which produced vegetable seeds, and joined the company after graduation. In 1990, Christianson launched his own agricultural company, Chrishaven Trees (chrishaventrees.com) in Burlington, Washington. The family-run company specializes in growing flowering and shade trees for the wholesale trade. A former member of the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees, Christianson and his wife and fellow WSU alum, Sue, are longtime supporters of the university’s agriculture and athletic initiatives. The couple co-funded the athletic department’s Champion’s Center, provided scholarships for agriculture students, and helped fund the university’s honey bee and pollinator research. A longtime SigEp volunteer, Christianson has served as a director of SigEp National Housing since 2014.
W W W. S I G E P. O R G
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C O M M E N TA R Y
COMMENTARY
125th Anniversary Ushers In Era Of Celebration By Joe Langella Jr. Connecticut ’83 Chair, SigEp 125th Anniversary Task Force SigEp’s 125th birthday (that's a lot of candles) is fast approaching! Such a milestone is certainly an event to celebrate, and that’s exactly what we plan to do! Our “125th Anniversary Era” will officially kick off on our birthday, Nov. 1, 2026, better known to all of us as Founders Day. Do expect this to be a Founders Day and Founders Day of Giving like no other. With unprecedented social media outreach, we hope it will be a record-breaking Founders Day of Giving, culminating with the biggest birthday cake we’ve ever baked! Throughout the 125th era, also expect to be contacted by your chapter to help them celebrate at the local level. All chapters will be encouraged to participate and be educated on how best to take advantage of this milestone by having chapter reunions, scholarship fundraisers, and/or community service events. Headquarters staff
@OFFICIALSIGEP
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will be trained and ready to counsel chapters and provide social media/event planning kits of sorts to make it as easy as possible to plan, execute and publicize these activities. Such milestones as this also give us the opportunity for storytelling about our past challenges and accomplishments — and about the brothers who stepped up and made lasting contributions to our Fraternity. Over the course of the 125th Era, which will culminate at our 60th Grand Chapter
advantage of this milestone by attending our Grand Chapter Conclave in Phoenix. Always the largest Fraternity gathering in the Greek world, Conclave is about much more than passing legislation that guides our Fraternity for
With unprecedented social media outreach, we hope it will be a recordbreaking Founders Day of Giving, culminating with the biggest birthday cake we’ve ever baked! Conclave in Phoenix (July 21-25, 2027), look for monthly articles, social media posts and videos on our various channels highlighting many of the seminal events and monumental brothers that have made SigEp what it is today. And finally, we encourage you to take
the next two years. It is also an opportunity to come together as a united brotherhood to celebrate the very special nature of what it means to be a SigEp. For example, for many, it will be the first time they have been exposed to our Ritual since they themselves were initiated into SigEp.
Our overriding theme for this celebration, “Keeping the Promise,” harkens back to the very beginning of our Fraternity and to the words of SigEp Founding Father and first initiate, Carter Ashton Jenkens. It was Brother Jenkens who first spoke these words about SigEp: “This Fraternity will be different.” We’ve done our best to keep this promise over the last 125 years. We no doubt will do our best over the next 125.
Summer 2026
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Arête
A Q&A with a brother who embodies the spirit of arête — the pursuit of excellence in all things
Bob Gamgort Bucknell ’84 Former Chairman, Keurig Dr Pepper
A major player in the consumer products industry for 40 years, Bob Gamgort cut his teeth in marketing, sales and strategy roles at Kraft Foods (and its predecessor, General Foods). He later served as North American president of Mars Inc. before being tapped in 2009 to lead Pinnacle Foods, which produced household staples like Birds Eye frozen foods and Vlasic pickles. After steering Pinnacle through a successful IPO, he became CEO of Keurig Green Mountain in 2016 and became the first CEO and chair of Keurig Dr Pepper when the company formed in 2018. The Journal spoke with Gamgort shortly after he announced he would be stepping off the KDP board of directors on April 1, 2026, to focus on new investment and advisory opportunities.
Q&A
TEAM I ROOT FOR, NO MATTER WHAT
The NY Giants; excited about our future under John Harbaugh MY GO-TO MEAL
After 40 years of weekly travel, I’m a pretty flexible eater! BEST WAY TO UNWIND
A round of golf with family or friends NEXT ON MY PERSONAL BUCKET LIST
More personal / fun travel. Our next trip is to Portugal. 52
How did your previous roles prepare you to lead Keurig Dr Pepper for its first 10 years? I’ve had the opportunity to work on iconic brands across a wide range of roles. Most importantly, I worked with exceptional leaders whose generous mentorship shaped how I think and lead.
What’s next for Keurig Dr Pepper? KDP has the #1 at-home coffee system in North America and a leading cold beverage portfolio anchored by Dr Pepper, now the #2 soft drink in the U.S. Following the acquisition of JDE Peets (a global coffee company), KDP will separate into two businesses: a leading pure-play global coffee company and a fast-growing North American beverage company.
SigEp Journal
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What attracted you to the consumer products industry?
Thinking about your time in college, what memories come to mind?
I’ve always enjoyed working on beloved brands used daily by millions. Success comes from understanding evolving consumer needs and keeping brands relevant through bold marketing. With consumers, competitors and technology constantly changing, I’ve had to stay on top of my game.
My four years at Bucknell had an outsized impact on my life. The education, experiences and friendships broadened my perspective and raised personal expectations. I also met my wife of 38 years there, which gives us a lifetime of shared memories that began on campus.
How have you navigated obstacles or opportunities in your career?
How did your experience as a member of Pennsylvania Kappa influence you after college?
I’ve found that navigating obstacles and seizing opportunities requires a career “compass” — grounded in mission, strategy and values — rather than a “map” that’s outdated the moment it’s drawn and doesn’t encourage flexibility. Experience has helped me continually refine that compass.
It fostered lifelong friendships, strengthened my personal and professional network, and gave me early leadership opportunities. SigEp was a pivotal part of my college experience — and of who I am today.
W W W. S I G E P. O R G
7/30/26 2:06 PM
125 years
OF TRADITION. Use promo code SIGEP125 for free shipping.
Valid from July 8, 2026 through September 15, 2026. Scan the QR code to order online or visit: hjgreek.com/SIGEPS
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A Everyday ID Pendant B Oval Cuff Links C Enameled Crest Guard D Crown Pearl Badge E Balanced Man Pin F Balanced Man Ring G Edge Ring H Brotherhood Ring I Link Bracelet
hjgreek.com/SIGEPS • 800.542.3728
SigEp_Journal_Sum26_34-48_C3-C4_P4.indd 3
Official Jeweler of SIGMA PHI EPSILON
7/30/26 2:06 PM
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity 310 S. Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, VA 23220-5706
SigEp_Journal_Sum26_34-48_C3-C4_P4.indd 4
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