Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Connecticut

T he last chapter president's report was published in the spring 2020 newsletter, shortly after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unwavering leadership of my predecessors, Ross Bodington '21, John Donnelly '23, and Stony Brooks '22, guided Connecticut Alpha through seemingly endless COVID-19 restrictions, including having to relinquish our house to the university for possible quarantine housing. Yet, our brothers rose to the challenge and quickly transitioned to operating remotely. Throughout the pandemic, we continued to excel in academics (3.61 in fall '20, 3.65 in spring '21, 3.45 in fall '21, and 3.5 in spring '22), and discovered new ways to strengthen our brotherhood and keep our chapter running at optimal performance. During the pandemic, in conjunction with other organizations on campus, we turned much of our efforts toward philanthropy. Promoting fundraising virtually, we raised over $2,400 for Toys for Tots just before the Christmas season and completed a coat drive for the Salvation Army. We also participated in HuskyTHON, one of the university's biggest fundraising efforts of the year. We are proud of the many individual and group accomplishments of our undergraduate and alumni since the last newsletter and share with you highlights below. We thank our alumni and volunteers for their support and guidance. Without you, we could not have continued to excel as we did during a very challenging time. Fraternally, Ethan Lovallo '23 Chapter President Chapter Honors and Events • At the 2021 Conclave in Denver, the chapter was awarded its second consecutive Buchanan Cup. • We earned the top GPA for all IFC fraternities in fall 2021 and spring 2022. • The University conferred "A" Status accreditation the fall '21 and spring '22 semesters. • The chapter received two Arete Awards from the University and was recognized by the University for the best chapter operations for 2021. • SigEp accredited the chapter as a SigEp Learning Community. • We welcomed a new faculty fellow, Dr. Sarira Motaref, a faculty member in the School of Engineering. Please see her profile here: https://cee.engr.uconn.edu/people/motaref-sarira. • We held a Balanced Man Scholarship Banquet featuring AVC Director Andre Wang '19, Regional Director Thomas Heniff, Indiana Insitute of Technology '21, and AVC Director Jonathan Wharton, Steven Tech Renaissance '07. The top prize recipient, Jake Daignault '25, joined as a brother in spring 2022. • We reinstituted a chapter-wide retreat after a four-year hiatus. • As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SigEp partners each year with Alpha Delta Pi to host the Live Your Oath campaign, which focuses on understanding living our membership oaths and preventing sexual assault to create safer campuses. Brothers traveled to Sacred Heart University for the Spring 2022 campaign. We are deeply grateful to Ken Mysogland '86, MSW, director of the Ombudsman Office of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families for facilitating the program again this year. Individual Highlights • Thomas Acquista '22 attended the Tragos Quest to Greece in 2021, and John Donnelly '23 attended the Tragos Quest to Greece in 2022. • Aiden O'Connor '22 received the Outstanding Vice President of Recruitment Award. • Thomas Aquista '22, has signed on as the chapter's new resident scholar. • Sammy Jacinto '23 received an award from the university for the most creative philanthropy events for spring 2022. • Ethan Lovallo '23 and Will Servino '24 attended the Ruck Leadership Institute. • Michael Quinn '24 won Greek Emerging Leader of the Year in 2021. • Will Servino '24 won the IFC Scholarship for the second year in a row for his display of the core values of citizenship, scholarship, fellowship, and leadership. Alumni Highlights • Steve Chaneles '83 serves on the national Financial and Compliance Committee and Volunteer Development Committee, and recently completed 12 years of service as District Governor of Florida. • Steve Jason '83 serves on the national Mental Health Committee and serves as a director of the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation of the NY Gamma chapter at NYU. • Joe Langella '83 serves as chairperson of the national District Governor Committee and 125th Anniversary Committee. • Bill Gunn '88 received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. • Eric Muschlitz '92 serves as president of the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation for the Illinois Xi chapter at Depaul University. • Eric Muschlitz '92 and Steve Chaneles '83 received the Larkin Bailey/Babe Fly Award for having attended their 15th Conclave. • Samad Khan '18 serves as the chapter counselor at the North Carolina Beta Chapter at N.C. State University. • Van Augur '20 serves on the national Ritual Task Force, and completed a two-year term as a student director on the National Board of Directors. • Connecticut Alpha placed in the top 10 among all SigEp chapters in giving and participation for the 2020 and 2021 national Annual Founders Day of Giving campaigns. PAGE 5 SIGMA PHI EPSILON A STRENGTHENED BROTHERHOOD Connecticut Alpha Embraces Its Accomplishments Van Augur '20 completes his term on the National Board of Directors. Steve Chaneles '83 and Eric Muschlitz '92 with the Larkin Bailey/Babe Fly Loyalty Cup. Van Augur '20 and Thomas Aquista '22 accepting the Buchanan Cup. SigEp members dedicate their time to philanthropy, raising $2,400 for Toys for Tots.

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