Sigma Phi Epsilon - Rutgers University

Page 2 Building Our Bonds What's Happening at New Jersey Beta S igEp brothers at Rutgers University are having a great spring 2024 semester full of opportunities to foster connections and commemorate accomplishments. The highlight was our third-annual Balanced Man Scholarship dinner, with Grand Chapter President Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth '89 in attendance to celebrate our members' achievements. We awarded $4,000 in scholarships across several categories. Fraternal Recognition Freddy Ramos '24 won the grand prize of $1,000 for his leadership in founding the Rutgers Ecuadorian Alliance and mentoring in public speaking. Kevin Li claimed second place with a $750 scholarship for his contributions as a Learning Assistant and Assistant Scoutmaster. Ayden O'Keefe took third, receiving $500 for leading his high school's robotics team to victory and his pandemic relief efforts. Additional awards of $250 each were given to seven other finalists. Special recognitions included the Cardinal Values Brotherhood awards given to Brandon Hernandez '24, Mathew Joseph '24, Paolo Cucchi '25, and Dominic Plesniarski '26 for their exemplary dedication. Staying Social The semester was packed with engaging activities aimed at fostering brotherhood and a sense of community. Recruitment events featured an array of activities, including a campfire, sports games, and a barbecue cookout. Philanthropy week was also a large success with funds raised through various events, including a charity football game with New Jersey Zeta at Rider University and a charity concert hosting volunteer artists. The formal event at Evelyn's Restaurant provided a beautiful venue for social interaction, and brothers had fun receiving superlative awards designed by the sweethearts. The new Spring 2024 Sigma Class independently organized a brotherhood event as well, showcasing their initiative and teamwork by arranging outdoor games and a campfire with grilled food. The initiative was led by Sigma President Ziyad Ibrahim '24. Our chapter retreat, led by Vice President of SigEp Learning Communities Joshua Israel '27, involved a three-day hiking and camping experience at Round Valley, New Jersey. This retreat focused on outdoor skills and team building, significantly contributing to personal development and teamwork. This semester's activities helped our chapter in recruitment and furthered the educational, social, and philanthropic endeavors of our members. The chapter continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence and brotherhood through these demonstrations of our values. Fraternally, Joseph Pallis '25 President O ur brotherhood is proud of the following seniors for completing their college careers and earning the title of SigEp alumni. We are planning on conducting the Hoops of Steel senior sendoff ritual for this year's graduating class: New Jersey Beta and New Jersey Zeta members gather for the inaugural charity football match on April 1 at Rider University's Ben Cohen Field. Brothers share hot dogs and fellowship after the Burning Heart Ceremony at a gathering hosted by John Benton '86. Brothers receive wilderness survival and fire safety training at Round Valley, New Jersey, on March 29. Congratulations, Graduating Seniors Alexander Balako Shawn Benson Anthony DeMelfi Cooper Grimes Brandon Hernandez Andrew Hoefele Mathew Joseph Caleb Lucks-Moser Mit Patel Reflecting on Brotherhood "In life's journey, perseverance and diligence are the twin engines propelling us toward our dreams. When challenges loom large and obstacles block our path, it's the unwavering determination to press on that separates triumph from defeat." –Shawn Benson '24 "I passed on a job to elevate my fraternity because building bonds beats climbing the corporate ladder any day." –Brandon Hernandez '24 "SigEp has taught me to learn from the bad times and stay humble in the good times." –Mathew Joseph '24

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