Sigma Phi Epsilon - Virginia Tech

Page 3 A s undergraduates, both Woody McIlhenny '20 and Cooper Whiteleather '23 recognized the impact AVC members had on SigEp membership at Virginia Tech. Their formative Fraternity experiences compelled both brothers to continue serving Virginia Kappa Chapter shortly after graduation. UNDERGRADUATE LEADERSHIP Woody, a legacy member, was inspired to join SigEp by his father's lifelong alumni connections. Cooper joined for the balanced and supportive atmosphere within Virginia Kappa. Both appreciated SigEp's sense of community and were inspired to serve their chapter, with Woody spending one term as chaplain and Cooper serving three terms on the executive board. "SigEp transformed me into a more confident leader and granted me skills I use every day in my professional life," Woody said. Cooper echoed the sentiment as he developed leadership, management, and budgeting skills for his career. MAINTAINING DEVOTION Alumni service was a natural fit for Cooper, who hopes to maintain fraternal connections beyond college through AVC involvement. In less than a month, he has already helped bring several recent alumni back to Blacksburg for the spring football game and graduation ceremony. Woody looks forward to what the two can contribute to the AVC. He encourages brothers to consider what they can do for Virginia Kappa, whether it's attending alumni events or volunteering through committee and membership roles. "Dean Kezman '23 and I were having lunch in Blacksburg after the 2024 graduation, and he remarked how good it felt to be back with familiar faces," Cooper added. "Getting involved with the alumni network is an easy way to facilitate those kinds of occasions." You can connect with Woody at and Cooper at their respective email addresses listed below. Young Alumni Do Their Part for Virginia Kappa "It was clear that my college years were affected greatly by the structure and guidance provided by alumni." –Cooper Whiteleather '23 "I want to do what I can to ensure current and future undergraduates have the same enriching experience that I had." –Woody McIlhenny '20 woodymac@vt.edu cooperw@vt.edu I am proposing a collaborative effort to establish a mentor network aimed at supporting both current students and alumni within our brotherhood community. By bringing together a diverse group of mentors from various backgrounds and fields, we can provide valuable guidance and support to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys. Your expertise and insights would be invaluable in shaping this initiative and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we aim to assist. If you're interested at any level of leadership and/or mentorship, please contact me at jaysage11@gmail. com for more information. Mentor calls will be the second Monday of every month from 6-7 ET starting July 8. HFF, Jay Sage '84 Mentoring the Next Generation

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