Sigma Chi - University of Nebraska

Page 3 I t is an exciting time at 1510 Vine Street. As you know from the last Husker Sig, our Chapter is once again fully recognized by the University of Nebraska. This summer has been far from one of taking a break, rather one of preparing for our first full academic year operating under the good graces of the University. Here are some brief highlights. Excellence in Rush I'm particularly encouraged with where we stand in membership development. Please see the story on page 2 about our excellent results to date. Our rush chairmen did an outstanding job and we're intent on keeping our momentum in this critical area going forward. Balfour Leadership Training Workshop Our involvement with the International Fraternity is growing deeper and wider as a record number of undergraduate Alpha Epsilon Sigs attended the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Attending with me were Joel Girouard '14, Mitch Johnson '17, Eric Wilhelm '16, Josh Johnson '16, Ky Veney '17, Reagan Bergan '17, and Michael Elofson '16, all of whom are Chapter officers. Daniel Pfingsten '12 accompanied us as the alumni representative. The time was used to form our strategic plan with our Chapter facilitator and to identify key opportunities for Alpha Epsilon for the upcoming year. Alpha Epsilon Hosting Central Province Workshop Among the many activities we have planned this year, I am particularly excited to announce that Alpha Epsilon has been chosen to host the Central Province Workshop February 27-28. We will be working closely with our Province Advisor and the Greater Nebraska Area Alumni Chapter to make sure that this is a first class experience for all involved. As we work out the specifics of the agenda, we will make them known; but preliminarily I want to reach out to all alumni and invite you to be part of this important event. For perspective, this is the first time this event has been hosted by Alpha Epsilon in more than seven years. Together We Can Impact Our World With our reinstatement, we are determined to continue our history of philanthropic work in the city. Of special note, we are working closely with the Administration, Greek Affairs, and Student Council to bring back the great Sigma Chi tradition of Derby Days this year, the proceeds of which will go to one or more charitable causes here in Lincoln. We have the unique privilege to say "I am a Sigma Chi." Accompanying that privilege is the challenge to improve the world around us and make sure the white enamel on the badge we wear is never soiled. I believe that we have the right undergraduates and alumni to ensure Sigma Chi achieves and sustains excellence at the University of Nebraska. Success When Undergraduates and Alumni Work Together As I said before, this is a very exciting time at 1510 Vine Street, but our work is far from over. We must continue to work hard to sustain our recent successes. We are committed to ensuring that Sigma Chi is here to stay at the University of Nebraska. I believe Alpha Epsilon is on a sustainable and successful path. Please contact me to discuss opportunities for you to get more involved with the Chapter. We have a group of brothers who are really eager to learn from alumni. Your donation of time and energy with the Chapter is extremely valuable to the future of our organization and the development of our undergraduate brothers. We are all Sigma Chis and we all have the opportunity to make an impact and strengthen our beloved Chapter. In Hoc, Alex Moore '15, Consul (402) 947-1360 / almoore11@gmail.com raise the house grade point average), but there were elements of maturity and relational skills that I needed to develop. The give-and-take and tolerance required for communal living is important preparation for what lies ahead. When I later went on to law school you could pick out individuals who had never had that experience. Something as simple as telling my children not to let on what really gets their goat unless they want to be teased unmercifully and incessantly about it. On a more serious note, our Sigma Chi Jordan Standard states that we should only admit a man of good character. The renowned Omaha investor Warren Buffett said it best, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." This was made painfully evident in the recent reverses suffered in our Alpha Epsilon Chapter and it is my fervent hope that our new brothers never again forget that important lesson. Our Sigma Chi Creed requires us to be living examples of our stated belief in fairness, decency, and good manners. Intangible Benefits. The most difficult "sell" for any fraternity is that the most valuable benefits are intangible in nature. Drinking to excess, hazing, and destructiveness are tangible and factual and are quickly picked up in the media and presented as typical and representative of an entire group. On the other hand, deep-seated feelings of brotherhood and appreciation for a common beneficial and maturing experience are intangibles which fail to sell copy and attract readers or listeners. Those who have attended the funerals for brothers who have entered the Chapter Eternal know of what I speak. Several years ago I painfully watched a brother who had been one of my closest friends waste away and ultimately succumb to the ravages of prostate cancer. Last year I attended a service for a loyal departed brother who had a small Sigma Chi badge as his lapel pin—he had chosen to wear the White Cross for all Eternity. Tears filled my eyes at the sight and thought. No one who has had such an experience comes away without an appreciation for the meaning and value of brotherhood. The Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity provided some of my most important friendships, which have been life- long in duration, and I have never ceased being grateful for that opportunity. Alpha Epsilon Momentum Continues Brother Jackson Streiff '14 became a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp. He held his commissioning ceremony at the Sigma Chi Chapter House. Consul's Report

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