Sigma Chi - University of Nebraska

Page 3 Sigs Cook Up More Philanthropy Alpha Epsilon Brothers Raised More Than $12,000 in 2016 T he Alpha Epsilon Chapter has always prided itself on the success of its philanthropic efforts, and we are proud to report that tradition continues. At the end of last year, we successfully executed our second annual Chicken and Waffles benefit. With help from the brothers of Sigma Chi and our friends from Phi Mu, we were able to raise over $2,600 through ticket sales, donations, and the selling of raffle tickets. Zach Lewis '19, the philanthropy chairman for fall 2016, said, "All of our guys had a great time working the event, and with a growing Chapter, I'm excited to see all the opportunities that will come our way as far as philanthropic events and other fundraising events." All of the funds from the Chicken and Waffles event will support the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Earlier in 2016, our Derby Days events raised over $10,000 for not only the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, but also a fellow Greek sorority member in need of financial help in her battle with cancer. Derby Days allowed the participating women to take part in eight different events, including a dance competition, relay race, and a home run derby. We had an impressive 14 teams participate, with Alpha Omicron Pi achieving the overall win. Alpha Epsilon's new Derby Days chairman for 2016-17, Zach Kohut '19, has been working with his committee since September to make sure Derby Days 2017 continues our successful tradition of philanthropy and fun. Additionally, we are excited to announce that Alpha Epsilon will have a second philanthropic event this spring after Derby Days. We feel there is an opportunity to go further in our philanthropic efforts and that these programs help bring our brotherhood together. A.J. Abrevaya '19, Alpha Epsilon's incoming philanthropy chairman, will be the mastermind behind the spring philanthropy. The undergraduate members of Alpha Epsilon hope to continue our ongoing efforts to support the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and, in the process, work our way to winning the Peterson Award for the third consecutive year—something that has not been done before. In Hoc, Tony Holloran '18 The banner for the second annual Chicken and Waffles philanthropic event at the Chapter House. EARLY AND OFTEN Alpha Epsilon Sigs Get Involved on Campus and Beyond S igma Chi's vision "to become the preem- inent collegiate leadership development organization—aligned, focused and living our core values," has become more and more clear in the last few years at 1510 Vine. We are happy to report that Alpha Epsilon brothers have taken leadership roles at var- ious registered student organizations across campus. During recruitment over the summer of 2016, when we were evaluating the majority of candidates for membership, an interesting discussion came up. Specifically, when is the appropriate time for relatively new undergraduate students to assume positions of leadership in the house and, for that matter, on campus? While there is probably no foolproof one- size-fits-all answer, the general trend is that younger undergraduates are getting more and more involved in leadership positions earlier in their collegiate experience. We like that trend; in fact, it is manifesting itself within Sigma Chi. Here are some of the leadership roles Alpha Epsilon brothers are involved with: • Connor O'Dell '19: past vice president and current president of Ad Club • Trevor Wood '19: executive position in Ad Club • Scott Ayers '19 and Ky Veeny '17: members of University Program Council • Reagan Bergan '17: president of the on- campus a cappella group Rocktavo • Treyton Merwick '19: treasurer of Rocktavo • Nicholas Courtney '19: member of the Environmental Leadership Program • Michael Kleine '18: founder and president of the International Business Club (IBC) • Ty Khubchandai '19: member of IBC's executive team Closer to home, four members of the fall class were selected to important Chapter positions in last fall's elections: • Kasey Smith '19: IFC representative • Andrew Ruboyianes '20: assistant quaestor • Luke Holman '20: intramural chairman • Caleb Howland '20: historian Following the ideals of the Fraternity, Sigma Chi at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is actively seeking out leadership opportunities for its members with renewed enthusiasm and creating a culture of excellence within its walls. After winning a second Peterson award this past summer, Alpha Epsilon looks forward to continuing the trend upward as not only a leader on campus, but as an emerging leader of the Fraternity nationwide. In Hoc, Johnny Keeley '18 Alfonzo "Al" CoopEr sEttlEs in As housE dAd F or decades, many fraternities on campus, including ours, have engaged a "house mom" to fill a supervisory need and a gentle touch in the Chapter House. But over the past several years, the Alpha Epsilon Chapter has taken a different approach, employing a "house dad." Since being reinstated on campus in 2013, Sigma Chi has hired young men in this role who have had recent and exemplary undergraduate Fraternity experiences, successfully graduated, and are at work on graduate degrees. Jack Erhke, FarmHouse '12, a member of FarmHouse Fraternity and a UNL graduate, was first to serve in this role. He was succeeded by Isaac Moore, FarmHouse '13, also a member of FarmHouse and a UNL graduate. Both left an indelible impression on Sigma Chi and both have moved on in their careers. Our third official house dad, Alfonzo Cooper Jr., is now in his second year. Al is a 27-year-old doctoral candidate in music from Waynesboro, Georgia, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. He is an opera singer and remains deeply involved with his two fraternities: Phi Mu Alpha, which is the music fraternity, and his social fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. When asked about his interest in the position, Al said, "Honestly, I was optimistic and enthusiastic because I have had a really good experience in being in a fraternity chapter as an undergrad. I have a pretty good understanding of how fraternity life works. That understanding is why I applied and interviewed for this position." Al's busy schedule outside the Chapter House includes volunteering with Greek Affairs. "I see a connection between the two. I can be an effective liaison, sharing my experiences with the men of Sigma Chi, which benefits Greek Affairs, while making Sigma Chi aware of the positions and policies adopted by Greek Affairs," Al said. (Continued on page 4)

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