Alpha Sigma Phi - University of Washington

7 really knows what it means when it snows…and when it is REALLY cold." Rush and Alpha Sigma Phi and My New Family "When I showed up at UW, I started in the dorms, which were prepaid," started Micah. "I didn't like it there. It was too quiet and too strict. So I started recruitment. Neither of my parents were Greek, so I was the first. When I went through recruitment for Alpha Sigma Phi, Recruitment Chairman Tony Serna '14 connected me with Bob Strecker '78. Bob really took an interest in me. He helped make it possible for me to pledge and live in the house, despite paying the dorms. If it wasn't for Bob, I likely would have pledged elsewhere. Bob made me feel really welcome. I picked the house for the people, because they impressed me immediately. Ben Nogawa '15 told me that balancing the house and the Honors Program was doable. He knew because he was in the Honors Program. I pledged with Sy Ruiz '16, another incredible man. He impressed me then and impresses me now." "I loved Mu Chapter. I came to Washington not knowing a soul. I now find myself a year and a half later with a family that I never could have hoped for. That is how I feel about the guys in the house. People invite me to their homes for a weekend and for holidays like Thanksgiving. They welcome me with open arms. They truly are my family away from home. I know this is not the case for most of the guys in the house because they live in driving distance. I am at the house all of the time. The way the guys have taken me in has made my life very complete being so far away from home." "I am honored to be the house vice president (HJP). I was sorority relations before this, right after I was initiated. I ran for vice president because it is a way I can give back to everyone for what they have done for me. My goal is to work toward having a full and happy house. What more can you ask for?" Onward to National "I am very excited about participating in Elevate this sum- mer," commented Micah. "I have not experienced any other Alpha Sig Chapters and I am very eager to meet brothers from over 150 chapters across the nation." When asked what he thinks about being part of one of the nation's foremost social fraternities, Micah replied, "I pledged one chapter and knew nothing of the rest. Going to National Elevate is like finding a treasure trove of cousins I don't know yet." Micah's Philosophy in Life As said earlier, Micah has lived an intriguing and interesting life. He has seen much and done much. It is no wonder that his philosophy in life is full of wisdom and great advice. Micah says, "At 19, my philosophy is always being opened- minded to new opportunities and to not be afraid to let go of what's familiar. I learned that in Mongolia. I certainly learned that. And, the boiled goat wasn't that bad the first five days." N ot many fraternities in the nation can boast that they have nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in scholarship endowments—and none of the 31 other fraternities on the UW campus came anywhere close to the claim that Mu Chapter can claim. Plus, because these funds are endowed, in the very near future they will reach the $1 million mark. Now that's impressive. At the 2016 Founder's Day, 16 awards were granted to undergrad- uate brothers totaling $33,000. This was a lifeline that kept many brothers in school. Pretty amaz- ing accomplishment! So where did all this money come from? Our Mu alumni. Mu presently has seven scholarship funds: Mu Chapter's Scholarship Endowment's Nearly Three-Quarter of a Million Dollars All funds are IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities Big Money for Undergrads

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