Sigma Chi - University of Nebraska

Page 2 W hat a pleasure it is to write about the undergraduate Chapter and their progress. This is a group that works to truly incorporate the core values set out in the Jordan Standard, shows strong evidence of building leaders, and generally keeps getting better together. Our collective snapshot of Alpha Epsilon is an encouraging one. Al Cooper is entering his second year as house dad, providing strong counsel and continuity. It is a definite bonus for us that he also does part-time work with the Office of Greek Affairs, allowing him to stay on top of trends, policies, and issues relevant to Greek life at UNL, while building strong relationships. Al is completing his master's degree in musical arts and plans to graduate in December 2018, which is great news for Alpha Epsilon as we hope to keep this strong addition to our fraternity around for over three years. Speaking of continuity, Stacey Kommers is entering her fifth year as our head chef. She continues to creatively evolve the menu and food options to address the dietary needs (and desires) of our growing Chapter. But Stacey is so much more than our chef. She is a well-liked and respected mother figure to our young men. See the short undergraduate tribute to her on page 3. The Chapter finished the spring 2017 semester with a GPA of 3.150, which placed them well into the top half of fraternities; 11th out of 25. Although they are not where they want to be in terms of academic achievement, SC has steadily climbed the ranks and aspires to see themselves in the top 10 following the fall 2017 semester. Summer recruitment is in full swing and is going very well. The Chapter is at 36 pledges for the upcoming semester. Importantly, with at least 13 new members living in the house, they are at full capacity. This is great for the Chapter not only financially but also in building the bonds of brotherhood. Financially, we have a very strong balance sheet and have materially improved our basic financial administration; our collection rate is at a four- year high, improving by 24% over four years ago. Philanthropically, AE continues to pay it forward. This year the Chapter averaged more than 11 community service hours per brother; a new record in the Chapter's recent history. In addition to the successful Derby Day event and Chicken and Waffles initiatives, 11 brothers partook in Dance Marathon, one of UNL's biggest service initiatives. These brothers raised more than $2,500 for children with chronic/terminal illnesses and ranked third in all fraternities for dollars raised. The brothers also donated over 350 pounds of clothing to the People's City Mission. I have been pleased to serve as chapter advisor for 11 years now. With our growing undergraduate Chapter, we have reformulated the Chapter Advisor Team to consist of three members. I will serve as chapter financial advisor, while Dave Clawson, Oregon State '83, will serve as chapter advisor. Recent graduate Chris Burma '16 rounds out the triumvirate as the younger (and, no doubt, most in touch with the times) member of the team. We are enthusiastic about working with such a great outfit! In hoc, Trey Pittenger '01 CHAPTER ADVISOR TEAM REPORT HELP WANTED FOR NOT-SO- DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT C alling all Sig alumni in the Lincoln area. We are looking for a volunteer to edit the Husker Sig, which publishes twice a year, once in the fall term and once in the spring. The ideal candidate will love Sigma Chi, get a kick out of staying abreast of what is going on with the Chapter, enjoy working with the Chapter tribune to envision story lines, and provide advice and editing skills for articles written by undergraduate members of the Chapter. Our current editor, Steve Davis '67, has held this position for the last eight years and has blown way past his retirement age. Here is a chance to make a real contribution, keeping alumni and undergraduates informed and connected. No pay. No benefits. No free drinks. But lots of brotherly love. If you're interested, contact Greater Nebraska Area Alumni Association President Woody Denker '74 at (402) 434-3115. He'll even take referrals! W e always love stories about generational involvement and love of Alpha Epsilon of Sigma Chi. The Patten family of Parker, Colorado, is a case in point. The family patriarch, Rich Patten '83, remains active in the AE Chapter, making frequent trips back to UNL for Homecoming, Sig initiations, and philanthropic events. "Whenever Rich is around one notices that he's the type of guy who loves to have fun and makes sure we don't take things too seriously. He loves to be one of the guys, and the brothers appreciate that," Calen Griffin '18, AE consul, said. Walker Patten '15, Rich's son, pledged the Alpha Epsilon Chapter in 2011. He, however, found the house in a much more distressed state than his father experienced. Sigma Chi was not recognized on campus at the time given a broad probationary sentence for university violations. The alumni and the national fraternity agreed to a rebuilding plan to help restore the Alpha Epsilon reputation and vibrancy on campus. The plan involved careful evaluation of the membership and severing relationships with a number of undergraduates and rebuilding the fraternity around a few promising leaders. Walker proved to be an integral part of that rebuilding process, holding three different positions during his time as an undergraduate: social chairman, Chapter editor, and two terms as recruitment chairman. During his time at Sigma Chi, Walker was able to see the Chapter grow to more than twice its size and, importantly, make huge inroads into establishing a leadership culture built around traditional Sigma Chi values. THE PATTEN FAMILY BONDS WITH SIGMA CHI Sigma Chi Sweetheart Maddy Patten delivering her Christmas gift, a hand-painted Sigma Chi cooler. (Continued on page 6)

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