Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Alabama

SIGMA PHI EPSILON The Chapter's new formal living room is one of many quiet spots where brothers can study between classes. Upstairs, a second-floor lounge includes space for more relaxing and casual gatherings. The newly renovated substance-free home includes a meeting room that can seat the entire 184-man Chapter. The new house is a substance-free space where members can study and socialize without distractions that are common on college campuses. Additionally, the Chapter has adopted new risk management policies such as student ID readers for all events. Other fraternities have been taking cues from SigEp too. During his term as chapter president, Mazzaferro has partnered with the university and other fraternities to make these practices commonplace across campus. He's even met with Alabama President Stuart Bell to advocate for SigEps unique approach to Fraternity. "Recently, I have been meeting with leaders from other chapters and talking to them about some of the new things we have been doing. Surprisingly, they have been very open to new ideas. I think it's because people are starting to realize that the old, 'traditional' way of doing things just doesn't work," Mazzaferro said. "The university notices that we have been making changes and that other chapters are following suit. In the future, there is an expectation that we will be the ones to change the Greek culture on campus." David Grady is the vice president for student affairs at the University of Alabama and a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He attended SigEps 2017 Conclave to speak about the state of Greek life and its future on college campuses. "SigEp has always been on the leading edge of movements within the Fraternity world," Grady said. "It is in your DNA to be different." In both academics and philanthropy, SigEp consistently out performs other chapters and most honor societies at Alabama. For the past 16 out of 17 semesters, the Chapter has achieved the highest GPA among fraternities. In fall 2017, the 184 brothers boasted a 3.48 average GPA, with 36 brothers earning a perfect 4.00. Additionally, the brothers raise thousands of dollars every year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. The work brothers do in the classroom and in the community doesn't go unnoticed. Since rechartering in 2015, the Chapter has earned multiple Greek excellence awards from the university. This prestige has proved to be an invaluable recruiting tool, especially when combined with the new living space. "I joined SigEp this spring, and I remember wishing that I had joined in the fall. My roommate joined in the fall, and he was super-focused on his grades and was always doing cool things with other brothers. I wanted something like that in my life. Now that I'm here and we have this new house, I don't know why I didn't join earlier," said Sam Stennett '21. In its quest to become the best student organization on campus, Alabama Beta now has its sights set on becoming an accredited Residential Learning Community. Chapter leaders believe this is the next logical step in SigEps development. Going forward, the Chapter is also looking to increase its leadership roles on campus. Chapter Counselor Larry Whitman '85, said that he hopes to see more brothers seeking roles in student government and other campus organizations. "So the question is, 'What's the next step?' The next step, to me, is how to become the best of the best. That means greater participation on campus, greater participation nationally with the Fraternity, becoming an accredited Residential Learning Community, and earning the Buchannan Cup," Whitman said. p. 3

• Cover