Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Alabama

THE RED DOOR Alabama SigEps Can't Be Ignored Article by Nick Priviter '18 originally published the in the spring 2018 issue of the SigEp Journal C reating positive change on a campus that prides itself on tradition can be a daunting task, but it is one the SigEps at The University of Alabama have taken on with vigor. Since moving into their newly renovated house on University Boulevard, the brothers of Alabama Beta have used their newfound visibility to lead the charge in changing Greek life for the better. The university invested $5 million in a renovation that has turned a former Kappa Alpha Fraternity house into a facility capable of supporting a top-notch living-learning community. SigEp National Housing consulted on the design, construction and financing, and ultimately made the project possible by guaranteeing the loan. The chapter moved into the 23,000-square-foot living space in January 2018. The Chapter House, which can sleep 34 brothers, features a large meeting room with enough space to accommodate what has become the largest Fraternity on campus with 184 men. It also includes a dedicated alumni room, two large porches, a game room, second-floor lounge, and a formal living room. All of these improvements are a marked change from the previous Chapter House, and members are eager to use the new facility as an opportunity to not only become the best Fraternity on campus, but the best organization too. "We have an incredible chance here to show everyone on campus that it is okay to be different, and that being different might not be such a bad thing," said Chapter President Alex Mazzaferro '19. The former chapter house was located on the north side of campus, far away from academic buildings and out of sight from many students. With that location, chapter members felt it was easy for people to write off SigEp, despite the Chapter's large size, exemplary grades and significant philanthropic work. But all that has changed with the new Chapter House, they say. It will be hard to ignore such a large, and now centrally located, Chapter that's working to redefine the status quo. One of the selling points of SigEp for potential new members is the Chapter's exceptional programming. Surrounded by fraternities that often focus on partying, Alabama Beta deviates from campus social norms by planning alcohol-free events. From movie nights at the house to professional development speakers at Chapter meetings, there are events designed to benefit every member and provide access to experiences they wouldn't find elsewhere on campus. The Chapter's large size and previously small facility had forced leaders to move educational programming and Chapter meetings to campus lecture halls. Their new house can accommodate all of these events, and the central location has made it convenient for members to attend. The Chapter has already hosted many speakers at the new house, including representatives from various campus organizations such as the student health center, the Title IX Office, the campus police department and campus ministries. p. 2

• Cover