Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Alabama

THE RED DOOR p. 2 Spring Accomplishments Position Alabama Beta for Stellar 2019-20 School Year A labama Beta proved again why it is the best Fraternity on campus throughout the 2019 spring semester. Excelling in grades, philanthropy, volunteer work, and at SigEp's national leadership academies, Alabama Beta had yet another impressive semester. Here is what the Chapter has been up to. For a weekend in February, our executive board traveled to Atlanta, Ga., to attend the Carlson Leadership Academy. Not only did the leaders of the Chapter learn different ways to improve, but they were also awarded the 2019 Excelsior Award. The Excelsior Award recognizes chap- ters that demonstrate outstanding leadership and set an example for other chapters throughout the nation. Alabama Beta received the award be- cause of its smooth transition to substance-free housing and setting a blueprint for other chapters to follow. Also receiving recognition was Garett Ostdiek-Wille '21. Garett was one of the 17 members from across the country to be recog- nized as a Tragos Quest Greece Scholar. This summer, brother Griffin McVeigh '21 at- tended the Frank J. Ruck Leadership Institute, which was hosted by the national fraternity in Richmond, Va. The Ruck Leadership Institute equips students to lead culture change that ex- tends beyond their chapter and campus and into their community. Executive-level alumni men- tors guide attendees on how to engage in diffi- UNDERGRADUATES REAP BENEFITS OF SUCCESS AT CARLSON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY From left: Wells Thomas '20, Matt Sink '21, Jack Callahan '22, Sam Lumia '21, Aaron Hurd '20, Garett Ostdiek-Wille '21, Tripper Warlick '21, Michael O'Grady '21, and Griffin McVeigh '21 at Carlson Leadership Academy. cult and meaningful conversations—a skill they often can't develop on their campuses. Working with students spanning from Oregon to Connect- icut, Griffin came back from Ruck with different ideas and better ways for the Chapter to lead. As for the Chapter's service efforts, the most noteworthy event was the Alabama Beta Day of Service at Lake Lurleen State Park. Brothers started the day by splitting into groups to clean up trash around the lake. They focused their ef- forts on cleaning the lake trails, which are the park's most frequented attractions. Once we fin- ished cleaning up trash, brothers came together to build a gazebo. Placed at the base of a water- fall, park attendees can now enjoy some much- needed shade when walking along the trail. Academically, the Chapter maintained its high standards once again. For the 12th semester in a row, Alabama Beta has posted above a 3.4 GPA. The Chapter collectively finished the semester with a 3.45 GPA, and this year's new spring class posted a 3.41 GPA. While the Chapter finished second in fraternity GPA rankings, brothers have their sights set on the top spot for the fall. The spring semester was filled with improve- ment and great memories, but brothers will be working hard to make the fall semester even bet- ter. With football season looming, we hope to catch up with alumni at the Chapter House. Fraternally, Griffin McVeigh '21 and Sam Lumia '21 Brothers build a gazebo and make a trail at Lake Lurleen State Park.

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