Sigma Phi Epsilon - Colorado School of Mines

Fall 2019 S I G M A P H I E P S I L O N AT C O L O R A D O S C H O O L O F M I N E S THE STOPE Building from Strength SIGEP CELEBRATES SCHOLARSHIP PARTICIPATION AND STRONG LEADERSHIP A s another school year at Mines begins, the Balanced Man Scholarship has achieved a historic milestone. We had more than 50% of the incoming freshman class apply! The BMS has always provided a great way for SigEp to meet new people and give back in whatever way we can. This year's finalists truly represented the top of the class and provided a wonderful way to start the year. As always, recruitment forms the foundation of a successful Chapter, allowing each year to build from past years' strong performance. Furthermore, kickstarting recruitment among the BMS finalists creates a unique opportunity for SigEp that pays dividends for years. Having been on the AVC for over a decade now, I've seen the results of our focus on recruitment: strong leadership among the executive council, top grades among fraternities and sororities, and most impressively, a Chapter culture that takes our VDBL principles to heart. Just as I've seen recruitment dividends over the years, another proven, verifiable tenant at Colorado Delta is that our house breaks. Not the Chapter, mind you—the physical Chapter House. Over the summer, after countless meals, events, and meetings, we had to replace the dining room tables and chairs. Dean found some tables that looked structural enough to build a Homecoming float on, and even though the Chapter is top in grades, that doesn't always translate to enough common sense not to try that. Thus, the AVC continues to strategically budget for ongoing replacements. This summer also provided a surprise when we learned we needed to replace the boiler…again. The last renovation that our alumni supported some years back included a boiler, among other improvements. As a result of choosing "mid-tier" equipment—aluminum tubes rather than steel—the efficiency has degraded to the point it needs replacing again. This winter might require heavier hoodies for the active Chapter. For summer renovations, we are looking into a boiler, a study room, and possibly other improvements depending on AVC's finances. Lastly, I'll use this Stope to offer a personal invitation to Homecoming. I'm marking 25 years since getting out! That's 25 years of practice on the grill, so come on out to catch up and see if I still need more practice. I haven't caught up to Stace Arnston '76 in brisket quality yet, but I'm also not as practiced as he is! Fraternally, Eric Wilson '94 AVC President eric.wilson@thecpigroup.net Our 2019 scholarship winners, undergraduates, and alumni. Awarding Balanced Man Scholarships to three incoming freshmen.

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