Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Illinois

2 "Chapter House 2.0" (Continued from page 1) To answer these questions, IBC will research case studies of successful learning communities across different environments, conduct interviews with key stakeholders, complete analysis of the revenue potential and cost of each possible solution, and identify the feasibility of implementing these services within the chapter house. The findings will be published in 2020. The initiative is being led by the Illinois Alpha Foundation and Illinois Alpha Holdings, with strategic guidance by John Quarton '86, who serves as the director of The Hoeft Technology and Management Program, director of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Senior Director of Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Programs at the University of Illinois. Fraternally, Christopher S. Dillion '03 Chairman, Illinois Alpha Foundation foundation@illinoisalpha.com Advancing the SigEp Brotherhood One Chapter at a Time A fter applying for and receiving two grants from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation to improve its SigEp Learning Community, Illinois Alpha Chapter established the Pay It Forward Grant. The grant honors the help it received, as well as the national SigEp Brotherhood. Through this grant, Illinois Alpha aims to help other SigEp chapters transform their living-learning communities, much like they were able to do thanks to the help of other SigEp grants. The Wyoming Alpha Chapter at the University of Wyoming was this year's recipient, awarded at the 2019 Conclave in Houston. Wyoming Alpha has taken many steps to improve their standing at the University of Wyoming and recently earned accreditation as a SigEp Learning Community. From left, Chaplain Cal McIntyre '22, Vice President of Risk Management Jared Larsen '22, Chapter President Paul McIntyre '22, Vice President of Recruitment Gabe Matar '22, Vice President of Membership Development Brian Federico '22, and District Governor Chris Dillion '03 with two members representing the Wyoming Alpha Chapter, the recipient of the 2019 Illinois Alpha Pay It Forward Grant. R yan Hamrick '16 was first introduced to the Illinois Alpha Brotherhood by some of his close high school friends. Unsure what to think during his visit to the chapter house, the recruitment team sold him on joining. "They held themselves to an extremely high standard," Ryan said. "The graduating classes of 2013-15 were an aspirational group of young men." After his first chapter meeting as a new member, Ryan knew he made the right choice in joining SigEp. From that moment on, he realized he wanted to assist the chapter in whatever way he could. Ryan served as vice president of recruitment and chapter president during his collegiate years. Of course, Ryan loved his downtime as much as the next guy. "I always think about lunch in room 36 and April's chicken salad," Ryan said. Ryan's service to the Brotherhood didn't end after graduation. Instead, he took on a new role— leading Illinois Alpha's alumni mentoring arm, the Board of Advisors. "Continuing my relationship with SigEp after graduation is one of the best decisions I have made," he said. In his current position, Ryan mentors the chapter president in addition to facilitating at Carson Leadership Academy for the last three years. Along with his involvement in Illinois Alpha, Ryan works for the San Francisco-based food service startup Virtual Kitchen Co. He leads distribution growth for the company and credits his knowledge of the food industry to his time as an intern at Jimmy John's. But if it weren't for SigEp, Ryan may not be where he is today. "Tactically, I got my first job through SigEp brothers. Philosophically, SigEp taught me not to fear being different and to embrace leadership opportunities." Ryan thanks his SigEp mentors and the Fraternity's network for helping him make the most of his leadership positions. Ryan encourages any alumni who may have lost touch with the Brotherhood to reach out to him. "Fraternities are rapidly changing, but the values that brought us together are the same. Please reach out to me, I would love to chat with you about SigEp." Ryan lives in San Francisco with his wife, Tayler, the 2013 Chapter Sweetheart. "She wants me to say hello to all of you." Ryan wants to hear from you. Ping him by email hamrick.ryan2@gmail.com or give him a call (847) 345-7212. SERVICE TO SIGEP Why Ryan Hamrick '16 Continues to Support the Illinois Alpha Brotherhood

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