Sigma Phi Epsilon - Drake University

Fall • 2020 drake.sigep.org our Chapter alive during a pandemic. I couldn't be prouder of the work they've done to not just survive but thrive under the circumstances. Undergraduate brothers, all alumni are thinking of you and are so proud of your hard work. And to my fellow alumni, I hope you and your families are staying safe, masking up, and finding time to enjoy the little things in life. No matter how near or how far we may be from each other, our sacred brotherhood lives on. I can't wait for the day to come when we can celebrate Iowa Delta in person and without fear, honoring the young men who have kept Iowa Delta going through one of the toughest challenges in history. Fraternally, Tony Lorino '03 AVC Member Valuing SigEp's Founding Principles (Continued from page 1) Welcome, New Members! Vince Carioti William Conlon Jacob Dolin Gavin Eldridge Conrad Ernst Daniel Krey Caleb Lillquist Jakke Lotta Jason May Joey McNamara Meet Patel Brees Proctor Mike Straub Henry ompson Henry Ziegler Reconstituting Sigma Phi Epsilon at Drake University in 2001 was a great experience for Zach Nunn '02. e Balanced Man concept was a core reason for Zach's decision to join Iowa Delta and work hard with a team of 14 brothers to ensure SigEp would be successful on campus. Over the course of three semesters, SigEp became the campus leader in academics and intramurals while holding the majority of leadership positions on campus. "Faculty, sorority, and non-Greek students had a new look on fraternity life at Drake," Zach said. "One reflecting Aristotle's core concept: 'We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.' I still live by this first rule of the Balanced Man philosophy." Zach and his brothers focused on helping each other succeed academically while challenging themselves to get outside their comfort zones in sports, music, and languages. "SigEp was foundational in setting me up for success during and after my time at Drake," Zach said. "e friendship, peer motivation, and diversity of thought and background within our brotherhood motivated us all to become better men together." When they first chartered, the Chapter met in the basement of the Olmsted Center, so they were grateful to acquire the Chapter House on Greek Street. "e house remains one of the most regal on Drake's campus," Zach said. "It continues to impress with the accomplishment of current members and the inspiration it provides to future brothers." During his time as an active member, Zach was humbled to serve as the Chapter's first Chaplain. He was also active on campus as a student senator, student activities board president, member of the all-state mock trial, legislative clerk at the Iowa House of Representatives, writer and producer for Drake TV's Game Team, researcher for Drake's political science journal, member of the Bulldog Pep Band, and residents' assistant in Carpenter and Jewett Hall. Zach definitely kept himself busy, but he also made sure to carve out time to have fun with his brothers. He loved cheering on the Drake Bulldogs at sporting events, showing off his SigEp shirts in class, shenanigans with Tony Lorino '03 and Shawn Rolland '04, and the paint fights with sororities during Relays Weekend. After graduating from Drake, Zach went on to serve his country through the Air Force. He flew several combat operations over Afghanistan and Iraq while serving shoulder-to- shoulder with an incredible group of young people committed to protecting the country. roughout his service, he worked operations in China, England, Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, South Korea, and the Middle East. "Close work with our allies continues to open my eyes to new perspectives and common bonds of humanity," Zach said. Today, Zach is a squadron commander with the Iowa Air National Guard where he has helped with COVID-19 relief within the state. Zach also serves his hometown as a member of the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives. is has provided him the opportunity to be an advocate for Iowa's future and champion priorities for his neighbors and community. "I am a believer in bipartisan solutions," Zach said. "Our collaborative work in tax reform has helped grow Iowa families' incomes. Investing in towns' main street revivals and improving our schools is also a priority for me." As majority whip, Zach was proud to help Iowa harness emerging technologies to provide the workforce with new skills. He was also instrumental in bringing Facebook and Amazon to his district. He serves as chairman of the judiciary committee that led state-wide justice reform, showcasing Iowa as a leader for the nation. "ere is honor in investing in others and serving the greater good," Zach said. As an adjunct professor at Drake, Zach has made it a priority to mentor SigEp brothers who are looking for a career in public service. Active brother John Altendorf '21 is an exceptional part of his team in the Iowa Senate serving as his legislative clerk. "I'm always on the hunt for new leaders," Zach said. "I consistently find that SigEp brothers are leading in their careers and the long- term success of Drake for future learners." Zach looks forward to connecting with more SigEp brothers in the future and encourages alumni to stay connected with Iowa Delta. "All it takes is an email or address update to pick up right where you left off," Zach said. "Life gets busy for everyone. With work from home and social distancing impacting all of us, there's no time like the present to re-engage with the brotherhood." You can reach Zach at zach@zachnunn.com. Serving Home and Brotherhood Iowa State Senator Zach Nunn '02 Continues His Support for Iowa Delta Congratulations to former Iowa Delta Chapter President Chris Laskey '02 on his marriage to Emily Gray on October 17, 2019, in Washington, D.C. Brothers in attendance were: Josh Ellison '02; Carl Brummond '02; Justin Bailey '02; Chris Laskey '02 and his wife, Emily; Jay Geneske '03; Bryan Gay '03 and his wife, Pam; and Chad Whipple '03. Congratulations, Chris!

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