Sigma Phi Epsilon - Colorado School of Mines

Fall 2020 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 CO Delta Excels in Challenging Times AVC Welcomes New SigEp Alumni Aboard "May you live in challenging times," as the old curse goes. Well, there certainly hasn't been any shortage of challenges for Colorado Delta in 2020. At the close of the spring semester, while the pandemic was forcing policy and procedure changes among the state and school officials almost daily, the AVC quickly determined how best to let the handful of in-house students with no other options finish out their semester. But with the house vacant over summer as CSM was closed, we decided to pursue an extensive repair and remodel effort for the residential side restrooms. A number of years back we tackled the sewer line replacement and common area update, and with the number of issues the restrooms were experiencing plus showing their overall age, it was time. Treasurer Dean Willis '72 and House Manager Stace Arnston '76 developed a plan and, same as the previous remodeling work, the AVC applied for a line of credit to finance the project. Enter challenge number three: our longtime bank fell through, leaving the project behind schedule. A new bank was found and thanks to the VERY generous support of several alumni who provided a bridge loan allowing the work to start, we were able to close on a new line and (almost) complete the restrooms in time for the start of school. But with the start of a new semester, the Chapter faced the next challenge as the typical types of recruiting events would not work given the gathering and guest restrictions in place. The undergraduates developed a whole series of smaller meet-and-greets, online events, and through some creativity and dedication, the fall recruiting was a smashing success with 17 new members and several others remaining interested in joining in the spring. Beyond recruiting, the Chapter has also dealt with new sanitizing and cleaning procedures, combined remote/in-person coursework, developed new programming events, and kept the Chapter healthy and active. It has been impressive to see how SigEps pull together even when forced physically apart! For the AVC, we have also been fortunate to grow our ranks with the addition of two new SigEp alumni, Connor Kreider, University of Maine '19, and Matt O'Donnell, Lehigh University '19. As you'll soon learn, Connor is working to implement a mentoring and coaching program for the undergraduates. With the pandemic forcing everyone online more, it has become quite easy to connect virtually, making this the perfect chance to turn challenge into opportunity, so please consider sharing your experience and guidance with the Chapter. And even with the demonstrated success in recruiting, this is one of the absolute keys to Chapter strength, and with Matt's background in professional recruiting, this will be an absolute advantage to our Chapter. Welcome, Connor and Matt—thanks for your impact! One final challenge for the AVC is replacing our longtime house manager, Stace Arnston, who has stepped down. His passion and diligence for the house will sorely be missed. Thank you, Stace, for the time, support, and "colorful" discussions through the years! Lastly, I'd like to extend a personal invitation to all our alumni to attend Conclave 2021. It will be in August in Denver, so I hope you can pencil that into your calendars for next year. As much as I've enjoyed reconnecting with many alumni via online video calls, it will be a much welcome return to in-person meet-ups, and I hope to see you there! Fraternally, Eric Wilson '94 AVC President eric.wilson@thecpigroup.net C olorado Delta Chapter is searching for SigEp Mines alumni to help undergraduates with internship and networking opportunities. We will greatly appreciate alumni coming to SigEp to share their network connections and knowledge of the engineering workforce for graduating students looking for jobs and internships. Our Chapter has proven success in academics, leadership skills, and community involvement because of its strong support system and focus on preparing its members for the future. Having alumni share their knowledge of the workforce will also be a great way to connect with the undergraduate Chapter and help our brothers grow into Balanced Men. Contact Chapter President Johnny Desrosiers '22 at jdesrosiers@mymail.mines.edu if you are interested in helping. Alumni Networking Opportunities

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