Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Oregon
Oregon Beta Chapter
P.O. Box 442100
Lawrence, KS 66044-2100
Address Service Requested
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UNIVERSITY OF OREGON s SIGMA PHI EPSILON
Oregon Beta
oregon.sigep.com
@uo_sigep
Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oregon Beta Chapter
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Sig Ep Alumni Page - U of O - Oregon Beta
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The Zollinger Senior Award is presented annually at
Carlson Leadership Academies to one outstanding
senior in each district of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Being in
SigEp helped Raj maintain a strong balance between
studies and social life, which he paid back not just
at SigEp, but all across the University of Oregon. In
his years at UO, Raj also received the Dean's Service
Award and 25 Ducks Award.
BE AWARE, SAVE A LIFE
During Raj's sophomore year, the brotherhood
attended a Greek getaway in which a member of the
Greek community tragically passed away on the first
night. "I found myself wishing people knew what
to do in emergency situations, and I realized as a
pre-med student I was one of the few who would've
known," Raj said. This event inspired him to start an
awareness program to arm students with knowledge
and combat the bystander effect in emergencies.
Raj connected with multiple groups on campus—
students, medical professionals, the police, and
more—to develop the Be Aware, Save A Life
(BASAL) initiative, a public health program at UO. They handed out
emergency response wallet cards and spoke at Greek houses, to new
students, and elsewhere on campus. Raj credits the Greek resources and
other campus networks, especially his SigEp brothers, with helping the
initiative succeed.
SERIOUS STUDENTS
As Oregon Beta's Sound Mind, Sound Body
Chairman, Raj revamped the Chapter's study program.
He hosted study tables and individual meetings
with brothers to learn their strength and interests,
helping connect them with the people and resources
they needed to succeed. "They essentially gave me
permission to be their mentor."
The program paid off in dividends during Raj's
years in the Chapter House. Brothers became serious
students, the Chapter raised its minimum GPA to 3.0,
and they soared from 14th place to fourth in overall
fraternity grades at UO.
"I knew they were all smart people who could both
work hard and have fun," Raj said. "Everyone has
skills, aspirations, and interests of their own. Seeing
that diversity in the Chapter was great, and I'd do it all
again if I could."
WHAT'S NEXT?
Now an alumnus, Raj is back home in Glendale, Ariz.,
where he is researching COVID-19, helping with local healthcare, and
volunteering with Crisis Text Line. He plans to attend medical school next
fall, and until then he hopes to explore his interests outside of work. "SigEp
played a vital role in my personal growth that I will always cherish."
Connect with Raj at rajshah0415@gmail.com.
Helping Brothers Reach Their Potential
(Continued from page 2)
T
ell us what you're up to! How have you
lent a hand in your community lately?
Do you have any career highlights or family
updates you'd like to share with your SigEp
brothers? Are you a veteran who would like to
share your story? How have you been coping
with life during the pandemic? Have you
reached out to any brothers for support during
this time of uncertainty?
Share your story,
and it may appear
in a future issue
of the Oregon
Beta Heartbeat
newsletter!
Submissions
can be sent to
our communications
coordinator
at egorby@penningtonco.com.
Now more than ever it's important to stay
connected to our Oregon Beta brothers. We
hope you have a safe, healthy, and happy
holiday season.
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You!
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