Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Illinois

ILLINOIS BETA CHAPTER The Lifelong Value of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Beta Chapter Provided Kevin Tosi '13 with Lasting Friendships and Life-Shaping Opportunities B eing a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon taught Kevin Tosi '13 more about himself than he ever expected and afforded him leadership opportunities he never imagined he would take part in. Through SAE, he learned social and professional skills that have served him well in his career, and he was introduced to men who became his brothers in the bond and his best friends for life. "My pledge class actually went about joining it a different way. SAE wasn't on campus at the time (2009), so we had all been pledging another fraternity that actually had its charter removed before we became members," he shared. "We decided to all stick together and help out SAE, which we heard was coming back second semester and needed members." While at Beta Chapter, Kevin served as social chairman, treasurer, and vice president. Each position brought its own challenges but offered him opportunities and learning experiences he never pictured himself having. Those experiences undoubtedly prepared him for post-college success. "Socially, SAE taught me how to communicate better with large groups of people and people of different backgrounds, and it helped me with finding common ground with people," he said. "I've learned that with everything in life, what you can accomplish has a lot to do with your network. The SAE network is always a nice icebreaker when you can find it." SAE also taught Kevin to be comfortable with himself and that people will like you for who you are as long as you're honest. After obtaining an admittedly odd degree in agricultural communications with a focus in advertising, Kevin now works as a senior copywriter in the Los Angeles office of a London-based advertising agency called BBH. "To be honest, I never use the agricultural side of my degree. It took me a while in college to figure out what I wanted to do in life—the ag school was the only one that would take me (ha ha)," he mused. "I love the people I work with; advertising brings together a whole mix of interesting creatives. The work isn't the most exciting all the time, but if you like the people you work with, that's all that matters." From the time he was an undergraduate to now as an alumnus, Kevin's brothers have been a constant in his life. He has nine brothers who live close by in L.A., who he's stayed in particularly close touch with since graduating. Five of his eight groomsmen were his SAE brothers, and so many of his favorite memories of his college and adult life include his brothers. "I never laughed harder than I did just hanging out in that house," he said. "There's a collection of moments I wish I could relive—constantly being around the most random assortment of weird guys, all hysterically funny in their own way." In his spare time, Kevin makes animated cartoons and is looking to pitch and (he hopes) sell an animated series next year. You can follow along on Instagram at @QuirksAnimation. "My sense of humor was definitely influenced by my brothers," he added. Connect with him at krtosi1@gmail.com. 1. Be yourself; you will find likeminded people if you put your true self out there. 2. Always let people know your door is open— you can never repeat that enough. 3. Be open to those who think differently than you—diversity of background and thought makes everything better. (Continued on page 4) What are the top three things you learned from Sigma Alpha Epsilon? The good news is that ILBE chapter house has been open through it all. In fact, last semester, the brothers initiated the largest class ever! More challenging, has been the impact of the Pandemic on all aspects of their lives. Due to the pandemic, the brothers' meals, sleep, socialization, coursework, and almost all of life happen within the four walls of the chapter house. Out-of-house brothers, many times, have not been allowed to visit the house or share meals with the other brothers. It has also been a chaotic academic year, to say the least. Quarantines, altered semester schedules, very frequent COVID-19 testing, ever-changing social policies and restrictions, and Zoom classes––certainly a departure from the carefree lifestyle we, as alumni, all enjoyed at U of I. Many active brothers have had personal income reductions, whether through family under unemployment, lack of summer jobs and internships, a general economic depression, family illness or death, reduced in-person family visits, and an education experience no one could have predicted. ILBE staff members (live-in house director, cook, handyman, and housekeeping) have not only been among the men as the pandemic infects students and calls for heightened cleaning, hygiene, and property protocols, but have also carried the load as the live-in brothers spend 50-75% more waking hours in the chapter house. This has caused stressed budgets, staff illnesses, and increased meetings and training. The current generation has had a college and chapter experience unlike any of us can imagine. These men have built stronger bonds due to the shared experience, increased hours within the chapter house and time spent together. However, many simply think they missed out on the fun and good times so many of us recount from our glory days as an undergraduate. What can you do, as an alumnus, to support and further foster growth in these young men who have stayed committed to their studies and SAE? I ask that you consider how we might best support the active brothers and future ILBE Alumni. What can you do to make an impact? There are many ways to help Illinois Beta, even during the pandemic. Are you able to join many of your fellow alumni by supporting the ILBE Brick Paver campaign? If you already have, would you consider further support in the name of your little brother, past roommate, or another brother you keep close touch with? Illinois Beta and the Pandemic (Continued from page 1)

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