Sigma Phi Epsilon - Colorado School of Mines

Fall 2021 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 A NEW TRADITION BEGINS GRAND CHAPTER CONCLAVE AND SUMMER RECAP G rand Chapter Conclave was in Denver this year and Colorado Delta was selected as one of the host Chapters. I attended as a delegate. It was very inspiring to see our ritual again, this time staged in the modern format directly against the original founders' format from 1901. During my undergraduate days, we initiated both Wyoming Alpha and Colorado Beta, so we pretty much had it memorized from doing it so often. I was also reminded of how much SigEp means to me. Seeing four generations of brothers gathering to celebrate accomplishments, supporting each other through the pandemic, and just being glad to be a SigEp, I couldn't help but have a renewed appreciation. On top of that, the Chapter won a Buchanan Cup, which has been a sustained goal for both the undergraduate members and the AVC for years, so it was certainly rewarding to have all our hard work acknowledged. The thing that most excited me during Conclave was the comments from students along the lines of, "that's one," their point being that it takes five consecutive Buc Cups to get a gold one. This is our new goal: a solid decade of outstanding Chapter operations with Colorado Delta's new tradition of excellence, which started this July. There are chapters out there with dozens of gold Buc Cups to their name (one school was top in grades for 38 semesters!), but with continued support and strong recruiting, this is where our Chapter aspirations will lead. The one common factor of a powerhouse chapter is a strong base of alumni encouragement and support. We are very fortunate to have dedicated AVC members and I thank them for their contributions. But, just as the Chapter isn't satisfied, the AVC is also looking to build on successes. We've continued to update and upgrade the house with a major facelift project completed this summer. The study room was also enlarged and is ready for Upper hall after construction of residence areas had fully finished. new technology to improve communication since we're all too familiar with virtual meetings now. We're also doubling down on our engagement with you, our alumni. You should have already seen the first step with the broadcast email alerting you to upcoming events—I promise it won't turn into weekly inbox spam. Our next challenge is increasing alumni participation, and there are a few ways you can help. If you're around Denver, attend our events! A big event this year is the Homecoming ribbon- cutting for the McNeil Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Come support Brother McNeil on Thursday, September 30. There will also be a tailgate that Saturday. For those not in town, sign up for a SigEp Story Night. The undergraduates would love to hear your tales from industry or advice for their upcoming careers. I was elated when our second historical Buc Cup was won. I am encouraged that both the undergraduate Chapter and the AVC are striving for more success. I am also honored to be a part of SigEp, the best Fraternity at Mines and across the country. Now, who's coming to the tailgate so we can plan enough barbecue? Fraternally, Eric Wilson '94 AVC President eric.wilson@thecpigroup.net Members, alumni volunteers, and our District Governor celebrate receiving a Buchanan Cup at the 57th Grand Chapter Conclave in Denver.

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