Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oregon State University

S IG MA PHI EPS IL O N t O R EG O N AL PHA CHAPT ER t O R EG O N S T AT E U NIV ER S IT Y Sigma Phi Epsilon, Oregon State University P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100 Address Service Requested oregonstate.sigep.org bit.ly/SPEORSU N othing's more critical to Oregon Alpha's success than recruiting the right men— simply, men with character and brains. Should you know of a young man (directly, via your spouse, son, daughter, or neighbor) who would add to Oregon Alpha's tradition of success, please refer him to Evan Piazza '24, the chapter's recruitment chairman. Provide name, contact info and your name. Evan Piazza evanpiazza12@gmail.com, (503) 730-9687 Fraternally, Your Chapter Oregon Alpha Alumni Recruitment Referrals— Historical Strength M y objective is to update you on the chapter and our direction for next year. We have shared with you an incident in January which has greatly impacted the chapter. As we conveyed then, and do now, we consider this a serious event that does not live up to our ideals and values. Chapter execs, chapter members, and volunteers undertook a review and action plan to affirm and assure that chapter beliefs and standards are consistent with chapter behavior. This introspection followed the January incident when, following an event outside of the house, a new member was encouraged to drink alcohol. His reaction prompted him being taken to the hospital by Brother Cross. The new member spent one night in the hospital with medical treatment limited to administration of fluids. The university and SigEp Headquarters acted to suspend chapter activities while the chapter and alumni analyzed the "what and how" of the incident. While, since January, the chapter's activities have been significantly restricted—no intramurals, social activities, recruitment, etc.—this has provided a period to focus on Oregon Alpha. Amongst education programming, perhaps the most significant event was a daylong chapter retreat, facilitated by past staff member and Iowa Delta Brother Ben Weinberg, Drake University '17, where the members critically analyzed the chapter's values, objectives, and activities. Small groups were tasked to "draw" their view of the chapter, which led to discussions on where the chapter's behavior and values were not aligned. With that, the chapter affirmed its values and determined action plans to ensure alignment. If you were to walk in the chapter house since then, you'd notice: • In the entry, a signed statement confirming a recommitment to the chapter's values. • In the dining room, an affirmation of Dubach's principle of creating an environment in which it is "easy to do good, hard to do wrong." While not an excuse, perspectives follow on the undergraduate experience during the pandemic: • Juniors' first year was interrupted by COVID, including closing the chapter house their freshmen Spring term. Social events were curtailed, chapter meetings and recruitment went virtual. • In sophomores' first year, the chapter house operated without meals, with an occupancy limited to 30 men, making for a largely virtual, fraternal collegiate experience. • This Fall, many of our freshmen were in a physical classroom for the first time in nearly two years. OSU implemented a new policy last summer, practically eliminating freshmen's ability to live in fraternities. Chapter leadership has accomplished much in what has arguably the most disruptive time for the fraternity since WWII. OSU's action to eliminate the choice of freshmen to live in fraternity housing requires the chapter to expand its recruitment efforts. A priority in recruitment is broadening the mix of the membership by additional efforts to recruit upperclassmen with a broader geographic basis. You can help by recommending prospective members to Oregon Alpha's recruitment chairman, Evan Piazza '24, at (503) 730- 9687 or evanpiazza12@gmail.com. See more information in the tan box above. Your confidence and support are appreciated. Rest assured, the chapter is vibrant, affirming its values and leadership position at OSU. Fraternally, James Cross '24 Chapter President crosjame@oregonstate.edu A Time for Growth and Improvement Chapter Strives to Renew Shared Values The executive board in early 2022. From left: VP Communications Spencer Miller '23, VP Finance Eddy Figueroa '23, VP Programming Tony Butler-Torrez '24, President James Cross '24, VP Recruitment Evan Piazza '24, VP Member Development Tony Nguyen '24, and Chaplain Jacob Schweitzer '23.

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