Sigma Phi Epsilon - Rutgers University

Page 2 Alex Balako '23 | Pennington, N.J. Nick Barron '25 | Lumberton, N.J. Gerardo Carcamo '24 | Flemington, N.J. Riley Corcoran '25 | Scituate, Mass. Arnav Dashaputra '25 | Montgomery, N.J. Huzafa Irfan '24 | South Brunswick, N.J. Josh Israel '27 | Lake Hopatcong, N.J. Mathew Joseph '24 | Robinsville, N.J. Danny Kovac '26 | Ridgewood, N.J. Ethan Lee '25 | Old Bridge, N.J. Dominic Plesniarski '26 | Manahawkin, N.J. Preston Podell '23 | Spring Lake, N.J. Arvin Ramsaran '26 | Maracas Valley, Trinidad J ohn Benton '86 and Ibrahim Koroma '12 are proud to be SigEps and have both formed a lifelong love for the fraternity. It all started when they were each looking for a place to belong at Rutgers University. Although John and Ibby attended college years apart, one thing remained a constant at New Jersey Beta: it was a strong brotherhood full of like-minded individuals. "Finding a group who shared a similar set of values provided me with the support system I needed to successfully navigate my journey as an undergraduate and continues to be a reliable source of support to this day," Ibby said. As the SigEp brothers look back on their individual undergraduate experiences, they both fondly remember participating in Ritual. "Our Ritual is really what separated us and gave us all that common thread and tie," John shared. He also recalls the diversity of NJ Beta as well as the camaraderie, whether through softball games, brotherhood meetings, barbecues, or outings to Mets games. For Ibby, his most memorable moments were the spontaneous antics that occurred during informal gatherings like grabbing meals with his brothers at the dining hall or group studies at the library. The two men formed lifelong friendships and relationships through SigEp. John talks with many of his brothers often and has a group chat with 11 of his brothers, with whom he gets together countless times throughout the year. For many years, he has also hosted the Rutgers football tailgate, which is well- attended by many SigEps from all eras. Ibby enjoys celebrating birthdays, marriages, and childbirths with men whom he may never have crossed paths with if it were not for SigEp. "The opportunity to also connect with alumni who preceded me and have a network of mentors (and now friends) to help guide me through my collegiate and professional careers has been invaluable," Ibby shared. For the past eight years, Ibby has worked in M&A advisory services at Sun Mergers and Acquisitions, a boutique investment banking firm. His career has allowed him to put his finance degree to good use while helping small business owners achieve a successful exit strategy. The problem-solving and leadership skills he gained from serving on NJ Beta's executive board have been valuable in his career. Almost a year ago, he was promoted to vice president of the firm; he is gratified that his efforts have made an impact. John also went the finance route, and he is grateful for brother Scott Rappoport '84 at Prudential for bringing him in after graduation; it's where John remains today. His SigEp experience also helped prepare him for his career. "I held leadership roles in the fraternity. The reason we were so successful as an undergraduate chapter is because we ran it like a business," he said. "It helped me to understand some of the things I need to do to run my own business, which I've been doing now for 37 years." He opened his Prudential office, Chartered Financial Services, in 1993. For the past five years, it's been the company's leading financial planning practice, and it has been trophy-winning for the past three years. The best part is that his wife and two daughters work alongside him. With the impact SigEp has had on their lives, Ibby and John are proud to remain involved on the AVC executive board. "I've been able to be part of a group that makes a difference in so many college men's lives," John shared. The men are excited for the rechartering of NJ Beta and share that excitement with volunteers old and new and the undergraduate brothers. "We've got a great group of young men who have led the charge in establishing a strong foundation for the rebirth of SigEp at Rutgers, and I am confident that our chapter will continue to be instrumental in the development of character, leadership, and educational skills not only for future SigEps but also for the university community at large," Ibby shared. You can connect with John at jrbenton1@aol. com and Ibrahim at ikoroma@gmail.com. A Love for SigEp John Benton '86 and Ibrahim Koroma '12 Reflect on the Impact of Brotherhood WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS "As an undergraduate, joining SigEp immediately helped provide the structure I needed to refocus on my academics after a freshman year that was certainly below my capabilities." –Ibby "I've come to realize that without help from alumni who are willing to give of their time or dollars, the SigEp experience can't continue. If brothers reading this could become more engaged, reengaged, or engaged for the first time, that would be the thrill of my life." –John

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