Sigma Phi Epsilon - Colorado State University

Page 2 "SigEp gave me foundational interpersonal skills that played a significant part in my success thus far." A lex Bolton '13 was introduced to SigEp by Recruitment Chairman Andy DiBala '11. "I met him on the mall, and he invited me over lunch," he shared. Missing the influence of his older brothers, Alex joined SigEp with hopes of building meaningful relationships and finding wise mentors. "The brotherhood, the bonding over shared experiences, and the leadership and networking opportunities were all really attractive to me." Alex organized his first political campaign in the Colorado Gamma chapter house. "I ran for recruitment chairman twice," he recalled. "I came up short the first time and then came out ahead the second time. I learned when at first you don't succeed, you must try again and keep going for it." After graduating in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in political science, Alex got his start in U.S. politics by running a 2014 congressional race in Colorado. He moved to Washington, D.C., in 2015 and worked his way up to running priority races for the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2020. At the end of that election cycle, his hard work and integrity were noted by New York Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. "She said, 'Hey, I'd like you to be my chief of staff,'" Alex said. "There's not much you can say to that except 'Yes!'" In the three years since, Alex has continued to serve on the Hill alongside a hard- working, supportive staff. "We've been very blessed in our productivity on behalf of the constituents of New York 11 and, hopefully, most of the country." For Alex, being a member of Colorado Gamma was all about getting out of his comfort zone and reaching for the stars. "SigEp was the foundation that gave me the confidence to pursue uncomfortable things, deal with real problems, and find ways for everybody to win." He encourages today's undergraduates to live in the moment, try new things, and learn to be OK with failure. "I've been fortunate to accumulate mentors that help me avoid the potholes and push on when times are good and when times are tough." SigEp brothers have been a steady source of support and encouragement throughout Alex's life. "My grandfather passed away when I was in the house and it hit me really hard," he recalled. "Some brothers took me out to dinner and helped to ground me during a difficult experience." Several alumni also attended Alex's wedding in July 2022. "A section of the CO Gamma chant made it into the ceremony, and they chanted it back from the audience," he shared. "It was pretty neat!" Alex intends to stay with his current team and continue working for the good of his fellow citizens for as long as he can, although he can't help being a little homesick. "It's harder to leave Colorado every time I go back," he admitted. "I aim to be back to stay one day." In the meantime, he hopes his story will inspire other SigEp brothers to pursue careers in D.C. "There's a lot of success to be had, and I'm here for you! I look forward to meeting and continuing to network with any guys who come my way." If you'd like to see the video interview go to: https://www.youtube.com/playlist? list=PL37jfFrcP1kdp7MXkevwoxU9sEvGDQ5jN A t Homecoming, Jim Benemann '78 received The William E. Morgan Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor given by the Alumni Association that's reserved for individuals who have excelled at the national or international level. The award recognizes a graduate of Colorado State University who has attained extraordinary distinction and success in their field of endeavor and whose achievements have brought credit to CSU and benefit to their fellow citizens. Jim received the award for his Emmy Award-winning work as a journalist, working as a reporter and news anchor around the country and on five continents. Jim is the fifth Colorado Gamma brother to receive this distinction. • 1985: Charles Delp '50 – Research scientist honored for his work in systemic fungicides. • 1987: Joseph Phelps '51 – Owner, president, and general manager of Hensel Phelps Construction company. • 2001: Kenneth Monfort '51 – Monfort of Colorado Inc. became a Fortune 500 company, sending 500,000 head of cattle to market each year. • 2014: Walter Scott Jr. '53 – Developed Kiewit, a regional construction company, into one of the largest and most respected construction and mining companies in North America. T his summer, Brendon Beaver '23 and Owen Harrison '26 were selected to join 160 SigEps from around the country, out of about 600 applicants, and traveled to Richmond, Virginia, for the Ruck Leadership Institute. At SigEp's landmark leadership program, they spent five days learning leadership principles and how to lead and inspire positive change in their chapters and beyond. They were mentored by executive-level alumni mentors and engaged with brothers from across the country to learn how to make a lasting impact at Colorado Gamma and improve many areas of chapter operations. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and donors, brother are able to create actionable takeaways to lead their chapters and grow as individuals for years to come. Ruck Scholars Look to Elevate Colorado Gamma to New Levels Brother Jim Benemann '78 Receives CSU's Highest Honor From the Chapter House to Capitol Hill Alex Bolton '13 Shares How SigEp Prepared Him for a Career in Politics Brendon Beaver '23 Owen Harrison '26

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