Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri University of Science & Technology

2 as Andy Oitker '26 (current Chapter VP/ Member Development) expands upon: "It is more focused on the self, developing successful relationships, and overcoming emotions/ personal issues. These are all things that college age young men don't often talk about, and that is what makes it so special. Their second semester as a Phi is when new members will carve and paint their hearts, developing their pride in their fraternity. The Epsilon Challenge occurs the following semester. "Epsilon is more focused on things external to the fraternity such as philanthropy, service, and outreach," as Andy goes on to explain. The final Brother Mentor Challenge can last through graduation. Brother Mentors, as they are now called, will focus on improving the Chapter by passing on lessons learned to younger members as well as developing life skills to succeed after college. Many will serve as mentors (Big Brothers) to younger members. "The best part of BMP, in my opinion, is that it forces Brothers to stay truly active in the House past their first semester (Sigma Challenge). For example, a junior still has to complete challenges and put effort into the House." – Jeremy Flieg '22 Alongside the BMP are all the other regular Chapter and university events that all members are encouraged and/or expected to participate in: Chapter meetings, Chapter outings and special events, House chores, intramurals, study sessions, university special events, philanthropic organizations, and of course, stress relief outings. All of the above provides a platform that allows the interaction between brothers, which is where the important learning takes place, as Mike Lohman '86 defined it to me: "You learn to accept everyone for who they are. It doesn't matter how different they are, they are still all your brothers. That comes from bonding together through doing 'stuff' (some stupid) together." CLOSING Through my research, I've come to realize the different experiences can meet the same goals. I liken it to the ongoing Porsche debate between enthusiasts who love their original air-cooled engines for their rawness and simplicity, and those who praise the advantages that water-cooled engines afford. While the different engines had their pluses and minuses, they both provide an experience that sports car lovers praise. And, like the switch to water-cooled engines was necessitated to meet changing standards and expectations, so was the need to change SigEp to attract the best young men and to allow SigEp to remain at the forefront of fraternities. Those of us who experienced the "pledging" experience may have a hard time accepting that a "pledge-less" program can be as good. But as alumni, we must appreciate the fact that our younger brothers have learned the same SigEp values, have had many of the same experiences as we had, and have the same sense of pride in their SigEp fraternity. As Kevin Anders put it to me when I asked him how he perceived his son Kyle's experience: "The methods on how to teach brotherhood had to change over the years. But that doesn't mean that brotherhood can't be taught and learned. It is all about learning how to accept and befriend others. You know, 'Brotherly Love.'" HEAR WHAT BALANCED MEN ARE SAYING "When I think back on what I am proud about my time at SigEp, it was that my brothers were all focused on the things that were important to me: grades, leadership, sports, brotherhood, etc. I made some of my best friends at SigEp and still hang out with them." –Kyle Anders '18 "My time at MO Gamma was an invaluable experience that forged lifelong bonds, instilled in me a strong sense of leadership, and cultivated a commitment to service and brotherhood that continues to shape who I am today." –Mike Blaes '23 "The Balanced Man Program profoundly influenced my personal growth, especially in my career and philanthropic development. Through the Sound Mind and Sound Body principles, my fraternity brothers and I became more disciplined, resilient, and purpose- driven in our endeavors." –Trevor Thornton '19 "I am proud to go through the BMP, be a SigEp, and definitely proud of my MO Gamma Chapter. Without MO Gamma, I would not have made it out of Rolla." –Jeremy Flieg '22 A 1968 SigEp pledge paddle. (Continued from page 1) SIGEP – MO GAMMA PRIDE R aise Your Bar, Sigma Phi Epsilon's new strategic plan, sets a bold vision for every SigEp to unite in our mission of Building Balanced Men. Our call to action: to reclaim our title as the best fraternity on campus. Let's work hand in hand to elevate our Fraternity to new heights and inspire future generations to carry the SigEp legacy forward. As alumni, your commitment and involvement at Missouri Gamma are essential to this mission! Scan the QR code or visit sigep.org/strategicplan to learn more! RAISE YOUR YOUR BAR SCAN ME A Strategic Plan for Every SigEp

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