Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Maine

This effort raised $230 for the Welles Remy Crowther Trust, which honors the bravery of the man known as the "Man in the Red Bandana" for his heroism during the attacks. These events not only raised money for vital causes but also helped strengthen our sense of brotherhood and responsibility toward our community. Social and Brotherhood Events Strengthening the bonds between brothers is a key component of Fraternity life, and this semester has been no exception. We organized a Brotherhood Retreat on September 4-5 in Brownville, Maine, where brothers participated in team-building activities designed to foster deeper relationships and improve chapter unity. The retreat provided an opportunity for both new and returning members to connect in a more meaningful way. We also held a lock-in event at the house on November 8-9 where brothers engaged in various activities in a focused, close- knit setting. Events like these are crucial in ensuring our members feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which translates into stronger collaboration in other areas of Fraternity life. Alumni Relations Maintaining strong ties with our alumni is an important aspect of our chapter's legacy. We hosted a successful Homecoming on October 19, during which many of our alumni returned to campus to reconnect with the chapter. The day began with a breakfast and the annual AVC meeting, followed by a tailgate event and dinner with undergraduate brothers. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award (read more on page 1!). Other Events As part of our recruitment efforts, we hosted Balanced Man Week, a series of events aimed at bringing in new members who embody the ideals of the Balanced Man Program. The events included a Bonfire and Burgers, a Movie in the U, a 3 vs. 3 basketball tournament, an Acadia Hike, a chapter dinner and meeting, alumni networking and football/soccer under the lights. These activities helped potential new members experience the diversity of opportunities available within SigEp while fostering relationships with current brothers. In addition, we held the annual Balanced Man Scholarship banquet, where 25 selected finalists (from 198 applications) were awarded a $50 UMaine bookstore gift card, and the top three—Talen Langevin '28 ($1,000), Ryan Berry '28 ($500), and Noah Prescott '27 ($500)—were recognized. We were honored to have Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth '89, the Grand President, as our keynote speaker, further emphasizing the importance of academic and personal development in the lives of our brothers. Conclusion As we reflect on this semester, it is clear that SigEp remains a leader among fraternities at the University of Maine. Our focus on academic achievement, leadership development and philanthropic involvement has only grown stronger, and we look forward to building on these successes. The dedication and commitment of our brothers, combined with the support of our alumni, ensure that we will continue to excel in all areas of Fraternity life. As we move forward, we are confident in our ability to tackle future challenges with the same resilience and determination that have defined Maine Alpha for decades. Fraternally, Connor Nordman '25 VP Communications Page 3 The Frank J. Ruck Leadership Institute prepares participants to lead culture change, reaching beyond the chapter and campus and into the community. Following their trip, two brothers spoke at the monthly AVC meeting to discuss their takeaways from Ruck and present an action plan for implementing their learnings. PERSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENT "Ruck was a fantastic experience full of opportunities to develop my leadership skills, learn about the Fraternity's history and meet other SigEps from around the country. I left Ruck with a new perspective on what it means to be a SigEp and learned what other chapters do to set themselves apart on their own campuses." –Andrew Cormier '27, BMS Chairman IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP "Ruck taught me my strengths as a leader, but most importantly, it taught me my weaknesses and how to improve and bring more growth to my leadership skills in Maine Alpha and life after college." –William Brown '25, Chaplain A group of brothers at Alfond Stadium after raising $230 and climbing 3,350 steps on September 11 in honor of Welles Crowther. Brothers tabling at the annual SigEp Campout on the Mall. RUCK LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

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