Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Maine

Page 3 "I t takes getting used to seeing how different the chapter house looks and is used when you are four decades removed," Mark DiGiovanni '84 said of his visits in recent years. Fortunately, spending time with the next generation of brothers dispelled any reservations he had about the future of Maine Alpha. "The brothers are engaging to talk with, academically strong and involved on campus and the surrounding communities." From there, Mark eagerly became co-chairman of The Campaign for Maine Alpha to preserve this culture at UMaine. Those meetings also reaffirmed Mark's gratitude to SigEp for introducing him to men of varied backgrounds. "I had to learn to communicate, respect and get along with others on a day-to-day basis—and in close quarters," he said. "It was an experience that I don't think living in a dormitory or an off-campus apartment could ever provide." Every brother mentored Mark in their own way, helping reveal the good within him (as well as the not-so-good). "We all grow by being exposed to both—and there is an enormous reward to be had by adopting the best qualities of our brothers." Mark believes A Tradition of Excellence is more than a jumpstart to restoring the physical structure at 375 College Avenue. The house's needs prove that a chapter needs ongoing involvement and support to keep its home in good condition. "Potential new brothers cannot fully appreciate the SigEp philosophy and mission until they are fully immersed in it. Therefore, the house must consistently be an attractive student housing option." Inspired by the early financial efforts of younger alumni, Mark made a generous pledge of his own—and urges alumni of his era and beyond to join him—knowing the need to develop young leaders is great, and seeing alumni support inspires young brothers to serve their community while cultivating SigEp's future. "Greek life, and SigEp in particular, should continue to have a place on college campuses, now more than ever. Being part of something beyond the confines of family and career is necessary to maintain healthy communities and culture." If you'd like to connect and discuss the campaign, reach out to Mark at mark@digiovanni.org. Why Mark DiGiovanni '84 Joined the Capital Campaign The Time to Act Is NOW Mark DiGiovanni '84 (middle, yellow tie) gathers with Maine Alpha undergraduates at the Spring Awards Banquetto receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. MAINE ALPHA IN THE '80S SigEps gather in front of the chapter house in 1986. Paul Davis '59 was selected as a member of the Navy Senior Executive Service in 1989. He lives in Paducah, Ky. Email: pedavis13@yahoo.com Robert Eckman '70 lives in Palmyra, Va., and is celebrating 10 years of happy retirement. Email: bob.eckman@comcast.net Alec Gagnon '23 moved to Oxford, Ohio, after graduating. He is an assistant director of intramural sports at Miami University. Email: avgagnon19@gmail.com Ethan Cassidy '24 recently moved to upstate New York to work for Andritz Inc. as a project and service engineer. "Andritz is a leading vendor for the pulp and paper industry, supplying customers with mechanical equipment for everything operational. I travel across North America, mainly doing service work to our equipment already in the field. This work involves mechanical inspections, performance analysis and creating relationships with our customers." Email: ecassidy2002@gmail.com John McLaughlin '24 is a plant optimization engineer at PCA. He lives in Venice, Calif. Email: 23jmclaughlin@gmail.com Dominic Brunner '27 is a facilities systems engineering intern and recently achieved his fellow craft degree in masonry. He lives in Westbrook, Maine. Email: brunnerdominic8@gmail.com A L U M N I N E WS "Greek life, and SigEp in particular, should continue to have a place on college campuses, now more than ever."

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