Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Missouri

TheSigEpTigerHeart Sigma Phi Epsilon National Conclave Inspires Michael Yenzer '15 T Brother Shares Fraternal Experience his summer I was privileged to attend SigEp's 54th National Conclave, with more than 1,400 SigEps from across the U.S. in attendance. The Ritual on the first night really set the tone for the event; sitting in a room with 1,400 people who have all gone through the Ritual formed a strong sense of brotherhood. during this story among many other brothers in the room, because I've felt the same pain. I lost three friends in a car crash this past summer, but I also had the limitless support of my fraternity brothers, which I'm incredibly thankful for. After lunch, our spirits were lifted with private tours of the Dallas Cowboys stadium to end the day. Thursday offered a variety of speakers and presenters. Identifying Your Passions and Strengths by Zar Toolan, NY Phi '01, really stuck with me. It challenged my core beliefs and values. That evening also included the Buchanan Cup presentation; it was the most anticipated event because it is the sign of ultimate success as a fraternity on the national level. The atmosphere of the ballroom was indescribable. It was hard to talk to your neighbor over the roar of excitement from the crowd. Unfortunately MO Alpha didn't come home with a cup but that didn't stop us from participating in the celebratory, maybe rambunctious activities that led late into the night. Saturday came faster than it should have, but nevertheless was exciting. At lunch they handed out the Citation Award, given to SigEps who have reached the pinnacle of their field or industry. It was amazing to see all of the positive things SigEps do across the world. The last event of Conclave was the black tie dinner. I had the privilege of sitting at a table with some of the most awarded, successful SigEps there. To my left was "The Legend John Hartman '61," or as I know him, John, and to my right were past Grand Presidents Wallace "Wally" Doud '48, along with Bruce Hasenkamp and Bill Tragos, all of whom are past grand chapter presidents and Order of the Golden Heart recipients. To say the least, I was very honored to be able to share supper with them. The highlight of the dinner was the count of Conclaves attended; everyone was asked to stand up and then sit when the number exceeds their Conclaves attended. This being my first Conclave, I was first to sit. Slowly, everyone took their seats, yet my table was slowest to sit as the past presidents stood until numbers high in the teens and low Friday morning began with an emotional presentation, honoring brothers who have passed away since the last Conclave. We heard the story of a chapter who had a member in a nearly-fatal car crash; their selflessness and brotherly love was amazing. The chapter flew the victim's family out to California and allowed them to stay in their chapter house while their son fought for months in the hospital recovering. I broke down John Hartman '61 attended the most Conclaves out of all the brothers in attendance. twenties. The count went on until all eyes were on one man. As the number 26 was shouted John Hartman climbed atop his chair and celebrated as applause erupted over the room. It was quite the spectacle, especially when Zar Toolan tried to hoist John higher in the air, they both almost came toppling down with me left to catch them, and it was quite a scene. Conclave was a defining three and half days that I will relish for many years to come. I'm not through learning from the trip and I plan on leading the MO Alpha Chapter in bringing home a Buchanan Cup from the 2015 Conclave. Michael A. Yenzer '15 Missouri Alpha Chapter Increases Standards on the University of Missouri Campus 32 New Members Pledged This Fall T Missouri Alpha past Grand Presidents John Hartman '61 and Dennis Bond '67 at Conclave in Dallas.  his summer I had the privilege of attending Conclave with Michael Yenzer '15. I was assigned as the delegate for the Missouri Alpha Chapter and participated in legislative sessions. It was amazing to see how the Grand Chapter functions. After attending the SigEp Ruck Leadership Institute, I was excited to meet with members from across the country and work together during committee meetings and legislative sessions along with recreational activities. The friends and networks that I made will last a lifetime. One of the best things about meeting members from across such diverse demographics was sharing different chapter traditions with each other. Yet we all share common rituals and brotherhood development MissouriAlpha •2• plans associated with the Balanced Man Program. The best memories were the presentations and ceremonies held throughout the event, especially the Ritual. Conclave truly was an amazing experience; it opened my perspective and I can't wait to attend in 2015. The Missouri Alpha Chapter has seen many changes over the last semester. The chapter decided to step up on becoming a better overall chapter. As we worked together toward this goal, we began to see great improvement. The main focus for the semester was academic improvement. We were disappointed to have fallen under a 2.8 chapter GPA in the fall and vowed to improve ourselves. Last spring we did just that. The chapter

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