Sigma Phi Epsilon - San Diego State University

Page 2 Cal Delta News & Views to the presentation of bids on the 19th, all of the men's Greek organizations vie for new members. Cal Delta looks at a very specific pool of men. SigEp targeted those with an interest in grades (3.5 GPA) and outside activities (sports/academics), and a desire to exceed at a higher level than the average individual (willing to work toward a goal). Monday and Tuesday were social events, and Wednesday was the annual parade of the alumni, always a highlight to the "old brothers" when we get to meet our potential heirs. The result of the recruitment challenge was 46 handpicked men to continue the fine tradition of Cal Delta on the SDSU campus since being chartered in November of 1947. Fraternally, Skip Dahlkamp '64 Cal Delta Recruits New Members and Awards Balanced Man Scholarships (Continued from page 1) SigEp Academic Success Program Results in Higher GPAs F or the second semester, the men of Cal Delta have the opportunity to participate in the SigEp Academic Success Program, led by our faculty advisors, Christine Probett and Jessica Savalla, and with significant support from Chaplain Marc Pajaud. The academic success program is designed to provide academic support and guidance with the goal of improving the men's GPA and instilling a solid academic foundation for success throughout their education. The target audience includes men with a GPA below 3.0 (mandatory participation), as well as those who would benefit from an academic refresher (voluntary participation). The first SigEp Academic Success Program was offered in spring 2014. During that semester, 19 men participated with the following remarkable results: • 74% of men improved their overall GPA from the prior semester • 95% of men improved their semester GPA from the prior semester • Group results: Semester GPA for all men improved from 2.30 to 2.90 There are 23 men participating in the three-session program this semester. The first session features a reality check exercise, which explores the reasons for poor academic performance and a goal- setting session to develop SMART (specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely) goals for the semester. In the weeks prior to the second session, the participants must meet with each of their professors to complete a progress report that includes a semester-to-date grade estimate. During the second session, the faculty advisors will use the progress report to create an individual pro forma GPA calculation and discuss specific strategies to address individual problem areas. The third session is scheduled during the last week of classes and will feature detailed study and test techniques—just in time for final exams! Academic Advisors Jessica Savalla and Christine Probett help keep Cal Delta brothers strong academically. O ne of the most important lessons Barak Alon '13 has learned from SigEp is the value of hard work. From his time as Cal Delta chapter president to SigEp regional director, Barak has been surrounded by hard-working, admirable SigEp men. "I joined SigEp because they had a reputation for being a strong fraternity that stood for more than just a party. I was proud to be a part of a group with a well-established reputation for leadership on campus, but I knew it took a lot of hard work to get there, along with constant focus and effort to maintain that reputation." Barak served as chapter president during 2012-2013 and was vice president of communications, recruitment chairman, and Phi coordinator before that. After graduation he accepted a role as SigEp regional director for the 2013-2014 academic year. After two months of intense training at SigEp's headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, including MBA-level courses at the University of Richmond, Barak traveled around the states of Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin, living out of his car during one of the harshest Midwestern winters. Barak consulted with 22 SigEp chapters on everything from recruitment and member development to crisis management and volunteer engagement. Barak knows he and Cal Delta wouldn't be where they are today without the help of alumni and volunteers. "The big shots—Bob Trovaten '67, Skip Dahlkamp '64, Bob Gibbs '63, Ron Smith '69, and Dann Whalen '69— have volunteer records that will put many others around the country to shame. Their guidance was invaluable and I am absolutely confident that Cal Delta's success over the past decade is owed largely to their work." In particular, Ron Smith mentored Barak during his time as a chapter president. "Between countless alumni meetings and long hikes up Mt. Whitney, Ron has shown me what it means to be a great SigEp and a great man." Now back on the West Coast, Barak hopes to use his mechanical engineering degree and return to the technical world with a job in electro-mechanical engineering. In his free time he enjoys rock climbing and playing music. Contact Barak via e-mail at barak.s.alon@gmail.com. BARAK ALON '13 LEARNS ABOUT HARD WORK FROM SIGEP

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