Michigan Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Michigan
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/583452
SigMa phi epSilon Michigan alpha aluMni p.o. Box 130992 ann arBor, Mi 48113-0992 addreSS Service requeSted SigEp Experiences Cultivate Professional Prowess and Lifelong Friendships A ndrew Bracht '04 did not originally intend to join a fraternity in college. However, after an interview with Jerry Mangona '01 and subsequently being selected as a finalist for the Balanced Man Scholarship, Andrew knew that SigEp was different and would be a place he could call home during college. He joined with Chris Jones '04 and Dan Jones '04, two close friends from high school, and embarked on the brotherhood experience he felt other fraternities could not offer. Through his membership to Michigan Alpha, Andrew acquired many of the skills necessary for the business success he has reached today. Andrew's leadership experiences as VP communications, new member coordinator, and various alumni board positions paved the road to his professional success. These experiences, in addition to an internship opportunity passed along by Tim McIntosh '03, developed into an 11‑year career with The Mars Agency, and now, with Lunchbox, a digital shopper engagement agency. "Leadership and the ability to form deep and meaningful relationships are my biggest strengths and I have SigEp to credit for this," Andrew explains. Along with Andrew's leadership experiences and invaluable opportunities for relationship building came longstanding and far‑reaching friendships. Andrew is still proud of the friendships he developed with his new member class, upperclassmen, mentors, and brothers who joined Michigan Alpha after he did. "I learned how important it was to be there for a fellow brother in a time of need and, similarly, how to lean on one another." Since Andrew's career has allowed him to travel frequently, he is able to continue the genuine and sincere bonds of brotherhood with SigEps who live in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Los Angeles. While he stresses the importance of keeping connected with brothers, he also urges brothers to give back to the active chapter. "It is important for alumni to help invest in the chapter to free undergraduates from financial burdens that arise, or are inherited and grow over time." Andrew, his wife, Marcie, and his son, Fitzgerald, reside in Rogers, Arkansas, near the home office of Walmart. As an avid golfer and college football enthusiast, Andrew would love to host any brother who may be visiting the Rogers area for a round of golf at Pinnacle Country Club or some tailgating "Big Ten Style" down in Fayetteville at the University of Arkansas. Andrew wants to remind everyone about the Michigan/Arkansas Home‑ and‑Home series in 2018 and 2019 and invite everyone down for the second game in the series to be played Aug. 31, 2019, in Fayetteville! E‑mail: andrew_bracht@hotmail.com M ichigan Alpha is proud to bring our alumni up to speed on our recent accomplishments. We begin this school year on a positive note, as last semester culminated with great success. First and foremost, our St. Baldrick's event that took place in April raised just over $45,000 for childhood cancer research. Over 50 brothers shaved their heads in solidarity with those who have lost their hair due to tough treatment. This year's event was the most successful St. Baldrick's event we've ever hosted, and it got the attention of several news outlets. Success in this event, along with other events, led to Michigan Alpha winning several awards at the end‑of‑year IFC Awards Banquet. SigEp proudly brought home the award for excellence in chapter administration programming, as well as the award for outstanding Greek life and campus involvement among members. Our end of the semester also delivered outstanding news. Michigan Alpha achieved a 3.48 chapter GPA, moving us to the number one ranking GPA among all fraternities at Michigan. Our GPA increased by .2, with much of this attributed to our spring new member class, who logged a semester GPA of 3.75. We look forward to continuing our academic success this semester as we strive to maintain our top ranking. We capped off the summer by heading to Conclave in Nashville, Tenn. Apart from passing landmark legislation, which eliminated pledging nationwide in SigEp chapters, we enjoyed ourselves and came back with some valuable insight and plans, which have already gotten this school year off to a strong start. I expect Michigan Alpha will continue to succeed and thrive throughout the semester, and I look forward to sharing our victories with all of you who have made this chapter's success possible for many years. I look forward to continuing to meet alumni as the term progresses. Please contact me any time to arrange for a chapter house visit. We look forward to connecting with you! HFF, Henry Adams '17 Chapter President henadams@umich.edu | (602) 403‑9301 Michigan Alpha Ranks First in Grades Michigan Alphas show off their new haircuts, a symbol of solidarity for those who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment. Twitter: @MichiganSigEp LinkedIn: Sigma Phi Epsilon-Michigan Alpha Facebook: SigEp at the University of Michigan