Sigma Phi Epsilon - Kansas State University

Sigma Phi EPSilon • KanSaS BEta ChaPtEr KanSaS StatE UnivErSity • SPring 2017 t h e H O O P o f S T E E L AVC Provides Safer Facility for Kansas Beta Undergraduates Promote Positive Approach to Change and Improvement W here to start? There is a tremendous amount of activity, change, and development happening now at Kansas Beta in numerous areas. Let's jump right in. In late November 2016, a new executive board was elected headed by new President Ryan Rysavy '19, our second consecutive sophomore to be president. In fact, most of the executive board is populated by sophomores, which brings with it less experience but more energy and open mindedness to change and improve. To that end, we will be moving rapidly to fully implement The Balanced Man Program developed years ago by our national Fraternity. This concept aims to provide accelerated full membership status, keep upperclassmen engaged, and enrich the Fraternity experience. You've no doubt read troublesome stories about the behavior of different fraternities around the country. As the original motto of Sigma Phi Epsilon stated, "We will be different." The Balanced Man approach seeks to instill the characteristics and behaviors that lead to living a Fraternity life that is fun, rewarding, and gives back to individuals now and in the future. The new executive team will be leading this very important initiative in conjunction with the Alumni Volunteer Corporation (AVC). This spring, the AVC made the decision to implement a new biometric security system in tandem with security cameras being installed at strategic locations primarily around the exterior of the house. The men can access the house via fingerprint scan and the perimeter and parking lot will have motion activated cameras to observe and record activity. We are joining a number of other sororities and some fraternities to take this step to provide a more secure facility. It is a significant investment, but one we feel is necessary. Mark your calendars now for the weekend of February 24-25, 2018. We will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Kansas Beta. There is more information inside about the weekend and event, but I wanted to include this in my column to express how much we want to see you back in Manhattan to experience this event, celebrate with your brothers, and relive the fantastic memories from your formative years. It would mean a great deal to the current members to meet and interact with those who made Kansas Beta what it is today. As always, please reach out to me with comments or questions. Fraternally, Dan McEntee '86 (913) 484-8792 danm@kc.rr.com The men of SigEp gather for Kansas Beta's Christmas card photo. Thoughts from the Chapter Advisor T he Chapter has had an interesting spring, with weather in the 60s and 70s during the month of February. Naturally, this has been a good reason for the men to spend more time out on the basketball court and to request more late plates during dinner. News in food service at the Chapter is we are very fortunate to have Mrs. Myra Jordan as a part-time dining room coordinator. Myra works from 3 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, to make sure the dinner meal goes smoothly and to ensure everything is clean and ready for another meal. She has been working for Kansas Beta since the fall semester and has been a wonderful asset. She is creative in ensuring the food is attractive, served hot, and in the correct portion. We are also fortunate to have Mr. Rick Boatman as our maintenance coordinator. He has been working with the Chapter for five years fixing and repairing doors, windows, and anything else that seems to not work correctly. He has a good knowledge about the maintenance systems within the house and can usually come up with quick fixes to what seem like complex problems. As a member of the Alumni Volunteer Corporation and Chapter advisor, both of these individuals are a blessing to me as well as to the Chapter. We had a small group of Chapter leaders attend the Carson Leadership meeting in Oklahoma City in the middle of February. This event brings leaders from the Midwest chapters together for two days of meetings and small group exercises. The focus is on sharing and finding out how other SigEp chapters operate. I have attended in the past and have found it to be a good way to network, as well as to increase knowledge about The Balanced Man Program. Spring break started on March 20 and a majority of the men traveled to Texas to spend time in the Padre Island area. There are six weeks of school after break, with finals starting May 8 and graduation on May 13. The spring semester always seems to move faster than the fall due to the coming of warmer weather, more outside activities, and the anticipation of a summer job or internship. As the end of another school year nears, I think back to when I first started working with the Chapter in 2006. I can hardly believe it has been over 10 years. I have seen a change in the caliber and quality of men the Chapter is now recruiting. We have a group of men who believe in the ideals of working hard, taking responsibility, and contributing to the betterment of the Chapter. Fraternally, Pat Pesci '91 Chapter Advisor (785) 532-2210

• Cover