Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Cincinnati

Theta Data SIGMA PHI EPSILON 3 Joel Eppley '97 speaks to the chapter about his experiences in SigEp and the Air Force in this year's Alumni Speaker Series. From left: Josh Roberts '19, Ben Merk '20, Ryan Fiest '20, Jared Bresnan '20, Erik Angus '17, Tim Waymire '18, and Preston Heath '19 visit Lasalle High School as part of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Leadership Academy. Brothers join the sisters of Phi Mu for community service at Matthew 25 Ministries. SigEp brothers compete in the intramural basketball championship. We lost to SAE by two points to claim second place overall. OhiO TheTa named OVerall premier ChapTer by uC fraTerniTy and sOrOriTy life Brothers Continue to Cultivate Opportunities for Leadership, Philanthropic Service, and Alumni Engagement F ollowing a spectacular fall semester filled with success, we have endeavored to build balanced men though the spring semester by practicing Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. We have made many great memories and have affirmed that SigEp is a lifelong commitment, not just an undergraduate experience. ACADEMIC SUCCESS Brothers worked to constantly give each other academic support this year through our academic mentorship program. In addition to our mentorship program, the chapter hosted biweekly study tables in the chapter room—frequently pairing up with other Greek chapters. Over the past year, SigEp improved our GPA from the fourth- ranked fraternity on campus last spring to second-ranked fraternity this past fall. We have seen a positive trend over the last four semesters in our chapter GPA and are actively working to continue that success in the future. RECRUITING QUALITY MEN As we reported in the last issue of Theta Data, Ohio Theta initiated 38 new members in the fall. This spring we brought in a campus high with 14 members during recruitment, thanks to Vice President of Recruitment Jonathan King '20. These men then began their Sigma challenge and Vice President of Member Development Bennett Herbert '19 worked to get them involved. They jumped right into chapter life and began helping out, and have already taken on important projects within the chapter. Most notably, these brothers took the lead on our spring SigEp Stromboli philanthropic event and completely ran the event themselves, raising over $1,500 for our upcoming fall service trip. DEVELOPING LEADERS This past February, 22 brothers traveled to Chicago to participate in the Carlson Leadership Academy. Ten members of the executive board and 12 rising leaders spent the weekend reflecting on goals set by the chapter and creating action plans for the rest of the spring semester. Several brothers have also been traveling to various high schools in the Cincinnati area as a part of our Sigma Phi Epsilon Leadership Academy (SPELA). This program was imagined and developed Alex Shelton '18, with a goal of teaching high school students about leadership and how they can be more effective leaders. GREEK EXCELLENCE AWARDS This spring, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon were awarded for the all the hard work we put in this past year at the University of Cincinnati Fraternity and Sorority Life awards banquet. SigEp was awarded the highest honor, Overall Premier Chapter, as well as a number of other awards. We took home the Collaboration and Engagement Award, the Red and Black Award, and the Outstanding Male Achievement Award, given to senior Sam Schroeder '17. We were also runner-up in the Leadership and Engagement Award. Overall, it was a great year for SigEp and we hope to continue this success. ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT In his role as alumni operations director, Ben Finke '18 set up several events to connect alumni and undergraduate members. On February 4, alumni and undergraduates had the unique opportunity to sit in the newly renovated luxury box in Fifth Third Arena to watch the Bearcats take on the UConn Huskies. We also continued our Alumni Speaker Series with a speech by Joel Eppley '98 on March 27, who spoke on his experience as an undergraduate brother and his time as a U.S. Air Force pilot. On April 12, Kelly Conway '82 shared his experiences as a brother to a room full of undergraduates. These types of interactions go a long way for undergraduates and are always encouraged and appreciated. Any time an alumnus stops by 321 Joselin Avenue, the men of Ohio Theta are reminded of our rich history, and are inspired to live out our ritual to make those who went before us proud to be a SigEp. Fraternally, Andrew Kroeger '18 Chapter President akroeger2@gmail.com

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