Sigma Phi Epsilon - San Diego State University

Page 2 Cal Delta News & Views 2017 Grand Chapter Conclave Held in Orlando Major Substance-Free Policy Enacted T his past summer, CA Delta AVC members Bob Trovaten '67, Skip Dahlkamp '63, Troy Hanson '02, and Ron Smith '69 attended the 55th Grand Chapter Conclave. This was the first full Conclave at which Bob and Skip could fully enjoy their status as members of the Order of the Golden Heart. The keynotes, workshops, banquets, and social time all were extremely well done and much appreciated. More than a good social event (which it was), this Conclave produced landmark legislation for SigEp and the entire fraternity world. The undergraduate delegates voted to approve the following major resolution: improve the fraternal experience through nationwide substance-free facilities. SigEp has been witnessing a sky-rocket increase in liability insurance premiums. Our rates are at least seven times higher than those experienced by sororities. The main reason is the increased risk due to alcohol consumption on SigEp properties during sponsored events. Rather than continue down a road of fewer companies willing to insure and higher and higher premiums, SigEp voted to make a major change. No later than August 1, 2020, all SigEp chapters shall implement a substance-free facility policy. All chapters must be in a phase of transition no later than August 1, 2018. The details of the policy, along with guidelines of how SigEp Headquarters staff will assist with and enforce the transition, are available online at SigEp.org. Your CA Delta AVC fully supports this move, as does the undergraduate chapter. In fact, the chapter has committed to fully implement this policy at a local level by the end of the current academic year. Not only should this help to reduce risky behaviors, it should also lead to better treatment of the chapter house property. F or the past 45 years, a group of California Delta brothers have gotten together once a month for a game of poker. Amongst the cards and poker chips is Rick Morey '67, who considers himself lucky to still be friends with his collegiate brothers. "I think the fact that I stayed in the same town where I went to college and most of my friends today are SigEps shows the impact the chapter had on me," he said. "Having all those good friends for all those years certainly had an influence on me." Aside from monthly card games, Rick has also stayed connected with SigEp and SDSU by attending basketball games and alumni get-togethers. He is very impressed with how well the active chapter has been doing recently, but jokes that during his years, "we were more fun." Rick began his collegiate experience as a shy young man and with the help of CA Delta graduated as an outgoing and social person—a trait that has been incredibly important throughout his career. "A lot of my success has to do with my personality and being an outgoing person is very instrumental," he said. "I owe a lot of that to the fraternity." Upon graduation, Rick was a probation officer before serving in Vietnam. After his return, he worked for the San Diego County for 20 years, followed by operating a senior living community, and opening a home health care company. In 2001, he began HomeTrak, a business management software for home care companies, and in April, he sold the business and is now retired. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, fishing, and spending time with his four grandsons. Rick lives in San Diego and can be reached at fmorey@yahoo.com. PLAYING HIS CARDS RIGHT Rick Morey '67 Remains Friends with SigEp Brothers I n 2007, Ben Levine '10 was part of the contingent that represented California Delta at the Grand Conclave—the same Conclave CA Delta won its first Buc Cup. "Seeing the older member's and the alumni board members' reaction and what it meant to them was inspiring," Ben said. "It was that Conclave that motivated me to continue the good work that was already being done to make sure we would win again in 2009, and thankfully that happened." Ben's SigEp journey began as a way to meet people outside of his club lacrosse team. After visiting the chapter with his roommate, Kristian Berg '10, and learning about the Balanced Man system, Ben knew SigEp was someplace special and different and he didn't want to miss out on the experience. "SigEp instilled a sense of purpose in me. I wanted to hold myself to a high standard and not be influenced in a negative way by other people," he said. "The word 'brotherhood' gets thrown around a lot, but that's what I'll always remember most about my time in SigEp: being with friends who I truly loved as brothers, coming together for a common goal, and appreciating the opportunities and experiences we had together." As an undergraduate, Ben was heavily involved with IFC and served CA Delta as recruitment chairman and chapter president. In these roles, he learned how to manage an organization of 150 full-time members and was fortunate enough to have a dedicated executive board that helped make it possible. "I would say these roles certainly helped build my confidence, my public speaking, and knowing how to properly delegate and motivate other people I'm working with," he said. Ben graduated from SDSU with a degree in political science and knew he wanted to serve the public in some capacity. In 2013, he was sworn in as a deputy sheriff for the Putnam County Sheriff's Office in New York. Now, he is assigned to the road patrol, is part of the PCSO Marine unit, and serves as a field training officer. Although it is hard being a New York guy who attended school across the country, Ben has done his best to stay connected with CA Delta brothers. Ben is engaged to his girlfriend, Jennifer, and lives in the lower Hudson Valley area with their dog, LuLu. He can be reached at ben.levine4@gmail.com. CA Delta Instills Sense of Purpose in Ben Levine '10

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