Sigma Chi - University of Memphis

The WISE OLD OWL Epsilon Kappa ChaptEr of sigma Chi fratErnity at thE UnivErsity of mEmphis Spring 2018 FEATURES: Adapting to Changes - 2 • Practicing the Jordan Standard - 3 • 2018 Executive Board - 3 HAZING AND ALCOHOL-RELATED INCIDENTS LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES Epsilon Kappa Chapter Remains Strong H orrific incidents with other fraternities involving hazing and alcohol-related deaths have dominated the news cycle for the last couple of years. In October 2017, an 18-year-old pledge at LSU died with a blood alcohol level of .495 after reportedly being ordered to recite the Greek alphabet and forced to chug liquor if he made a mistake. In November 2017, a new member at Texas State died from alcohol poisoning after attending an initiation event. Also in 2017, a 19-year-old pledge died after ingesting 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a set of stairs, fracturing his skull. Fraternity members did not call an ambulance for several hours. Seventeen fraternity members are facing criminal charges as a result. There have also been high-profile incidents at Florida State University and the University of Oklahoma. Many of the involved chapters were kicked off campus. In some instances, the University suspended all Greek activities. Locally, the University of Memphis has not been immune from alcohol and hazing-related incidents. In the fall of 2017, three fraternities received lengthy suspensions. Sigma Alpha Epsilon was suspended for four years, and Pi Kappa Alpha and Alpha Tau Omega were suspended for five years. Included with the violations committed by these three chapters were the hazing of new members and abuse of alcohol. UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS AND SIGMA CHI RESPOND TO INCIDENTS In response to these incidents, the University of Memphis implemented new rules in the middle of the fall 2017 semester. Moreover, in direct response to the incidents taking place nationally, Sigma Chi Headquarters in January 2018 implemented significant changes in both its alcohol policies and its pledge program. These new policies are discussed in an article on p. 2. How these new policies implemented by the University of Memphis and Sigma Chi will effect the Epsilon Kappa Chapter, the tenancy in the Chapter House, and this House Corporation remain to be seen. CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TODAY Additionally, Representative John DeBerry Jr. from Memphis introduced legislation that would prohibit fraternities and sororities from being "recognized by, associated with, or operating on the campus of any state institution of higher education." A story was written in Time magazine regarding this proposed legislation. Obviously, the passage of this legislation would be disastrous for all Greek organizations at Tennessee public colleges, which includes the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Sigma Chi. I strongly encourage you to contact Representative DeBerry concerning this bill by calling his office at (615) 741-2239 or e-mailing his assistant, Liz Leonard, at liz.leonard@capitol.tn.gov. EPSILON KAPPA REMAINS A LEADER IN THE COMMUNITY Unfortunately, the positive aspects of Greek life go largely unnoticed in the media. Rare is it that you see any articles concerning the large amounts of money raised for charities, the service hours donated, or the scholastic awards received. Perception is reality, and all of us must be willing to donate our time and financial support to make sure Epsilon Kappa does not become the next in a long list of chapters involved in scandals. We are extremely proud of the young men at our Chapter for all they have accomplished, and we must strive to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established. In Hoc, Kirk Caraway '94 President Memphis Sigma Chi House Group, Inc. kcaraway@allensummers.com New members join the brotherhood. The Bond of Fellowship Gordon Brigman '70 Reflects on Influence of Epsilon Kappa E ven though Gordon Brigman '70 entered his first year of college knowing he would join a fraternity, he was completely unaware of the quality brotherhood that would impact him for years to come. "Epsilon Kappa has been such a big part of my life that I would hate to think what it would be like without my brothers. It has created so many other opportunities for me to branch out. It makes me proud to say that I'm a Sigma Chi." During his undergraduate years, Gordon found opportunities for leadership and growth. As recruitment chairman, he quickly learned the value of compromise from his brothers. "I had several brothers that I admired because of how they handled themselves in different situations. I've always strived to emulate their example, and even today it's great to see these same brothers are successful in their lives because of this ability." (Continued on page 2)

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