Sigma Phi Epsilon - Purdue University

From the heart SIGMA PHI EPSILON 3 T he opening remarks by Tom Barton, Iowa Eta '89, at the 2018 Carlson Leadership Academy demonstrate precisely why Michael Ellis '84 received the Exemplary Service Award for his 34 years of dedication to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Only five volunteers receive this award each year, and Indiana Alpha is proud of Brother Ellis and grateful for his loyalty. It is clear that Mike also loves SigEp. Although he says the decision to join Indiana Alpha didn't involve a lot of reasoning, the brotherhood that developed over the years has proven to be worth the gamble. Earning a degree in computer and electrical engineering, Mike was involved in the chapter as song chairman and eventually president; this was after he ran for an executive board position but lost. In fact, Mike says being elected chapter president is one of his favorite memories, as well as "the most drastic, life-altering thing I ever experienced." His days as an undergraduate were spent with men who would become best friends for life. "There is no stronger bond of friendship than those made under the ties of fraternal love." He especially recalls the feeling of support from his brothers when his grandfather passed away. And they were always there to discuss and debate important topics. Mike loved to argue with Pete Peregrine '85 about the merits of particular rock music and with Steve Lindquist '86 about the philosophies behind the fraternity system. Mike started his career in manufacturing engineering then moved into IBM sales, "where I got the best training available in the world. That gave me the foundation to start my own business." A defining moment came when "I made my annual quota by October, and the decision was made to double my quota, which I did not achieve by year-end. That taught me to never be under someone else's sale projections again." In 1988, Mike founded a business that operated large-scale implementations in global manufacturing companies. His service to the fraternity as an alumnus began immediately after graduation, and roles have included advisor, board member and officer, and facilitator. He was District Governor, Illinois, and an early pioneer of the Balanced Man Program. He was also chairman of the National Technology Task Force, advancing the virtual AVC concept, as well as the Distance Mentoring movement. Not only does he devote his time, but he also shares his diverse skills with the fraternity. He authored the SigEp component of the Quest to Greece curriculum and has been a member and soloist of the Conclave Chorus since 1981. This is but a short list of the innumerable ways Mike has made SigEp a better fraternity. His friend and business partner, Vic Mattison, Missouri Alpha '87, also spoke at the awards dinner. "Mike epitomizes SigEp's Cardinal Principles and represents SigEp's Balanced Man. SigEp courses through Mike's veins." A true and genuine volunteer, he doesn't do all this for the recognition. To paraphrase the 2018 award recipients announcement, the honorees love SigEp and believe in the fraternity's ability to bring out the best in young men. Mike is grateful for the honor, saying, "Doing the work every day seems like the most normal thing to do, never expecting this kind of tremendous recognition." The most gratifying part has been receiving congratulatory messages from people he hasn't heard from in many years. Mike encourages all brothers to make time each month to give back to SigEp undwergraduates, at Purdue or elsewhere. "The world desperately needs balanced leaders—perhaps now more than ever. You can make a huge difference in the lives of young men, in the same way you benefited from the older members at Indiana Alpha." After years of professional success by morphing his company each time drastic changes happened in the industry, Mike retired in June 2017 and now travels worldwide as a technology consultant. An accomplished amateur chef, he is contemplating starting a private chef business. In his spare time, he does programming in Google Apps Script. As Tom Barton said, "Mike doesn't know how to quit." You can watch the presentation of Mike's award and his speech at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASsixNBQ0O0. He can be reached via e-mail at michael.ellis@isiinternet.com. "Everyone loves Mike Ellis. He is the most unselfish volunteer that a fraternity could have." Michael Ellis '84 accepts his Exemplary Service Award at the 2018 Carlson Leadership Conference. Mike served as the keynote speaker for the event. Michael Ellis '84 with Brothers Jim Quinn '74 and Jim Bosche '83 at Harlem's famous Red Rooster restaurant. SigEp Honors Michael Ellis '84 with the Exemplary Service Award

• Cover