Sigma Phi Epsilon - Pepperdine University

2 CA P S I J esse Cripps '97 came to Pepperdine University at a time when there were no national fraternities on campus. Intrigued and impressed by Sigma Phi Epsilon and its Balanced Man Program, Jesse and a group of young men decided to merge two local fraternities, leading the National Fraternity movement at Pepperdine. Not knowing the impact the fraternity would have on their own life and the university, they dreamed big and founded California Psi. "It was amazing to be part of such a landmark change in Pepperdine's history. We were the first national fraternity on campus," he shared. "The bonds and friendships that I developed through that process are incredibly strong, even to this day." After earning his bachelor's degree in journalism and advertising, Jesse went on to law school after receiving advice and support from Claudia Sangster, a SigEp advisor at Pepperdine at the time. "As someone who worked at Pepperdine's legal department, her judgement and insight was invaluable," he recalled. Jesse is now a partner at Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher, LLP, specializing in a wide array of legal service spanning across the U.S. and worldwide. One of the most important outcomes of founding California Psi has been the lasting friendships Jesse has made and maintained over the years. He cites his SigEp friendships as some of his strongest. "The time I spend with friends like that is part of what I value most in life. Those types of friendships are so incredibly rare," he shared. Jesse recalls being a part of his brothers' lives: watching their children grow up, going on family vacations together, talking about life, and teaching their kids how to ski. "I'm never more comfortable than when I'm around my fellow SigEp alumni." Jesse enjoys spending time with his wife, Sommer, and children Henry (11) and Maggie (6). They try to spend as time as they can outdoors, and like to go hiking, skiing, sailing, camping, and traveling. The SigEp experience is one Jesse hasn't taken for granted, and it has carried over into his personal life. "I use the leadership skills I learned in SigEp every single day—not only in my career, but as a father, teaching my kids what it means to dream big, set goals, and to work step by step to achieve those goals." And that is what being a SigEp Balanced Man is all about. You can connect with Jesse at jcripps@gibsondunn.com. DIVERSIFYING GOALS AND OUTREACH California Psi's Semester of Academic and Philanthropic Achievements A s our new Cal Psi executive board has transitioned into our respective roles, we established goals for increasing our involvement in the community as well as providing a stronger academic, social, and spiritual environment for members. PARTNERING WITH PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATIONS Director of Philanthropic Activities Armando Martinez '19 has placed an emphasis on servant leadership in the local community. Most notably, Armando has paired with Hand in Hand at the Malibu Jewish Center, and prepared our chapter's first-ever spring philanthropy event with the organization on March 18. Armando is also the president of Swipe Out Hunger, an organization that raises awareness for hunger and homelessness in the Los Angeles area. OFFICERS SET THE CHAPTER UP FOR SUCCESS In aiming to increase academic motivation, Vice President of Residential Learning Community Spencer Gorman '20 has created a tier system based on members' GPAs over the past two semesters, requiring varying amounts of study hours through the library and professor meetings. Vice President of Programming Troy Kramer '19 has led a charge to bring cost- effective mixers, scheduling a mixer with each of the seven on-campus sororities. "One of SigEp's greatest strengths is our ability to connect with so many different types of people on campus," said Troy. Chaplain James Rominger '20 set his sights on crafting a welcoming, safe space for all religions and spiritual expressions in the chapter. James is not only leading a weekly convocation club for 15 members, but integrating prayer into chapter meetings. The ritual has been revitalized through renewing ritual items and proper reverence and communication of its purpose. Meanwhile, spring recruitment was led by Vice President of Recruitment Nick Mason '20. "It was an exciting opportunity to execute a successful spring recruitment where we gained eight more brothers," said Nick. Fraternally, Ben Harmon '19 Chapter President Brother Troy Kramer '19 celebrates with the ladies of Delta Delta Delta, the winners of our annual fall philanthropy, the SigEp Bounce. One Decision, a Lifetime of Friendship Founding Father Jesse Cripps '97 Recounts the Significance of SigEp in His Life Brothers Troy Kramer '19 and Armando Martinez '19 hang out with Vaughn Dorn at the All Abilities Fair in partnership with Hand in Hand. Share who you think we should feature next at sigepavc.org/contact.

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