I never joined a fraternity when I was an undergraduate at Kansas State. I never saw myself volunteering for a fraternity later in life, either.

During my first professional position in student affairs, I saw young men struggle with low grades, drugs and alcohol addiction, disciplinary issues and more.

It became clear to me that college men need help.

I felt a calling to help these young men reach their full potential. I believe in Sigma Phi Epsilon because this organization believes in helping young men — SigEp is A Valued Partner in Higher Education. Here are some of the main reasons why I volunteer for SigEp:

1. I do it because I want to make a difference. It has not always been easy. I have wanted to walk away from the tough situations, and I have even disappointed the men by not supporting them in ways that I should have. I am not perfect, and neither are the SigEps at Texas Tech.

2. This Fraternity is different. I can’t explain it. There is just something different about this Fraternity that makes me go, “Those are the guys that I want to be associated with.” This extends beyond Texas Iota to other SigEps I have met across the nation. Maybe it is something in the Ritual. Maybe it’s Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love. Maybe it is in SigEp’s greatest assets — the men who make up this Fraternity.

3. I support this Fraternity because of the Balanced Man Program (BMP). I believe the BMP helps men overcome the obstacles of college and prepares them for life after college. The BMP provides support to young members and engages older members by encouraging meaningful mentorship opportunities. Through the BMP and the values of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love, I believe SigEp provides excellent guidance and support to its members. As a student affairs professional, I have found there is something different about the BMP that separates SigEp from other fraternities and is why I support SigEp.

4. Volunteering has changed my life. These men have helped me become a better version of myself. My time volunteering has made me re-evaluate and strengthen my own values.

5. I hope to one day learn this ritual and call them my brothers. I have started to learn what it means to be a SigEp and have begun to live my own life with the values of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love.

6. College men need advisors and mentors now more than ever. They need men they can look up to and say, “I want to be like that guy.” They need mentors to remind them to live according to their values and not the lesser ideals of a TFM culture.

In filling this role, I know I am making a difference. As long as I can do that, I will continue to volunteer.

Will currently works in the Dean of Students Office at Texas Tech University. He earned a bachelor degree from Kansas State University, and a masters degree in high education & student affairs from Baylor University. He has over four years student affairs experience, and will begin a Ph.D. program in higher education research this fall at Texas Tech. He currently serves as one of the advisors for Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter at Texas Tech.