Dear Sigma Phi Epsilon,

When I came to college, I knew I wanted to join a fraternity. I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself—a brotherhood, a fraternity that stood out from the rest and didn’t exemplify the typical negative stereotype that most carry. I remember recruitment week like it was yesterday. One fraternity stood out from the rest. One continued to move forward in a society plagued by so many problems associated with fraternities. I found you, SigEp.

Since joining, my life has been filled with many ups and downs. But through the experiences and friendships I have gained through SigEp, I have grown into the man I want to be. All because of the life lessons you taught me.

You taught me to break stereotypes.
From the beginning, I knew our Fraternity stood out and is unparalleled by any other fraternity because of the Balanced Man Program. We continue to prove ourselves by standing against actually being against hazing not simply on paper, but in reality as well. Through national leadership events and the Balanced Man Program, I learned how our Fraternity has never become complacent. You showed me it’s okay to be different and that diversity is welcome. Brother Dr. Seuss said, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” You don’t fit in, you stand out, and you taught me to do the same.

You taught me VDBL.
I never could have imagined how much I would learn about these four words—Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love … and actually learning how to spell diligence! Through EDGE and the Carlson Leadership Academy, I not only learned how to transition to college and become a better leader, I also made lifelong memories and friendships with the brothers I went with. I learned to be responsible for my actions in college and how to continue to strive to better myself each day.

You taught me how to balance.
Sound mind, sound body, am I right? SigEp taught me that I can never forget that I am here in college for one primary purpose … to get a diploma. You taught me to not settle for a C in a class when I can get a B if I spend an extra hour in the library. You taught me to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, and to continually better myself academically.

SigEp, you have helped me transform from a boy to a man. You helped me better myself and motivated me to continue to succeed in my future career. Thank you for building balanced men. Thank you for building me.

Fraternally,

Chantry