A few weeks ago a true act of brotherly love at Indiana State opened my eyes to just how great our undergraduates are. Near the end of November, a large tornado crossed the Indiana border and traveled into a town near Kokomo, Ind. For those who have lived in tornado country, you know how terrible they can be. This one was no exception and didn’t spare the home of one of our chapter brothers that was in its path. The house of chapter brother Jim Warren, ’13, was all but destroyed.

I think many men in that situation would have chosen not to think about the terrible consequences of someone losing their home. Perhaps a few young men would have mourned silently and hoped for the best. Our young brothers did more.

In our chapter’s recent newsletter, here’s what one of our brothers, Devin Shafer, ’12, said about the event:

“On November 17, 2013, tornados ravaged homes and businesses in the Kokomo, Ind. area. The home of Indiana Delta brother Jim Warren’s family was destroyed. Upon hearing the news of the destruction, the brothers instantly focused on ways to help Jim and his family.

Many volunteered to go and help clean up in any way possible. With no time to waste, and with the help of our sweetheart, Whittney Gregory, a poster was made with photos of the damage to raise money for the Warren family.

Seeing the brothers pull together to make the trip to Jim’s home and also give their time to collect donations was a true example of brotherly love. We will continue to support the Warren family in any way possible.”

Devin ends saying it was “rewarding to see the values of Sigma Phi Epsilon come together without hesitation in a time of need.” I couldn’t agree more.

My hat is off to these young brothers and their devotion to our Cardinal Principles and to each other. I hope the next time I find a brother in a bind, I can show the same loyalty and compassion to him as these brothers did to one of their own.

Photo courtesy of The Frankfort Times.