Throughout history, SigEp brothers have discovered that the bonds of fraternal love are built through shared experiences. These experiences offer profound growth and enlightenment whether they are in the classroom or in our communities across the globe. For SigEps at Loyola Marymount, the pursuit of brotherhood led them to a monumental archaeological dig 7,500 miles away from campus, and a significant discovery in their own backyard, as well.

Father William Fulco, Loyola Marymount Renaissance, is a highlydecorated National Endowment for the Humanities professor of ancient Mediterranean studies at the university. Fulco had already given much of his time and talents to these men as a faculty advisor and long-time volunteer, yet this journey of brotherhood had just begun.

Fulco’s archaeology course has become popular with SigEps over the years—some jokingly refer to it as a “SigEp course.” In fact, the chapter worked with the university to tie the curriculum into their Residential Learning Community (RLC), to bridge the experience from classroom to fraternity life. The university was enthusiastic about this move, stating the goals and ideals of SigEp closely resemble that of the university.

Fulco then elevated the course to a real hands-on experience. He orchestrated a journey for students to participate in an archaeological dig at Megiddo in Israel, identified as one of the world’s most important biblical cities. Every other year, Fulco helps send students on this unique expedition.

In partnership with Tel Aviv University, these fortunate men Chapter News spend three weeks excavating precious artifacts in this holy site. None are archaeology majors; they simply enjoy the adventure and the opportunity to grow and experience life. The endeavor is a precious artifact of its own.

“Get not your friends by bare compliments, but by giving them sensible tokens of your love.” ~ SOCRATES

In addition to masterminding the trip, Fulco spends countless hours personally raising funds (nearly $2,500 per participant) for the trip, so these man can make the trek. He is driven by a deep sense of love and brotherhood for his chapter. Fulco’s colleagues always see a SigEp or two in his office. The SigEps share their lives, their joys and their sorrows with him.

“They are the reason I wake up in the morning,” Fulco expressed. “I truly love them. I find it thrilling to see the men do wonderful things and see them have new experiences.” They return his brotherly love. Last year, Fulco underwent life-threatening kidney surgery. His Fraternity brothers never left his side as he recovered.

“SigEps would sleep on the hospital floor all night,” recalled Fulco. “They would hold my hand at night. They would care for me. They were so nurturing.”

As much as it meant to Fulco to have the chapter’s support, it was equally meaningful to his brothers to be there in his time of need. Several chapter members got tattoos of Fulco’s signature. Upon learning about this, Fulco decided to return the sentiment. He tattooed all of their initials on his chest.

From the rubble of ancient Israeli sites to the quiet of hospital rooms, Fulco and his chapter’s undergraduates invested in one another. They embraced academia and personal growth. They found brotherhood in a great diversity of experiences. The connection across them all is shared learning, learning from the past, learning from each other and learning from adversity. That’s what life and brotherhood are about.