As part of National Volunteer Month, we’re recognizing a number of dedicated SigEp volunteers who give their time to support our chapters and mentor our undergraduate brothers. We’re grateful for the commitment of each of SigEp’s more than 3,000 volunteers.

Forrest Cook is a 1985 graduate of our Kansas Alpha Chapter at Baker University and has been serving as Alumni and Volunteer Corporation President since 2019. Earlier this year, Brother Cook received the Outstanding New Volunteer Award for his service. Brother Cook owns Cook Financial Group and lives in the Kansas City area. 

Why do you volunteer? 

I could fill a book with this response, so I’ll try to condense it.  As long as my life may be, I will still never be able to return what SigEp has given to me. From providing me a medium to grow personally, spiritually and mentally, to providing me with life-long friends and memories…SigEp has truly enhanced my life and those that are close to me.  So, it only makes sense for me to volunteer. In fact, the very act of volunteering for my fraternity is self-serving. The therapeutic aspects are far-reaching and immeasurable. Making an impact on the lives of the young men in my fraternity means so much to me. Offering support, guidance, direction and leadership, at a time when it is needed most, gives me goosebumps.

How has serving as a SigEp volunteer impacted your life? 

It impacts me literally every day. The current crisis that has gripped our world is a prime example of that impact…right now our brothers have been catapulted into a world that no one has ever experienced. They (along with the rest of us) are in unchartered waters. Part of my charge and obligation is to help them navigate those waters and be better for it. Encouraging the chapter to continue with their executive board and chapter meetings, responding to questions and concerns immediately, proactively addressing chapter issues, and staying in touch with Headquarters are ways that reinforce my commitment, dedication and devotion during these trying times.  Making an impact and being impacted is all part of this process…and I can’t help but think that we, as a chapter and as a Fraternity will strengthen our bonds as brothers by our resolve to overcome.