(Attendees of the legendary 1959 Conclave in Washington D.C., where the Fraternity removed racial and religious member restrictions.)

Dear Brothers,

I am a 1960 graduate of our New Hampshire Alpha chapter at Dartmouth and was privileged to serve as Grand President from 1991-1993. It has been a while since I wrote a letter to you. Now there is something that I want to share with you.

The issue of fraternities and race dominates recent news headlines. Let me offer some words of encouragement and a challenge.

At the 1959 Conclave I led the effort to pass legislation that opened SigEp to members of any race, religion or creed. The vote came at a time when some in America still believed in “separate but equal,” and many large universities remained segregated.

I was a student at Dartmouth at the time. That vote meant that I could invite deserving friends and classmates to join my chapter, regardless of their race or religion. It was a huge victory for the Grand Chapter and for future generations of SigEps.

At a time when other fraternities were unwilling even to discuss breaking such antiquated and harmful barriers, SigEp blazed a trail that propelled our growth to become the largest college fraternity.

Today each of us recognizes the value and importance of diversity. We know that the chance to learn from peers of different backgrounds is an important part of preparing for success in the professional world. Despite this, however, we occasionally fall short.

It is often said that our chapters reflect our campuses. Sometimes that is true. Other times the real truth is that we only reflect the diversity of those who rush.

Too often our chapters are simply mirrors of our own upbringing. Our chapter brothers come from the same religion, ethnicity, home towns, even the same high schools. These connections and shared experiences can be worth celebrating, but they do not make for a great chapter experience by themselves.

The only way we grow as men is by expanding our experiences and our networks. We must step outside our comfort zones and find the best men on campus. Simply by pursuing excellence and looking outside our usual circles, we can build chapters that truly reflect our communities and our colleges.

By doing so you will also surround yourself with men who are smarter and more talented than you are. They will help you grow and achieve more in your life.

This will be hard work.
It will take work to find those men. It will take work to convince them that SigEp is different and right for them. And it will take work to hold yourself and your chapter accountable to the promises you make during recruitment.

Do it anyway. The hard work pays off.
Integrating a national fraternity at the height of the Civil Rights movement was not easy, but it was the right thing to do.

Following the 1959 vote, Ron Brown became the first African American member of our Fraternity. He was a brilliant and driven man, who went on to serve as Secretary of Commerce.

I was honored to call Ron a friend and brother. Although he died tragically in a 1996 plane crash, I remain inspired by his legacy and the great lengths to which so many went in order to call him Brother.

This is a critical moment in the history of the American college fraternity. I hope you focus on your standards and those of men who expect more from their college experiences. SigEp can continue to be a shining light for others to follow. It is up to you to lead.

You are our future. Make it shine!

Fraternally,

Bruce Hasenkamp
Past Grand President

(Bruce Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ’60, (to left of man in safari hat) checks in to the 1959 Conclave. He would be an instrumental player in getting the resolution passed that year.)