The moment I received the call extending me a bid to Sigma Phi Epsilon was a moment of pure excitement, nervousness and spontaneity. I had no idea the impact that saying, “Yes, I accept my bid,” would have on me. That began my SigEp journey just over two years ago, when I was a freshman at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE).

Since then, I have had countless leadership opportunities come my way within my chapter, on my campus and on a national level. I didn’t know I could share values so deeply with others that I could them my brothers. I didn’t know those brothers would push me out of my comfort zone to grow as a man.

I didn’t believe I would meet my closest friends, all of whom would help me pick up the pieces when everything fell apart. I simply did not know. What I did know was that Sigma Phi Epsilon was the fraternity for me. Although I certainly took a leap of faith, I knew with confidence that I was making the right decision to begin my SigEp journey.

Every year in November, we celebrate our founding. Our Founders did not understand the impact their decision to start this Fraternity would have, yet they believed in what they were doing.

Today, none of us know what this Fraternity will look like in the next 115 years, but we all share a common belief that it will be momentous. In order to help push our Fraternity into the future, we must believe in the power of Sigma Phi Epsilon. It is imperative that we believe to such a level that we take it upon ourselves to give of our time, treasure, journeys and, most importantly, live the Ritual in order to continue to grow and shape ourselves and our organization.

As I reflect on my personal growth over the past two years, the Fraternity’s growth over the past 115 years and what will come over the next 115 years, all I can say is, ”Thank you.” Thank you to everyone who believed in me, everyone who believed in Sigma Phi Epsilon and those of us who continue to believe in the bright future of this Fraternity.

Happy Founders Day, Brothers! I wish you a lifetime centered around our belief in Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love.