Since its inception in 1989, the Honor of Philias has been one of SigEp’s most prestigious and meaningful honors. Given to one chapter or individual at each Conclave, the Philias honors those who best exemplify the Fraternity’s third cardinal principle, brotherly love. This year, the award was given to the California Beta Gamma Chapter at California–Riverside for remarkable service to a brother in need.

At the Brotherhood Luncheon at Conclave, Past Grand President Steve Shanklin, Murray State ’70, told the story of Christopher Lee, California–Riverside ’13, who was critically injured in an automobile accident last year. Following Lee’s accident, his chapter brothers didn’t just visit him at the hospital; they went above and beyond and gave Lee the support that, his father said, saved his life.

First they moved out of their house and deep cleaned it so Lee’s family could move in. They organized a vigil that brought brothers from five surrounding SigEp chapters to pray for Lee, and coordinated hospital visits so he wouldn’t be alone. And they raised more than $3,000 to help cover the Lee family’s travel costs and medical expenses.

As the California–Riverside brothers took the stage to receive the award, they hugged each other and knew their efforts had brought honor to them and their Fraternity.

Today Lee is on his way to a steady and complete recovery, and he is determined to join his chapter at the 2015 Conclave.