In 1901, our Founders made a promise: “This Fraternity will be different.” SigEp was different then, has been different throughout our history and is still keeping the promise as we approach our 125th anniversary.

We are different because our values set us apart. We believe brotherhood should build men up, not break them down. We eliminated pledging and hazing. We believe every brother deserves dignity, responsibility and a meaningful place in our Fraternity from the moment he joins.

Through the Balanced Man ideal, SigEp helps young men understand themselves, form meaningful relationships, pursue excellence and seek balance in life. Today, our Balanced Man Program is relevant to the challenges they face and valuable in college and beyond.

I know the power of SigEp’s promise personally. More than 40 years ago, I was a first-generation college student working several jobs and trying to prove that I belonged. I did not have time for a fraternity. But somehow, a fraternity decided it had time for me.

SigEp surrounded me with brothers and mentors who believed in me and changed the trajectory of my life. Today, as the father of a young man who is embarking on his own college journey, I want an even better experience to be available to his generation.

That is why our aspiration to become the largest and best fraternity on every campus where we plant the SigEp flag is part of what makes us different. SigEp provides true friendship as a platform upon which every young college man can work diligently to become the best version of himself.

We aspire to be the largest because more young men need what SigEp provides. We aspire to be the best because every young man we recruit deserves an experience worthy of our promise.

This generation is responding. Recruitment grew 8% during the 2025-26 academic year. In fall 2025, our undergraduate brothers earned a 3.26 GPA — 0.11 above the all-fraternity average.

Those results represent thousands more young men finding a brotherhood that expects more of them and gives them more in return.

The stories in this Journal highlight brothers who are living our values, fulfilling our promise, and making this world a better place. You will read about brothers leading major companies and coaching at the highest level of professional sports. You will see chapter homes that foster honest and empathetic relationships, and inspire young men to become part of something larger than themselves. And you will see alumni opening doors by investing in brothers they may never meet.

As we approach 125 years, I ask you to reflect on your place in SigEp’s history. Somewhere in your story is a brother who opened a door or saw something in you that you had not yet seen in yourself.

As a SigEp volunteer for over 30 years, I can tell you from firsthand experience, the time you invest in our brothers will not only make a positive impact in their lives, it will make you a better partner, parent and citizen.

Reconnect. Volunteer. Mentor. Give. Help us keep the promise.

Let’s keep winning, brothers.

Fraternally,
Dave Calderon, Cal Poly-Pomona ’88
Grand President