SigEp elected a new board of directors at the 2021 Grand Chapter Conclave. The Journal posed a question to each board member on what it will take to achieve the goals outlined in the Fraternity’s strategic plan.

As we look ahead to celebrating 125 years of brotherhood in 2026, what is our biggest challenge?
First, we must clearly define the promise we make to undergraduates and their families as we transform Sigma Phi Epsilon into an experience that’s relevant and portable throughout a lifetime.

Second, we have a huge lift ahead to find the people and dollars necessary to execute this new experience well.
— Grand President Billy Maddalon, North Carolina State ’90

What ingredients are necessary to propel our mission of Building Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities?
Our society is changing fast. It will be critical for us to ensure our young leaders are aware of, prepared for and accepting of the world today. It will be a major disservice to them if we miss this point!
— Grand Secretary Victor Wilson, Georgia ’82

How can we enhance the volunteer experience to attract and retain more volunteers?
There are many ways to volunteer, including serving as a chapter counselor or on an alumni and volunteer corporation. Our Career Coaching program provides an opportunity for volunteers who want to get involved, but have limited time to invest. By speaking with brothers interested in their field, career coaches can answer questions, give tips, share experiences and discuss their career path. This is a HUGE benefit to our undergraduate brothers and a rewarding way for volunteers to give back.
— Grand Treasurer Daniel McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan ’90

How can we ensure our undergraduate brothers leave college prepared to succeed in the workplace?
Since most young men join a fraternity to develop leadership skills, social skills and discipline, I feel we are doing our part to ensure they develop those soft skills essential for their futures. They often don’t realize that 90 percent of their time will be spent outside of the classroom using those skills.
— Alumni Director Charlie Amato, Sam Houston State ’70

How do we keep the momentum going with our SigEp Learning Communities?
Under the leadership of Ed Bishop, Virginia Tech ’74, the SigEp Learning Community TaskForce simplified the accreditation process and helped chapters broaden their impact on campus and in the community. The next phase for the committee is to drive every chapter to become a SigEp Learning Community by offering the resources, guidance and assistance to build upon what they currently offer members.
— Alumni Director Bruce Anderson, Texas-Austin ’71

Describe your vision for a more diverse and inclusive SigEp.
SigEp should only be exclusive in that it serves as a beacon for men of the highest moral character. SigEp must be inclusive in terms of race, religion, creed and sexual orientation when recruiting balanced leaders to become brothers and mentors. We will never truly embody Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love until we genuinely reflect the racial, ethnic and cultural makeup of the communities in which we learn and live.
— Alumni Director Dave Calderon, Cal Poly-Pomona ’88

Speak to the impact substance-free facilities have had on SigEp and could have in the future.
Our substance-free policy has resulted in cleaner and safer facilities. Creating a member experience not fueled by alcohol has given brothers a greater sense of pride in their homes and redefined chapter facilities as spaces that are clean, comfortable and conducive to academic success. It’s also allowed us to focus on attracting young men who want to join SigEp because they hunger for genuine camaraderie, personal development and to make our communities and the world a better place. Since adoption of the policy, we’ve also had fewer insurance claims.
— Alumni Director Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89

What role can SigEp chapters play in helping brothers achieve Sound Mind, Sound Body wellness?
Our chapters provide a safe, healthy place for brothers to learn from each other, grow through shared experiences, be their authentic selves and use their gifts to bring good to the world. Brotherly love requires us to extend this safe space and be a guiding light for all student organizations on our campuses. This includes changing campus culture when called for. Through our leadership, we create the same opportunity for all students to realize their full potential and live successful and fulfilling lives.
— Alumni Director Greg Pestinger, Kansas State ’88

How can SigEp grow while continuing to maintain its high standards?
Growth with high standards requires that we recruit new members proactively with written standards as a guide. By recruiting to these standards, we set a high bar. The performance of the entire chapter improves when we seek out and surround ourselves with quality men. To be a great chapter, recruitment must happen every day. We must continue using tools such as the Balanced Man Scholarship to recruit new members and seek out and find these men in our everyday activities.
— Alumni Director Michael Wolbert, Northwest Missouri ’94

What should SigEp and other fraternal organizations do to develop long-lasting partnerships with their host universities?
Relationships are best built outside of crises. Spending time getting to know the teams working with chapters on campus and learning about the institutional culture is a great way to get started. Sharing a sincere commitment to the wellbeing of the students first is the foundation of a great partnership.
— Director Regina Hyatt, Ph.D.

What is the biggest challenge facing undergraduate men today, and what can SigEp do to address it or create greater awareness about it?
One of the challenges undergrads face is finding access to mental health resources where they feel comfortable discussing the things they’re going through. To address this further and generate awareness, SigEp can partner with mental health professionals and academic resources at our host institutions to bring more sound mind programming and conversations into the chapter and provide brothers with support when needed.
— Student Director Brady Alexander, Florida ’22

What will you advocate for to make the member experience even better for brothers?
In my chapter, we often refer to a phrase from the Fraternity’s creed: “I believe that a man will be made better for having been a member of my Fraternity.” I aim to promote and improve initiatives that realize this idea — quality educational and social programming, Career Coaching and our national leadership programs. I believe in SigEp because of the way programs like these have impacted me, and I hope to further that impact nationally.
— Student Director Nathan Cung, Georgia Tech ’22

What is the most significant thing SigEp can do to strengthen the fraternity movement?
SigEp must continue to push for reforms in the Greek community and on campuses across the country. The fraternity movement will be strengthened if we push institutions to hold individuals accountable when their conduct does not further the university’s mission. At the same time, we must continually raise our internal standards and find new ways to innovate within SigEp to ensure we are providing the greatest fraternity experience in the country.
— Student Director Greg Pierson, Missouri ’23