The AVC was short two members in the fall of 1986, during the time Steve Buce ‘86 was taking graduate classes at Stevens. Steve knew they were understaffed for the impending construction project and gladly joined the board that semester. He was elected treasurer in 1988 and still holds that position, managing housing expenses and paperwork on New Jersey Alpha’s behalf. His responsibilities also include mentoring the undergraduate VP of finance, much like alumni and peers who supported him as an undergraduate.

LEARNING BALANCE

Steve was introduced to SigEp through Ray Dion ’84, whom he met through the Stevens Dramatic Society. “I liked that it was not a stereotypical, one-dimensional Fraternity,” he said. “Members were active across campus in different organizations and had a good balance between academics, sports and celebrating.”

SigEp immersed Steve in a culture of accountability; mistakes were OK as long as brothers owned up to them and did better next time. Steve learned even more from the brothers themselves: “They showed me new ideas and points of view and taught me not to be afraid of the hard questions. They also didn’t hesitate to point out when I was being a jerk or wasn’t paying attention. I liked that we were comfortable confronting one another.”

BROTHERHOOD IN ACTION

When New Jersey Alpha lost its charter in 2003, the AVC quickly consulted alumni from the New Jersey Beta chapter at Rutgers. “Their biggest piece of advice was not to lose the chapter house,” Steve recalled. “It was a rare opportunity for significant maintenance and upgrades while empty, but it came with a big risk — high expenses with no undergraduate members or income stream. I think that just made the goal to reestablish even more urgent.”

Personally, Steve contributed to multiple teams during the rechartering process. That included working with the architect and contractor, negotiating timelines and expectations with Stevens, and working with the Headquarters expansion team on recruitment. Through those years, the AVC was grateful for the national-level resources and connections they made at Conclave.

“Meeting those folks face to face was incredibly helpful as we struggled with fundraising, recruiting, and establishing chapter house rules,” Steve said. “New Jersey Alpha was not the first chapter to start over, and it was a blessing to find so many alumni willing to offer advice and encouragement.”

THE IMPACT

Playing sports and volunteering with various organizations (including SigEp) helps keep Steve sharp, both at his day job and when unexpected challenges occur in his life. In his SigEp duties, he always enjoys learning from students and alumni at Carlson Leadership Academy; he gets to share ideas to help a struggling chapter as well as learn new strategies from brothers at other chapters. “Carlson is my opportunity to recharge and reconnect, and I always leave tired, but in a good mood.”

“For those who think they don’t have enough time or useful experience, some jobs like mentoring can make a big difference without being overwhelming,” he added. “It’s so rewarding to watch a young member grow into a chapter leader. I continue to be surprised by their energy and creativity, and it is encouraging to see how much they care for the Fraternity — and how much they want to make it even better.”

This article is shared from the New Jersey Alpha newsletter in the Alumni Communications Program.