The Fraternity’s Renaissance of Brotherhood program provides a unique opportunity for SigEp chapters to recognize community members who have given of their time and resources for the benefit of the chapter. Renaissance brotherhood is both an honor and a responsibility, and it can be an effective way to thank a deserving man, as well as raise the profile of your chapter.

For example, Renaissance brotherhood can be an important tool to advance SigEp’s goal of partnership with higher education institutions.The brothers of Illinois Nu at Eastern Illinois University recently initiated their university president, Dr. William Perry, Eastern Illinois Renaissance. Perry frequently interacted with the SigEp brothers and volunteers, and he was supportive of the chapter’s desire to stand out and be different from other fraternities on campus.

“When the president of the university recognized that and showed an interest in being involved, we were so proud and humbled that he’d want to align himself with us,” said former chapter president Christian Sammons, Eastern Illinois ’14.  

Dr. Charles “Doc” Eberly, Bowling Green State ’63, and Vance Fraley, Illinois ’56,  two Order of the Golden Heart recipients with Illinois ties, were present for Perry’s initiation.

Another recent Renaissance initiate showcases the service-oriented aspect of the brotherhood. Delaware Alpha at the University of Delaware honored Joe McDonough, Delaware Renaissance, for his contributions to their community and involvement with the chapter. After McDonough’s teenage son, Andrew, passed away from cancer, he founded the Andrew McDonough Be Positive Foundation to support families battling the disease. He approached Delaware Alpha, asking them to support the foundation’s first “hero,” Joey. Over the past seven years, Joe has frequently attended chapter meetings, encouraging the brothers to further their commitment and thanking them for their support.

“After he went through Ritual, Joe felt like he was going through something his son should have gone through and got very emotional. Every time Joe comes to our chapter, he reminds us of how powerful a fraternity can be if we devote all of our efforts toward a common goal,” said chapter president Luke Malone, Delaware ’17.

Some of the most well-known brothers in SigEp history are Renaissance initiates, including Nobel laureate Kenneth Arrow, Stanford, astronaut Karol Bobko, Texas-Austin, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Connecticut, Congressman Steve Bartlett, Texas-Austin, and Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, Duke.

If your chapter is interested in recognizing a deserving man who meets the qualifications for Renaissance brotherhood, you may visit this page for more information.