The chapter at Indiana State swiftly mobilized to serve when their own brother, Jim Warren, ’16, and his family were caught in the eye of a storm in the fall 2013. A line of tornadoes ravaged central Indiana destroying much in its path, including the Warren home. When Warren first heard, he told a few brothers, and the chapter was immediately convened to hear the disturbing news.

Initial emotions of sadness and grief for Warren and his family quickly transformed into those of determination and hope throughout the brotherhood. That night the men brainstormed to determine every way possible to help. The idea was to gather donations on campus with pictures and information of the event and also travel to Warren’s hometown of Kokomo, Ind., to help with the clean up.

The feeling throughout the house that week was positive and uplifting in an effort to keep Warren’s morale up. You could easily sense the feeling of brotherhood permeating the chapter. Brother Warren said, “I am honored to be a part of such an amazing group of guys with great values. I never asked them to come down and spend their weekend helping us salvage pictures and clean up the mess that the tornado left behind. By doing that for me, it really showed me what brotherhood is about and how important it is to be a part of something so amazing.”

Warren’s family was very appreciative of the service the chapter provided, and the local news crew even showed up to take photos of the brothers at work on clearing the debris. This effort not only helped a brother and his family who were in need, it also showed the public that fraternities contribute to the greater good. Warren’s parents said, “We are very grateful that our son belongs to a Fraternity with such compassionate and grounded young men. We are extremely humbled by the kind and selfless actions from the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon.”

Brother Todd Dunn, ’15, who is a very close friend of the Warrens, allowed all members who volunteered to stay at his house and said of the experience, “It was not only a good thing to do for Jim’s family but also to help my own hometown community. I would help a brother in need any day, in my chapter or the next, and I know my brother would be there to help as well.”

Since that event, the feeling of brotherhood, young to old, has been extraordinary. The members are more uplifted now than ever, and saw the true meaning of membership in such a great Fraternity. Practicing the values of Sigma Phi Epsilon is truly a great experience especially when it is for the benefit of a fellow brother and his family.