Arkansas Alpha at the University of Arkansas currently stands as our largest SigEp chapter with 265 current members. Becoming the largest undergraduate chapter is no easy task. Not only is it a lot of hard work for the undergraduate members but it is a lot of work for the volunteers as well. Arkansas Alpha could not have achieved this feat without the help from Jay Eslick (‘00) and Scott Goodfellow (‘80). Jay currently serves as the AVC President and Scott is the Balance Man Steward for the chapter. They both work day in and day out to help improve the chapter, whether it be meeting with undergraduates, working with the university to foster relationships, or helping improve their new chapter house that just opened last year.

Arkansas Alpha AVC President Jay Eslick

Jay started volunteering with SigEp at Arkansas. Since graduating in 2000, he has served in various capacities; mentor, AVC Board Member, Treasurer, and now AVC President. When Jay joined back in 1997, he thought that a chapter house was the one thing missing from his Balanced Man experience. When a new house was built for Arkansas Alpha recently, Jay got to see what it has been like for the chapter. He has noticed so much progress in growth and seen positive changes within the chapter and the men themselves. Jay also got Scott to serve as the Balanced Man Steward.

Arkansas Alpha Balanced Man Steward Scott Goodfellow

Scott retired from American Airlines as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician recently and wanted to make new connections with the men at Arkansas Alpha. He joined the AVC because a lot of the general members were people he went to school with and he wanted to help improve the men from younger generations. This gave him a new sense of purpose after retirement, and he has found so much joy in seeing the men continue to grow and succeed. Scott pondered on his experience in SigEp and wanted to help create a great experience for the undergraduate men. Both Scott and Jay also want the undergraduate men to know, you are a SigEp for life, not just during your undergraduate career. There are lots of great ways to volunteer with SigEp and be great role models, just like the two of them have done.

Some things Scott and Jay think about as volunteers:
What is your favorite thing to do as a volunteer?
Scott: Enjoys working with the young men and helping them find where they need to go whether it be for work, school, or life in general.
Jay: Working with the other volunteers who share the same cause of helping the undergraduates.

What keeps you up at night as a volunteer?
Jay: What is happening at the house while the AVC is sleeping? With a new chapter facility comes a lot of stress of making sure it is kept up well.
Scott: Why are the undergraduates not asking questions? It is okay to not know what to do and there is nothing wrong with asking for help and guidance.

What is your biggest accomplishment/impact you have had/made during your time as a volunteer?
Scott: Trying to get the university administration to work with SigEp at Arkansas and trying to bridge the gap between SigEp and the university.
Jay: Getting the house open and creating a common place for the gentlemen to be together

Thank you both for all of the outstanding work you do with Arkansas Alpha and for SigEp. It is because of volunteers like you SigEp will continue to grow and become the largest and best fraternity!