SigEp Headquarters offers programming to complement the Balanced Man Program experience we run locally. SigEp Headquarters offers several different local, regional and national leadership programs designed not only to help brothers run a successful chapter, but to become stronger leaders for the rest of their lives.
In a typical year, more than 5,000 undergraduates and volunteers will attend at least one of these programs. This summer is no exception!
These programs have been recognized as among the best in the fraternity world at shaping the lives of undergraduates who will go on to impact their communities.
These offer undergraduates the opportunity to expand their network and become friends with brothers from other chapters.
SigEp’s leadership programs are possible thanks in large part to our volunteers who facilitate and our alumni who donate. They do this because they had such a meaningful experience as an undergraduate and they want to “pay it forward.” All of what we’re about to share was funded by alumni donations with the exception of a $100 “skin in the game” contribution from the participants. The meals alone are worth more than that!
CARLSON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: FEBRUARY
The Carlson Leadership Academy happened in eight regional locations in January and February 2023. Ours was in San Francisco and we had a robust attendance by our Executive Board. Each officer attended a track customized to their position, with the chance to meet SigEps serving the same role in other chapters. Common challenges were discussed and counterparts from other chapters and experienced alumni facilitators collaborated on brainstorming solutions. There were undergraduate tracks for: President, VP communications, VP finance, VP member development, VP programming, VP recruitment, VP SigEp Learning Community, Chaplain & up-and-coming chapter leaders.
Our alumni and volunteers also had a chance to learn the latest campus trends and programs to help them manage our house and mentor our chapter.
RUCK LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: JULY
The Ruck Leadership Institute features a curriculum based on the world-renowned book, The Leadership Challenge, co-authored by Brother Barry Posner, California- Santa Barbara ’70. Ruck Scholars are selected through a competitive application process, and they leave with a better understanding of their own leadership styles and a new and better vision for the future. The Leadership Challenge presents a powerful framework for leadership consisting of five principles: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart.
Selected Ruck Scholars converge on Richmond, VA, where SigEp was founded. They visit the institution where it happened and the 150-200 brothers meet SigEp brothers (undergrads and alumni mentors) from all over the country for an intensive and popular program.
We were happy to have two brothers selected this year, our Vice President of Programming, Liam Gravvat and our President, Nic Hibbs. (Last year, we also had two selected.)
TRAGOS QUEST TO GREECE: JULY
The Tragos Quest to Greece changes the way brothers view the world, their Fraternity and themselves. Guided by alumni mentors and university faculty, Tragos Quest to Greece Scholars study the influence that Greek philosophy, governance and the arts has and continues to have in everyday life. Brothers explore Greek culture and reflect upon the origins of SigEp’s values and the Balanced Man ideal.
The program includes visits to ancient historical sites such as Athens, Delphi, Nauplion, Corinth, Mycenae and Olympia. Brothers explore the foundations of the fraternal world, experience SigEp’s ritual in a new light and study the philosophies of Socrates and Aristotle while walking the same streets where those great minds taught.
The Tragos Quest study abroad experience is unprecedented and unmatched in the fraternity world. The program is named for and made possible by a generous gift from Past Grand President William G. Tragos, Washington in St. Louis ’56, and his wife, Lilli. Due to the generosity of all of the program’s donors, SigEp is able to provide this experience free of charge to the 18 undergraduate scholars selected. The selection is highly competitive and we are proud to have our Vice President of Finance, Ernesto Castro selected.
GRAND CHAPTER CONCLAVE: AUGUST
With Carlson Leadership Academies, Ruck Leadership Institute and Tragos Quest to Greece in the rear-view mirror, we turn our attention to Conclave, happening next week. Every two years, Sigma Phi Epsilon hosts the largest gathering of its members across the nation, the Grand Chapter Conclave. Conclave brings together undergraduate and alumni brothers from across the country to recognize high achievement, inspire continued success and leave a legacy on the national organization. Attendees participate in personal and professional development activities and honor those who have helped to make the Fraternity great by bestowing its most important undergraduate and alumni awards. This year’s ultimate SigEp experience will take place Aug. 2 – 6, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk.
We have eight brothers attending and can’t wait to tell you about it, but that will have to be another post. Stay tuned!
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