In the interest of the health and safety of our members, and due to the growing threat of COVID-19 (Corona Virus), Sigma Alpha Epsilon is canceling our Spring Emerging Leaders Academies in Chicago (March 27-28) and Dallas (April 3-4).
We will be exploring opportunities to bring our leadership development program to these areas in the future.
Refunds will be processed automatically via the original payment method for all registration fees. As this is a large number of payment reversals that need to be completed, we ask for your patience. Our goal is to have all the payments refunded within the next week.
If you have already booked your air travel to either of these destinations, we encourage you to reach out to your airline directly. Many have waived exchange fees in light of the global pandemic.
At this time we have not canceled any of the upcoming events this summer (Ritual Academy and 90th Anniversary Celebration), but we will continue to monitor the situation and make those determinations in the future.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Fraternity Staff. At this time during this global crisis, we must each do our part in protecting the health and safety of every member.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, located in Evanston, Illinois, is seeking dynamic, self-motivated individuals to join the Fraternity Service Center. One position serves as the Manager of Expansion, and another as a Coordinator of Chapter Development. To learn more about these two opportunities, view the full description below.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, located in Evanston, Illinois, is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated individual to join the Fraternity Service Center to serve as the Manager of Expansion.
This role includes overseeing the fraternity’s expansion plans, and development strategy. Additional responsibilities include identification, coordination and implementation of colonization efforts, conducting in-person presentations, coordinating chartering execution, performing campus-based analysis for expansion viability and working with the Chapter Development team to support chapter growth through recruitment strategies.
Candidates are expected to reside in Chicago and work out of the Levere Memorial Temple. During the academic year, the position requires extensive travel, while summer months include a focus on education and program development. The manager must have a valid, current driver’s license. Selected candidates will be subject to a drug test in addition to criminal and financial background checks as a condition of employment.
Individuals who are interested are encouraged to complete an application, by clicking the button below.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity is now accepting applications for the position of Coordinator of Chapter Development.
We are seeking applicants who have graduated or will graduate in December 2019 and/or May 2020. Positions are currently available for immediate placement, and we are accepting applications for these opportunities through October 31. Interviews for these positions will occur this fall.
Additional positions will be available for start dates in June 2020. If you are interested in this start date, we invite you to apply by December 1, 2019. Interviews will take place in late 2019 and early 2020 for positions starting in June 2020.
These positions report to one of the four district managers and the Senior Director of Chapter Development.
Coordinators work directly with undergraduate chapters, colonies, and our members by delivering education, coaching, and mentoring with a focus on leadership development and operational programming. The Coordinator of Chapter Development also works with our expansion team to identify and assist in the growth of the Fraternity, volunteer recruitment, alumni advisors, house corporation presidents, and campus-based professionals and administrators to help promote our values. The position requires strong written and effective verbal communication skills, self-motivation, and the organizational and interpersonal talents to work with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community. Successful candidates will also possess a genuine team spirit and an honest enthusiasm for and commitment to the mission and vision of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Candidates should possess above-average computer skills, and membership in the Fraternity is required.
Candidates are expected to reside in Chicago and work out of the Levere Memorial Temple. During the academic year, the position requires extensive travel, while summer months include a focus on education and program development. Coordinators must have a valid, current driver’s license. Selected candidates will be subject to a drug test in addition to criminal and financial background checks as a condition of employment.
Individuals who are interested are encouraged to complete an application, by clicking the button below.
EVANSTON, IL –The Brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon continue to send our thoughts and prayers to David Rusko, his family, and his friends.
As soon as we learned of this accident, SAE immediately opened an investigation and we continue to work closely with West Virginia University officials as part of this process. While we seek more information alongside the University and law enforcement, we placed the chapter on a temporary suspension of all chapter events and activities. The University has taken a similar position. We intend to conduct a thorough review of what happened and as part of that process, we will be meeting with representatives of the University, local authorities, and members of the chapter.
As we work to seek answers and hope for David’s full recovery, we appreciate your patience in allowing his family the time and space they need to be of the greatest support to him.
EVANSTON, IL — The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity is now accepting applications for the position of Coordinator of Chapter Development. If you have graduated or will graduate on or before June 1, 2018, we invite you to apply now. Positions are available for June 2018 start dates.
These positions report to one of the four district managers and the Senior Director of Chapter Development.
Coordinators work directly with undergraduate chapters, colonies, and our members by delivering education, coaching, and mentoring with a focus on leadership development and operational programming. The Coordinator of Chapter Development also works with our expansion team to identify and assist in the growth of the Fraternity, volunteer recruitment, alumni advisors, house corporation presidents, and campus-based professionals and administrators to help promote our values. The position requires strong written and effective verbal communication skills, self-motivation, and the organizational and interpersonal talents to work with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community. Successful candidates will also possess a genuine team spirit and an honest enthusiasm for and commitment to the mission and vision of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Candidates should possess above-average computer skills, and membership in the Fraternity is required.
Candidates MUST live in Chicago and work out of the Levere Memorial Temple. During the academic year, the position requires extensive travel, while summer months include a focus on education and program development. Coordinators must have a valid, current driver’s license. Furthermore, selected candidates will be subject to a drug test in addition to criminal and financial background checks as a condition of employment.
Individuals who are interested are encouraged to complete an application, which is due on or before April 20, 2018, by CLICKING HERE. Interviews for prospective hires will begin in the coming weeks and upon deadline of posting.
OXFORD, MS – Sigma Alpha Epsilon regrets to inform the Realm about the closure of one of our chapters. The charter for Mississippi Gamma at the University of Mississippi has been suspended, the chapter closed and the undergraduate group disbanded. This action is the result of health-and-safety concerns and an inability to adhere to the national organization’s standards and expectations.
Fraternity leadership received information of continued activity following the initiation of a cease-and-desist operations order. The investigation that followed provided important and concerning details, and the Supreme Council took swift action to intervene.
All current initiated undergraduate members have been suspended from the Fraternity indefinitely, and members who have been recruited this fall have been released from the organization.
The loss of this long-standing chapter is unfortunate, but it serves as a crucial reminder to our collegiate members, chapter officers and alumni that violations to Minerva’s Shield and failure to follow our membership-education program known as the True Gentleman Experience will not be tolerated and may result in closure. Those types of violations jeopardize other chapters and colonies and devalue the positive membership opportunity we should enjoy as a brotherhood.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has zero tolerance for any actions or behaviors that are not consistent with our mission and our creed, “The True Gentleman.” We are committed to the safety and well-being of our members and others with whom they interact. Furthermore, our leadership will not hesitate to impose sanctions when guidelines are not being followed.
Although we regret the closure of any chapter, there are situations in which it becomes necessary and warranted. We remain optimistic that we can re-establish Mississippi Gamma in the future with members who exemplify our Ritual and beliefs and who serve as leading role models on campus and in the greater Oxford community.
EVANSTON, IL – In 2014, our Fraternity eliminated pledgeship and enacted the True Gentleman Experience, a new model for membership education. Prior to that decision, we adopted dozens of meaningful practices to promote a healthier and safer environment, including a Good Samaritan Policy. Yet, while we have experienced a reduction in health-and-safety issues, we are concerned by the tragedies on campuses during the past several months.
In a proactive effort, the Supreme Council has authorized a temporary suspension of chapter and colony social activities with events that include alcohol. This moratorium allows the organization to pause and gather both research and feedback that will help us move forward and reaffirm our support of other Greek-letter organizations.
The temporary suspension period begins on Monday, December 4, 2017, and will end on Monday, February 28, 2018. We continue to encourage our groups and their members to sponsor substance-free social activities during that timeframe. While we know our members will comply with the regulation, please understand that this temporary suspension falls under our health-and-safety guidelines, as outlined in Minerva’s Shield, and that any violation may result in serious disciplinary action.
During the next few months, we are offering opportunities for dialogue and input through a variety of sources from our undergraduate members, volunteers, alumni and key stakeholders to gain insight on these topics. The purpose of the moratorium is not the exclusive study of alcohol use or consumption. Instead, we are focusing on how we can enrich our environment, culture and leadership.
As we put the moratorium into effect, we also have started discussions with our Undergraduate Advisory Committee.
Our evaluation includes these additional opportunities:
During this time, we encourage everyone to reflect upon health-and-safety practices. Furthermore, we welcome your thoughts, concerns, suggestions and questions. Please send them to fsc@sae.net.
The mission of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity is to advance the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership and service for our members throughout life.
Does this policy apply to alumni events?
If the event is hosted by alumni and is an alumni-only event, it may include alcohol. Students may be in attendance as long as health & safety policies are fully implemented and the number of members present comprises a 2-to-1 ratio of alumni to undergraduates.
What will happen at the expiration of the policy?
The Greek-letter world has experienced a number of challenges across the country in the past few months. Our suspension period is intended to serve as information-gathering, assessment and development phases — the result of which may include revised health & safety policies. At this time, no outcome has been determined; however, potential changes will be based on broad engagement of our collegiate and alumni members in addition to outside experts.
What is the goal of the temporary suspension?
We intend to focus on key questions related to environment, culture and leadership. We will seek understanding and pursue suggestions on how to improve our policies and programs to continue to improve the experience for our members and guests.
My chapter or colony has an event scheduled. What are our options?
The suspension does not prevent a chapter or colony from having an alcohol-free event. Keep in mind, a scheduled event may be rescheduled for a date after the expiration of the moratorium.
My chapter or colony has not had any health & safety issues. Does this moratorium still apply?
Yes. The moratorium is Realm-wide and applies to all collegiate groups where we operate. With the tragic deaths and serious injuries in other organizations, we felt a pause on events with alcohol would serve as a period to reflect, engage and assess our policies.
What should we do during this time?
Please review national, local and campus health & safety policies. Also consider how those measures can be enhanced to bolster our commitment to the well-being and fundamental values in our mission and creed. Members in our chapters and colonies should review any incidents that have taken place and determine how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. We highly encourage undergraduates to engage their alumni and volunteer leaders and advisers in these discussions.
What do we do with the information we gather or proposals that we have?
Please send them to FSC@sae.net.
What if my chapter or colony does not have a house?
The policy applies to all collegiate groups, regardless of whether or not they are housed. Similarly, alcohol is prohibited at any Fraternity event attended by collegiate members, no matter where the event takes place.
What would constitute a violation of the policy?
Our moratorium affects events with alcohol, not the private conduct of individual collegiate members. Please review Minerva’s Shield for information about our regulations regarding events.
AUSTIN, TX – It is with regret that Sigma Alpha Epsilon reports the closure of one of our chapters. The charter for Texas Rho at the University of Texas in Austin has been suspended as a result of health-and-safety concerns and an inability to adhere to the national organization’s standards and expectations. In addition, we have notified the University of Texas of our decision to supsend the group until the membership has graduated or for a period not sooner than four years. Our Fraternity looks forward to continuing that relationship with administrators so we may facilitate a return, when possible.
The temporary loss of this chapter, which was founded in 1882, is unfortunate, but it serves as a crucial reminder to our collegiate members, chapter officers and alumni that violations to Minerva’s Shield and failure to follow our membership-education program known as the True Gentleman Experience will not be tolerated and may result in closure. Those types of violations jeopardize other chapters and colonies and devalue the positive membership opportunity we should enjoy as a brotherhood.
Our proactive measures continue to advance the good work of the Fraternity. Staff received information via our toll-free, anonymous hazing hotline; our investigation provided us important details; and our leadership took swift action to intervene with a group that was not living up to our values and was not complying with many of our health-and-safety policies.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has zero tolerance for any actions or behaviors that are not consistent with our mission and our creed, “The True Gentleman.” We are committed to the safety and well-being of our members and others with whom they interact. Furthermore, we will not hesitate to impose sanctions when guidelines are not being followed.
Although we regret the closure of any chapter, there are situations in which it becomes necessary and warranted. Our leadership remains optimistic that we can re-establish Texas Rho in the near future with members who exemplify our beliefs and who serve as leaders and role models on campus and in the greater Austin community.
EVANSTON, IL – The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation, with a continued focus to support our members, has realigned its staff structure beginning this month. The change will allow both the Foundation and Fraternity to work together on their respective missions.
Foundation leaders have established a Director of Development and four Development Officers, who will be based out of our headquarters at the Levere Memorial Temple. Those staff members are responsible for providing donor identification, cultivation and stewardship as well as alumni engagement. The newly configured structure also will reinforce the Fraternity’s Chapter Development team and volunteers in provinces throughout the Realm.
Operations will be placed under both an Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator to supervise restricted giving, fund management, Levere Memorial Temple functions and events, archives, scholarships and planned-giving programs.
Evy Lipecka, who has served on our Foundation staff for seven years, will become the Director of Development. Meg Walker, currently the Operations Coordinator, will become Manager of Foundation Operations, and Tyler Stokesbary will now serve as Coordinator of Foundation Operations. Ryan Gibbons, whose time is shared in a Fraternity role, will remain a Coordinator of Alumni Engagement and oversee the scholarship program.
We would also like to take this opportunity to announce that two long-serving and well-respected Foundation staff members — William Winstead (Tennessee-Martin ’98) and Deran Abernathy (Texas-Dallas ’04) — are pursuing new opportunities. Not only do we deeply appreciate their service and dedication to our organization, we wish them the very best in their future endeavors and thank them for what they have accomplished in multiple capacities during their tenure. We look forward to their continued involvement as alumni volunteers.
The new Development Officer job positions will be communicated under separate cover as part of our commitment to hire, educate and train those individuals for field operations beginning in early 2018.
EVANSTON, IL – Sigma Alpha Epsilon has announced a job opening at the Fraternity Service Center, seeking an ambitious, creative and self-motivated individual to serve as our Senior Director of Marketing & Communications. Specifically, this role will oversee the strategy and fulfillment of the organization’s marketing and communication plan.
The Senior Director of Marketing & Communications leads the department in guiding and managing all aspects of marketing, communications and design for the organization, ensuring that established standards of branding and content are achieved with publications, websites, photography, social media and other materials. The individual will also have the principal role to write, create, research and produce enterprise content for all publication vehicles.
Our ideal candidate should possess impeccable writing and copyediting abilities in addition to excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills. Other responsibilities include preparing press materials and serving as the primary point of contact for media inquiries. Furthermore, this staff member shall manage the development of handbooks, manuals and guides and both supervise and collaborate with department personnel to complete projects and campaigns successfully. The candidate should have experience with Adobe creative software, be familiar with photography and videography and have a thorough understanding of brand management. Experience working with or in the media is essential. Please note, membership in Sigma Alpha Epsilon is not required.
The candidate must have a degree in journalism, communication, marketing, writing or public relations or a related field and a minimum of seven years of professional experience.
The Senior Director of Marketing & Communications is required to live in the Chicago metropolitan area. Some travel is necessary for the position as well as flexible hours for deadlines and special events. Selected candidates will be subject to a drug test and criminal and financial background checks as a condition of employment. In addition, a portfolio of work will be required as part of the hiring process.
The application deadline is Friday, November 17.
For a full job description, CLICK HERE.
Please send résumé and letter of interest to:
Mike Sophir
Eminent Supreme Recorder & Chief Executive Officer
msophir@sae.net
E-mail responses are preferred.
EVANSTON, IL – After more than 15 years of professional service at the national level and in a number of key capacities, Chief Communications Officer Brandon Weghorst has chosen to complete his tenure at the end of December 2017.
“On behalf of the Supreme Council, the staff, our volunteers and our members worldwide, we thank Brother Weghorst for his loyalty and service to Sigma Alpha Epsilon,” says Mike Sophir, Chief Executive Officer and Eminent Supreme Recorder. “I first met Brandon shortly after he started as an Educational & Leadership Consultant. Over the years, we have worked together on several occasions and built a friendship that I hold in high regard.”
“It’s hard to believe that I first walked through these doors two decades ago,” Weghorst says. “Time flies, and now it’s time to embark upon the next chapter of my life, hopefully in the Mountain West. I’m thankful for all of the opportunities, experiences and friendships I’ve enjoyed with members and non-members alike. Those moments never can be replaced. I’m also grateful to the brothers who believed in me, and I leave proud knowing that SAE has earned more than 80 communications and marketing awards during my tenure. I will miss many people and am excited to see what the gentlemen working with me will do as they carry the torch.”
During his time on the Fraternity Service Center staff, Weghorst has written hundreds of articles and crafted more than 300 media statements. He has provided leadership to refine our brand; created the True Series recruitment campaign and developed new communication methods. He also served as President of the Fraternity Communications Association, the first brother since William Levere to hold that role; managed the production of The Record, First Informed and 5 from 1856; drove convention management; and helped to guide Sigma Alpha Epsilon through some of our most challenging incidents covered by media.
“Brandon has had significant impact on the organization and has served with integrity, rigor, honor and heart. SAE is a better place and a better organization as a result of his contributions. Although we are sad to see him depart, we understand his desire to seek new adventures,” Sophir says. “This is our chance to thank him for his loyal service and acknowledge the impact he has made to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.”
More information about opportunities with the communications and marketing team will be forthcoming under separate cover.
EVANSTON, IL – Service is a cornerstone of Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s mission, and we are proud of our members’ efforts to assist their communities when we are called upon. Following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we watched with the rest of the country at the devastation the storms caused and the lives that have been affected. In addition, we have received many inquiries from brothers about how they can best mobilize and provide assistance.
The Supreme Council has formed a Hurricane Relief and Recovery Task Force, which is a committee comprised of alumni volunteers who have researched opportunities and identified options for those who want to make a difference. While initial conversations were related to the Houston area, committee members continue to monitor others. Human instinct often leads us to aid in these difficult times with manpower, but city leaders currently are seeking other options. Our goal is to work together as a brotherhood and raise funds and/or needed dry goods in conjunction with reputable, vetted organizations.
Here are two options for those members and friends who wish to provide support:
We have created a relationship with the University of Houston Alumni Association, led by Brother Mike Pede, for giving via the link listed above. Gifts are directed to a special Sigma Alpha Epsilon fund at the school under its official 501(c)(3) non-profit status, and this charitable entity will track of all donations and contact information for those who make a gift.
The city’s alumni association will have oversight of the funds and make recommendations on their distribution by providing details to the Supreme Council. The primary focus of all funds raised is to support the following three core areas:
If you choose to support our effort by donating dry goods, items may be sent to:
UHAA
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alumni Association
3204 Cullen Blvd.
Suite 201
Houston, TX 77204
We hope you will consider our efforts that support our mission and commitment to helping others in communities affected by these disasters.
EVANSTON, IL – The Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters has announced a change to our field-staff model that will provide additional support and services for our members, volunteer leaders and educational partners. Upon a review of chapter and colony needs across the Realm, we will be expanding our chapter-development team from 11 members to 15.
The department will remain under the direction of John Kovalan, who will serve as Senior Director of Chapter Development, with six managers and eight field coordinators reporting to him. Four of the managers will oversee specific districts, including chapter services, student development, university relations and volunteer recruitment and training. One of the managers will oversee expansion, and the other will focus on community investment, diversity and Title IX.
Our former regional model of eight areas named for our Founding Fathers will change to four geographical districts: Western, Central, Eastern and Southern. CLICK HERE to see a map of the regional areas.
The management team will oversee the eight field-staff members, who will focus on chapter visitation, consultation, leadership development and mentoring. To ensure ongoing training and education, the team will be centralized at the Levere Memorial Temple in Evanston with extensive travel through the school year. The Fraternity has started the recruitment and hiring of additional staff, and we expect to add new team members in December 2017 and May of 2018 as well.
For questions or further information, please contact John Kovalan at jkovalan@sae.net or at (847) 636-7393.
EVANSTON, IL – Sigma Alpha Epsilon is pleased to announce all of our award winners from the 2016-2017 annual competition. We congratulate them on their accomplishments, zeal and dedication to the organization as well as to our mission and values. Chapter award winners received their certificates at the 82nd John O. Moseley Leadership School, and alumni groups received their honors at the 161st Anniversary Convention.
For a complete listing of award recipients, CLICK HERE.
Some of the collegiate highlights include the John O. Moseley Award for Fraternity Zeal, which was awarded to Iowa Sigma at Simpson College; the Harry S. Bunting Colony of the Year Award, presented to Ohio Rho at Case Western Reserve University; True Gentleman of the Year, awarded to Connor Strachan (Oklahoma State); the Bradley M. Cohen Eminent Archon of the Year Scholarship Award, presented to Kyle Shatto (Florida Southern); the Ken Tracey Award for Interfraternal Leadership, presented to Blake Humphrey (West Virginia); the M. Todd Buchanan Recruitment Chairman Scholarship Award, presented to Max Flick (Florida Southern); and the Besser-Lindsey Scholar-Athlete Award, presented to Michael Gray (Mercer).
Several alumni highlights include the Bill Fiscus Outstanding Area Alumni Association Award, presented to the Greater Atlanta Area Alumni Association; the Outstanding Chapter Alumni Association Award, presented to the Kentucky Epsilon Alumni Association; and the Outstanding House Corporation Award, presented to the Idaho Alpha House Corporation.
We encourage you to offer congratulations to any recipient(s) you may know and share the good news with others as you see fit.
EVANSTON, IL – The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, located in Evanston, Illinois, is seeking dynamic, talented brothers to join the Fraternity Service Center staff. The role includes serving as a contact for chapters, colonies, university officials, chapter advisers, house corporations and alumni associations.
Successful candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree by the first date of employment. The position requires effective communication, self-motivation and organizational skills. Successful candidates will also have above-average computer skills, genuine team spirit and an honest enthusiasm for and commitment to the mission and vision of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In addition, candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to work with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
A willingness to travel extensively and membership in Sigma Alpha Epsilon are required. The selected candidates must be willing to live in the Chicago area and must have a valid, current driver’s license. Selected candidates will be subject to a drug test and criminal and financial background checks as a condition of employment.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Please send résumé and letter of interest indicating salary requirements to:
John Kovalan
Senior Director of Chapter Development
jkovalan@sae.net
E-mail responses are preferred.
