Over the weekend, the emerging chapter at Clemson University took the extra step in remembering the victims from September 11, 2001.
Photo via clemsonsae/Instagram
The brothers represented Sigma Alpha Epsilon on the campus steps of Sikes Hall in remembrance of those who passed.
Each brother climbed 110 flights of stairs in honor of the fallen first responders who climbed 110 flights of stairs that tragic day.
In total, the brothers climbed more than 7,000 flights of stairs as part of a fundraiser for the local fire department.
“It was an honor to have the opportunity to show our appreciation for Clemson Fire and Emergency Medical Services, as well as for all our first responders across the Realm,” organizer Donivan Okolita said. “We enjoyed showing our respect for the heroes of 9/11, for respecting the sacrifice that they made and continue to make. We hope to make this an annual event and we look forward to working more with these departments in the Clemson community.”
On that tragic day, thousands of first responders rushed blindly to the service of those in need. Of the 2,977 victims lost, 343 were members of the New York City Fire Department. In total, 412 victims were first responders.
We will never forget September 11th. It is a day to reflect, remember, and a day to come together. The brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon will continue our support of 9/11 victims, first responders, and never forget the seven brothers who perished.
Recognition of achievement and dedication to the Fraternity is important. Members and chapters that have distinguished themselves on various levels of the Fraternity or within their professions bring honor not only to themselves but also to Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The Fraternity realizes the value of acknowledging exceptional service and that the presentation of an award of recognition is also a primary way to show our appreciation.
Awards, accolades, and recognition are all ways in which we celebrate the achievement of our members and chapters. The annual Fraternity Awards competition recognizes individuals, chapters, house corporations, and alumni associations for their outstanding efforts to advance the mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The 2021 Awards recipients are listed below. Congratulations to all for personifying the values and traits of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
ADVISORY BOARDS
Stuart Zoock Outstanding Advisory Board
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon) — WINNER
Oregon State University (Oregon Alpha) — RUNNER UP
ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
Bill Fiscus Outstanding Area Alumni Association
SAE Phoenix Alumni, Inc. — WINNER
Greater Atlanta, GA Alumni Association — RUNNER UP
Most Improved
New Orleans, LA Alumni Association — WINNER
Outstanding AA Communication in Electronic Newsletter
SAE Phoenix Alumni, Inc. — WINNER
Greater Atlanta, GA Alumni Association — RUNNER UP
Outstanding AA Communication in Print Newsletter
Oregon Alpha Alumni Association — WINNER
SAE Phoenix Alumni, Inc. — RUNNER UP
Outstanding AA Communication Website
Greater Atlanta, GA Alumni Association — WINNER
Outstanding AA Special Events or Project
Greater Atlanta, GA Alumni Association — WINNER
SAE Phoenix Alumni, Inc. — RUNNER UP
Outstanding Chapter AA
Oregon Alpha Alumni Association — WINNER
Ohio Alpha Alumni Association — RUNNER UP
HOUSE CORPORATIONS
Outstanding House Corporation
South Dakota State House Corporation (South Dakota Theta) — WINNER
Mississippi State House Corporation (Mississippi Theta) — RUNNER UP
Outstanding HC Communication in Print Newsletter
Mississippi State House Corporation (Mississippi Theta) — WINNER
South Dakota State House Corporation (South Dakota Theta) — RUNNER
Outstanding HC Communication in Electronic Newsletter
South Dakota State House Corporation (South Dakota Theta) — WINNER
Mississippi State House Corporation (Mississippi Theta) — RUNNER UP
Outstanding HC Website
Mississippi State House Corporation (Mississippi Theta) — WINNER
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Besser-Lindsey Scholar-Athlete Award
William Kamps, University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Theta)
Todd Buchanan Recruitment Chairman Award
Justin Tinkler, Kansas State University (Kansas Beta)
Outstanding Chapter Advisors
Becky Bair, Advisor to University of Toledo (Ohio Nu)
Wendell Bouwman, Advisor to South Dakota State University (South Dakota Theta)
John Brkic, Advisor to Youngstown State University (Ohio Alpha)
Donovan Golich, Advisor to Michigan State University (Michigan Gamma)
Kevin Johnson, Advisor to University of Cincinnati (Ohio Epsilon)
Scott Lauber, Advisor to Bowling Green State University (Ohio Kappa)
Aldrian Smith, Advisor to Nicholls State University (Louisiana Chi)
Mike Weiglein, Advisor to University of Northern Iowa (Iowa Chi)
Outstanding Eminent Archons
David Cu, California State University-Northridge (California Nu)
Jack Curran, University of Colorado-Boulder (Colorado Chi)
Blake Frichette, University of Oregon (Oregon Beta)
Alex (Eric) Fusselman, California State University-Fresno (California Iota)
Daniel Goggans, Franklin College of Indiana (Indiana Alpha)
Hunter Hensley, East Tennessee State University (Tennessee Alpha)
Nick Koupiaris, Youngstown State University (Ohio Alpha)
Michael-Daniel Oded, Florida State University (Florida Beta)
Evan Sterling, Arizona State University (Arizona Beta)
Bradley M. Cohen Eminent Archon of the Year Award
Alex (Eric) Fusselman, California State University-Fresno (California Iota)
Outstanding Eminent Treasurers
Justin Clary, Franklin College of Indiana (Indiana Alpha)
Spencer Davis, University of Colorado-Boulder (Colorado Chi)
Cameron Feldman, Florida State University (Florida Beta)
Hunter Fenton, Kennesaw State University (Georgia Omega)
Alex Lorenzin, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (Colorado Phi)
Tyler McGoldrick, University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Theta)
Bradley McHugh, Michigan State University (Michigan Gamma)
Joseph McKinney, Central Michigan University (Michigan Delta-Omega)
Chad Oswald, University of Toledo (Ohio Nu)
Blake Steele, Kansas State University (Kansas Beta)
Andrew Wilson, Albright College (Pennsylvania Sigma-Mu)
Kenneth D. Tracey Outstanding Interfraternal Leadership Award
Jack Kneisley, DePauw University (Indiana Delta)
True Gentleman of the Year
Hector Lozada, Florida State University (Florida Beta)
CHAPTER AWARDS
John O. Moseley Award of Fraternity Zeal
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
Chapter Achievement Awards
Auburn University (Alabama Alpha-Mu)
University of Alabama (Alabama Mu)
Arizona State University (Arizona Beta)
University of Colorado-Boulder (Colorado Chi)
Colorado School of Mines (Colorado Lambda)
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Phi)
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
Drake University (Iowa Delta)
Kansas State University (Kansas Beta)
Morehead State University (Kentucky Gamma)
Centre College (Kentucky Kappa)
Nicholls State University (Louisiana Chi)
Youngstown State University (Ohio Alpha)
University of Toledo (Ohio Nu)
Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma Mu)
South Dakota State University (South Dakota Theta)
Texas State University (Texas Sigma)
Baylor University (Texas Theta)
University of Puget Sound (Washington Gamma)
Most Improved Chapter Award
Florida State University (Florida Beta)
Harry S. Bunting Outstanding Colony of the Year
Clemson University (South Carolina Nu)
Outstanding Alumni Relations
Kansas State University (Kansas Beta)
Brandon Weghorst Outstanding Chapter Communication
University of Colorado-Boulder (Colorado Chi)
Outstanding Chapter Member Education
Baylor University (Texas Theta)
Outstanding Financial Management
Colorado State University (Colorado Delta)
Outstanding Health-and-Safety
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
Outstanding Chapter Housing
Kansas State University (Kansas Beta)
Joseph A. Mancini Outstanding Chapter Service and Philanthropy Award
University of Alabama (Alabama Mu)
Kimball-Phelps Award for Outstanding Chapter Singing
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
Noble Leslie DeVotie Outstanding Ritual Award
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
Robert C. Cousins Award for Outstanding Recruitment
Kansas State University (Kansas Beta)
Outstanding Chapter Scholarship
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
Smith-Huffman Outstanding Chapter Management
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
Outstanding University Relations Award
University of Evansville (Indiana Epsilon)
On August 17, 2020, the chapter at Iowa State University (Iowa Gamma) made SAE history by being the first to host a virtual installation. Seven men were inducted as colony members by ESA Greg Brandt, Past ESR Tom Goodale, ESR Chris Hancock, 11 alumni of the chapter, and SAE staff. One week later, 14 men were virtually initiated to reestablish the group at Clemson University (South Carolina Nu). Alumni from seven different chapters were present, along with SAE staff. Since then, Iowa Gamma has hosted three more virtual initiations and is also now at 14 members.
Though many undergraduates won’t be on campus, the bonds of brotherhood extend beyond any physical boundary—there is still a value of fraternity even during a global pandemic. The semester may look a bit different, but it is providing opportunities for chapters, alumni associations, and members to be creative in their operations. We look forward to all the positives that come from the start of a truly unique 2020-2021 academic year.