Recognizing a lifetime of service and loyalty to the Fraternity, the Distinguished Service Award is the highest individual award a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon may receive. Their actions exhibit their understanding of the Fraternity’s teachings, adherence to Fraternity Laws, attention to promoting its welfare, and exemplary conduct that guards its honor and high standing.
The Fraternity has 345,000+ initiated members; only 152 have been recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Daniel B. Rather (Georgia Tech ‘57) is the most recent recipient, which was awarded on November 10th, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia.
As a collegiate, Rather joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon in 1954 while also being enlisted in the US Navy ROTC program at Georgia Tech. In addition to serving his country, he served the chapter as Recruitment Chairman, Eminent Deputy Archon, and Eminent Archon. Following graduation, Rather served two years of active duty in the US Navy before embarking on a real estate career that spanned more than four decades.
Rather worked on various commercial property projects, including several shopping centers in the Atlanta area. In 1985, he was appointed to the Georgia Real Estate Commission, ultimately serving as its Chairman. He served in board positions for the National Board of Realtors, Atlanta Board of Realtors, ONCOR International, and the Beach Company of Charleston.
Rather’s devotion to civic engagement started young. At 14 years old, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America—recipients are on average 17 years old. Rather served as Chairman of the Georgia State Board of Technical and Adult Education and the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Board of Trustees. In addition to supporting numerous charities, he also served in board roles for the Salem College Board of Trustees, the McCallie School Board of Trustees, Morgan County Community Foundation, and the Madison-Morgan Conservancy.
Rather concurrently served Sigma Alpha Epsilon in several roles, including as President for both the Atlanta Area Alumni Association and the Georgia Phi House Corporation. During this time, he oversaw its chapter house renovation, which was rented out during the 1996 Olympic Games. Rather also helped fundraise over $1 million for the Georgia Phi Foundation and served as its President. His son, Daniel, was initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon in 1982 at Sewanee.
Rather is an avid bird hunter, traveling across the United States and worldwide to South America and Europe to shoot quail, duck, dove, grouse, and pheasants. Following his retirement in 1998, he has devoted more time to entertaining family and friends at his beloved Wayside Farm and traveling the world.
Congratulations to Daniel B. Rather, the 152nd recipient of Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Distinguished Service Award.
The men from the chapter at Georgia Tech University recently raised $11,500 to benefit the Jed Foundation through their annual Family Casino Night philanthropy.
Similar to our service partner, Movember, the Jed Foundation is a non-profit that strives to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults.
Behind the sponsors and a silent auction, the chapter raised the most funds in the annual event. The sponsors of the event were all parents of brothers within the chapter and was during the chapter’s yearly fall semester Parents Weekend.
“It’s considerably a high amount than what we were able to raise for our philanthropy last semester, so we’re pretty happy with the way it turned out,” Eminent Archon Thompson Rudolph said.
The silent auction included a lake house weekend getaway; one family donated a hunting trip, billboard space, a football signed by Georgia Tech’s head football coach Geoff Collins and merchandise signed by professional golfer Harrison English.
“We raised four times as much as our most recent Casino Night,” Rudolph said. “It was big-time for us.”
The chapter in total raised $17,000. The chapter plans to use $5,500 as part of their ‘Capital Campaign’ fund, which is a fund to help kickstart renovations for their house on campus.
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)
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation Board of Trustees and the members of our Scholarship Selection Committee proudly announce our 2020-2021 academic year scholarship recipients. These brothers excel in their personal, professional, and academic pursuits, and their accomplishments have earned recognition among their peers. This year, the Foundation awarded 29 scholarships totaling $64,000.
We thank our generous supporters, alumni, and friends, who make these scholarships possible. In addition, we encourage you to congratulate any winners you may know. The name of the scholarship, followed by the scholarship’s category or area of interest, and its respective recipients are listed below.
Robert Hamrdla Award (History)
No Qualified Applicants
Past Eminent Supreme Recorder Bob Hamrdla (Stanford ’60) established this award for a brother in any major with transcripts that reflect considerable study of 19th and 20th-century history.
Jones-Laurence Award (Academic Performance)
Brennan Yee (Bucknell) – $2,000
Alex Austin (Simpson) – $2,000
Established in memory of past Eminent Supreme Archon Walter B. Jones (Auburn ’10) and Philip J. Laurence (Minnesota ’15), the award is given to the brothers who display the most outstanding academic achievement.
Dr. Charles A. Preuss Medical Award (Medical)
Chris Bruni (Millsaps) – $2,000
Established in memory of Brother Dr. Charles A. Preuss (Idaho ’24), this award recognizes brothers attending or planning to attend medical school, or enrolled in a course of study related to medicine and who have demonstrated service to their community and fellow man.
Frank C. Ginocchio Professional Staff Leadership Scholarship (Health & Safety)
Thomas Sturman (Central Florida) – $3,000
Established in recognition of Brother Frank C. Ginocchio’s (Northwestern ’66) leadership while serving on the Sigma Alpha Epsilon staff, this scholarship recognizes brothers who have demonstrated a positive influence in the field of risk management.
Thomas W. Devine Volunteer Leadership Scholarship (Health & Safety)
Armand Ghazanfar-pour (Houston) – $3,000
Established in recognition of Brother Thomas W. Devine’s (Minnesota ’74) volunteer efforts on behalf of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, this scholarship recognizes brothers who have demonstrated a positive influence in the field of risk management.
Emil Forman Award (Community Service)
Eric Puetz (South Dakota State) – $3,000
Trevor Curran (South Carolina) – $3,000
Jacob Austin (Simpson) – $2,000
John Vrba (Arizona State) – $2,000
Charles Martell (Illinois)- $2,000
Jake Brend (Simpson) – $1,000
Established in memory of Brother W. Emil Forman (Pennsylvania ’29), this award recognizes brothers who have shown extraordinary commitment to their community and fellow man as demonstrated by community service work.
Bradley M. Cohen Courage Award (Courage)
Ismael Gutierrez (Puget Sound) – $2,000
Past Eminent Supreme Archon Bradley M. Cohen (Arizona ’85) established this award to recognize brothers who have shown extraordinary courage in overcoming a major personal or organizational obstacle.
Ivan Allen Jr. Leadership Award
No Qualified Applicants
Established in memory of Brother Ivan Allen Jr. (Georgia Tech ’33), this award was created by Atlanta-area brothers. The award is given to the brother whose leadership in the chapter and community demonstrates the spirit of Allen, a former Atlanta mayor.
Fred Archibald Leadership Award
Cuong Le (Mansfield) – $2,000
Daniel Short (Morehead State) -$2,000
Established in memory of Brothers Fred J. Archibald (Cornell ’45) and his father, Fred I. Archibald (Nebraska ’14), this award recognizes brothers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their chapter, community and school.
Charles Collins Award
Ethan Naquin (Nicholls State) – $3,000
Dominic Zappa (Mount Union)- $3,000
Matthew Hill (Delta State) – $3,000
James Cowan (Rollins) – $2,000
Reid McIntire (Evansville) – $2,000
Anthony Madalone (William and Mary) – $2,000
Jose Osorio (McDaniel) – $2,000
Tanner Johnson (North Dakota State) – $1,000
Established in memory of Brother Charles F. Collins (Boston ’12), this award recognizes brothers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in the Fraternity, on the campus and in the community.
Richard Generelly Leadership Award
Andrew Beckman (South Dakota State)- $2,000
Brandon Dare (Mount Union) – $2,000
Established in memory of past ESA Richard Generelly (George Washington ’47), this award recognizes brothers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their chapter, community, and school.
Joseph Mancini Leadership Award
Sean Engler (Fort Hays State)- $2,000
Established in memory of past ESA Joseph Mancini (Cincinnati ’35), this award recognizes brothers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their chapter, community and school.
Warren P. Poslusny Award
Noah Kucza (Missouri-Kansas City) – $3,000
Garrett Williamson (South Florida) – $2,000
Kevin Senkus (Maryland-College Park) – $2,000
Past Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon and former Foundation Trustee Warren Paul “Pos” Poslusny (Kettering ’69) established this award to recognize brothers who have demonstrated an enthusiastic commitment to the highest ideals expressed in “The True Gentleman” including exceptional personal integrity while leading chapter and campus activities, coupled with notable philanthropic service and scholastic achievement.
Trustees Award for Scholarship and Service
Riley Sullivan (Mount Union) – $2,000
Funded by Foundation Trustees, this award recognizes brothers who demonstrate quality involvement in campus and chapter leadership positions, particularly the measure of his contribution to the education of his chapter brothers.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon prides itself on being one of the nation’s oldest and largest fraternities – a distinction that brings with it centuries of dedicated members. Though size and age create a sense stability and experience, they alone do not dictate the quality of an organization, which is why our brotherhood has also continued to be a pioneer of change, always remaining at the forefront of innovation and advancement among the ever-changing cultural landscape of today’s Universities.
This tenured history makes it all the more impressive for an individual or a single chapter to receive any honor that distinguishes them from the greater fraternal body. We would like to congratulate all of the following award recipients on their well-deserved recognition and their continued commitment to rising above:
Outstanding Alumni Relations
Winner:
University of Evansville
(Indiana Epsilon)
Runners Up:
North Dakota State University
(North Dakota Beta)
University of Cincinnati
(Ohio Epsilon)
Outstanding Chapter Scholarship
Winner:
Simpson College
(Iowa Sigma)
Runners Up:
Nicholls State University
(Louisiana Chi)
Kansas State University
(Kansas Beta)
Outstanding Eminent Archon
Winners:
Andrew Steelman
The Ohio State University
(Ohio Theta)
Angel Reyes Valtierra
New Mexico State University
(New Mexico Phi)
Anthony Pantano
University of Dayton
(Ohio Chi-Sigma)
Cameron Gunter
Baylor University
(Texas Theta)
Chad Thomas Blank
North Dakota State University
(North Dakota Beta)
Jake Harris
University of Central Oklahoma
(Oklahoma Sigma)
Jonathan Ross
Franklin College
(Indiana Alpha)
Zachary Watson
Texas State University
(Texas Sigma)
Outstanding Eminent Treasurer
Winners:
Evan Hosinski
University of Dayton
(Ohio Chi-Sigma)
Dakota Chappell
Texas State University
(Texas Sigma)
Ross Fabrizi
Youngstown State University
(Ohio Alpha)
William Cocking
Kansas State University
(Kansas Beta)
Outstanding Health-and-Safety
Winner:
University of Evansville
(Indiana Epsilon)
Runner Up:
South Dakota State University
(South Dakota Theta)
Outstanding Housing
Winner:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(New York Epsilon)
Runner Up:
University of Evansville
(Indiana Epsilon)
Outstanding University Relations
Winner:
University of Evansville
(Indiana Epsilon)
Runner Up:
University of Puget Sound
(Washington Gamma)
Brandon Weghorst Outstanding Chapter Communication
Winner:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott
(Arizona Delta)
Runner Up:
North Dakota State University
(North Dakota Beta)
Smith-Huffman Outstanding Chapter Management
Winner:
Centre College
(Kentucky Kappa)
Runner Up:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
(Massachusetts Delta)
Simpson College
(Iowa Sigma)
Kimball-Phelps Award for Outstanding Chapter Singing
Winner:
North Dakota State University
(North Dakota Beta)
Besser-Lindsey Outstanding Scholar Athlete
Winner:
Barrett T. Weiss
Stanford University
(California Alpha)
M. Todd Buchanan Oustanding Recruitment Chairman
Winner:
Brandon Elyakim
Lynn University
(Florida Lambda)
Outstanding Chapter Member Education
Winner:
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
(Pennsylvania Kappa)
Runner Up:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
(Massachuetts Delta)
Outstanding Financial Management
Winner:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(New York Epsilon)
Runners Up:
University of Cincinnati
(Ohio Epsilon)
University of Toledo
(Ohio Nu)
Joseph A. Mancini Outstanding Chapter Service and Philanthropy
Winner:
University of Rhode Island
(Rhode Island Alpha)
Runner Up:
Nicholls State University
(Louisiana Chi)
Robert C. Cousins Outstanding Chapter Recruitment
Winner:
Kansas State University
(Kansas Beta)
Runner Up:
Morehead State University
(Kansas Gamma)
Harry S. Bunting Outstanding Colony of the Year
Winner:
Arizona State University
(Arizona Beta)
Runner Up:
Baylor University
(Texas Theta)
Outstanding Chapter Advisors
Winners:
Beau Bateman
North Dakota State University
(North Dakota Beta)
David Pfalzgraf
Miami University
(Ohio Tau)
Jason Andrick
Frostburg State University
(Maryland Delta)
Jesse McHugh
Morehead State University
(Kentucky Gamma)
John Brkic
Youngstown State University
(Ohio Alpha)
John R. Hatfield
Kansas State University
(Kansas Beta)
Rebecca Bair
University of Toledo
(Ohio Nu)
Bill Fiscus Outstanding Area Alumni Association
Winner:
SAE – Phoenix Alumni, Inc.
Runner Up:
San Diego Alumni Association
Outstanding Alumni Association & House Corporation Communication
Printed Newsletters – Winner:
South Carolina Delta Alumni Association
Website – Winner:
San Diego Alumni Association
Outstanding Chapter Alumni Association
Winner:
Missouri Gamma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon AA
Runner Up:
Ohio Alpha Alumni Association
Outstanding House Corporation
Winner:
Oregon Alpha House Corporation
Runner Up:
Ohio Alpha Housing Corporation
Outstanding Alumni Association Special Events or Project
Winner:
San Diego Alumni Association
Runner Up:
Ohio Alpha Alumni Association
Stuart Zoock Outstanding Advisory Board
Winner:
Oregon Alpha Alumni Association
Bradley M. Cohen Eminent Archon of the Year
Winner:
Jake Harris
University of Central Oklahoma
(Oklahoma Sigma)
Chapter Achievement
Winners:
Bucknell University
(Pennsylvania Zeta)
California State University-San Marcos
(California Alpha-Gamma)
Carnegie Mellon University
(Pennsylvania Phi)
Centre College
(Kentucky Kappa)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
(Arizona Delta)
Georgia Institute of Technology
(Georgia Phi)
Gustavus Adolphus College
(Minnesota Gamma)
Kansas State University
(Kansas Beta)
Mississippi State University
(Mississippi Theta)
Nicholls State University
(Louisiana Chi)
North Dakota State University
(North Dakota Beta)
Oregon State University
(Oregon Alpha)
Rollins College
(Florida Omicron)
Salisbury University
(Maryland Sigma)
Simpson College
(Iowa Sigma)
South Dakota State University
(South Dakota Theta)
Texas State University-San Marcos
(Texas Sigma)
Towson University
(Maryland Alpha)
University of Dayton
(Ohio Chi-Sigma)
University of Evansville
(Indiana Epsilon)
University of Puget Sound
(Washington Gamma)
University of Toledo
(Ohio Nu)
Youngstown State University
(Ohio Alpha)
Most Improved Chapter
Winner:
Rollins College
(Florida Omicron)
Runner Up:
Texas State University – San Marcos
(Texas Sigma)
True Gentleman of the Year
Winner:
Zachary Watson
(Texas Sigma)
John O. Moseley Award for Fraternity Zeal
Winner:
University of Evansville
(Indiana Epsilon)
On March 2nd, the undergraduate chapter at Georgia Tech (Phi) participated in the campus wide “For the Kids” Dance Marathon. Sponsored by the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), the fundraising year culminates with a one-day celebration event that involves dancing, entertainment, games and stories from several patient families in the CMN Network. Over 450 high schools and colleges participate in the fundraiser which directly benefits the Sibley Heart Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
The chapter raised $11,440, second most out of any student organization on campus.
by Thomas Jahde, Eminent Archon (Georgia Tech ’19)
When Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity announced the “Next Steps 2018” initiatives in May 2018, there was one component that resonated above all others: starting June 1, any alcohol at Fraternity events involving undergraduates must not exceed 15% ABV. SAE had recognized there were issues and now, many school administrations were expressing concerns about the impact of alcohol on campuses. The Fraternity knew that steps needed to be taken to preempt strong actions by third parties and, primarily, to promote a safer environment for SAE and Greek life as a whole.
At the Georgia Phi chapter located at the Georgia Institute of Technology, our concern focused on how to implement the ban, and, more importantly, how to convince the chapter to accept this new policy. With everyone returning to campus for the fall 2018 semester, our executive council knew there could be some difficulty enforcing the new initiative unless there was buy-in by the chapter members.
Pictured (L-R) Front Row: Isaac Weeks, Andre Roevens, Kian Halim, Thomas Jahde. Pictured (L-R) Back Row: Joe King, Bishop Wright, Cullen Stockmeyer, Kyle Turbyfield, Harrison Pettigrew, Leland Toney, Daniel Huff
Recruitment is in the first week of school at Georgia Tech and the campus is dry. At the conclusion of recruitment, there is “Wet Day” and fraternities are allowed to have social functions with alcohol. This day obviously poses a lot of risks for Greek leaders and for the IFC. In the past, the hype of Wet Day, in combination with young undergrads being exposed to alcohol at college for the first time, had led to numerous incidents, some involving hospital transports and altercations. For example, at one of our events two years ago, a guest arrived already intoxicated from hard alcohol, and immediately displayed behavior toward a female guest at the party which was blatantly inappropriate. When challenged, he proceeded to start a physical altercation with brothers. The police were called and they were able to handle this particular guest, but it was obvious that the entire situation was intensified by his consumption of hard alcohol. Similar incidents were common across the campus.
Georgia Tech and IFC recognized these dangers and proposed a potential solution for this fall’s Wet Day. IFC and chapter presidents voted to make this year’s Wet Day hard alcohol-free, in essence adopting the same policy already enacted by SAE. IFC wanted to test a hard alcohol-free campus on the school’s riskiest social day. As a result, hospital transports decreased from over 10 transports in 2017 to only 2 transports this year and there was also a decline in alcohol-related incidents overall. This trial period made the inherent risks associated with alcohol over 15% ABV in a college setting incredibly clear.
With the successful hard alcohol-free trial imposed by IFC, the entire chapter of Georgia Phi was able to see the benefits and purpose of SAE’s “Next Steps 2018” Initiative. While it is true that hard alcohol can be consumed in a responsible fashion, in the fraternity environment, the risks are simply too great to outweigh any benefits in cost and personal enjoyment. There is no debate that hard alcohol is potent and many Greek life deaths and unfortunate events nationally are associated with it.
While our members agree on the risks, some members feel as though the ban limits their freedom to choose what they want to consume. It is their right to feel that way, but we strive to look at the best interests of our chapter as a whole and when doing so, we understand why the change was instituted. In fact, we have already noticed behavioral improvement at our social functions this semester.
We believe that if Greek life nationally continues down the path of using hard alcohol, the legacy and community of fraternities and sororities could come to an end. It is clear that it is easier to seriously harm one’s self when drinking liquor vs. beer and wine, so having the freedom to consume hard alcohol is just not worth the potentially dire consequences of over-consumption. Without SAE’s intervention through the establishment of the new policy, it is possible our children and grandchildren would not be able to join Greek life and experience the same benefits and brotherhood that we all enjoy. By shifting our mindsets towards a safer and healthier fraternity experience, the men of Georgia Phi remain 100% committed to the liquor ban as a way to ensure our fraternity’s continued success in the future.
If you or your chapter are experiencing these challenges, we hope sharing our story will help you make the right choice as well.