The fourth episode of season 3 features SAE alumnus and the 33rd Governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Governor Burgum over Zoom earlier this year. Governor Burgum grew up in a small town of just 400 people in North Dakota. He attended North Dakota State University, where he became a member of the North Dakota Beta chapter. After graduating with a degree in university studies and attending graduate school at Stanford University, Governor Burgum decided to jump into the tech world and started Great Plains Software in 1983. Microsoft acquired Great Plains in 2001. In addition to building this successful start-up and running for office, Governor Burgum was also a senior vice president for Microsoft and started several other businesses – A real estate development firm and a venture capital firm. Tune in today for this episode, which focuses on the lifelong significance of fraternal membership and the importance of values-based leadership. Governor Burgum says that lessons learned as an SAE through leadership opportunities, friendships, and the True Gentlemen are assets and have guided him throughout his professional career.
TG Talk is brought to you by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation and Fraternity and is an opportunity to engage with staff, volunteers, undergraduates, and notable alumni. Join us for discussions on all things SAE, including chapter operations, alumni engagement, university relations, ritual, and values. Additionally, TG Talk is a speaker series. We feature guest speakers focusing on leadership, professional development, and current events. As True Gentlemen, we must always strive to rise above. One of the ways we do that is by continuously learning.
If you have ideas for upcoming topics, questions, or if your chapter has exciting news to share with the Realm, connect with us at communications@sae.net. You can find the podcast by searching for TG Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Anchor app.
We look forward to connecting with you. Be sure to subscribe to receive notifications when new episodes are available.
Watch Episode 3 of Season 4 on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Anchor.
Across the realm, many chapters will be transitioning back to campus life we knew before the COVID-19 pandemic this fall. In this episode, Cody Delmendo (Eastern Illinois ’15), his new co-host Gage Wolt (North Dakota State ’18), and this month’s guest Seth Crawford (University of Houston ’18) discuss the three discussion points to help undergraduates transition back to returning to campus for the next school year. The three goals highlight making the most of being an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, chapter standards academically, socially, and utilizing new recruitment methods, and reviving chapter traditions.
TG Talk is brought to you by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation and Fraternity and is an opportunity to engage with staff, volunteers, undergraduates, and notable alumni. Join us for discussions on all things SAE, including chapter operations, alumni engagement, university relations, ritual, and values. Additionally, TG Talk is a speaker series. We feature guest speakers focusing on leadership, professional development, and current events. As True Gentlemen, we must always strive to rise above. One of the ways we do that is by continuously learning.
If you have ideas for upcoming topics, questions, or if your chapter has exciting news to share with the Realm, connect with us at communications@sae.net. You can find the podcast by searching for TG Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Anchor app.
We look forward to connecting with you. Be sure to subscribe to receive notifications when new episodes are available.
Watch Episode 2 of Season 3 on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Anchor.
The third episode of TG Talk features Grant Maris, Manager of Chapter Expansion, and Kevin Gath, Coordinator of Chapter Development. Grant and Kevin share tips and tricks for virtual and hybrid recruitment, engaging with members in a virtual setting, re-engaging alumni members, the importance of checking in with your brothers during this difficult time, and resources that are available from the national office and our partners.
Listen to Episode 3 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Anchor.
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.
On this day, we somberly remember the events of September 11, 2001, and as a nation, we share the grief of a day that continues to haunt our country. However, the courage exemplified by the American people shines brighter than the darkness experienced that day. Countless first-responders and volunteers risked their lives, with some giving the ultimate sacrifice, for the sake of others. 9/11 represents an American tale of resilience, survival, courage, and love.
“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in America’s history… we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” -President George W. Bush
Eighteen years later, our nation continues to remember those who were lost in the worst terror attack on United States soil, including seven members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon — six at the World Trade Center and one at the Pentagon. Their names are forever enshrined in the Peace Chapel at The Levere Memorial Temple which hosts memorials containing the names of SAE men killed or missing-in-action from the Civil War up to the present day, including our brothers listed below who were lost on September 11:
Jeffery A. Coale (Maryland-College Park ’92)
Michael B. Finnegan (Richmond ’86)
Wallace C. Hogan (Valdosta State ’82)
Eamon J. McEneaney (Richmond ’86)
James A. O’Grady (UCLA ’92)
Todd J. Ouida (Michigan ’98)
Robert A. Rasmussen (North Dakota State ’82)
Dustin Stewart (Georgia Southern University – Armstrong ’17) has been promoted to Manager of Chapter Development. Stewart previously served as a Coordinator of Chapter Development. In his role, Stewart will manage Central district field staff, coordinate health-and-safety programs and initiatives, and support volunteers and university partners. As an undergraduate, Stewart served as Eminent Archon, Eminent Treasurer, and Philanthropy and Service Chairman. Prior to his employment at SAE, Stewart served as an intern in the office of the governor of Georgia.
Grant Maris (North Dakota State ’17) has been promoted to Coordinator of Recruitment. Maris previously served as a Coordinator of Chapter Development. In his new role, Maris will assist current chapters and colonies in the development of recruitment plans, provide in-person and digital recruitment training, and execute expansion projects. As an undergraduate, Maris served as his chapter’s Eminent Archon, Eminent Deputy Archon, Recruitment Chairman, and Philanthropy and Service Chairman. He graduated in December of 2017 with a BS in Marketing and a Professional Selling Certification.
Dave Pascarella (Indiana State University ‘17) has been hired as Visual Media Designer.
Pascarella graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design. As an undergraduate, Pascarella served his chapter as Eminent Recorder, New Member Educator, and Philanthropy and Service Chairman. He has also attended the John. O. Moseley School in 2016.
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)
Every spring, the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at North Dakota State hosts “Mr. NDSU,” a mock beauty pageant to raise funds for a local charity. This year, the benefactor was the North Dakota Heart Gallery, a non-profit focused on the adoption of children in foster care. Eighteen contestants, including four SAEs, were nominated to compete in a variety of competitions. Four titles were given at the end of the night—each going to an SAE, giving the chapter a clean sweep of the awards. The chapter also raised $6,000 for the event.
Charles Cummings (Class of 2021) – Mr. NDSU
Chad Blank (Class of 2020) – Mr. Congeniality
Jade Hepper (Class of 2020) – Mr. Money Bags
Ismael Kamara (Class of 2019) – Mr. Social Media
Undergraduate members at North Dakota State University (North Dakota Beta) returned from winter break to a burst pipe and flooding at their chapter house. The ice buildup started on the second floor before trickling down through the stairwells. 23 members are currently displaced in alternative housing until repairs are complete. Every wall, including the insulation, carpet, and hardwood, is being replaced to prevent permanent water damage. The first floor is still usable for events and meetings.
After critical reflection, the chapter is using their experience of being “houseless” to assist others in the community who face homelessness on a daily basis, truly thinking of the rights and feelings of others rather than their own. The members assembled 200 care packages for the homeless community in the Fargo-Morehead area. They included lip balm, toiletries, winter gear, snacks, and other supplies requested by local shelters. Local area alumni also assisted with the efforts, donating both time and materials.
Repairs are scheduled to be complete by the summer with the chapter resuming full house operations for the fall 2019 term.
And the Winners for 2017-2018 are…
John O. Moseley Award for Fraternity Zeal
California State University—San Marcos
The John O. Moseley Zeal Award recognizes the chapter that best exemplifies a model chapter in Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This chapter excels in its operations and brotherhood, fulfilling the vision of our Founding Fathers and its members and by living the life of a true gentleman. This chapter goes above and beyond expectations and demonstrates true zeal and excitement for the Fraternity, exhibiting a strong bond of brotherhood.
True Gentleman of the Year
Dustin Stewart, Armstrong State University
The True Gentleman of the Year Award is the highest honor the Fraternity can bestow on an undergraduate brother. The award, first given in 2000, is presented annually to an undergraduate who has been determined to be the most outstanding collegiate in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, considering scholastic achievement, fraternity involvement, university leadership and community service.
Most Improved Chapter
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Prescott
The Most Improved Chapter Award is the award that compares a then-and-now scenario and how the chapter took a less-than-optimal situation to turn its problems into progress.
Harry S. Bunting Outstanding Colony of the Year
Arizona State University
The Harry S. Bunting Colony Award recognizes the best colony in the Realm.
Chapter Achievement
California State Polytechnic University—Pomona
Carnegie Mellon University
Christian Brothers University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Prescott
Emory University
Florida Southern College
Gustavus Adolphus College
Kansas State University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Millsaps College
Nicholls State University
North Dakota State University
Oklahoma State University
Oregon State University
Rhodes College
Rutgers University
Salisbury University
St. Louis University
Towson University
Union University
University of California—Riverside
University of Cinncinnati
University of Dayton
University of Evansville
University of New Haven
University of Tennessee—Knoxville
University of Toledo
Western Illinois University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Youngstown State University
Outstanding Chapter Alumni Relations
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Brandon Weghorst Outstanding Chapter Communication
Kansas State University
Outstanding Chapter Member Education
Nicholls State University
Outstanding Chapter Financial Managment
Simpson College
Outstanding Chapter Health & Safety
University of Evansville
Outstanding Chapter Housing
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Joseph A. Mancini Outstanding Chapter Service & Philanthropy
University of New Haven
Kimball-Phelps Award for Outstanding Chapter Singing
North Dakota State University
Robert C. Cousins Outstanding Chapter Recruitment
University of Cincinnati
Outstanding Chapter Scholarship
Gustavus Adolphus College
Smith-Huffman Outstanding Chapter Management
North Dakota State University
Outstanding University Relations
Nicholls State University
Bradley M. Cohen Eminent Archon of the Year Award & Scholarship
Joseph Shelton, University of Tennessee—Knoxville
M. Todd Buchanan Recruitment Chairman Award & Scholarship
Anthony Pantano, University of Dayton
Kenneth D. Tracey Award & Scholarship for Interfraternal Leadership
Dylan Che, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Prescott
Outstanding Eminent Archons
Joseph Shelton, University of Tennessee—Knoxville
Grant Maris, North Dakota State University
Max Flick, Florida Southern College
Clayton Converse, Mississippi State University
Outstanding Eminent Treasurers
Joshua Kavanagh, Kansas State University
Andrew Mosteller, University of Tennessee—Knoxville
Brandon Riedemann, University of Wyoming
Dave Walker, St. Louis University
Outstanding Chapter Advisors
Beau Bateman, North Dakota State University
Bill Dowell, Birmingham Southern College
John Ellis, Central Oklahoma University
Daniel Gladding, University of Maryland-College Park
Nathan Schwiethale, Wichita State University
Jon Shay, University of Colorado—Boulder
Bill Fiscus Outstanding Area Alumni Association
Greater Atlanta Alumni Association
Outstanding Chapter Alumni Association
Kentucky Epsilon Alumni Association
Outstanding House Corporation
Tennessee Delta SAE Alumni Housing Corporation
Outstanding Alumni Association & House Corporation Communication
Oregon Alpha Alumni Association (Print)
San Diego Alumni Association (Electronic)
San Diego Alumni Association (Website)
Outstanding Alumni Association Special Event or Project
Florida Chi Alumni Association
Stuart Zoock Outstanding Advisory Board
Oregon Alpha Alumni Association