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The Benefits of Eternal BrotherhoodThe phrase is stated succinctly in our Ritual in the Initiation Ceremony. All of us who are brothers have heard it, and there is no harm in repeating it here for anyone to understand. “Membership is for life,” it reads. While Sigma Alpha Epsilon is fortunate to have a large group of people who volunteer, give back and dedicate time and effort to advancing our cause, there is yet a group of members who believe that their membership has ended or that they should use the past tense in referring to their experience.

“I was an ΣAE,” they say. But as we have said time and time again, you are an ΣAE. You will always be an ΣAE so long as you live up to our values, mission and promises you made in your Oath of Initiation.

You will only get out of an organization what you put into it. Our Fraternity has provided an opportunity and experience for more than 300,000 men, a debt which we cannot repay eas-ily. For some, the Fraternity offered them a family they never had. For others, the Fraternity gave them leadership and social opportunities they could not find in the classroom. And yet for others, the Fraternity provided networking, connections and bonds that may remind them of another brotherly bond, such as playing on a sports team, being in the military or joining a league or club.

In this article, we could never mention every single alumnus who continues to give back to Sigma Alpha Epsilon through his volunteerism or leadership. However, we spoke to alumni of different ages and backgrounds to understand their perception and experience in support of our mission and values. And, as

part of this feature, we have listed some of the names of alumni who ascribe to the notion that membership is for life.

Michael Kimberlin (Fort Hays State ’01) serves as the cur-rent Province Zeta Archon, although he has been involved as an alumnus since his graduation. When we discuss lifelong mem-bership, he has a distinct perception about why men join Sigma Alpha Epsilon and what they seek.

“There are the men who see ΣAE as a networking organi-zation that offers great résumé builders like philanthropy and service-learning,” he says. “They join the Fraternity for growth in this area, to see returns as a young professional. These men usually claim membership later in life, but we don’t get much in the way of alumni support from them.”

Kimberlin says some men join because of a family connec-tion in which they want to continue the tradition or to emulate those men they would like to be. Yet others join to fill a void left behind by a lack of a non-supportive or non-existent family. “These men usually stay very devoted to their home chapter and local brothers,” he says. “They are willing to give time and tal-ent and tithe, but it is difficult to get them included in the bigger conservation about ΣAE.”

“For me, it is simple,” Kimberlin reflects. “If you start some-thing, then you finish it. By joining this organization, I have taken an oath and a pledge not only to make my own ΣAE expe-rience better but also to better the experience of those around me and those who follow me.”

In addition, he believes there are men who are looking for an organization to join that will give them the skills and

MEMBERSHIP IS FOR

LIFEBY BRANDON E. WEGHORST, ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

63THE RECORD • SPRING 2016

1967

Olusomi Adeyoju

Ben Allen

Dan Alsaker

Kevin Anderson

Tracy Anderson

Joe Anderson

John Antonio

Blaine Ayers

John Baay

Clint Bailey

James Balandaran

Bobby Banks

Andy Bates

Ron Bell

Gregory Beltran

Neal Berte

Cody Blanchard

William Bodine

Wendell Bouwman

Thomas Bower

Brandon Boyd

Charlie Boyd

Gregory Brandt

Charlie Breneman

Hal Brierley

Todd Buchanan

Walter Buchanan

Travis Bullock

Chad Butler

Bob Cameron

Richard Cao

Pete Carrabine

William Chapman

We are thankful for

these alumni, and

many others, for

understanding

membership is a

lifelong experience.

Charlie BrenemanChapter and Graduation Year: Ohio Gamma (Ohio) 1967

Hometown: Akron, OH

Role(s) as a Volunteer: Alumni Adviser for Ohio Gamma and Michigan Gamma

Number of Years as a Volunteer: 5

In your words, why should our brothers understand that membership is for life? I had never considered that my membership is for life until I began to volunteer as an alumni adviser. Of course, I knew I was an ∑AE who still had contact with brothers that I pledged with and have donated to the Fraternity over many years. But, until I started volunteering as an alumni adviser, I didn’t understand that my membership and life experience could also help our young brothers as they embark on their lifelong commitment. While they learn from me, I also learn from them, and that’s a win-win.

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1983

David M.B. GriegoChapter and Graduation Year: New Mexico Tau (New Mexico) 1983

Hometown: Albuquerque

Role(s) as a Volunteer: Chapter Adviser, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Ritual

Number of Years as a Volunteer: 31 years

In your words, why should our brothers understand that membership is for life? The greatest part of the fraternity experience is not as an undergraduate. It will come from the lifelong friend-ships and the life moments you share with your brothers: standing in their weddings, celebrating the birth of a child, enjoying the joys and sorrows of life in general and, as I have done on several occasions, attending and participat-ing in the initiation of legacies. The strongest bonds I have are with the men I have met through Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Steven Churchill

James Claus

Brad Cohen

Ed Cole

Chris Conkright

Michael Corelli

Vince Cortese

Jeffery Cotney

Edward Crump

Lawrence Cunningham

Jay DeWitt

Gaurav Datta

Mark “Hondo” Davids

Thomas Dement

Ken Denny

Rob Denny

Tom Devine

Joey Diaferia

Robert Dickeson

Robert Dickinson

John Dillingham

Kameron Dodge

Ron Doleac

Dixon Doll

Bill Dowell

Joe Drompp

Cam Dryden

Mike Dunn

Robert Dutro

Derrick Edwards

Jim Ellis

Austin Evans

Lloyd Everson

Athan Fokas

Curtis Frasier

Fred Fritz

Ed Fuller

Jim Gaines

Gene Gainey

Roger Gallego

Daniel Gammon

Gary Garnand

Frank Ginocchio

Daniel Gladding

Justin Goad

Thomas Goodale

Brandon Gravely

65THE RECORD • SPRING 2016 65

opportunity to grow, to accomplish things for which they can be proud. Plus, they are willing to support others in the same type of ventures. These men become leaders in their chapter, taking on roles that best suit their skill set and who are able to enact change in their local organization.

“These men are driven to see ΣAE and the principles that the organization stands for, passed onto the next generation of col-lege men,” Kimberlin says. “These men attend chapter alumni functions, sit on house corporations, serve as alumni advisers, hold province-level offices, participate at the national level in committee work and even run for nationally elected offices within the organization.”

Keeping an active and interested role in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, however, does not mean alumni need to hold a major leadership position or attend every national event. While there are benefits to having a larger understanding of how the national organiza-tion works, what is most important is each alumnus’ willing-ness to be involved as he sees fit — and as his schedule permits with his personal and professional life.

Dick Troncone (San Diego State ’67) has been active with the Fraternity for the past five decades, a commitment he contrib-utes to his fond memories with chapter brothers and to shar-ing that bond with other men through his work in his alumni association.

“I graduated from San Diego State University in January of 1967 and have been actively involved with ΣAE ever since,” Troncone says. “Over the years, I have been very fortunate to have assembled a large circle of friends. Coincidentally almost of all of them are fraternity brothers. They are not limited to brothers from my era but run the gamut from the 1950s to the present. My life would be very different, were it not for ΣAE.”

On a national level, we notice a major difference between chapters and colonies that have actively engaged alumni and those that do not. When alumni are involved in provid-ing mentorship, leadership and guidance, our groups tend to thrive because they are being held to a higher standard. While the national organization sets forth the standards and expec-tations for any group of ΣAE, local influence plays an equally vital factor.

Dick Thompson (Oregon State ’73) has volunteered in a num-ber of roles in the state of Oregon and specifically for his alma mater, Oregon Alpha at Oregon State University. He says there are a number of reasons why he believes membership is for life.

“My dad, both of my brothers and my son are members of ΣAE,” he says. “My dad was very proud of his membership in the Fraternity, and I continue to share the grip of brotherhood with my brothers and son. It is a subtle reminder that we are part of an incredible organization that is over 150 years old and continues to make a difference in young men’s lives.”

Thompson also says that Sigma Alpha Epsilon provided him many of his best friends.

“There is nothing quite like getting together with your fra-ternity brothers decades after we all shared time at the chapter house, building bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime,” he says. “I believe in our creed, ‘The True Gentleman.’ No matter

where you go, you meet members of the Fraternity who are true gentlemen.”

Furthermore, Thompson recants a particular observation regarding volunteer service. He believes, and rightfully so, that the fraternity experience continues to make better men and develops friendships that are every bit as strong as those cre-ated decades ago.

“It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to see the incred-ible success of so many alumni members,” Thompson says. “I believe that a young man’s commitment to membership, the Ritual and the chapter living experience creates a bond that enhances success and happiness.”

Eric Hallal (Virginia Commonwealth ’12) serves as the Province Gamma Deputy Archon and has been an adviser to both Virginia Chi and Virginia Tau. As a young alumnus, he understood the need for involvement in Sigma Alpha Epsilon from the moment he graduated.

“The word brotherhood is used from the time we start recruit-ment and continues to be used every day as a way to describe why we joined or what we’re looking for in the Fraternity,” he says. “As an undergraduate, it is something I yearned for, and found in ΣAE, and as an alum is something I cherish.”

Ed Cole (West Virginia ’98) is the adviser for West Virginia Gamma at West Virginia University, and he joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon as a non-student initiate. The colony men asked him to be their faculty adviser, and then they asked him to be their chapter adviser. He didn’t think it was possible to be a member until they extended the invitation to make him a special non-student initiate.

And similar to other alumni who did not follow the tradi-tional collegiate membership pattern, he has remained inspired by the Fraternity and loyal to helping advance our mission. In fact, Cole was a guest speaker for the Levere Leadership Institute this spring, sharing his story and discussing the need for young alumni to stay active in the Fraternity’s causes.

“I talked to the undergraduates about my experience as a

“ I believe in our creed, ‘The True Gentleman�’ No matter where you go, you meet members of the Fraternity who are true gentlemen�”

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 71)

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1995

66

In alignment with our strategic plan,

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s immediate goal is

to broaden, diversify and increase the

number of alumni volunteers throughout

the Realm because we believe such

dedication enhances the volunteer

experience with our collegiate members�

To learn more about alumni volunteer

opportunities, simply fill out and return

the pre-addressed post card included with

this issue or visit us online at www�sae�

net and click on the “Volunteer” button at

the top of the page�

How

YOU Can Volunteer

67THE RECORD • SPRING 2016 67

David Griego

Jon Grossman

Riley Hagan

Eric Hallal

Chris Hallam

G. Robert Hamrdla

Stokes Harris

Thomas Hayward

Michael Heuninckx

Charles Hodge

Tommy Hodges

Dick Hooker

Richard Hopple

Clarke Houston

David Humphreys

Ken Jernigan

David Johnson

John Keesee

John Kelley

Khris Kendall

Scott Kerschbaumer

Michael Kimberlin

Steve Kmatz

Nicholas Kreifels

Jay Lame

Will Lancaster

David Lance

Fred Langton

John Lauer

Joe Laux

Tommy Legins

Robert Leich

Richard Lies

Nic Linares

William Longstreet

Jim Lotfi

Chris Lyman

Carter McCain

Aubrey McClendon

Mark McDonough

JC McKnight

Mark McManus

Sid McMillan

Jesus Maldonado

Bill Mandicott

Bill Marckwardt

Chapter and Graduation Year: California Omega (UC-Santa Cruz) 1995

Hometown: Richmond, CA

Role(s) as a Volunteer: Chapter Adviser (Florida Alpha, Virginia Delta, Virginia Kappa), Province Gamma Deputy, Researcher for Fallen ∑AEs of WWI and WWII, Quint Province Leadership School Faculty Member, Province Gamma Faculty Member, John O. Moseley Leadership School Faculty Member

Number of Years as a Volunteer: 10 years

In your words, why should our brothers understand that membership is for life? My involvement with ∑AE initially started out for a selfish reason. I was initiated into California Omega at the end of my freshman year in 1992 and was very excited about being a member. However, after returning to school in the fall of my sophomore year, I quickly discovered that my chapter was mostly made up of seniors when I was initiated, leaving us with only other actives for the next academic year. And to make matters worse, our finances were so severely neglected that we were left with a bill of about $8,000. While the seven of us tried to revive the chapter the best we could, we just could not overcome the heavy burden of paying all our back dues and recruit new brothers. So by the end of my sophomore year, we surrendered our charter, leaving only four of us left holding onto our letters.

I was also concurrently enrolled as an AFROTC Cadet at UC-Berkeley, so I would spend many days visiting Cal Beta as well as other chapters such as Cal Alpha, Cal Phi and Cal Zeta. But it just wasn’t enough to make up for having my own active chapter. Needless to say, when I graduated in 1995 and went on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, I felt that I was cheated out of my fraternity experience. A few years later I was stationed in Miami and decided that I wanted to be involved with Florida Alpha as an alumni adviser to help feel connected to my Fraternity and learn many of the things I never got to experience. But Florida Alpha was also going through some problems, and after less than a year, I had orders to move again. While I would always stop by a chapter house to say hello whenever I was visiting a new campus, it would be almost ten years before I made the decision to have more of an impact again.

After reaching out to national headquarters upon being assigned to the Pentagon, I was put in touch with Hondo Davids (Former Province Gamma Archon) and Richard Shanahan (Former Province Gamma Archon), and they told me that they needed an adviser to a new colony at George Mason University. I was thrilled to join them on the ground floor of creating a new chapter. And while my initial desire

to “make up” for my loss of a fraternity experience, I quickly learned that all my experiences as a career officer had a great impact on helping these undergraduate men find their own path to fraternal, personal and professional success. I was hooked as I found myself in a very unique position to mentor these young men as more of a big brother than adviser and help give them new perspectives on leadership, management and life in general. It became a pure joy to watch them succeed. And it also gave me a very good view of the true meaning of fraternity and the importance it plays in a man’s life while he’s gaining the academic experience needed to start his career.

From there I dedicated myself to helping the men of ∑AE in any small way I could by hosting dinners at my house, serving as faculty at regional and province leadership schools and by making small monthly contributions to the Foundation. Even while stationed in Germany for three years, I found a way to give back by researching the final resting places of those brothers who never made it back from both World Wars. This year as I pass ten total years of service to ∑AE, I know I’ve made a difference in the lives of young brothers, and I have realized that most of my closest friends in life are ∑AEs as well. More importantly, my son and daughter are also both learning the noble principles of ∑AE and the merits of volunteerism. And although my son, Richie, is only five years old, he already looks forward to becoming a brother one day

— as he can already sing most of our songs and is working on reciting “The True Gentleman.”

Richard Cao, Lt Col, USAF

6868

In the past ten years, ∑AE has provided me with many opportunities as an alumnus, and I am grateful. Though you think that you can’t make a difference after graduation, just know that someone is always watching and appreciates the work you do as a volunteer for ∑AE. I do my best to lead my chapter by example. I try to instill the belief that once you have become a member, you are member for life. Once you graduate, you should remember your oath and commitment that you made to the Fraternity. Remember the legacy you leave behind that makes an impact as an alumnus.

As alumni brothers, you can continue to help the next generation of brothers, which can be done by joining an alumni association, being a faculty member for Leadership School or serving as a resource for jobs at your company. If you can’t give of your time physically, then you can make monetary donations to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation or to your chapter’s scholar-ship fund. That financial support can help out in many ways whether you’re helping your alma mater or another group where you live. Use the knowledge and skills you acquired to give back.

My motto is, “When much is given, much is required.” The simplest thing you can do as a lifetime member of ∑AE is to wear your letters with pride to let others know you are an ∑AE. If people ask, tell them why you still wear them. You very well could be a mentor to a young student who is contemplating which fraternity to join. No matter where you are, you will represent the Fraternity proudly.

Ed ColeChapter and Graduation Year: West Virginia Gamma (West Virginia) 1998 (Honor Initiate - April 2007)

Hometown: Morgantown, WV

Role(s) as a Volunteer: Chapter Adviser, Academic Adviser for WVU Greeks and West Virginia Gamma, House Dad, Community Service Leader, Province Delta Deputy Archon, Finance Adviser, Extension Advisory Committee Member

Number of Years as a Volunteer: 10 years

In your words, why should our brothers understand that membership is for life? When I think of my initiation as a brother into Sigma Alpha Epsilon, I realize that it was the begin-ning of my lifetime journey. ∑AE is not your typical organization that you join in high school where your membership expires after you graduate. ∑AE membership is for life. Though I had a much different process from others in my chapter, ∑AE always has instilled in me a true sense of brotherhood and lasting friendships, to be a true gentleman and the best brother I could be to my chapter and others.

1998

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Ryan Martin

Geary Mason

Steve Margolies

Gavin Maxfield

Christopher Mercado

Aaron Miller

Lee Miller

Steve Mitchell

Alan Moore

Charles Moran

Dean Morell

Fred Morefield

Chip Morgan

James Mountain

Ellison Neese

Dylan Neiman

Justin Northcutt

George Nyktas

Steve Olsen

Steve Orkis

Michael Parmerlee

Sebastian Parsley

James Payer

Fred Phelps

David Poe

Al Pompeo

J.L. Jim Pope

Warren Poslusny

Travis Powers

Wade Quinn

Stephen Racine

Joe Ramirez

Bill Rauer

Lynn Reitnouer

Gordon Richardson

Marcello Robinson

Michael Rodgers

Sean Rowen

Brian Ruddy

Jim Sakers

Keith Sauls

Michael Scarborough

Stephen Schneider

Clark Schoening

Jon Seyferth

Larry Shackelford

Jonathan Shay

A Sampling of Volunteer OpportunitiesProvince ArchonsThe vision for Province Archons is to maintain communication with Fraternity Service Center and Supreme Council related to chapters and colonies in his given province, attend both regional and Realm-wide events and conduct business efficiently and professionally. Additional volunteer opportunities are available within each Province Archon’s Council.

Chapter Advisers & Advisory BoardsAdvisers are the most vital assets to a chapter or colony other than university or college support. The vision for advisers is to offer professional leadership and management that provide continuity to the group’s operations and long-term success. Activities include, but are not limited to, assisting with alumni events and communications, encouraging the chapter’s attendance at both regional and national events and communicating effectively with constituents. Chapters and colonies can have numerous advisers with defined roles under any number of areas of expertise.

House CorporationsChapter houses and lodges are a focal point of the fraternity experience for many chapters. The responsibility of these structures is the shared partnership between the undergraduates and alumni who serve as house corporation board members. House corporation members provide leadership in maintenance, collections, food service, taxes and other regulatory measures required by the state, university or local community.

Alumni AssociationsTwo forms of alumni associations exist that offer members the opportunity to network and meet other brothers with a common understanding of friendship. Area alumni associations refer to a particular metropolitan area or state region, while chapter alumni associations have a specific tie to a chapter and have programs either associated with the chapter or benefiting the chapter.

Leadership School FacultyFor more than 80 years, the Fraternity has conducted our most successful annual training program that is dependent on alumni involvement as faculty. Every August, alumni volunteer their time to work with other distinguished alumni and undergraduate leaders on personal and professional development as well as topics relevant to both fraternity and campus life.

Short-Term Volunteer OpportunitiesNumerous opportunities exist for alumni to share their personal and professional experiences with our collegiate members by conducting professional development workshops, attending recruitment events, assisting with Ritual ceremonies or being a mentor. Many of these opportunities require a limited investment of time but offer a significant reward.

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2007Aaron MillerChapter and Graduation Year: New Louisiana Tau Upsilon (Tulane) 2007

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Role(s) as a Volunteer: Chapter Adviser, Alumni Commission Co-Chairman, New Orleans Area Alumni Association President, John O. Moseley Leadership School Faculty

Number of Years as a Volunteer: 8 years

In your words, why should our broth-ers understand that membership is for life? There is a great line from the Initiation Ceremony. I can’t remember it word for word, but I remember seeing it this Founders Day — the gist of which is that one of our purposes is to surround each other with friends who are there to care for each other and provide them advice and assistance throughout life. That duty, that obligation and bond, doesn’t cease when you leave the undergraduate experience. Some of my closest friends today are my brothers, and now as our families grow, we add partners, spouses and children to our lives, and we still uphold our commitment.

71THE RECORD • SPRING 2016 71THE RECORD • SPRING 2016

Rick Shipley

Jake Showalter

Steven Sikorski

Robert Simpson

Jim Skaggs

Ralph Slocum

Christopher Slott

Mike Sophir

Richard Spangler

Bob Stanton

Mike Steur

Richard “Haynes” Strader

John Stringfellow

Stan Strom

D. Scott Sullivan

Nathan Tallman

Ron Thiesen

Dick Thompson

Ken Tracey

Nick Trelka

Steve Tricarico

Dick Troncone

William Vogt

Robert Watts

Steve Wells

Joe Wheeless

Larry West

Gary Westling

Marty Wiglesworth

Tom Williamson

Chris Wilson

Karl Wing

Jim Wisdom

Charles Witzleben

Howard Wood

Robert Wood

William Woods

Drew Yates

Cliff Yee

brother and alumnus and ways they could give back to their chapters after they graduate,” he says. “Being a chapter adviser led to other opportunities in the organization. You’re never too old to learn, and you’re never too old to teach someone young something new.”

Marc Rosenow (Iowa ’85) sits on a national committee regarding alumni engagement this biennium. He says that many of our brothers can point to an older person who served as a mentor or role model and aspired us to achieve something greater than we could by ourselves.

“When we joined the Fraternity, each of us took an oath that contained no limitations that membership was only during the days we spent in college,” he says. “Indeed, we affirmed a commitment to lifelong friendship and ser-vice. That includes volunteering to help as an alumnus.”

Rosenow says that alumni can provide financial support but that everyone can volunteer in some way to help young men achieve their greater selves through coaching, mentoring, networking or actively serving in an adviser capacity to ensure the stability and viability of a chapter.

“Initially, I became a volunteer to rebuild my chapter and its alumni sup-port. We now have the largest chapter alumni association and are preparing to re-launch the chapter in the fall. We have created networking relation-ships where a generation of young men have received career opportunities and a leg-up on competition, thanks to alumni brothers.”

Hallal sums up another observation regarding why alumni get and should be involved in our goal to promote lifelong membership.

“What is our Fraternity? It is us, it is me and you — all members, past and present and all their achievements and accomplishments. It is the badge that we wear that informs the world that we are proud members of ΣAE,” Hallal says. “It is the hard work that we have all given to make ΣAE the best it can possibly be. It is giving back to our communities. It is also the brotherly love that we have for each other, the friendship, the encouragement, the guidance and inspiration that we give to each other. It is the late-night phone call or text conversation that we share with a distressed brother. It is the times when we laugh with each other, the times when we cry with each other.”

Alumni who remain active in the Fraternity on any level believe in frater-nity and what it stands for. They are disheartened by the stereotypes that are portrayed in the media and pop culture because they understand what Sigma Alpha Epsilon did to enrich their lives in some way. Once upon a time, if a college man wanted to be a leader on campus or have a healthy social life, he needed to join a fraternity. On today’s campuses, neither is the case, for there are hundreds of organizations in which he can partake. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to engage a new generation of brothers and to show them what our Fraternity offers that no other membership can promise.

We cannot do it alone. We need the support and involvement of the strong, gentlemanly network of the 200,000 living alumni across the globe.

“When we pledged ΣAE, we pledged ourselves to each other,” Hallal says. “A pledge is a promise, a commitment, a vow and a bond. This was not meant to be a temporary undertaking, but one that was to last a lifetime.” END