Ambassador Samuel L. Kaplan (Kappa, ’55) named SAM Man of the Year
September 2025– Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity presented Ambassador Samuel L. Kaplan (Kappa, ’55) with its Achievement Award on July 28th during the 2025 Convention held in Minneapolis, MN. The Sigma Alpha Mu Achievement Award is presented annually to one member whose outstanding achievements, apart from fraternity activities, are deemed worthy of the highest recognition by the Fraternity.
Samuel Kaplan joined Sigma Alpha Mu’s Kappa Chapter at the University of Minnesota in 1955. He was a member of the All-University Congress and IFC Judiciary Committee when Kappa Chapter won the Founders Cup in 1957. He was elected to serve as President (Prior) of the chapter. His quest to make an impact on the world was already on record.
A Career of Legal Excellence and Global Diplomacy
Fra Kaplan went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota Law School from which he graduated with honors and was Editor in Chief of the Minnesota Law Review.
He is one of the few American Jews to represent the United States in a Muslim nation. Samuel L. Kaplan served as the U.S. Ambassador to The Kingdom of Morocco from 2009 to 2013. Ambassador Kaplan traveled widely throughout Morocco, meeting with Moroccans from all walks of life to help fulfill President Obama’s vision of a new beginning for U.S. relations with the Muslim world based on mutual respect and defined by partnerships in areas of mutual interest.
Ambassador Kaplan is a founding member of Kaplan, Strangis and Kaplan, P.A. established in 1978. He has served on the boards of directors of several publicly-held companies, including Piper Jaffray Companies, where he served as lead Director.
Commitment to Community and Public Service
Fra Kaplan has been engaged in numerous community and political activities including the Jewish Community Federation where he served as its youngest president. His extensive political activities included supporting Senator Paul Wellstone, President Barack Obama, and others in leadership roles for human rights and preserving the strength of our legal system.
Fra Kaplan was joined by his wife Sylvia at the Convention Banquet. He shared the important roles that organizations such as Sigma Alpha Mu play in the lives of its members. Join us in congratulating our 2025 Achievement Award Recipient Ambassador Samuel Kaplan.
About Sigma Alpha Mu
Our vision is to transform Sigma Alpha Mu into the first choice of collegians seeking a forward-thinking, inclusive fraternity which enhances the university experience and prepares the fraternity member for a fulfilling life. Sigma Alpha Mu’s Mission is to foster the development of collegiate men and our alumni by instilling strong fraternal values, offering social and service opportunities, encouraging academic excellence and teaching leadership skills. We will continue to attract members of all beliefs who appreciate our great heritage as a fraternity of Jewish men.
Learn more at https://sam.org
