Recruitment is the lifeblood of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. One of the great benefits of our international network of more than 70,000 alumni is the potential to shape lives through recruitment referrals.
Anyone can submit a recruitment recommendation form (sam.org/recommend), and interested students can also let a chapter know they are interested at sam.org/join. Ultimately, recruitment is a process of mutual selection. The chapter will determine who it wants to invite to join by extending a bid. The potential new member (PNM) has the opportunity to evaluate whether or not he wants to accept that invitation to join.
This mutual selection process changes when a potential new member has legacy status.
WHAT IS SIGMA ALPHA MU’S LEGACY POLICY?
The Fraternity’s Constitution and Bylaws state, “It shall be the policy of each Chapter to extend a bid to the son or grandson of any frater of Sigma Alpha Mu, and to the brother of any frater of the same Chapter.”
WHAT IS THE LEGACY NOTIFICATION & VERIFICATION PROCESS?
The chapter must be notified online at sam.org/recommend of the potential new member’s legacy status before the recruitment period. Sigma Alpha Mu International Headquarters will authenticate the legacy status of the PNM and notify the chapter leadership. Please submit any legacy referrals at your earliest convenience. The more time the chapter has to connect with the PNM, the better!
It is critical that the legacy notification is submitted at sam.org/recommend, so there is no ambiguity of who was notified and when. Unfortunately, passing comments made during recruitment to a member of the chapter might not be recorded or relayed due to the fast-paced nature of the process. Please don’t leave access to membership up for chance. The headquarters staff reviews all submitted referrals with the chapter leadership.
WHAT IF THE LEGACY NOTIFICATION IS GIVEN TO THE UNIVERSITY?
Documenting legacy status on a university recruitment document is a good first step to take. Keep in mind that universities and interfraternity councils may not know our specific legacy policy and may not share this information with the Chapter or Fraternity Headquarters. To ensure that the chapter receives an official legacy notification from the Fraternity Headquarters, we ask you to submit the documentation at sam.org/recommend.
DO LEGACIES GET TREATED DIFFERENTLY DURING RECRUITMENT?
The recruitment experience should be the same for all PNMS. The reality is that legacies are treated differently because they are required to receive a bid. No student should be bullied, harassed, or intimidated in conjunction with Sigma Alpha Mu from recruitment, during candidate education, to the initiation, or through graduation. We encourage any reports of misconduct to be filed at https://sam.org/incident-report/.
WHAT IF THE NOTIFICATION WAS NOT SUBMITTED?
Some PNMs decide not to inform a chapter because they want to receive a bid on their own merits. Others are concerned that they will be treated differently through recruitment if their legacy status is known. The reality is that if the legacy status isn’t reported to the chapter in advance of recruitment, they cannot be held accountable for the policy.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A LEGACY POLICY VIOLATION?
If the chapter was notified in writing of the potential new member’s legacy status before the recruitment period and did not extend a bid as required by the Blue Book, please report the violation to Sigma Alpha Mu International Headquarters. Our staff will verify that the PNM legacy notification was received by the chapter, engage the chapter leaders about the issue, and intervene on behalf of the legacy PNM.
Chapters that knowingly violate the legacy policy are referred to Sigma Alpha Mu International Fraternity’s Standards Committee for disciplinary review.
DOES A BID GUARANTEE MEMBERSHIP IN SIGMA ALPHA MU?
To be direct, no. All candidates in Sigma Alpha Mu must uphold the policies and practices of the Fraternity. Any candidate can be removed prior to initiation for conduct or failure to meet minimum expectations. That said, the candidate education program (True MDH Initiative) is designed to educate candidates about of values, history and operations rather than a process to “weed out” individuals.
WHAT ABOUT LEGACIES WHERE THERE’S NO SAMMY CHAPTER ON CAMPUS?
Unfortunately, Sigma Alpha Mu doesn’t have an active presence on every campus across North America. In some cases, chapters with storied histories are now closed due to conduct or membership. We encourage you to share their information with the International Fraternity. Whether we have had a chapter there before or this would be our first time on campus, we would love to discuss this process with him. This effort would be supported by our dedicated Growth Department. Learn more at sam.org/expansion.
HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED IN YOUR LEGACY’S EXPERIENCE?
Sharing the bond of brotherhood in Sigma Alpha Mu with your son, grandson, or brother is an amazing experience. We encourage you to support his experience and learn more about the current policies and practices of Sigma Alpha Mu. All initiated members of Sigma Alpha Mu can participate in the Initiation Ceremony as prescribed in the Black Book. You’re encouraged to coordinate with the Chapter Advisor or Chapter Prior to be a part of that experience. Often fathers, grandfathers, or brothers are given the role of pinning our distinct octagonal badge on the new initiate. Upon the legacy’s initiation, all known legacies are published in The Octagonian’s “Sires and Sons” section. Some fathers have gotten involved as a volunteer. Others have helped to coordinate parent communication and support.
BEST PRACTICES FOR LEGACIES
Make a sincere effort to connect with as many members as possible
Demonstrate how you will contribute to the chapter
Actively participate in all possible recruitment events
Build friendships with as many members as possible
Don’t act entitled to the bid
How University Administrators Can Combat Antisemitism on Campus
Sigma Alpha Mu members and chapters have faced an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents on campus in the past year, leading Jewish and educational groups call on college and university administrators to take action ahead of the new school year.
August 15, 2024 – Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has joined with the ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CoP), Hillel International, and Jewish Federations of North America in announcing a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at combating antisemitism on campus in the upcoming school year. Additional supporting organizations include Academic Engagement Network, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Jewish Grad Organization, Jewish on Campus, National Council of Jewish Women, Olami, Rabbinical Assembly, Sigma Delta Tau, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and Zeta Beta Tau.
This unprecedented time for institutions of higher education across the United States demands a unified response to ensure the safety and full inclusion of Jewish students – as well as all students, faculty, and staff. These guidelines provide college and university administrators with clear and proactive ways to support a safer and more inclusive campus environment for Jewish students, and for the entire campus community.
Recommendations include:
Clearly Communicate Campus Rules, Standards, and Policies: Make clear to students what it means to be a member of the campus community, and ensure students, faculty, and staff are aware of school policies on protests and demonstrations.
Support Jewish Students: Prevent discrimination, unequivocally denounce antisemitism, ensure inclusivity, and provide antisemitism education and training.
Ensure Campus Safety: Enforce university codes of conduct, maintain clear reporting avenues for antisemitic incidents, ensure campus staff are trained to address violations of campus rules, and reaffirm rejection of BDS and academic boycotts of Israel.
Reaffirm Faculty Responsibilities: Ensure students’ academic freedom and a non-discriminatory learning environment in the classroom. Communicate and enforce policies regarding faculty who threaten to withhold students’ grades if faculty demands are not met, or who cancel mandatory classes.
Prepare for Oct. 7: Anticipate and mitigate disruptions on the one-year mark of the Hamas attack on Israel, ensuring any protest activities do not interfere with campus operations or Jewish students’ rights.
“The unprecedented surge in antisemitism on college campuses last year was utterly unacceptable, and yet far too many administrations failed to respond effectively,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “We insist that all college and university leaders take significant steps to make Jewish students safer.”
“During the last academic year, countless Jewish students experienced harassment, intimidation, discrimination, and even assaults on campus,” said Adam Lehman, Hillel International President and CEO. “Alongside our efforts to build vibrant Jewish communities on campus, we are providing college and university leaders with clear guidance and practical solutions for the steps they need to take to ensure a safer and more welcoming environment for Jewish students. Jewish students and all students deserve a better campus and learning environment this fall.”
During the 2023-2024 academic year, schools saw more than 1,400 antisemitic incidents on college campuses – by far the highest number of antisemitic incidents on campus in a single school year ever on record. Following the Oct. 7 attack, a survey by Hillel and ADL found that 73 percent of Jewish college students and 44 percent of non-Jewish students experienced or witnessed antisemitism on their campuses last fall. A fall 2023 survey by AJC found that 1 in 4 Jewish college/university students felt unsafe at a campus event because they were Jewish.
“What Jewish students faced on campus last year cannot be allowed to continue into the new academic year,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. “All students on campus have the right to attend class, learn and grow without intimidation, harassment and even violence at the hands of fellow students and outside agitators. Colleges and universities must do the work to ensure a university culture of pluralism, fact-based inquiry, and dialogue across difference. They must ensure a campus and societal culture where there is zero tolerance for antisemitism.”
“Our campuses should be bastions of diversity and the open exchange of ideas rather than be pervaded by fear, intimidation, and discrimination,” said Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America. “With this agenda, Jewish Federations across North America are working to ensure that every community’s institutions of higher learning will take action to protect the civil rights of their Jewish students.”
“Over the past school year, America saw numerous incidents of harassment against Jewish students, violent protests, and flagrant violations of conduct codes. University officials are neglecting their duty to ensure a safe learning environment for all students,” said William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. “We urge them to adopt these recommendations and collaborate with Jewish organizations to protect the safety of Jewish students.”
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For more information about Sigma Alpha Mu’s efforts to combat antisemitism, please contact Executive Director Andy Huston at [email protected].
Matthew Ray Named Communications Manager
November 3, 2023
Indianapolis, IN – Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has named Matthew Ray (Beta Omega, ‘17) its next Communications Manager beginning Friday, November 3rd. He succeeds Kelby Dolan, who concluded a 7-year tenure on staff this fall after transitioning to a new association role.
Matthew’s academic emphasis at Kentucky Wesleyan College was Marketing and Advertising. On campus, he applied this knowledge in roles with the campus radio station WKWC where he served as a Radio DJ/Host and Senior Producer/Student Manager. He served as Candidate Educator and Philanthropy Chairman for the Beta Omega Chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. In his recent professional career, he served as a Public Safety Telecommunicator for the Kentucky State Police. He has also held retail customer retention and account management specialist positions.
Executive Director Andy Huston shared, “I had the privilege of first meeting Matthew as an undergraduate leader during a visit to the Beta Omega Chapter, where it was evident to see the impact of Sigma Alpha Mu on his life. Forging that organizational pride with his marketing and advertising knowledge will be a powerful force in enhancing our mission and vision. I am excited to help unleash Matthew’s potential to make the story of our impact shine brighter.”
Matthew shared, “I am very fortunate to begin my professional journey with Sigma Alpha Mu. As an alumnus of the Beta Omega Chapter, SAM holds a dear place in my heart. I am eager to use my passion for the fraternity to further the organization’s brand and assist in managing alumni relations strategies. I am looking forward to developing our online presence in an effort to improve the organization’s outreach to not only alumni and active members but to the public as well.”
Matthew lives in Kentucky with his wife, Amanda, and his daughter Elinor.
Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men; the organization has been open to all men of good moral character since 1953. Sigma Alpha Mu’s vision is to be 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 Rallies in Support of Israel
The following message was sent by email on 10/31 to all alumni with good email addresses. Didn’t receive it? Please update your contact information at portal.sam.org or sam.org/contact.
Dear Fratres,
Following the devastating terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas earlier this month, many SAM chapters responded with efforts to remember and honor the Israelis who were killed, kidnapped, or injured and to show their solidarity with Israelis. Here are some of the initiatives our chapters have undertaken on campus:
Mirroring the fraternity’s statement condemning the terrorist attacks and supporting Israel, chapters and their members have followed suit posting on social media. Many have also showcased their members participating in pro-Israel rallies on campus.
Rho (Illinois) and Mu Psi (Miami OH) chapters have flown the Israel flag from their chapter houses.
Psi (Pitt), Sigma Theta (Texas), and Sigma Chi (Maryland), to name a few, have raised more than $7,500 for American Friends of Magen David Adom.
Our Beta Iota chapter at the University of Wisconsin received a call from a SAM alumnus who asked for solutions so his freshman daughter could feel and be safe, so the fratres responded by helping escort her to class and other places around campus. This is a great example of how our expanded SAM family comes together during challenging times.
Even as student fratres rallied support for those killed by Hamas, they have been dealing with heightened tensions and antisemitism on campuses. Students, parents, and alumni have been reaching out to the Fraternity for additional support. SAM has been responding through educational programs, using our networks and partnerships to give students the tools to navigate increased tension on campuses, and helping coordinate increased security for chapter facilities with local partners. In the past two weeks, SAM has provided the following programs, to name a few:
A webinar titled The War in Israel and Its Impact on College Campuses, presented in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League and Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau. It ran on October 12 and drew 200+ attendees.
A webinar titled Writing a Letter to the Editor described how to write about supporting Israel and denouncing antisemitism.
A resource guide to prepare for the International Day of Resistance/International Day of Jihad.
These programs are in addition to Sigma Alpha Mu’s ongoing efforts to promote Jewish life on campus, support development of Jewish leaders, and combat antisemitism. Such programs include:
Jewish Endeavor Grants – grants to undergraduate chapters/members to support Jewish life on campuses.
Summit Against Hate – an educational partnership with Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau to educate college professionals about antisemitism on campus and how to support students.
Piazza Center Research – research aimed at safer and more supportive fraternity and sorority life for Jewish students.
This programming is made possible by alumni support of Sigma Alpha Mu and the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation. To learn more about any of the above programs, please visit sam.org. To learn more about the work of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation in support of student fratres or how to get involved, please contact [email protected].
Over almost 114 years, Sigma Alpha Mu members have risen to the occasion to meet the challenges of the moment- from our refugee program that saved dozens from the Holocaust, to alumni who worked to support the birth of Israel, the many fratres who have served in the armed forces, and the alumni who have and continue to be leaders in their communities. The sons of Sigma Alpha Mu continue to rise to the moment.
Fraternally yours,
Andy Huston, Kappa ’01 Executive Director, Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity
Aaron Girson, Delta Nu ’92 CEO, Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation
P.S. If you would like to support the efforts of Sigma Alpha Mu, please click here and make your tax-deductible donation.
Programs to Combat Antisemitism
In the days that have followed the October 7th terrorist attacks on civilians in Israel, we have seen a significant increase in antisemitic incidents on college campuses. The ADL has reported a 400 percent increase. We celebrate our rich heritage as a fraternity of Jewish men and know that our fratres of all faiths are strong allies in the effort to combat hate and antisemitism on campus. Sigma Alpha Mu remains committed to supporting our fratres on college campuses by providing timely education, resources, and training.
The following programs are available to our members:
#JewishStudentsUnite event in conjunction with Hillel International and Chabad on Campus International. November 1st – 1:00 PM ET. Register Here
Sigma Alpha Mu is a presenting sponsor.
ADL’s Fighting Hate from Home. November 1st – 3:00 PM ET. Register Here
Partner programming.
Summit Against Hate. November 27th – 8:00 PM ET – VIRTUAL – Register Here
The Summit Against Hate was a recipient of the 2017 and 2021 North American Interfraternity Conference’s Laurel Wreath Award, co-hosted by Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority and Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. Funding is generously provided by the foundations that support these organizations.
Do you want to support the growth of Sigma Alpha Mu? Please consider a non-tax deductible contribution to our Bridge Builder Fund at sam.org/bridge.
Do you want to support the Jewish Endeavors Initiative Grants? Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation at sam-fdn.org/donate.
Sigma Alpha Mu Stands With Israel
Sigma Alpha Mu stands with Israel.
As we pray for peace and for the people of Israel following the ongoing terrorist attacks that began this weekend, we ask that you take a moment to show your support to your Jewish and Israeli friends.
Sigma Alpha Mu has many Israeli-American alumni and undergraduate members. Thousands of undergraduate fratres and alumni have traveled to Israel on Taglit-Birthright programs. Sigma Alpha Mu believes Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state and supports the U.S.-Israel relationship because Israel is America’s closest ally in the Middle East. We will not sit idly as anti-Israel speech permeates across American college campuses and we officially oppose the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel.
Sigma Alpha Mu will do everything in our power to strengthen ties between our undergraduate members, living alumni, and the State of Israel.
This statement was published on October 10th with an image of our Sammy/Israel Flag Pin. The pin is now available online with proceeds to benefit Israel causes.
Additional Updates Follow Below
Update from Executive Director Andy Huston:
Sigma Alpha Mu seems to shine brighter in these dark days. Sigma Alpha Mu has been a safe space to gather, mourn, rally, make statements, demonstrate pride, learn, and take action. The spirit of fraternity and mutual moral aid and support could not be more important or more necessary on campuses today.
The fraternity’s staff and volunteers have been a trusted resource for our undergraduates as they navigate the complex challenges following the terrorist attacks in Israel. Sigma Alpha Mu has provided tremendous education, resources, and support to chapters following the terrorist attacks in Israel.
Our students have expressed fears about campus safety, protests, and university support. Chapters worked with our staff to secure additional security for their facilities before the International Day of Resistance or Day of Jihad. While no Sammy chapter facilities have been directly targeted at this time, we have seen a significant uptick in antisemitic activities on college campuses.
We hosted a webinar with ADL on October 12th for 200+ attendees about the War in Israel and its Impact on College Campuses in partnership with Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau.
Many chapters have shared statements supporting Israel that mirror the fraternity’s statement on their social media platforms. Several students used sample messaging we provided to write their university administrations or have spoken out against antisemitic student government resolutions.
Sammy chapters have raised over $7500 for the American Friends of Magen David Adom. We have some great photos of our members at pro-Israel rallies on campus, with the Israel flag hung from chapter facilities, and demonstrating pride in the face of the challenging environment on college campuses.
Do you want to support the growth of Sigma Alpha Mu? Please consider a non-tax deductible contribution to our Bridge Builder Fund at sam.org/bridge.
Do you want to support the Jewish Endeavors Initiative Grants? Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation at sam-fdn.org/donate.
The atrocities of 10/7 and continued antisemitic statements on campus cannot be ignored. All university stakeholders should condemn these without equivocation. Please consider sharing this Sample Message for University Administrators that can be adapted with your members, alumni, and parents. This important advocacy effort could create a safer campus culture.
#BlueRibbonsforIsrael
Sigma Alpha Mu has joined the #BlueRibbonsforIsrael Campaign. This will give members actionable steps to take during the continued hostage crisis. https://www.blueribbonsforisrael.org/
Resources about antisemitism and Anti-Zionism (produced by ADL)
Sigma Alpha Mu Adopted the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
Adopted in 2022.
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
To guide IHRA in its work, the following examples may serve as illustrations:
Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.
Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).
Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property – such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and is illegal in many countries.
SIGMA ALPHA MU PROMOTES RACHEL SHAFFER TO DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP RETENTION & VALUES
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is proud to announce the promotion of Rachel Shaffer (Sigma Kappa Sorority). Having served the past year as a Membership Experience Specialist for Sigma Alpha Mu, Rachel will be continuing on staff as the Director of Membership Retention and Values.
In this new role, Rachel will maximize her skills in student development and engagement as well as an organizational strategy to support our chapters. As the Director of Membership Retention and Values, Rachel will coach Sigma Alpha Mu’s chapters by more intentionally by focusing on harm prevention techniques, values-based decision-making, and strategic initiatives. Rachel’s rapport with students and ability to understand campus culture based on her experience as a fraternity-sorority practitioner will better position of chapters for success.
Executive Director Andy Huston shared, “Rachel has provided top-rate educational coaching and support to our chapters. She’s built extraordinary trust with the students and advisors she works with to help the chapters tackle challenges, improve general operations, and impact chapter culture. I look forward to seeing her innovate the fraternal experience and continue to help chapters achieve their goals and advance the mission of Sigma Alpha Mu.”
Rachel will continue to be a steadfast volunteer for Sigma Kappa Sorority and a law student at Seattle University School of Law while taking on her new responsibilities. Rachel currently resides in Washington state and can be reached at [email protected].
Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. Since 1953 it has been open to all men of good moral character. The vision from our SAM 2030 strategic plan 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. To recommend a member, visit sam.org/recommend.
Sigma Alpha Mu provides a lifetime subscription to The Octagonian to all fratres by providing it online and emailing each member with an email address on file when a new issue is published. Our digital communications efforts are also bolstered by more content onFacebook, Instagram, andYouTube. If you would like to share news about professional accomplishments, marriage/newborn announcements, or alumni gatherings online, go tosam.org/heard andsam.org/family. The Octagonian covers topical issues relating to Sigma Alpha Mu, active and alumni members, alumni clubs, and the interfraternal community.
Having issues accessing this Spring issue? Message us at [email protected].
Written by Supreme Prior Dave P. Kleppel (Washington University, ’82)
REALIZING THE VISION:
70-YEARS OF WELCOMING ALL MEN OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER
Since 2020 DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) has emerged as a mainstream priority in American culture. Some see this as a genuine focus on trying to improve our country. Others see noble ideals being referenced in name only to support a desired political or social outcome.
Since the last issue of the Octagonian I’ve received feedback from multiple members relating one or the other of the above viewpoints as regards ΣAM’s efforts regarding inclusivity. As inclusivity is the theme of this issue of the Octagonian I think it appropriate to explain how inclusivity has been, and still is, viewed by ΣAM leadership, as well as reflected broadly by our membership through their Sammy Stories. In doing this, I hope to strengthen the pride and confidence of our entire membership regarding the path that ΣAM continues to follow.
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is NOT a political organization. We do not take an action/position because it is politically expedient. Our eight core values are intended to form the basis of everything we say and do. The lofty ideals contained within a genuinely objective understanding of DEI are overwhelmingly aligned with these values. Of this, there can be no doubt.
Unlike many in our country, ΣAM’s focus on recent DEI views is not a new development. We started considering and acting on these kinds of issues over 7 decades ago. It was at the 1953 Convention that we amended our Blue Book such that ΣAM would no longer limit membership to only include men of Jewish heritage, and instead, it opened membership to “ALL men of good character.”
How and why did the change come about? The answer is revealed in the meeting minutes from that period.
While being victims of social injustices, discrimination, and hate were not limited to Jews, ΣAM’s members up until 1953 were well-versed in being excluded, ostracized, and victims of prejudice that limited their abilities to participate in or benefit from networking, educational and leadership experiences offered by fraternal, social and civic organizations and activities of the day. They knew this to be unjust. Despite the memory of the attempted genocide directed at their brethren during the Holocaust fresh in their minds, they still felt that it was inconsistent with our values for ΣAM to exclude non-Jewish men from our ranks.
Imagine how different the last 70 years of our fraternity’s history might be if our earlier leaders lacked the courage and conviction to follow our values. Understand the contributions to ΣAM’s success during the last 7 decades of the 1953 decision to embark on a path of inclusivity in the words of some of your fellow members:
The oral histories have been edited for brevity.
Jim Vitarello (Toledo, ’63)
My pledge class included two African Americans, another Italian-American, and an Irish American. Toledo, Ohio, was a highly segregated town, and for a white fraternity to have two African Americans in 1963 was unprecedented. We were a unique fraternity.
Wing Chen, JD (Stony Brook, ’04)
I chose Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity because I attended several meetings and saw how diverse it was. That’s what stood out to me and how the brothers enjoyed hanging out with each other.
Thibault Padiou (Brandeis, ’18)
There were a lot of different people coming from other countries. I liked their values as well. It would be interesting for me, a guy from France, to be part of a fraternity. They also had people from Korea, China, Russia, Switzerland, and Israel. Even the alumni were very diverse. It was fun and took me out of my comfort zone, which wasn’t bad.
Jesus Rodriguez (FIU, ’92)
It struck me years ago, and still to this day, with this fraternity (that) among the things it values most is its diversity. And still, to this day, you look at the chapter, we’ve got black, white, Hispanic, and openly gay kids. It’s wild, and yet the brotherhood holds. You have to appreciate something like that about a group like this.
Members from many decades relate that being diverse and inclusive was/is a valuable differentiator of our fraternity. It is one of the reasons they remain committed to ΣAM Inclusivity makes us stronger because it allows us to discover and appreciate other perspectives and realize the similarities and commonalities of the challenges that we all face, even if not in precisely the same ways. Such enlightenment leads to collaborative efforts to resolve those kinds of challenges for the betterment of all.
For more than seven decades, inclusivity for ΣAM has been about two simple things; 1) trying to make all men of good character aware that they are invited and wanted and 2) making each candidate/member feel welcome and that they belong as much as any other candidate/member. ΣAM’s current leadership is committed to keeping the organization on the same path.
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is proud to announce the addition of its 152nd location on the chapter roll as the Epsilon Rho Provisional Chapter at Clemson University. This exciting growth for the fraternity is due to students seeking out Sigma Alpha Mu as an ideal fit for their vision of a new brotherhood at Clemson. The Octagon approved the provisional charter following the interest group’s successful admission to the Clemson Interfraternity Council as an Associate Chapter.
The interested students worked diligently with the Director of Growth, Jerred McCormick, to grow and develop operations over the past few months. Assistant Executive Director Jackie Hackett facilitated an abridged version of our True MDH Initiative candidate education program in a weekend retreat format. The men were then initiated into the Epsilon Rho Provisional Chapter by Supreme Prior David Kleppel on April 30th.
Executive Director Andy Huston noted, “Several students expressed interest in bringing Sigma Alpha Mu to Clemson this spring because of their alignment with our values. It was noted that this is one of the most impressive and quickly developing interest groups that the Clemson IFC has seen during the meeting where we received IFC recognition. Please join me in congratulating these seven Founding Fathers – Daniel, Ethan, Jonah, Lukas, Ryan, Connor, & Gavin – who have the vision to build Epsilon Rho Chapter in the best tradition of our Creed!”
The Provisional Chapter will continue to receive support from staff and area alumni as they work to grow, develop operations, and prepare their application for the ratification of their charter at the 2024 Convention.
“I’m proud to be a part of Sammy and believe that as a chapter, we will be able to make a big impact on the community through charity, brotherhood, and leadership,” reflected newly initiated frater Daniel Chaput.
Clemson University is home to 23 IFC fraternity chapters with an average chapter size of 86. This is Sigma Alpha Mu’s 7th chapter in the ACC. Assistant Dean of Students & Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Gary Wiser shared, “The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is excited to welcome Sigma Alpha Mu as the 24th member of the Interfraternity Council. Our office and IFC believe the mission and values of Sigma Alpha Mu will enhance our community, and we look forward to the chapter being a valuable member of our community.”
Do you want to support the growth of Sigma Alpha Mu? Please consider a non-tax deductible contribution to our Bridge Builder Fund at sam.org/bridge.
