Donate

Have You Heard

Tell us about your individual accomplishment, award, or news by contacting the Director of Alumni Engagement at kelby@sam.org or online at sam.org/heard. Sigma Alpha Mu is also posting every day, 7 days a week on social media. We encourage you to find us, friend us, and follow us.

Fra Marino

Chris Marino (Syracuse, ’10) has been named Global Head of Media & Marketing Technology for Bloomberg Media. He holds a B.S. from Syracuse University, where he joined our fraternity, and an MBA from Cornell University. In his role, he drives audience and subscription growth across Bloomberg.com and Quicktake through a multi-million dollar media investment. He is also responsible for advancing the company’s marketing technology stack to enhance the customer experience and maximize revenue. AdWeek recently recognized Chris as one of 50 executives transforming media, marketing, and technology, Business Insider as a rising star of brand marketing, and Brand Innovators as a 40 Under 40. Outside work, he is an avid foodie, traveler, and Syracuse Orange basketball fan residing in New York City.

In an Intelligent Creative Spotlight (ICS) series interview, Chris shared, “Growing up, marketing always intrigued me. I think it taught me to be vulnerable. It showed me the power of a message, as a Storyteller, that was always really compelling to me. I’ve always wanted to use marketing as a force for good, whether working at American Express and helping small businesses to do more business or working at Bloomberg, where I have been committed to helping consumers discover data-driven journalism and how that becomes a catalyst for change. Data is at the core of everything that we do at Bloomberg. The goal of the data we use is to understand our audience because if you can help a consumer fall in love with your brand through data, that will help make a lifetime relationship.” 

Fra Blackburn

The International Softball Congress Sports Hall of Fame inducted David Blackburn (Illinois, ’79) in August 2011, where he brought the game into the 21st century through his use of technology and increasing international awareness of the game. David has competed at six Maccabiah Games and five Pan American Maccabi Games, accumulating five gold, one silver, and one bronze medal along the way, with the most recent gold medal as a member of the USA Masters Men’s Fast Pitch Team at the 18th World Maccabiah Games. David has also played for various leagues as part of the Amateur Softball Association and currently for the Maccabi USA 40+ Men’s team. As part of his athletic career, he has developed lifelong friendships with other softball athletes from the USA and around the world.  

In 2010, David and two teammates drove together to Arizona to meet the other Maccabi USA Men’s Team members to participate in the ASA Over 40 National Fast Pitch Championship. Before they were able to reach their destination, they were involved in a near-fatal car accident. David sustained the worst injuries, with multiple broken and shattered bones. Meanwhile, the other members of the Maccabi USA Team had to decide whether they would move forward with participating in the National Tournament. After hearing that their teammates were stabilized, they chose to participate in the tournament in honor of their friends. 

A 2011 article by the Maccabi Games describes David’s ongoing recovery as “truly a miracle to his family and friends throughout the Maccabi and International fast pitch communities.” A year after, the International Softball Congress Sports Hall of Fame inducted Fra Blackburn. The article concludes, “David is known as a friend to everyone who meets him, and to the people he meets in the softball community, he is family.”

Fra Schoen

Dr. Richard J. Schoen (UCLA, ’64) was named Associate Professor in Residence at UNLV, School of Dental Medicine. Fra Schoen joined the UNLV School of Dental Medicine in 2012 and taught infection control and nitrous oxide sedation within the Clinical Sciences department. Dr. Schoen is a member of the American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and Southern Nevada Dental Society. Dr. Schoen earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loyola University, Chicago. For 27 years before moving to Las Vegas, Richard was a Dental Director for two Indian Health Centers. 

Richard enjoys music and is the secretary of the Southern Nevada Bluegrass Music Society. He also belongs to the Nevada Old Time Fiddlers Association and the Las Vegas Blues Society. When not teaching, he plays the guitar, banjo, and mandolin and is an avid fly fisherman. He loves to play golf and is a model railroader. 

Fra Wittenberg

Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation is giving Judge Jamie Wittenberg (Indiana, ’93) the Barry Bremen Memorial Inspiration Award posthumously. “Honorable” was more than a title for Judge Jamie Wittenberg; it was his essence. His unsurpassed integrity, steadfastness, and

kind-heartedness permeated every aspect of his life and career. He helped many people who appeared before him to find better solutions to better their lives. Jamie passed away in late 2022, and his brother Robert Wittenberg, Oakland County, Michigan Treasurer, will accept the award in Jamie’s memory.

Fra Zysman

Fra Warren Zysman (Adelphi, ‘00) was named U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Chief of Las Vegas Residential Recovery & Rehabilitation Center which provides inpatient detox, substance abuse, and gambling rehabilitation programs. Fra Zysman is a former Undergraduate Consul of the Octagon and served for nine years on the Board of Directors at the Nassau University Medical Center. 

Fra Schefter

The Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation has named Adam Schefter (Michigan, ’87), a senior NFL Insider at ESPN, the Dick Schaap Media Excellence Honoree. He joined ESPN in August 2009 and now appears on various programs, including NFL Live, Sunday NFL Countdown, Sports Center, and more throughout the year. One of the top sports reporters in the country, Adam has covered the NFL since 1990, and his social media influence is unmatched in the industry.

Back to the Octagonian

State of the Fraternity Spring 2023

View the Article

Written by Executive Director Andy Huston, (Minnesota, ’01)

Hearing origin stories about how fratres found their way to membership in Sigma Alpha Mu never gets old. It usually boils down to a person – a friend, relative, or classmate – who made the introduction to Sammy. It always involves being invited to join and saying yes to the opportunity to belong.

As a freshman at the University of Minnesota, I did not go through rush. It simply wasn’t on my radar. Fortunately for me, I met Aaron Liebo (Minnesota, ’99) through a friend of a friend. He introduced me to his friends and the chapter. It turns out that I was actually “rushing” while meeting those guys without even knowing it. My life improved when the Kappa Chapter at the University of Minnesota asked me to join. I can still vividly recall the rush of adrenaline that came with being invited to join. Being accepted and belonging evokes powerful feelings. As that initial excitement faded, a genuine sense of confidence stemmed from having a trusted support system. 

This year 765 students have said yes. We are projected to start next year 9% ahead of this past year due to the fraternity’s investment in growth and chapter health as part of the SAM 2030 strategic plan. This academic year has seen the return of Beta (Cornell), Sigma Iota (Michigan), Sigma Omega (NC State), and the addition of Epsilon Rho (Clemson). We continue to support interest groups at Sigma Beta (Ohio State) and Mu Rho (Rochester). 

Since April 2020, nearly 500 undergraduate fratres have completed the Certified PhiredUp Recruiter program. This online course aims to teach our members skills to cultivate new friendships, grow a pipeline of interest prospects, and leverage technology to increase the quantity and quality of new members. It should be no surprise that the vast majority of chapters saw year-over-year increases in their recruitment efforts. Our students are better prepared to reach a generation of students who crave the positive attributes of fraternity.

Today’s college students, known as Generation Z or GenZ, were born in the early 2000s. The fraternity can positively impact many of the core concerns faced by this generation. One such concern for GenZ college students is mental health. Academic performance, social life, and personal growth pressures can take a toll on students’ mental well-being. College can be overwhelming and stressful, particularly for students away from home for the first time. Many GenZ students feel overwhelmed and anxious, and they are looking for support and resources to help them cope.

Sigma Alpha Mu offers an excellent way for GenZ students to acclimate to college life and develop a sense of belonging. We continue to provide an opportunity for students to connect with their peers who share similar interests, goals, and values.

GenZ students develop essential skills and experience that can enhance their academic and professional pursuits – just as we did in college. Serving as an officer or leading a project with their peers helps build their confidence and demonstrate their abilities. Membership in Sigma Alpha Mu facilitates the development of the skills, passions, and networks that will shape their careers. That alleviates another significant concern of GenZ about finding meaningful employment after college that will allow them to pay off student loans and live a comfortable life.

For decades, a hallmark of Sigma Alpha Mu has been its ability to diverse groups of people together – whether geographical, socioeconomic, religious, racial, or sexual orientation. GenZ students actively seek learning opportunities about different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. Exposure to diverse viewpoints and experiences can broaden their understanding of the world and contribute to personal growth. Many chapters have leaned into this by hosting cultural programming that highlights the backgrounds of their members.

Our chapters actively create a sense of community and belonging, which is in demand on campuses where many students feel isolated or disconnected. This sense of community is an essential support system during challenging times. It continues to foster the lifelong friendships and connections that were envisioned by our Founders more than a century ago.

These are truths we may also share with this current generation of fratres. For anyone who remains skeptical, we have some research* findings that help emphasize the fraternity experience.

Fraternity members report higher levels of positive mental health and less depression or anxiety than unaffiliated members.*

Nearly 80% of fraternity men report excellent mental health and well-being.*

Members seeking help are twice as likely to turn to a brother than anyone else.*

Fraternity and sorority members believe that good support systems exist for students going through tough times.*

Fraternity and sorority members are more likely to seek therapy or counseling at some point.* 

Fraternities provide an environment where members can have tough conversations, especially about personal issues like relationships, family, and mental health struggles.*

The investment in membership is paying off, and it is changing lives. The power of belonging is profound for our fratres who have found a home in Sigma Alpha Mu. 

Back to the Octagonian

Making an Impact on Undergraduate Men

View the Article

Published by the North American Interfraternity Conference

Today’s generation of college men is facing real challenges. Fewer men choose to go to college each year – making up a historic low of 41% of the student body, with only 60% of the men who start at four-year universities receiving diplomas. With a further significant decline in enrollment projected over the next few years and women outpacing men significantly in applications, there is “no reversal in sight,” according to experts in the Wall Street Journal. Experts also call loneliness an “epidemic” among college men as they have higher rates of suicide, substance abuse and are less likely to use mental health services. 

We know many colleges and universities seek new strategies to enroll more men and support them – inside and outside the classroom – once they arrive on campus. 

Insight from recent research shows how involvement in fraternities provides unique benefits to students who identify as men – supporting their mental health and wellness, strengthening their connection to the university and community, and developing them as leaders and citizens. 

From the team at Gallup to university faculty members, over the past three years, researchers have conducted nearly 20 studies with results showing how fraternities support college men today. 

Fraternities – national organizations, alumni, and students – acknowledge and are working together to confront and address the challenges and risks within the organizations today. This research helps them do that while building on the distinct value these organizations can bring to students and their campus communities. 

With universities seeking solutions to expand mental health support, energize student life, engage alumni, and cultivate supporters and donors, this research shows real promise. 

With college men committing suicide four to six times more than women and showing increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, we know the need for support is immense. 

Research shows that the impactful, meaningful connection men find in fraternities can create a strong sense of belonging. It leads members to have more positive mental health, and the greater sense of support men receive in fraternities has been tied to lower depressive levels.1

Brothers feel comfortable having tough conversations and learning from each other. When they seek help, members are twice as likely to reach out to a fraternity brother than anyone else.2 This helps remove the stigma of asking for support. 

As a result, research shows fraternity men have a better view of campus-provided support systems and are more likely than non-affiliated students to use counseling resources throughout their lives.3

We also continue to address our challenges. NIC Member Fraternities have adopted health & safety standards that build upon prevention efforts and programs, that includes the adoption of medical Good Samaritan policies, implementation of health and safety educational programming, the adoption of standardized health and safety guidelines across all chapters – and campus interfraternity councils – to standardize and strengthen measures to protect students and the removal of hard alcohol from chapter facilities and events. 

The NIC formed the Anti-Hazing Coalition, an unprecedented partnership with families who lost their sons to hazing, which works at state and federal levels to pursue anti-hazing legislation that delivers greater transparency strengthens criminal penalties and encourages prosecution, calls for university accountability for bad actors provides for amnesty to encourage people to call for help, and calls for student education.  This group also actively facilitates programs on campuses and at fraternity educational events. Since its inception, the parents have spoken to tens of thousands of members about their sons’ stories, the authentic danger of hazing, and how to prevent it in their campus communities.

1 According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Fall 2021 Term Enrollment Estimates.

2 According to the National Center for Education Statistics.

3 Thomas Mortenson is a senior scholar at the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education, which aims to improve educational opportunities for low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students.

Back to the Octagonian

2023 Convention Introduction

View the Article

SAM.ORG/CONVENTION

We look forward to hosting an in-person program, August 11-13, 2023 in Indianapolis, IN, home to our Fraternity and Foundation headquarters. The Convention Business Meeting will be hosted on Saturday, August 13. More information about events specific to this celebration is available online at sam.org/convention. 

Nominating Report

Benji Bearman

(Minnesota, ’97)

Doug Montgomery

(Texas A&M, ’05)

Andy Raffel

(Western Michigan, ’92)

David Sackler

(Syracuse, ’84)

2023 Award Recipients

The Certificate of Merit shall be awarded to such alumni whose service and achievements in community endeavors are deemed by the Octagon worthy of national recognition. The 2023 recipients include Dr. George Tinsley (Kentucky Wesleyan, ’69) and Offer Korin (Indiana, ’83).

Sigma Alpha Mu will be presenting PSP Lee Manders (Miami OH, ‘72) with the William P. Schwartz Distinguished Service Award at the 2023 Convention in Indianapolis.  He is only the 19th recipient to receive this prestigious award. Lee has served the fraternity extensively in volunteer and staff capacities.

Volunteer Service:

House Corporation Leadership, Regional Governor (’80-’86), Supreme Exchequer (’87-’89), Vice Supreme Prior (’89-’91), Supreme Recorder (’98-’99), Vice Supreme Prior (’99-’01), Supreme Prior (’01-’04), and Foundation Director (’08-’09).

Staff Roles:

Field Secretary (’77-’79), Executive Director (’09-’15), President of SAM National Properties & SAM Property Management (’15-’21).

This award was established in 1952 and is the pinnacle acknowledgment of service to Sigma Alpha Mu. Living recipients of the Distinguished Service Award include Past Supreme Priors Ron Katch, Richie Williamson, Hanno Mott, Howard Miller, and Phil Glauben. 

Congrats to Lee and thank you for your steadfast service to Sammy!

Back to the Octagonian

Around the Chapters Spring 2023

View the Article

Click to View the Article

Submit a recruitment recommendation form and we’ll connect the student with a local chapter or discuss how they can start a chapter if Sammy isn’t on their campus at sam.org/recommend.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity continues to have clear policies regarding risk management. The policies exist for proactive planning and to protect our members and guests. Our obligation is to demonstrate responsible behavior and the requirement of accountability applies to all Fraternity entities and all levels of Fraternity membership. 

To review our risk management policy, go to SAM.ORG/RISK.

Back to the Octagonian

Home for Life

View the Article

In the heart of bustling university life, amidst lectures, exams, and social events, there exists Sammy, a beacon of warmth and camaraderie, creating a home away from home for its members. This is where bonds are forged, memories are made, and support was found. They were a family, always there for one another.

Whether celebrating triumphs or consoling each other during tough times, their unwavering support made the fraternity feel like a sanctuary of understanding and acceptance. Within our fraternity, rituals, and traditions further solidified the sense of belonging. From weekly gatherings to game nights and philanthropic events, every occasion was an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between Sammys. 

The shared experiences became ingrained in their identities as the fraternity became woven into the fabric of their college lives. Through the challenges and triumphs of college life, this fraternity became a refuge from the pressures of the outside world. It was a place where dreams were nurtured, talents were discovered, and ambitions were supported. The fraternity transformed into more than just a physical location; it became a state of mind—a sense of belonging and homecoming that would remain etched in the hearts of its members long after graduation. #Sammys4Life

I joined Sammy because I had the feeling of being welcomed and socially accepted. It offered me a new start, and they were a very welcoming group. It gave me a home base at school.

Paul Leber, PE (Drexel, ’79)

I was living away from home. We were all different guys, but in a place at the same time together. We accepted each other. To me, Sammy means family connection. My youngest son, became a Sammy, too.

Steve Leeds (Penn State, ’64)

There were a lot of fraternities at UCLA, but this one, in particular, had cohesiveness and diversity. Everyone seemed unified, and we were vibing on the same wavelength. I felt at home the minute I walked in.

Tommy Harrington (UCLA, ’88)

To me, Sammy means a place that will always be my home. No matter where I go and where I form relationships that will be with me for the rest of my life.

Stan Zolek (Northeastern, ’90)

At the end of the day, I’d always have a place to go home to. There were people to do things with, and experiences to make memories and enjoy forever.

Jacob Timmins (Alabama, ‘16)

It taught me good organizational skills, like running a meeting, that I used daily. Sammy was like a family away from home. I remember ending up in the hospital surrounded by fraternity brothers.

Paul Todd (West Florida, ’05)
Back to the Octagonian

Foundation Spring 2023

View the Article

The Foundation pages include:

Message from the CEO

Perlstein Joins the Foundation

New Chapter Educational Funds

Jacob Kaplan Safe Campus Award

Scholarship Spotlights

Honor & Memorial Gifts

Message from the CEO

Written by SAM Foundation CEO Aaron Girson (Western Michigan, ’92)

Since rejoining the ΣAM staff in January, I have had the opportunity to visit with many alumni, sharing updates on our Fraternity. Alumni will often ask, “Does ΣAM matter, and are we making a difference?”

The answer is unequivocally YES! Today’s college men need fraternities more than ever before! We all know the value of SAM firsthand, but recent research has proven how fraternity membership provides life-changing support, community, connection, and strong leadership development for today’s undergraduate men. Fraternity men are:

Three times more likely to obtain an internship while in college. 

Almost two times as likely to have a job waiting for them when they graduate.

Five times as likely to be satisfied with their lives after graduating.

ΣAM and the fraternal movement are an accelerator for success in college and beyond: We create lifelong connections for our members, and we create a strong sense of belonging. These key factors help our members’ overall quality of life.  

It is an exciting time to be back on the ΣAM staff, to be part of the dedicated team members working to provide the best possible experience to our members, and I pledge to give my best efforts to ensure that the support needed by today’s student fratres is provided and that alumni have the opportunity to give back to initiatives that are meaningful to them.

PSP Marc Perlstein Joins Foundation Board of Directors

The Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation is pleased to announce that Marc Perlstein (North Texas, ’71) has joined the board of directors. Marc resides in the Dallas, Texas, area with his wife Debbie, and is a Senior Consultant with Current Consulting Group. Marc is a long-time volunteer leader in ΣAM; he served as Supreme Prior from 2011 to 2013 and is currently Vice Chairman of the Sigma Alpha Mu Endowment Fund.

New Chapter Educational Funds

Funds Established for Theta, Mu Chi, and Gamma Kappa

Chapter Educational Funds (CEFs) are restricted funds in the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation that provides alumni with an option to make tax-deductible gifts to benefit a specific chapter. Chapters with CEF are able to access these funds for qualified educational needs, such as scholarships, improvements to educational space in a chapter house, funding attendance at educational/leadership programs, and support of philanthropic activities. As of press time, 17 chapters have CEFs:

Beta

Theta

Omicron

Tau

Rho

Mu Eta

Mu Chi

Mu Theta

Mu Psi

Gamma Kappa

Delta Theta*

Delta Omega

Epsilon Alpha

Epsilon Theta

*denotes dormant chapter

If you are interested in learning more about the Foundation’s Chapter Educational Funds or making a gift to establish a fund for your chapter, please contact Aaron Girson, Foundation CEO (aarong@sam-fdn.org or 317-969-7771). We aim for every chapter to have a CEF so that chapter-specific educational needs are met.

Jacob Kaplan Safe Campus Award

The Foundation is excited to announce a new award for our collegiate chapters, the Jacob Kaplan Safe Campus Award!

These annual awards are being created by Jacqueline Jacobs Caster to honor her grandfather, Founder Jacob Kaplan. Fra Kaplan was a family law attorney, a fierce defender of legal rights with a focus on keeping women safe from harm.  

Jacqueline, an attorney herself, created these awards in response to the increasing national press surrounding fraternities and sexual assaults on college campuses. It is her fervent wish to see Sammy at the forefront of reversing this trend through programs, partnerships, and education and to establish itself as the national leader of this effort. 

There are two awards available each year- one for $2500 and one for $1500.  These are available through an easy, online application process.  The criteria for the award are:

Identify the audience that the chapter will help

Explain how their program will be executed 

How the chapter will partner with campus professionals/community professionals/subject matter experts to execute the program

When the program will take place

Cost for program

How the chapter will measure the success of the idea or program

How the chapter will continue to advocate for a safer campus experience for students

This is an excellent way for Sammy to be the fraternal leader on our campuses, helping make it safe for everyone.  Additionally, this is an excellent recruitment tool for new members, showing that we take sexual assault prevention seriously.  

Questions about the program requirements or application process can be directed to the Foundation via Nancy Dietmeyer, Director of Programs and Administration, at nancyd@sam-fdn.org.

Scholarship Spotlight

IDEA Scholarship

The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Scholarship was established in 2022 with gifts from ΣAM alumni to recognize the efforts of undergraduate members who work to promote and strengthen the tenets of IDEA values in their chapters and communities.  

The 2022 recipient, Rahul Sharma (Epsilon Epsilon, ’21, SUNY Geneseo), his chapter’s DEI Chair, planned and executed several events for chapter members to experience other cultures, including cultural potluck dinners, a cricket match, and group dinners at various culturally diverse restaurants. Rahul was also a founding member of his biology major’s DEI Committee and served as a member of the university’s Alliance for Cultural Enrichment. To make a gift to the IDEA Scholarship Fund, go to sam-fdn.org/donate.

Harvey Weisblat Aviation Scholarship

The Harvey Weisblat Aviation Scholarship, endowed by Fra Weisblat (Texas, ’64), recognizes students planning and working toward a career in aviation and is open to Sammy undergraduates and graduate students, as well as children of ΣAM alumni. 

Harv, a retired airline and Air Force Reserve pilot established the scholarship to honor his cousin and fellow aviator, Fred Maxon (1923–2011), a native of Cleveland, Ohio. After a semester at Ohio State University, Fred joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, where he soon attained his pilot wings flying BT-113 and C-46 aircraft. As a lieutenant and member of the esteemed “Hump Pilots,” Fred flew supply missions from India to China over the 18,000′ high Himalayas Mountains, enduring high winds and freezing temperatures over the 500-mile route in planes without sophisticated radar. Fred received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service and, after returning to Cleveland, married and raised a family with his lifelong love, Norma.  

For more information on the Harvey Weisblat Aviation Scholarship criteria, go to 

sam-fdn.org/scholarships or contact Nancy Dietmeyer at nancyd@sam-fdn.org. 

Helen Sieczkowski Scholarship – New for 2023

This scholarship is open to Nu Chapter members, as well as daughters and granddaughters of Sigma Alpha Mu members in college or planning to attend college/graduate school. 

Helen Sieczkowski, the grandmother to Fra Michael Kawochka (Nu), passed away in 2019 at the age of 101.  Due to financial circumstances, Helen never had the chance to go to high school. Instead, she went straight into the workforce as a teenager. She married and started a family soon after.  

All her life, Helen exuded quiet perseverance. The Helen Sieczkowski Memorial Scholarship is meant to inspire women, especially those enduring financial hardship, to persevere and earn their degrees.

Honor & Memorial Gifts

November ’22 – April ’23

Contributions to the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation can be made in memory of fratres, family, and friends, and to honor living members. These gifts help to further the Foundation’s educational initiatives to benefit our student fratres. For more information or to make a gift, please go to sam-fdn.org/donate. For questions or corrections, contact Nancy Dietmeyer at nancyd@sam-fdn.org. 

IN HONOR OF

Jimmy Caplan (Michigan, ’76)

By Howard B. Miller (Michigan, ’76)

Aaron Girson (Western Michigan, ’92)

By David J. Hampton II (Alfred U., ’98)

By Alexander M. Shapero (Cornell, ’04)

Dave Kleppel (WashU, ‘82)

To the Andy Dickson Memorial Scholarship

By Ted Bernard (WashU., ‘81)

Joseph Lash (Michigan, ’88), 

Harvey Lash (Wayne State, ’59), 

Myles Lash (Wayne State, ’65)

By Steven M. Lash (Wayne State, ’62)

Bruce Levinson (Missouri, ’65)

By Richard Halpern (Missouri, ’65)

Mu Psi for winning the Founders Cup in 2022

To the Jerry Miller Scholarship Fund

By Bruce J. Tasch, M.D. (Miami OH, ’74)

LM Newman Family Foundation

By L. Mark Newman (Michigan State, ’59)

Ronald W. Rapchik (Long Island, ’66)

By Linda Rapchik

David Sergi (Texas A&M, ’82) and Teresa Rush’s Wedding

By Nathan C. Margolis (North Texas, ’73)

Sheldon Sinai (Ferris State, ’62)

By Stuart Sinai (Ferris State, ’62)

Richie Williamson (NC State, ‘60) 

for his service on the SAM Endowment Fund

By Aaron M. Girson (Western Michigan, ’92)

IN MEMORY OF

Kenny Baum (Texas, ’73)

By Allen M. Feltman (Texas, ’72)

Martin A. Bender (Washington WA, ’66)

By Lawrence R. Silverman  (Washington WA, ’66)

Arnie Blitzer (Cincinnati, ‘53)

By Aaron M. Girson (Western Michigan, ‘92)

Sean P. Daly (IL-Chicago, ’95)

To the Sean P. Daly Memorial Scholarship Fund

By Christopher Ferrer (IL-Chicago, ’95)

Jeffrey “Jake” Davis (Illinois, ’73)

By Gary G. Cash (Illinois, ’71)

Andrew C. Dickson (WashU, ‘83)

To the Andy Dickson Scholarship Fund

By Elana Grissom 

By Charles D. Hammerman (WashU, ‘82)

By Steven T. Salstrom (WashU, ’83)

Michael El-Far (Rutgers, ‘19)

To the Michel El-Far Memorial Scholarship

By David Kleppel (WashU, ‘82)

Jeffrey L. Galston (Virginia, ’74)

Stanley M. Lefco (Virginia, ’68)

Gary Gotlieb (Texas, ‘86)

To the Gary Gotlieb Scholarship Fund

By Debra Greenberg

Maurice Guller (Missouri, ’54)

By Aaron M. Girson (Western Michigan, ’92)

By Ronald S. Katch (Illinois, ’51)

Maurice Guller (Missouri, ’54) 

and Sidney Guller (WashU, ’43)

By James N. Guller (Pennsylvania, ’81)

David Halpert (Long Island, ’61)

By Charles J. Krobot III (Long Island, ’63)

E. Mark Himelstein (Indiana, ’58)

By Marvin T. Bornstein (Indiana, ’58)

Tommy Howe III (Miami OH, ’17)

To the Tommy Howe III Memorial Scholarship Fund

By Thomas & MaryMargaret Howe, Jr. 

By Ryan R. Rassin 

Michael P. Hutchins (West Florida, ’00)

To the Michael P. Hutchins Memorial Scholarship Fund

By Paul M. Swartz (West Florida, ’01)

Kenneth Ishida (UC-Berkeley, ’96)

By Derrick D. Chi (UC-Berkeley, ’96)

Dorothy Janoff

By Allan H. Janoff (Massachusetts, ’69)

Robert La Vine (UC-Berkeley, ‘49)

By Jerome Porter (UC-Berkeley, 51)

William G. Levy (Louisville, ’46)

By Alan B. Levy (Miami OH, ’72)

Steven J. Lupiloff (Wayne State, ’65)

By Daniel T. Berkley (Wayne State, ’66)

Soham Mandelawi

By Albert A. Kudsizadeh (Indiana, ’57)

Jerry Miller (Miami OH, ’76)

By Brad Helfman (Miami OH, ‘80)

By Jak Louis Groedel (Miami OH, ’13)

By Maria Mandel

Kevin E. Murphy (Rutgers, ’70)

By Martin P. Rosensweig (Rutgers, ’70)

Marvin Petal (Washington WA, ’49), 

Alan Barer (Washington WA, ’48),

and George Golden (Washington WA, ’49)

By Anonymous

Jeffrey Peterman (Michigan State, ‘75)

To the Dave Phillips/Drew Dunsky Scholarship Fund

By Drew Dunsky (The Ohio State, ‘82)

Larry Schaffer ((Penn, ’41)

By Alan C. Thomas (UPenn, ’78)

Arturo Scherson (Case Western, ’87)

By Timothy J. Clancey (Case Western, ’87)

William P. Schwartz (Oklahoma, ’50)

By Kenneth S. Wolf (Cincinnati, ’62)

William P. Schwartz (Oklahoma, ’50)

To the Bill Schwartz Daughters of Fratres 

Scholarship Fund

By Laurence Schor (SMU, ’61)

Lee Eric Wolkowitz 

By Edward M. Wolkowitz (Cal. State-Northridge, ’68)

Back to the Octagonian

Chapter Eternal Spring 2023

View the Article

Forever remembering these men and the love they had for Sigma Alpha Mu and their fratres. Notices of their passing were reported between Mid-December to April. To report a death, please email samhq@sam.org. Memorial donations in memory of Chapter Eternal members may be directed to the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation. To donate online, go to SAM.ORG/DONATE.

Beta

Stuart  Warshauer (Cornell, ’50)

Eta

Steven S Greene (Syracuse, ’63)

Nu

David N Malinov (Buffalo, ’55)

Omicron

Stanton J Bluestone (Cincinnati, ’53)

Phi

Jerry M Fiman (WashU, ’53)

Psi

Jeremy M Higgins (Pittsburgh, ’03)

Omega

Franklyn  Glazier (Toronto, ’53)

Sigma Alpha

Zenon  Neumark (Oklahoma, ’51)

Sigma Beta

Matthew B Marx (Ohio State, ’84)

Larry A Snyder (Ohio State, ’84)

Sigma Zeta

Phillip K Bercovitz (Indiana, ’51)

Richard A Gole (Indiana, ’65)

Sidney  Rothstein (Indiana, ’50)

Arthur M Shanker (Indiana, ’53)

Sigma Theta

Kenneth E Baum (Texas, ’73)

Evan R. Bookstaff (Texas, ’07)

Gary S Hoffman (Texas, ’59)

Sigma Nu

Martin A Bender (Washington, ’66)

Ronald J Benveniste (Washington, ’59)

Sigma Xi

R Kenneth  Halprin (Manitoba, ’45)

Sigma Pi

Barry A Swerdloff (UCLA, ’59)

Sigma Rho

Maurice D Guller (Missouri, ’54)

Sigma Sigma

Robert L La Vine (UC-Berkeley, ’49)

Wallace Z Levin (UC-Berkeley, ’50)

Sigma Chi

Arnie J Weinstein (Maryland, ’65)

Sigma Omega

Donald B Baker (NC State, ’68)

Herbert  Kahan (NC State, ’48)

Mark G Mathis (NC State, ’83)

Patrick B Palmer (NC State, ’89)

Mu Beta

Stanley  Sanderson (Alberta, ’61)

Mu Gamma

Robert Packard (Case Western, ’49)

Mu Eta

Jeffrey S. Lemansky (Drexel, ’68)

Leonard  Schusterman (Drexel, ’57)

Mu Omicron

Harvey J Friedman (NYU, ’49)

Abraham N Goodman (NYU, ’50)

Norman  Leder (NYU, ’49)

Myron  Rubin (NYU, ’49)

Mu Rho

James A Myles (Rochester, ’65)

Stephen A Safranko (Rochester, ’60)

Mu Upsilon

Malcolm G Largmann (Brooklyn, ’57)

Mu Chi

Nick Gilbert (Michigan State, ’17) 

Jeffrey L Peterman (Michigan State, ’75)

Henry Zurkow (Michigan State, ’18) 

Mu Psi

Peter J Buirski (Miami OH, ’62)

Beta  Delta

Michael C Levin (San Jose State, ’66)

Beta Epsilon

Michael S Kadetsky (UMass – Amherst, ’67)

Beta Omega

Matthew E Fitzgerald (KY Wesleyan, ’06)

Shane G Garde (KY Wesleyan, ’11)

Gamma Nu

Brian J Hamilton (San Diego State, ’03) 

Matthew L Himlin (San Diego State, ’94)

Gamma Sigma

Michael A Bruntvedt (Binghamton, ’00)

Gamma Phi

Christian A Dorman (Arizona State, ’17)

Back to the Octagonian

Alumni Events, Sires & Sons, Dividends, and Mergers

View the Article

Sigma Chi at Maryland 90th Anniversary Brunch

The Sigma Chi Chapter at Maryland will celebrate its 90th anniversary at The Suburban Club, 7600 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD on Sunday, October 1, 2023. For more information, please contact Howard Miller at Howard.Miller@saul.com.

Sammy Tri-State Golf Outing & Fundraiser

Sammy Tri-State Alumni Club will host their annual golf outing and fundraiser for The Judy Fund on June 16, 2023, at the Glen Cove Golf Club in Glen Cove, NY exclusively for paid Tri-State members and their families. They are currently looking for players and sponsors. To learn more, go to samtristate.com or email joseph.weinholtz@gmail.com.

Sigma Kappa at Lehigh Centennial 

The Sigma Kappa Chapter at Lehigh will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Saturday, November 18, 2023. To learn more, email Andrew Levy at alevy@wywhp.com.

Sires & Sons

Fra Aaron Citron (Sigma Zeta, ‘23), son of Fra Richard Citron (Lehigh, ‘88)  

Fra Derek Sale (Sigma Iota, ‘23), son of Fra Andy Sale (Michigan, ‘90), and 

grandson of Fra Robert Sale (Bucknell, ’55)

Fra Ryan Negri (Sigma Iota, ‘23), son of Fra Michael Negri (Hartford, ‘89)  

Fra Zachary Harris (Sigma Iota, ‘23), son of Fra Erik Harris (Michigan, ‘92)  

Fra Elan Grossman (Sigma Iota, ‘23), son of Fra Nir Grossman (Texas, ‘90)  

Fra Andrew Katz (Sigma Iota, ‘23), son of Fra Howard Katz (Michigan, ‘87)  

Fra Tyler Hart (Sigma Iota, ‘23), son of Fra Steven Hart (Michigan, ‘91)  

Dividends

Fra Alexander Paxton (West Florida, ‘05) and wife, Brittney Renea (Alpha Gamma Delta), 

welcome a boy, Archer Allen Paxton.

Mergers

Fra Brendan Harte (West Florida, ‘18) and wife, Angelina Harte

Fra Mauricio Wheelock (West Florida, ‘94) and wife, Kristin Bradley

Former Assistant Executive Director Michele Peterson Williams and husband, Everett Williams

Know a Sammy who had a child or was married in 2023? Send us an update at sam.org/familyupdates.

Back to the Octagonian

The Bridge Builder Campaign

View the Article

Written by Director of Development Kenneth Schneider (Chapman, ’10)

The most iconic lesson of our fraternal education is the Bridge Builder. A pilgrim comes across an old man and states, “You’re wasting your strength building here…you never again must pass this way….Why have you built the bridge at the eventide?” Immediately the old man responds, “A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm that has been naught to me…Good friend, I am building that bridge for him.” We can help realize the vision of Sigma Alpha Mu by identifying with the message from the old man. Hence, there is no better name for our Bridge Builder Campaign. 

Fraternity is like any other business. With sustainable growth, our organization can ensure that the eight pillars make it to the next generation of collegians. When we choose to support expansion, specifically the Bridge Builder Campaign, we directly impact the longevity of our beloved Fraternity through a non-tax deductible 501(c)7. There is an opportunity to support now and reinforce the resources necessary to make an expansion project a success.

So why support expansion? 

Each expansion project embodies our mission of providing a forward-thinking, inclusive fraternal experience. What better life skill is there for a student looking to grow themselves, personally and professionally, than starting a new organization on their campus? Those founding and refounding fathers who embark on this journey often become Sigma Alpha Mu’s strongest advocates.

Founding Father of the Omicron Chapter at Cincinnati, Logan Rock (Omicron, ’21), reflected, “My experience taught me how to overcome barriers, create an amazing community, and work hard for what I have. It showed our chapter that there will always be obstacles, and you’ll need to figure out how to overcome them to move forward.” 

Our growth staff promotes the Founding Father story to students nationwide. Its tangible impact helps students see that Fraternity is a force for good. Sammy Moscovitch (Rho, ’22), current Prior of the Rho Chapter at Illinois, reinforces this notion, commenting that the experience of being a Founding Father has “led to some great relationships which opened up doors that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.”

What Happens During An Expansion?

Coming from a former traveling consultant who has initiated dozens of Founding Fathers into this organization, this impact is not surprising to me. Still, many throughout this great organization need to learn the impact this experience has. As opposed to general fraternity recruitment, founding a new chapter introduced me to students who wanted something different from their collegiate experience. They found the current Greek system on their campus to need something in an environment where every interest had an affiliated club. However, starting a new fraternity provides some of the most practical and hands-on experience for those interested in creating a business, growing their leadership skills, and leaving an impactful legacy behind. These individuals identify strongly with the values of the eight pillars. In a way that is unique to most opportunities on that campus, they can implement these ideals directly into practice, as opposed to having to morph an existing culture into the one they want to lead.

While finding these leaders is one of the most satisfying elements of the expansion project, I would be remiss if I did not mention the effort behind the scenes to make that moment happen. Before we get into a position to extend the Founding Fathers bid, there are hundreds of cold calls made and countless hours of meetings on campus. Growth Consultants, often hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home, spend weeks developing events and leadership development opportunities. We sometimes spend holidays and birthdays in hotel rooms. However, whether at the University of Nebraska, Washington State University, Michigan State or anywhere in between, seeing the young men grow from provisional chapters to fully recognized members of their campus community made the work worth it. 

This is who you, as alumni, are supporting when you decide to support the Bridge Builder Campaign. Today, as a staff, we look to leverage technology in the expansion process by hosting Virtual Good and Welfares. What started during the pandemic to connect our alumni has transformed into an invaluable tool to help our members become excited about the return of their chapter to campus. Recently, we held a Virtual Good and Welfare to launch our expansion at NC State (Sigma Omega Chapter) and for the University of Rochester (Mu Rho Chapter). These hour-long virtual meetings allow our fratres from all eras to gather, many for the first time. 

We reconnect and tell stories about our time as undergraduate members. We learn about the impact of the Founding Fathers’ experience and how we can support its development, participating from wherever we call home.

Where does the Bridge Builder Campaign fit into this conversation? 

We recognize that, until now, limited resources have been available to excited alumni ready to return their dormant chapter to the active list. Over the last year, our Bridge Builders Campaign has seen multiple inspiring examples from alumni who have directed their financial donations to assist in funding staff time and the active needs of our Founding Fathers to create sustainable growth. Being amongst the first donors for this campaign, members of our Octagon provided leadership, matching funds targeted at the support of this initiative.

Growth is essential to our organization’s continued excellence. We can realize our mission for years when you support the Bridge Builder Campaign. This spring, we initiated the Founding Fathers of our 152nd campus at Clemson University and the first class at Sigma Iota (University of Michigan) in almost ten years. This Fall, ΣAM is returning to NYU and Purdue University. The Bridge Builder is needed now more than ever.

Do you believe that growth is essential to the future of SAM? Do you love being able to reconnect with your candidate class and chapter brothers and want to provide that experience to those just getting started?

The Bridge Builder Campaign will directly support the growth and health of Sigma Alpha Mu. Visit sam.org/bridge to make a contribution to our future Founding Fathers.

Back to the Octagonian

Copyright © 2025 Sigma Alpha Mu   |   Terms   |   Privacy