State of the Fraternity: Fall 2022

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

I know the profound impact Sigma Alpha Mu has had on my life. Because of the fraternity, I met my wife, Amber, and we now have two wonderful children. Less tangible is the growth I experienced as a student leader navigating difficult situations between members. These life milestones and learning opportunities have shaped who I am today. In Sigma Alpha Mu, we know the power of our personal experiences and stories. And yet, we worry and wonder if these still hold true for the next generation of fraternity men. 

As Executive Director, I’m often asked, “How’s the fraternity doing? What’s happening with my chapter? What’s the real story of what’s happening on campus?” This issue of The Octagonian highlights how organizational resources are wisely invested in our strategic priorities. This academic year, 464 men accepted bids to join our chapters which is our best fall recruitment since 2018. The vast majority of our chapters have met or exceeded last fall’s recruitment results. 

The Around the Chapters article highlights the good news that many chapters continue to rebound well from the pandemic – some chapters and their respective campuses more so than others. The sense of belonging that is forged through the fraternity is what we are hearing from students as a core reason for this growth. Better yet, new industry research is beginning to provide qualitative and quantitative data about the benefits of fraternity membership.

“It is our responsibility to share the impact of the fraternity.” 

Andy Huston, Executive Director of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity

Ultimately, it is our responsibility to share the impact of the fraternity. If you aren’t following us on social media, if your chapter is dormant, or if they are not as communicative as you would like, you are likely not hearing the good news. And let’s be honest, most media coverage of fraternity life isn’t ideal.

The continuation of this story was written by Jackie Hackett, Assistant Executive Director

Googling the word fraternity can send someone down a dark rabbit hole. Searching recent news articles, it is not challenging to find a plethora of negativity and disturbing stories about alleged fraternity members’ behavior and conduct. In 2020, the fraternal industry saw a rise in anti-fraternity activity on college campuses, known as the Abolish Greek Life Movement, which directly called for the end of fraternity and sorority life on campus and largely questioned the value of the fraternity experience. With all this negativity, you may also be asking, why should we continue to have fraternity life on campuses? More importantly, why is Sigma Alpha Mu important or relevant for the next generation? 

The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), the trade association that represents many of the inter/national men’s fraternities, invested in discovering the answer to these questions through a research initiative. 

Studying active fraternity men across the country, the researchers learned remarkable facts about the experience and the value-add our organizations bring to the collegiate experience. At Sigma Alpha Mu, we are hopeful this research will drive our data-driven decision-making and help us improve the services, programs, and resources provided to chapters and members, and drive us closer to our ΣAM 2030 strategic plan, and ultimately, the vision for Sigma Alpha Mu.

Young adults report higher levels of anxiety and depression at an alarming rate. According to the Mayo Clinic, one in three college students reports high levels of anxiety and depression, and up to 44% report having some symptoms. Thankfully, the fraternity experience provides an opportunity for men to find their home away from home. More importantly, the research shows that fraternity men are more likely to seek help when they are in need than non-fraternity members. At Sigma Alpha Mu, we are committed to providing members with additional resources and support. Each Chapter Coach knows the resources available on every campus and can recommend options to leaders. In discussions with chapter leadership, they have described personally reaching out to licensed mental health counselors during stressful times because of their brothers’ recommendations and how they felt supported, rather than judged.

Now more than ever, the fraternity experience needs to demonstrate its value for a member’s future and a strong return on investment. Sigma Alpha Mu members develop leadership, interpersonal and life skills that help them accelerate after college. For example, as an exchequer, a member will operate a large budget, articulate the ROI for the chapter experience, and demonstrate leadership through the collection process. 

Michigan State Exchequer Adam Budiansky (Mu Chi, ’22) shared, “From my experience as exchequer, I learned how to balance a budget, collect dues, listen to and help members with financial concerns, and address our needs as a chapter. I have embraced my leadership opportunity and become more coachable as I am rewarded with new responsibilities.”

“From my experience as exchequer, I learned how to balance a budget, collect dues, listen to and help members with financial concerns, and address our needs as a chapter. I have embraced my leadership opportunity and become more coachable as I am rewarded with new responsibilities.” 

Adam Budiansky, Mu Chi Chapter’s (Michigan State) Exchequer

As a candidate educator, members learn facilitation skills, practice positive peer mentorship, and lead a group of peers through the expectations of membership and adjusting to a new environment. 

For example, the Candidate Educator at the Omicron Chapter at the University of Cincinnati described how even as a finance major serving in this role helped him with his organizational skills, public speaking, leadership, and adaptability. 

According to the NIC research, 83% of members say their confidence in their leadership skills increased because of their membership. Following graduation, fraternity members are more likely to be thriving in every aspect of well-being – career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being. 

There is value in Sigma Alpha Mu. There is a research-backed return on investment in the fraternity experience and the members of Sammy are proof of that. Their stories of the bonds of brotherhood and leadership skills help demonstrate that joining Sigma Alpha Mu is a life-changing decision and will help them thrive in college and beyond.

Octagonian Fall 2022

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 on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.  If you would like to share news about professional accomplishments, marriage/newborn announcements, or alumni gatherings online, go to sam.org/heard and sam.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 Fall issue? Message us at samhq@sam.org.

Click here to update your Octagonian delivery preferences. 

Message from the Supreme Prior

Written by Supreme Prior Dave P. Kleppel (Washington University, ’82)

Stories of Sigma Alpha Mu: 3.3k Sammies Share How Sammy Made a Difference in their Lives

As I start as Supreme Prior, the Fraternity finds itself 2+ years into executing the ΣAM 2030 Strategic Plan. The goal of this plan is to establish Sigma Alpha Mu as 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. 

How can we make such a lofty statement easier to understand and relatable to prospective members? How do we reconnect with alumni members who lost connection to the fraternity after graduation?

After two years, Sigma Alpha Mu concluded a project to collect personal Sammy Stories from its members. These stories provide a myriad of examples of the profound significance that Sigma Alpha Mu has made in adding to and improving the lives of the more than 80,000 men who have been initiated into our ranks.  The significance also includes contributions to the lives of their families and communities. Starting with this issue of the Octagonian, I will be sharing with you selected stories from our members that bring our lofty objective down to earth and remind us of who we are, what we stand for, and why being a Sammy is something to be sought after and valued. 

This oral history was edited for brevity.

“Two things I decided on entering my freshman year: 1) I am trying out for the varsity soccer team 2) I am not joining a fraternity, particularly not Sammy. My father, a ΣAM Chapter founder, was pushing me in that direction… My soccer tryout was successful; however, during my physical I learned, I arrived at school with a viral infection. This ended my chance that season to play soccer and worse, I realized new academic difficulties for the fall semester…

Sitting in my room with the door open, staying calm, figuring out how I could remain in school, a guy in a ΣAM sweatshirt stopped by and started a conversation. I disclosed what happened at health services. I told him that I had my hands full so I certainly couldn’t consider joining a fraternity. The conversation ended. He departed. Later he returned with another guy, the Chapter’s Prior. He said that my first visitor mentioned my name in their meeting and I was on their legacies list. They shared that they wanted to help me through my illness. I told him I was not able to join the fraternity. He said, “it’s not about joining. It was about helping the son of a Sammy who was in need.” That fall, a small group of men from ΣAM cared for me. They helped me to get to class, joined me for meals, brought by food, shared class notes when I was too ill for attending, etc. Were it not for the kind support of these men, my life today would be completely different. By November my health issue was resolved. When the ΣAM Prior dropped by once more, I thanked him. He said, ”Glad you’re better and sorry about the soccer season. Did you know the fraternity’s intramural soccer season is starting?

If you would like to get back into shape I would be happy to get you a purple shirt and…” I interrupted and accepted the offer. Over the next few weeks, I practiced and played soccer games. I met the rest of the guys, and started developing friendships. Despite my initial convictions, is it any surprise that I decided to join the fraternity in the Spring semester?”

I believe this story demonstrates that ΣAM is far more than the media portrayal of an out-of-control, collegiate party club. Our organization exists to make peoples’ lives better during and after college through lifelong friendships, supporting others in need of assistance, improving our communities, and, most importantly, instilling in our members a common foundation of values that guide each of us to always try to do the “right thing”.

Yes, responsible social gatherings will always be part of Sigma Alpha Mu. They’re fun and they usually provide first impressions of our organization to prospective members and the campus communities where our chapters exist; however, life is about more than parties.  If we are going to realize our goal of being recognized as the first choice of collegians, then we need to show the world that we’re more and make a positive difference in their lives. 

Our fraternal experience does not end when our members finish school. Sammy membership is for life. Since graduation, many of us have found our membership supportive time and again. Whether by continued friendships, job mentoring and networking, being welcomed to a new city by a ΣAM brother, and in times of adversity when a helping hand and moral support of friends is really needed. Sigma Alpha Mu has been a cornerstone for many of its members. For many of us, it still is today.

Prospective new members and existing members who have lost touch need to hear and see, in both word and deed, if we are to be successful in achieving our ΣAM 2030 goal.

A personal note of thanks to Ted, Neil, Tony, Eddie, Lee S, Lee F, Rex, Josh, Bob, Avie, Lenny, Adam, Dub, Daren, Bruce, and the rest of the men of Phi Chapter. You were there for me in the fall of 1981. I was the guy with the viral infection. You extended the hand of friendship and enabled me to build the life that I have. Opening my heart and mind to see how my life would be enhanced by becoming a part of this organization. The guy who was never going to become a member of ΣAM has taken on the role of Supreme Prior because we continue to live the values of Sigma Alpha Mu. I will try my best to continue following your example.

Fast and Firm,

Have You Heard

Learn about members making a $1 million donation that will help build a new theater in downtown San Diego,  performing with Elton John, publishing a book on cheating in baseball, producing a billion-dollar movie series, and coaching a state champion tennis team.

Convention Award Winners

The Certificate of Merit is awarded to alumni whose service and achievements in community endeavors are deemed by the Octagon worthy of national recognition. This is an award about giving back to the community beyond Sigma Alpha Mu to help repair the world.

Housing & Growth

Many volunteers and staff alike wrestle with finding new and engaging avenues for our alumni base to which they gravitate. In this vein, we are excited to talk about the relatively recent creation of Sigma Alpha Mu National Properties. This organization has introduced a new avenue of alumni engagement and supports the Fraternity and its practical implications on growth. Why does this idea of housing, while not new, warrant your attention? Alumni groups have banded together before to assist in down payments, but could rarely do so with the comfort of knowing that their investment is being looked after by a professional team connected to the changing realities of the Greek and real estate world.

When it was established in 2016, SAM National Properties had a clear purpose: to develop and solidify the housing inventory of this organization, and by extension to help ensure the success of ΣAM as a whole. Chapters with housing facilities recruit more men than those who do not. That is only one part of the story. Housing or central facilities stand as places of congregation, but equally as important, as places of support. Brothers reading this today can remember when a group of alumni banded together to help make a special project into a reality. As we are preparing to expand to more campuses across the country, the potential for housing to become another arm of alumni involvement can already be seen.

“The potential for housing to become another arm of alumni involvement can already be seen.”  

Kenneth Schneider (Chapman, ’10), Director of Alumni Development & Real Estate

Let’s call attention to a specific group of alumni from the Sigma Omega Alumni Club.  The chapter at North Carolina State University has not been active for many years; however, two members delivered a check of $25,000 to help secure a plot of land in the current phase of the Greek Village. The leadership of Richard Williamson, Lee Garret, and Roy Neulicht cannot be overshadowed. In the weeks following this news, several Sigma Omega alumni from across multiple decades of initiation have connected with staff to share their enthusiasm for the upcoming project and are looking to become more involved.

Another SAM National Properties project at the University of Illinois is in conjunction with the re-establishment of the chapter. It displays another example of how housing provides beneficial support to the local chapter and the international organization. While the return of any chapter is exciting news, there has also been a new level of Rho Chapter alumni engagement including those not initiated in the chapter at the University of Illinois. Currently, there are 11 groups of and/or individual ΣAM alumni invested in the rebuild of the house in Urbana-Champaign including the current Rho chapter alumni group and representatives, class of ‘89 and ‘90.  The opportunity to invest does however go further than one’s alma mater. We have seen non-chapter-related participation of alumni from the Sigma Zeta, Sigma Kappa, Gamma Kappa, and Mu Theta chapters. The story of the Bridge Builder was taught to many of us during the candidacy process, focusing on the ideals of providing mutual moral aid and support even if you will not directly benefit from them. I submit that these alumni exemplify that value.

How do our undergraduate members feel about housing? Many of the campuses this organization expand to include housing as an integral element of organizational success. On campuses where there are current expansion efforts, Illinois, Cornell, and Ohio State, housing is a centralized location and stands as a symbol of foundation and belonging to a greater community. It is not the sole factor of success, but we cannot discount its far-reaching impact.

“As we look forward to the growth of our organization in alignment with our vision, it’s important  to celebrate the incredible victories of the last year.” 

Kenneth Schneider (Chapman, ’10), Director of Alumni Development & Real Estate

It is not enough for Sigma Alpha Mu to facilitate opportunities for service. We must also understand that our diverse brotherhood will be passionate about different types of investment. Whether in terms of time, money, or leadership, each contribution helps to ensure a successful future. There are currently over 40 active chapters and multiple provisional chapters. In addition, there are new ones being added every year. This organization runs on the efforts of our alumni.   As an investor or a volunteer, there are more opportunities than ever before to be a bridge builder, which is essential to the work we do.

If you are interested in investing or learning more, contact Ken at ken@sam.org.

Around the Chapters Fall 2022

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.

Meet Trail Blazer Fra Pedro Reyes

Written by Rachel Shaffer, Membership Experience Specialist

For many undergraduates, this was the first time in their membership experience that Convention had been held in person.  For many alumni, this was the first time in many years that they’d seen their peers, friends, and brothers. For all, it was an opportunity to connect and be bound by the fraternalism of Sigma Alpha Mu.

For one undergraduate attendee, Pedro Reyes (Tau, ‘19), this was his first time attending the Sigma Alpha Mu Convention and an eye-opening experience to how vastly different the University of Alabama community in Tuscaloosa is from many other campuses that have Sammy chapters. 

As you can see from the photo from opening night, the Tau Chapter’s exemplary efforts earned a tremendous amount of recognition for Pedro individually, and his chapter; however for Pedro, his recollection of Convention and humility were caught up in the following evening. ”My favorite part was the second night and the awards for alumni and friends of Sammy,” shared Pedro.  “It was my first realization that I am a part of something so much bigger and I will be a part of this for the rest of my life.  It was a beautiful recognition for people who have had a lasting impact who still have a fundamental love for the fraternity.”

Pedro shares that fundamental love of the fraternity and has been motivated as an undergraduate member to share the beneficial power of fraternity and sorority involvement with the University of Alabama campus and the surrounding community. The University of Alabama has nearly 70 Greek-lettered organizations across four councils. Many of those chapters have signature events that they are known for on an annual basis. For many years, Sammy was a smaller chapter on campus and was looking to carve out a name for itself. 

Pedro recollected, “Last year, I was Philanthropy Chair. We were saying if we want to grow as a chapter, we need a staple that people will know us by.”  This led to the Sammy Safebox initiate started Fall 2021.

The Sammy Safebox benefits the Tuscaloosa Safe Center (TSC) which provides resources and support to survivors of sexual assault at no cost.  Tuscaloosa Safe Center has been around for 40 years and Sammy was the first fraternity to ever reach out to partner with them.  Pedro’s trailblazing vision and strong initiative led the first year of the Sammy Safebox to fundraise $9,000 and acquire over 35,000 items for TSC. The goal this year is to reach $30,000 and 70,000 items.  The money raised helped to hire a part-time nurse who provides care to survivors who visit TSC and Pedro met her in-person last month.

Through its inaugural year, Sammy Safebox continues to provide support to survivors and the chapter is currently in the middle of coordinating the second year’s worth of activities.  By providing this initiative, Sammy started to gain respect and recognition from larger chapters on campus and have now been invited to participate in larger philanthropic events with other organizations.

For Pedro, it isn’t necessarily about recognition. He was not expecting Convention to be highlighted with so many awards for Tau.  He saw Executive Director, Andy Huston (Minnesota, ’01), at Convention – whom he hadn’t seen since he was a freshman – and Andy remarked, “look what you’ve made happen in four years!”  Pedro started his time at the University of Alabama wanting to create the biggest impact as an individual and did not always have the sense that fraternity was for him.  His freshman tour guide was a member of another fraternity and Pedro wasn’t certain he would end up joining but found a place in the Tau Chapter that felt right. 

His impact as an individual and on the fraternity is remarkable. As Pedro approaches graduation, he is mindful of transition and passing the torch to the next group of students who can make things happen.  “The biggest thing is I like to create a plan five and ten years out. That is my approach.  It was brought to my attention at the beginning of the semester. After May, I do not get to have influence over where the chapter goes. I have goals for this chapter, but I am not the person who moves the pedals anymore. It is about providing the chapter with the right resources they need to find their passions and to make things happen.”

Pedro likened Sammy to the little engine that could – no one expected them to accomplish this and they somehow made it happen and are prepared to make it even bigger and better in the years to come.  He also says other chapters can be doing just as much.  “Every chapter can be doing this.  We are not doing something that magical. We are making sure our brothers have a lot of passion for this and making sure our brothers are seeing the overall impact of the work.”

“We are making sure our brothers have a lot of passion for this and making sure our brothers are seeing the overall impact of the work.”

Fra Pedro Reyes (Tau, ‘19)

Thinking back to his freshman tour guide who told him to join a fraternity when he was uncertain. Pedro thought, “I am never gonna be a fraternity guy who says for life and I’m literally that guy now because I fundamentally believe this organization has changed my life. It has the potential to do that for every member while they do what they are passionate about.”

What comes next for Pedro after college is to be determined, but he knows he wants to remain connected to the Fraternity.  He has ambitions of a career in law. He would love to see Sigma Alpha Mu grow to other campuses in the South, and will continue to help people in all aspects of his life – a cornerstone of his time prior to and in Sigma Alpha Mu’s Tau chapter.

Foundation Fall 2022

Since our inception, the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation’s mission has been “to support the educational interests and activities of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, to furnish student aid, and to encourage and develop conduct and traits of character consistent with high morals, constructive citizenship, scholarship, leadership and community service.” 

To learn more about the foundation’s programs or to make a donation, go to sam-fdn.org. 

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The 2023 applications for our Lawrence D. Schaffer Endowed Scholarship Program are now open! 

More than 140 scholarships for Sammy undergraduates, graduate students, and non-members including some for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of alumni! Applications are due by January 30, 2023.

New Scholarship Awards for 2023

Sean P. Daly Memorial Scholarship – In memory of Sean P. Daly (UIC, ‘95)

Tommy Howe III Memorial Scholarship – In memory of Tommy Howe III (Miami OH, ’17)

With our Sincere Thanks: Messages of gratitude from the 2022 Lawrence D. Schaffer Scholarship Recipients

The Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation would like to thank the many donors who have made it possible for 149 Sammys and others to receive a total of $174,000 in scholarship awards in the 2021-2022 academic year. Since the Foundation’s inception, we’ve awarded more than $3.6 million in scholarships, impacting the lives of nearly 4,000 students.

Honor and Memorial Gifts

March 2022 through October 2022

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 www.sam-fdn.org/donate. For questions or corrections, contact Nancy Dietmeyer at nancyd@sam-fdn.org. 

Customer Centric: A New Look at our Alumni Relations Committee

Written by Vice Supreme Prior Dean Lambert (Nebraska, ’82)

Alumni play a central role in achieving the ΣAM 2030 vision: “To transform Sigma Alpha Mu into the first choice for collegians seeking a forward-thinking, inclusive fraternity which enhances the university experience and prepares the fraternity member for a fulfilling life.”  That’s why the Octagon has adopted a new “customer-centric” Alumni Relations committee that is structured with recent member survey data in mind.

Looking at our ΣAM 2030 stakeholder diagram, sam.org/sam-2030, ΣAM undergrads and alumni are the hub of the organization. 

Stakeholders are inexorably linked to ensure the long-term support and growth of our Fraternity. The new Alumni Relations Committee is organized to successfully engage, inform and retain enthusiastic participation of graduate members of ΣAM. 

How will we do it?

Our strategic plan calls for us to be a data-driven organization. The member survey mentioned earlier is the beginning of a commitment to reach out to members to understand how to provide the best fraternity experience throughout the various life stages of our alumni. Initial data indicates we need to provide a variety of opportunities for alumni participation. 

We have published the Alumni Relations Committee structure with this article. We invested in the various functions and will need a great deal of help to engage and motivate a strong and committed alumni population. Currently, the Octagon is focused on Data & Analytics, Communication and Development.

We are grateful for any amount of time you can commit to volunteering for ΣAM! Committee volunteers typically dedicate a few hours per month depending on the committee’s approach. Inspired to serve? Email evanremer@gmail.com or dean19.lambert@gmail.com.

Where You Can Help

Sign up for one of the following sub-committees at sam.org/volunteer.

DATA & ANALYTICS

Collect, analyze and maintain data to effectively tailor and target alumni communications, programs and services to specific alumni segments.

ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS

Work with ΣAM entities (Foundation, Endowment, National Properties & Property Management) and ΣAM headquarters staff to coordinate or create timely, relevant communication outreach that engages, informs, and motivates alumni throughout their lifetime of membership.

ALUMNI SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Identify, create and manage the delivery of services and programs that would be most valuable to each of the identified segments and/or clusters of ΣAM alumni. Measure and report on participation and alumni experience satisfaction on a regular, periodic basis.

ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT

Support recruitment of volunteers to serve as committee chairs and members, chapter advisors, and supporters of alumni services/programs.

ALUMNI EVENT SUPPORT 

Develop tools and resources for alumni reunions, chapter anniversaries or other significant milestones, social events such as golf outings or annual gatherings, alumni philanthropic and community service efforts, and other international alumni events.

ALUMNI GROUP RESOURCES 

Support and manage Alumni Club formation, recruitment, and growth by creating tools and resources for alumni club membership targeting and experience support.

ALUMNI DEVELOPMENT

Responsible for non-deductible fundraising, recruiting investors for housing development projects, and planned giving (in support of ΣAM Foundation and Endowment).