HQ Hires ELC, Kenneth Burrell (West Florida, ’17)

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity hired Kenneth Burrell as its newest Educational Leadership Consultant. Kenneth attended the University of West Florida where he joined the fraternity in 2017. He earned a B.S. degree in Sports Management and a Minor in Information Technology. As Educational Leadership Consultant, Kenneth will provide support to the fraternity’s collegiate members and volunteers. He brings significant experience to this role as Vice Prior of the Delta Eta Chapter at University of West Florida.

“Kenneth Burrell has been an exceptional leader at the University of West Florida. During the interview process, he shared how much he was inspired by members of his chapter to get involved on campus,” shared Executive Director Andy Huston. “As a result, Kenneth immersed himself in campus life as an Orientation Leader, Student Ambassador, Orientation Student Coordinator, and Resident Assistant. Within Sigma Alpha Mu, he has demonstrated strong leadership as Vice Prior of Delta Eta Chapter. Kenneth is a natural when it comes to building relationships and rapport with college students. I am confident that the inspiration that ignited his campus involvement will be contagious among the chapters and leaders he serves during his tenure at Sigma Alpha Mu International Headquarters.”

Kenneth looks forward to serving as an educational leadership consultant sharing, “the Fraternity has given me the leadership opportunity to personally and professionally grow. I want to help others grow as well and appreciate this opportunity to give back.” Kenneth will begin working full-time for the fraternity in Indianapolis on July 15th, 2021.

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. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

Providing Our Chapters with New Recruitment Resources

Sigma Alpha Mu Headquarters is committed to providing the leading training and technology to ensure our chapter’s recruitment success for the upcoming year. In 2020 we partnered with Phired Up to provide every chapter with ChapterBuilder and access to become a Certified Recruiter. ChapterBuilder maximizes organization and communication between you, your recruitment committees, and potential new members.

Being on the same page as your recruitment team is essential to having a successful recruitment strategy. Without seamless communication, many potential new members fall through the cracks. For many chapters utilizing the program, the ability to add candidates and generate new leads, and following up with those potential new members has become easier. 

Can your chapter improve its recruitment process? Always. Get certified today by looking for the link in your email. In order to promote more involvement with our Certified Recruiter Training, we are incentivizing certifications chapter-wide and individually to those that maximize their certifications. Reach out to a member of the Growth Team to set up a meeting and look out for our next post for more guidance.

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. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

SIGMA DELTA CHAPTER CLOSURE AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

The Sigma Alpha Mu International Fraternity has suspended the charter of Sigma Delta Chapter at Rutgers University due to violations of Fraternity policies.

After receiving recent reports of health and safety concerns, Fraternity staff conducted an investigation in collaboration with the University’s Office of Student Conduct and determined that the chapter failed to comply with Fraternity policies and values. The Octagon took unanimous action to close the chapter. 

“Our top priority is to create a healthy and safe environment for our members and to foster a culture that reflects our values,” said Executive Director Andy Huston. “Despite extensive education, resources, and training, the chapter’s actions flagrantly violated our policies. We have taken action to close the chapter which reinforces our expectations and values. We look forward to working with the Sigma Delta alumni and Rutgers University administration to develop a new chapter that will restore honor to this century-old chapter.” 

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. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

HQ Hires new Growth Consultant, Armando Rijo

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity Welcomes Armando Rijo as Growth Consultant.

In the Growth Consultant role, Armando will join efforts related to successful growth and expansion while supporting active and provisional chapters, and developing recruitment resources. He has significant professional experience and insight which aligns with our strategic priority of growth.

Armando attended the University of Central Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2018. He subsequently attended the University of South Florida where he earned a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2021.

Armando is a member of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. As a member and volunteer of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., Armando has led expansion projects on several campuses. As a graduate leader, he was named his fraternity’s National Sector Leader of the Year.

Armando shared, “Although coming from a multicultural-based organization, the fundamentals of building brotherhoods and providing men with robust leadership development are quite similar between the two organizations. In this new role, I look forward to helping Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity excel in their forward-thinking and inclusive practices through continuing to educate our membership to break barriers for our communities and utilize their voice to provide fulfilling lives for all.”

Executive Director Andy Huston added, “I’m thrilled that Armando is joining our growth team after the completion of his Master’s degree at USF. His demonstrated expansion success coupled with experiences working with USF’s Offices of Fraternity/Sorority Life, Multicultural Affairs, and the Dean of Students will help advance a transformative culture in Sigma Alpha Mu.”

Armando began working full-time for the fraternity in Indianapolis on June 1st, 2021. Learn more about our growth initiatives at sam.org/expansion.

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 that enhances the university experience and prepares the fraternity member for a fulfilling life. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

HQ Hires new Growth Consultant, Uri Nathan

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has named Uri Nathan (URI, ‘15) as its Growth Consultant.

In this role, Uri will join efforts related to successful growth and expansion while supporting active and provisional chapters, and developing recruitment resources. He has significant professional experience and insight which aligns with our strategic priority of fraternity growth.

Uri attended the University of Rhode Island where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2020. Fra Nathan joined the Epsilon Delta Chapter at Johnson & Wales University and soon after transferred to the University of Rhode Island where he became a Founding Father of the Epsilon Pi Chapter. In 2019, Fra Nathan received the Trailblazer Award and Scholarship.

Executive Director Andy Huston added, “Uri is uniquely suited for this role having single-handedly led the effort to start a brand new chapter at the University of Rhode Island after transferring from Epsilon Delta Chapter at JWU. His experiences in framing a culture and shared vision of what can be accomplished through Sigma Alpha Mu were inspiring. As a result, Uri is poised to grow new chapters and support recruitment initiatives.”

Uri shared, “I’m really looking forward to working together with a passionate team and really seeing the fruits of our labor come to fruition. It’s not so often that one gets to see the work that they do really having an immediate impact, but our goal is to expand and that will be clear to see!”

Uri began working full-time for the fraternity in Indianapolis on June 1st, 2021. The Sigma Alpha Mu Endowment Fund underwrites the funding of this position to advance the fraternity’s strategic priority of growth. Learn more about our growth initiatives at sam.org/expansion.

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 that enhances the university experience and prepares the fraternity member for a fulfilling life. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

Sammy is Coming Back to Syracuse

Sigma Alpha Mu is excited to announce the return of the Eta Chapter at Syracuse University during the fall semester. In partnership with the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office and with the approval of the Interfraternity Council, Sammy will be back on the Syracuse campus.

Since being founded in 1913, the Eta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu initiated over 1,800 men. Notable Eta Chapter alumni include 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis (Syracuse, ‘60), former Mayor of Detroit and NBA player Dave Bing (Syracuse, ‘65), and renowned entertainment business manager and founder of our Fraternity’s Philanthropy, The Judy Fund, Marshall Gelfand (Syracuse, ‘45).

Know current undergraduate men at Syracuse? Click here to share their info with our headquarters staff and recommend potential Founding Fathers for this fall.

Eta Chapter has multiple long-standing alumni support structures, the Eta SAM House Corporation and Eta SAM Foundation. As we prepare for a successful return this fall we are looking for alumni to support the chapter’s return and establish a Chapter Advisory Board. If you are interested or would like to recommend someone to support the chapter please contact Alex Hart, Director of Growth, alex@sam.org.

We look forward to joining the Syracuse community this fall as we foster our vision: 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. 

Follow the chapter on social media. Go Orange!

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

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 that enhances the university experience and prepares the fraternity member for a fulfilling life. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

David Ariel (Indiana, ’05), Goldbelly, shares advice for members entering the workforce

As a recent graduate, are you looking for advice on entering the workforce?

Meet David Ariel (Indiana, ‘05), the Marketing Merchandiser at Goldbelly, a curated online marketplace for regional and artisanal foods crafted by local food purveyors throughout the United States. Built on positive culture and ingenuity, their business boomed as the pandemic accelerated the trend of in-home dining.

A recent New York Times article that highlights Goldbelly identified their team’s one-year growth which has swelled from a 40-to-130 person staff including a new chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Reflecting on their extraordinary growth, David proudly shared, “At Goldbelly, our culture is our superpower. Our entire team is made up of people who are super smart, laser-focused, understand the importance of teamwork and know-how to keep it fun. For anyone who wants to join a startup, spend time during the interview process asking questions about the company’s culture and values to make sure it fits your goals and is where you want to be.”

Fra Ariel attended Indiana University where he served the Sigma Zeta Chapter as a Merchandise Chair. Ariel next transferred to the University of Buffalo where he graduated with a degree in Political Science. In 2013, he was brought on to work for Goldbelly.

When asked about the leadership lessons from his time in his chapter, Ariel recalls, “I was fortunate to have two candidate educators and other Sammys who mentored us. Being part of Sigma Alpha Mu teaches you that you win as a team. That is certainly the case in business and definitely applicable to Goldbelly.” The team at Goldbelly has shared their successes with restaurants seeking alternate sources of revenue during the pandemic which turned to local delivery services. David concludes, “If you focus on what is possible as a team and lift those around you up, good things happen and your goals are more easily achievable together.”

Hungry to know more? Go to www.goldbelly.com.

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 that enhances the university experience and prepares the fraternity member for a fulfilling life. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

Marshall Gelfand (Syracuse, ’45) Enters Chapter Eternal

Marshall Gelfand (Syracuse, ’45) entered Chapter Eternal on Thursday, April 1st at the age of 93. 

After serving his country as an enlisted Naval Correspondent, Marshall was welcomed into Sigma Alpha Mu – Eta Chapter’s 25-man pledge class. During his undergraduate tenure, Eta won the Founders Cup in 1948 and 1949. Marshall graduated from Syracuse University in 1950 with a degree in accounting from the Whitman School of Management. These two events began a lifetime of dedication, leadership and service to his beloved Syracuse University and to Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. 

On the fraternity’s international stage, he served as Co-Chairman of the Golden Anniversary in 1959, a Consul to the Octagon, Endowment Fund Trustee (1975-88, 89-91), and a Director of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation (2008-2011). Fra Gelfand was a key supporter of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation for more than fifty years. Fra Gelfand received the Certificate of Merit (2005) and the Distinguished Service Award (2009) which has only been presented to seventeen fratres. 

In the 2009 Distinguished Service Award Presentation, Executive Director Emeritus Bill Schwartz shared, “Marshall has advised many undergraduate fratres to use their fraternity leadership experience as a stepping stone to their future career—as he did.  Some years ago called and asked the headquarters for names of talented students.  He hired them and helped them and worked with them. He was president of the Eta Chapter Foundation which he has helped to grow and to assist fraters in need. He was Chapter Advisor to Eta and Financial Advisor.” He served as Trustee of Syracuse University and Trustee of Syracuse University Alumni Associations in both New York and Los Angeles. Syracuse awarded him the George Arents medal for personal accomplishment. The Eta Chapter recognized Marshall’s lifetime of leadership to Sigma Alpha Mu and Syracuse University by dedicating their new fraternity house in his name in 2015.

Marshall established The Judy Fund in 2004 in memory of his wife, Judy, who died of Alzheimer’s disease. Sigma Alpha Mu adopted the The Judy Fund as its international philanthropic partner in 2004. The Judy Fund is the largest family fund in the history of the Alzheimer’s Association, and has raised over $9 million in support of Alzheimer’s research and care. In 2014, Marshall received the Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity award for his work with The Judy Fund.

Marshall will be buried alongside Judy in a private family ceremony at Wiefels & Son Mortuary in Palm Springs, California. On a future date, there will be a Celebration of a Life Well Lived. 

Donations can be made in Marshall’s memory to The Judy Fund at the Alzheimer’s Association 

online, www.alz.org/judyfund, or by mail: The Judy Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601.

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. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

Dir. of Growth Hart Recipient of 2021 WVU’s Isler HQ Partner Award

Director of Growth Alex Hart is the recipient of West Virginia University’s 2021 Micaela A. Isler Headquarters Partner of the Year Award. This award is presented to a recipient who works for an international fraternity or sorority and has exhibited true partnership and a commitment to West Virginia University’s (WVU) institutional mission of innovation and service.

“Since Alex joined us in the Spring 2021 semester he has shown an intentional and authentic passion for the fraternity and sorority experience,” shared Dr. Matthew Richardson, Director of the Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership at WVU. “He has volunteered his time to facilitate a session in our Nolan M. Burch Greek Leadership Academy as well as coached and mentored leadership on the IFC on effective recruiting techniques. He has lived his Sigma Tau Gamma values in an obvious way and was a true ambassador for Sigma Alpha Mu.”

Alex led a successful growth and expansion effort on campus at West Virginia University this semester. There are currently 17 members of the new group who will be reinstalled as a provisional chapter on April 8th at 8p ET. Alex reflected on this recognition, “When we do expansion work, it is a relationship. In such an unpredictable year, those relationships have proven to be even more important.”

Executive Director Andy Huston added, “We join WVU in celebrating Alex. Each expansion effort is a collaborative process between the international fraternity, university administration, and campus community. Alex has worked to ensure our process embodies ‘love for and loyalty to Alma Mater and its ideals’ as espoused in our Creed. I am grateful to WVU’s Center of Fraternal Values and Leadership for their partnership and recognition of Alex.”

The Sigma Alpha Mu Endowment Fund underwrites expansion efforts to advance the fraternity’s strategic priority of growth. Learn more about our growth initiatives at sam.org/expansion.

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. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

Mu Epsilon Chapter Closure at the University of Miami

The Sigma Alpha Mu International Fraternity has suspended the charter of Mu Epsilon Chapter at University of Miami due to violations of Fraternity policies.

After receiving recent reports of health and safety concerns, Fraternity staff conducted an investigation in collaboration with the University Dean of Students Office and determined that the chapter failed to comply with Fraternity policies and values. The Octagon took unanimous action to close the chapter. 

“Our top priority is to create a healthy and safe environment for our members and to foster a culture that reflects our values,” said Executive Director Andy Huston. “We simply will not tolerate such violations of policies, expectations and values.” 

“The University of Miami continually communicates a clear set of policies and expectations to all of our Greek organizations that are designed to encourage a safe, healthy and positive experience for UM students. During our mutual investigation, it became clear that the Sigma Alpha Mu Chapter at the University of Miami blatantly violated our risk management policies and showed a continued pattern of disregard for the safety of UM students. We have partnered with Sigma Alpha Mu International Fraternity for nearly 75 years, and we support their decision to close the chapter at this time,” said Dr. Patricia A. Whitely, University of Miami Senior Vice President for Student Affairs.

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. With its International Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, the fraternity currently has 48 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.