SIGMA ALPHA MU PROMOTES RACHEL SHAFFER TO DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP RETENTION & VALUES
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is proud to announce the promotion of Rachel Shaffer (Sigma Kappa Sorority). Having served the past year as a Membership Experience Specialist for Sigma Alpha Mu, Rachel will be continuing on staff as the Director of Membership Retention and Values.
In this new role, Rachel will maximize her skills in student development and engagement as well as an organizational strategy to support our chapters. As the Director of Membership Retention and Values, Rachel will coach Sigma Alpha Mu’s chapters by more intentionally by focusing on harm prevention techniques, values-based decision-making, and strategic initiatives. Rachel’s rapport with students and ability to understand campus culture based on her experience as a fraternity-sorority practitioner will better position of chapters for success.
Executive Director Andy Huston shared, “Rachel has provided top-rate educational coaching and support to our chapters. She’s built extraordinary trust with the students and advisors she works with to help the chapters tackle challenges, improve general operations, and impact chapter culture. I look forward to seeing her innovate the fraternal experience and continue to help chapters achieve their goals and advance the mission of Sigma Alpha Mu.”
Rachel will continue to be a steadfast volunteer for Sigma Kappa Sorority and a law student at Seattle University School of Law while taking on her new responsibilities. Rachel currently resides in Washington state and can be reached at [email protected].
Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. Since 1953 it has been open to all men of good moral character. The vision from our SAM 2030 strategic plan is to transform Sigma Alpha Mu into the first choice of collegians seeking a forward-thinking, inclusive fraternity which enhances the university experience and prepares the fraternity member for a fulfilling life. To recommend a member, visit sam.org/recommend.
Sigma Alpha Mu provides a lifetime subscription to The Octagonian to all fratres by providing it online and emailing each member with an email address on file when a new issue is published. Our digital communications efforts are also bolstered by more content onFacebook, Instagram, andYouTube. If you would like to share news about professional accomplishments, marriage/newborn announcements, or alumni gatherings online, go tosam.org/heard andsam.org/family. The Octagonian covers topical issues relating to Sigma Alpha Mu, active and alumni members, alumni clubs, and the interfraternal community.
Having issues accessing this Spring issue? Message us at [email protected].
Written by Supreme Prior Dave P. Kleppel (Washington University, ’82)
REALIZING THE VISION:
70-YEARS OF WELCOMING ALL MEN OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER
Since 2020 DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) has emerged as a mainstream priority in American culture. Some see this as a genuine focus on trying to improve our country. Others see noble ideals being referenced in name only to support a desired political or social outcome.
Since the last issue of the Octagonian I’ve received feedback from multiple members relating one or the other of the above viewpoints as regards ΣAM’s efforts regarding inclusivity. As inclusivity is the theme of this issue of the Octagonian I think it appropriate to explain how inclusivity has been, and still is, viewed by ΣAM leadership, as well as reflected broadly by our membership through their Sammy Stories. In doing this, I hope to strengthen the pride and confidence of our entire membership regarding the path that ΣAM continues to follow.
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is NOT a political organization. We do not take an action/position because it is politically expedient. Our eight core values are intended to form the basis of everything we say and do. The lofty ideals contained within a genuinely objective understanding of DEI are overwhelmingly aligned with these values. Of this, there can be no doubt.
Unlike many in our country, ΣAM’s focus on recent DEI views is not a new development. We started considering and acting on these kinds of issues over 7 decades ago. It was at the 1953 Convention that we amended our Blue Book such that ΣAM would no longer limit membership to only include men of Jewish heritage, and instead, it opened membership to “ALL men of good character.”
How and why did the change come about? The answer is revealed in the meeting minutes from that period.
While being victims of social injustices, discrimination, and hate were not limited to Jews, ΣAM’s members up until 1953 were well-versed in being excluded, ostracized, and victims of prejudice that limited their abilities to participate in or benefit from networking, educational and leadership experiences offered by fraternal, social and civic organizations and activities of the day. They knew this to be unjust. Despite the memory of the attempted genocide directed at their brethren during the Holocaust fresh in their minds, they still felt that it was inconsistent with our values for ΣAM to exclude non-Jewish men from our ranks.
Imagine how different the last 70 years of our fraternity’s history might be if our earlier leaders lacked the courage and conviction to follow our values. Understand the contributions to ΣAM’s success during the last 7 decades of the 1953 decision to embark on a path of inclusivity in the words of some of your fellow members:
The oral histories have been edited for brevity.
Jim Vitarello (Toledo, ’63)
My pledge class included two African Americans, another Italian-American, and an Irish American. Toledo, Ohio, was a highly segregated town, and for a white fraternity to have two African Americans in 1963 was unprecedented. We were a unique fraternity.
Wing Chen, JD (Stony Brook, ’04)
I chose Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity because I attended several meetings and saw how diverse it was. That’s what stood out to me and how the brothers enjoyed hanging out with each other.
Thibault Padiou (Brandeis, ’18)
There were a lot of different people coming from other countries. I liked their values as well. It would be interesting for me, a guy from France, to be part of a fraternity. They also had people from Korea, China, Russia, Switzerland, and Israel. Even the alumni were very diverse. It was fun and took me out of my comfort zone, which wasn’t bad.
Jesus Rodriguez (FIU, ’92)
It struck me years ago, and still to this day, with this fraternity (that) among the things it values most is its diversity. And still, to this day, you look at the chapter, we’ve got black, white, Hispanic, and openly gay kids. It’s wild, and yet the brotherhood holds. You have to appreciate something like that about a group like this.
Members from many decades relate that being diverse and inclusive was/is a valuable differentiator of our fraternity. It is one of the reasons they remain committed to ΣAM Inclusivity makes us stronger because it allows us to discover and appreciate other perspectives and realize the similarities and commonalities of the challenges that we all face, even if not in precisely the same ways. Such enlightenment leads to collaborative efforts to resolve those kinds of challenges for the betterment of all.
For more than seven decades, inclusivity for ΣAM has been about two simple things; 1) trying to make all men of good character aware that they are invited and wanted and 2) making each candidate/member feel welcome and that they belong as much as any other candidate/member. ΣAM’s current leadership is committed to keeping the organization on the same path.
Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is proud to announce the addition of its 152nd location on the chapter roll as the Epsilon Rho Provisional Chapter at Clemson University. This exciting growth for the fraternity is due to students seeking out Sigma Alpha Mu as an ideal fit for their vision of a new brotherhood at Clemson. The Octagon approved the provisional charter following the interest group’s successful admission to the Clemson Interfraternity Council as an Associate Chapter.
The interested students worked diligently with the Director of Growth, Jerred McCormick, to grow and develop operations over the past few months. Assistant Executive Director Jackie Hackett facilitated an abridged version of our True MDH Initiative candidate education program in a weekend retreat format. The men were then initiated into the Epsilon Rho Provisional Chapter by Supreme Prior David Kleppel on April 30th.
Executive Director Andy Huston noted, “Several students expressed interest in bringing Sigma Alpha Mu to Clemson this spring because of their alignment with our values. It was noted that this is one of the most impressive and quickly developing interest groups that the Clemson IFC has seen during the meeting where we received IFC recognition. Please join me in congratulating these seven Founding Fathers – Daniel, Ethan, Jonah, Lukas, Ryan, Connor, & Gavin – who have the vision to build Epsilon Rho Chapter in the best tradition of our Creed!”
The Provisional Chapter will continue to receive support from staff and area alumni as they work to grow, develop operations, and prepare their application for the ratification of their charter at the 2024 Convention.
“I’m proud to be a part of Sammy and believe that as a chapter, we will be able to make a big impact on the community through charity, brotherhood, and leadership,” reflected newly initiated frater Daniel Chaput.
Clemson University is home to 23 IFC fraternity chapters with an average chapter size of 86. This is Sigma Alpha Mu’s 7th chapter in the ACC. Assistant Dean of Students & Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Gary Wiser shared, “The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is excited to welcome Sigma Alpha Mu as the 24th member of the Interfraternity Council. Our office and IFC believe the mission and values of Sigma Alpha Mu will enhance our community, and we look forward to the chapter being a valuable member of our community.”
Do you want to support the growth of Sigma Alpha Mu? Please consider a non-tax deductible contribution to our Bridge Builder Fund at sam.org/bridge.
Tell us about your individual accomplishment, award, or news by contacting the Director of Alumni Engagement at [email protected] 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
