HQ Hires Mario Tobar, Assistant Director of Operations

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity hired Mario Tobar (West Florida, ‘15) as the Assistant Director of Operations. Mario attended the University of West Florida where he joined the fraternity in 2015. He earned a degree in Mathematics and is completing his Master’s in Data Science. 

Mario brings significant experience to this role as former Exchequer, Candidate Educator, and Campus Involvement Chair of the Delta Eta Chapter at the University of West Florida. He was also active in Student Government as Treasurer and University Affairs Chairman. Mario further demonstrated his love for and loyalty to his Alma Mater as a Student Ambassador and Co-Chair of Argo Camp. He was also a graduate of Sigma Alpha Mu’s Developing Leaders Initiative.

As Assistant Director of Operations, Mario will serve as the key staff leader for the continued enhancement of database services and processes to enable more data-driven insights. He will also update membership records and educational resources in the MySAM Resource Center in support of achieving the mission of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. 

“Mario is a dynamic member who brings a variety of mission-critical skills to our team,” shared Executive Director Andy Huston. “In this role, Mario will have a significant impact on the member experience. He will be instrumental in our efforts to realize the SAM 2030 Strategic Plan.”

Mario looks forward to improving customer service and organizational efficiency by maximizing the fraternity’s database. He shared, “I cannot wait to dive deep into this role and enhance my skills and the lives of our chapters by enhancing the database and making applications on the portal friendlier for our fraters!” Mario began working full-time for the fraternity on Monday, January 3, 2022.

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 46 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

HQ hires Ken Schneider as Director of Development, Alumni & Real Estate

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity hired Ken Schneider as the Director of Development, Alumni & Real Estate. Ken attended Chapman University where he joined the fraternity in 2010 and earned a degree in history. From 2014-2016, Ken worked on Sigma Alpha Mu staff as an Educational Leadership Consultant before leaving to get his Master’s Degree from the  London School of Economics. Before rejoining SAM, Ken worked in non-profit engagement, community building, and leadership development with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. 

As Director of Development, Alumni & Real Estate, Ken will lead the acquisition of housing for chapters for SAM National Properties through their established investment model. This position will also advance the strategic priority of alumni development to support active chapters and the growth of our active chapter roll. He brings significant experience to this role as the former Young Alumnus Consul of the Octagon 2018-2020.

“Ken’s previous staff and volunteer experience with Sigma Alpha Mu has uniquely prepared him to advance strategic priorities of real estate and alumni development. He has remained a proud champion of our mission and vision while demonstrating professional success with other non-profit organizations,” shared Executive Director Andy Huston. “I am excited to have Ken back on our team to enthusiastically lead these initiatives.”

Ken Schneider shared, “Sigma Alpha Mu has meant so much to my personal and professional development. The opportunity to help this organization grow and thrive into the future is one that is beyond exciting and will motivate me on a daily basis. I also look forward to interacting with our fantastic alumni who share a common love for this fraternity and the impact it can have.” Ken began working full-time for the fraternity on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, remotely from Detroit, Michigan.

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 46 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

Founders’ Day 2022

From the Office of the Supreme Prior:

Dear Frater,

As I start as Supreme Prior the Fraternity finds itself 2+ years into executing the SAM2030 Strategic Plan.  The goal of this plan is to cause Sigma Alpha Mu to become recognized 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.  But how can we make such a lofty statement easier to understand and relatable to prospective members, and how do we reconnect with alumni members that have lost connection to the fraternity after finishing school?

During the past year, Sigma Alpha Mu conducted a project to collect from its members their personal Sammy Stories.  These stories provide example after example 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, as well as the lives of their families and also their 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 who we are, what we stand for, and why being a Sammy is something to be sought after and valued.

Why share this story? Primarily because I think it illustrates that SAM is far more than the out-of-control, collegiate “party club” that our media and pop culture portray all fraternities as. Ours is an organization that exists to make peoples’ lives better during and AFTER college through lifelong friendships, supporting others in need of assistance, doing things to improve our communities, AND, most importantly, instilling in our members a common foundation of values that hopefully 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. But life is about more than parties, and if we are going to realize our goal of being recognized at the “first choice of collegians…” then we need to show the world that we’re more than just a party club and the additional aspects of our fraternity will make a positive difference in their lives.

And it doesn’t end when our members finish school. Sammy membership is for LIFE. Since graduation so, many of us have found our fraternity membership there to support us time and again. Through continued friendships, job mentoring and networking, being welcomed to a new city by a newly met SAM brother, and in times of adversity when a helping hand and moral support of friends is really needed. That’s what Sigma Alpha Mu has been for many of its members. It’s what it still is today for many of us. And it is what 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 SAM2030 goal.

Thank you, 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 for being there for me in the fall of 1981 when I was the guy with the viral infection. For extending the hand of friendship to me. For being a huge part of enabling me to build the life that I have. And for opening my heart and mind to see how my life would be enriched and enhanced by becoming a part of this organization. The guy who was never, EVER going to be a member of SAM has ended up as its new Supreme Prior because all of you guys live the values of Sigma Alpha Mu. I will try my best to continue following your example.

Fast and Firm,

Dave Kleppel

Supreme Prior

Jerred McCormick Named Director of Growth

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has named Jerred McCormick as Director of Growth. Jerred attended the University of Arkansas where he joined Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity in 2007. He earned a B.S. degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. As Director of Growth, Jerred will lead efforts as highlighted in our SAM 2030 strategic plan by expanding the chapter roll and delivering recruitment resources to support collegiate members and volunteers. 

“Jerred brings substantial enthusiasm and experience to the role of Director of Growth,” shared Executive Director Andy Huston. “Over the past decade, Jerred has held progressive roles leading teams to support youth development. His recent roles have demonstrated his ability to manage complex administrative processes with a multitude of stakeholders, of which there are many parallels to our system of growth. We’re thrilled to have him as the newest member of our team.”

Director of Growth McCormick shared, “Fraternity life has been an integral part of my career. It has allowed me opportunities to work in a multitude of areas. I look forward to working with an organization that has continued to be a pillar of success for generations of collegiate men.” Jerred began working full-time for the fraternity on November 15th remotely from Arkansas. He and his husband, Justin, are proud parents of their son Hayden. They enjoy spending time together and traveling the world, all while cheering on their Arkansas Razorbacks.

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.

The TRUTH Campaign: Time to Report Unauthorized Traditions & Hazing

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is launching the TRUTH Campaign (Time to Report Unauthorized Traditions & Hazing). This proactive effort is designed to bring to light issues – big or small – that have occurred during recent years. Most importantly, the focus of the TRUTH Campaign is to work with chapters and members to collaboratively address reported events, traditions, and behaviors. 

Supreme Prior Jerry Conrey’s State of the Fraternity address at the 2021 Convention emphasized that truth is the most significant of Sigma Alpha Mu’s eight core values as stated in our Ritual. Hazing and unauthorized traditions pose a threat to the health and wellbeing of our members – as well as the livelihood of our chapters.

The TRUTH Campaign empowers people with the truth to act now before an incident happens. The international fraternity is committed to helping chapters fix these behaviors, practices, and cultural concerns to align with our policies, expectations, and – most importantly – foster an exceptional brotherhood experience. Many members, parents, or friends of the fraternity may have been hesitant to report their concerns for fear that the chapter will be sanctioned, fined, assessed a risk management surcharge, or closed. The TRUTH Campaign was created to give amnesty to chapters that fix reported concerns. 

“The truth is simple – hazing and unauthorized traditions have no place in Sigma Alpha Mu. Chapters have been closed for hazing-related misconduct that they thought was building unity, bonds, and brotherhood – only to see that disappear because of their actions,” shared Executive Director Huston. “We are committed to investing the time and resources with chapters to create a safe and values-based experience that aligns with our policies as well as our standardized True MDH Initiative candidate education program.” 

The time to act is now. Don’t let something happen during your watch. It’s time for TRUTH.

Submit a TRUTH Campaign report online at https://sam.org/incident-report/, call our offices at 317.789.8338, or connect with a member of our staff. Please note that submissions will be treated as confidential. We need your contact information to follow up in collecting specific details about your report. 

Any reports that are received during the academic year from ongoing behavior will follow our regular standards committee show cause and investigative processes. Those incidents will not be subject to these same “amnesty” protections of the TRUTH Campaign.

RELATED RESOURCES:

• Our standard expectations of new member programming (the TrueMDH Initiative) are outlined in the mySAM resource center. 
• Our candidate education and anti-hazing policy is available in the risk management policy. That can be found on our website at sam.org/risk.  The Good SAMaritan Policy and Anti-Bigotry and Discrimination Policy can also be found at sam.org/risk.
• Anti-Hazing Laws – stophazing.org
• HazingPrevention.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How will my information be kept confidential?

The fraternity will not disclose the identity of any reporting individual. Attempts to identify the reporting individual by a chapter are discouraged and anyone involved in retaliation will be addressed through a standards process. 

How will the fraternity follow up on reports from the TRUTH campaign?

We will contact the reporting individual to follow up on the information provided in their report. The staff will set a meeting with chapter leaders and advisors to discuss the traditions or events that were disclosed. We will then establish a plan to align the chapter’s programming with our policies. 

Will this information be shared with your University?

A summary of the action plan that is developed will be shared with the university.

Will individual members be held accountable?

This campaign is designed to correct inappropriate behavior. Those individuals who do not support the remediation efforts or actively engage in future hazing-related behavior will be held accountable.

Will this actually create change?

Yes! We have worked with chapters in the past to address these changes to traditions and reported hazing behaviors. These efforts have been successful because we have received honest details about the events that were occurring, so all stakeholders could work collaboratively to address the concerns.

Girson Recognized for Interfraternal Service

Aaron Girson was recognized by Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity with the Riegelman-Jacobs Award for Outstanding Interfraternal Service at their Convention this summer. This award commemorates two outstanding brothers of ZBT. Brother Harold Riegelman of Kappa Chapter at Cornell University was from the class of 1914. Brother Maurice Jacobs was from Pi Chapter at the University of Maine and from the class of 1917. Both served as President of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, and Brother Jacobs received the NIC’s highest award, the Gold Medal. It is fitting for the Fraternity to memorialize Brothers Riegelman and Jacobs with an award honoring outstanding service to the interfraternity community.

Aaron M. Girson, CFRE

Aaron M. Girson, CFRE currently serves as the Vice President for the Triangle Education Foundation. Aaron joined the Foundation staff in December 2012. Aaron is responsible for the development and stewardship of major gifts from alumni and friends of Triangle Fraternity as well as chapter-specific housing campaigns.

Aaron comes to the Triangle Foundation after more than eighteen years of experience at Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity where he served as a Field Representative, Director of Chapter Services, Executive Director, and Foundation Executive Vice President. Aaron’s leadership was a major component of the success of Sigma Alpha Mu’s $5 million Centennial Campaign. While on the Sigma Alpha Mu staff, he led the development and implementation of the Fraternity’s award-winning Developing Leaders Initiative, revamped the Fraternity’s insurance/risk management programs, and executed the Fraternity’s Centennial Celebrations in two dozen North American cities.

Aaron is a graduate of Western Michigan University where he was a founding member of the Sigma Alpha Mu – Delta Nu chapter; while at Western he was honored as the Greek Man of the Year, and as Sigma Alpha Mu’s Outstanding Chapter President. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is an Honorary Life Member of the Fraternity Executives Association. Aaron is a past Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Fraternity Executive’s Association, has served on the North-American Interfraternity Foundation’s Nominating and Institute for Greek Advancement committees. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation.

Please join us in celebrating this tremendous recognition with Aaron Girson.

Sammy Stories: Oral History Project in Partnership with PCI

Every Sammy has a story, and Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity wants to hear yours. However, with over 70,000 living alumni, it would take many years to meet with each Sammy individually.

That’s why we’ve decided to embark on a new project — Sammy Stories — to collect the stories of alumni in their own words. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates the impact Sammy has had on our lives and who we are today. Every year we don’t capture and preserve these stories feels like another opportunity lost, so we’re excited to get started!

To submit your Sammy story or to update your information, please call the number listed on the postcard or email you received or call our partner, PCI at 1-800-982-1590.  You do not need to log in to the Sam.org website.

The Fraternity has published more information about this project and FAQs at: https://sam.org/alumni/sammystories/.

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 46 collegiate chapters and over 59,000 living alumni.

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.