Developing Leaders Initiative: 2021 Recap

Written by Adam Cohen (Illinois, ’09), Developing Leaders Initiative Co-Chairman

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Sigma Alpha Mu once again held our award winning Developing Leaders Initiative (DLI) in the spring semester with great success. Despite not being able to meet in person, our DLI Committee led by Education Committee Chairman Phillip Glauben (North Texas, ‘73), DLI Chairman Adam Cohen (Illinois, ‘09), Assistant Executive Director Michele Peterson, and Director of Operations Sam Friday (W. Florida ‘13) were able to host the experience virtually.

The six-week virtual program focused on topics designed to enhance the leadership skills of each individual to not only improve their chapter, but the international organization as well. The sessions included:

Service on a Board of Directors by Guest Speaker: Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

Ask the Octagon

The Future of ΣAM: Strategic Plan

The Undergraduate Perspective on Fraternal Matters

The DLI Iota Class developed two projects that would have significant impact for chapters and a lasting impact on the Fraternity as a whole. The first project was created after in-depth discussions regarding the need for more education, awareness and support around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. They created a DEI Chairman position description for chapters wanting to incorporate education and advocacy within their chapter operations. The other project focused on the importance of values-based growth within Sigma Alpha Mu. They created a values-based recruitment rubric to assist chapters in recruiting and selecting men based on the values (Simplicity, Holiness, Purity, Justice, Sincerity, Fraternalism, Idealism and Truth) of our beloved Fraternity.

Due to this experience, many of the DLI participants plan to be involved as an alumnus with ΣAM after graduation. Jared Garson (Mu Psi, ‘19) stated, “I hope to be a part of the Octagon one day, and I would love to serve as an advisor for future DLI classes.” Sigma AlphaMu is fortunate to have engaged and passionate volunteers and we look forward to seeing members of the DLI Iota Classes involved in the future.

Members of the DLI Iota Class include:

Aaron Silberman (Sigma Tau, ’19)
Alan Hakki (Gamma Tau, ’18)
Austin Hubsch (Gamma Tau, ’19)
Jared Garson (Mu Psi, ’19)
Jeremy Degre (Beta Omega, ’18)
Joseph Malone (Sigma Delta, ’19)
Lyle Yaggy (Mu Psi, ’20)
Robert Osborne (Sigma Omicron, ’19)
Rory O’Connor (Delta Omega, ’19)
Ross Bernstein (Epsilon Nu, ’19)

DLI is funded by the ΣAM Foundation and was awarded the NIC Laurel Wreath in 2017.