After six years of service with Sigma Alpha Mu headquarters, Andrew Huston will depart staff on May 31st to become the Director of Member Services for the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). Located in Indianapolis, the NIC works to ensure that fraternities can operate in an environment conducive to their success through advocacy, collaboration and education.

A 2001 initiate of Kappa Chapter at the University of Minnesota, Andy joined the ΣΑΜ staff in June 2004 as a Field Representative and later served the Fraternity as Director of Educational Programs & Risk Awareness. He worked with the Education Committee to develop and implement the Developing Leaders Initiative (DLI) and GreekLifeEdu, in addition to enhancing the Fraternity's educational programs and creating more interaction between the Fraternity and its membership.

Since August of 2008, Huston has served as Director of Alumni Development for the Foundation. He coordinated twenty-four Centennial Celebrations across North America engaging four-thousand alumni and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu, managed the Annual Appeal, and assisted in the $5 million Centennial Campaign. During his tenure with ΣΑΜ Foundation, Huston developed strategic communication plans, leveraged social media and increased donor acquisition and alumni activities.

"Andy will be leaving a legacy of innovative programs and increased membership involvement during his tenure with Sigma Alpha Mu," said Aaron Girson, Foundation Executive Vice President. "On behalf of Sigma Alpha Mu, we wish him the best in the next stage of his career and thank him for his service to ΣAM. Though he's leaving our staff, we're excited to work with him at the NIC to advance the greater interfraternal community."

Regarding his departure, Andy said, "It has been an honor to serve ΣΑΜ membership. I've seen the impact that Sigma Alpha Mu continues to have in thousands of lives through life-long relationships and its leadership development. I plan on staying involved with ΣΑΜ, giving back to the organization that has given me so much, both personally and professionally."

Questions regarding alumni activities and programming should be directed to Fraternity Executive Director Lee Manders (leem@sam.org). For more information regarding the Annual Appeal, Centennial Campaign, and other ΣAM Foundation initiatives contact Foundation Executive Vice President Aaron Girson (aarong@sam-fdn.org).

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. It is the mission of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation 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.

The Sigma Alpha Mu Octagon (Board of Directors) has elected Mr. Michael W. Brown Esq., (Sigma Sigma chapter at U. of California, Berkeley '96), as Consul of the Octagon, effectively immediately. Brown will complete the term of Ed Rosenwasser, who resigned due to increased work commitments.

Mr. Brown brings several years of professional achievement and fraternity commitment to the Sigma Alpha Mu board. Brown earned his JD from UCLA in 1999. He is an attorney with Snyder Dorenfield, LLP in Agoura Hills, CA, with a professional emphasis on business law, real estate, construction and business litigation.

Brown has been a volunteer leader is Sigma Alpha Mu for many years. He has served as his chapter's Prior (President,) Recorder (Secretary), and as Chapter Advisor, and most recently, he has been Regional Governor of the fraternity's West Coast Province. He has also served as Chairman of the fraternity's Housing Committee, on the fraternity's Legal Committee and on the board of the Sigma Sigma Housing Corporation.

Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben stated, "We are thankful for the many years of service that Ed Rosenwasser has given to the fraternity as a chapter leader, as a member of the professional staff (as Field Representative), as a Regional Governor, and as Consul of the Octagon, including service as Supreme Recorder and Supreme Exchequer. Ed's dedication to the fraternity has remained steadfast over the years. We appreciate his brotherhood and his hard work.

We are thrilled to have Mike Brown serve on the Octagon. He is eminently qualified. He brings to us a strong background as an attorney, and he has proven himself to be a dedicated volunteer leader of this organization for many years. We look forward to Mike's further involvement as a Consul and to working with him helping to make Sigma Alpha Mu a stronger organization."

Mike and his wife Melissa have a young daughter and live in Agoura Hills, CA.

"One of the great joys of being Supreme Prior is seeing new men join our Fraternity, and realize the life-long positive impact it can make on their lives. It is an honor to be able to preside over their initiation. The reinstallation of Delta Alpha, Gamma Psi, and Delta Beta together create a great moment for Sigma Alpha Mu, and I am very proud of the staff, volunteers, and most importantly, the students that have made this reinstallation at the host Universities possible. We know that these chapters will be known as a safe haven for men of good moral character to meet and become friends and to extend the hand of friendship to future generations who will follow."


Sigma Alpha Mu Returns to the Hofstra University.

Delta Alpha Reinstalled

On April 10, 2010, Delta Alpha chapter completed its return to the Hofstra University campus. The reinstallation was the culmination of efforts by the Octagon and local Sigma Alpha Mu alumni over the past 2 years. Supreme Prior Phil Glauben, assisted by Past Undergraduate Consul Joseph Gebbie, Senior Education and Leadership Consultant Matthew Modansky, Expansion Consultant Matthew Jacobson, and area alumni presided over the traditional ceremony.

The installation marked the conclusion of the candidate process of Sigma Alpha Mu and 19 great young men are now fully initiated members of Sigma Alpha Mu's family of over 60,000 life-time initiates.

Since organizing in 1988, Delta Alpha has had an up and down history. However, this return will be one that stands for a very long future. In 2008, the chapter's status was reduced to a colony. Before returning to a chapter, the students needed to meet 7 bench-marked areas. The areas were recruitment, philanthropy, and chapter management. Delta Alpha has initiated over 250 members in the last 22 years. Other Sigma Alpha Mu installations taking place this spring are Temple University (April 11th) and American University (April 17th). Today is a great day to be part of Sigma Alpha Mu.


Sigma Alpha Mu Returns to the Temple University.

Gamma Psi Reinstalled

On April 11, 2010, Gamma Psi chapter completed its return to the Temple University campus. The reinstallation was the culmination of efforts by the Octagon and local Sigma Alpha Mu alumni over the past 2 years. Supreme Prior Phil Glauben, assisted by Undergraduate Consul Charlie Issacs, Senior Education and Leadership Consultant Matthew Modansky, Expansion Consultant Matthew Jacobson, and area alumni presided over the traditional ceremony.

The installation marked the conclusions of the candidate process of Sigma Alpha Mu and 20 great young men are now fully initiated members of Sigma Alpha Mu's family of over 60,000 life-time initiates.

Since organizing in 1987, Gamma Psi has had an up and down history. This ceremony is not just to celebrate the beginning, but also provides a great outlook on the future for Temple University students to join a wonderful organization on campus. Before returning to chapter status, the students successfully completed requirements in 7 key areas of fraternalism. The areas were recruitment, philanthropy, and chapter management. Gamma Psi has initiated over 200 members in the last 23 years. Today is a great day to be part of Sigma Alpha Mu.

This is a special time for Sigma Alpha Mu with other installations taking place this spring at Hofstra University (April 10th) and American University (April 17th). Today is a great day to be part of Sigma Alpha Mu.


Sigma Alpha Mu Returns to the American University.

Delta Beta Reinstalled

On April 17, 2010, Delta Beta chapter completed the requirements for its reinstallation at American University. The reinstallation was the culmination of efforts by the Octagon and local Sigma Alpha Mu alumni over the past year. Supreme Prior Phil Glauben, assisted by Consul Daniel Grossberg, Executive Director Lee Manders, former staff and area alumni, presided over the traditional ceremony.

The installation marked the conclusion of the candidate process of Sigma Alpha Mu and 20 great young men are now fully initiated members of Sigma Alpha Mu's family of over 60,000 life-time initiates.

Since organizing in 1988, Delta Beta has experienced an up and down history. This ceremony is not just a Sigma Alpha Mu celebration. For years an underground group operated at American University. Today, everyone has come together to mark unification. Before returning to the campus, the students impressively completed all requirements set in front of them. The areas were recruitment, philanthropy, and chapter management. Delta Beta has initiated over 250 members in the last 22 years.

This is a special time for Sigma Alpha Mu, as we are proud to welcome 3 new chapters to our family. This spring, installations took place at Hofstra University (April 10th), Temple University (April 11th) and American University (April 17th). Interest is running high at some of our colonies and interest groups and there is no day greater than today to be part of Sigma Alpha Mu.

Presentations of the Sigma Alpha Mu's Distinguished Service Award and Achievement Award occurred at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City on November 14, 2009, in conjunction with the Sigma Alpha Mu Centennial celebration dinner. Sigma Alpha Mu honored Marshall M. Gelfand, Syracuse '50, with the Distinguished Service Award and Dan Glickman, Michigan '66, with the Achievement Award.

Marshall Gelfand has given more than sixty years of outstanding volunteer service to Sigma Alpha Mu, serving as a chapter advisor, financial advisor, Consul of the Octagon, Endowment Fund Trustee, Co-chairman of the ΣΑΜ  Golden Anniversary and President of the Eta (Syracuse) chapter Foundation. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to alumni who have rendered service to the Fraternity of lasting and superlative quality. Mr. Gelfand is only the sixteenth individual to be recognized by the Octagon with the Distinguished Service Award.

The Sigma Alpha Mu Achievement Award is presented to a member of the Fraternity whose achievements in any sphere of life, except Fraternity activities, are deemed to meet recognition by the Fraternity. Dan Glickman, Michigan, '66, is chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA), which serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries. Prior to joining MPAA, Mr. Glickman served as the Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard (2002-2004), U. S. Secretary Agriculture (1995-2001) and he served for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 4th Congressional District of Kansas. In his remarks to the gathering of nearly 300 members and friends of ΣΑΜ , Mr. Glickman spoke of how he learned to work with people of diverse opinions in his undergraduate Fraternity days and how that experience benefitted him during his career.

"Sigma Alpha Mu is excited to be able to honor alumni like Marshall and Dan Glickman, whose activities are in the best traditions of Sigma Alpha Mu," said Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben. "It is especially meaningful to recognize the accomplishments and examples set by Dan and Marshall as Sigma Alpha Mu celebrates its 100th anniversary!"

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. Since founding, the Fraternity has installed 146 chapters and initiated 62,000 men.

Sigma Alpha Mu concluded celebration of its Centennial with a November 14, 2009 gala event at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. More than 250 alumni and friends gathered in the Grand Ballroom to celebrate 100 years of Sigma Alpha Mu.

The Fraternity launched its centennial celebration in August of 2007 and held two dozen events attended by more than 3000 alumni and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu. During the celebrations the Fraternity honored outstanding alumni, commemorated its history and reached out to members in new ways. In addition to celebrating its history, members of Sigma Alpha Mu are working to assure the future; the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation's AssuringCentury2 capital campaign has moved into its public phase with more than $3,700,000 raised from 200 fraters and friends of ΣΑΜ . The campaign's public phase will continue through 2010 with the goal of raising an additional $1,300,000.

"It is wonderful that so many members and friends of the Fraternity have been able to gather over the past two years in so many locations to celebrate 100 years of Sigma Alpha Mu," said Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben. "The Fraternity and its members have a rich history of which we are proud, and a bright future that all of us are working to assure. Long live Sigma Alpha Mu."

"Our celebration of 100 years would not have been possible without the efforts of Centennial Co-Chairman Howard Miller, Maryland ‘58, and David Phillips, Ohio State ‘83," said S?? Foundation Executive Vice President Aaron M. Girson. "Howard, Dave, many local committee volunteers, and Director of Alumni Development Andy Huston, led the effort that engaged a record number of alumni and friends of the Fraternity."

Contact: Andrew Huston, Director of Alumni Development at andrewh@sam-fdn.org

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded at the College of the City of New York in 1909 as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Since founding, the Fraternity has installed 146 chapters and initiated 62,000 men.

"The founding principles and ideals of our 8 founders have proved worthy of 100 years of stewardship, and have led us to this day. On the eve of our Centennial, I ask myself what our founders would think of Sigma Alpha Mu today. I wonder if our founders could have imagined that the seeds that they planted on November 26, 1909 would have grown to such a vital and important organization, creating a positive effect on the lives of so many men? I wonder if they could ever have imagined that over 62,000 men would have been initiated into the brotherhood that they formed. Could they have imagined that from one chapter at the College of the City of New York, formed at a time when Jewish men could not freely join other groups, 145 other chapters would be chartered? Would they be happy to know that the lessons of leadership and teamwork and getting along with others -- often learned for the first time in a chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu-- have been the cornerstone of the careers of many men who would go on to be leaders in their communities, in industry, in government, in science, in the arts, in virtually every aspect of society?

I'll bet our founders would be pleased, not only at the magnitude of funds that have been raised for charitable causes by our members and chapters, but also that the messages of philanthropy and giving back were first learned and reinforced in our chapters. I think they'd be impressed that, 100 years later, academic success is still one of the focal points of our chapters, and that the cumulative GPA of all of our chapters is over 3.0. I think they'd be proud that the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation was created so that no initiated man need leave school for financial reasons and that the Foundation provides over $100,000 per year towards scholarships for our undergraduate members. Wouldn't our founders be pleased that many a man was made better because his peers—his brothers—taught him that he could be?

I believe that these have been 100 years of which they would be proud, and of which we should be proud. And we can be vital for another 100 years! I believe that our future…is our past. If we remain committed to providing leadership education to our members through our excellent leadership development programs, our Chapter Leaders Days and our Leadership Conferences…if we remain committed to encouraging our members to give back to their communities through our philanthropy programs…if we remain committed to inspiring our members intellectually through our Young Scholars program, and by providing scholarships…and if we continue to provide a safe home on the college campus for men of good moral character to learn their lessons of life and to serve as a practicum for what they learn in the classroom, and some things that they do not, then Sigma Alpha Mu will remain a vibrant and relevant organization, and it will continue to have a positive effect on the lives of men who will be extended the privilege of joining our brotherhood.

If we continue to focus on our core values, I believe that there will be a group of fraters gathered somewhere on November 26, 2109, celebrating the bicentennial of Sigma Alpha Mu.

Our Founders gave us a wonderful start and a firm foundation. But it is all of us who have continued their great work over these past 100 years…who have brought their vision to life. The start was theirs…this milestone is theirs…and ours. Cheers to our first 100 years, cheers to the next 100 years, and cheers to all of those who keep the light of Sigma Alpha Mu burning!"

The Beta Upsilon Chapter at Boston University recently held a charity concert on November 14, 2009 to benefit the Judy Fund of the Alzheimer's Association. The chapter had the Los Angeles based group - Super Mash Bros play at the Boston University Student Activities Center Gym. The sold out event consisted of 2 shows and the midnight concert had 1,800 fans in attendance. The chapter raised over $8,000 for the Judy Fund of the Alzheimer's Association. For more information on Sigma Alpha Mu's partnership with the Alzheimer's Association please see, www.actionalz.org/sammies.

Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation is implementing an electronic scholarships application that will streamline the application process for students. Posting of the online application for 2010 Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation scholarships has been delayed and we anticipate the application will be available by November 30. We will be extending the application deadline to February 15, 2010. Please forward this notice out to your chapter membership.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the application process.

In April, within view of the Pentagon, the Joint Services Color Guard of the Military District of Washington opened the centennial meeting of the North-American Interfraternity Conference House of Delegates. To acknowledge the growth of the fraternal movement, and to recognize that the 73 NIC member fraternities represent both national and international organizations, the executive directors and guests present sang both the Canadian and American national anthems. With the House of Delegates session launched, so was a year-long centennial celebration that will highlight interfraternalism, brotherhood and collaboration.

The National Interfraternity Conference was founded at the University Club of NYC on November 27, 1909 by delegates of 26 fraternities. At the NIC's 75th anniversary, one dinner speaker noted that in 1909, "the climate was such that the country, the fraternities and the people were ready for change." And in the 100 years since fraternities agreed there was value in collaboration, the fraternal movement has indeed changed - the country, the fraternity system, and the people involved with both.

Today there are 127 inter/national fraternities and sororities, and 73 fraternities hold membership in the NIC. In the 100 years since the NIC's founding, two additional important trade organizations have developed, reflecting how the fraternity world and the country have developed. The National Pan-Hellenic Council Inc. represents nine fraternities and sororities with predominantly African-American membership; and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations has a membership base of 23 fraternities and sororities.

The industry continues to evolve with the development and growth of the National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA) and the National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC). Combined, the 12,000 fraternity and sorority chapters on more than 800 campuses in the U.S. and Canada have membership of more than nine million, with 750,000 of those being today's undergraduate members and the world's future leaders.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity (ZAM) announced today that its 2009 Leadership Conference and Convention August 13-16 in Dallas, TX will be highlighted by its annual Fraternity Community Service Project. On August 14, 150 Sigma;Alpha;Mu;nbsp;undergraduate delegates and alumni from across the continent will volunteer at the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), boxing and sorting food for distribution to Families in need. The NTFB and its 268 Member Agencies are experiencing an unprecedented need for food assistance due to the recession and unemployment rates. The food bank is located at 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Road, Dallas, Texas 75236,214.330.1396. The proiect is scheduled from 8:OOAM-11:OOAM.

"We strive to instill in our undergraduate members the importance of giving back to their campus and local communities. We have found that our Leadership Conference is an ideal time to demonstrate how our efforts can positively impact the lives of those in need. We believe that by participating in philanthropic work with other undergraduate members and alumni our members will be inspired to be gracious and charitable throughout their lives." said Dallas resident and XAM Supreme Recorder (International Secretary) Ed Rosenwasser.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Today Sigma;Alpha;Mu;nbsp; has 60 chapters in the United States and Canada and has initiated more than 60,000 men.

The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that distributes donated, purchased and prepared foods through a network of feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. The NTFB supports the nutritional needs of children, families and seniors through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. Close the Gap is the NTFB's 3-year initiative to unite the community to narrow the Food gap by providing access to 50 million meals annually.

Founded in 1982, the NTFB is a certified member of Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network). Last year 37 million meals were distributed. Each month agency pantries distribute food to more than 53,000 families and on-site meal programs serve 435,000 meals/snacks.

Every dollar donated to the NTFB provides four meals for the hungry

On behalf of the board of directors of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben announced today the appointment of Leland D. Manders as the Fraternity's Executive Director effective August 22, 2009.

A 1972 initiate of Mu Psi Chapter (Miami University), Lee brings a wealth of talent and experience to this position. He previously served on the Fraternity's staff from 1977-1979 as a Field Representative. Lee has been employed as a Vice President, Business Banking Team Lead at Fifth Third Bank since 2005, before joining Fifth Third, he was Visiting Executive Professor in Entrepreneurship at Miami University and was a principal and the President of Quality Restaurant Supply Company. Lee has served the Fraternity as a volunteer for over 30 years including service as Supreme Prior from 2001-2004.

"We believe that Lee is an outstanding choice to serve as the Fraternity's chief staff officer," said Glauben. He continued, "Lee's balance of experience with the Fraternity, in the business world and in higher education will serve Sigma Alpha Mu well as it enters its second century."

Upon appointment Lee said, "I'm excited about working for the Fraternity professionally. Sigma Alpha Mu has been an extremely important part of my life, and having the opportunity to serve as the Fraternity's Executive Director is both a challenge and an honor. I look forward to helping our organization continue to develop its rich history and record of excellence."

Lee with his wife Paula plan to relocate to Indianapolis in the near future from Dayton, OH. His two sons Mitchell and Jesse are both members of Sigma Alpha Mu.

Lee becomes the fifth chief executive of the Fraternity; he succeeds Aaron M. Girson, Western Michigan 993, who has served as Executive Director since 1997.


Sigma Alpha Mu was founded at the College of the City of New York in 1909 as a fraternity of Jewish men. Since 1909 the Fraternity has installed 146 chapters and initiated more than 62,000 men.

A spokesperson for the Delaware Attorney General's Office confirms that a charge of hazing has been filed against the Delta Lambda Chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity in connection with the death of Delta Lambda candidate Brett Griffin.

"Sigma Alpha Mu has clear policies prohibiting hazing and underage drinking, and it is the obligation of each chapter and its members to abide by these polices, the rules of the university and the law," said Executive Director Aaron Girson.

Upon learning of the November tragedy, Sigma Alpha Mu immediately suspended the operation of the local chapter. The local chapter remains under suspension pending the completion of the investigation undertaken by the police and the filing of criminal charges. The Fraternity has commenced its own review of the events surrounding the death of Brett Griffin. Any violations of Sigma Alpha Mu's policies by the local chapter or its members may lead to disciplinary action, including permanent suspension of the local chapter and expulsion of its members.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish Men. Since 1909, 146 chapters have been installed and over 62,000 men initiated.

Thank you for your interest in the New York City Centennial event, commemorating 100 years of Sigma Alpha Mu. The dinner is Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan.

We expect the dinner to be sold-out as there are a limited number of seats available in the hotel banquet facility. Please register early to insure your attendance. We can't wait to see you there!

Please call 317-846-0600 for assistance.

Jeff Mora
New York City Chairman

Howard Miller
Dave Phillips
Centennial Co-Chairmen

Patrick McBurney, St. John's '10, was elected Student Government, Inc. President in a record setting election at St. John's University. The March election turned out a record 1,617 student votes, a 27% increase over last year and a high for the campus. Fra McBurney has been a campus and chapter leader serving in student government as a senator and as treasurer.

Patrick has held several offices in Delta Chi chapter including Exchequer; and he was recognized St. John's Fraternity Man of the Year this spring. Patrick is a member of ???'s Fleur-de-lis leadership society and a past recipient of two ??? Foundation scholarships.

In a statement shortly after results were announced, Patrick said, "I'm really happy and excited for myself and all the winners." He went onto say, "I give credit to the people on my ticket. I would not be in this position if it wasn't for each and every one of them."

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Since founding, chapters have been established on 146 campuses and over 62,000 men initiated.

At the 2009 Cornell Greek Awards, Beta chapter at Cornell was recognized as the top Greek organization amongst the seventy-one fraternal groups on the Ithaca campus.

The chapter received the Randy Scott Stevens Award for outstanding contribution to the Interfraternity Council; this award recognizes a Cornell fraternity chapter for its commitment to the ideals of the North American fraternity movement. Beta chapter also received first place in the Outstanding Chapter Award recognizing the chapter's work in ten "Core Principles."

"It has been a great day for all chapter members, especially this year's officers who worked exceptionally hard this year," said Chapter Advisor Dennis Paese, Cornell, '73. When notified of Beta's accomplishments, Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben said, "The entire Fraternity is proud of Beta's outstanding accomplishments; the chapter is a great example of the positive impact a chapter can have on its campus and its membership."

Beta chapter was chartered on September 2, 1911 and has initiated 1426 members since its founding. Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York. Since founding, chapters have been established on 146 campuses and over 62,000 men have been initiated.

At its 2009 Laurel Wreath Luncheon, the North-American Interfraternity Conference recognized undergraduate chapters which ranked first on their campus academically and whose GPA is at least 50 basis points above the all-men's GPA. Sigma Alpha Mu's Rho chapter at the University of Illinois and Phi chapter at Washington University were among the thirty-five chapters recognized for exemplary academic achievement.

"Sigma Alpha Mu is proud of the academic success of Rho and Phi chapters; the Fraternity places a top priority on academic achievement," said Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. Since founding the Fraternity has installed 146 chapters and initiated over 62,000 men.

(Indianapolis, IN) At the April 20, 2009 meeting of the North-American Interfraternity Conference Lawrence J. Leib, Michigan State '90, was elected to the board of directors of the NIC. Larry has served as part of Sigma Alpha Mu's NIC delegation since 2006 and he is the immediate past supreme prior.

The North-American Interfraternity Conference is the trade association for 73 men's collegiate social fraternal groups. After his election, Larry said, "It is an honor to join the NIC board of directors. I look forward to serving the interfraternity movement and working to ensure the future of the fraternity movement." Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben said, "Sigma Alpha Mu is pleased that Larry has been elected to the NIC board of directors and we know that the NIC will benefit from his involvement."

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York. Since founding, ??? has installed 146 chapters across North America and initiated over 62,000 men.

The board of directors of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has voted unanimously to indefinitely suspend the Fraternity's Mu Chi chapter at Michigan State University. The decision was made based on the chapter's failure to meet the basic duties of a Sigma Alpha Mu Chapter.

"The chapter was in serious arrears in its financial obligations and the group was unresponsive to numerous efforts made by the Fraternity's leadership to work with the chapter to address the matter," said Sigma Alpha Mu Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben. Supreme Prior Glauben went on to say, "The Fraternity works to give chapters every opportunity to succeed, however, all groups must make a good faith effort to meet basic obligations; it is clear from the chapter's lack of responsiveness that the membership was unwilling to meet the standards of a Sigma Alpha Mu chapter."

All chapter members have been transferred to alumni status and the membership ordered to disband. The privileges of conducting activities in the name of Mu Chi chapter and Sigma Alpha Mu have been revoked and the membership may not conduct any chapter business. The chapter has been removed from the active chapter roll.

The board of directors hopes to work with school officials to determine a time-line for the chapter's eventual reactivation after the current members have graduated or left campus.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 as a fraternity of Jewish men, the fraternity is open to all men of good character who appreciate the Jewish heritage of the Fraternity. Today Sigma Alpha Mu has 60 chapters/colonies across North America.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has received notice that five members and one candidate of Delta Lambda chapter at the University of Delaware have been arrested on charges stemming from the Newark Police Department's investigation into the November 8, 2008 death of Mr. Brett Griffin.

In their March 27, 2009, statement the police reported the arrests of the following members of Delta Lambda Chapter: Michael J. Bassett, Travis Fiume, Justin Seeney, Michael Ciccarelli, and Henry Vieluf. Police also reported the arrest of Mr. Joseph Ciarletta, who is a member of the fall 2008 candidate class. The statement indicates that the charges do not imply direct culpability in Mr. Griffin's death.

The Delta Lambda chapter remains under a suspension of operations from the Fraternity pending the completion of the police investigation and review of the chapter. The Fraternity has encouraged the chapter and its members to cooperate with the investigation. Any violations of Fraternity policy by the chapter or chapter members are subject to disciplinary action by the Fraternity.

"The Fraternity encourages its members to obey the law and be good members of their communities", said Executive Director Aaron M. Girson. "Sigma Alpha Mu supports the investigation and upon completion of the police investigation will conduct a review the chapter and chapter membership".

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish Men. Since 1909 146 chapters have been installed and over 62,000 men initiated.

The Octagon has accepted the resignation of Executive Director Aaron Girson, Western Michigan ‘93. Mr. Girson made his decision in order to accept the position of Executive Vice President with the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation. Aaron has been a member of the Fraternity staff since 1994 and has served as the Fraternity's Executive Director since 1997, one of only four fraters to hold this position in the Fraternity's 99-year history.

As Executive Director, Girson has been instrumental in many of Sigma Alpha Mu's achievements. He was active in developing and implementing Sigma Alpha Mu's Chapter Performance Standards program, overseeing dramatic growth in educational and leadership programming, playing a key role in the restructuring of Sigma Alpha Mu's risk management and insurance programs, assisting in increased engagement of Sigma Alpha Mu in the North-American Jewish community, and, for the past several years, devoting extensive time to the Fraternity's centennial celebrations.

"Aaron has been a valuable member of the Sigma Alpha Mu professional staff for many years," said Supreme Prior Phil Glauben. "The Octagon very much appreciates all the good work that Aaron has accomplished on behalf of Sigma Alpha Mu and his efforts to prepare the Fraternity for its second century. His leadership will be missed, and we are thankful that he will remain part of the Sigma Alpha Mu family in his new role with the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation."

The Octagon will be initiating a search for a new Executive Director; Aaron will continue to serve as Executive Director of the Fraternity until August 21. Vice Supreme Prior Marc Perlstein with serve as chairman of the search committee. Marc will be joined on the committee by Consul Drew Dunsky, Ira Rubenstein, UC San Diego '86, and Martin Shapan, Stephen F. Austin, '98. In addition, the Fraternity has engaged Tom Hinkley of JTJ Group to assist in the search. Those interested in the position should contact Mr. Hinkley: via electronic mail at trhinkley@jtjgroup.com, or by mail to Tom Hinkley, JTJ Group, 18077 River Road, Suite 204, Noblesville, Indiana 46062.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded at the College of the City of New York in 1909 as a Fraternity of Jewish men. The Fraternity has installed 144 chapter and colonies in the United States and Canada and has initiated over 62,000 members.

Sigma Theta chapter earned the top rank in the University of Texas at Austin's fraternity scholarship for the fall 2008 semester. The chapter's 3.309 was above both the all University and all male averages.

According to University reports thirteen members earned a 4.0 (perfect) average, this represents 16% of the chapter's membership. 79% of the chapter's membership had a 3.0 or better. "We are very proud of Sigma Theta's accomplishments," said Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben. "Scholarship and academic success are a top focus for the Fraternity."

Sigma Theta chapter at the University of Texas was chartered in 1922; since chartering the chapter has initiated 2007 men. Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. Today the Fraternity has 60 chapters across North-America.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity has ceased recognition of its University of Rhode Island Colony and efforts to establish a chapter on the campus have been suspended. The Sigma Alpha Mu colony at the University of Rhode Island was established in the fall of 2007.

"While initial efforts showed promise, the colony was unable to make significant progress toward chapter status," said Sigma Alpha Mu Director of Expansion Adam Horn. Horn said, "The support of the University and Greek community are much appreciated and we are disappointed to not have established a chapter."

All former colony members have been released from all obligations to Sigma Alpha Mu and are free to affiliate with other organizations.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men.

ΣΑΜ has chapters on sixty campuses across North America.

At its recent meeting, the Octagon adopted a minimum chapter size policy and implementation plan. Effective June 2010, all Sigma Alpha Mu chapters will be required to maintain a minimum chapter size of thirty-five men, based on the chapter's end of the year membership count. Chapters operating on campuses with an average chapter size of less than thirty-five must maintain a membership at least equal to campus average. The policy was adopted after a Task Force study of chapter size, success rates and interfraternity trends. "This new policy is consistent with Sigma Alpha Mu's Chapter Performance Standards and interfraternity standards," said Task Force Chairman Edward H. Rosenwasser, Jr. "The new policy will set a standard for chapters to achieve and over the coming year Fraternity volunteers and staff will work with groups that may be impacted by this policy."

The policy will go into effect June 1, 2010; chapters with less than thirty-five initiated members will be given twelve months to reach a membership of at least thirty-five men, groups failing to reach the minimum may be closed or reorganized by the Octagon.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish men.

Sigma Alpha Mu, Mu Eta chapter is returning to Drexel University this term for the first time in over a decade. Sigma Alpha Mu Expansion Consultant Matt Jacobson reports, "there has been much interest shown, not only in people joining, but other sororities, other groups on campus, other fraternities, the fraternity and sorority life … all very excited to see us come back,".

Sammy was founded on Drexel's campus in 1947 and remained an active fraternity until closing in 1999. On April 7, 2008, the Interfraternity Council voted to recolonize Sigma Alpha Mu at Drexel. Jacobson with support from members at Sigma Alpha Mu's UPENN chapter colonized a group of ten Drexel students earlier this month. "It's easy for me [to be here] because people want me here," Jacobson said. Sigma Alpha Mu is looking for male undergraduates at Drexel to help refound the group. According to Jacobson, Sammy is recruiting not only freshmen to help recolonize the fraternity, but upperclassmen as well. "When you are starting a group, you kind of need a bunch of guys who generally believe in the group and want it to succeed.

So if you have that group of people that it to succeed, that's who we are looking for: people with dedication and motivation," Jacobson said. Jacobson aims to recruit enough men that when he leaves they are able to successfully function on their own as a fraternity. "Nationally we have a very high GPA. We also like people who are, well especially in this school, very business oriented. When you start a fraternity, you need people with a go-getter mind and exceptional leadership skills," Jacobson said. According to Steve Quatrani, president of the IFC, the IFC is excited to see the return of Sigma Alpha Mu to campus. "Sammy is a great opportunity.

When restarting an organization on campus, it gives the individual a sense of home away from home, all the while giving leadership skills to excel in any career path," Ryan Winthrop, expansion consultant for Sigma Alpha Mu, said. Jacobson encourages male students, especially those that say they are not a "fraternity guy" to become involved with Sigma Alpha Mu. According to Al Russakow, a 1980 graduate, Sigma Alpha Mu alumni are very excited about the return to Drexel's campus. "Sammy was held in high regard when I was there. We were the premier frat on Drexel's campus, both athletically and academically," Russakow said.

Sammy previously resided at 3411 Powelton Ave., the current Phi Mu and Phi Sigma Sigma house. "We actually do have a plan for housing; the alumni are in the process of securing a house. It is not determined, the location, yet, but it will probably be in the Greek row area," Jacobson said. According to Jacobson, Sammy could not be returning to campus at a better time, especially with the school expanding. "Greek life looks forward to growing as a whole, and we look forward to welcoming more members and reaching out to a greater amount of students," Quatrani wrote in an e-mail.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: samhq@sam.org


Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity extends condolences to the family and friends of University of Delaware freshman Brett Griffin, 18, who died Nov. 8, Executive Director Aaron Girson announced today.

"Our thoughts go out to Mr. Griffin's family and to his friends in the Fraternity and campus community," Girson said. "His loss is a blow to his friends in the Delta Lambda Chapter."

An investigation continues into the cause of Mr. Griffin's death.

Q: What do SAM and the City of Tel Aviv-Jaffa have in common?

A: Both celebrate their 100th Anniversary in 2009!

As a spectacular conclusion to the year-long celebration of Sigma Alpha Mu's 100th anniversary, the fraternity will travel to Israel as part of its Humanitarian Mission Program.

The Mission, which begins on December 22, 2009 and returns to the States on January 3, 2010, is specifically designed to appeal to all age groups. The itinerary takes the group to Tel Aviv-Jaffa, up the Mediterranean coastline, into the Galilee, the Golan, Tiberias and Jerusalem. During the Mission participants will not only tour the country, but take part in hands on activities running the gamut from digging at an archeological site, to visiting with the Druze community to performing acts of mitzvot. Families wishing to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when the Mission arrives at Masada will be able to do so with advance notice to the travel organizers.

The itinerary will have different track days with programming for first timers and other activities for those who have previously visited Israel. On many of the days there will be special briefings for all with individuals representing many aspects of Israeli life.

Because of the special significance of joint 100th anniversaries, there will be a combined centennial celebration with ΣΑΜ and Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

The cost for the 13 day Mission starts at $3,189.00 per person, sharing a twin bedded room. This is a land only price. Prices for children, up to age 18, sharing with parents, and air prices will be quoted on request. All hotels are 5-Star. Included are full Israeli breakfast daily, two lunches and six dinners all sightseeing, per itinerary with English-speaking guide, in luxury air-conditioned motor coaches.

"It is expected that we will have more than 100 Sammys and their families on this historic Mission and for that reason we are urging everyone to make their reservations as quickly as possible," said Marc Perlstein, Mission Chairman.

For information and request for itinerary and application, please contact Nexus Travel Network, Inc. at nexustn@core.com or at 847.831.3380.

Sigma Alpha Mu undergraduate fraters through donations to the Golden Bronze Society knocked out the competition in the Ultimate Fraternal Championship!

Congratulations to our top three winning chapters with 100% participation: Delta Zeta, Epsilon Theta and Beta Omega.

Golden Bronze Society Members 2007-2008

Alejandro Pacheco • Assaf Packin • Vishnu Patel • Andre Pena • Edwin Perez • John Petrie • Daniel Pijeira • Jacob Pinsof • Jason Polisar • Marcel Pulido • Ian Rathmell • Ian Ratner • Brandon Raulerson • Bradley Raxenberg • Jason Reich • Edwin Rincon • Walter Rivas • Christopher Robison • Christopher Rodriguez • Scott Rog • Jorge Rojas • Jorge Rosales • Javier Rosario • Zachary Rosen • Jonathan Rosenberg • Matthew Rotbart • Alejandro Ruiz-Castaneda • Scott Safron • Carlos Sanango • David Sanchez • Jonathan SanFilippo • Juan Santana-Garcia • Eric Schafler • Daniel Schulman • Jeremiah Shartar • Bernard Solomon • Eric Stankiewicz • William Stonelake • Nikado Taylor • James Telander • Kevin Thaler • Osmany Tianga • Dennis Tom • Gregory Trujillo • Harrison Turkheimer • Jonathan Tuzman • Juan Ulacia • Eric Valdes • Jose Vallejo • Alexander Varela • Brian Villar • Philip Vorobeychik • Bradley Wasserman • Matthew West • Sean Whelan • Bryan Yeaglin • Eric Zember • Michael Ziering

Golden Bronze Society

The Golden Bronze Society is a giving program developed by an Undergraduate Consul specifically for undergraduate members. To become a member of the society, fraters need to make a gift of $20.09 or more to the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation.

The Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation provides money for educational programs and scholarships through tax-deductible donations received mainly from alumni. These programs and scholarships provide opportunities that dues paid by undergraduates to the Fraternity do not cover. The funds raised through the Golden Bronze Society will be used to support educational programs and scholarships benefitting both undergraduate members and chapters. This is a voluntary initiative and participation allows undergraduates to influence the future of Sigma Alpha Mu.

Members of the Golden Bronze Society will receive the following benefits:

• For a donation of $20.09 – Golden Bronze Society Lapel Pin
• For a donation of $150 – Sigma Alpha Mu paperweight, Lapel Pin
• For a donation of $250 – 2004 Membership Directory with Career Networking Information, Paperweight, & Lapel Pin

The undergraduate membership of the ΜΨ chapter of ΣΑΜ has voted to disband, the Octagon (board of directors) has approved the request and moved the chapter to dormant status.

Mu Psi chapter was chartered at Miami University on November 1, 1959 and it has initiated 1368 men since chartering. The chapter had struggled with operational issues the past several years and the membership determined it was in the chapter's long-term interest to cease operations. All remaining undergraduate members have been transferred to alumni status.

The Fraternity plans to work with the chapter's alumni to reactivate the chapter in 2010.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a fraternity of Jewish men. Today the fraternity has 56 active chapters and 25 alumni clubs cross North America.

Sigma Iota chapter at the University of Michigan received top honors at last month's Sigma Alpha Mu Convention winning the Founders Cup.

The Founders Cup is presented to Siva Alpha Mu's most outstanding chapter based on overall chapter operations.

Sigma iota's 3.37 GPA, nearly $20,000 raised for charity, and excellent recruitment efforts gave them the edge over eight other finalists. Sigma Iota has nearly 100 undergraduate members and 1458 initiates since its chartering in 1923.

Open to men of good character, Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Today Sigma Alpha Mu has active chapters on sixty North-American campuses.

Andrew Huston will be replacing Liz Langford as the Director of Alumni Development for the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation effective August 29, 2008. Andrew, former Director of Educational Programs & Risk Awareness, has served on the Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity staff since June 2004. During his time on staff, Andrew has worked with the Education Committee to implement two new programs, the Developing Leaders Initiative (DLI) and AlcoholEdu, in addition to enhancing the Fraternity's educational programs. These new educational initiatives have provided more direct interaction between the Fraternity and its undergraduate members. In his new position, Andrew is "excited to work directly with alumni at Centennial celebrations across North America and to expand the impact of our educational programs on the undergraduate experience."

Liz will be joining the staff of Eagle Church as the Director of Administration where she and her husband Greg are members and have volunteered for ten years. Liz was the first person to serve in the Director of Alumni Development position for ΣΑΜ  and her tenure saw several accomplishments including setting a record for the Foundation's Annual Appeal, development of an NICF award-winning campaign video, successful launch of an undergraduate giving initiative, an 80% increase in the number of email addresses for members, and new alumni outreach efforts. Reflecting on her time Liz said, "it has been a privilege to be a part of many new initiatives, the Centennial excitement, and to work alongside the dedicated staff and alumni volunteers at Sigma Alpha Mu."

For more information on the ΣΑΜ  Centennial campaign or Foundation programs, please contact Andrew Huston at andrewh@sam.org.

The Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation has selected 127 students to receive scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to worthy and needy college students throughout the United States and Canada. The Foundation is the charitable and educational arm of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. In recent years, the Foundation has made over a million dollars in scholarship grants.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Today, the Fraternity operates on sixty-two campuses in the United States and Canada. All Foundation scholarships are permanently endowed by members and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu.

On June 19, 2008, at a White House Ceremony President Bush honored Fra Tom Lantos with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Medal is the highest award the President can present to a civilian. Fra Lantos passed into the Chapter Eternal earlier this year. The following except is from President Bush's remarks.

"When Tom Lantos was 16 years old, Nazi troops occupied his hometown of Budapest. During that bitter occupation, young Tom was active in the resistance. He twice was sent to a Nazi labor camp; both times he escaped. Tom and his wife Annette survived the Holocaust. Others in their family did not.

Their experiences amid Nazi terror shaped the rest of their lives. After they left Hungary and made California their home, Tom put his name on the ballot for a seat in the House of Representatives -- and became the only survivor of the Holocaust ever elected to Congress. One of his early acts was to establish the Congressional Human Rights Council [sic]. Annette served as the Caucus's director. Tom earned the respect from both sides of the aisle, and he rose to become the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. One colleague put it this way: Tom was at the forefront of virtually every human rights battle over nearly three decades in the Congress.

On Capitol Hill, Tom displayed the energy and enthusiasm of people half his age. When he was in his seventies, he said that he was at the midpoint of his Congressional career. (Laughter.) When he was diagnosed with a fatal form of cancer, he responded with typical grace. As he announced his decision to retire from the job he loved, his words were not of despair, but of gratitude for a nation that had given him so much. Only in America, he said, could a penniless survivor of the Holocaust receive an education, raise a family, and have the privilege of serving in the Congress. That dying servant of the people then said this: "I will never be able to express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to this great country."

America is equally grateful to Tom Lantos. We miss his powerful voice and his strong Hungarian accent. (Laughter.) We miss his generosity of spirit. And we miss his vigorous defense of human rights and his powerful witness for the cause of human freedom. For a lifetime of leadership, for his commitment to liberty, and for his devoted service to his adopted nation, I am proud to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously, to Tom Lantos, and proud that his loving wife Annette will receive the award on behalf of his family."

SAN DIEGO (Thursday, May 15, 2008) – San Diego State University has lifted the interim suspension from three campus fraternities, the university announced today.

After a review of case details, SDSU Vice President for Student Affairs James Kitchen lifted the interim suspension from the Phi Kappa Theta, Sigma Alpha Mu and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternities. The suspension was lifted after an administrative review found that those arrested in connection to the controlled substances investigation were either inactive members of the fraternity and/or were not presently residents of chapter houses.

The three fraternities had been placed on interim suspension based on each having a single member arrested on felony charges. However, the university review found that there was not sufficient information to implicate the fraternity chapter as a whole.

Three other fraternity chapters, including Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi and Theta Chi, are still on interim suspension pending further investigation by SDSU administration.

For more information on the controlled substances investigation at SDSU, please visit www.sdsu.edu/information.


San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 81 areas, master's degrees in 73 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

Epsilon Delta's outstanding 2007-2008 year culminated with multiple awards. The chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year on campus and pulled in several other awards, including:

• Greek Week Champions
• Excellence in Programming
• Excellence in Community Service

Fra Paul Jurkonis was recognized as the fraternity system's top scholar with a 3.88 GPA.

Beta chapter at Cornell was recently recognized with several campus awards including: Most Improved and Outstanding Financial Management. Fra Ross Frelich was recognized as an Outstanding Undergraduate Leader and Chapter Advisor Dennis Paese received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Delta Omega was recognized as the most improved fraternity chapter on the RIT campus. The chapter's overall improved operations, especially in recruitment, and scholarship are a credit to the chapter's leadership and membership. The chapter was also recognized as the GAMMA chapter of the year and for most improved GPA.

Stephen DeVay was awarded "Greek Man of the Year."

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 7, 2008). As the result of San Diego State University's interim suspension of the Gamma Nu chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu, the Fraternity has temporarily suspended operations of the chapter pending an investigation.

Gamma Nu was one of six fraternity chapters suspended by the University as the result of an investigation into drug trafficking/sales. One individual affiliated with the Gamma Nu chapter has reportedly been arrested. The chapter has suspended this member and is reviewing his status.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity is committed to developing leaders, fostering scholastic excellence and preparing members to be good citizens. The use and/or trafficking of illegal substances is contrary to the values and traditions of the Fraternity. The Fraternity supports the University's and law enforcement's efforts to fight this major social problem.

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Today the fraternity has active chapters on 62 North-American campuses.

For the second consecutive year Epsilon Theta chapter at the University of West Virginia has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Chapter on the WVU campus. The recognition was announced May 1 at the campus Greek Awards banquet. Epsilon Theta is a relatively new chapter that chartered in the fall of 2006, since chartering the chapter has excelled in recruitment, community service and campus leadership. The chapter was also recognized with the following awards:

• 2nd Place Homecoming
• 3rd Place Greek Week
• Outstanding Fraternity Recruitment
• Outstanding Fraternity Philanthropy

Two individual members of the chapter were also recognized, Fra Sean Whelan was recognized as the Interfraternty Council's Outstanding Chapter President and Fra Matthew Modansky was named Greek Man of the Year.

The Octagon congratulates Fras Whelan and Modansky and all the men of Epsilon Theta on these accomplishments.

On April 12, 2008, over 100 fraters, parents and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu gathered to celebrate the Texas A&M chapter's successful year and Sigma Alpha Mu's approaching 100th. Representing the Fraternity were Past Supreme Prior Phil Glauben, Consul Marc Perlstein, Consul Ed Rosenwasser, Regional Governor David Sergi, and 100th Committee Member Nathan Margolis who also is on Gamma Kappa's advisory board. Consul Rosenwasser delivered remarks on the Fraternity's 100th and a video celebrating 100 years of Sigma Alpha Mu was shown. Regional Governor Sergi, a Texas A&M alumnus talked about the history of Gamma Kappa. Each frater attending received an octagonal clock commemorating the Fraternity's centennial.

Since launching centennial celebration in August 2007, over 700 fraters and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu have joined in 100th events. The next Centennial Celebration is scheduled for August 9, 2008, in the Chicago area. For more information of Sigma Alpha Mu centennial activities go to http://www.sam.org/centennial.

Epsilon Iota Installed at Chapman University

On March 29, 2008, Supreme Prior Leib, assisted by Vice Supreme Prior Dunsky, Supreme Exchequer Gunn, Consul Perlstein, and Consul Manders, installed Epsilon Iota chapter at Chapman University. The initiation was the culmination of a nearly three year effort by students to bring the first historically Jewish fraternity to Chapman students. The students faced opposition from the campus administration and existing Chapman chapters, their commitment to bringing a Jewish fraternity experience to Chapman saw them through the road blocks. The group's efforts were supported by the ACLU and Zionist Organization of American, who supported the students' rights to form a chapter and assisted in negotiations with school officials. While the chapter is not formally recognized by Chapman University or the university controlled Interfraternity Council, the chapter does have the right to advertise on campus. Many thanks go to Fra Barry Resnick, USC '72 who has provided invaluable advisory support to the men of Epsilon Iota. Epsilon Iota is the 145 chapter installed in the Fraternity's 98 year history and brings the number of active chapters in the state of California to seven, the second highest behind the state of New York (nine groups).

Mu Theta Reinstalled

On March 30, 2008, Mu Theta chapter completed its return to the University of Southern California campus. The reinstallation was the culmination of efforts by the Octagon and Mu Theta alumni over the past ten years. Supreme Prior Larry Leib, assisted by several consuls of the Octagon, Past Supreme Prior David Rice, past Supreme Recorders Mickey Weil, Bob Platt, and Ira Rubenstein, Endowment Fund Trustee Steve Franklin, area alumni, Expansion Consultant Adam Horn and Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein, presided over the traditional ceremony.

The ceremony was followed by an installation brunch attended by the new initiates, installation team, university officials, interfraternity representatives and over twenty parents. A highlight of the brunch was the presentation of the Alumni Service Award to Fra Steve Jarmus, Southern Cal '78, Steve was recognized for his outstanding efforts coordinating alumni support of the reactivation and development of a strong Mu Theta alumni organization.

Since organizing in the fall of 2007 Mu Theta has moved quickly to be an active part of the Southern Cal campus community. The group is very active in both Hillel and Chabad and Chabad Rabbi Dov Wagner was part of the original local interest group that formed and he was initiated and serves on the chapter's advisory board.

Mu Theta was first installed in 1948 and over its history has initiated over 800 members.

Sigma Alpha Mu members are being contacted in connection with an important verification project.

Data Verification Forms will be mailed to all members. Each form will be imprinted with the information currently on file for that member.

"It's important that every frater takes just a few minutes to look over the data listed on their Verification Form," says Steven LaBell, Supreme Recorder. "For many members, it's been years since this information has been updated. As a result, a significant number of Sigma Alpha Mu records contain out-dated and incomplete information."

As a special courtesy to Sigma Alpha Mu members, the information gathered during this special data verification project will be incorporated in the upcoming Sigma Alpha Mu Centennial Directory project.

Members are strongly urged to mail back their completed Verification Forms within 14 days of receipt – even if there are no updates to the information listed. This timely response will help Sigma Alpha Mu make sure all members have taken advantage of this important opportunity to confirm the accuracy of their information.

Gamma Kappa Chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity at Texas A&M University will be celebrating one-hundred years of brotherhood April 12, 2008 in Texas style with a banquet at C&J Barbeque in College Station. The program will include a centennial speaker (Consul Ed Rosenwasser), viewing of fraternity history with the usage of the new CDROM provided by the Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation scholarship winner announcements, swearing in of new chapter officers, donations made to Hillel and Chabad by Chapter Advisor Nathan Margolis, and new prior's state of the chapter address.

Other honored guests besides Fras Margolis and Rosenwasser will be alumni, past supreme prior Philip Glauben, Consul Marc Perlstein, Regional Governor David Sergi, and family members of chapter members. Anticipated attendance is 120 people that will be celebrating the first century of Sammy and assuring the second one-hundred years.

Dear Fraters & Friends:

By now most of you are aware of the tragic events that took place at Northern Illinois University on February 14, 2008. The senseless loss of life and injuries on the campus sadden us all and our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and the families of those lost. We also express our condolences to our interfraternal brothers at Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity who lost a brother.

We have been in contact with our Gamma Lambda chapter at Northern Illinois University and they report that all members are safe and accounted for. The chapter's leadership and advisory team did an excellent job in gathering all the members and making sure they were alright and able to support each other.

We are thankful that all of our fraters at Gamma Lambda are safe and understand that the coming days will be difficult ones for the NIU community. We will continue to be in touch with the chapter to provide support.

Fraternally,

Aaron M. Girson
Executive Director

On Founders Day, Supreme Prior Larry Leib, assisted by Chapter Advisor Kip Lombardo, a delegation from Beta Tau at Northeastern, Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein and Director of Chapter Services James Olson, reinstalled Beta Upsilon Chapter at Boston University.

The Boston University men have worked diligently since colonizing last year to build a solid foundation for Beta Upsilon's reestablishment. The group has a well organized program, focused on brotherhood, community service, and support of the campus Jewish community. The chapter's future goals include growth, building their profile on campus, and organization of their alumni advisory board.

On November 14, 2007, Supreme Recorder Steven LaBell, assisted by Chapter Advisors Chad Brustin and Scott Freedman, Past Consul Steven Kahn, Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein, and a delegation from Gamma Phi Chapter at Arizona State, reinstalled Beta Gamma Chapter at the University of Arizona. The chapter's reestablishment in Tucson has been swift since a colony was established in September. The twenty-two man group hopes to quickly double their size. The group has received excellent support from the Jewish community on campus, including Chabad Rabbi Yossi Winner.

On November 4, 2007, Matthew Modansky, West Virginia '08 was recognized as an Anti-Hazing Hero by Hazing Prevention.org. Matt was one of three students from North-American campuses selected for this distinction. Matt is a charter member of Sigma Alpha Mu's Epsilon Theta chapter at the University of West Virginia.

In recognizing Matt HazingPrevention.org cited his interfraternal leadership in addressing the issue of hazing. As a member of Sigma Alpha Mu's Developing Leaders Initiative, Matt lead a student driven hazing session at Sigma Alpha Mu's 2007 Leadership conference that provided information and anti-hazing resources to over 175 undergraduates and alumni. Matt's efforts were also active on the West Virginia campus where as IFC President he lead campus efforts to educate and address the issue of hazing, his leadership has initiated increased conversation by WVU campus leaders regarding how to properly and positively educate new members and ensure that new member programs provide an experience that is consistent with the values of Greek organizations and the mission of the host institution.

In one letter of reference the writer said this about Matt, "having worked closely with him [during the development of his hazing awareness initiatives], it is clear that he is passionate about improving the undergraduate experience for fraternity men and women." Upon receiving word of the award Sigma Alpha Mu's Supreme Prior Lawrence J. Leib said, "I have had several opportunities to meet Matt and see some of the fruits of his efforts, his efforts to address the issue of hazing are commendable and are in the best traditions of Sigma Alpha Mu. Sigma Alpha Mu has long taken a strong stance against hazing and constantly works to help chapters develop new member programs that provide a positive experience." Supreme Prior Leib went on to say, "Sigma Alpha Mu applauds Matt and the many other unrecognized members of the fraternity movement that challenge hazing and other unacceptable practices."

HazingPrevention.org is a charitable organization whose programs, National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) and the National Hazing Symposium, provide campus-wide education about the dangers of hazing and their website is a clearinghouse for anti-hazing resources.

The Board of Directors of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation has launched the public phase of a $5,000,000 capital campaign to ensure the future of Sigma Alpha Mu. The initiative will raise funds for the Foundation's efforts to support scholarship, leadership development, and citizenship.

"We know we are going to be successful with this campaign," said 100th Anniversary Co-Chairman, Howard B. Miller, Maryland '58, "We are performing; we are doing our job; we are perpetuating what our Founders wanted us to perpetuate."

Over the past two years, campaign leaders have been working to gather early support in the campaign's "silent phase." As of October 23, 2007, over $2,700,000 has been raised from supporters. The outstanding commitment from the leadership of Sigma Alpha Mu has been deeply moving and demonstrates the depth of loyalty to the Fraternity.

It is the mission of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation 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.

Contact:
Liz Langford, Director of Alumni Development
lizl@sam.org
(317)846-0600

The board of directors of Sigma Alpha Mu (ΣΑΜ) Fraternity have approved $6500 in grants to support Jewish life on North American campuses.

These grants will be made on nine campuses to Hillels and/or Chabads, campuses receiving grants include: Rhode Island, University of Southern California, University of Arizona, West Virginia, Texas A&M, The University of N. Texas, Case Western Reserve, and the University of Delaware.

"As a historically Jewish Fraternity, ΣΑΜ feels a commitment to support Jewish life on North-American campuses. Our members have a rich history of supporting Hillel and Chabad," said ΣΑΜ Supreme Prior Lawrence J. Leib.

Since initiating the grant program in 2005, over $25,000 has been distributed to campus Hillels and Chabads.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Today ΣΑΜ has 70 active chapters and over 60,000 initiates.

On May 5, 2007, Supreme Prior Lawrence J. Leib, assisted by Regional Governor Dan Samson, Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein, and Barry Arbus of the ΣΑΜ Foundation of Canada, reinstalled Delta Omicron chapter at York University in Toronto. The traditional ceremony was highlighted by Supreme Prior Leib's announcement that Dan Perlin's initiation was the Fraternity's 60,000th in its 98-year history. Fra Perlin is a second year student at York and serves as the newly reinstalled chapter's Prior.

The ceremony marked Sigma Alpha Mu's fifth chartering/re-chartering of the 2006-2007 year and brings Sigma Alpha Mu's active chapter roll to 62 chapter and 5 colonies, including three active chapters in Canada.

Delta Omicron chapter at York was first installed on November 22, 1992. Sigma Alpha Mu was founded at the College of the City of New York in 1909 as a fraternity of Jewish men.

A Boston University fraternity is challenging community members to increase their awareness on national and global tragedies using one of the most widely read books to come out of the Holocaust.

To commemorate Yom HaShoah -- Holocaust Remembrance Day -- this past Monday, members of the Beta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu, a historically Jewish fraternity, are asking hundreds of BU community members to read Night, the 1958 memoir by Holocaust survivor and BU professor Elie Wiesel about his experiences surviving the Holocaust, before the end of the semester.

The fraternity began its efforts last night in the George Sherman Union's Metcalf Hall, where community members read excerpts of the book to approximately 30 people, who were provided with free copies.

Sigma Alpha Mu members said they hope their initiative will make BU more aware of present political and social injustices occurring in the country and around the world.

"Night should be read by every college student and educated person, because to be familiar with Night is to be familiar with the greatest tragedy, the Holocaust," said Steven Katz, director of the Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies.

Fraternity members encouraged the audience to share their copies of the book with others after they finish, whom they will then track through email. Excerpt readers included Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore, Marsh Chapel dean Robert Hill and Student Union President Brooke Feldman.

"You can learn a lot from the Holocaust," said Sigma Alpha Mu member and event organizer Larry Tobin. "It is our responsibility to prevent future atrocities and gain tolerance." Some fraternity members said the reading was also a way to remember the victims of Monday's shootings at Virginia Tech, in which professor Liviu Librescu, a Holocaust survivor, was shot and killed while blocking the gunman from entering his class so his students could escape.

"Part of today's event is that we express concern for events of hatred and senseless violence," said CAS junior Andrew Kahn, one of the readers. "[Librescu] tried to barricade the doors while students tried to save themselves, so we should remember him today as well as the others who lost their lives." Sigma Alpha Mu still has dozens of free copies of Night for interested students, Tobin said.

"We cannot begin to do other things [in] Darfur and Sudan until and unless we acknowledge all wrongs, tragedies and evils of the past and are ready to face them with honesty, because the perils are parallel to the present," Hill said.