Last weekend, the CT Alpha Executive Board and selected rising leaders had the opportunity to attend Carlson Leadership Academy in Parsippany, New jersey. The leadership academy utilized novel and effective teaching strategies to instruct the leaders of chapters all over the Northeast region. Each brother received education from Carlson’s volunteers tailored to each of their positions. The Presidents learned how to lead their chapters more effectively, and how to showcase their chapters’ strengths to each of their universities. The Vice Presidents of Programming were instructed on how to conduct more influential philanthropy events, and how to better portray the SigEp image through programming. The Vice Presidents of Recruitment were briefed on the ideal new member, the best rush procedures, and efficient interviews. The Vice Presidents of SigEp Learning Communities interacted in workshops focused on new ways to reward academically strong brothers, and how to better stress the importance of Sound Mind and Sound Body within their respective chapters. The Vice Presidents of Member Development worked to set plans for Sigma, Phi, Epsilon, and Brother Mentor challenges to maximize the development of each brother. The Vice Presidents of Finance learned how to better allocate their budgets for the good of the fraternity, and create better systems for dues collections. The Vice Presidents of Communication worked collaboratively to learn how they can each help every other Executive Board member, and how to produce more professional media on an organized basis. The Chaplains took a deep dive into the bylaws and the meanings behind the ritual in order to maximize the significance of each rite of passage’s performance. Lastly, the rising leaders looked into each of the Executive Board positions and associated projects, and were provided instruction on how they can effectively lead their chapters in the future.
After a productive day of learning and growth, all of the brothers, AVC and SigEp Nationals personnel sat for an elegant dinner. When the meal met its conclusion, SigEp Grand President Billy Maddalon spoke in front of the leadership academy. In only a few minutes, he eloquently expressed his love for the fraternity and all that it has given to him. He also thanked all of the district governors, staff, and AVC volunteers for their lofty time commitments in order to make Carlson possible.
Lastly, he presented the chapter awards, of which there were four. Grand President Maddalon quoted many times throughout the day that SigEp CT Alpha was “embarrassed with riches”, and mentioned this while presenting three of the awards as well. The first award that CT-A was presented with was the Benjamin Hobson-Frayser Award for Excellence in Communication. He pointed out CT-A’s entertaining rush videos and frequent posts across all media platforms. This was thanks to the hard work of CT Alpha’s last Vice President of Communications (now President), Kellen Paparella. The second award that CT-A received was the Talent Power Award for Excellence in Recruitment. Last year, CT-A exceeded its recruitment goals, amassing a 96-member chapter by the time of Carlson, while spring recruitment was yet to conclude. Along with this, Mr. Maddalon noted that the new members were always of a high standard, as the recruitment process is notoriously competitive and rigorous at UConn. This award was thanks to the extreme efforts and time commitment put forth by the former Vice President of Recruitment, Will Servino, and his 2022 Recruitment Committee. Finally, Mr. Maddalon awarded CT-A the Sunago Mentorship Excellence Award, recognizing the contributions of brother Van Augur, CT Alpha’s AVC President (CT-A ‘20). Van was recognized for his involvement in the transition retreat, dealing with grueling paperwork, and his work as a liaison from CT Alpha to the national fraternity.
As a new adventure awaits in 2023, CT-A reflects on the work that they have put into this chapter in order to make it great. The brothers of the Executive Board were pleased to win so many great awards, but now they turn their focus onto a more prestigious award that will be presented at this year’s Conclave: The Buchanan Cup. The new Executive Board, rising leaders, and standards board members have attained the skills necessary to make a great chapter an excellent one; and now they focus on carrying out their plans with Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love.