Undeterred by an early season nor’easter, SigEp at UConn found shelter at the Bolton Congregational Church on September 26, 2026 for the 4th edition of its biennial alumni-undergraduate picnic. Many thanks to Jerry Dallas ’70, Bob Flynn ’82, and Tom Birmingham ’86 for the quick pivot.
Brothers from all generations of the chapter gathered to reunite with old friends and make new ones. Founded in 1956, the chapter is celebrating its 70th birthday this year.
In the house were Jerry Dallas ’70, Peter Markle ‘70, Jim Olson ’71, Jim Szerejko ’71, John Hinman ‘72, and Henry Lienhard ‘72. This special group of brothers spans most of the chapter’s history and have been SigEps for almost 60 years.
Grand President David Calderon, Cal Poly-Pomona ’88, traveled across the country from Los Angeles to help the brothers also celebrate SigEp’s 125th birthday. Grand President Calderon met with the chapter’s recruitment team, executive board, and key volunteers and got a behind-the-scenes tour of campus courtesy of Chapter Counselor Andy Kelly, Arkansas ’00.
Alumni and Volunteer Corporation president Van Augur ’20 led off the formal program, emphasizing the rich, seventy-year tradition that today’s Connecticut Alpha SigEps have inherited and challenging them to maintain and continually improve that tradition for another seven decades.
Chapter president Noah Arce-Caliskan ’27 reported on the chapter’s strong position as the largest fraternity at UConn with 104 returning active brothers. That follows from the spring semester being named UConn’s Interfraternity Council Chapter of the Year and finishing first in GPA among all fraternities for the eleventh semester in a row! He also expressed the gratitude of the membership for the mentoring and financial support from chapter alumni and volunteers.
Tom Birmingham and Jake Daignalt ’25 teamed up to discuss the chapter’s emerging Brother Mentor SigEp for Life Capstone Experience, a weekend retreat with mentor breakout sessions and a keynote dinner centered around presentation of Brother Mentor projects. This capstone is expected to elevate the appeal of participating in the Brother Mentor Challenge – the final stage of the Balanced Man Program, recognize the achievement of the participants, and forge relationships with alumni to assist participants to prepare for life after college.
On behalf of SigEp’s National Board of Directors, Grand President Calderon presented Steven Chaneles ’83 with the Exemplary Service Award in recognition of Steve’s decades of volunteer service to the Fraternity. The award is given to those brothers who have devoted more than twenty years of service to SigEp and made a significant and lasting impact for the betterment of the Fraternity.
Steve Chaneles then introduced the two newest inductees to the Connecticut Alpha Alumni Hall of Fame: Jerry Dallas ’70 and Wade Medlar ’80. The Connecticut Alpha Alumni Hall of Fame honors chapter alumni who have distinguished themselves in a manner bringing credit and honor to themselves, CT Alpha, and SigEp. The award serves to spotlight the extraordinary impact honorees make in their professions or communities or the Fraternity.
Joining SigEp during the turmoil of the late 1960’s, Jerry’s involvement spans every generation of the chapter. He served first as chapter counselor and later as a continuing source of wisdom and guidance for the chapter and the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation. A mentor, a leader, a friend, and a much-loved brother, Jerry instilled a respect for and commitment to the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles, was a key player in securing a chapter home, and established chapter traditions which continue, such as attending Conclave and strong alumni-undergraduate relations.
Wade served as the chapter’s first president when the chapter was rechartered in 1980. Recently retired after a 40+ year executive career, he rode the leadership skills he developed as chapter president to the top levels of business running companies in the Midwest and left his mark there as you did at Connecticut Alpha. As chapter president, he insisted on a commitment to SigEp’s Cardinal Principles that prevails today among our undergraduate brothers, and set a standard for the chapter presidents that followed him.
Keeping with tradition, the Sabbs Brothers band, featuring National Song Chairman Bill Gunn ‘88 and Vinny Piselli ’86, provided musical entertainment. The day wrapped with brothers, let by Brother Gunn, serenading our lady guests with the Sweetheart Song.
We look forward to meeting again in two years. Stay tuned for details in early 2028. Please submit nominations for the Connecticut Alpha Alumni Hall of Fame to speaconn@gmail.com.
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