As an exciting weekend at SigEp’s 56th Grand Chapter Conclave in Houston, Texas came to a close, the brothers and alumni of Connecticut Alpha were given one more reason to celebrate.
At the close of every Conclave, attendees assemble Saturday night for the Alumni Awards dinner. During this dinner, the fraternity honors those alumni who have dedicated their time, talents, and treasure to further the mission of Sigma Phi Epsilon. As a part of this, each Conclave, several alumni are inducted into the Order of the Golden Heart – the highest honor a brother of SigEp can receive. This award is given only to those who have given a lifetime of service – a three decade minimum – to the fraternity at the local, regional, and/or national level. It is with great honor and excitement that Connecticut Alpha announces that our fellow brother, Joe Langella, class of 1983, was inducted into the Order of the Golden Heart in Houston.
An excerpt from the official announcement is reproduced below. Footage of Joe receiving the award from Grand President Chris Bittman can be found here.
After graduation, Langella became a regional director. Following an impactful year on the road, he remained on the Headquarters staff for several years. During this time, he made an enduring impact on undergraduates and volunteers across the country as he oversaw alumni services, served as editor of the SigEp Journal and led the planning and execution of Conclaves. After concluding his time on staff, he relocated and became a chapter counselor.
“He was a confident and determined leader who set the bar high for all of us in the chapter,” one nomination read. “He demanded the best from himself and the same from the rest of us.”
A few years later, he accepted the position of district governor, a role he’s served in for nearly 20 years. Throughout his tenure, Langella has led national events, local workshops and tough conversations — all the while, inspiring generations of SigEp brothers with his commitment to our brotherhood.
In addition to making a lasting impact as a district governor, Langella played a major role in building the support needed to restart his home chapter. The chapter is now more than 100 members strong and after going 30 years since its last Buchanan Cup, earned another one here in Houston.
It’s not an achievement he takes credit for, though. Throughout his years of service, Langella has maintained a humble, servant’s attitude. He is quick to praise others and reluctant to accept credit for what he sees as his duty to give back to our brotherhood.
Joe holds the additional honor of being the first member of Connecticut Alpha (and of any Connecticut SigEp chapter) to be inducted into the Order of the Golden Heart. He was inducted alongside brothers Ted Behnken, Toledo ’82; Bryce Giesler, Tennessee ’82; Jay Hurt, Davidson ’88; and Chuck White, Western Michigan ’62. After the announcement in Houston, Joe was joined by surprise visits from his spouse, children, and brother (also an alumnus of Connecticut Alpha).
The brothers of Connecticut Alpha are deeply proud to call Joe Langella our brother, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him.
Now more than ever, Sigma Phi Epsilon is in need of volunteers committed to supporting our undergraduates and furthering the mission of our founders. If you are interested in volunteering for Connecticut Alpha or know someone who would be, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.
Above: The Order of the Golden Heart, Conclave 2019.
This is the largest gathering of living OGH recipients in SigEp’s history.