On September 2, 2026, the Connecticut Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon hosted its annual Balanced Man Scholarship Banquet at Willington Pizza House. The event brought together approximately 80 brothers, alumni, and distinguished guests to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and the values of the Balanced Man ideal.

The evening provided an opportunity to recognize nine outstanding Balanced Man Scholarship recipients who have demonstrated dedication inside and outside the classroom. We were honored to welcome several important contributors to our chapter’s success, AVC president Van Augur, Connecticut ‘20, Former AVC vice president Dr. Jonathan Wharton, Stevens Renaissance, Chapter Counselor Andy Kelly, Arkansas ‘00, and UConn faculty member and chapter Faculty Fellow Leanne Adams. Brother Augur spoke emphasizing the importance of brotherhood, personal development, and the lasting impact of Sigma Phi Epsilon membership.

Throughout the banquet, we celebrated the unique accomplishments of each scholarship recipient in the order of their recognition. Damien Moi was recognized for his academic achievements and dedication as an Eagle Scout, while Kaiden Sims demonstrated exceptional leadership through athletics and community service. Casper Adamus showcased his professional initiative through his work at RTX, where he helped improve a database system, saving the company over $1 million. Braden Drapeau was recognized for his leadership as captain of his varsity lacrosse and ice hockey teams, along with his dedication to community service.

Continuing the recognition, Samuel Berninger was celebrated for his academic achievements in the UConn School of Pharmacy and for signing a professional soccer contract with Hartford Athletic. Lou McKinney demonstrated outstanding leadership as a former student body president and through his volunteer work with special needs hockey programs. Patrick Foley was recognized for his commitment to academics, leadership as a varsity basketball captain, and volunteer work with organizations such as the Appalachia Service Project. Gavin Hinderleider stood out for his entrepreneurial accomplishments, including earning his real estate license at just 18 years old, running his own media company, and building a personal following of over 150,000 people.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the top Balanced Man Scholarship Award to Jackson Ray, a Finance and Actuarial Science student recognized for his achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. Through his involvement with Team IMPACT, Jackson helped organize fundraising and awareness initiatives that raised nearly $10,000 to support children facing serious illnesses. His dedication to leadership, service, and personal growth exemplifies the values that the Balanced Man Scholarship seeks to recognize.

Beyond celebrating these nine exceptional individuals, the banquet marked an important milestone for Connecticut Alpha’s continued growth. Our chapter has increased the number of Balanced Man Scholars who have joined our brotherhood from just two in previous years to six this year. This accomplishment reflects our ongoing commitment to recruiting and developing men who embody the principles of Sound Mind and Sound Body.

Overall, the Balanced Man Scholarship Banquet was a tremendous success and a meaningful reminder of what Sigma Phi Epsilon represents. We are incredibly proud of all nine scholarship recipients and grateful to our brothers, alumni, volunteers, and faculty supporters who helped make this event possible. We look forward to continuing this tradition, strengthening our brotherhood, and recognizing outstanding young men for years to come.