Sigma Phi Epsilon at Rider University
A Commitment to our Roots
Sigma Phi Epsilon’s existence at Rider University spans over a decade. In 1996, a group of young men wanting to enjoy the benefits that a Fraternity could offer founded Sigma Phi Epsilon. Even though Fraternities had existed at Rider for decades, these men wanted an organization that was different and which would help them become better men.
Nationally, Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded at Richmond College in 1901. Sigma Phi Epsilon began when Carter Ashton Jenkens, a former Rutgers University student who had transferred to Richmond College decided with a group of friends that they would create a new Fraternity. They were committed to creating a Fraternity which was different than other groups. This fraternity would be based on Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly love and would believe in peace through Brotherhood.
Today, after more than 10 years as both a local and 100 years as a national fraternity, we are positioning ourselves for success for the next century. To do this, we are committed to our roots. We are committed to being different from other Fraternities. We are committed to helping Brothers become better men through a commitment to our principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love.
A Commitment to Leadership
Sigma Phi Epsilon has had a history of developing leaders.
Sigma Phi Epsilon’s vision as a National Fraternity is “Building Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities”. At SigEp, we look for men who want to be leaders on the campus and in the community.
Your fraternity experience with Sigma Phi Epsilon will give you a unique opportunity to develop your leadership skills. The chance to serve as an Officer; to chair a Committee; to organize and coordinate a community service project; all give you valuable leadership experience. These experiences will serve to benefit you the rest of your life as you begin your career and your life after Rider.
As a member of SigEp you’ll be able to participate in the Leadership Continuum program. The Leadership Continuum is an award winning series of distinct and progressive leadership opportunities aimed at teaching and reinforcing SigEp values to a Brother from the day he joins to the day he graduates. Through self-discovery, analysis and interaction, Brothers develop skills necessary to lead balanced lives and to continue leading the fraternity world.
Historically at Rider, Sigma Phi Epsilon has had members who have served as Presidents and in leadership capacities of various organizations, including the Student Government, the Interfraternity Council, the Finance Board, Student Entertainment Council and other campus and community clubs and organizations. Leadership is a SigEp tradition at Rider University.
A Commitment to Scholarship
The Balanced Man is committed to a healthy mind. A healthy mind is committed to scholarship and academics.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is committed to members who are intelligent, are academically sound and who continually pursue knowledge.
The Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation supports undergraduates and their scholarship and leadership development with resources that help provide an experience for maximum personal development for each undergraduate Brother. In the past year, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation provided more than $1.5 million in grants and scholarships.
At Rider, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter annually awards scholarships to Brothers to help defray the cost of school. We also annually award the Balanced Man Scholarship to a first year student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in leadership, athletics, scholarship, and community service.
Educational programs and seminars sponsored by the Chapter utilize campus and alumni resources to help you develop into a better student. Topics include: time management, study skills, and stress management.
A Commitment to a Sound Body
The Balanced Man recognizes that the epitome of balance is to have a sound body with a sound mind. At Sigma Phi Epsilon, we strive to have sound and healthy bodies.
The Rider Chapter believes that organized competition should bring out the best in a man as he demonstrates teamwork and a sense of fair play. But having a sound body goes beyond organized sporting events. Having Brothers with whom you can share a pick-up game, go running, or go to the weight room can serve as an inspiration to staying healthy. At SigEp, we recognize the value of staying fit and encourage all of our members to maintain a sense of health which will enhance your self-esteem.
A Commitment to YOU!
The Balanced Man Program (BMP) is essentially a Personal Development program. Working with other Chapter Brothers, alumni and members of the community, you will be mentored towards becoming a “balanced Man”. Life is a journey and we believe that the journey is made easier and more fun when it is shared with friends who share similar values.
Through your relationship with Sigma Phi Epsilon, you will have an opportunity to make networking connections with undergraduate and alumni Brothers. A support system of mentors and Brothers who can assist you for the rest of your life will be a major benefit you can gain from your membership in Sigma Phi Epsilon. The lifelong friendships which you will develop, however, will forever be the most significant gift that Sigma Phi Epsilon can give you.
Notable SigEp Alumni Who Are Balanced Leaders
Brothers from Rider University have recently graduated and are beginning to distinguish themselves as Balanced Leaders in the fields of law, healthcare, education, government and business. In doing so, they are continuing a larger SigEp tradition. The following list represents a small sampling of national members of Sigma Phi Epsilon who have distinguished themselves as “Balanced Leaders”:
-Kenneth Arrow
Nobel Laureate in Economics, Professor, Stanford University
-Col. Karol Bobko
Space Shuttle Commander, NASA
-Sean Casey
First Baseman, Major League Baseball
-Kenneth Derr
Chairman, Chevron Oil
-Brandon Ebel
Founder, President & CEO, Tooth & Nail Records
-John Engler
Former Governor, Michigan
-Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel
Author
-John Goodman
Actor
-Thomas Hicks
Owner, Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, Mesquite Championship Rodeo
Also owns half of Liverpool Football Club