Delta Sigma Phi Recognized by North-American Interfraternity Conference

Posted on by Micah Christensen

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – June 7, 2016 – Delta Sigma Phi, together with Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Tau and Sigma Nu, has been recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Conference with a Laurel Wreath Award for the development of its Social Strengths Workshop.

“The Laurel Wreath is presented to individuals or groups in recognition of their unique programs, community outreach, or influence within the fraternal world.” The collaborative Social Strengths Workshop was developed to educate Greek community members on sexual assault, relational violence, healthy relations and bystander intervention. Developed with the aid of Aaron Boe, founder of Prevention Culture, the Social Strengths Workshop launched in 2015 with members of Sigma Nu, with 95 percent of participants stating they felt more able to recognize warning signs that crop up during arguments, beyond physical violence.

“This is a particularly great moment for the Greek community, as it displays the power of working together and the impact we can have when we are fraternal with our efforts.” said Amber Huston, Chief Operations Officer for Delta Sigma Phi.

Delta Sigma Phi remains strongly devoted to the safety of its members and those in the college community. In 2015, Delta Sigma Phi also launched GreekLifeEdu, an online education and prevention program designed to challenge members’ beliefs about alcohol, hazing and sexual assault, while also empowering them to make health and safe decisions. It provides an experience that impacts both individual behavior and chapter culture, using objective, scientifically-based content.

Cameron Warner, Director of Risk Management and Housing for Delta Sigma Phi added “Our team is thrilled to be recognized for our prevention initiatives, and this recognition from the NIC validates the work we do. More importantly, the Laurel Wreath is a challenge for Delta Sigma Phi to do more to prevent sexual and interpersonal violence. We look forward to providing more resources and opportunities for our members to leverage as we become leaders in the sexual and interpersonal violence prevention movement.”

About Prevention Culture

Founded in 2014, Indianapolis-based Prevention Culture works with organizations and institutions to evolve their prevention efforts regarding sexual assault and abuse in relationships.

New programs launching in 2016 by Prevention Culture involve a comprehensive program for athletic departments and student-athletes, a customized program for the military, and mental health education programs for the Greek community and student-athletes.

Originally motivated by the experience of a survivor close to him, Prevention Culture founder Aaron Boe set out over a decade ago to understand what would actually work to influence behavior and prevent harm before it occurs. As a result, Prevention Culture applies social psychology to target the points of greatest leverage for behavior change. Visit Prevention Culture online at preventionculture.com. Aaron Boe can be reached at aaron@preventionculture.com.

Delta Sigma Phi Alumnus Recognized

Posted on by Micah Christensen

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – June 7, 2016 – Nick Sweetman, a Delta Sigma Phi member and recent graduate of Arizona State University, has been recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) with their Undergraduate Award of Distinction.

The Undergraduate Award of Distinction “seeks to recognize fraternity men who have found in their experience an outlet for developing as both a leader and a better man. The recipients are those who embody the values of their fraternity and expect the same from those with whom they associate.” Nick is one of five honorees, from a Greek community of currently more than 750,000 undergraduate men.

Sweetman serves as one of two undergraduate representatives for Delta Sigma Phi’s Grand Council and chairs a national committee of undergraduate members. He has been extensively recognized for his leadership within Arizona State’s Greek community, where he has helped spearhead projects such as a mental health initiative, a project to help the local police provide toys to children in need during the holiday season, and most recently, a proposal for long-term Greek housing at Arizona State University. Nick graduated from Arizona State University in May. While at Arizona State, Nick also served as Interfraternity Council (IFC) president.  He was jointly nominated for this award by both Delta Sigma Phi and ASU.

In his nomination for Sweetman, Patrick Jessee, Executive Director and CEO of Delta Sigma Phi, stated “Nick situates himself in every conversation with reasoned, humble leadership and poise.  He comes exceptionally prepared with well-developed critical thoughts, and advocates his concerns with clarity and compassion and without hesitation.  I see him engage his fellow undergraduates with open arms, a huge smile, and a genuine passion for understanding who they are, what they desire, and how we can support them.  It truly astounds me how he’s able to put such energy and time into this role on top of his extensive academic schedule and other volunteer commitments.”

E. Allen James Award Application Online

Posted on by Micah Christensen

The highest award the Fraternity can give to an undergraduate brother is the E. Allen James Outstanding Undergraduate Award. The award is given annually to the one undergraduate brother who contributed the most to his chapter and the Fraternity. Selection is based on an application that is submitted to the Fraternity Headquarters and is reviewed by a committee. The award is named in honor of E. Allen James, NC State ‘65, whose service to the Fraternity has included the position of Executive Director, member of the Grand Council and president of the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation.

You may nominate yourself, or nominate another individual. The nomination form is available online here.

Delta Sigma Phi Award Application Available Online

Posted on by Micah Christensen

Starting in 2016, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity will make available an award application for those chapters seeking to improve their chances of winning one of several recognitions awarded by The Fraternity each year.

As a continuation of the Fraternity’s overhaul of its annual accreditation process (read about The Pyramid Program here), chapters will now have the ability to submit additional information for any of the following awards by completing the Fraternity’s award application:

  • The Blood, Sweat & Cash Award for excellence in service and fundraising on behalf of the American Red Cross, the Fraternity’s official philanthropic focus
  • The Delta Sigma Phi Service Award for excellence in volunteer efforts throughout the year
  • The Delta Sigma Phi Philanthropy Award for excellence in service and fundraising on behalf of a nonprofit other than The American Red Cross
  • The Delta Sigma Phi Excellence in Recruitment Award for an outstanding performance in recruitment, retention and incorporation of recruitment techniques and strategies taught at the Bruce J. Loewenberg Summit
  • The Delta Sigma Phi Ritual Award for excellence in integrating the Fraternity’s Ritual into the regular activities of a chapter and its members *NEW*

Additionally, any of the above submissions will be considered in determining Chapter of Distinction and Pyramid of Excellence award winners.

Completing the application is not required for a chapter to be considered for an award, and chapters will only be eligible for any of the above-mentioned awards if they complete the associated component of the Pyramid Program, are not under any form of probation or suspension from the Fraternity.

“This application allows chapters who wish to better publicize their efforts to go above and beyond the basic expectations of the Fraternity to do so without compromising the opportunity for any chapter to win an award,” says Nik Koulogeorge, Director of Fraternity Growth and Services.

“The Pyramid Program is a tool to assist our staff, alumni and volunteers in coaching each chapter to its highest potential. This application ensures that the Pyramid Program will maintain that simple purpose,” he added.

Applications will be accepted starting May 1, 2016. The application can be found here.

Serve as Next Undergrad Member of Grand Council

Posted on by Micah Christensen

Attention undergraduates! Would you like an opportunity to serve your Fraternity as a leader on the National level? Please see the information below to find out how you can submit your name for election to the Delta Sigma Phi Grand Council. Letters of intent must be submitted to the Executive Director no later than March 20.

The Grand Council of Delta Sigma Phi serves as the board of directors of the Fraternity. Its primary responsibility is to ensure the future relevance, viability and prosperity of the Fraternity by engaging in the following activities:

  • Setting a long-term direction and vision and guiding the fraternity towards the realization of that vision.
  • Performing strategic planning and analysis of the factors, forces and trends impacting the fraternity, the fraternal movement and American colleges and universities.
  • Establishing broad fraternity-wide policies.
  • Overseeing and reviewing the performance of the Executive Director.
  • Serving as the custodian of the fraternity’s financial condition, the strength of its balance sheet and the investment of its assets. Also, the Grand Council is involved in overall financial planning as well as the approval and monitoring of the annual operating budget.
  • Being official representatives of the fraternity in ceremonial and ritualistic roles and at various chapter and alumni events.

It is equally important to clarify what the Grand Council does not do:

  • Does not supervise the day-to-day operations of the Fraternity headquarters staff.
  • Does not deal directly with chapters and individual brothers on policy violations or disciplinary actions except in those instances specifically stipulated in the Constitution and Bylaws.

The Grand Council includes two undergraduate members, one elected at-large by the Biennial Convention of the Fraternity, and the other elected in even numbered (non-convention) years. There is no specific regional representation on the Grand Council. The intent is to allow the delegates to choose the best and most capable men without a mandatory regard to geographic location. Grand Council members serve as volunteers and receive no compensation for their work for the Fraternity. The Grand Council meets either in person or by teleconference a number of times per year. In order to promote the perpetuation of Delta Sigma Phi, properly discharge his duties and effectively represent the Fraternity’s more than 90,000 living brothers, a Grand Council member must meet the basic requirements outlined in the Bylaws of the Fraternity and have the following desirable qualifications:

  • Be visionary and forward thinking.
  • Have an understanding of the needs and concerns of undergraduate members.
  • Be a positive, polished and professional representative of the Fraternity.
  • Have the time available to perform the expected duties.
  • Demonstrate a pronounced devotion to Delta Sigma Phi through considerable participation and involvement as an undergraduate brother.

If you are interested in serving on the Grand Council as an undergraduate, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be an initiated member of the Fraternity;
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher education;
  • Be in good standing with the National Headquarters and the local chapter of which he is a member;
  • Have a grade point average equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
  • Remain an undergraduate for at least one academic year from the date of election;
  • Submit a personal statement explaining why he wishes to fill the position of Undergraduate Member of the Grand Council;
  • Complete and submit the Undergraduate Member Candidate Certification of Eligibility;
  • Submit the above to the Executive Director by March 20, 2016;

Candidate statements should be postmarked no later than March 20, 2016 and sent attention to:

Nominating Committee
c/o Patrick F. Jessee, Executive Director
Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity
2960 N. Meridian St
PO Box 88507
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Should you any questions regarding the position or process of electing the undergraduate members of the Grand Council, please contact me at (317) 634-1899 ext. 412 or via e-mail at jessee@deltasig.org.

Delta Sigma Phi National President Tom Cycyota Honored

Posted on by Micah Christensen

Delta Sigma Phi alumnus and National President, Tom Cycyota, was recognized by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with the 2015 LAS Alumni Humanitarian Award for his work in human tissue donation and transplantation.

Cycyota serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of AlloSource, one of the nation’s largest non-profit providers of cartilage, cellular, bone, skin and soft-tissue allografts for use in spine, sports medicine, foot and ankle, orthopedic, reconstructive, trauma and wound care applications. The company is inspired by its donors to develop innovations that advance the potential of tissue for use in healing patents. In 2014, AlloSource was named Company of the Year by the Colorado BioScience Association.

A 1977 initiate of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Cycyota graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. As an undergraduate, he served in a number of chapter leadership positions and after graduation went on to work at Delta Sigma Phi as a member of the national headquarters staff.

Serving as National President of Delta Sigma Phi since 2013, Cycyota has worked closely with Delta Sigma Phi leadership to continue laser focus on Vision 2025, the Fraternity’s strategic plan. During his time as National President, Delta Sigma Phi has experienced increased growth, improved financial stability, and a renewed dedication to communications and transparency.

“Tom’s leadership and guidance has been paramount to the success we have achieved in recent years”, said Patrick Jessee, Executive Director and CEO of Delta Sigma Phi. “His passion for our mission of Building Better Men can be seen in all of the work he does for Delta Sig. He truly is one of our biggest champions.”

In 2013, Cycyota and his wife, Cyndy, made a charitable contribution to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation to fund the next 10 years of the annual Delta Sigma Phi Leadership Institute, a brick-and-mortar program aligned with achieving the organization’s mission of Building Better Men, based on the central values of Courage, Action and Excellence.

Delta Sigma Phi Executive Director Patrick Jessee Honored

Posted on by Micah Christensen

Delta Sigma Phi Executive Director and CEO, Patrick Jessee, has been recognized by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in its inaugural 21st Century Scholar Awards.

Jessee was recognized Distinguished Alumni Award winner at the 21st Century Scholars Anniversary Awards Reception and Ceremony on December 2, 2015. The award recognizes individuals for their professional achievements, contributions to society and continued support of the 21st Century Scholars Program.

Previously an attorney in Washington, D.C., Patrick Jessee joined the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity team as Executive Director and CEO on January 15, 2013. Jessee is the eleventh executive director of the Fraternity. He is a 2001 initiate of the Delta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi, at Purdue University, and holds a juris doctorate from George Washington University.

An Indiana native, Jessee comes from a humble beginning, spending his childhood with his family in poverty, dependent on food stamps, food kitchens, and Section-8 housing. In the 8th grade, Jessee suffered a catastrophic loss in the death of his mother; he and his sister Sarah were left in the care of an abusive father and an incredibly difficult environment to thrive. In his 8th grade year, Patrick was enrolled in the 21st Century Scholars program by his school’s guidance counselor. He credits the program for giving him hope and turning his outlook around.

Jessee graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA and went on to attend Purdue University, where he met members of Delta Sig’s Delta Delta Chapter, drawn in by their earnest commitment to values. “I had been going to recruitment events at various fraternities, and none of them were talking to me about the things the men at Delta Sigma Phi at Purdue were talking about – leadership, chivalry, a commitment to uplifting our communities through services, and a mission of Building Better Men.”

Tom Cycyota, National President of Delta Sigma Phi, said of Jessee: “Patrick embodies Delta Sigma Phi’s mission of Building Better Men, both in how the Fraternity impacted his life, and how, in turn, he has gone on to positively impact the lives of so many young men through his leadership at Delta Sigma Phi. His authenticity and sincere belief in our mission, strengthened by his wealth of knowledge and strong leadership, continue to push Delta Sigma Phi toward its vision of becoming America’s Leading Fraternity.”

Announcement Regarding Closure of Eta Xi Chapter at Towson University

Posted on by Micah Christensen

For Immediate Release

December 16, 2015

Contact: Patrick F. Jessee, JD, Executive Director and CEO

Email: Jessee@deltasig.org

Delta Sigma Phi Closes Chapter at Towson University

On December 16, 2015, Delta Sigma Phi suspended our Eta Xi Chapter at Towson University. This decision, while extremely difficult, was made with critical insight from Towson University and done in the best interest of our Fraternity’s future at the university. The suspension of the chapter came as a result of the chapter’s multiple and egregious violations of university and National Fraternity policies.

Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity is committed to upholding our standards and fostering meaningful Fraternity experiences for our members. Despite the chapter’s strengths, a failure of undergraduate leadership and brazen disregard for the Fraternity’s policies prohibiting hazing activities ultimately prompted a strong response. There are good men from Eta Xi Chapter who now must pay a great price for the actions of other members; we are truly disheartened that those brothers will lose this undergraduate component of the Fraternity experience.

In October 2015, reports of serious and repeated hazing activities – later confirmed by a university investigation – highlighted behavior inconsistent with the high standards that Delta Sigma Phi demands. The Eta Xi Chapter accepted responsibility for harassing and humiliating men seeking membership within the Fraternity, and for hazing activities that included forced calisthenics and personal servitude. The National Fraternity determined, together with Towson University, it was not in the best interest of Delta Sigma Phi to continue operating Eta Xi Chapter. The Fraternity cannot, and will not, tolerate blatant disregard toward our policies and standards for members and chapters.

The National Fraternity and university have agreed to an initial period of suspension and disbandment of Eta Xi Chapter through the end of the 2017. Delta Sigma Phi is committed to providing a premier, values-based fraternity to Towson University and will utilize its resources to recruit new men who—upon our return to the university—will uphold our mission of Building Better Men. We are confident that we will once again have a chapter of men who are committed to the ideals of Delta Sigma Phi.

The news of the chapter’s suspension is—without a doubt—upsetting for all Eta Xi undergraduate members, Fraternity alumni and other supporters. While difficult in the short-term, the National Fraternity is committed to working diligently with our alumni and Towson community to restore Eta Xi Chapter with Men of Courage, Action and Excellence.

Founder’s Day 2015 – A Message from Patrick Jessee

Posted on by Micah Christensen

Brothers,

We are a legacy. We are a legacy of the ideals and passionate declarations made by the men who set us on our journey towards a transformative mission. We are a brotherhood in the service of that mission which is still relevant, still resonant, today just as it was 116 years ago. Tomorrow is our Founders’ Day, a day we celebrate 116 years of developing Men of Courage, Men of Action, Men of Excellence. We are the Better Man.  We are Delta Sigma Phi.

Founders’ Day is our day. It’s our day to reflect on our shared beginnings and the men who started our movement. It’s our day to see in ourselves the present-day embodiment of our Founding Fathers’ dreams and aspirations for a universal brotherhood of man. It’s our day to look to the future and challenge ourselves in who we can become. And it is our day to both be inspired by Delta Sigma Phi and to Repay our Debt to the Fraternity by committing our time and treasure toward that future.

After 116 years, we continue to make our mark on the lives of thousands of young men. We recruit those who earnestly believe in bettering themselves, and their journey as a Delta Sig is continuously supported by opportunities to give members the most from their experience. Each of us has something special to give, regardless of our stage in life, to improving that experience. Take time to consider how you can be a part of furthering our cause.

As Brothers of Delta Sigma Phi, ours is a mission that is unwavering. We must always strive to lead headlong into the challenges our modern world faces, we must push beyond the status quo even when under the weight of discrimination, injustice and prejudice, and we must always find ways to achieve excellence in all areas of life.

It’s our ceaseless dedication to self-improvement and personal development that sets us apart, and our integrity, perseverance and authenticity that make us Better Men.

Tomorrow, as you recognize Founders’ Day, we invite you to wear your Delta Sig pin. Go out and show your pride in our brotherhood. But more importantly, we invite you to rededicate yourself to the mission on which Delta Sigma Phi was founded. Tomorrow is Founders’ Day, and you are Delta Sigma Phi.

YITBOS,

Patrick F. Jessee
Executive Director & CEO, Purdue ’01