S??-S?'s outstanding 2007-2008 year culminated with multiple awards. The chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year on campus and pulled in several other awards, including:

• Greek Week Champions
• Excellence in Programming
• Excellence in Community Service

Fra Paul Jurkonis was recognized as the fraternity system's top scholar with a 3.88 GPA.

Beta chapter at Cornell was recently recognized with several campus awards including: Most Improved and Outstanding Financial Management. Fra Ross Frelich was recognized as an Outstanding Undergraduate Leader and Chapter Advisor Dennis Paese received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

S??-?O was recognized as the most improved fraternity chapter on the RIT campus. The chapter's overall improved operations, especially in recruitment, and scholarship are a credit to the chapter's leadership and membership. The chapter was also recognized as the GAMMA chapter of the year and for most improved GPA.

Stephen DeVay was awarded "Greek Man of the Year."

For the second consecutive year Epsilon Theta chapter at the University of West Virginia has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Chapter on the WVU campus. The recognition was announced May 1 at the campus Greek Awards banquet. Epsilon Theta is a relatively new chapter that chartered in the fall of 2006, since chartering the chapter has excelled in recruitment, community service and campus leadership. The chapter was also recognized with the following awards:

• 2nd Place Homecoming
• 3rd Place Greek Week
• Outstanding Fraternity Recruitment
• Outstanding Fraternity Philanthropy

Two individual members of the chapter were also recognized, Fra Sean Whelan was recognized as the Interfraternty Council's Outstanding Chapter President and Fra Matthew Modansky was named Greek Man of the Year.

The Octagon congratulates Fras Whelan and Modansky and all the men of Epsilon Theta on these accomplishments.

On April 12, 2008, over 100 fraters, parents and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu gathered to celebrate the Texas A&M chapter's successful year and Sigma Alpha Mu's approaching 100th. Representing the Fraternity were Past Supreme Prior Phil Glauben, Consul Marc Perlstein, Consul Ed Rosenwasser, Regional Governor David Sergi, and 100th Committee Member Nathan Margolis who also is on Gamma Kappa's advisory board. Consul Rosenwasser delivered remarks on the Fraternity's 100th and a video celebrating 100 years of Sigma Alpha Mu was shown. Regional Governor Sergi, a Texas A&M alumnus talked about the history of Gamma Kappa. Each frater attending received an octagonal clock commemorating the Fraternity's centennial.

Since launching centennial celebration in August 2007, over 700 fraters and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu have joined in 100th events. The next Centennial Celebration is scheduled for August 9, 2008, in the Chicago area. For more information of Sigma Alpha Mu centennial activities go to http://www.sam.org/centennial.

Epsilon Iota Installed at Chapman University

On March 29, 2008, Supreme Prior Leib, assisted by Vice Supreme Prior Dunsky, Supreme Exchequer Gunn, Consul Perlstein, and Consul Manders, installed Epsilon Iota chapter at Chapman University. The initiation was the culmination of a nearly three year effort by students to bring the first historically Jewish fraternity to Chapman students. The students faced opposition from the campus administration and existing Chapman chapters, their commitment to bringing a Jewish fraternity experience to Chapman saw them through the road blocks. The group's efforts were supported by the ACLU and Zionist Organization of American, who supported the students' rights to form a chapter and assisted in negotiations with school officials. While the chapter is not formally recognized by Chapman University or the university controlled Interfraternity Council, the chapter does have the right to advertise on campus. Many thanks go to Fra Barry Resnick, USC '72 who has provided invaluable advisory support to the men of Epsilon Iota. Epsilon Iota is the 145 chapter installed in the Fraternity's 98 year history and brings the number of active chapters in the state of California to seven, the second highest behind the state of New York (nine groups).

Mu Theta Reinstalled

On March 30, 2008, Mu Theta chapter completed its return to the University of Southern California campus. The reinstallation was the culmination of efforts by the Octagon and Mu Theta alumni over the past ten years. Supreme Prior Larry Leib, assisted by several consuls of the Octagon, Past Supreme Prior David Rice, past Supreme Recorders Mickey Weil, Bob Platt, and Ira Rubenstein, Endowment Fund Trustee Steve Franklin, area alumni, Expansion Consultant Adam Horn and Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein, presided over the traditional ceremony.

The ceremony was followed by an installation brunch attended by the new initiates, installation team, university officials, interfraternity representatives and over twenty parents. A highlight of the brunch was the presentation of the Alumni Service Award to Fra Steve Jarmus, Southern Cal '78, Steve was recognized for his outstanding efforts coordinating alumni support of the reactivation and development of a strong Mu Theta alumni organization.

Since organizing in the fall of 2007 Mu Theta has moved quickly to be an active part of the Southern Cal campus community. The group is very active in both Hillel and Chabad and Chabad Rabbi Dov Wagner was part of the original local interest group that formed and he was initiated and serves on the chapter's advisory board.

Mu Theta was first installed in 1948 and over its history has initiated over 800 members.

Sigma Alpha Mu members are being contacted in connection with an important verification project.

Data Verification Forms will be mailed to all members. Each form will be imprinted with the information currently on file for that member.

"It's important that every frater takes just a few minutes to look over the data listed on their Verification Form," says Steven LaBell, Supreme Recorder. "For many members, it's been years since this information has been updated. As a result, a significant number of Sigma Alpha Mu records contain out-dated and incomplete information."

As a special courtesy to Sigma Alpha Mu members, the information gathered during this special data verification project will be incorporated in the upcoming Sigma Alpha Mu Centennial Directory project.

Members are strongly urged to mail back their completed Verification Forms within 14 days of receipt – even if there are no updates to the information listed. This timely response will help Sigma Alpha Mu make sure all members have taken advantage of this important opportunity to confirm the accuracy of their information.

Gamma Kappa Chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity at Texas A&M University will be celebrating one-hundred years of brotherhood April 12, 2008 in Texas style with a banquet at C&J Barbeque in College Station. The program will include a centennial speaker (Consul Ed Rosenwasser), viewing of fraternity history with the usage of the new CDROM provided by the Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation scholarship winner announcements, swearing in of new chapter officers, donations made to Hillel and Chabad by Chapter Advisor Nathan Margolis, and new prior's state of the chapter address.

Other honored guests besides Fras Margolis and Rosenwasser will be alumni, past supreme prior Philip Glauben, Consul Marc Perlstein, Regional Governor David Sergi, and family members of chapter members. Anticipated attendance is 120 people that will be celebrating the first century of Sammy and assuring the second one-hundred years.

Dear Fraters & Friends:

By now most of you are aware of the tragic events that took place at Northern Illinois University on February 14, 2008. The senseless loss of life and injuries on the campus sadden us all and our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and the families of those lost. We also express our condolences to our interfraternal brothers at Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity who lost a brother.

We have been in contact with our Gamma Lambda chapter at Northern Illinois University and they report that all members are safe and accounted for. The chapter's leadership and advisory team did an excellent job in gathering all the members and making sure they were alright and able to support each other.

We are thankful that all of our fraters at Gamma Lambda are safe and understand that the coming days will be difficult ones for the NIU community. We will continue to be in touch with the chapter to provide support.

Fraternally,

Aaron M. Girson
Executive Director

On Founders Day, Supreme Prior Larry Leib, assisted by Chapter Advisor Kip Lombardo, a delegation from Beta Tau at Northeastern, Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein and Director of Chapter Services James Olson, reinstalled Beta Upsilon Chapter at Boston University.

The Boston University men have worked diligently since colonizing last year to build a solid foundation for Beta Upsilon's reestablishment. The group has a well organized program, focused on brotherhood, community service, and support of the campus Jewish community. The chapter's future goals include growth, building their profile on campus, and organization of their alumni advisory board.

On November 14, 2007, Supreme Recorder Steven LaBell, assisted by Chapter Advisors Chad Brustin and Scott Freedman, Past Consul Steven Kahn, Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein, and a delegation from Gamma Phi Chapter at Arizona State, reinstalled Beta Gamma Chapter at the University of Arizona. The chapter's reestablishment in Tucson has been swift since a colony was established in September. The twenty-two man group hopes to quickly double their size. The group has received excellent support from the Jewish community on campus, including Chabad Rabbi Yossi Winner.

On November 4, 2007, Matthew Modansky, West Virginia '08 was recognized as an Anti-Hazing Hero by Hazing Prevention.org. Matt was one of three students from North-American campuses selected for this distinction. Matt is a charter member of Sigma Alpha Mu's Epsilon Theta chapter at the University of West Virginia.

In recognizing Matt HazingPrevention.org cited his interfraternal leadership in addressing the issue of hazing. As a member of Sigma Alpha Mu's Developing Leaders Initiative, Matt lead a student driven hazing session at Sigma Alpha Mu's 2007 Leadership conference that provided information and anti-hazing resources to over 175 undergraduates and alumni. Matt's efforts were also active on the West Virginia campus where as IFC President he lead campus efforts to educate and address the issue of hazing, his leadership has initiated increased conversation by WVU campus leaders regarding how to properly and positively educate new members and ensure that new member programs provide an experience that is consistent with the values of Greek organizations and the mission of the host institution.

In one letter of reference the writer said this about Matt, "having worked closely with him [during the development of his hazing awareness initiatives], it is clear that he is passionate about improving the undergraduate experience for fraternity men and women." Upon receiving word of the award Sigma Alpha Mu's Supreme Prior Lawrence J. Leib said, "I have had several opportunities to meet Matt and see some of the fruits of his efforts, his efforts to address the issue of hazing are commendable and are in the best traditions of Sigma Alpha Mu. Sigma Alpha Mu has long taken a strong stance against hazing and constantly works to help chapters develop new member programs that provide a positive experience." Supreme Prior Leib went on to say, "Sigma Alpha Mu applauds Matt and the many other unrecognized members of the fraternity movement that challenge hazing and other unacceptable practices."

HazingPrevention.org is a charitable organization whose programs, National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) and the National Hazing Symposium, provide campus-wide education about the dangers of hazing and their website is a clearinghouse for anti-hazing resources.

The Board of Directors of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation has launched the public phase of a $5,000,000 capital campaign to ensure the future of Sigma Alpha Mu. The initiative will raise funds for the Foundation's efforts to support scholarship, leadership development, and citizenship.

"We know we are going to be successful with this campaign," said 100th Anniversary Co-Chairman, Howard B. Miller, Maryland '58, "We are performing; we are doing our job; we are perpetuating what our Founders wanted us to perpetuate."

Over the past two years, campaign leaders have been working to gather early support in the campaign's "silent phase." As of October 23, 2007, over $2,700,000 has been raised from supporters. The outstanding commitment from the leadership of Sigma Alpha Mu has been deeply moving and demonstrates the depth of loyalty to the Fraternity.

It is the mission of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation to support the educational interests and activities of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, to furnish student aid, and to encourage and develop conduct and traits of character consistent with high morals, constructive citizenship, scholarship, leadership and community service.

Contact:
Liz Langford, Director of Alumni Development
lizl@sam.org
(317)846-0600

The board of directors of Sigma Alpha Mu (ΣΑΜ) Fraternity have approved $6500 in grants to support Jewish life on North American campuses.

These grants will be made on nine campuses to Hillels and/or Chabads, campuses receiving grants include: Rhode Island, University of Southern California, University of Arizona, West Virginia, Texas A&M, The University of N. Texas, Case Western Reserve, and the University of Delaware.

"As a historically Jewish Fraternity, ΣΑΜ feels a commitment to support Jewish life on North-American campuses. Our members have a rich history of supporting Hillel and Chabad," said ΣΑΜ Supreme Prior Lawrence J. Leib.

Since initiating the grant program in 2005, over $25,000 has been distributed to campus Hillels and Chabads.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York as a Fraternity of Jewish men. Today ΣΑΜ has 70 active chapters and over 60,000 initiates.

On May 5, 2007, Supreme Prior Lawrence J. Leib, assisted by Regional Governor Dan Samson, Assistant Executive Director Matt Witenstein, and Barry Arbus of the ΣΑΜ Foundation of Canada, reinstalled Delta Omicron chapter at York University in Toronto. The traditional ceremony was highlighted by Supreme Prior Leib's announcement that Dan Perlin's initiation was the Fraternity's 60,000th in its 98-year history. Fra Perlin is a second year student at York and serves as the newly reinstalled chapter's Prior.

The ceremony marked Sigma Alpha Mu's fifth chartering/re-chartering of the 2006-2007 year and brings Sigma Alpha Mu's active chapter roll to 62 chapter and 5 colonies, including three active chapters in Canada.

Delta Omicron chapter at York was first installed on November 22, 1992. Sigma Alpha Mu was founded at the College of the City of New York in 1909 as a fraternity of Jewish men.

A Boston University fraternity is challenging community members to increase their awareness on national and global tragedies using one of the most widely read books to come out of the Holocaust.

To commemorate Yom HaShoah -- Holocaust Remembrance Day -- this past Monday, members of the Beta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu, a historically Jewish fraternity, are asking hundreds of BU community members to read Night, the 1958 memoir by Holocaust survivor and BU professor Elie Wiesel about his experiences surviving the Holocaust, before the end of the semester.

The fraternity began its efforts last night in the George Sherman Union's Metcalf Hall, where community members read excerpts of the book to approximately 30 people, who were provided with free copies.

Sigma Alpha Mu members said they hope their initiative will make BU more aware of present political and social injustices occurring in the country and around the world.

"Night should be read by every college student and educated person, because to be familiar with Night is to be familiar with the greatest tragedy, the Holocaust," said Steven Katz, director of the Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies.

Fraternity members encouraged the audience to share their copies of the book with others after they finish, whom they will then track through email. Excerpt readers included Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore, Marsh Chapel dean Robert Hill and Student Union President Brooke Feldman.

"You can learn a lot from the Holocaust," said Sigma Alpha Mu member and event organizer Larry Tobin. "It is our responsibility to prevent future atrocities and gain tolerance." Some fraternity members said the reading was also a way to remember the victims of Monday's shootings at Virginia Tech, in which professor Liviu Librescu, a Holocaust survivor, was shot and killed while blocking the gunman from entering his class so his students could escape.

"Part of today's event is that we express concern for events of hatred and senseless violence," said CAS junior Andrew Kahn, one of the readers. "[Librescu] tried to barricade the doors while students tried to save themselves, so we should remember him today as well as the others who lost their lives." Sigma Alpha Mu still has dozens of free copies of Night for interested students, Tobin said.

"We cannot begin to do other things [in] Darfur and Sudan until and unless we acknowledge all wrongs, tragedies and evils of the past and are ready to face them with honesty, because the perils are parallel to the present," Hill said.