Updates from the Student Officers

 

Jesse Kolb, Eminent Archon

Greetings Brothers of Pennsylvania Alpha-Zeta,

Since I have joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon, we have made tremendous strides in the growth of our chapter, and now having been elected Eminent Archon, I plan to continue our progress to establish a culture that will form true gentlemen for years to come. The chapter has grown to 78 members following a successful spring rush of 19 new initiates who are all eager to contribute to the chapter.

This semester we have also reestablished our philanthropic efforts in the community. Together with Alpha Delta Pi, we raised over $120,000 for THON and hosted events with Be the Match and the Nix Cancer Foundation. Following THON, Paddy Murphy Week was reestablished during the week after THON, and it was a great success.

For the future, we look forward to reconnecting with all the alumni that have waited for the chapter to return to its historic home with golf outings and events to elevate the brotherhood. Thank you to all the alumni that have supported us through our rechartering and rebuilding thus far, and I hope to bring the chapter alumnus back home to reunite as one family and one unit.

ΦΑ,

Jesse Kolb

Demetri Mesogitis, Scholarship Chairman

Our academic progress this semester has been going spectacularly. The majority of our brotherhood within the GPA ranges of 2.8-3.49 are required to attend in-person study hours each week, at our house. I’m pleased to say that a good portion of our brotherhood has exceeded the GPA requirement and has been eligible for independent study throughout the semester! We are excited for the final grade push this semester and are expecting to once again place highly amongst Penn State Greek life, for GPA average!

 

Shea Grourke, Alumni Relations Chairman

Happy spring brothers and Phi Alpha. While it is always great to look back on the many organizational advances our fraternity went through this year, it’s also important to look forward to upcoming events in the future. Mark your calendars for the weekend of October 6-8th for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event followed by other festivities at The Ranch. Follow us on our Instagram, @sae_psu, and join the active brother Facebook, Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Pennsylvania Alpha Zeta. If you have any questions or concerns about the fraternity, feel free to email me at sjgrourke@gmail.com.

Sean Corr, Philanthropy Chairman

This year we started what will hopefully become a Pennsylvania Alpha-Zeta Chapter tradition in Paddy Murphy week. Among other things, this week consisted of two main philanthropy events: a pie-in-the-face fundraiser and a watermelon eating contest. Between these two events, we raised $481 for the Nix Cancer Foundation, a charity organization many of our brothers hold dear.

 

Jack Cross, THON Chairman

THON 2023 was extremely successful. Last year, the 17 active brothers of PA AZ managed to raise just around $6000, with limited donations and no sorority pair. At the time we were busy with recruitment and preparing the chartering packet and application but were still pleased to raise something for THON. This year, however, had a much different outcome. We contributed approximately $45,000 as a chapter, adding to a total nearing $120,000 with our new sorority pair Alpha Delta Pi. As important as the numbers are to us, there was much more that happened involving THON. In September, we began our relationship with ADPi, which only improved with time. We and the sisters held multiple fundraisers throughout the year! From grilled cheese to an SAE Brother Date Auction, there were lots of laughs, good moments, and of course, money raised for the fight against childhood cancer. With the new pairing, came new THON families to meet and interact with. These families impacted by childhood cancer are paired up with different organizations, and we had the privilege to have several. One of my favorite moments from THON weekend was when our brothers and sisters were all together in the stands, along with our families, smiling and dancing enjoying the time all as one. Thank you to all who donated this past year!