The Massachusetts Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at WPI has strong roots both nationally and locally. The national fraternity was founded at the University of Alabama on March 9, 1856. The Massachusetts Delta Chapter was founded March 10, 1894. Many of its founders and initiated brothers are recognized names on our WPI campus: Higgins, Riley, Morgan, Gompeii Kuwanda, Harrington, Perrault, Gordon, and Robert H. Goddard. The Chapter house, which is the oldest house in the world built specifically for fraternity use, was constructed in 1896. At the end of this academic year, our house will be undergoing an $800,000 expansion and renovation process, to ensure exceptional housing well into the next millennium.
The brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon come from a variety of places and backgrounds. Our brothers hail from regions as far as Texas, Ohio, and the all way to Europe and Asia. Members of our house are involved in countless different activities on campus. We are brothers who are members of the hockey, lacrosse, and crew teams, just to name a few. However, our involvement goes far beyond just athletics. For example, brother Seth Sienkiewicz is a PLA in WPI's math department. In addition to this, we have several members who perform in different musical groups on campus. Every person in our house is involved in some activity or organization.
Though diverse, these gentlemen live and work together in the closest bonds of friendship. They are guided by a code of conduct entitled "The True Gentleman". Phrases such as "Whose deed follows his word", and "who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own" guide our brothers in their day to day life. In following this code of conduct, the brothers are servants to the community, not only in the Worcester area, but also in the national scope. The Massachusetts Delta chapter is closely involved with the Friendly House, an organization for underprivileged children. Each year, the brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon team with the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma to host a Halloween party, a toy drive, and a holiday party. Sigma Alpha Epsilon has recently become affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network. The Brothers are working with the Boston affiliate: Genesis Fund-National Birth Defects Center, and are helping to raise money through raffles and donations. Out annual alumni event, Car Rally, benefits a different charity each year. Past charities have included the Friendly House, the Leukemia Foundation, and the local shelter for victims of spousal abuse.
Academic Achievement is very important to our brothers. The national bylaws of Sigma Alpha Epsilon require a minimum grade point average to become and stay an active member. The brotherhood aspect of Sigma Alpha Epsilon continues into the classroom, whether it is taking classes and studying together, or an upperclassman lending a hand to a younger brother. In addition, we have text books and/or test files for nearly every class imaginable to aid in our studies.
This past summer, the chapter sent five delegates to Sigma Alpha Epsilon's 64th Annual Leadership School in Chicago, Illinois. The chapter won the following awards: the Chapter Achievement Award, the Outstanding Financial Management Award, the Outstanding Chapter Housing Award, the Outstanding House Cooperation Award, The Outstanding Risk Management Award, The Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award (Richard Hooker), and the Outstanding President Award (Joseph Watson). Stu Clemons was given the Besser-Lindsay Award for Outstanding Senior. In a Regional Leadership School, held at the University of Connecticut, out chapter won the Province Alpha Zeal Award, the highest award given to a chapter in the New England region. Massachusetts Delta has a long history of success and numerous awards on its chapter room walls, including the Sigma Alpha Epsilon John O. Moseley Award for Fraternity Zeal won in 1994, which is the highest award a chapter can receive.
Our rush committee has scheduled events that give each individual an opportunity to get to know the brothers and to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere. If you'd like to know anything concerning the chapter, or rush, please feel free to stop by, especially during lunch or dinner, which are prepared by our own private cook, Anne Baver.
The Massachusetts Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a strong house with its roots deep in tradition, history, scholarship, community service, and the ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Call us at (508) 757-1767, or stop by 6 Humboldt Avenue if you have any questions. Also, check out our web page at http://www.wpi.edu/~sae.