Sig Ep Means Brotherly Love

by Rev Richard Shimpfky

(Colorado‘62)

Ulysses C. Dubach, when asked to define brotherly love would respond, “When you love a person, you want to be with them, more than anyone else."

So, by being with our brothers we, in fact, share this concept-this idea of brotherly love. Where does this love come from? The "Bud Man?” Sears & Roebuck? Neiman Marcus?

Many would say that it is not received from anywhere or anyone, but, in fact, is given from brother to-brother –to –new member -to future member.

To establish a chapter where brotherly love is practiced, is exchanged, and the results are recognized requires work and planning.

Brotherly love requires more than memorizing history, knowing the Greek alphabet, keeping the house clean in fact, although these are important it is of a completely different nature. For to love a brother, you must spend time with him, learning of his interests, hopes and goals, working with him on group activities, investing the time to improve the man.

“Man Improvement” -That's what “fraternity” is; the experience of working to improve the man, as a new member, as a sophomore, junior, senior, as an alumnus. A chapter that has worked to improve the man by helping him with academics, social activities, career planning, and interpersonal communications will produce a great man, and a great brother.

Recently, an alumnus visited SigEp Headquarters. When asked his occupation he replied, "I'm a Vice President of a major US corporation. My entire job is to bring out the best in people.” His perception of his job is just as ours is in the Fraternity -we exist to bring out the best!

Each SigEp chapter and every SigEp brother has a responsibility to ensure that his chapter practices brotherly love between brothers and new members. Every true SigEp will demand that his chapter develops men, working hard to develop programs which broaden a man. Each of us has the task of giving meaning to the expression, “I love my brother.” It happens when we invest ourselves in others and demand the same from them.