SIGEP EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $13,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
The Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the 2011-12 Hicks Scholars, thanks to a generous endowment from Life Trustee Thomas O. Hicks, Texas ‘68. The following men were selected for their academic improvement from their freshman to sophomore year. They now serve as an excellent example of a SigEp’s diligent pursuit of the diploma.
When he was a sophomore, the Texas Alpha Chapter motivated Brother Hicks to get serious about his grades, which had suffered during his freshman year. He improved his GPA significantly and continued to be a good student. Because of his good grades he was able to attend graduate school at the University of Southern California and obtain his masters degree. Hicks went on to a successful career in international business, banking and investing. He and his family now live in Dallas, Texas.
Scholarship recipients in their own words
Damien Angel, Kentucky ‘13
You’d be surprised what you can do once it dawns on you that eight hours of sleep a night is more like a guideline not a rule and that the power button on the remote turns the TV off as well as on! I’m lucky because the military helped me figure this out in a matter of months. I am proud to let others learn from the mistakes I made early in my collegiate career and prouder still of the gentlemen within my chapter who have the foresight to capitalize on that opportunity.
Josh Bruggers, LSU ‘13
After a rough first year academically, I lost my scholarship, which had alleviated most of the burden of an out-of-state tuition. My affiliation with SigEp was a great determinant in my decision to continue my education at LSU, and it encouraged me to strive towards my highest potential in order to remain an active member. After drastically improving my GPA during my sophomore year, I was rewarded my original scholarship back and am again in good standing with the chapter. I hope all who read this are encouraged to continue to persevere when faced with adversity and work diligently to accomplish their goals.
Kingsley Clawson, Florida State ‘12
I was inspired to improve my GPA because I realized that in order to be successful in any career, especially in law or international business, I had to be in the upper percentile. I realized that my education was very important and that my GPA would provide me with the opportunity to be admitted into a graduate program that would solidify my future.
As the vice president of recruitment, I took pride in recruiting the top undergraduates at Florida State so that our overall GPA would steadily increase. I inspired and tutored those who were having difficulties in their studies within the chapter as well.
Alex Ernst, Iowa State ‘13
There's no way to tell exactly what my current GPA would be if I hadn't joined SigEp, but I can say it would be significantly worse. Like most incoming freshman, I underestimated the new challenges that come with college. That was reflected in my first semester GPA. Then SigEp rose to the occasion, not to babysit me, but to hold me accountable. Next semester, I started to utilize our tutor programs, had talks with our vice president of member development and started studying with my new member class. The thing that trumped all those new habits was brothers popping into my room to ask how it's going and offer to help.
Reid Leestma, Wisconsin '13
After discussing my disappointing freshmen year GPA with family, older business students in SigEp and our resident scholar, I entered the next fall with a new focus and drive. After I received so much encouragement and support from older brothers, I realized how much of a support system the Fraternity could be. I make an effort to reach out to all younger members and offer my support. I share my experience of overcoming a difficult semester so younger members understand that I can relate to their situation and offer advice. Being a part of SigEp has allowed me to surround myself with people I know are always willing to extend a helping hand.
Tyler Watkins, Texas ‘13
My parents inspired me to improve my GPA. Their continued support and belief that I could succeed truly motivated me. I try to inspire others in my chapter through leading by example. Hopefully, other guys will be motivated to work hard and improve their GPA as well. Being in SigEp is a great way to develop long-lasting friendships and establish a network of opportunities.
Study Abroad Scholarship
This year the Educational Foundation awarded the first Study Abroad Scholarship, which provides $1,000 to a brother studying in another country. The endowment was established by an anonymous donor who recognized the popularity and necessity of study abroad programs and the additional needs these programs would create for undergraduate brothers.
Paul Wasserman, Yale ’14, has been chosen as the inaugural recipient. Brother Wasserman majors in Russian and East European Studies with a 3.8 GPA. He will spend the summer in St. Petersburg in an intense language fluency and cultural program that will provide class credit.
“I will spend this summer studying Russian in St. Petersburg. In addition to improving my language skills, I cannot wait to experience a completely different culture - one that I grew up reading about in history books and stories from the Cold War,” Wasserman said. He hopes to work in the Foreign Service or the State Department.
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