OVER 2,400 PEOPLE REGISTERED FOR THE FIVE 2011 PROGRAMS

A record number, over 2,400 people, registered for the five Carlson Leadership Academies (CLA) this year. An additional 139 undergraduates registered for a newly offered recruitment track.

CLA provides SigEp’s current officers and aspiring leaders with leadership training through a weekend of hands-on facilitation. SigEps gathered in five cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Irvine, Calif., and Stamford, Conn. Their training, best practices sharing and strategic goal setting sessions were facilitated by many of SigEp’s best volunteers. Volunteers also participated in personal and professional development workshops targeted specifically to them.

“The size of this program says a lot about the health of the Fraternity as a whole,” said Programs and Events Director Stacy Dudley. “More SigEp undergraduates than ever are taking the steps to prepare themselves for leadership opportunities on campus and within the chapter.”

Alumni living nearby were invited to attend receptions and the Saturday night banquet at each CLA. Keynote speakers for the banquets included, Grand President Garry Kief, Southern California ’70; North-American Interfraternity Conference President and CEO Steve Smithhisler; longtime aide to former President Bill Clinton, Doug Band, Florida ’95; CEO of Mattel, Bob Eckert, Arizona ’76; and Grand National Secretary Bert Harris, Florida ‘74.

One factor in the growth of this year’s programs was the offer of a new recruitment track. These sessions targeted general members, focusing on recruitment skills as opposed to officer training. These interactive sessions prepared undergraduates to implement a Balanced Man Scholarship and execute year-round recruitment.

Dan Swendsen, Minnesota ’12, attended his third CLA and went through the new recruitment track. He said, “I now fully understand how to present myself in a better way, organize my recruitment approach in a more appealing manner, and better convey the benefits Sigma Phi Epsilon has to offer a potential new member.”

This year’s CLAs also featured a new Friday night session on team development. This session gave attendees the opportunity to work with groups from other chapters. This addition was in response to survey feedback after past CLA seasons.

Another important component of the program is the opportunity to recognize chapters, undergraduates and alumni. Awards honor chapters that excel in core areas like recruitment and member development, undergraduates who show leadership on campus, and alumni who serve SigEp’s undergraduates. In addition, chapters are recognized for earning accredited Residential Learning Community status, and participants for the Tragos Quest to Greece are announced.

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