THE TRAGOS QUEST TO GREECE IS SIGEP’S CAPSTONE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Sixteen of SigEp’s top undergraduates recently returned from the 10th annual Tragos Quest to Greece.

The program is the capstone of SigEp’s leadership continuum, an intense overseas experience that is unmatched in the fraternity world. Participants were stretched mentally and physically during their 10 days in Greece. Each scholar prepared for the trip by reading two books, and various ancient writings and plays. Once there, they got to see the very mountains and seas they had read about.

“I remember walking into the Olympic stadium, and it was even more amazing than any author could describe,” said Dan Sullivan, WPI ’12. “It was the difference between reading about it and really experiencing it.”

The 16 undergraduates were joined by six alumni mentors, and a professor who helped lead the scholastic discussions.

In addition to the readings, other topics of discussion focused on personal experiences relating to SigEp’s core values. With a diverse pool of backgrounds, the group’s members challenged each other to think about their world differently. “I really enjoyed all the discussions,” Sullivan said. “The way everyone felt comfortable sharing their story and pushing their boundaries, everyone had gotten out of their comfort zone.”

Other highlights of the trip included a visit to the Parthenon in Athens, a walk through the Agora where figures like Socrates once roamed, studying the Ritual in Delphi, several hikes through the mountainous terrain, and plenty of authentic Greek cuisine.

The program is made possible through the generosity of Bill Tragos, Washington in St. Louis ’56, and his wife, Lilli. Applications for the 2012 program will be available in early October. All sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply.

To view more photos from this year’s Quest to Greece, check out our album on Facebook.

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