Renaissance of Brotherhood Program

The Renaissance of Brotherhood Program provides for men who live up to the ideals of Sigma Phi Epsilon to be part of the Fraternity even though they may not have had the opportunity during their college years. Any chapter can participate in the Renaissance of Brotherhood Program any time during the academic year. As much care should be used in selecting a renaissance brother as is used to select an undergraduate member.

According to Resolution 16 passed by the Grand Chapter at the 45th Grand Chapter Conclave:

Renaissance brothers will be defined as those who are over 25 years of age or deceased, who have received an undergraduate degree or currently are not enrolled as undergraduate students at a college or university, who are not members of another national fraternity, and who express values and ideals consistent with the cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. The Renaissance ceremony will include the new member ceremony, the preparation and education of the candidate, the Ritual, the Interpretation, and a reception in honor of the candidate.

Selecting a Renaissance brother

• When selecting a candidate, strive to find a man who, through his actions, has proven that he lives his life in accordance with our three cardinal principles: Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love. This man could be a local community leader, outstanding member of the college or university community, or even a father of an undergraduate brother.
• The chapter president and chapter counselor can extend this invitation and answer the candidate’s questions about the Fraternity and the Ritual ceremony.
• Give him a copy of The Lifetime Responsibility of Brotherhood to review. Note that Renaissance brothers are not subject to the same member development process as other members. The fee for the Renaissance of Brotherhood Program is $25 and is usually remitted by the chapter along with the lifetime membership form to Headquarters.
• If your candidate accepts the invitation to join, set a date for the Ritual ceremony and a reception for undergraduate brothers, alumni and friends to meet and welcome the new brother.
• For a notable member of the community, consider inviting local community leaders.

Some of SigEp’s most well-known brothers are Renaissance initiates, including Nobel Laureate Kenneth Arrow, Stanford, astronaut Karol Bobko, Texas-Austin, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Connecticut, Congressman Steve Bartlett, Texas-Austin and Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, Duke.

Renaissance brothers are noted based on the chapter which initiates them.  A graduation year is not included since they become brothers as alumni.