2026 Scholars & Mentors

Guided by alumni mentors and university faculty, these Tragos Quest to Greece scholars will depart for Greece this June to study the influence that Greek philosophy, governance and the arts has had and continues to have in everyday life. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, these brothers will explore Greek culture and reflect upon the origins of SigEp’s values and the Balanced Man ideal.

The scholars were revealed at the Carlson Leadership Academies and in surprise presentations at their chapter meetings and events made by past Tragos Quest scholars, mentors and special guests.

SCHOLARS 

	Shuvojeet Adhikary, Texas-Arlington ’28	Shuvojeet is an information systems major who pairs his academic focus with interests in engineering, aviation, real estate and architecture. In addition to his role as vice president of the SigEp Learning Community, he is committed to community service through a nonprofit he founded to support underprivileged children in his home country as well as through a local organization providing similar aid to local families. He is an active voice in student government and maintains a disciplined regiment of regular workouts and daily journaling.
	Brendan Crosson, Iowa ’27	An enterprise leadership major with entrepreneurial aspirations, Brendan has continuously sought growth through engagement with over a dozen clubs on his campus. He’s particularly passionate about the Applied AI club, where he refined his skills and created an agency to help small businesses leverage AI. In SigEp, he served terms as chapter president and philanthropy chair. He also found immense value in working with the Letters of Love organization to support a local children's hospital. He prioritizes the Sound Mind, Sound Body lifestyle through prayer, meditation, exercise, and a commitment to nurturing deep, personal relationships with family and friends.
	Justin Dario, Florida ’27	Justin is an applied physiology and kinesiology major with an incredible 3.92 GPA, driven by a passion for understanding how the mind and body work together to help others reach their full potential. He serves as vice president of SigEp Learning Community and contributes to his chapter’s Buchanan Cup Application Committee while also volunteering with Special Olympics and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. As an athletic training intern, he applies his knowledge in high-pressure settings with a focus on compassionate, individualized care. He stays grounded through daily meditation and disciplined wellness habits.
	Braydan Fishel, Indiana Tech ’27	Braydan is a mechanical engineering major with an astounding 4.0 GPA, pairing technical excellence with a deep interest in world history and philosophy. A former chapter president, he invests in others by coaching high school soccer teams, tutoring on campus and mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters; these experiences have shaped his belief in relationships as the foundation of strong communities. He maintains a disciplined routine of soccer, running and weightlifting, balanced with meditation and intentional recovery to cultivate Sound Mind, Sound Body. As his chapter’s first-ever Tragos Quest to Greece scholar, Braydan looks forward to deepening his understanding of history and purpose-driven leadership.
	Evan Gates, Northern Kentucky ’27	As an economics major, Evan explores the intersection of arts, history and policy to understand national identity. He is a dedicated cellist and a seasoned campus leader, having served as president of Order of Omega and in multiple key roles within his SigEp chapter. Because of his experience with AmeriCorps, Evan views leadership as a humble exchange of service, a philosophy he integrates with a disciplined commitment to personal growth. As his chapter’s first Tragos Quest to Greece scholar, he looks forward to reflecting on SigEp’s history and deepening his understanding of the balanced man ideal beyond graduation.
	Fabian Gracia-Alvarez, Wichita State ’27	Fabian is a cybersecurity major balancing his technical studies with a passion for music and event planning. These interests have served him well as his chapter’s vice president of programming. He maintains Sound Mind, Sound Body through a strict fitness routine and a commitment to mindfulness via audiobooks. Outside of SigEp, he is a dedicated mentor through the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and a student government leader, earning multiple scholarships for his academic and community contributions.
	Evan Gresham, Missouri ’27	Evan is a special education major with a remarkable 3.83 GPA who’s dedicated to creating lasting change through education policy and leadership. As chapter president, he prioritized accountability and gratitude while extending his service to organizations supporting those affected by MS and cancer. He maintains a disciplined Sound Mind, Sound Body lifestyle through faith-based reflection and rigorous training for a future Ironman competition.
	Nathan Hart, Baldwin Wallace ’27	Nathan balances his sports management major and academic interests in history and finance with his role as a student assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. A two-time kidney transplant recipient, he is deeply committed to the YNOTT Foundation, where he mentors families facing similar medical challenges. Within his chapter, he has served as vice president of recruitment and social chair, always prioritizing a Sound Mind, Sound Body through fitness and healthy living.
	Colin Hastings, Utah State ’27	As the chapter president and a political science major, Colin is a dedicated leader within both SigEp and the broader campus community. He serves on the academic senate and as a student association officer, aspiring to a future career in government and opportunities to make a legislative impact. Colin prioritizes Sound Mind, Sound Body ideals through nightly journaling and "walking office hours" that blend physical activity with student engagement.
	Lucas Lyons, Baker ’27	A dedicated athlete and secondary education major, Lucas maintains an impressive 3.91 GPA while balancing the demands of college basketball and chapter leadership. He aspires to become a high school history teacher and head basketball coach, utilizing practices like meditation and yoga to sustain Sound Mind, Sound Body. As a Tragos Quest to Greece scholar, Lucas looks forward to his first international journey to broaden his global perspective and sharpen his leadership skills.
	Ty Meyer, Wisconsin-Platteville ’27	Ty, a cybersecurity major with a stellar 4.0 GPA, blends technical expertise with a passion for astronomy and graphic design. As the first-ever Tragos Quest scholar from his chapter, he has served as both chapter and United Greek Council president, focusing on cross-campus collaboration. Ty maintains Sound Mind, Sound Body through diverse activities like scuba diving and earning professional certifications, while prioritizing the meaningful relationships that keep him grounded.
	Andrew Murphy, Mississippi State ’27	Andrew is a mechanical engineering major who combines technical precision with a creative passion for building community. Having served as vice president of programming and a Balanced Man Program coordinator, he has mastered the art of fostering brotherhood through intentional engagement and service to the military community. Andrew maintains Sound Mind, Sound Body through fitness and self-reflective journaling to refine his leadership skills.
	Vincent Scalzo, Washington State ’27	Vincent, a business major with a formidable 3.87 GPA, is a recognized campus leader who has utilized his expertise as a former vice president of finance to promote financial literacy. He is a member of several finance-related campus organizations and plans to build on that with a future career in wealth management or corporate finance. A dedicated athlete, Vincent balances his academic rigor by playing intramural soccer and baseball, and training for both marathons and future Ironman events.
	Tyler Schweitzer, Carnegie Mellon ’27	Tyler is a mechanical engineering major with an outstanding 3.94 GPA who is passionate about addressing climate change through renewable energy and decarbonization solutions. As his chapter’s first-ever Tragos Quest scholar, he has served as both president and vice president of recruitment. Beyond SigEp, he fosters community as a head orientation counselor, helping new students find a sense of belonging on campus. Tyler maintains Sound Mind, Sound Body through a disciplined exercise regimen and creative reflection and looks to the journey to Greece for inspiration as he enters his senior year.
	Alex Soumilas, Pittsburgh ’27	A rehabilitation science major, Alex combines academic excellence with a commitment to compassionate patient care and entrepreneurship. As chapter president and his chapter’s first Tragos Quest scholar, he leads with empathy, tutoring peers in the sciences and volunteering at a local children's hospital. Alex prioritizes Sound Mind, Sound Body through a mindful routine of meditation, swimming and yoga. He views the journey to Greece as a vital opportunity to rediscover his "why" and solidify his lifelong dedication to the Fraternity's values.
	Cole Spence, Montana State ’28	Cole is a chemical engineering major, dedicated rower and campus tour guide who refuses to let a visual disorder define his potential. As vice president of programming, he leads by example, organizing weekly chapter service at a local shelter to support community members in need. He prioritizes Sound Mind, Sound Body through weightlifting and a deep respect for the science of physical therapy.
	Kyle Sunderland, Missouri State ’27	Kyle currently serves as a student director on SigEp’s National Board of Directors and is a former vice president of finance. A finance major with an impressive 3.88 GPA, Kyle aspires to open his own investment firm using his experience serving on the Federal Reserve student board of directors and the patience and flexibility he’s developed through teaching economics to diverse students. He remains dedicated to service through his work with the campus food pantry and children with special needs. An Eagle Scout at heart, Kyle practices Sound Mind, Sound Body by finding balance in nature through hiking and running in local parks.
	Mason Tegeler, Eastern Illinois ’27	Mason is a political science major and dean’s list student dedicated to advocating for public service and student government. As his chapter’s former president and current vice president of member development, Mason is the first-ever Tragos Quest scholar from Illinois Nu. He balances his rigorous academic and leadership schedule by staying physically active in the gym and spiritually connected through his church choir. Mason looks forward to the journey to Greece to study ancient governance and deepen his understanding of how historical systems influence modern society.

MENTORS

	Aaron Cromer, Oklahoma State ’16	Aaron works in-house for Hewlett Packard Enterprise as part of the mergers and acquisitions legal team, where he advises on complex commercial transactions and strategic business initiatives across the technology sector. His work in building internal AI tools has been lauded as best practice and is helping company-wide initiatives to integrate AI into operational impact. Before serving as resident scholar with Texas Delta during law school, Aaron worked in oil and gas accounting consulting in Oklahoma City, where he was named one of the state's top 30 Under 30 in energy in 2019.Aaron jokes he started volunteering before he graduated, having served as an undergraduate facilitator for EDGE and later returning as a facilitator at the Carlson Leadership Academies eight times. He is extremely passionate about SigEp historical research, having read every single SigEp Journal and helped add hundreds of names to the Prominent Alumni list. Aaron sits on the Oklahoma Alpha AVC as vice president, having previously served as balanced man steward and chapter counselor. A 2014 Tragos Quest scholar, he is a current member of the NUTS! McAuliffe Society and Board of Governors, and serves as the Tragos Quest to Greece steering committee chair.
	Kevin Otero, New Mexico ’87	Kevin has spent nearly four decades creating growth opportunities across more than 60 countries. He has held senior leadership roles across the global consumer packaged goods industry, including serving as CEO of Royal Paper, vice president at Procter & Gamble, COO of Salon Professional and partner at Simpactful. Kevin currently serves on the advisory board of Kinetic Consulting, a global strategy and management consulting firm headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. He is also a member of the Board of Business Executives at Gridiron Capital, a mid-market private equity firm that partners with founders and management teams to grow and scale companies.Kevin holds a BA from the University of NewMexico and an executive MBA from Harvard Business School. He is actively involved in community and leadership development initiatives, and serves on the advisory council for Rebuild Upstate in South Carolina, supporting efforts to improve homes for families in need.He is also a SigEp volunteer, serving on the Global Growth Committee and working with Headquarters leadership to expand the Fraternity’s impact on college campuses. In addition, Kevin has facilitated at the Ruck Leadership Academy and worked on staff as a regional director in 1997-1998.
	Dale Werts, Baker ’84	Dale has an impressive list of Fraternity achievements and honors. He is a longtime member of the Board of Governors and the NUTS! McAuliffe Society (previously serving as brigadier general); a recipient of the Exemplary Service Award and Distinguished Alumnus Award, and was inducted into the Order of the Golden Heart. He currently serves as a district governor. He also volunteers as a member of the Scouting American National Executive Board, the Philmont Ranch Committee (having backpacked 13 treks at Philmont over the past 10 years) and the board of directors of the Missouri District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and serves as vice chair of the Baker University Board of Trustees. Professionally, Dale is an accomplished business and technology partner at the Lathrop GPM LLP law firm.
	Dr. Jeff Hunt	Dr. Hunt is a teaching professor at Baylor University. His research interests include ancient medicine, especially Galen of Pergamum, Hellenistic society and culture, and Philo of Alexandria. He regularly teaches a range of courses on Latin and Greek language and literature.
	Braden Botkin, Wichita State ’23	Braden holds a degree in engineering technology management and plans to work in project management at an engineering company, with the vision of one day owning his own engineering firm. While an undergraduate member of Kansas Eta, Braden served as president, vice president of programming and vice president of recruitment. Upon graduation in May of 2023, Braden served as a new chapter development director and had the opportunity to work with our Illinois Alpha and Maryland Beta chapters. He currently serves on the Headquarters staff as director of expansion.

Past Tragos Quest to Greece Scholars:

2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017

Questions? Please reach out to Tiffany Noyes at tiffany.noyes@sigep.net.