After about 5.5 hours of driving across three states, 21 undergraduate members of the Michigan Theta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon arrived at the Westin Hotel just outside downtown Chicago. Along with us, over 800 other brothers from across the region traveled to improve themselves, their chapters, and our fraternity as a whole.
On the first night, after everyone was checked in, we were introduced to what we would be doing over the weekend by a powerful and energetic opening activity. Many activities were centered around the concept of eliminating the words “my chapter” and replacing them with “my fraternity” in an endeavor to bring about the realization that we as SigEps are a whole, regardless of where we come from. Our Chapter President, Joshua Andree, helped open the presentation by talking about his experience throughout his time as a SigEp. One of our new brothers, Marlow Webster, also won a push-up competition against other brothers.
Saturday, all of us went down our respective education tracks. Members of the executive board went down tracks based on their positions, and other brothers went down tracks such as Rising Leaders, Senior, and Volunteer. At lunch, our chapter received recognition as the #2 donors on Founders’ Day. Then, we were awarded the Franklin J. Ruck Leadership Award, which typically goes to an individual. Mike Paciero and Tony Fakhouri were with us as well, and they were presented with the Outstanding AVC award. After more track sessions, we attended the dinner awards ceremony, during which many brothers from all over the region were presented awards for their accomplishments and services. Our own chapter president, Joshua Andree, was given the distinct honor of announcing the brothers who will be embarking on the Tragos Quest to Greece this year!
Carlson attendees (left to right): (Back row): Roy Swartzinski, Mike Paciero, AJ Rohrback, Tony Simmons, Lewis Deisler, Chris Enea, Matt Koleba, Josh Pastrana, Warren Maurer, Ian Jablonka, (Middle): Tony Fakhouri, Barry Kennedy, Josh Andree, Marlow Webster, Nathan Mark, Joey Morris, Ryan Johns, Noah Sultana, (Front): Xavier Espinoza, Luke Herrero, Lucas Dishon, Dane Bezeau, Dylan Jesmore.
Overall, our experience at Carlson Leadership academy was amazing! All of the brothers who attended came out with great amounts of knowledge from their tracks and motivation to make what we do here at Michigan Theta better! We also owe a special thanks to the alumni who took money out of their own pockets to sponsor many of our brothers and give them the opportunity to attend this life changing event. It is because of their great generosity and dedication to our chapter that we are one of the most recognized chapters in the region!