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Gentlemanly BehaviorBy Sarah Gadsby
The Baylor chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has been through a lot. Three years ago, national headquarters revoked the Baylor chapter's charter because of various infractions by Baylor members. Now the fraternity has returned to campus with the renewed vision of balanced living. According to chapter president Steve Lyon, SigEps at Baylor are turning back to the stated mission of the original Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter, "To intensify and perpetrate friendship and promote happiness among its members, to encourage literature and education, and to create such sentiments, mold such opinions, and perform such deeds as shall conduce to the building of a noble and pure manhood."
 Lyon, a senior accounting major from Katy, sat down with Between the Lines to talk about the newly developing SigEp chapter at Baylor.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Now that the SigEp chapter has come back to Baylor, what changes will be made to reinforce the character of the fraternity?
STEVE LYON: Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity began colonizing again at Baylor in February of 2007. In order to ensure the character of the chapter does not fall to the wayside, we have colonized as a "Balanced Man" chapter. We have completely removed the pledging process and replaced it with a better program that fosters leadership development.
BTL: Baylor is one of the 250+ SigEp chapters nationwide to adopt the "Balanced Man" Program, which was developed more than thirteen years ago. What is the Baylor chapter doing to implement the program?
SL: The chapter has structured the "Balanced Man" Program to develop members into balanced men for the world's communities. We have implemented a mentor program, study hours, and workout times. We also invite guest speakers to address the chapter about various topics, including dress for success, etiquette, and various workshops. These are just a few events among many that the balanced man program offers.
BTL: With the national fraternity's "Sound Mind, Sound Body" motto, what kind of events are put on by the fraternity to encourage healthy activities for the mind and body?
SL: We have a weekly brotherhood activity, usually on Friday, where the chapter gets together and participates in an athletic sport. The sports range from a football game to racquetball. This is a time when the chapter can create closer ties and foster a healthy lifestyle. We also have a run club two days a week and designated times three days a week when many of the members go to the Student Life Center to workout.
BTL: How have chapter members reacted to eliminating pledging and the other changes the fraternity has made?
SL: The members have been very supportive of the changes we have made mainly because the changes are for the betterment of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
BTL: In 2002, the Baylor SigEps were suspended for a year, and the national headquarters revoked the charter in 2005. How will this history affect the new chapter?
SL: What happened in the past has happened. However, the previous chapter was not a "Balanced Man" chapter. The brothers were not receiving the support, education, and positive stimulation that the Balanced Man structure provides. Our current membership is aware of the past and is working hard to avoid the same traps that many others have fallen prey to.
BTL: What changes are being made to keep SigEps on the "straight and narrow"?
SL: We are being proactive in keeping the brothers involved and engaged with new initiatives and activities. To further promote wholeness and leadership, the SigEp chapter will be awarding the Balanced Man Scholarship in the fall 2008 semester to incoming freshmen who have excelled in the development of a Sound Mind and a Sound Body during their high school careers.
BTL: How are these new changes being received by Baylor administration?
SL: I believe Baylor administration has been very excited to see our chapter do well. Dr. Elizabeth Palacios, dean for student development, and Kat Reed, coordinator for Greek Life, have been tremendous help in the colonization of our chapter. The ultimate reason I believe the chapter will head in the right direction is the continuity that is provided by the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation (AVC). The AVC is a group of six brothers, including our faculty advisor, that mentor the chapter's leaders. Sigma Phi Epsilon is back at Baylor, and we are here to stay.
For additional info on the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and their Balanced Man Program check out their national website: www.sigep.com.
If you would like to respond to this story, send an e-mail to Between the Lines Editor.
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