Recruitment is a tool that continuously keeps the KY Beta chapter thriving, but in a global pandemic struggles have arisen when attempting to encourage incoming college males to join Greek Life at all. Many do not see the value in the chapter and do not understand the impact that Sigma Phi Epsilon can have on an individual, especially with limiting programming and interpersonal connections. Spring of ‘21 has caused our brothers to adapt and overcome these challenges and to not look at this experience as a negative, but rather an opportunity to grow. Through this opportunity, we have relied on our core principles and our ability to recruit 365 days out of the year, resulting in three new members during trying times. To gain a diverse perspective, we spoke with Dalton Pirtle, a brother currently in the Sigma Challenge, and asked questions relating to his experiences with our chapter so far. Here’s what he said.
What was your opinion of Greek Life prior to coming to the University of Louisville and how has your view changed since joining the KY Beta chapter?
“Coming to UofL fresh off doing two years at community college, Greek life wasn’t really in the picture. Sure, I was going to be rooming with 3 members of SigEp once I moved to Louisville, but, even then, I did not even consider Greek life as an option. Another thing to add on top of that was if it was even worth it to join a fraternity in the middle of a global pandemic? After one semester down and a 365 bid later, I without a doubt can say I am so proud to be a SigEp. I am truly honored that the KY Beta chapter went out of their way to seek me out for the individual I am rather than the individual they want me to be.”
How has Sigma Phi Epsilon impacted you in your time in the chapter so far?
“While my time in the chapter has been short, I have tried my best to make the most out of it. Joining a fraternity in the middle of a pandemic is challenging. With still so many restrictions going on, the true potential of this fraternity has not even been shown to me yet. Even with all of these restrictions and guidelines, I have been able to get so much out of this chapter than I ever could have expected. It has opened my eyes to a plethora of opportunities whether it be getting involved on campus through events such as Intramurals with my brothers or partaking in other campus organizations such as raiseRED to fundraise for pediatric cancer and blood diseases. The chapter has also encouraged me to get more involved within the Louisville community as a whole through philanthropic events like Adopt-A-Highway, an event where our brothers partook in the cleanup of Eastern Parkway spanning several miles, or even collecting supplies to aid the homeless that were donated to Hotel Louisville. The chapter has truly driven me to take pride in the community I now belong to.”
How has it been integrating with your rush class joining in the midst of an ongoing semester?
“Truly all the brothers have been so welcoming to me.
What do you believe to be the most valuable thing that Sigma Phi Epsilon has given you so far?
“ I know this may come off a bit cliche, but definitely the brotherhood and sense of a community. The connections I have made with the current brothers of this chapter have been a joy. Individuals I would have never known without joining are supporting, loving, and encouraging me to go for things I would not have pursued without their guidance. One thing I can say, not only for this chapter, but chapters across the country is, you get out what you put in. Involvement to me is one of the main things this fraternity has shown me so far. I truly cannot wait to see what more this chapter has to offer. I would like to give a special thanks to my roommates and now brothers Ian Pitt, Nick Leming, and Alex Weber for the time they took to recruit me to this chapter, as well as the other brothers I didn’t even know before joining. Proud to be a SigEp!”
With VDBL,
The Brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon KY Beta