Miami’s Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) Fraternity Chapter entered the month of November with a lofty goal. That goal was to raise $10,000 and awareness for the variety of concerns associated with Men’s Health for those in their life who have been impacted. The SigEps organized a team of 28 brothers and friends who were eager to make an impact through the Movember Foundation – “the leading charity changing the face of men’s health worldwide.”
According to the Movember Foundation website “Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.” In the end, the SigEp Movember effort became one of the most successful philanthropy events the chapter has ever been involved with in recent history, raising a total of $11,446.
SigEp’s motivation for raising funds and awareness can be attributed to one of their brothers, Evan Crew, ’23. Evan is a cancer survivor who is passionate about spreading awareness on the topic of men’s health. Right before the month of November started, he reached out to his SigEp brotherhood, and asked if they would be willing to support the Movember Foundation with him. After learning more about this organization, the chapter agreed they wanted to partake in this effort of supporting their brother and the greater cause focused on men’s physical and mental health.
According to Brother Crew, “Taking part in something greater than yourself is always a gratifying feeling, especially when dealing with a cause that has either affected you or those around you. The level of support received from the chapter brothers and friends is amazing! I do not think anyone could have expected the end result, but this illustrates who the brothers of SigEp are and what they stand for as a fraternity. It is truly special and I consider myself lucky to be a part of this brotherhood.”
As a team, the SigEps reached out individually to family members, friends, and past co-workers asking if they would be willing to donate to the cause of supporting Men’s Health. They also utilized social media accounts such as Instagram and Facebook to post their Movember Fundraising page in an effort to both raise awareness and financial support for the cause. This initial sharing of the fundraising page provided an opportunity for others connected to an individual SigEp to also share this worthy effort with those within their social networks.
In the end, SigEp earned recognition as a top 100 team in the United States and gained recognition as the 4th place fraternity chapter to organize such an effort. Individually, three SigEp brothers: Matthew Petraco, ’23; Hudson Curtin, ’24; and Jack Kohmann, ’24 were also in the top fundraisers from the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area.
According to Chapter President, Jack Kohmann, “I was honored to be able to participate and help lead Ohio Eta to support our brother and all other men who suffer from men’s health concerns such as cancer. It was a great cause, and I’m grateful to everyone who participated. I learned a lot about what it means to be a part of something that impacts many people’s lives.”
Away from raising funds, some SigEp brothers and friends participated by growing out their facial hair, running 60 miles throughout the month of November, or even both. The 60 miles is significant, as this number represents the 60 men lost to suicide every hour across the world according to the Movember Foundation. This served as a great motivation to get outside and run to support personal and mental health.
Miami University’s Assistant Vice President of Health & Wellness for Student Life and SigEp’s Chapter Counselor, Dr. Steve Large provided the following perspective on the effort and outcome, “This entire effort perfectly demonstrates some of the special qualities and strengths of this chapter, specifically their deep commitment to each other, their generosity of resources and spirit, and their prioritization of holistic wellbeing. I admire their brotherhood and I am grateful for the example they effortlessly offer all of us to
continually confront mental health stigma, care for each other, and strive to be a community
grounded in wellness and kindness.”
In the end, the SigEp appreciates every person who supported the effort by making a contribution, no matter the amount. Every dollar raised will go to support saving and improving men’s lives through projects focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, suicide prevention and more. As a chapter, the SigEps hope to continue their involvement in service and philanthropy events in the future such as their Movember fundraiser. Doing so is important to them as a fraternity founded upon the cardinal principles of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love. Doing so will not only help others, but will strengthen the greater Fraternity and Sorority Community at Miami University.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is a fraternity focused on building balanced men through the high ideals of sound mind and sound body. Founded nationally in Richmond, VA, Sigma Phi Epsilon has grown into one of the largest fraternities nationwide. The chapter is supported by a significant advisory board dedicated to the success of the fraternity chapter and the undergraduate members who join the fraternity. More details of SigEp can be found at:
www.instagram.com/sigepohioeta