Sean Rowen, a senior studying Justice and Law at American University, just wrapped up his term as Eminent Archon for the Washington City Alpha chapter.
He shared his reflections on LinkedIn about the year and what he learned from leading the chapter. Here is what he had to say:
“Being elected president of the Washington City Alpha Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was both an honor and a responsibility I did not take lightly. The role is often viewed as the pinnacle of undergraduate leadership, and in many ways it is. It comes with trust, authority, and the opportunity to shape an organization larger than yourself. It also comes with weight. Looking back on my time as president, I can say it has been one of the most formative and demanding experiences of my college career.
At its best, serving as president was transformative. I had the opportunity to help shape the direction of the chapter, raise standards, strengthen traditions, and work toward goals that felt far bigger than anything I imagined when I first joined. Whether it was leading successful philanthropy initiatives, improving academic performance, earning recognition for the chapter, or helping younger members grow into leadership roles of their own, there was a deep sense of pride in knowing I was contributing to something that would last beyond my time in the chapter.
That work was ultimately recognized beyond our campus. During my term, the chapter earned the Chapter Achievement Award and received recognition from Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national organization. For a smaller chapter, this acknowledgment meant a great deal. It validated the idea that size does not determine impact, and that consistent effort, accountability, and culture matter more than numbers.
One of the most meaningful responsibilities of the role was strengthening the chapter’s internal governance. During my term, I led a full rewrite of the chapter bylaws, clarifying officer responsibilities, updating standards and procedures, and aligning the document with both university and national expectations. After extensive discussion and revision, the new bylaws were passed by the chapter. This process reinforced for me that effective leadership is not just about managing the present, but about building systems that allow an organization to function more clearly, fairly, and sustainably in the future.
One of the most rewarding parts of the role was being trusted during moments that mattered. Celebrations, difficult conversations, conflicts, and major decisions all passed through my desk. Being the person brothers looked to in both high-pressure situations and moments of success reshaped how I understand leadership. It reinforced that leadership is not about authority, but about consistency, accountability, and presence.
Throughout my term, I tried to anchor my decisions in the values Sigma Alpha Epsilon calls the True Gentleman. Not as a slogan, but as a standard. It meant holding myself and the chapter accountable even when it was uncomfortable, and prioritizing the long-term health of the organization over short-term convenience.
The challenges, however, were real and often heavier than expected. The pressure was constant. As president, I carried responsibility not only for my own actions, but for the actions of the entire chapter. When mistakes happened, I was the one answering to university administrators, our chapter advisor, national leadership, and the broader Greek community. Even issues outside of my direct control could have serious consequences for the chapter’s reputation or future.
Criticism became part of the job. Not every decision was popular, and some of the hardest choices were the most necessary. Leading peers means navigating blurred lines between friendship and responsibility, especially when conversations involve finances, standards, discipline, or accountability. There were moments when leadership felt isolating, even in a house full of people. Late nights, difficult conversations, and personal sacrifices became routine, and burnout was something I had to actively manage.
Through this experience, my understanding of leadership matured. I learned how to remain composed under pressure, how to give honest feedback without damaging relationships, and how to make decisions based on what was right for the organization rather than what was easiest in the moment. I learned that trust is built through action, not position, and that listening is often more important than speaking.
This role sharpened skills I will carry forward long after college. I became a more effective communicator, more confident managing competing priorities, and more comfortable operating in high-stakes environments. I learned how to collaborate across different personalities, how to stay organized and strategic, and how to lead with empathy while still holding firm to standards.
As my term comes to a close, I am proud of the foundation we built and optimistic about what comes next for the chapter. With one final stretch ahead, my focus remains on accountability, growth, and leaving the organization stronger than I found it.
Serving as fraternity president was not always easy, but it was deeply meaningful. I am grateful for the challenges, the lessons, and the people who helped shape me along the way. It is an experience that will stay with me far beyond graduation, and one that fundamentally changed how I understand leadership and responsibility.”
