Brothers,
It is with great joy that I share that the 87th John O. Moseley Leadership School concluded on Sunday, January 11, and it was a resounding success. John O. Moseley was a visionary, and as one of our greatest members, his belief in educating and inspiring generations of SAEs to realize their potential as men and leaders remains vibrantly alive. This year’s Leadership School featured several distinguished and impactful speakers. Lianne Kowiak bravely shared the story of the tragic loss of her son, Harrison, in a senseless hazing incident with his fraternity. Her message served as a powerful reminder to collegians and alumni alike of the devastating consequences that arise when members choose the path of Brother Nero, marked by destruction and harm, rather than adhering to our Ritual and following the higher calling of the Brother Hero.
Following Mrs. Kowiak, Navy SEAL Matt Myers shared his extraordinary experience as part of the SEAL Team that rid the world of the terrorist Osama bin Laden. His message centered on commitment to mission, brotherhood, and placing the team above oneself. Matt’s story reinforced a critical truth for our members: while shared experiences can and should unite us, those experiences must align with our creed, The True Gentleman, and propel our Fraternity forward for the greater good. Our bond is not forged through hazing or the belittlement of those we call brothers, but through a shared commitment to excellence, striving to make Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the greatest fraternity in every way possible, and once that pinnacle is reached, it never settles.
To be clear, hazing is defined as any action or situation, with or without the consent of the
participants, which recklessly, intentionally, or unintentionally endangers the mental, physical,
or academic health or safety of a member or guest.
The training exercises, strategies, and tactics employed by the U.S. military are designed to
prepare men and women for life-threatening missions effectively and are not intended for
civilian adaptation.
The program was further enriched by Brothers Cody Dunlap and Stan Strom, who delivered meaningful sessions on the transition from college to career and the enduring purpose and value of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Additionally, Arizona Beta collegian Keeton Kauffman delivered a compelling and timely message on what it means to lead in this generation, one that deserves to be heard by all.
Many collegians, for the first time, experienced the magnificence of the Levere Memorial Temple, our Fraternity’s home in Evanston, Illinois. Watching these young men stand in awe of its beauty was deeply inspiring. From the Tiffany stained-glass windows to the museum of irreplaceable artifacts, and finally the pilgrimage up the stairs to the revered Tower Room, the Temple left an indelible impression on all who entered.
To our alumni volunteers, thank you for your dedication and passion. Each of you sacrificed time from family, work, and personal obligations to provide our collegians with an unforgettable experience. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is truly indebted to you.
To our collegian ambassadors, thank you for modeling servant leadership and professionalism throughout the weekend. You carried yourselves as True Gentlemen, and as future leaders of our Fraternity, you give us great confidence in what lies ahead.
And finally, to our collegian attendees: thank you for the passion, energy, and purpose you brought to Leadership School. You are our why. You represent the very best of fraternity men in this country, and I would proudly stand you alongside the collegians of any organization nationwide. Carry the passion you discovered forward, keep that flame lit, and let it inspire every brother around you.
Phi Alpha,
Steve Mitchell (Indiana ‘83)
Eminent Supreme Recorder and CEO
