Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded on the principle that “this fraternity will be different,” and the Maine Alpha Chapter is no exception. It is our mission to change the narrative of what people commonly think of Greek life and use our organization to build our members, strengthen our community, and improve this University. This past year has been exceptional for our chapter and stands out not only within Fraternity and Sorority Life, but across the University and nationally within Sigma Phi Epsilon. Our chapter has shown dedication to our community through volunteer hours, money raised, and large-scale philanthropic projects, while holding our members to high standards that drive academic and athletic success.

In 2025, our chapter raised $35,017 for organizations including Partners for Peace, Title IX, and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. We awarded $3,500 in external scholarships through our Balanced Man Scholarship and $2,000 in internal scholarships. Throughout the year, we accounted for 37% of all FSL philanthropy, a level of contribution unmatched by any other organization on campus. Raising this amount required a strong commitment of time, with events such as our annual 9/11 Stair Climb, Concert for Consent, Mile in Her Shoes, and Campout. We also had 9 brothers pledge to shave their heads in support of childhood cancer research. 12 brothers participated in the Zimmerman Fitness Challenge, with one team recording the fastest time. During the Spring 2026 semester alone, the chapter raised $12,505 for philanthropy efforts, highlighted by an exceptionally successful St. Baldrick’s event that raised $11,475 in support of childhood cancer research.

One of the most meaningful efforts this year was supporting our brother, Grady Gobeil, through his battle with cancer. After his diagnosis, the chapter came together to support Grady and his family emotionally and financially. We organized fundraising, spent time with him, spoke with him regularly, and saw the firsthand impacts of our efforts. Grady’s story reminds us that our service is not about the numbers, but is about the real people that we can help in our community.

SigEp’s dedication to the community is not only financial but also shown through service. In 2025, we volunteered 1,680 hours, the most within FSL. Brothers contributed to University efforts such as Move-In Day, Maine Day, blood drives, and Black Bear Exchange, while also supporting outside organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, Welcome to Housing, the Animal Orphanage, Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Fire and Ice, and sporting events. Many are involved as Black Bear Mentors and consistent volunteers in the community. SigEp’s dedication to serving our community won both the chapter and individual brothers numerous awards this year.

At the 2025-26 UMaine Student Leadership Awards, Sigma Phi Epsilon received the Michael Dionne Fraternity Chapter of the Year Award, the Russell Crouse Community Service Award, and Event of the Year for Mile in Her Shoes. Individually, Brother Malachi Lowery received the William T. Lucy Fraternity Man of the Year Award, Brother Grady Gobeil received the Andrew David Gerke Award, Brothers Gabriel McKenney and Cooper Sawyer were named Servant Heart Scholarship Award winners, and Brother Keegan Tripp received the Outstanding Service to Student Award.

While the statistics are significant, they reflect a culture where service is valued and actively pursued, not just tracked.

Academically, SigEp continues to set the standard. In Spring 2025, we had a chapter GPA of 3.5, with 14 brothers earning a 4.0 and 33 on the Dean’s List. In total, 47 brothers earned above a 3.5 GPA. In Fall 2025, we achieved a 3.57 GPA, with 14 brothers earning a 4.0 and 37 on the Dean’s List, totaling 51 brothers with a GPA above 3.5. In both semesters, our chapter performed above all FSL, all-men’s, and all-campus averages and ranked among the top GPAs on campus.

Our academic success is supported by intentional development beyond the classroom. We emphasize structured study time, collaboration, and professional growth. Our chapter currently has six faculty fellows and one resident scholar. These individuals, along with knowledgeable brothers, host events throughout the semester on topics such as mental health, resume and cover letter development, and entrepreneurship.

As a result of this commitment to excellence, SigEp has grown into the largest fraternity and Greek organization on the University of Maine campus. We ended Spring 2025 with 70 brothers and ended Fall 2025 with 72 brothers after graduating a large class. At the end of the 2025–26 academic year, the chapter reached 86 brothers, marking the largest chapter size in Maine Alpha history (to our knowledge). Despite this growth, we maintain strong academics, with 70% of the chapter on the Dean’s List in Fall 2025.

Our size translates directly into leadership and influence across campus. In Spring 2025, 69% of the chapter was involved in an outside organization or club, increasing to 80% in Fall 2025, many in leadership roles. Our chapter includes leaders such as former Student Body President Keegan Tripp, IFC President Dominic Brunner, and Sophomore Owls President Brandon Mastrianno, along with executive involvement across student government, IFC, SPIFFY, the Maine Business School, SAE, AIAA, ROTC, Circle K, and many other organizations.

Athletically, our chapter remains dominant. For the 2025-2026 academic year, our A teams made the championship game for every single sport, for every single session. The chapter finished the year as BC Kent Champions, further solidifying our position as the top-performing fraternity in intramural athletics.

In Spring 2025, we won the A Volleyball championship, appeared in three championship games, and fielded B teams in every sport. In Fall 2025, we won A Soccer, A Volleyball, and B Basketball, while appearing in seven championship games, including an A vs. B volleyball final. In Spring 2026, we won A Floor Hockey and B Softball, while appearing in five championship games. Our consistent participation and success placed us ahead of all other fraternities in intramural standings.

Our success is built on the community within our chapter and a commitment to development. We do not haze or pledge. Instead, we follow the Balanced Man Program, a four-year development model focused on leadership, service, and personal growth. Brothers progress through different stages that prepare them to make an impact within the chapter, the University, and beyond.

Key parts of this program include retreats and lock-ins each semester, providing dedicated time for leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth. Accountability is central to our culture. Members are held to high standards and supported in meeting them. While there is pressure to perform academically, athletically, and professionally, every member joins with the intention of improving, not merely for a group of friends. Our chapter is entirely dry (house and programming), creating an environment that supports focus, responsibility, and long-term success.

We also prioritize leadership development beyond campus. This past year, 32 brothers attended the Grand Chapter Conclave in Tampa, FL. We also sent 15 brothers to Parsippany, NJ, and 2 brothers to Richmond, VA, for leadership programming. One brother was selected for the Tragos Quest to Greece, a highly competitive opportunity with only 18 members chosen nationally, approximately 0.1% of the organization. This experience focuses on Greek culture and the values of Sigma Phi Epsilon. These opportunities are supported by our alumni, who continue to invest in the growth of our chapter.

Nationally, Maine Alpha continued to receive recognition for its excellence. The chapter earned the Frank J. Ruck Leadership Award, presented annually to a chapter or individual demonstrating outstanding campus and community leadership and creating meaningful positive change. The chapter also received the Excelsior Award for Recruitment, recognizing consistent success in recruiting high-caliber students who align with the Fraternity’s values and represent top talent on campus.

 Maine Alpha is recognized as a top 2% chapter nationally, placing it among the highest-performing SigEp chapters in the country.

Beyond numbers, our chapter prioritizes meaningful and visible impact within the community. Concert for Consent, held during the first week of school, brought students together on the quad for food, live music, and awareness surrounding sexual assault. In partnership with the student government, Title IX, and Partners for Peace, the event strengthened collaboration across campus and increased awareness during a critical time of the year.

Mile in Her Shoes was awarded the University of Maine Event of the Year during the 2025-26 UMaine Student Leadership Awards and brought together 16 campus and community organizations. Teams of two male participants ran a relay race in high heels to raise awareness and build understanding around the challenges women face. The event created strong engagement across campus and demonstrated the impact of collaborative programming.

Campout is our week-long initiative where brothers maintain a 24/7 presence on the University Mall to simulate the Partners for Peace Hotline. Brothers stayed overnight in tents and engaged directly with students and faculty throughout the week. This effort raised $2,500, created consistent visibility for the cause, and established Campout as a recognizable and lasting campus initiative that will continue in future years.

Beyond major events, brothers organized multiple smaller philanthropy socials throughout the year, providing ongoing support to local causes and fostering a culture of consistent engagement across Greek life.

In addition to philanthropic and service programming, the chapter completed four Epsilon Projects focused on long-term contributions to the campus and local community. These projects included constructing a Pop Tab Collection House for the Ronald McDonald House, building the Andrew D. Gerke Picnic Table for campus use, creating birdhouses for the campus bike trails, and building community garden boxes. These projects provided tangible and lasting improvements that reflect the chapter’s commitment to service beyond fundraising alone.

Maine Alpha’s success this year reflects not only our dedication to service, academics, and leadership, but also the culture we have built within our chapter. From our major philanthropic efforts and personal commitment to brothers in times of hardship, to our involvement across campus organizations, athletics, and professional development, our chapter continues to demonstrate what it means to live out the values of Sigma Phi Epsilon. While the awards, numbers, and recognition are significant, they are ultimately the result of a group of men committed to improving themselves, supporting one another, and making a lasting impact on the University of Maine and the surrounding community. We are proud of what our chapter has accomplished this year and remain committed to continuing that impact in the years ahead.