Here you will find stories showcasing our chapter, current news, and updates about our Fraternity, our brothers and our many supporters.
The SigEp Journal, the official magazine of the Fraternity, is a biannual print publication and serves as the online source for features stories, chapter news, alumni & volunteer news, commentary and more. View the SigEp Journal Archive.
From office decor to license plates to luggage tags, brothers enjoy displaying their membership in the Fraternity in a variety of ways and take pride in letting everyone know they’re SigEps.
1. This Arkansas-shaped wall hanging featuring his university’s mascot and the SigEp heart, skull and crossbones was made in 2021 by Greg Steed, Central Arkansas ’93. In all, Steed has made 42 similar hangings for Arkansas Zeta brothers and other members of the Fraternity.
2. Tom Wiggins, CalPoly-Pomona ’84, and his wife have had custom SigEp decals made for several of their cars over the years, including their 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland.
3. This handmade plaque displaying SigEp’s shield was a gift to Rev. Marvin Samiano, CalPoly-Pomona ’86.
4. Among other items displayed in his office, Mike Nolan, South Florida ’05, has a framed ode to SigEp in a pattern emulating the American flag.
5. “My wife, Allison, and I started dating freshman year. In 2013, my first valentine from her was this handpainted Founders Badge. It hung in my room at the chapter house all four years and has been in my office ever since.” — Aaron Cromer, Oklahoma State ’16.
6. “In my introductory data science course, I highlight work I did with the Ritual Task Force that led to changes in how we are administering the Ritual. It serves as a prime example of understanding the mechanisms that exist for reporting data, so it’s a very real-world application.” — Matt Dube, Maine ’07.
7. At the conclusion of the 2025 Chicago Carlson Leadership Academy, Sam Moschelli, Lawrence Tech ’00, took a moment to pose beside his personalized license plate before heading home.
8. Jeff Coates, Lawrence Tech ’10, added this SigEp heart, skull and crossbones patch to the disc golf bag he carries to events and tournaments. Coates shared, “I’ve had random brothers on the course spot it and come up to me to compare our times in the Fraternity.”
9. Mike Nolan, South Florida ’05, displays a framed copy of the tile outside SigEp Headquarters engraved with his name, his membership card and manual.
10. “This is my well-worn luggage tag on my laptop backpack. Everywhere I go, a young SigEp will stop me in an airport wanting to talk all things SigEp. Brotherhood for life!” — John Abraham, Cincinnati ’77.
11. This wooden heart was carved by a brother who has since passed away.National board member Scott Carr, California-Santa Barbara ’86, purchased it at a SigEp auction and gifted it to Grand President Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89. Said Nahrstadt: “Other than my membership certificate and my Grand President’s badge, it means more to me than any other piece of SigEp memorabilia I have. As you can see, it occupies a place of honor in my home office.”
12. Some of the 27 SigEps in attendance at the wedding of Stefani Monteleone and A.J. Pusinelli, Southern Methodist ’14.
Top: Connor Leach, Indiana ’19; Nick Jehlik, Southern Methodist ’13; Dan Frye, Southern Methodist ’14; Patrick Dunshee, Southern Methodist ’14; Trevor Wolfe, Southern Methodist ’14; Grant Pusinelli, Indiana ’16; Jackson Foster, Southern Methodist ’14; Michael Pusinelli, Indiana ’19; Trenton Patterson, Southern Methodist ’14; Kent Blevins, Grand Valley State ’14; Jon Bayerlein, Southern Methodist ’14; Alex Stanton, Miami (Florida) ’87; Brian Sontag, Miami (Florida) ’87; Chris Scott, Southern Methodist ’14.
Bottom: John Monteleone, Miami (Florida) ’87 (father of the bride); Hunter Ross, Southern Methodist ’14; Duncan Spielberger, Southern Methodist ’14; A.J. Pusinelli (groom); Greg Pusinelli, Indiana ’80 (father of the groom); Mark Pusinelli, Ohio Wesleyan ’75.
The University of Maine's Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) Maine Alpha Chapter was honored to host Grand Chapter President Brad Nahrstadt during this year’s Balanced Man Finalist Banquet, an event that celebrates the achievements of incoming freshmen at Umaine who excel at exemplifying SigEp’s ideals of Sound Mind and Sound Body. The banquet, a hallmark event for the chapter, brought together brothers, alumni, special guests, as well as finalists and their families for an evening of reflection on what it means to be a Balanced Man in today’s world.
President Nahrstadt, a nationally recognized leader within Sigma Phi Epsilon and a highly respected attorney, was invited to deliver the keynote address. His visit not only highlighted the importance of national fraternity leadership but also provided an opportunity for the brothers to connect with one of SigEp’s most prominent figures. The banquet was held in the heart of Orono and served as a celebration of both individual excellence and collective brotherhood.
In his keynote, Nahrstadt spoke passionately about the history and evolution of what it means to be a Balanced Man. Touching on SigEps Balanced Man Program which was introduced in 1991 and remains a cornerstone of SigEp’s mission. He shared personal anecdotes from his own time as an undergraduate SigEp brother, discussing how the program’s focus on leadership, scholarship, and self-improvement has played a critical role in his personal and professional life. Nahrstadt underscored the value of living a life of balance, where academic achievement, physical wellness, and personal growth are prioritized equally.
Reflections on the Balanced Man Program
President Nahrstadt praised the finalists for embodying the program's ideals, highlighting that they were not only successful students but also leaders on campus and in the community. “The Balanced Man Program isn’t just about excelling in one area of life,” Nahrstadt remarked. “It’s about striving for excellence in everything you do. From your academic pursuits to your physical fitness and personal relationships, SigEp challenges you to be your best self, and you’ve all shown that you’re on that path.”
The Balanced Man Program is designed to provide continuous personal development throughout a brother's collegiate career, offering opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and holistic growth. Nahrstadt’s speech served as both an affirmation of these principles and a reminder that the skills developed in SigEp would last far beyond their college years.
Conversations Back at the Chapter House
After the banquet, the brothers had the rare opportunity to engage with President Nahrstadt more informally back at the SigEp house. The house, a hub of fraternity life on the University of Maine campus, was buzzing with excitement as Nahrstadt sat down with brothers to talk one-on-one and as a group.
In these personal conversations, Nahrstadt touched on several important topics, including SigEp’s national initiatives aimed at enhancing the fraternity experience for all members. He discussed how SigEp is working to redefine fraternity life through leadership programming, academic support, and an emphasis on building a lifelong network of brothers. He spoke candidly about the challenges facing fraternities today and the role SigEp must play in fostering a positive, values-based culture in the wider Greek community.
Fraternity life is changing, and SigEp is leading that change, Nahrstadt told the brothers. That we’re focused on being a different kind of fraternity — one that prioritizes personal development, accountability, and respect for all. That’s how we at SigEp set ourselves apart and ensure we provide a meaningful experience for our members.”
The conversations covered a range of topics, from how local chapters can support SigEp’s national goals to practical advice on navigating life after graduation. Brothers were eager to hear about Nahrstadt’s experiences in leadership, both within SigEp and in his professional career, and how the lessons he learned as a brother continue to guide him today.
Life Lessons from a National Leader
One of the most impactful parts of Nahrstadt’s visit was his willingness to share life advice with the brothers. Drawing from his extensive career as a trial lawyer and his years of service to SigEp, Nahrstadt encouraged the brothers to remain adaptable, resilient, and to never stop learning. He emphasized the importance of building meaningful relationships and leveraging the support system that SigEp offers.
He talked about how the brotherhood we building here at Maine Alpha is one of the most powerful tools you’ll carry with you throughout life,” Nahrstadt said. “Don’t underestimate the value of these connections, not just for your career, but for your personal growth and well-being. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better, and always be open to new experiences and opportunities.”
He also touched on the importance of integrity and maintaining strong personal values in all aspects of life. Whether in business, personal relationships, or fraternity life, you’ll face tough decisions. But as long as you stay true to your values and the lessons you’ve learned here in SigEp, you’ll make the right choices, he advised.
A Memorable Visit for the Maine Alpha Chapter
For the brothers of Maine Alpha, Nahrstadt’s visit was a momentous occasion. His words resonated deeply with the chapter, reinforcing the values they hold dear and reminding them of their connection to a larger, national brotherhood.
Many brothers spoke about the significance of the evening, saying, “Having Grand Chapter President Nahrstadt here was truly inspiring. His speech at the banquet and the time he spent with us afterward brought a renewed sense of pride and purpose to our chapter. We’re grateful for his leadership and for the opportunity to learn from someone who has dedicated so much to SigEp.”
The Balanced Man Finalist Banquet remains one of the most anticipated events on the Maine Alpha calendar, and this year’s celebration, marked by Nahrstadt’s presence, will be remembered for years to come. His visit not only affirmed the strength of the chapter but also reinforced the importance of living out the Balanced Man ideals in all areas of life.
As the evening came to a close, brothers left with a deeper understanding of what it means to be a SigEp and a renewed commitment to the fraternity’s mission of Building Balanced Men.
As fall returns to Orono, the brothers of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Maine Alpha chapter are back in full swing. Their academic pursuits, both within and beyond the classroom, are once again at the forefront. After a summer filled with memorable experiences—internships, jobs, and many adventures—the brothers are determined to carry forward the momentum they built during the previous spring.
Last semester was a milestone for the fraternity. They achieved the highest chapter GPA in years—a testament to their collective discipline and commitment. But it’s more than just numbers; it’s about embodying the four pillars that define them: gentleman, athlete, leader, and scholar. These ideals echo through the halls of 375 College Ave, passed down by a strong alumni network and nurtured by the wisdom of older brothers.
And that chart you see above? It’s not just data; it’s a story—six semesters of consistency—a visual representation of their scholarly pursuits. SigEp Maine Alpha isn’t just about grades; it’s about growth, camaraderie, and the shared journey toward excellence.
Throughout the 15-week semester, the academic voyage is shaped by tireless late-night study sessions and thought-provoking discussions—an unwavering testament of Maine Alpha's commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.